How to handle coyotes

There has been a report of coyotes in the county, and though the News-Banner can't confirm it, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website offers the following information about the animals.

Coyotes were rare or uncommon in Indiana until the early 1970s. They have since adapted to the Hoosier landscape and are present throughout the state, including urban areas.

General Characteristics
The coyote is slightly smaller than a standard collie dog in size and is similar in shape. It has a long slender snout, pointed ears and comparatively long legs. The upper body is grizzled gray or buff, with a reddish brown or gray muzzle. The lower body is white, cream-colored or reddish yellow. The coyote has a bushy tail, which it carries below the level of its back. Weights average 30 lbs (range from 20 to 50 pounds), and they measure 40 to 50 inches in length from nose to tail tip. Coyotes are elusive and normally avoid humans. They can be active any time of day or night, but are observed more typically at dawn and dusk. The coyote communicates by barking, yelping and howling. Coyotes will develop a “search image” for a prey type that is more easily scavenged or killed. A “search image” includes visual, auditory and olfactory senses.

Reproduction
Coyotes may pair up for life. They mate in February, and a litter of 5 to 10 pups is born in a den during April. The den is often located in a bank or on a hillside, or it may be an enlarged woodchuck or rabbit burrow. When the pups are old enough to take solid food, they are fed by both parents, who provide instruction on how to hunt until the fall months, when the youngsters are nearly full grown and ready for life on their own. Coyotes usually hunt as singles or pairs and may travel extensively to secure food.

Food
Coyotes are opportunistic foragers that will consume anything of nutritional value. Coyotes primarily feed on small mammals, even in urban environments, but they will not turn down an easy meal, nor will they pass up a free meal of artificial food sources. They will scavenge exposed garbage or other refuse, and may even kill and consume house cats and small dogs.

Prevention and Control

• Feed pets indoors whenever possible; pick up leftovers if feeding outdoors and store pet and livestock feed where it’s inaccessible to wildlife
• Eliminate water bowls and other artificial water sources (if possible).
• Position bird feeders in a location that is less likely to attract small animals or bring the feeders in at night (to keep coyotes from feeding on the bird food or the other animals).
• Do not discard edible garbage where coyotes can get to it. Secure garbage containers
• Trim and clean shrubbery near ground level to reduce hiding cover for coyotes or their prey
• Do not allow pets to run free and provide secure nighttime housing for them
• If you start seeing coyotes around your home, discourage them by shouting, making loud noises or throwing rocks but NEVER corner a coyote – always give the coyote a free escape route.

Farmers with livestock can take additional precautions, such as:

• Use net-wire or electric fencing to keep coyotes away from livestock
• Shorten the length of calving or lambing seasons
• Confine livestock in a coyote-proof corral at night
• Use lights above corral
• Use strobe lights and sirens to scare away coyotes
• Remove dead livestock promptly so coyotes won’t be able to scavenge
• Use guard animals, such as dogs, donkeys and llamas to protect livestock

Landowners, or a person with written permission from a landowner, may take coyotes year-round on private property by snaring, trapping or shooting without a permit from the DNR. A landowner does not need a permit to take coyotes on his/her property by one of these methods, but a hunting or trapping license is required to hunt or trap coyotes on land other than your own.

DNR offers new license finder

To learn what license you need to hunt, click here.

Community volleyball tournament announced

Recreational Beach Volleyball Tournament July 9
A recreational beach volleyball tournament will be held Saturday, July 9, at 9 a.m. at the Wells Community Pool volleyball court. Call 824-6069 to register a two-person team and pay the $10 fee.

Youth sports news

Free Tennis Lessons
Bluffton Parks Department Free Summer Tennis Lessons are continuing through the summer.

A parent needs to go to Washington Park on the first day the child registers to fill out a form.

Times are as follows for students finishing grades:
Third-fifth: 10-11 a.m.
Sixth and seventh: 11 a.m.-noon.
Eighth-11th girls: Noon – 1 p.m.
Eighth-11th boys 12:30-2 p.m.

Call 824-6069 for more information.

Peewee basketball registration July 8
Come register for the Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department's peewee basketball at Kehoe Park Pavilion Friday, July 8, from 8 to 9 p.m., and stay for the movie following.

This league will begin playing August 13 and runs for six Saturdays. League is for boys and girls who will be entering kindergarten through fourth grade in the 2010-11 school year. Cost is $15 per child. The Parks Department is currently looking to hire coaches. Those interested can call 824-6069 to get an application.

Iron Kid Triathlon July 23
The annual Parks and Recreation Department Iron Kid Triathlon will be held July 23. A triathlon is a swimming, bicycling, and running competition. Each triathlete will swim first, go directly to bicycling, and finish the competition running. No experience is necessary.

Download the registration form IronKid Triathlon Form and mail it to the park office at 128 E Market St., Bluffton, IN 46714 by July 7.

The race starts at 8 a.m. This event is for children ages 5-12; cost is $15 and includes a t-shirt, finishing medal, snacks, and trophies to the top three in each age group and gender.

Call 824-6069 or e-mail parks@ci.bluffton.in.us for more information.

