Bluffton Optimists host regional Tri-Star contest

Almost 40 children, including three from Bluffton, between the ages 8 through 13 came to the Life Church gym on Sunday, Feb. 19, to demonstrate their basketball skills in dribbling, passing, and shooting at the Optimist Tri-Star Regional Contest, hosted by Bluffton Optimist Club.

To qualify for the regional, the boys and girls had to finish first in their respective age groups at local contests conducted earlier by various Optimist clubs across northeastern Indiana.

First-place winners here advance to the District finals to be held Sunday, March 18, at New Castle’s Chrysler Fieldhouse.

The boys who finished among the top three in their respective age groups, plus the Optimist clubs they represented: Front row, left to right, Quinn Faulkner, 1st, 8-year-olds (West Jay), Derek Tabor, 2nd, 8-year-olds (New Castle), Aden Gerrian, 3rd, 8-year-olds (Brookville), Cameron Wise, 1st, 9-year-olds (Rushville), Cole McDaniel, 2nd, 9-year-olds (New Castle), Reid Claycomb, 3rd, 9-year-olds (West Jay), Andy Locker, 1st, 10-year-olds (Knightstown), Skylor Stevenson, 2nd, 10-year-olds (New Castle), and Brinnin Wasson, 3rd, 10-year-olds (West Jay). Middle row, from left, Mason Hardwick, 1st, 11-year-olds (New Castle), Landon McClish, 2nd, 11-year-olds (Bluffton), Matthew Paquette, 3rd, 11-year-olds (West Jay), Dallas Edwards, 1st, 12-year-olds (Knightstown), Clay McDaniel, 2nd, 12-year-olds (New Castle), and Nick Garcia, 3rd, 12-year-old (Bluffton). Top row, from left, Fisher Witham, 1st, 13-year­-olds (Knightstown), Luke Weisenbach, 2nd, 13-year-olds (Brookville), and John Paquette, 3rd, 13­-year-olds (West Jay).

The girls who finished among the top three in their respective age groups, plus the Optimist clubs they represented. Front row, left to right, are Carley Culberson, 1st, 8-year-olds (West Jay), Annika Marlow, 2nd, 8-year-olds (Rushville), Carli Cox, 3rd, 8-year-olds (New Castle), Rena Witham, 1st, 9-year-olds (Knightstown), Paxton Krenz, 1st, 10-year-olds (New Castle), Katelynn Clark, 2nd, 10-year-olds (Knightstown), Payton Mahu, 3rd, 10-year-olds (Hagerstown). Top row, from left, Shelby Caldwell, 1st, 11-year-olds (West Jay), Haylie Graham, 2nd, 11-year-olds (New Castle), Ashley VandenBoom, 3rd, 11-year-olds (Bluffton), Anna Davis, 1st, 12-year-olds (New Castle), and Madison Wise, 1st, 13-year-olds (Mt. Comfort).

Student breaks Bluffton Middle School record

Bluffton Middle School student Jacob Ehle breaks an 11-year-old middle school swim record Monday, Feb. 27. (Photo submitted)

DNR gives temporary OK to umbrella rigs

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

Indiana DNR director Robert E. Carter Jr. has signed a temporary rule that establishes a limit on the number of hooks allowed on a rig or lure array used for sport fishing, essentially making so-called umbrella rigs legal through the remainder of this year.

Until recently, umbrella rigs were a traditional saltwater trolling apparatus used effectively in the northeastern United States to catch striped bass and bluefish, according to Ken Smith’s Fishing Encyclopedia.

The rig is an umbrella-shaped frame of multiple wires from which lures or hooks are attached. It is designed to resemble a school of baitfish.

Professional bass fisherman Paul Elias triggered a frenzy among freshwater anglers when he used a version of the apparatus, The Alabama Rig, to win an FLW Series national tournament in October. Elias caught a 20-fish limit weighing more than 100 pounds to beat his closest challenger by 17 pounds and earn the tournament’s $100,000 first-place prize.

Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society (BASS), the FLW’s rival tour, announced in January that umbrella rigs cannot be used in the Bassmaster Classic or the Bassmaster Elite Series.

In the meantime, states have been scrambling to see if umbrella rigs fall inside or outside of their fishing regulations.

Indiana’s existing rules do not adequately describe whether or not umbrella rigs are legal. Indiana Administrative Code 312 IAC 9-7-2 states that “an individual may take fish with not more than three poles, hand lines, or tip-ups at a time…(and) an individual must affix to each line not more than: two hooks, two harnesses for use with live bait, or two artificial baits.

The ambiguity with the umbrella rig is whether it should be defined as one lure with many parts or many lures on single line.

As DNR officials continue to study the issue, the temporary rule adds a fourth option to the existing regulation that allows “one rig or lure array for use with multiple artificial baits with not more than five hooks.”

The temporary rule expires on Jan. 1, 2013.

“This gives Hoosier anglers an opportunity to gain first-hand experience with the use and effectiveness, or drawbacks, of how umbrella rigs actually perform,” Carter said. “It also gives the DNR time to gather information on what, if any, future definitions or restrictions need to be considered.”

The temporary rule does not apply to trout and salmon streams that are tributaries of Lake Michigan or to the St. Joseph River downstream of the Twin Branch Dam in Mishawaka. The regulations on those waters continue to be limited to one single hook, one harness for use with live bait, or one artificial lure per line. Single hooks, including those on artificial baits, must be no larger than 1/2 inch front point to shank. Double and treble hooks on artificial lures may not exceed 3/8 inch from point to shank. All trout and salmon taken in Indiana must be hooked in the mouth (no foul hooking allowed).

4-H Extension calendar

• February 28: Wells County 4-H BB Gun & Rifle Safety Club, Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 6:30-8:00 PM
• March 3: Junior Pork Day, Purdue University, Life Sciences Bldg, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, lunch provided
• March 5: Extension Homemakers Executive Board Meeting, 12:30 PM; Extension Homemakers President’s Council Meeting, 1:30 PM, Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton
• March 6: Wells County 4-H BB Gun & Rifle Safety Club, Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park Bluffton, 6:30-8:00 PM
• March 12: Hunter Education, Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30 – 9:00 PM
• March 13: Wells County 4-H BB Gun & Rifle Safety Club, Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park Bluffton, 6:30-8:00 PM
• March 14: Hunter Education, Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30-9:00 PM
• March 15: Wells Weighs In monthly weigh-in
• March 15: Hunter Education, Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park, 5:30-9:00 PM
• March 16: 4-H Beef forms from ID Day due in County Extension Office
• March 16-17: 4-H Camp Counselor Training, 4-H Camp Palmer, Fayette, Ohio
• March 19: Wells Co. 4-H Association, Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton 7:00 PM
• March 20: Wells County 4-H BB Gun & Rifle Safety Club, Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park Bluffton, 6:30-8:00 PM
• March 20: 4-H Frozen Food orders due at County Extension Office
• March 21: Private Pesticide Applicator Training (PARP) – Wells County Community Center, 7:00 – 9:00 PM $10.00 fee. Call 260-824-6412 to register

TinCaps open national anthem tryouts

From the Fort Wayne TinCaps:

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The TinCaps are seeking talented individuals, groups, and instrumentalists to perform the National Anthem at Parkview Field during the 2012 season. Auditions are being scheduled now.

Performers must contact the TinCaps at (260) 407-2825 to reserve an audition time. Walk-up auditions will not be accepted. Earning an audition does not guarantee the performer that they will be given the opportunity to sing at a TinCaps game this season.

National anthem performers at a TinCaps game do not receive monetary compensation, but do receive four tickets to the game at which they perform.

TinCaps tickets, group outings, and picnics for the 2012 season are now on sale. Visit TinCaps.com or call (260) 482-6400 for more information.

New Outdoor Indiana features dog tales

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

Outdoor Indiana magazine’s March-April issue features a cover article on the dogs of the DNR Division of Law Enforcement.

