Sports and Outdoors

Monday, March 28, 2011

An interview with Miss Indiana and more

While attending the Boys State Finals basketball games, the News-Banner's Paul Beitler had a chance to chat with Gabrielle Reed, Miss Indiana.





Norwell Swim

REGISTRATION DAY for Norwell Pool Spring Swim Lessons
REGISTRATION DAY for Norwell Swim Lessons is SATURDAY, April 2 from 9am-noon. Registration & payment will be accepted; PRESCHOOL & ELEMENTARY students will participate in swim skills testing (bring swimsuit & towel). You may also register & pay for infant & toddler classes at this time, but will not participate in skills testing. You can also register on-line or by mail.
Session 1: April 4 through April 27, 2011
Session 2 begins May 2 through May 25
There are 8 classes per session; classes meet twice per week on Mondays & Wednesdays only.
The following classes are $45 for in NWCS district; $50 for outside the school district:
Infant-ages 6-18 mos. and Toddler-ages 18-36 mos., - 5:30-6pm
Preschool-ages 3-5 (Levels 1 through 3) - 4:15-4:45 or 6-6:30pm
Learn-to-Swim (Levels 1 thru 6) – ages 6 and up – 4:45-5:30 or 6:30-7:15pm
Swim Team Prep/Stroke Drills – ages 6 and up (must swim length of the pool) – 6:30-7:15pm
To register online, or for more information regarding Swim Programs at Northern Wells Community Schools, visit http://www.nwcs.k12.in.us/NMS/nms.html Click on the Community Swim Lessons & Lifeguard Information Link (midpage).

Thursday, March 24, 2011

A Walk to Remember
Wednesday's paper featured a story about the Indiana Volkssport Association, a noncompetitive walking club.

The association has multiple walks planned throughout the next few months.Saturday, April 9 ~ Ouabache State Park ~ Bluffton
  • Saturday, April 16 ~ Bedford, IN (location to be announced)
  • Saturday, May 14 ~ Locks & Dam Park ~ Newburgh
  • Saturday, May 21 ~ Cook Creek Park ~ Westfield
  • Saturday, May 28 ~ Potawatomi Wildlife Park ~ Old Tipp Town
  • Saturday, June 11 ~ Germanfest ~ Fort Wayne

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Norwell Swim

REGISTRATION DAY for Norwell Pool Spring Swim Lessons
REGISTRATION DAY for Norwell Swim Lessons is SATURDAY, April 2 from 9am-noon. Registration & payment will be accepted; PRESCHOOL & ELEMENTARY students will participate in swim skills testing (bring swimsuit & towel). You may also register & pay for infant & toddler classes at this time, but will not participate in skills testing. You can also register on-line or by mail.
Session 1: April 4 through April 27, 2011
Session 2 begins May 2 through May 25
There are 8 classes per session; classes meet twice per week on Mondays & Wednesdays only.
The following classes are $45 for in NWCS district; $50 for outside the school district:
Infant-ages 6-18 mos. and Toddler-ages 18-36 mos., - 5:30-6pm
Preschool-ages 3-5 (Levels 1 through 3) - 4:15-4:45 or 6-6:30pm
Learn-to-Swim (Levels 1 thru 6) – ages 6 and up – 4:45-5:30 or 6:30-7:15pm
Swim Team Prep/Stroke Drills – ages 6 and up (must swim length of the pool) – 6:30-7:15pm
To register online, or for more information regarding Swim Programs at Northern Wells Community Schools, visit http://www.nwcs.k12.in.us/NMS/nms.html Click on the Community Swim Lessons & Lifeguard Information Link (midpage).

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

State Park Road Rally openings available, May 3-5

Indiana DNR Release:

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. It's almost time for the annual spring State Park Road Rally, May 3-5, featuring McCormick’s Creek State Park in southern Indiana.

Drivers pilot their own vehicles, as a navigator steers teams to adventure on scenic back roads to enjoy various small towns and discover some of Indiana’s lost treasures.

Along the route, should teams accept, there will be educational and exciting “challenges” to complete to earn points for the teams. At the end of the rally there will be an awards ceremony and dinner.

Cost is $225 per person (based on double occupancy), which includes two nights of lodging at Canyon Inn, breakfasts and dinners, two days of road rally events and nightly entertainment. Reservations can be made by calling 1.877.LODGES1.

For more information, visit http://www.IN.gov/dnr/parklake/3397.htm.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Norwell Swim

REGISTRATION DAY for Norwell Pool Spring Swim Lessons
REGISTRATION DAY for Norwell Swim Lessons is SATURDAY, April 2 from 9am-noon. Registration & payment will be accepted; PRESCHOOL & ELEMENTARY students will participate in swim skills testing (bring swimsuit & towel). You may also register & pay for infant & toddler classes at this time, but will not participate in skills testing. You can also register on-line or by mail.
Session 1: April 4 through April 27, 2011
Session 2 begins May 2 through May 25
There are 8 classes per session; classes meet twice per week on Mondays & Wednesdays only.
The following classes are $45 for in NWCS district; $50 for outside the school district:
Infant-ages 6-18 mos. and Toddler-ages 18-36 mos., - 5:30-6pm
Preschool-ages 3-5 (Levels 1 through 3) - 4:15-4:45 or 6-6:30pm
Learn-to-Swim (Levels 1 thru 6) – ages 6 and up – 4:45-5:30 or 6:30-7:15pm
Swim Team Prep/Stroke Drills – ages 6 and up (must swim length of the pool) – 6:30-7:15pm
To register online, or for more information regarding Swim Programs at Northern Wells Community Schools, visit http://www.nwcs.k12.in.us/NMS/nms.html Click on the Community Swim Lessons & Lifeguard Information Link (midpage).

Deadline to submit photos for preservation month photo contest, April 8

Indiana DNR Release:

The 7th annual historic preservation month photo contest deadline is April 8. The division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology is working with history/preservation organizations and local governments in Bloomington, Lafayette, Muncie, Rising Sun, Washington, and Winamac to showcase the photos.

Exhibits will be displayed until May, but may be longer depending on the location. Visitors will see the collection of great photos accumulated over several years for the photo contest.

Here are the guidelines:
- Photographers must fill out entry form for each photo and attach to photo
- Subject of image must be in Indiana and be at least 50 years old
- Images can be black and white or color and should be taken within the last 2 years
- Images must be 8x10 prints, mounted or matted on or with a white 11x14 matte board
- Each photographer can enter up to three images

For more information and the entry form, go to www.IN.gov/dnr/historic/3994.htm.

Submit entries to:

Historic Preservation Month Photo Contest
Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology
402 W. Washington St., Rm. W274
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739

Photographs will be judged by a panel consisting of representatives from the DNR, other preservationists, and photographers.

Images will not be returned. They may be used for office displays and promotions for the photo contest, Historic Preservation Month and historic preservation. Photos will not be used in for-profit publications.

Friday, March 18, 2011

NRC approves firewood rules at DNR sites

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Natural Resources Commission on Tuesday approved a new policy to manage firewood use at state properties and also set in motion a proposal to make it a permanent rule.

The two-step approach will allow the Department of Natural Resources to implement the change this year while the proposed permanent measure works its way through the normal nine- to 12-month rulemaking process that will include a public comment period.

The intent of both steps is to protect resources on state properties against the spread of emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, Asian longhorned beetle, and other pests and pathogens that can be transported in firewood.

Effective immediately, visitors will be allowed to bring firewood to DNR properties only under certain circumstances. Bundled firewood must have a U.S. Department of Agriculture or Indiana state certification compliance stamp, be purchased from an on-site concessionaire or the DNR property, or be kiln-dried construction lumber. An exception allows visitors to bring uncertified firewood so long as the bark is removed before entering the DNR property.

In other actions, the NRC:

--Approved state nature preserve designation for two sites at Harmonie State Park in southwest Indiana. Wabash Border Nature Preserve is a 254.62-acre tract on the north side of the park, and Harmonie Hills Nature Preserve is a 334.79-acre tract in the southern portion. Both sites have high-quality forests and are home to state-endangered plant or fish species.

--Adopted a preliminary rule to allow horse tag use on designated properties to be year round rather than the current April through November time frame.

--Repealed a non-rule policy regarding disposition of permanently injured, non-releasable animals taken in by licensed wildlife rehabilitators due to previous NRC approval of administrative rule changes governing the same topic.

--Approved the appointment of Lynda Ellington as assistant property manager at Shakamak State Park.

The NRC’s next meeting is May 17 at Pokagon State Park.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Wells trio named
academic all-state
Three Wells County basketball players have been named to the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association Academic All-State Team.
Southern Wells senior Cristin Carter and Bluffton senior Kara Fiechter were named to the girls’ honorable mention team, while Bluffton senior Cameron Gerber was named to the boys’ honorable mention team.