Registration open for the Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing

The golf outing will be on Thursday, Aug. 4 at the Timber Ridge Golf Course. To register, click here. For more information, click here.

Registration and the lunch buffet start at 11 a.m. Golf starts at 12:30 p.m. with a shot gun start with a scramble format.

Prizes will be awarded immediately following golf.

Online reserved-hunt applications available July 1

Hunters may apply for a reserved hunt online by visiting www.IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov and clicking on the “Register for a Reserved Hunt” link, beginning July 1. The online method is the only way to apply.

All applicants must possess a valid hunting license for the hunt for which they apply. All applications must be completed by the application deadline to be eligible for the drawing. Hunters will be selected through a random drawing. All drawing results will be posted at www.wildlife.IN.gov within a week after application deadlines.

• Dove Hunt Draw
Online application must be completed by July 31

• Military/Refuge Firearm and Archery Deer Hunt Draw
Online application must be completed by Aug. 28. Hunts on Military/Refuge properties may be cancelled at any time.

• State Park Deer Reduction Hunts
Online application must be completed by Aug. 28

• Youth Firearm Deer Hunt at Muscatatuck National Widlife Refuge
Online application must be completed by Aug. 28

• Pheasant Hunt Draw
Online application must be completed by Oct. 2. Adults should not apply for the Nov. 25 hunt. Nov. 25 is reserved for youth (17 and younger) only.

Applications for waterfowl draw hunts begin in late August. Pheasant put-and-take and state park goose will be available in September.

For more information on military/refuge hunt opportunities, call (812) 334-3795 from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. on weekdays.

More information is available in the Hunting & Trapping Guide online at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/5834.htm.

New Outdoor Indiana magazine features record fish program

Outdoor Indiana magazine’s July-August issue features articles and color photos documenting the state’s record fish program; the record-setters, their stories and techniques; and the 37 fish species for which state records have been established.

There’s also an eight-page removable and collectable insert on Harmonie State Park, which continues a series featuring one state park or reservoir per issue. The series runs through 2016, the 100th anniversary of Indiana state parks.

The cover article previews September’s annual Indiana Seaplane Fly-In at Pokagon State Park.

This issue of Outdoor Indiana is available now at most DNR properties and most Barnes & Noble stores in Indiana for $3. You can subscribe to the magazine for $12 a year for six issues. To subscribe, go to OutdoorIndiana.org or call 317-233-3046.

You can also join Outdoor Indiana on Facebook at http://facebook.com/OutdoorIndiana.

Summer day camps for kids at Salamonie Lake

Salamonie Lake is holding two summertime day camps for children ages 7-11.

“Horse Lovers” day camp runs June 28-30 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Day campers don’t need to be horse owners to participate in this camp. Children will learn about and see different breeds of horses. Proper horse care and grooming will be taught by experienced horse owners. During the final day of camp participants will have the opportunity to saddle and ride on a horse or pony.

“Wetland Wanderings” day camp will be held Aug. 3-5. Campers will be studying wetland plants and animals with hands-on activities. The camp runs from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. each day. Activities include a canoeing session and daily crafts and hikes for participants.

Camps will be led by experienced interpretive naturalists. Each camp is $45 per child with a discount for siblings.

Registration is required and space is limited. A snack will be provided. Children need to bring a sack lunch with drink each day.

For more information or to register, call (260) 468-2127 or visit www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis.

Check out our 4-H Fair blog

With the Wells County 4-H Fair coming, don't forget to view our Fair blog in our blog bank.

State Park weekend events

From the Oubache State Park:

Friday, June 24, 2011 Evening Roving Interpreter: Be on the lookout for your Interpretive Naturalist, Jennifer, at the Main Gate, Campground Control Station, and Campground. Find out what she’s carrying and get event fliers.

Saturday, June 25, 2011 1:45 pm Pool Break Scents Sense: Test your sense of smell on the Pool Lawn with Interpretive Naturalist Jennifer. Swimmers, make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave the bath house, so you may re-enter the pool!

7:00 pm Hoosier Quest Patch Program: Discover! Connect! Explore! Learn more about these great project based programs that you can complete at any of the State Parks and Reservoirs. Find out how you can earn certificates, patches, bandanas, and more. Get started by meeting at the Campview Shelter located in the middle of Campground A.

7:30 pm Butterflies vs. Moths: What is the difference between butterflies and moths? Learn about their life cycles and interesting facts about each one. Meet at the Campview Shelter located in the middle of Campground A.

Sunday, June 26, 2011 10:00 am Worship Service: Pat Harris from Bethel Church will be sharing a message at the Campview Shelter located in the middle of Campground A.

: Discover! Connect! Explore! Learn more about these great project based programs that you can complete at any of the State Parks and Reservoirs. Find out how you can earn certificates, patches, bandanas, and more. Get started by meeting at the Campview Shelter located in the middle of Campground A. 12:30 pm Sensory Scavenger Hunt Go on a search using sight, sound, touch, and smell. Can you find everything on your list? Join us at the back patio of the Campview Shelter in the middle of Campground A.

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo events

After reading in Tuesday's paper about how the zoo came to Bluffton (and you can see the video here), click here to learn about some of the events at the zoo.

