Sports and Outdoors

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

N-B Video: Colts head coach Chuck Pagano discusses upcoming season

The News-Banner's Paul Beitler travels to the Anderson University to watch the Colts practice and hear from the coach. (Video by Paul Beitler)

Monday, July 30, 2012

Perseid Meteor Stargaze at Indiana Dunes State Park, Aug. 11

Guests are invited to watch the Perseid meteors blaze across the night sky over Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes State Park’s sixth annual Perseid Meteor Stargaze, Aug. 11.

Hosted by Indiana Dunes State Park Interpretive Services, the event runs from 8:30-11 p.m. CDT at the park’s beach pavilion. In addition to meteor watching, the Stargaze offers other astronomy-related activities and educational programs.

Night sky maps and Native American sky lore begin at 8:30 p.m. at the beach pavilion. After 9 p.m., the stars will begin to appear. Constellation talks will highlight the many star formations that can be viewed this time of year. A waning moon will offer unparalleled viewing of the night sky over Lake Michigan, and naturalists will have a telescope for deep sky viewing.

All activities are free after the standard gate fee of $5 per in-state vehicle and $10 per out-of-state vehicle.

The Perseid Meteor Stargaze is made possible with support from the Friends of Indiana Dunes.

For more information, call (219) 926-1390.

Indiana Dunes State Park is at 1600 North 25 E. Chesterton, 46304.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Supervised tours set for Monument City site

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

The Department of Natural Resources has scheduled two special programs featuring supervised tours to the site at Salamonie Reservoir where Monument City once stood.

The site of the former town has drawn recent attention after being exposed this summer due to low water levels in the reservoir caused by drought. DNR officials temporarily closed public access to the location last Sunday to ensure the integrity of the site and to protect artifacts.

It now will reopen to limited visitation from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday (July 29) and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 5.

Visitors wanting to learn more about the site can begin at the Salamonie Interpretive Center at 5:30 p.m. both dates for an orientation program by Upper Wabash Interpretive Services (UWIS) staff, then follow staff to the Monument City site.

At the site, visitors may walk the main road and look at foundations or other durable items.

Interpretive naturalists will be on hand to explain state and federal laws that prohibit collecting any materials from the site.

“The true story here is in the lives and stories of former residents of the Salamonie area,” UWIS director Marvin McNew said. “We are hoping to connect once again with former residents of Monument City and other reservoir locations.

“There are so many stories unrecorded of the former towns and fond memories of days past that we would like to record at a future date. We hope those folks will call us or visit on these days, so we can make arrangements to learn from them and share these lasting images with future generations.”

A video report about Monument City can be seen on the DNR’s YouTube channel at http://youtu.be/-0vzqVELrAE.

The Salamonie Interpretive Center is in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area in western Huntington County. The address is 3691 S. New Holland Road, Andrews, IN, 46702, and the phone number is (260) 468-2127.

Standard entry fees ($5 per in-state vehicle, $7 per out-of-state vehicle) will be in effect, but attendees to the program will be excused from paying if they check at the gate house and Interpretive Center.

For information on other UWIS programs, visit dnr.IN.gov/uwis or facebook.com/upperwabash.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Fort Wayne TinCaps looking for photos

From the Fort Wayne TinCaps:

The Fort Wayne TinCaps will again be issuing their popular 16-month wall calendar during the final games of the 2012 season. However, this year, the photos included for each month could be yours.

Fans are encouraged to submit their favorite photos from TinCaps games and Parkview Field to be considered for inclusion in this fan favorite giveaway. The team will consider all subject matter to be included in the calendar, as long as it pertains in some way to Parkview Field and/or the TinCaps players, logo, or name.

Fans wishing to submit photos must meet the following criteria:
• Minimum resolution of 300 dpi
• Prefer photos that are minimum of 9 by 6 inches in original format (landscape)
• Photos can be color or black and white
• Please include photographer name for credit in calendar
• Please include date photo was taken (if known)

Fans can email their submissions to info@tincaps.com. Photos must be submitted no later than Monday, July 30, at 5 p.m. to be considered for inclusion in the 2013 TinCaps Wall Calendar.

If fans are unsure of whether or not their photo meets the criteria, feel free to submit your photo and TinCaps staff will review the submission.

Fans whose photos are selected for inclusion in the 2013 TinCaps calendar will receive an autographed copy of the calendar signed by the entire 2012 TinCaps team as well as 20 calendars for their use.