Indiana Conservation Officers have built a reputation as having one of the top canine programs of its kind in the nation, having trained similar units from Kentucky, Kansas, Maryland, Idaho and Virginia.

The 48-page full-color magazine also includes a special removable eight-page insert article on Spring Mill State Park, which is in Mitchell in Lawrence County. The feature continues a series in which one state park or reservoir property is featured in the first five issues of each year. Issue six features a removable calendar for the new year. The state park/reservoir insert series runs through 2016, the 100th anniversary of Indiana state parks.

Look for Fury the canine cop on the cover of this issue of Outdoor Indiana, available now at most DNR properties and most Barnes & Noble stores in Indiana for $3 a copy. Purchase of a $12 subscription gets you six issues to keep you up to date on Indiana’s outdoor heritage.

To subscribe, go to OutdoorIndiana.org or call (317) 233-3046. Join Outdoor Indiana on Facebook to get updates on what’s coming up in future issues and see bonus photos at facebook.com/OutdoorIndiana.

Tournament tickets now available

INDIANAPOLIS — All-session and single-session tickets for the 2012 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament will be on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27.

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000, and through the Bankers Life Fieldhouse box office.

Single-session ticket prices range from $20 to $80 depending on the session and seat location. All-session tickets are available for $240 or $175 depending on seat location, which represents a savings over purchasing single-session tickets for all six sessions. Orders will be limited to eight all-session or single-session tickets.

Bankers Life Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis will be the site of the men’s tournament from March 8-11. Tournament week features all 12 Big Ten teams competing in 11 games over four days for the 2012 tournament crown and an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

The Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament will call Indianapolis and Bankers Life Fieldhouse home again in 2014 and 2016. The 2012 tournament marks the eighth time Indianapolis has hosted the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament.

The bracket for the 2012 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.; two games beginning at 11:30 a.m.) – Thurs., March 8 – ($20-$40)
• Session 2 (First Rd.; two games beginning at 5:30 p.m.) – Thurs., March 8 – ($20-$40)
• Session 3 (Quarterfinals; two games beginning at Noon) – Fri., March 9 – ($40-$70)
• Session 4 (Quarterfinals; two games beginning at 6:30 p.m.) – Fri., March 9 – ($40-$70)
• Session 5 (Semifinals; two games beginning at 1:40 p.m.) – Sat., March 10 – ($45-$80)
• Session 6 (Championship Game; beginning at 3:30 p.m.) – Sun., March 11 – ($45-$80)

2012 reserved youth turkey hunt opportunities on DNR properties

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

Youth hunters (under age 18 on the day of the hunt) may participate in reserved turkey hunts during the special youth wild turkey hunting season, April 21 and 22, on selected DNR properties and the Salamonie Reservoir.

Participating fish and wildlife areas also include Atterbury, Crosley, Deer Creek, Glendale, Goose Pond, Hovey Lake, Jasper-Pulaski, Sugar Ridge, Kankakee, Kingsbury, LaSalle, Pigeon River, Roush, Tri-County, Minnehaha, Fairbanks Landing, Hillenbrand, Chinook, Winamac and Willow Slough. Mississinewa is also participating.

A limit will be placed on the number of youth hunters allowed to hunt a respective property on each hunting day, in an attempt to provide quality hunts for participants. Each property will hold early registrations and drawings for the half-day hunts on site. Hunters wanting to sign up for Deer Creek, Fairbanks Landing, Chinook, Hillenbrand, or Minnehaha hunts may do so at Goose Pond FWA.

Hunts will run 30 minutes before sunrise until noon at properties in the Central Time Zone, and 30 minutes before sunrise until 1 p.m. on properties in the Eastern Time Zone.