Pressure canner testing dates scheduled

The Purdue Cooperative Extension Service of Wells County is offering a week this summer to have your pressure canner tested by a certified canner tester. A new method of testing canners has been developed by the Presto Canner Company, and the Purdue CFS Educators is now certified to test pressure canners. Dial gauge canners should be checked annually for accuracy. Weighted gauge canners do not need to be tested.

Two different inspections are available:

• Gauge/Lid Inspection for $3.00. The dial gauge will be tested for accuracy, and the petcock and gasket will be checked for cracks and condition.
• Full canner inspection for $5.00. Includes the dial gauge, the safety plug, petcock and gasket and the overall condition of the canner.
  

Testing will be at the Wells County Community Center at the 4-H Park during the week of June 27th to July 1st.

Bring your lid or entire canner and make arrangements to leave it and pick it up at a later date during the week. The Extension Office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No canners or lids will be accepted after noon on July 1st.

A free publication titled, "Using and Caring for Your Pressure Canner" will also be available to those bringing a canner or lid in for inspection.

If you have questions about this event, please contact the Wells County office of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service at 260-824-6412.

Preschooler program on butterflies and bugs at Salamonie June 22

“Butterflies and Other Bugs,” a program for children ages 2 to 5, will be offered Wednesday, June 22, at the Salamonie Interpretive Center.

The program runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Children and their parent or caregiver will learn about butterflies, insects and spiders, try to catch some, and do a craft.

The program starts at the interpretive center. Participants can choose to bring their lunches to eat together after the event.

A $2 fee per child will be charged for the program. The standard property entrance fee will be waived for program attendees. Advance registration can be made by calling (260) 468-2127 or visiting the interpretive center at 3691 S. New Holland Road in Andrews. Advanced registration is preferred. Caregivers are expected to stay with their children throughout the program.

Swim lessons scheduled

Tot Swim Lessons begin June 20
The Bluffton Parks and Recreation will offer Tot Swim Sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 to 11:45 a.m. during the weeks of June 20th and June 27th.

A parent must get in the water with children ages 4 to 5 years old. Call 824-6069 to register.

Special Needs Swim starts June 21
Bring your child to explore the water during the Special Needs Swim.

This event takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays (six lessons) from 10 to 11a.m. at the Wells Community Pool. A parent or caretaker must get in the water with each participant.

Call 824-6069 for more information and to register.

Outdoor activities scheduled

Hunter Education Course offered June 18 & 19
An Indiana's Hunter Education course will be offered free June 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 19 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Ossian Conservation Club.

Instructors will be ICO Kenny Wireman, Darrell Reynolds, Mike and Jodi Pinkerton, Rich Falk and Tracy Myers.

For pre-registration and more information call 260-824-0692.

Those under age 16 must be accompanied by a guardian. Attendance at all classes is required for certification.

Youth Day at the Range June 19
The Roush Fish and Wildlife Area along with the Lime City chapter of Whitetails ,Unlimited Flint Springs Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and theHuntington County Chapter Ducks Unlimited will hold the 2011 Youth Day at the Range Sunday, June 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at Roush Lake Shooting Range.

Instruction topics include basic gun safety; shotguns and clay targets; rimfire rifles shooting; instruction of deer, turkey, duck, and goose calls; archery demonstration; door prizes; rimfire rifle give-away and a free lunch.

Adults welcome but do not need to be present. Call 260-468-2165 for more information.

Public hearings scheduled for proposed changes to deer hunting rules

The Natural Resources Commission will conduct two public hearings on proposed changes to deer hunting rules next month. The components of the proposed deer rule changes include modifications to the season structure, bag limits, hunting equipment and licensing requirements.

The proposed rule language and fact sheet can be found at www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2362.htm.

Individuals can provide comments at one of the public hearings:

Monday, July 25
Spring Mill Inn
Spring Mill State Park
3333 St. Rd. 60 East
Mitchell, IN 47446
6 p.m. (EDT)

Tuesday, July 26
Community Building
Miami County Fairgrounds
1029 W. 200 N.
Peru, IN 46970
6 p.m. (EDT)

Submit comments regarding these proposed changes to the NRC at http://www.IN.gov/nrc/2377.htm by clicking on "Comment on Proposed Rule" next to the “Deer Amendments.” The deadline for submitting comments is Wednesday, July 27.

Comments can also be mailed to:

Natural Resources Commission
Indiana Government Center North
100 North Senate Ave., Room N501
Indianapolis, IN 46204

All comments sent to the NRC regarding these proposed rule changes will be provided to its members and DNR staff, and will be publicly disclosed and searchable on the Internet and in a paper docket as part of the final report.

Colts alumni players and cheerleaders coming to Bluffton

The Colts Make It Personal Tour — which features autograph signings, giveaways and more — is coming to the Bluffton Middle School from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m today.