Bluffton student-athletes receive awards
Bluffton High School coaches of winter athletic teams recognized athletes for special awards on Tuesday night.
In girls’ basketball, Kara Fiechter was named the most valuable player. Sheena Steffen received the mental attitude award. Gina Eisenhut was honored as the most improved player.
Chandler Okey was named the most valuable player for the boys’ basketball team. Jordan Leising and Michael Vanderkolk were the mental attitude award recipients. Keith Cochran was named the most improved player.
In boys’ swimming, Sam Walburn was the most valuable swimmer. Connor Pfister received the mental attitude award. Keaton Osborne was the most improved swimmer.
Haley Huffman was the girls’ swim team most valuable swimmer. Audrey Estill received the mental attitude award. Connelly Mettler was the most improved swimmer.
Philip Gerber was the most valuable wrestler for the Tigers. Jon Raugh received the mental attitude award. Kedric King was the most improved wrestler.
The most valuable cheerleader was Kristan Brinneman. Kyanne Bryant received the mental attitude award. Taylor Barker was the most improved cheerleader.

Remember endangered wildlife on your tax return

Indiana DNR Release:

Want to help Indiana’s endangered wildlife?

Even though the long-term answers and strategies are complex, the short-term tactic is relatively easy—and convenient, especially at tax time.

Support the DNR’s Wildlife Diversity Program, which depends on donations to the DNR’s Nongame Fund.

The program is responsible for the conservation and management of more than 750 species of Indiana’s nongame, endangered and threatened wildlife.

Donate all or a portion of your state tax return by marking the appropriate box on your printed Indiana tax form or when you file electronically. On the printed form, look for the bald eagle logo, which represents one of the program’s major successes.

For details about the program’s other triumphs and plans, view the DNR’s Wildlife Diversity Annual Report, now available at endangeredwildlife.IN.gov. The site also includes information on direct-donation options.

Each project helps manage one or more of Indiana's native species. Examples include Eastern box turtles, crawfish frogs, hellbender salamanders, lake sturgeon, and redside dace, which are tiny brightly colored, eye-catching and vulnerable fish.

In addition to donations, the WDP receives reimbursements for expenditures through the State Wildlife Grants program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Woodward drives in two runs to help Chanticleers kick off road swing
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Designated hitter Scott Woodward drove in two runs with a hit and sacrifice fly to help the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers open a five-game West Coast road trip with an 8-3 victory over the University of San Diego on Tuesday afternoon at Cunningham Stadium.
The Chanticleers, who are ranked 23rd in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association poll, have one more game today against San Diego before facing Pepperdine in a three-game series running Friday through Sunday.
Woodward, a senior from Markle and a 2007 graduate of Norwell High School, came into the week leading off the Chanticleers’ lineup with a .346 batting average. He had 18 hits, five doubles, one home run and five runs batted in, plus 12 walks. He had been hit by a pitch seven times and had successfully stolen 12 of 13 bases. He also was sporting a perfect fielding percentage as a center fielder.
Tommy La Stella was 3 for 5 with three RBI and pitcher Matt Rein did not allow an earned run over his five innings on the mound. The Chanticleers (12-5) and Toreros (4-10) will play the second of their two-game set today.
Rein (2-1) got a rare start after not pitching this past weekend. He scattered three hits and a walk to allow two unearned runs while striking out four. Jordan Coons retired all six batters he faced, including a strike out, while Aaron Burke worked the final two innings, allowing four hits and one run while striking out two.
In addition to La Stella’s three hits, Coastal’s offense was helped by Jacob May, Daniel Bowman and Rich Witten each getting two hits and May also added two RBIs.

Purdue suspends Barlow for season
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Purdue sophomore guard Kelsey Barlow has been suspended for the remainder of the season for conduct detrimental to the team.
The school made the announcement on Tuesday.
It’s a blow for a team that had lost two straight heading into the NCAA tournament. Purdue, the No. 3 seed in the Southwest Region, will face No. 14 seed Saint Peter’s on Friday in second-round action.
Purdue coach Matt Painter has called Barlow one of the best perimeter defenders in the Big Ten conference. Painter said the situation was disappointing, but the team would move forward.

Squires softball league forms sent
Registration forms for the Markle Norwell Squires Girls’ Softball League have been sent home with all girls at Ossian and Lancaster elementary schools and Norwell Middle School. Forms also may be downloaded online at www.NorwellKnightsSoftball.com. Forms should be returned to Norwell head coach Scott Hanni at Norwell Middle School. Forms need to be completed by April 1. For questions, contact Hanni at Scott.Hanni@nwcs.k12.in.us or league president Doug Denney at dtank23@frontier.com.

Lowe steps down at NC State
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Sidney Lowe resigned as coach at North Carolina State, ending a frustrating five-year run in which he failed to lead the Wolfpack to the NCAA tournament.
Lowe had an 86-78 overall record, but just 25-55 in Atlantic Coast Conference play. He inherited a program coming off five straight NCAA tournament trips, but he never finished higher than ninth in the ACC despite twice being picked to finish in the top third of the 12-team league.

Cardinals’ pitcher retires
JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Ian Snell decided to retire at age 29 after the St. Louis Cardinals optioned him to the minors.
The right-hander signed a minor league deal in January after going 0-5 with 6.41 ERA in 12 games, eight of them starts, for the Seattle Mariners last season. Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said Snell decided to quit before Tuesday’s spring game against the Atlanta Braves.
The Cardinals had anticipated Snell starting the season at Triple-A Memphis.The move leaves them with 42 healthy players in camp.

NHL to enforce tighter rules
BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) — NHL general managers have decided against recommending a ban on head shots to curb concussions. Instead, they will propose tighter enforcement of rules on charging and boarding.
The general managers also will propose longer suspensions for illegal head hits and repeat offenders.
Following a second day of meetings to discuss concussions, general managers also decided against rule revisions that would slow the game.
A rise in head injuries this season, including two recent high-profile cases, put the issue at the top of the GMs’ agenda. But Commissioner Gary Bettman said the group decided a ban on all head shots would be too radical a response.

DNR launches iPhone app

Indiana DNR Release:

People who enjoy any of the DNR’s wide variety of properties across Indiana and own an iPhone can benefit from a new phone application.

The application can be downloaded at no cost to the user. Click here.

The DNR iPhone app provides virtually all the information needed when planning an outdoor activity at one of these sites. DNR properties include fish and wildlife areas, forests, historic sites, state park inns, and nature preserves, as well as 24 state parks and eight reservoirs.

"Indiana has a great wealth of natural and cultural resources, and we are always looking for new ways to connect Hoosiers to those resources,” said Dan Bortner, director of the DNR Division of State Parks and Reservoirs. “We're glad to be a part of DNR's efforts to use today's technology."

The Indiana DNR iPhone application features:

- Location mapping for state parks, where to hunt or fish, and additional properties of interest
- Distances to park or fishing/hunting areas in relation to the user’s current location
- Fees and regulations for all state properties and outdoor recreation sites
- Links to camping or state park inn reservation sites
- Links to fishing or hunting license purchasing sites
- Reserved hunt registration
- Nature brochures and Indiana fishing species guide
- RSS feeds of Indiana DNR news
- Links to Indiana DNR websites

DNR director of communications Phil Bloom said this is one more example of the many options of staying informed about DNR activities.

"We live in an increasingly mobile society in which people have a variety of ways to gather the information they need,” he said. “This continues DNR's effort to stay connected with our customers and for our customers to stay connected to us.”

The application was developed by the DNR Web team in the Division of Communications and Indiana Interactive. They welcome user feedback about the app, which should be sent to dnrwebmaster@dnr.IN.gov. Applications for Blackberry and Android phones are under development.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Rupright named to
state junior team
Norwell junior Jessica Rupright was one of 15 girls selected by the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association for the girls’ underclass all-state first team.
Other members of the underclass first team include Fort Wayne Bishop Luers’ junior Miracle Woods; Brionna Barnett of Elkhart Memorial; Jessica Brown of Mt. Vernon (Fortville); Whitney Jennings of Logansport; Kasey Johnson of Plainfield; Courtney Kvachkoff of Crown Point; Blaire Langlois of Carmel; Stephanie Mavunga of Brownsburg; Amanda Moore of Seymour; Raveen Murray of Merrillville; Bridget Perry of Roncalli; Taya Reimer of Hamilton Southeastern; Nicole Rogers of Western; and Lakin Roland of Jeffersonville.

McAfee, Ailor earn
academic honors
Norwell seniors Amanda McAfee and Caitlyn Ailor were selected by the Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association for membership on its Academic All-State Teams.
McAfee was named to the first team and Ailor was an honorable mention selection.

Showcase for high school
basketball players
High school boys and girls may showcase their basketball talents in front of college coaches at a camp sponsored by East Chicago councilman and former Indiana All-Star Juda Parks on April 15. The event is NCAA certified for Division I coaches and NAIA, NCAA Division II and junior college coaches. Players may sign up online at INBnews.com.