A youth hunter may be drawn for either or both hunt days, depending on the number of applicants. Youth hunters, or an adult representing them, can register in person or by phone at the property they wish to hunt Monday through Friday from March 19–23 and March 26–30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time. The drawing will be held April 2. All applicants will be notified of drawing results by mail. Applicants may sign up for only one property. Applicants must possess a valid 2012 youth consolidated hunting and trapping license, 2012 regular turkey license and game bird stamp, or lifetime comprehensive hunting license. Apprentice hunting licenses also may be used. To register a youth for one of the hunts, the following information is needed:

• Hunter’s name
• Type of license and license number
• Date or dates being applied for
• Mailing address
• Phone number
• Parent or guardian’s name, address, and phone number

Youth hunters who are selected for the hunt may check in at any time each day until the end of legal hunting hours for that property. Properties that do not fill their quotas during early registration may fill remaining spots during regular office hours until the youth season opens, using a drawing each morning of the hunt, or first-come /first-served process each morning of the hunt. Properties will not have a daily “no-show” drawing because there is no time by which selected youth hunters must check in during the morning hunts. Hunters interested in possible unfilled quotas at a property should contact that property for more information before going to the property on the opening morning of the youth season.

During youth wild turkey season, hunters under age 18 on the day of the hunt can take a bearded or male wild turkey. The youth must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old.

The youth hunter may use any legal shotgun, bow and arrow, or crossbow. The adult accompanying the youth hunter must not possess a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow while in the field. The adult does not need to possess a turkey hunting license unless the youth is using an apprentice license. A youth hunter may take only one bearded or male wild turkey during both the special youth season and regular season combined. The youth must be properly licensed to take a wild turkey and comply with all tagging and check-in requirements.

Phone numbers for information or to register for a hunt at a specific property:

Atterbury 812-526-2051 Pigeon River 260-367-2164
Crosley 812-346-5596 Roush 260-468-2165
Glendale 812-644-7711 Sugar Ridge 812-789-2724
Goose Pond 812-659-9901 Tri-County 574-834-4461
Hovey Lake 812-838-2927 Winamac 574-946-4422
Jasper-Pulaski 219-843-4841 Willow Slough 219-285-2704
Kankakee 574-896-3522 Salamonie 260-468-2125
Kingsbury 219-393-3612 Mississinewa 765-473-6528
LaSalle 219-992-3019

For more information: Bill Bean, Fish and Wildlife, (765) 473-9324

DNR sets up shop at Indy outdoor shows

From the Department of Natural Resources

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will have a strong presence at the 58th Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show and the 15th Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo that open Friday at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Both shows are presented by Renfro Productions and open at 3 p.m. Friday.

The Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo runs through Sunday (Feb. 19), and the main show continues through Feb. 26. Check www.renfroproductions.com for complete details about show hours, special features, seminars, and ticket prices.

The DNR's main location during the Boat, Sport and Travel Show is Tackle Town in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion. The booth is a convenient one-stop shopping opportunity for licenses, state park passes, lake use permits, Outdoor Indiana magazine, and a new promotion from DNR State Parks & Reservoirs – the SPR GO! Trails and Waves package.

The $99 package includes an annual entrance pass to Indiana’s state parks and reservoirs, a 12-month subscription to Outdoor Indiana, a 2012 motorized lake permit, the choice of a DNR campsite rental gift card or a State Park Inn gift certificate, and an SPR GO! signature backpack. Sold separately, the items have a $134 value.

Two DNR divisions – Fish & Wildlife and Law Enforcement – will have a presence at the Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo in the Fairground's Exhibition Hall.

Staff biologists from the Division of Fish & Wildlife will be on hand to answer questions about wildlife habitat development and management, hunting and trapping seasons, and wildlife species information.

Conservation Officers from the Division of Law Enforcement will be at the Hunter Education Booth, where visitors can try the Laser Shot simulated shooting system with images of realistic hunting scenarios. Conservation Officers also will staff the main DNR booth in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion, where they will display the Wear It! boat that promotes the use of lifejackets.

Saddle up, partners

From Upper Wabash Interpretive Services:

The Salamonie Interpretive Center is hosting its Cowboy Gathering from 5:30 p.m to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at 3691 S. New Holland Road, Andrews, IN 46702.