The Make It Personal Tour includes:

• Colts alumni player autograph signings
• Colts cheerleader autograph signings
• Register to win Colts tickets
• Register kids for the Colts Fan Clubs
• Free Colts giveaways
• Test your abilities on a rock climbing wall
• Attempt to catch and NFL punt from a Jugs machine
• Colts interactive Inflatables
  • Mountain Slide
  • Helmet Bouncer
• Quarterback challenge football toss
• See Colts In Motion the clubs traveling museum

4-H workshops announced

A 4-H Foods workshop for beginning members will be held Wednesday, June 22, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Wells County Community Center at the 4-H Park. Carol Pierson, a 4-H judge and food nutrition program assistant, will lead the session, which is designed for participants in the first three divisions (cookies, muffins, cakes). Some of the topics will include recipe selection, pan types, measurement tips, oven, baking techniques and more. Exhibit requirements will be explained and some samples exhibits will be judged. Parents are encouraged to attend.

A 4-H genealogy workshop will be held Monday, June 20, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Wells County Public Library main branch in the Indiana Room.

Library staffer Meredith Fritz will share library information and resources to help research genealogy. She will also review some of the items needed for the 4-H project, such as pedigree charts, information sheets, photographs and more

Participants should bring their notebook from previous years. Parents are encouraged to attend. For more information about the workshop contact Meredith Fritz at 824- 1612 or the Wells County Extension Office at 824-6412.

Springtime sunset

The sun is surrounded by swirling clouds as it sets Monday evening. This photo was taken on Wells County Road 300W, just north of the Southern Wells school campus. (Photo by Dave Schultz)

High school track midwest meet of champions

By Tim Creason, for the Indiana Association of Track & Cross Country Coaches

FORT WAYNE – Chris Geisting wasn't expecting to run as fast as he did Saturday afternoon.

But if clocking 46.89 seconds in the 400-meter dash would help Team Indiana's boys win the 38th annual Midwest Meet of Champions track meet, he was perfectly happy to do it.

“I was more relaxed than I was last week (at the IHSAA state finals),” said the graduating senior from Batesville. “I knew we needed a win, so I gave it everything I had.”

Geisting's first-place finish in the 400, plus a blistering 47.1 opening leg on a record-setting 4 x 400-meter relay, helped Indiana claim the boys championship in the annual three-state meet at Fort Wayne's Northrop High School.

Much like the Indiana-Kentucky All-Star basketball series, the Midwest Meet brings together top graduating senior track athletes from Indiana, Ohio and Michigan for a unique state-vs-state competition.

Indiana's boys scored 184 points for the win, while Ohio was second at 157 and Michigan had 134.

Indiana's girls finished third with 126 ½. Ohio won the girls title with 193 ½ while Michigan had 150.

For his efforts, Geisting was named the running events “star of stars” – the running MVP.

His relay leg, combined with the efforts of Center Grove's Nick Stoner, Hobart's Jarvis McMillan and Andrean's Chris Arvia enabled Indiana to set a new meet record in the 4 x 400 relay. They clocked 3:08.84 and needed every bit of that to beat Ohio, which also broke the previous meet record with a 3:09.34.

“I'm not used to running first,” said Geisting. “The coaches wanted me to get the team an early lead, so I was happy to do it.”

Bloomington South's Gabe Hull was named “star of stars” in the boys field events. He won the discus with a throw of 191-1 and the shot put with a mighty 62-6.

Indiana scored a 1-2-3 sweep in the shot, with Indianapolis North Central's Anthony Bradley second at 61-8 and Huntington North's Travis Gerding third at 60-8 ½.

“Seeing us 1-2-3 in the shot really pumped me up,” said Hull. “This is fun, I love meets like this.”

Tori Bliss of Portage was named the “star of stars” in girls field events. She set a new Indiana state record of 50-9 a week ago, and came back with a 48-4 victory Saturday.

“Coming off a big, intense meet like the Indiana state meet, it was hard to duplicate that intensity today,” said Bliss. “All things considered, I'm pretty happy with the way I threw.”

Ohio's Aisha Cavin, from Bishop Hartley, was the girls running event “star of stars.” She ran a swift 23.95 to win the 200 and also ran a leg on Ohio's first place 4 x 200 relay.

“I didn't have a very good (Ohio) state meet, so this is kind of a surprise,” said Cavin. “I'm glad to redeem myself a little today.”

Michigan's 4 x 200 team of Jake Spuller, D'Ontae Hopson, Jamirus McTear and Andrew Hunt set a new meet record of 1:25.29.

Indiana's 4 x 400 girls also set a meet record, with Lawrence North's Antonia Franklin, Park Tudor's Abby Farley, Lawrence North's Ashley Spencer and Fort Wayne Northrop's Whitney McDonald clocking 3:42.50.

MIDWEST MEET OF CHAMPIONS

BOYS
“Team” scores: Indiana 184, Ohio 157, Michigan 134.

4 x 800 relay: 1, Indiana (Colin Holston, Connor Claflin, Ryan Cutter, Josh Roche) 7:33.75. 2, Michigan (Drew Meylan, Ryan Haag, Jacob Schwiesberg, Eric Buday) 7:44.08. 3, Ohio (Brian Baum, Sal DelGiudice, Ethan Leonard, Jacob Onifer) 7:47.33.