SW, Bluffton wrestlers
place in ACAC
middle school tournament
Southern Wells’ Daniel Beeks and Jacob Stout and Bluffton’s Justin Mohler captured first-place titles on Saturday at the Allen County Athletic Conference Middle School Wrestling Tournament.
Beeks won the 130-pound weight class and Stout took the 185-pound crown. Both finished the meet with 3-0 records.
Mohler won the 170-pound championship for the Tigers.
T.C. Perry (95 pounds), Austin Wells (115) and Seth Trissell (138) were second-place finishers for Southern Wells with 2-1 records. Bluffton’s Shaun McEvoy was runner-up in the 250-pound class.
Third-place finishers for Southern Wells were Brandt Couch (80), Jake Weldy (145) and Ethan Smith (152).
Southern Wells’ Drew Rockwell (100) and Jacey Dunnuck (110) were fourth-place finishers. Bluffton’s Trae Jojola was fourth in the 105-pound division.
Southern Wells was fourth in the team standings with 29 points, while Bluffton tallied 10 points for eighth place. Adams Central defeated South Adams 51-44 for the team championship. Garrett was third with 37. Woodlan was fifth with 21, followed by Leo with 19 and Heritage with 15.

State Park Road Rally openings available, May 3-5

Indiana DNR Release:

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. It's almost time for the annual spring State Park Road Rally, May 3-5, featuring McCormick’s Creek State Park in southern Indiana.

Drivers pilot their own vehicles, as a navigator steers teams to adventure on scenic back roads to enjoy various small towns and discover some of Indiana’s lost treasures.

Along the route, should teams accept, there will be educational and exciting “challenges” to complete to earn points for the teams. At the end of the rally there will be an awards ceremony and dinner.

Cost is $225 per person (based on double occupancy), which includes two nights of lodging at Canyon Inn, breakfasts and dinners, two days of road rally events and nightly entertainment. Reservations can be made by calling 1.877.LODGES1.

For more information, visit http://www.IN.gov/dnr/parklake/3397.htm.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Bluffton to honor winter athletes
The Bluffton High School winter athletic awards program will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, in the cafetorium. Parents, family, friends, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend.

Plummer to ref at semi-state
Bluffton high school basketball referee Bob Plummer has been assigned by the Indiana High School Athletic Association to officiate in the boys’ Class 3A South Semi-State in Seymour on Saturday.

Parker sharp in D-backs’
outing before reassignment
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks’ right-hand pitcher Jarrod Parker pitched two scoreless innings and struck out three batters in Saturday night’s 5-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies in a split-squad spring training game.
Parker, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery, was called on to replace Diamondbacks’ starter Zach Duke after being hit on his left hand by a line drive off the bat of Charlie Blackmon in the second inning.
Then on Sunday, Parker was one of six players assigned to the Diamondbacks’ minor league camp.
Parker, who was the Diamondbacks’ top pick in the 2007 Major League draft, is being closely watched by the Diamondbacks in his rehabilitation from surgery.

Imel leads IPFW golfers
Orlando, Fla. — Drew Imel fired a two-under par 70 and climbed eight spots to finish in second place and lead the IPFW men’s golf team to a second-place finish in the Mission Inn Spring Fling at the Mission Inn Resort.
Imel’s final round 70 came within a stroke of his IPFW career-best as the sophomore posted the first runner-up showing of his career. Imel tallied an opening round 76 before a second-round even-par 72 moved the Bluffton native into 10th place. Sunday’s 70 saw Imel climb eight strokes to the runner-up position. Finishing at two-over 218, Imel bettered his career-best mark by three strokes.

Norwell baseball camp slated
Registration forms are available for the Norwell baseball spring break camp for boys in grades 2-5 during spring break on March 23-25. The camp will be held in the auxiliary gym from 10-11:30 a.m. each day. Cost is $30. There is a $5 discount for families with more than one child. For information about the forms call Kelby Weybright at 260-543-2213, ext. 7002, or 260-273-9326, or e-mail Kelby.Weybright@nwcs.k12.in.us.

Register for Wells County Jr. League
Registration and evaluation for the Wells County Junior League Baseball 10-and-under and 12-and-under divisions is from 5-7 p.m. on March 17 at the Norwell auxiliary gym. Cost is $60. All players, regardless of league experience, are encouraged to attend. Contact Jeremy Collins at 260-227-1100 for more information.

Girls’ softball sign-up scheduled
Girls in grades 2-9 may sign up for the Wells County Fastpitch Softball League at 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, at the Boys & Girls Club across from Bluffton High School.

Order Bluffton letter jackets
Bluffton High School athletes may order letter jackets at 9 a.m. during home room on Thursday, March 17. A sales representative will be available for fittings. Any athlete majoring in a sport may order a jacket on this date with a down payment of $50. All patches must be paid for when ordering and are priced at $15 each. All checks should be made payable to Bluffton High School.

March Madness gets facelift
By The Associated Press
The Big East will have its hooks in practically every nook and cranny of the 2011 NCAA men’s basketball bracket.
The NCAA selection committee released its newfangled, 68-team draw and included a whopping 11 teams from the Big East.
Leading the way for the Big East was Pittsburgh, seeded first in the Southeast even though it didn’t win a game in the conference’s postseason tournament.
All 68 teams in the NCAA tournament are aiming for one destination — the Final Four in Houston, set for April 2. At the Las Vegas Hilton, Ohio State was made an early 7-2 favorite to cut down the nets at Reliant Stadium after the title game on April 4.
The Buckeyes (32-2) of the Big Ten were the top seed overall, with Kansas (32-2) of the Big 12 next, while defending champion Duke aced out another Big East team, Notre Dame, for the fourth and final top seed. Led by one of the country’s best guards, Nolan Smith, the Blue Devils (30-4) are trying to become the first team since Florida in 2006-07 to repeat as national champions.
The tournament got a facelift this year, including the addition of three more at-large teams that will open the tournament in what the NCAA is calling the “First Four.” Those games — UAB (22-9) vs. Clemson (21-11) and Southern Cal (19-14) vs. Virginia Commonwealth (23-11) — will take place Tuesday and Wednesday.

OCC Events for April

Ossian Conservation Club Inc., a not for profit corporation, located at 9950 N. 100 E., Ossian, Indiana, has announced the following April, 2011 events, for more information call 622-4712 or 622-6810 or click here.

April 9th - 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 10th – 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 17th - 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.

Register to "Become an Outdoors Woman"

Indiana DNR Release:

Attention women who already love outdoor sports. Attention women would like to try them. Attention women who want to improve their ability to do them under expert supervision and instruction.

Your place is the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop, April 29-May 1, at Ross Camp in West Lafayette.

The 17h annual workshop is limited to the first 100 women, 18 years old or older, who register at www.indianabow.com. The fee is $175.

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 call turkey.

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 seek time away to reconnect with nature are also prime candidates for BOW.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Basketball Schedule

Saturday, March 12
IHSAA Class A Regional at Frankfort, Southern Wells vs. Rockville, 10 a.m.; Blue River vs. Lafayette Central Catholic, to follow at noon; championship game, 8 p.m.
IHSAA Class 3A Regional at Blackford, Delta vs. Columbia City, 10 a.m.; Harding vs. Norwell, to follow at noon; championship game, 8 p.m.
IHSAA Class 2A Regional at Tipton, Tipton vs. Bluffton, 10 a.m.; North Miami vs. Carroll (Flora), to follow at noon; championship game, 8 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Tipton to provide coat check
Tipton High School is expecting a capacity crowd at Saturday’s basketball regional. Spectators are encouraged to utilize a coat check service or not to bring coats into the gymnasium. The coat check will be located in the west hallway and the cost for each garment is 25 cents.

Bluffton youth baseball, softball
registration slated
Bluffton Youth Baseball League sign-ups for Junior League (ages 11 and 12), Farm League (9 and 10) and T-Ball (5-8) are set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at the Boys & Girls Club across from Bluffton High School. Sign-ups also will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15.
Registration forms for the Sandy Koufax League baseball teams and girls’ softball are available at the Bluffton Parks Department office on the second floor of the Bluffton City Building at 128 E. Market St. For more information, e-mail the Parks Department at parks@ci.bluffton.in.us.

Boys’ basketball tourney game set
The Wells County Boys’ Basketball League tourney championship game between Farm Bureau Insurance and Thumbs Up Glove and Safety Inc. will be played at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 12, in the Bluffton City Building gymnasium at 128 E. Market St.

Norwell baseball camp slated
Registration forms are available for the Norwell baseball spring break camp for boys in grades 2-5 during spring break on March 23-25. The camp will be held in the auxiliary gym from 10-11:30 a.m. each day. Cost is $30. There is a $5 discount for families with more than one child. For information about the forms, call Kelby Weybright at 260-543-2213, ext. 7002, or 260-273-9326, or e-mail Kelby.Weybright@nwcs.k12.in.us.

Becker brothers lead Crusaders
Jonathon Becker and Joe Becker captured championships at the Northeast Hoosier Middle Level Conference Wrestling Tournament on Thursday night at Fort Wayne to close out the Norwell Crusaders’ season.
Joe Becker defeated Bellmont’s top-seeded Danny Baker in the 105-pound weight class for his a second conference title in two years.
Jonathon Becker won the 85-pound class, when he surprised Bellmont’s top-seeded Trevor Gray with a 6-3 decision.
Other Norwell wrestlers placing in the tournament were Trevor Wilson, Blake Lewis, Jarrett Rennaker and Jon Dathe. Wilson was third at 80 pounds. Blake Lewis was fourth at 100 pounds. Rennaker and Dathe were sixth-place finishers.