Highlights of the weekend include a cowboy stew and a slide show pictures new trails to explore.

Registration is requested. To register, call 260-468-2127 or e-mail lwhiteleather@dnr.in.gov.

For more information, go to the Upper Wabash Interpretive Services' website.

2012 Indiana Recreation Guide available

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources

The Department of Natural Resources’ 2012 Indiana Recreation Guide, which provides information on state parks, reservoirs, state park inns, fish & wildlife areas, state forests, state historic sites and other DNR properties, is now available free online at dnr.IN.gov (look for a link to the 2012 Indiana Recreation Guide under “Quick Links”).

Local retail outlets and state parks, reservoirs and other DNR properties also have free printed copies available.

Free printed copies of the guides will also be available at the Indianapolis Boat Sport & Travel Show, Feb. 17-26, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Annual entrance passes for state parks and reservoirs can be purchased in person at the gatehouses or property offices 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. Prices for the passes and for the daily entry fees have remained the same since 2006. This year the new SPR Go! program provides discount packages for entrance passes, camping and other property activities. For more information on Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs and SPR Go!, see stateparks.IN.gov.

Ossian Conservation Club releases calendar

Ossian Conservation Club Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, located at 9950 N. 100 E., Ossian, has announced the following events. For more information call 622-4712 or 622-6810 or go to www.ossianconservationclub.com.

• March 3 — Nelson’s Port-A-Pit chicken, pork chops and ribs at Walgreens in Bluffton 11 a.m. until gone. No pre-sold tickets, $5.50 for half a chicken, $5.50 for a pork chop, and $9 for a slab of ribs. Weather permitting, try our old-style sugar corn made in a cast iron kettle, $2 and $4 a bag. Proceeds will to go to the new furnace and siding fund.
• March 10 and 11 — Ossian Conservation Club is hosting Project Appleseed. Project Appleseed teaches the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship and intertwines these skills with the history and heritage of America. This two-day event is sponsored by the Revolutionary War Veterans Association, a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information on costs and registration go to www.appleseedusa.org or www.ossianconservationclub.com.
• March 18th – Ossian Conservation Club Shotgun Shooter’s informal Shotgun Shoot – regular clays – middies – minnies and rabbit targets. Noon till 4:30 p.m. Public is welcome.
• March 25th - 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 can attend.

N-B Video: Seth Biberstine makes wrestling history at Southern Wells

Southern Wells senior Seth Biberstine wins his final match of four to capture the first semi-state championship for the school. Biberstine, who is undefeated, will go to state finals in Indianapolis on Friday, Feb. 17, and Saturday, Feb. 18. Learn more in the Monday, Feb. 13, News-Banner. (Video by Paul Beitler)

TinCaps announce new sweepstakes

The Fort Wayne TinCaps has announced the "It's All About You" sweepstakes. The sweepstakes will give fans the opportunity to be rewarded with unique opportunities, prizes, and experiences throughout the 2012 season.

"Since day number one at Parkview Field it's always been about putting the fans first," said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. "In 2012 we've made the fans even more of the focus with the 'It's All About You' sweepstakes. Everything we do at Parkview Field is about making the TinCaps experience the best it can possibly be for each individual fan. We decided as an organization to take it to the next level, rewarding our fans throughout the season with experiences they have never had the opportunity to have before. When it comes to enjoying a TinCaps game at Parkview Field, it truly is all about the fan."

The TinCaps unveiled the first segment of the sweepstakes focused on new and existing season ticket holders. Every TinCaps fan with a 12, 17, 35, or 70 game season ticket package for the 2012 season will be automatically entered to win more than a dozen rewards.

Most notably, season ticket holders will be randomly selected to win one the following:

• a life-size bobblehead of themselves to be displayed at Parkview Field

• their own baseball card in the 2012 TinCaps official team set

• free food at each TinCaps game they attend in 2012

• home lawn service from the TinCaps award-winning grounds crew

More experiences will be announced as the season approaches.