110 high hurdles: 1, Marcus Safer (Indiana) 13.89. 2, Shane Mikesky (Indiana) 14.08. 3, Brett Wehmiller (Indiana) 14.33. 4, Justin Balczak (Michigan) 14.42. 5, Chris James (Michigan) 14.59. 6, Kyle Walker (Ohio) 14.60. 7, Sean Weems (Ohio) 15.12. 8, Trey Hammons-Scott (Ohio) 15.18.
100: 1, Nick Stoner (Indiana) 10.71. 2, Nate Harris (Ohio) 10.77. 3, Ricco Hall (Michigan) 10.82. 4, Jared Walker (Ohio) 10.90. 5, Kendal Frederick (Indiana) 10.94. 6, Chris Arvia (Indiana) 10.99. 7, Jamirus McTear (Michigan) 11.00. 8, Jeremy Sears (Ohio) 11.16.

4 x 200 relay: 1, Michigan (Jake Spuller, D'Ontae Hopson, Jamirus McTear, Andrew Hunt) 1:25.59 (MEET RECORD). 2, Indiana (Tyrennzie Burgess, Ryan Dickson, D'Quan Ruth, Rahim Conwell) 1:26.28. 3, Ohio (Matt Thompson, Matt Jones, Malik Tuck, Jeremy Sears) 1:28.10.

1600: 1, Chris Quinn (Ohio) 4:14.65. 2, Matt Perkins (Indiana) 4:14.99. 3, Josh Sabo (Ohio) 4:17.26. 4, Adrian Glover (Indiana) 4:17.34. 5, Jake Magier (Michigan) 4:17.64. 6, John-Paul Zembrowski (Michigan) 4:17.96. 7, Andrew Bachman (Ohio) 4:19.54. 8, Jeff Sattier (Michigan) 4:22.49. 9, Tyler Wynn (Indiana) 4:26.27.

4 x 100 relay: 1, Ohio (Jared Walker, Matt Thompson, Malik Tuck, Nate Harris) 41.55. 2, Michigan (Jamirus McTear, Max Pewee, Trevon Slater, Kaiman White) 41.58. 3, Indiana (Rahim Conwell, Kendal Frederick, Darin Barbour, Adarius Washington) 42.09.

400: 1, Chris Giesting (Indiana) 46.89. 2, Dakarie McKinnie (Michigan) 48.04. 3, Phil Washington (Michigan) 48.38. 4, Brent Gray (Ohio) 48.61. 5, Waylan Andrews (Ohio) 48.63. 6, Michael Stelle (Indiana) 49.79. 7, DeQuinton Wallace (Indiana) 50.93.

300 intermediate hurdles: 1, Luke Norris (Ohio) 37.14. 2, Sean Weems (Ohio) 37.65. 3, Nathan Mueller (Indiana) 37.70. 4, Mason Borders (Michigan) 38.04. 5, Justin Balczak (Michigan) 38.29. 6, Joel Whittington (Indiana) 38.56. 7, Arq'eil Shaw (Indiana) 38.99. 8, Javonte Lipsey (Michigan) 39.12.

800: 1, Nick Kaiser (Michigan) 1:50.00. 2, Vibushan Sivakumaran (Ohio) 1:52.96. 3, Ben Reed (Michigan) 1:52.99. 4, Jordan Gornall (Indiana) 1:55.72. 5, Anderson Lee (Michigan) 1:56.12. 6, Dillon Webster (Ohio) 1:57.37. 7, Steve Dennig (Indiana) 1:57.48. 8, Dylan Allen (Indiana) 2:05.01.

200: 1, Jake Spuller (Michigan) 21.34. 2, D'Ontae Hopson (Michigan) 21.38. 3, Tyrennzie Burgess (Indiana) 21.40. 4, Darin Barbour (Indiana) 21.64. 5, Malik Tuck (Ohio) 21.88. 6, Trevon Salter (Michigan) 22.06. 7, Jared Walker (Ohio) 22.10. 8, Kyle Schwartz (Indiana) 22.22.

3200: 1, Chris Walden (Indiana) 9:13.47. 2, Austin Whitelaw (Michigan) 9:17.10. 3, Luis Carbajal (Ohio) 9:17.83. 4, James Martin (Indiana) 9:23.01. 5, August Pappas (Michigan) 9:29.97. 6, Cal Magier (Michigan) 9:35.86. 7, Matt Kincaid (Ohio) 9:37.85. 8, Bradley Hess (Indiana) 9:43.72. 9, Curtis Hanle (Ohio) 9:50.30.

4 x 400 relay: 1, Indiana (Nick Stoner, Chris Giesting, Jarvis McMillan, Chris Arvia) 3:08.84. (MEET RECORD). 2, Ohio (Brent Gray, Waylan Andrews, Sean Weems, Luke Norris) 3:09.34. 3, Michigan (Dakariw McKinney, Javonte Lipsey, Andrew Hunt, Phil Washington) 3:32.25.

High Jump: 1, Jonathan Christensen (Indiana) 7-0. 2, Brent Reardon (Ohio) 6-8. 3, Nigel Preacher (Ohio) 6-8. 4, Owen Hughes (Michigan) 6-8. 5, Kody Galloway (Indiana) 6-6. 6, LaRue Layton (Michigan) 6-4. 7, Tyler Fifer (Ohio) 6-4. 8, Steven VanDyke (Indiana) 6-4.