Raider wrestlers drop dual meet
Paul Renner, Seth Trissell, Daniel Beeks and Jake Weldy were individual match winners Thursday evening for the Southern Wells Junior High School wrestling team in a 42-19 loss against South Adams.
Renner and Trissell each won by a pin. The Raiders finished their season with a 7-3 team record.

South Adams 42, Southern Wells 19
80: B. Cole (SA) pin Brandt Couch (SW), 1:40
90: M. Nussbaum (SA) dec. Briar Beeks (SW) 6-4
95: C. Sprunger (SA) major dec. T.C. Perry (SW) 12-1
100: R. Ford (SA) pin Drew Rockwell (SW) 0:43
105: S. Niece (SA) pin Brennen Rheinhart (SW) 0:42
110: S. Miller (SA) t.fall Jacey Dunnuck (SW) 18-3
115: B. Marbach (SA) pin Austin Wells (SW) 1:50
122: Paul Renner (SW) pin G. Conner (SA) 1:44
130: Daniel Beeks (SW) major dec. C. Coats (SA) 9-1
138: Seth Trissell (SW) pin A. Williams (SA) 0:43
145: Jake Weldy (SW) dec. D. All (SA) 9-4
215: M. Morningstar (SA) pin Jacob Stout (SW) 0:45
Exhibition
80: B. Couch (SW) dec. S. Shrout (SA) 13-6
105: S. Shrout (SA) pin B. Rheinhart (SW) 0:50
115: B. Marbach (SA) pin Cameron Dalley (SW) 1:14
130: C. Coats (SA) pin Ethan Westfall (SW) 1:57
145: Ethan Smith (SW) dec. D. All (SA) 10-3
215: M. Morningstar (SA) pin Ace Addington (SW) 0:21.

NRC meeting set for March 15

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission will conduct its regular March meeting on Tuesday (March 15) at The Garrison at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis.

The meeting begins at 10 a.m. The agenda is available at www.in.gov/nrc/2354.htm.

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

Program for preschoolers at Salamonie, March 16

Indiana DNR Release:

Hiding in Plain Sight, a program designed for kids ages 2 to 5, will be offered Wednesday, March 16, at the Salamonie Interpretive Center.

Participants will learn about how animals blend into their environment, search for hidden items, and enjoy a craft. Laura Whiteleather will lead the program using Growing Up WILD curriculum. Growing Up WILD is an early childhood education program that builds on children's sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them.

The program runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and is planned to be both indoors and out, starting at the interpretive center. 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, Andrews, 46702. Parents are expected to stay with their child throughout the program.

The interpretive center and Otter Run Tradin’ Post 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 www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis for more information.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Kenny's first sturgeon


First sturgeon

On a recent trip to the Portland, Ore. area to visit his son, Bluffton businessman Kenny Ellenberger caught his first sturgeon on the Columbia River near Mt. Hood. Ellenberger actually caught three sturgeon during his expedition. He reports that the water was a chilly 38 degrees and he was fishing in water 75 feet deep. "The current was unbelieveably swift," he said. (Photo provided)

Red Cross Swimming Lesson Program 2011

Bluffton-Harrison MSD




March 28 – April 21

Classes will meet 2-3 times a week (See course descriptions below)

Registration Night: Monday, March 14th, 2011
6:00-8:00pm Door #5

Cost per student: $30 Bluffton Resident/$35 Non-Resident
(Checks Payable to BHMSD)


Infant & Pre-school Program:
Tuesday & Thursday Evenings 5:30-6:00pm
These lessons are for infants 0-2years of age and for toddlers 3-5years of age. Lessons for infants require an adult to participate with the child. Program is geared toward making child’s first impression of the water positive. Toddler lessons are intended for those who have never had swimming lessons before or are non-swimmers. The goal for these students is to make the child comfortable with the water and to be able to put their face in the water. A parent or family member is preferred to participate with their child.

Red Cross Level Program
Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday Evenings 6:00-7:00pm
These lessons are for students who are already fairly comfortable with the water. Student should be 5 years of age. Each level focuses on different swimming skills. Students are evaluated daily and can be tested into the next level if ready.



For additional information contact Bluffton Middle School Pool @ 824-3536

**If minimum number of students is not met during pre-registration classes WILL be canceled!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

High School Sports Calendar

Saturday, March 12
BOYS BASKETBALL:
IHSAA Class A Regional at Frankfort, Southern Wells vs. Rockville, 10 a.m.; Blue River vs. Lafayette Central Catholic, to follow at noon; championship game, 8 p.m.
IHSAA Class 3A Regional at Blackford, Delta vs. Columbia City, 10 a.m.; Harding vs. Norwell, to follow at noon; championship game, 8 p.m.
IHSAA Class 2A Regional at Tipton, Tipton vs. Bluffton, 10 a.m.; North Miami vs. Carroll (Flora), to follow at noon; championship game, 8 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Regional tickets on sale at Bluffton
Bluffton will be selling all-session tickets to the Class 2A Tipton boys’ basketball regional beginning today. Regional tickets will remain on sale through Friday, March 11, at 1 p.m. Office hours are 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost is $9. Tickets are limited and may not be available on Saturday at the door. Bluffton plays Tipton at 10 a.m. Doors open at 9 a.m.
Bluffton also will be taking orders for sectional championship shirts. Shirts are $12.
Carroll (Flora) will be playing North Miami at noon. The championship game is at 8 p.m.

Tickets on sale at Southern Wells
Southern Wells High School is selling all-session tickets for the Frankfort Class A regional games on Saturday. Office hours are 7 a.m.-4 p.m. through Thursday and 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday.
Ticket price is $9. A single-session ticket is $6 and may be purchased at Frankfort. Pre-school children will be admitted at no charge.
Southern Wells will play Rockville at 10 a.m., followed by Blue River Valley facing Lafayette Central Catholic at noon. The championship game will start at 8 p.m. All fans should enter the main entrance (Door 28) to Everett N. Case Arena.
A limited number of sectional shirts are on sale for $12. Also, if you purchase a ticket and a shirt, the cost is $20 for both. To reserve a shirt and ticket, call the high school office at 765-728-5534.

Norwell regional tickets on sale
All-session tickets for the Norwell Knights’ regional basketball game with the Harding Hawks will be on sale in the Norwell athletic office through Friday afternoon. Cost is $9.
Norwell (16-6) and Harding (9-10) will play at noon on Saturday, March 12, at Blackford High School. The first game between Delta (16-7) and Columbia City (17-5) will tip off at 10 a.m. The championship game will start at 8 p.m.

Bluffton baseball sign-ups slated
Bluffton Youth Baseball League sign-ups for Junior League (12-and-under), Farm League (10-and-under) and T-Ball are set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at the Boys & Girls Club across from Bluffton High School. Sign-ups also will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15.

Bluffton MS wrestlers take two losses
The Bluffton Middle School wrestling team sustained a 24-18 loss to Blackford and a 33-6 defeat to West Jay on Tuesday evening.
Individually, however, the Tigers were led by Trae Jojola with three wins, while Dalton Ziko and Brandon Lockwood each won both of their matches. Eddie Gonzalez also won by a pin.

Crusader swimmers post wins
The Norwell Crusaders recently posted several victories in middle school girls’ and boys’ swim meets.
Duke Wang broke the Crusaders’ 50-yard butterfly record in the three-way meet against Blackford and Adams Central and also against Indian Springs.

GIRLS
NORWELL 76, BLACKFORD 25
NORWELL 70, ADAMS CENTRAL 32
Adams Central 52, BLACKFORD 46
Diving: 1. Kelsie Orr (N) 86.6.
200 Yard Medley Relay: 1. Norwell (Alyssa Mann, Arissa Moser, Phoebe Bates, Patricia Kizer 2:25.43.
200 Freestyle: 1. Mann (N) 2:23.28.
50 Freestyle: 1. Kassidy Beckstein (N) 31.59.
50 Butterfly: 1. Bates (N) 38.70.
100 Freestyle: 1. Moser (N) 1:13.36.
200 Freestyle Relay: 1. Norwell (Rachel Worden, Natasha Chemey, Beckstein, McKenzie Steele) 2:19.37.
100 Backstroke: 1. Mann (N) 1:09.65.
100 Breaststroke: 1. Moser (N) 1:28.11.
300 Freestyle Relay: 1. Norwell (Kizer, Bates, Mann, Moser) 3:24.55.

BOYS
NORWELL 77, Blackford 20
Norwell 61, ADAMS CENTRAL 34
Adams Central 47, BLACKFORD 41
Diving: 1. Alex McCabe (N) 84.3.
200 Yard Medley Relay: 1. Norwell (Logan Ackley, Adam Nahrwold, Duke Wang, Jay-ar Kobryn) 2:00.97.
200 Freestyle: 1. Ackley (N) 2:18.80.
50 Freestyle: 1. Wang (N) 24.45.
50 Butterfly: 1. Wang (N) 26.32.
400 Freestyle: 1. Ackley (N) 4:51.97.
100 Backstroke: 1. Ryan Tomlin (N) 1:27.25.
100 Breaststroke: 1. Nahrwold (N) 1:12.23.
300 Freestyle Relay: 1. Norwell (Kobryn, Ackley, Wang, Nahrwold) 2:58.37.