Team officials state that individual ticket holders will have separate experiences from which to win. More details on these opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information, and for sweepstakes rules, visit TinCaps.com.

Individual tickets on-sale Tuesday, Feb. 21. Opening night is April 5 at 7:05pm.

Baer Field announces new policies for 2012

Due to changes in the insurance industry and the current business climate, Baer Field Speedway is announcing the following changes for 2012:

• CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS: We are happy to announce that we have a deal with a new supplier and will NOT be adding a convenience fee to credit and/or debit card transactions.
• UPDATED - JANUARY 4, 2012
• NO GRILLS OR OPEN FIRES IN THE PITS: Our insurance carrier (K & K Insurance) has deemed that open fires and/or grills pose a serious potential safety hazard in the pit area. Therefore, the only open fire and/or grill permitted in the pit area will be that of the Speedway concession stand.
• GRANDSTAND COOLER POLICY: Based on changes in our insurance policy and a letter from the Indiana Alcoholic Beverage Commission; we will be strictly limiting the size and content of coolers in the grandstand in 2012. Effective immediately, coolers will be limited to no more than the standard “6-pack” size. Anything larger must be left in the parking area. Also, as per the terms of our 2012 Indiana Liquor License, we can no longer allow anyone to bring their own beer, liquor, or any other alcoholic beverages into the Speedway grandstand area. We apologize for any inconvenience.
• RAIN CHECK POLICY: Effective with the start of the 2012 season, the rain check policy will be as follows: In the event of a rain-shortened program for which rain checks are issued, those rain checks will be honored for the next scheduled event.

Bluffton swimmers take second place

In the Indiana girls' swimming and diving sectional finals on Saturday at Jay County High School, the Bluffton 400-yard freestyle relay team took second place. Pictured above are, back row, from left to right, Audry Estill and Robin Butler; front row, Connelly Mettler and Rachel Emshwiller. (Photo provided)

Get ready for the big game

Do you consider yourself a "super" Super Bowl fan? See how well you do with the official trivia game.

Upcoming nature programs

• Eagle Watches, Feb. 18 or 19, 3 to 8 p.m. There is no fee for this program; we do have commemorative shirts for sale, $12.99 for youth and $15.99 for adults! Register in advance at (260) 468-2127.
• Eagle Lady, Lynnanne Fager, models a new Eagle Watch shirt.
• Cowboy Gathering at the Salamonie Interpretive Center, Feb. 25. Share a meal, hear about some riding adventures, and enjoy the company of fellow equestrians.
• Green and Growing Nature Camp Ouabache State Park, March 29, Ages 6-12. Salamonie Reservoir, April 3-5, Ages 7-11.

To learn more about these and other events, click here.

Capture history

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

Historic Preservation & Archaeology sponsors a photo contest for Preservation Month, which is held nationally in May. Photos should be of something in Indiana that is “historic.” “Historic” is anything at least 50 years old. There is a limit of three entries per person. The contest deadline is April 6.

In terms of what to photograph, we aren’t picky - your house, Grandma’s house, a cemetery, Main Street, a simple log cabin, an elaborate stained glass window. It’s whatever you find interesting. Some of the most dramatic photos in years past have been a building in the process of being demolished. Those make us sad although they help us get the message out.

Please read the following contest guidelines then click on the link below to open a printable web form that must accompany your submission.

DHPA’s Historic Preservation Month Photo Contest guidelines are as follows:

• Photographers must fill out entry form for each photo and attach to photo (limit of 3 photos per photographer).
• Deadline is April 6, 2012.
• 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 current (taken within the last 2 years).
• Images must be 8x10 prints, mounted or matted on or with a white 11x14 matte board.

NOTE: Images will not be returned. Photos may be used for office displays and promotions for the photo contest, Historic Preservation Month and historic preservations, in general. Photos will not be used in for-profit publications. Photographs will be judged by a panel consisting of representatives from the DNR and other preservationists and/or photographers. Selected photos from all photo contests will be displayed in several locations throughout the state during May.