Long jump: 1, Dan Skiba (Ohio) 24-0 ¼. 2, Joshua Bass (Ohio) 23-10 ¾. 3, Trevon Salter (Michigan) 23-5 ¾. 4, John Alsup (Indiana) 23-4 ¾. 5, Nigel Preacher (Ohio) 22-11 ¼. 6, Kody Galloway (Indiana) 22-8. 7, Patrick Ellis (Indiana) 22-6. 8, Logan Howe (Michigan) 7-8 ½.

Shot put: 1, Gabe Hull (Indiana) 62-6. 2, Anthony Bradley (Indiana) 61-8. 3, Travis Gerding (Indiana) 60-8 ½. 4, AJ Hicks (Ohio) 60-6. 5, David Scouten (Michigan) 58-10 ½. 6, Tyler Dukes (Ohio) 58-2. 7, Matt Badger (Michigan) 57-3 ½. 8, Derek Sievers (Michigan) 57-0 ½. 9, Jess Braun (Ohio) 56-4.

Discus: 1, Gabe Hull (Indiana) 191-1. 2, Cale Reiff (Indiana) 186-7. 3, Derek Sievers (Michigan) 181-5. 4, Tie between David Scouten (Michigan) and Conner Neu (Ohio) 180-7. 6, Todd Christy (Ohio) 177-1. 7, AJ Hicks (Ohio) 175-5. 8, Travis Gerding (Indiana) 174-1. 9, Ryan Stankey (Michigan) 160-0.

Pole vault: 1, Joey Uhle (Ohio) 16-0. 2, Chris Uhle (Ohio) 15-6. 3, Elliott Tedquist (Ohio) 15-6. 4, Brian Mitchell (Michigan) 15-6. 5, Dave Schipper (Indiana) 15-3. 6, Austin Isaac (Michigan) 15-0. 7, Jake Knight (Indiana) 15-0. 8, Chase Payne (Indiana) 14-0. Andrew Herring (Michigan) no height.

Field Event “Star of Stars”: Gabe Hull (Indiana)
Running Event “Star of Stars”: Chris Giesting (Indiana)

GIRLS
“Team” scores: Ohio 193 ½, Michigan 150, Indiana 126 ½.

4 x 800 relay: 1, Ohio (Charlotte Myers, Katherine Stultz, Julia Pusateri, Maria Moore) 9:05.43. 2, Michigan (Jessica Sexton, Megan Vitale, Catie Rietsema, Annie-Norah Beveridge) 9:18.78. 3, Indiana (Kyela Specht, Madelyn Webster, Alex Chitwood, Lynette Akai) 9:19.33.

100 hurdles: 1, Je'Rica Sanders (Ohio) 14.16. 2, Alexandria Johnson (Michigan) 14.25. 3, Ashley Spencer (Indiana) 14.63. 4, Teddi Maslowski (Ohio) 14.66. 5, Cristal Wilson (Michigan) 14.74. 6, Bridgey Doughty (Ohio) 14.76. 7, Veronica Schalt (Michigan) 15.14. 8, Jordan Moseby (Indiana) 15.56. 9, Taylor Gilles (Indiana) 16.17.

100: 1, Aisha Cavin (Ohio) 12.11. 2, Rachel Christian (Ohio) 12.18. 3, Michaela Lewis (Michigan) 12.27. 4, Jewel Thomas (Michigan) 12.29. 5, Shayla France (Michigan) 12.50. 6, Brionna Harrison (Indiana) 12.52. 7, Ja'Liza Prophet (Indiana) 12.67. 8, Chanitta Westbrook (Ohio) 12.67. 9, Destiny Patterson (Indiana) 12.78.

4 x 200 relay: 1, Ohio (Teddi Maslowski, Aisha Cavin, Maya Pederson, Chelsea Scott) 1:39.41. 2, Michigan (Yasmine Jones, Allix Miller, Limicah Hughbanks, Rebecca Hall) 1:41.55. No 3rd place (Indiana disqualified – dropped baton).

1600: 1, Brook Handler (Michigan) 4:56.65. 2, Jessica Hoover (Ohio) 4:56.67. 3, Brianna Johnson (Indiana) 4:58.78. 4, Shaina Corbin (Ohio) 5:03.62. 5, Megan McPherson (Michigan) 5:04.03. 6, Hope Jordan (Indiana) 5:04.22. 7, Jordan Chester (Indiana) 5:06.25. 8, Lauren Kettle (Michigan) 5:11.00. 9, Morgan Willis (Ohio) 5:21.72.

4 x 100 relay: 1, Michigan (Jewel Thomas, Kaisha Martin, Shayla France, Rebecca Hall) 46.91. 2, Indiana (Taylor Gilles, Alyssa Walker, Kristy Evans, Ja'Liza Prophet) 47.95. 3, Ohio (Chanitta Westbrook, Erin Rambo, Tchnavia Spencer, Rachel Christian) 48.47.