GIRLS
NORWELL 112, INDIAN SPRINGS 70
Diving: 1. Kelsie Orr (N) 95.45.
200 Yard Medley Relay: 1. Norwell (Alyssa Mann, Arissas Moser, Karlie Thomas, Kate Mahnensmith) 2:12.32.
200 Freestyle: 1. Mann (N) 2:26.19.
50 Freestyle: 1. Moser (N) 31.60.
50 Butterfly: 1. Thomas (N) 30.60.
400 Freestyle: 1. Mann (N) 5:13.46.
300 Freestyle Relay: 1. Norwell (Danielle Garner, Mann, Thomas, Mahnensmith) 3:13.26.

BOYS
NORWELL 119, INDIAN SPRINGS 55
Diving: 1. Alex McCabe (N) 63.1.
200 Yard Medley Relay: 1. Norwell (Duke Wang, Adam Nahrwold, Logan Ackley, Bailey Purdy) 2:04.34.
100 Individual Medley: 1. Nahrwold (N) 1:08.84.
50 Freestyle: 1. Jay-ar Kobryn (N) 29.18.
50 Butterfly: 1. Wang (N) 26.33.
100 Freestyle: 1. Ackley (N) 1:02.58.
200 Freestyle Relay: 1. Norwell (Jacob Brown, Purdy, Tyler Powell, Kobryn) 2:08.46.
100 Backstroke: 1. Wang (N) 1:03.02.
100 Breaststroke: 1. Nahrwold (N) 1:14.92.
300 Freestyle Relay: 1. Norwell (Kobryn, Ackley, Wang, Nahrwold) 3:16.80.

Pokagon to host 5th annual Pokagon Triathlon and 5K Run/Walk

Indiana DNR Release:

On Saturday, May 21, at 9 a.m., Pokagon State Park will host the 5th annual Pokagon State Park Triathlon.

This Olympic-distance event will be staged at the park’s CCC shelter. The triathlon will consist of a 1.5-kilometer swim from the Pokagon main beach, along the popular Lake James slalom ski course. Next, athletes will transition to a 40-kilometer bike ride on roads over the rolling terrain featuring the fields, forests and wetlands of rural Steuben County. The final leg of the event will be a 10-kilometer run on the rolling and wooded trails of Pokagon.

The race will begin in two waves separated by three to five minutes. Men will begin first,then women. All participants will receive a gift bag containing a race T-shirt and triathlon-related gear, and be able to take part in post-race festivities, and a picnic.

Also, occurring during the triathlon and beginning at the CCC shelter, will be a separate, benefit event, the Steve Parker/ALS 5K Run/Walk, honoring the life and work of the long-time running and fitness enthusiast. The entrance fee is $20, and registration can be done using the same website information as for the triathlon. Start time is 9:45 a.m.

Advanced individual race fee is $60 for USA Triathlon Association (USAT) members and $70 for non-USAT members. Team race fee is $120 for USAT members and $130
for non-USAT members. Day-of-race fees will have $25 added to each category.

The event is being organized and conducted by TriFort Triathletes. This year’s event recognizes and benefits the National YMCA Strong Kids Program. To volunteer at the event or to join as a sponsor, contact TriFort Triathletes at
www.teamtrifort.com.

For more information and to register online, visit www.active.com or www.teamtrifort.com and follow the links to the race. Registration and packet pick-up
will take place on Friday, May 20, from 3-8 p.m. at the park’s Potawatomi Inn. There will also be race-day registration at the CCC shelter from 7-8 a.m. on May 21, but participants are encouraged to register ahead of time.

For overnight lodging at Potawatomi Inn, contact www.indianainns.com, or call 1-877-Lodges1. For information on camping at Pokagon, contact www.camp.IN.gov, or call 1-866-6campIN.

On race day, the normal park entrance fee will be in effect.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

2011 Southern Wells Sectional Win

Deadline to submit photos for preservation month photo contest, April 8

Indiana DNR Release:

The 7th annual historic preservation month photo contest deadline is April 8. The division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology is working with history/preservation organizations and local governments in Bloomington, Lafayette, Muncie, Rising Sun, Washington, and Winamac to showcase the photos.

Exhibits will be displayed until May, but may be longer depending on the location. Visitors will see the collection of great photos accumulated over several years for the photo contest.

Here are the guidelines:
- Photographers must fill out entry form for each photo and attach to photo
- Subject of image must be in Indiana and be at least 50 years old
- Images can be black and white or color and should be taken within the last 2 years
- Images must be 8x10 prints, mounted or matted on or with a white 11x14 matte board
- Each photographer can enter up to three images

For more information and the entry form, go to www.IN.gov/dnr/historic/3994.htm.

Submit entries to:

Historic Preservation Month Photo Contest
Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology
402 W. Washington St., Rm. W274
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739

Photographs will be judged by a panel consisting of representatives from the DNR, other preservationists, and photographers.

Images will not be returned. They may be used for office displays and promotions for the photo contest, Historic Preservation Month and historic preservation. Photos will not be used in for-profit publications.

Monday, March 7, 2011

High School Sports Calendar

Monday, March 7
BOYS BASKETBALL:
IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at South Adams, championship game, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 12
BOYS BASKETBALL:
IHSAA Class A Regional at Frankfort, Southern Wells vs. Rockville, TBA; Blue River vs. Lafayette Central Catholic, TBA.
IHSAA Class 3A Regional at Blackford, Delta vs. Columbia City, TBA; Harding vs. Norwell, TBA.
IHSAA Class 2A Regional at Tipton, TBA.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Four Knights named
to NHC hoop team
Four Norwell Knights were named to the Northeast Hoosier Conference boys’ basketball all-conference team for the 2010-11 season.
Junior forward Kyle Fillman and sophomore guard Josh VanMeter led the Knights as first-team selections, while senior center Jeff Shatto was a second-team pick and junior guard Grant Baker made the honorable mention team.
Other members of the first team were Tyler Ault of Carroll; Drew Benedict and Derek Hinen of Columbia City; T.J. Blair of East Noble; Adison Daub of DeKalb; Nick Gamble and Evan Rhoades of Homestead; and Justin Miller of New Haven.
The second team was completed by the following members: Joe Baker of Bellmont; Ryan Boester and Jared Forrest of DeKalb; Tyler Clendenen and Kyle Sovine of New Haven; Tyler Mosher of Columbia City; Kyle Reece of East Noble; Drew Sery of Homestead; and Erik Ward of Carroll.
Players rounding out the honorable mention squad were A.J. Dove of East Noble, Matt Noll and Cody Schoeff of Carroll; and Joe Olivieri of Homestead.
Coach of the year was Chris Johnson of Homestead.

Crusaders fourth at Adams Central
The Norwell Crusaders’ matmen placed six wrestlers in the top four at the Adams Central Invitational on Saturday to take home a fourth-place finish behind the three Adams County squads.
Norwell had four in the championship finals. Trevor Wilson won the 80-pound class title pinning his opponent in 17 seconds. Jonathon Becker (85-pound class), Joe Becker (105) and Corey Germann (152) were runners-up finishers. Blake Lewis (100) and Avery Miller (170) were third-place finishers.

Beeks leads Raider wrestlers
Daniel Beeks took first place in the 130-pound weight class to lead the Southern Wells Junior High School wrestling team at the Adams Central Middle School Invitational on Saturday at Monroe.
Beeks was 4-0 with three pins. He was joined by Jacob Stout, who placed second at 185 pounds with a 3-1 record for the day. Stout had two pins.
Brandt Couch (80-pound class), Briar Beeks (90) and Seth Trissell (138) were third-place finishers for the Raiders with 3-1 marks. Trissell had two pins and Couch had one.
Drew Rockwell (100) and Ethan Smith (145) were fourth-place finishers with 2-2 records. Rockwell and Smith each had one pin.

Evaluations set for Wells Jr. League
The Wells County Junior League will have player evaluations from 5-7 p.m. on March 17 in the Norwell auxiliary gym.
The evaluations are regardless of league experience for the 10-and-under and 12-and-under divisions.
Participants may register at the door or at the Ossian Town Hall from 4-8 p.m. on March 10 or from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 12.
Northern Wells Minor League registration will be available on the same dates.

Growing up WILD workshop for adults at Salamonie, March 12

Indiana DNR Release:

Early childhood educators, parents, and non-formal educators are invited to attend Growing Up WILD at the Salamonie Interpretive Center on March 12. Registration is required by March 3.

This adult workshop includes an activity guide and hands-on practice using the activities. There is a fee of $20 for the workshop, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Growing Up WILD is an early childhood education program that builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. The workshop will provide early childhood educators with basic wildlife content, introduce activities in the guide, and build skills and confidence needed for teaching young children in outdoor learning events.

The 27 activities in the guide are designed for children ages 3-7 and have been correlated to the Head Start domains, the NAEYC Accreditation Standards, IN Foundations for ages 3-5, and the Indiana Academic Standards for grades 1-2. Participants will receive the Growing Up WILD activity guide as part of the workshop.

In almost any weather, the program is planned to be both indoors and out, so participants should dress appropriately for both settings. Register by calling (260) 468-2127 or visiting the interpretive center at 3691 S. New Holland Road, Andrews, IN 46702.

The Interpretive Center and Otter Run Tradin’ Post 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.

See www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis for more information about other programs put on by the Upper Wabash Interpretive Services. Follow UWIS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/upperwabash.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Raider matmen sweep
Norwell, Bluffton
The Southern Wells Junior High School wrestling team defeated Norwell 42-26 and Bluffton 30-13 in Wells County action at Norwell on Thursday evening.
Southern Wells 42, Norwell 26
80: Trevor Wilson (N) m. dec. Brandt. Couch (SW) 8-0
90: Jonathan Becker (N) m. dec. Briar Beeks (SW)11-0
95: T.C. Perry (SW) pin L. Fillers (N) 1:12
100: Blake Lewis (N) pin Drew Rockwell (SW) 1:43
105: Joe Becker (N) pin Brennen Rheinhart (SW) 0:40
110: Zach Stein (N) pin Jacey Dunnuck (SW) 1:39
115: Austin Wells (SW) pin D. McCune (N) 2:32
120: Paul Renner (SW) pin C. Nash (N) 1:35
130: Daniel Beeks (SW) pin J. Rennaker (N) 2:55
135: Seth Trissell (SW) pin T. Eichler (N) 0:12
145: Ethan Smith (SW) pin J. Dathe (N) 0:44
175: Jacob Stout (SW) pin A. Miller (N) 1:48
Exhibition
80: B. Couch (SW) pin J. Hunter (N) 1:26
90: B. Beeks (SW) dec.. N. Gordon (N) 6-2
110: J. Dunnuck (SW) dec.. N. Tobias (N) 6-0
130: P. Jensen (N) m. dec. Ethan Westfall (SW) 8-0
140: Corey Germann (N) pin Jake Weldy (SW) 1:45
140: Jon Dathe (N) pin Daniel Stone (SW) 0:20
185: Justin Ballenger (SW) pin A. Miller (N) 0:59
Southern Wells 30, Bluffton 13
80: Brandon Lockwood (B) pin B. Couch (SW) 1:54
90: Dalton Ziko (B) m. dec. B. Beeks (SW) 14-5
105: Trae Jojola (B) dec. D. Rockwell (SW) 7-0
138: S. Trissell (SW) pin C. Esparza (B) 0:11
145: J. Weldy (SW) pin T. Nusbaumer (B) :35
155: E. Smith (SW) pin E. Gonzales (B) 0:22
215: Ace Addington (SW) pin R. Foreman (B) 2:50
250: Alberto Morels (SW) pin S. Mcroy (B) 0:59

Crusaders split with county foes
The Norwell Crusaders’ wrestling team defeated Bluffton 36-0 and lost 42-26 to Southern Wells on Thursday evening at Norwell.
In the meet against Southern Wells, Trevor Wilson and Jonathon Becker won their matches for the Crusaders. Blake Lewis, Joe Becker and Zach Stein posted wins by pins.
Against Bluffton, Wilson, Jonathon Becker, Joe Becker, Trevor Eichler, Jon Dathe, Corey Germann and Avery Miller were winners.

Tigers fall to county wrestlers
The Bluffton Middle School wrestling team lost 30-13 to Southern Wells and 36-0 to Norwell on Thursday evening.
Brandon Lockwood recorded two pins for the Tigers, while Dalton Ziko and Trae Jojola each won two matches.

Sandy Koufax sign-up tonight
The Northern Wells Baseball League will hold registration and sign up for its Sandy Koufax League 5-7 p.m. on Friday at the Ossian Town Hall. For more information, call Jason McGrew at 820-0975.

Sign up for Bluffton Youth Baseball
Bluffton Youth Baseball sign-ups for T-Ball, Farm League and Junior League are from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, March 5, at the Bluffton City Building, 128 E. Market St.
Other sign-up sessions are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, at the Boys & Girls Club.
Registration fee is $30 for Farm and Junior Leagues and $15 for T-Ball.

Soccer instructors needed
The Bluffton Parks Department is looking for Pee Wee soccer coaches to teach three hours on Saturday afternoons from April 2-May 7. Applications may be picked up in the Clerk Treasurer’s office at City Hall and are due back March 11. Any questions call 824-6069.

High School Sports Calendar

Friday, March 4
BOYS BASKETBALL:
IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells, Wes-Del vs. Cowan, 6 p.m.; Liberty Christian vs. Southern Wells, 7:30 p.m.
IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at South Adams, Adams Central vs. FW Bishop Luers, 6 p.m.; Woodlan vs. Bluffton, 7:30 p.m.
IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Bellmont, Norwell vs. FW Wayne, 6 p.m.; Peru vs. Bellmont, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 5
BOYS BASKETBALL:
IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells, championship game, 7:30 p.m.
IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at South Adams, championship game, 7:30 p.m.
IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Bellmont, championship game, 7:30 p.m.

Deadline for Salamonie’s Indiana Master Naturalist Class is now March 11

Indiana DNR Release:

The registration deadline for Salamonie Lake’s education series for Master Naturalist candidates has been extended to March 11.

Upper Wabash Interpretive Services will hold an Indiana Master Naturalist class at Salamonie Interpretive Center from March 17 through May 12. The classes are on Thursdays from 6-9:30 p.m.

The Indiana Master Naturalist Program is an educational/volunteer program developed by the DNR and Purdue University Extension. IMNP brings together natural resources specialists and adult learners to understand Indiana's plants, water, soils and wildlife. Participants will be able to use their newly learned skills as volunteer interpretive naturalists, working with UWIS.

Class size will be limited to 30 students. The fee for the class is $75. The park entrance fee will be waived for students.

To register or learn more about the program, call (260) 468-2127 or contact Jody Heaston, program coordinator, at jheaston@dnr.IN.gov.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Learn about making rope at Salamonie senior lunch, March 7

Indiana DNR Release:

Individuals 50 or older are invited to meet Lowell Tillman and learn about making rope at the March 7 senior 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, provide their own table service and a $1 donation to help defray the cost of the meat dish.

Tillman has used his rope making program with Boy Scouts, churches and library groups. He will ask audience members to participate in the rope making process.

To help organizers determine the correct amount of meat to request, those interested should register by calling UWIS at (260) 468-2127 or by visiting the interpretive center at 3691 S. New Holland Road, Andrews, IN 46702.

The interpretive center and Otter Run Tradin’ Post 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.

For more information visit www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis.

Wells Co. Jr. League evaluations slated

Baseball player evaluations for the Wells County Junior

League will be March 5 from 1-3 p.m. and March 17 from 5-

7 p.m. in the Norwell High School auxiliary gym.

All players, regardless of league experience, need to attend

one of the evaluation sessions. The league is open to players

ages 9-12 as of May 1. Registration at the door or on one of

the following dates at the Ossian Town Hall: March 3 from 4-

8 p.m., March 4 from 4-8, March 5 from 9-1, March 10 from

4-8, March 12 from 9-1. Cost is $60.

Bluffton vs. South Adams

South Adams Class 2A Sectional Tuesday night at Berne.

Bluffton defeated South Adams 50-31 in the opening game and advances to the semifinals on Friday.

Bluffton will play Woodlan Warriors at about 7:30 p.m., following the game between Adams Central and Fort Wayne Bishop Luers which starts at 6 p.m.


Cameron Gerber (20) drives to the basket against South Adams' center Ben Meshberger.



Chandler Okey (30) skies for a jump shot.



Keith Cochran (50) goes up for a basket against South Adams' Ben Meshberger.



Michael Pearson (34) dribbles the ball around South Adams' Zach Morgan.



(Photos By Marci Mettler)

2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament Single-Session Tickets on Sale Today

All-session tickets remain available for the 2011 event to be held at Conseco Fieldhouse

For Immediate Release:
February 28, 2011

Contacts:
Scott Chipman, Big Ten Conference, (847) 696-1010 x141
John Dedman, Indiana Sports Corporation, (317) 237-5016
Kevin Messenger, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, (317) 917-2844

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. – Beginning Thursday, March 3, at 10 a.m. ET, both all-session and single-session tickets for the 2011 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament will be on sale to the general public. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000, and through the Conseco Fieldhouse box office and www.consecofieldhouse.com.

For the men’s tournament, single-session tickets range from $30 to $80 depending on session and seat location. All-session tickets are available for $220 or $165 depending on seat location, which represents a savings over purchasing single-session tickets for all five sessions. Orders will be limited to 12 all-session or single-session tickets.

Conseco Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis will be the site of the men’s tournament from March 10-13. Tournament week features all 11 Big Ten teams competing in 10 games over four days for the 2011 tournament crown and an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

The Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament will call Indianapolis and Conseco Fieldhouse home through 2012. The 2011 tournament marks the seventh time Indianapolis has hosted the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse.

The bracket for the 2011 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, along with information on tickets, travel, lodging, tournament history and more can be found at www.bigten.org and www.indianasportscorp.com.