400: 1, Zena Kolliesuah (Ohio) 55.19. 2, Whitney McDonald (Indiana) 56.10. 3, Charlotte Myers (Ohio) 56.80. 4, Lindsey Hufnagel (Michigan) 56.84. 5, Ravyn Baxter (Michigan) 57.39. 6, Maya Pederson (Ohio) 57.52. 7, Chauntiel Smith (Indiana) 57.88. 8, Cherie Gaines (Michigan) 58.47. 9, Antonia Franklin (Indiana) 59.20.

300 intermediate hurdles: 1, Ashley Spencer (Indiana) 43.22. 2, Veronica Schalt (Michigan) 43.39. 3, Maria Rotello (Ohio) 43.56. 4, Jade Barber (Ohio) 44.35. 5, Bridgey Doughty (Ohio) 44.43. 6, Stephanie Fisher (Indiana) 44.52. 7, Alexis Hall (Michigan) 44.73. 8, Jourdin Heinrichs (Indiana) 46.16.

800: 1, Abby Farley (Indiana) 2:09.79. 2, Brook Handler (Michigan) 2:09.86. 3, Maria Moore (Ohio) 2:16.62. 4, Julia Pusateri (Ohio) 2:17.56. 5, Chinyere Onimo (Michigan) 2:19.59. 6, Kelly Williams (Ohio) 2:20.12. 7, Kyela Specht (Indiana) 2:20.48. 8, Tyreca Jackson (Indiana) 2:23.17. 9, Courtney Stauffor (Michigan) 2:27.51.

200: 1, Aisha Cavin (Ohio) 23.95. 2, Dynasty McGee (Michigan) 24.36. 3, Rachel Christian (Ohio) 24.51. 4, Brionna Harrison (Indiana) 24.77. 5, Yasmine Jones (Michigan) 24.83. 6, Alexandria Johnson (Michigan) 25.11. 7, Kristen Flake (Indiana) 25.21. 8, Shakyla Askew (Indiana) 25.43. 9, Chanitta Westbrook (Ohio) 26.98.

3200: 1, Gabrielle Anzalone (Michigan) 10:29.48. 2, Michelle Thomas (Ohio) 10:48.61. 3, Brianna Johnson (Indiana) 10:49.08. 4, Katie Ollier (Ohio) 10:52.74. 5, Nicole Lucas (Indiana) 10:53.35. 6, Annie-Norah Beveridge (Michigan) 10:59.86. 7, Christina Blair (Ohio) 11:00.48. 8, Skylair Hilton (Indiana) 11:03.05. 9, Ann Marie Arsenau (Michigan) 11:12.63.

4 x 400 relay: 1, Indiana (Whitney McDonald, Antonia Franklin, Abby Farley, Ashley Spencer) 3:42.50 (MEET RECORD). 2, Michigan (Ravin Baxter, Lindsey Hufnagel, Allix Miller, Dynasty McGee) 3:45.99. 3, Ohio (Jalisha Jarrett, Maria Rotello, Jade Barber, Kaila Barber) 3:46.30.

High Jump: 1, Nyki Caldwell (Michigan) 5-8. 2, Kaylee LaPierre (Indiana) 5-6. 3, Emily Beckley (Indiana) 5-4. 4, Emily Gerken (Ohio) 5-2. No fifth place. Lindsey Hufnagel (Michigan ) and Renee McKee (Ohio) no height.

Long jump: 1, Teddi Maslowski (Ohio) 18-6 ½. 2, Jolisa Davis (Michigan) 18-4 ½. 3, Jamira Winborn (Indiana) 18-1 ¼. 4, Kaisha Martin (Michigan) 18-0 ¾. 5, Nicole Hudec (Ohio) 18-0 ¼. 6, Maria Rotello (Ohio) 17-8 ½. 7, Michaela Lewis (Michigan) 16-8 ¼. 8, Destiny Patterson (Indiana) 15-5 ¾.

Shot put: 1, Tori Bliss (Indiana) 48-4. 2, Jackie Leppelmeier (Ohio) 46-1 ½. 3, Beckie Famurewa (Ohio) 44-3. 4, Farin Hickman (Indiana) 42-3 ½. 5, Emily Morris (Ohio) 41-9. 6, Taylor Gunn (Michigan) 41-3 ½. 7, Tonia Pratt (Michigan) 41-2. 8, Angela Bursey (Michigan) 40-3. 9, Alana Rivera (Indiana) 36-7.

Discus: 1, Tonia Pratt (Michigan) 148-4. 2, Carly Pendleton (Ohio) 148-1. 3, Beckie Famurewa (Ohio) 143-3. 4, Taylor Gunn (Michigan) 140-9. 5, Tie between Jackie Leppelmeier (Ohio) and Kayla Zink (Indiana) 131-8. 7, Laura Schroeder (Michigan) 131-3. 8, Farin Hickman (Indiana) 104-3.

Pole vault: 1, MacKenzie Redman (Indiana) 12-6. 2, Nina Gutermuth (Indiana) 12-3. 3, Tori Meyer (Ohio) 12-3. 4, Kassie Powell (Michigan) 12-3. 5, Alex Wasik (Ohio) 11-9. 6, Tie between Jennifer Schornak (Michigan) and Brittany London (Michigan) 11-6. No 8th place.