The tournament schedule is as follows with single-session ticket prices listed for each session (game times are Eastern):

Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament (single-session ticket pricing):
Session 1 (First Rd.; 3 games beginning at 2:30 p.m.) – Thurs., March 10 – ($30-$55)
Session 2 (Quarterfinals; 2 games beginning at Noon) – Fri., March 11 – ($40-$70)
Session 3 (Quarterfinals; 2 games beginning at 6:30 p.m.) – Fri., March 11 – ($40-$70)
Session 4 (Semifinals; 2 games beginning at 1:40 p.m.) – Sat., March 12 – ($45-$80)
Session 5 (Championship Game; beginning at 3:30 p.m.) – Sun., March 13 – ($45-$80)

The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in student-athletes’ lives and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. Big Ten universities provide in excess of $100 million in athletic scholarship aid to more than 8,700 men and women student-athletes who compete for 25 championships, 12 for men and 13 for women. Conference institutions sponsor broad-based athletic programs with more than 270 teams. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.

Indiana Sports Corp is the amateur sports champion, stimulating economic growth, inspiring healthy kids and creating vibrant communities throughout Indiana. Indiana Sports Corp was founded in 1979 as the nation’s first sports commission. Our schedule of events includes NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Fours, Super Bowl XLVI in 2012, the inaugural Big Ten Football Championship Game in 2011, Big Ten Basketball Tournaments, and much more. For more information, visit www.IndianaSportsCorp.com.

Trout to be stocked at Fort Harrison State Park

Indiana DNR Release:

Rainbow trout will be stocked at Fort Harrison State Park’s Delaware Lake in Indianapolis in late March. The goal is to offer more urban residents an opportunity to fish, part of an effort by the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife.

The 700 rainbow trout measuring 8 to 10 inches will be added to the 7-acre lake, which offers good shoreline fishing access and ADA fishing facilities.

Gate admission to the park is $5 daily per in-state vehicle or $7 per out-of-state vehicle.

The DNR program will also increase trout fishing opportunities in Terre Haute next year, when a new park pond that opens for fishing this year at 500 Maple Avenue, will be stocked with trout.

With the new urban trout stocking initiative, some past trout stockings at Jackson Creek in Yellowwood State Forest (Brown County) and Little George Pit on Chinook State Fishing Area will be phased out after this year; however, both sites will be stocked with trout this year.

For more information regarding the changes to the trout stocking program, contact Brian Schoenung, DNR southern region fisheries supervisor, at bschoenung@dnr.IN.gov or (812) 279-1215.

In addition to a fishing license, anglers fishing for trout are required to have an $11 trout/salmon stamp. The stamp can be purchased at IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov or anywhere licenses are sold. The inland trout program is funded through this stamp. Anglers also have the option to purchase a one-day fishing license for $9, which includes trout/salmon fishing privileges without the need to purchase the separate stamp. Fishing licenses can be purchased at the Fort Harrison State Park office, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

High School Sports Calendar

Friday, March 4
BOYS BASKETBALL:
IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells, Wes-Del vs. Cowan, 6 p.m.; Liberty Christian vs. Southern Wells, 7:30 p.m.
IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at South Adams, Adams Central vs. FW Bishop Luers, 6 p.m.; Woodlan vs. Bluffton, 7:30 p.m.
IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Bellmont, Norwell vs. FW Wayne, 6 p.m.; Peru vs. Bellmont, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 5
BOYS BASKETBALL:
IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells, championship game, 7:30 p.m.
IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at South Adams, championship game, 7:30 p.m.
IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Bellmont, championship game, 7:30 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Cowan, Bellmont win sectional games
Cowan and Bellmont were first-round winners Tuesday night at their respective IHSAA boys’ basketball sectional sites.
Cowan eliminated Daleville 57-46 at Southern Wells in the Class A Sectional 54 opener. Meanwhile at Decatur, Bellmont outscored Maconaquah 14-12 in overtime to advance to the Class 3A Sectional 22 semifinals against Peru on Friday.
Cowan will play Wes-Del on Friday. Grant Newlin scored 29 points and Stewart Kerr 12 to lead the Blackhawks. Tyler Harris netted 17 and James Tungate 12 for Daleville.
Payton Selking led Bellmont with 21 points. Kyle Lehrman added 13 and Matt Chronister 11.

Crusader matmen lose to East Noble
The Norwell Crusaders’ wrestling team lost 54-21 to the East Noble Knights on Tuesday evening.
Trevor Wilson and Jonathon Becker won their matches to give the Crusaders an early 12-0 lead. Wilson pinned his opponent in 2:25. Becker won again with a pin in 1:47 pin. East Noble won the next three matches to take an 18-12 lead. Joe Becker closed the gap with a 5-2 decision to make the score 18-15. Corey Germann was the only other winner for the Crusaders with a pin in 37 seconds.
Dylan McCune was the only junior varsity winner with a 16-0 decision.

Bluffton wrestling team edged 36-33
Dalton Ziko and Brandon Lockwood had a good meet for the Bluffton Middle School wrestling team on Monday evening, but the Tigers ended up losing 36-33 to Heritage. Ziko recorded two wins by a pin, while Lockwood also won two matches by a pin and decision. Trae Jojola pinned his opponent and Shawn McEvoy and Justin Mohler rounded out the scoring each with a decision.

Wells Co. Jr. League evaluations slated
Baseball player evaluations for the Wells County Junior League will be March 5 from 1-3 p.m. and March 17 from 5-7 p.m. in the Norwell High School auxiliary gym.
All players, regardless of league experience, need to attend one of the evaluation sessions. The league is open to players ages 9-12 as of May 1. Registration at the door or on one of the following dates at the Ossian Town Hall: March 3 from 4-8 p.m., March 4 from 4-8, March 5 from 9-1, March 10 from 4-8, March 12 from 9-1. Cost is $60.

Soccer instructors needed
The Bluffton Parks Department is looking for Pee Wee soccer coaches to teach three hours on Saturday afternoons from April 2-May 7. Applications may be picked up in the Clerk Treasurer’s office at City Hall and are due back March 11. Any questions call 824-6069.

State Forest open-houses set; more to come

Indiana DNR Release:

People interested in how Indiana's State Forests are run can share their views at open houses to be held at Greene-Sullivan, Martin, Ferdinand, Jackson-Washington and Clark state forests during the next three months.

At each event, the DNR Division of Forestry will provide information about recreational activities, budget, staffing, major projects, the current DNR Division of Forestry Strategic Plan, invasive species and forest resource management. Attendees can talk directly with DNR personnel.

"These open houses provide Hoosiers with a chance to receive first-hand information about how the State Forests 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."

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):

- Greene-Sullivan SF, Saturday, March 5, 7 a.m.–7 p.m., in conjunction with Marsh Madness, held at the Linton City Park’s East Cabin, (812) 648-2810.

- Martin SF, Saturday, March 26, 8 a.m.-noon, at Martin County Ag Day held at the Martin County Community Building at the fairgrounds, (812) 247-3491.

- Ferdinand SF, Saturday, April 30, 1-4 p.m., at the Sycamore Shelter, on Indiana 264, approximately 4 miles northeast of Ferdinand, (812) 367-1524.

- Jackson-Washington SF, Thursday, May 12, 3-6 p.m., at the property office, 2.5 miles southeast of Brownstown on Indiana 250, (812) 358-2160. Staff from Starve Hollow State Recreation Area will also be present.

- Clark SF, Saturday, May 21, 11 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 will also be present.

Dates for open houses at Yellowwood, Owen-Putnam and Harrison-Crawford have yet to be determined. Property staffs are also available during normal business hours. Go to dnr.IN.gov/forestry/ (www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/3631.htm) for contact information or to schedule a visit.

The DNR 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.

Improved DNR reservation system available now

Indiana DNR Release:

Just in time for March and the coming of spring weather, the DNR’s improved reservation system for camping, cabins, recreation buildings and shelters is now available.

Going to www.Camp.IN.Gov allows customers to select preferred amenities and use an easy-to-read availability calendar and interactive campground maps. Eventually, photographs of campsites will be added.

Making the improvements required a system interruption that started Feb. 8. All of the inventory that would have been listed as open during that period is available now on the site. Labor Day camping inventory will become available via the call center and website at noon on Wednesday, March 2.

The State Park Inns/Lodges, whose www.indianainns.com was not affected by the shutdown, is also available for reservations for rooms and cabins via that website or by calling 1-877-LODGES1 (1-877-563-4371).

Annual entrance passes for state parks 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 $5 per vehicle. For more information on Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs, see stateparks.IN.gov.

BSU at Lucas Oil Stadium

Ball State's football team, under the direction of first-year head coach Pete Lembo, will open its 2011 season Sept. 3 vs. Indiana at Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the National Football League's Indianapolis Colts.

"Our players and coaches are very excited to be a part of the first Football Bowl Subdivision game to be played at Lucas Oil Stadium," Lembo says. "This is a great opportunity for Ball State to be showcased on the big stage against another FBS program from the state of Indiana."

The game will be the opener for both teams. Admission prices and game time will be set at a later date. All Ball State students with a valid university identification card will be admitted free of charge.

"This is an outstanding opportunity for our student-athletes, fans, alumni, students and supporters of Ball State football," Ball State athletics director Tom Collins says. "Our students will be admitted free, while we will accommodate our season ticket holders in an outstanding fashion. Playing at Lucas Oil gives us the chance to showcase our football team, while giving our fans a chance to see us play in an outstanding NFL venue."

Known best as the home of the Colts, Lucas Oil Stadium also is a major site for conventions, exhibitions, trade shows and NCAA basketball competition. The unique retractable roof makes it exceptionally flexible for both indoor and outdoor events. The roof can be opened or closed in approximately nine minutes. Lucas Oil Stadium is a seven-level facility that seats 63,000 for football up to 70,000 for basketball, conventions and concerts. It covers 1.8 million square feet, features 137 corporate suites, two club lounges, meeting rooms, and two exhibit halls.

"Ball State is a great university with an outstanding athletics tradition," Ed Shipley, president and chief executive officer of the Ball State Alumni Association says. "We are excited about the opportunity to play this game in such a tremendous facility and in a city where we have a significant number of alumni. This is a great chance for our alums who do not get a chance to visit campus often to see our football team compete."

In addition to the Indiana game Sept. 3, Ball State's non-conference football schedule for 2011 includes a Sept. 10 game at South Florida, a Sept. 24 home game vs. Army and an Oct. 1 game at Oklahoma. The Cardinals' Mid-American Conference schedule has not yet been announced by the league office.

"Our non-conference schedule is very challenging with three Bowl Championship Series opponents, as well as a much improved Army program that is fresh off its first bowl win in several years," Lembo says. "We will have to have a great preseason in order to be ready for a daunting month of September."

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

High School Sports Calendar

Tuesday, March 1
BOYS BASKETBALL:
IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells, Daleville vs. Cowan, 6 p.m.; White’s vs. Southern Wells, 7:30 p.m.
IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at South Adams, Bluffton vs. South Adams, 7 p.m.
IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Bellmont, Bellmont vs. Maconaquah, 7 p.m.

Friday, March 4
BOYS BASKETBALL:
IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells, Wes-Del vs. Daleville or Cowan, 6 p.m.; Liberty Christian vs. White’s or Southern Wells, 7:30 p.m.
IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at South Adams, Adams Central vs. FW Bishop Luers, 6 p.m.; Woodlan vs. Bluffton or South Adams, 7:30 p.m.
IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Bellmont, Norwell vs. FW Wayne, 6 p.m.; Peru vs. Bellmont or Maconaquah, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 5
BOYS BASKETBALL:
IHSAA Class A Sectional 54 at Southern Wells, championship game, 7:30 p.m.
IHSAA Class 2A Sectional 38 at South Adams, championship game, 7:30 p.m.
IHSAA Class 3A Sectional 22 at Bellmont, championship game, 7:30 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Purdue receiver denied 6th year
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — The NCAA has denied Purdue receiver Keith Smith a sixth year of eligibility after a knee injury prematurely ended his 2010 season.
Purdue coach Danny Hope expressed disappointment in a news release from the school on Monday.
Smith led the Big Ten with 91 catches during the 2009 season, and he caught 18 passes for 123 yards in two games last season before tearing the medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee. He was hurt on a tackle in the fourth quarter of a 31-21 win over Western Illinois and had surgery on Oct. 18.
Smith, who was recruited as a quarterback and played one season at safety, finished his career with 158 catches for 1,709 yards and eight touchdowns.

Crusader matmen top Riverview
The Norwell Crusaders’ wrestling team defeated the Riverview Raiders 39-15 on Monday evening at Huntington.
The Crusaders jumped out to a 24-point lead with four pins. Trevor Wilson pinned his 80-pound class opponent in 2:23. Jonathon Becker (85) followed with a pin in 1:50. Blake Lewis (100) added a quick pin in 37 seconds. Joe Becker (105) pinned his opponent in 55 seconds.
Ashton McCune (125) added an 8-0 decision. Jon Dathe (145) got his first pin of the season and Corey Germann finished with a pin in overtime.
The junior varsity wrestlers lost 19-18. Winners were Luke Fillers (95), Nick Gordon (100) and Trevor Eichler (140).

Woodlan wrestlers down Raiders
The Woodlan Middle School wrestling team defeated the Southern Wells Raiders 43-37 on Monday evening.
WOODLAN 43, SOUTHERN WELLS 37
80: C. Jones (W) dec Brandt Couch (SW) 3-2
90: C. Parisot (W) m.dec Briar Beeks (SW) 15-2
95: T.C. Perry (SW) m. dec G. Hoot (W) 15-2
100: D. Slate (W) dec. Drew Rockwell (SW) 5-0
105: Z. Zink (W) pin Brennen Rheinhart (SW) 1:32
110: G. Keller (W) dec. Jacey Dunnuck (SW) 7-1
115: N. Hoot (W) pin Cameron Dalley (SW) :12
122: Paul Renner (SW) pin C. Nelson (W) 1:30
130: Daniel Beeks (SW) pin T. Gieger (W) 1:52
130: N. Hammon (W) pin Ethan Westfall (SW) 2:58
138: Seth Trissell (SW) pin A. Hutson (W) :17
138: Jake Weldy (SW) dec. B. Kurtz (W) 14-8
138: R. Mason (W) pin Daniel Stone (SW) 1:24
152: Brandon Hough (SW) pin A. Miller (W) :35
185: Jacob Stout (SW) pin D. Cook (W) :38
215: E. Barberana (W) pin Justin Ballenger (SW) 2:40
Exhibition Results
90: B. Beeks (SW) pin I. Booher (W) 2:55
100: D. Rockwell (SW) pin E. Basting (W) 2:58
105: C. Pettyjohn (W) pin B. Rheinhart (SW) 1:29
122: P. Renner (SW) dec. J. Cassell (W) 6-2
138: Ethan Smith (SW) pin A. Hutson (W) :41
215: Ace Addington (SW) dec. E. Barberana

Squires’ softball sign up coming
Sign-up forms for Markle’s Norwell Squires Softball League will be sent home with all Northern Wells Community Schools girls in grades 1-8 sometime before spring break.
There is no need to come out to a sign up. However, there will be a couple at Markle and representatives should be at the Ossian sign ups.
Changes have been made to the 9-and-under league and information and sign-up forms will be posted at www.NorwellKnightsSoftball.com before spring break.
For more information contact Norwell head coach Scott Hanni at Scott.Hanni@nwcs.k12.in.us or league president Doug Denney at dtank23@frontier.com.

Spurs’ Parker sidelined with sore leg
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Spurs point guard Tony Parker will likely miss two to four weeks with a sore calf muscle, handing the NBA’s top team its first significant injury of the season.
Parker strained his left calf in Sunday’s win over Memphis. He had started every game during a blazing start for the NBA-best Spurs, who can already match their win total from last season Tuesday when they play the Grizzlies again.
Parker is averaging 17.1 points and 6.6 assists, piloting a refreshened offense that is quicker, higher-scoring and no longer revolving around Tim Duncan.

State Park Road Rally openings available, May 3-5

Indiana DNR Release:

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. It's almost time for the annual spring State Park Road Rally, May 3-5, featuring McCormick’s Creek State Park in southern Indiana.

Drivers pilot their own vehicles, as a navigator steers teams to adventure on scenic back roads to enjoy various small towns and discover some of Indiana’s lost treasures.

Along the route, should teams accept, there will be educational and exciting “challenges” to complete to earn points for the teams. At the end of the rally there will be an awards ceremony and dinner.

Cost is $225 per person (based on double occupancy), which includes two nights of lodging at Canyon Inn, breakfasts and dinners, two days of road rally events and nightly entertainment. Reservations can be made by calling 1.877.LODGES1.

For more information, visit http://www.IN.gov/dnr/parklake/3397.htm.

Deadline to submit photos for preservation month photo contest, April 8

Indiana DNR Release:

The 7th annual historic preservation month photo contest deadline is April 8. The division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology is working with history/preservation organizations and local governments in Bloomington, Lafayette, Muncie, Rising Sun, Washington, and Winamac to showcase the photos.

Exhibits will be displayed until May, but may be longer depending on the location. Visitors will see the collection of great photos accumulated over several years for the photo contest.

Here are the guidelines:
- Photographers must fill out entry form for each photo and attach to photo
- Subject of image must be in Indiana and be at least 50 years old
- Images can be black and white or color and should be taken within the last 2 years
- Images must be 8x10 prints, mounted or matted on or with a white 11x14 matte board
- Each photographer can enter up to three images

For more information and the entry form, go to www.IN.gov/dnr/historic/3994.htm.

Submit entries to:

Historic Preservation Month Photo Contest
Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology
402 W. Washington St., Rm. W274
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2739

Photographs will be judged by a panel consisting of representatives from the DNR, other preservationists, and photographers.

Images will not be returned. They may be used for office displays and promotions for the photo contest, Historic Preservation Month and historic preservation. Photos will not be used in for-profit publications.