Field Event “Star of Stars”: Tori Bliss (Indiana)
Running Event “Star of Stars”: Aisha Cavin (Ohio)

BOYS AND GIRLS COMBINED SCORES: Ohio 350 ½, Indiana 310 ½, Michigan 284.

N-B Video: Norwell boys' golf seniors on their regional win

Featuring Norwell seniors Ross Mathews, Taylor Imel and McCormick Clouser. See the Saturday, June 6, News-Banner to learn more.

4-H June Calendar

• June 11: 4-H Shot Gun Safety, Wells County Gun Club, 9 - 11 AM
• June 13: 4-H Leaders Meeting, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM
• June 14: 4-H Archery Club, 4-H Park Quonset, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
• June 15: 4-H Pistol Safety, 4-H Park Quonset, 6:30 - 8 PM
• June 15: 4-H Cake Decorating Workshop, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, $4 fee
• June 15: 4-H PQA Training for Swine Members, Community Center, 4-H Park, 1 PM
• June 16: 4-H Basket Making Workshop, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6 PM, $14
• June 16: Master Gardeners Cookout, 4-H Park, 6:30 PM
• June 20: 4-H Genealogy Workshop, Wells County Public Library, Bluffton, 6 - 7:30 PM
• June 20: Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM
• June 20 - 22: 4-H Round-Up, Purdue University
• June 21: 4-H Archery Club, 4-H Park Quonset, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
• June 22: 4-H Pistol Safety, 4-H Park Quonset, 6:30 - 8 PM
• June 27 - July 1: Pressure Canner Testing - $3 for gauge and lid; $5 for full canner inspection. Bring canner to County Extension Office
• June 28: 4-H Archery Club, 4-H Park Quonset, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
• June 29: 4-H Pistol Safety, 4-H Park Quonset, 6:30 - 8 PM

Wetland Wanderings Day Camp scheduled for Ouabache State Park

Children ages 7 through 11 are invited to participate in the day camp from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 14, 15 and 16. During the camp, interpretive naturalists we'll help the children study wetland creatures, and there will be hiking, canoeing, crafting and movies. Children should bring their own lunches and drinks. They should dress in play clothes and have an extra pair of shoes or boots. The cost is $45 per child, and pre-registration is required. To register, call the Upper Wabash Interpretive Services at 260-468-2127.

Farmer's Market June 8 & 11

The Farmer's Market will be open June 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 11, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Dutch Mill Plaza. Available: rhubarb, strawberries, frozen pork, beef, handcrafted cards, pots, birdhouses, gourds, Gluten free bread, beauty products, flower and garden plants.

Behind the scenes of the Norwell boys' golf team's sectional win

Learn more in the Monday, June 6, News-Banner.

4-H Extension Calendar for June

• June 4: Go Fishing Day, Oubache State Park, 8:30-10:30 AM
• June 4: 4-H Shot Gun Safety, Wells County Gun Club, 9-11 AM
• June 5: 4-H Horse & Pony Advisory Board, Community Center, 4-H Park, 5 PM
• June 6: Wells County 4-H Junior Leaders, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7-8:30 PM
• June 7: 4-H Archery Club, 4-H Park Quonset, 6:30-8:30 PM
• June 8: 4-H Pistol Safety, 4-H Park Quonset, 6:30-8 PM
• June 8-10: Home & Family Conference, Purdue University
• June 8-10: 4-H Science Workshops, Purdue University
• June 9: 4-H Sewing Workshop, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM
• June 10: 4-H Camp Registration due at County Extension Office
• June 11: 4-H Shot Gun Safety, Wells County Gun Club, 9-11 AM
• June 13: 4-H Leaders Meeting, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM
• June 14: 4-H Archery Club, 4-H Park Quonset, 6:30-8:30 PM
• June 15: 4-H Pistol Safety, 4-H Park Quonset, 6:30-8 PM
• June 15: 4-H Cake Decorating Workshop, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30-8:30 PM, $4 fee
• June 15: 4-H PQA Training for Swine Members, Community Center, 4-H Park, 1 PM
• June 16: 4-H Basket Making Workshop, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6 PM, $14
• June 16: Master Gardeners Cookout, 4-H Park, 6:30 PM
• June 27-July 1: Pressure Canner Testing - $3 for gauge and lid; $5 for full canner inspection. Bring canner to County Extension Office

Free Fishing Weekend Saturday and Sunday

During Free Fishing Weekend this Saturday and Sunday, Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish Indiana waters.

To help kids and adults celebrate Free Fishing Weekend, recreation areas located across Indiana are planning derbies, knot tying demonstrations, casting clinics, and fish cleaning and cooking classes. Some properties require pre-registration. Contact Ouabache State Park at 260-468-2127 for more information about its specific activities. Click here for a complete list of parks offering activities.

Farmer's Market open tonight

Farmer's Market will be open tonight, June 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 4, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Dutch Mill Plaza.

Available: asparagus, rhubarb, baked goods, pork, beef, onions, handcrafted cards, pots, birdhouses, beauty products, garden and flower plants, gourds.