Submission does not guarantee inclusion in the 2013 photo calendar. Photos will be selected from all submitted, including existing photos taken for Fort Wayne TinCaps staff. Submitted photos become the property of the Fort Wayne TinCaps and can be used in whatever manner the team deems appropriate.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

New book on Indiana wildlife habitats now available

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

The DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) collaborated with Indiana State University and Indiana University Press to publish “Habitats and Ecological Communities of Indiana: Presettlement to Present.”

The 500-page book details Indiana’s wildlife habitats in 1800, 1900 and 2000.

“This book is 10 years in the making, and is important to many people due to the vast amounts of information all gathered in one place,” said contributor Katie Smith, wildlife diversity program manager for DFW.

The book details natural habitats, man-made habitats, land use, soils, plants and wildlife. It covers everything from endangered species to invasive species and is a great reference for anyone interested in conserving Indiana’s environment. The book includes many photographs from Indiana DNR staff, including Outdoor Indiana magazine.

Specialized maps of various habitat types and land cover throughout the last 200 years are included, as well as a complete list of flora and fauna.

The book is available through Indiana University Press and can be downloaded as an e-book or bought as a hardcover. The e-book costs $24.99 and can be read on a computer or digital reading device. The hardcover edition costs $35.

The book can be purchased at www.iupress.indiana.edu.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Weekend events at Ouabache State Park

From the Ouabache State Park office

Friday, July 27, 2012

• Evening Roving Interpreter — Be on the lookout for your Interpretive Naturalist, Jennifer, at the Main Gate, Campground Control Station, or Campground. Find out what she’s carrying and get event fliers.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
• 1:45 p.m. Pool Break - Creature Feature — What creature is that? Find out what Naturalist Jennifer brought with her today on the Pool Lawn. If you are swimming, make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave the bath house to re-enter the pool!
• 7 p.m. 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 & Reservoirs. Meet at the Campview Shelter located in the middle of Campground A.
• 7:30 p.m. Night Flyers — Discover how these nocturnal animals are adapted to being active in the night. Meet at the Campview Shelter located in the middle of Campground A.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
• 10 a.m. Worship Service — Chris Daughtery from Life Community will be sharing a message at the Campview Shelter located in the middle of Campground A.
• 11:30 a.m. Talkin’ Turtle — What makes a box turtle so unique? Learn about one and make your own version to take home. Meet on the back patio of the Campview Shelter located in the middle of Campground A.
• 1:45 p.m. Pool Break Incredible Journey — Become a water molecule moving through the water cycle. Where will the water you drink today be tomorrow? Meet on the Pool Lawn. Swimmers, make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave the bath house to re-enter the pool!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Salamonie Lake hosts reptiles and amphibians workshop July 26

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

A July 26 workshop at Salamonie Lake offers a chance to learn about reptiles and amphibians from a herpetology expert.

The Introduction to Herpetology workshop, sponsored by Upper Wabash Interpretive Services, runs 6-8 p.m. at the Salamonie Interpretive Center. The center is in the Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area off of Ind. 105, near Andrews.

Bruce Kingsbury, a professor of biology and director of the Herp Center at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, will conduct the workshop, which will include the chance to see some reptiles and amphibians up close.

The workshop is open to adults and children ages 10 years and older. Children younger than 12 should be accompanied by an adult.

The workshop costs $5 per family. Light refreshments will be served.

Registration is requested and is made by calling the Upper Wabash Interpretive Services at (260) 468-2127.

The standard entrance fee of $5 per in-state vehicle and $7 per out-of-state vehicle will be waived for students who registered in advance.

Camera operator needed

Do you like to attend local high school sports games? Would you like to earn money doing it? The News-Banner is looking for a camera operator for webcasts. Per game fees plus mileage. Reply to miller@news-banner.com

Friday, July 13, 2012

Where race cars and trucks combine

Baer Field Speedway is having a "Salute to the Trucking Industry" night Saturday, July 28. Click here to learn more.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

N-B Video: Colts rookie returns to Wells County

Norwell graduate Chandler Harnish, whom the Colts drafted as a potential quarterback, speaks at the Norwell Football Banquet at Timber Ridge Golf Club on Wednesday, July 11. He particularly talked about the past, present and future of his football career. Learn more in the Thursday, July 12, News-Banner. For more videos of Harnish, go to our "Sports and Outdoors" blog by browsing our blogs at www.news-banner.com. (Video by Paul Beitler)






Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Volunteer for Hoosier Outdoor Experience, Sept. 15-16

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

Volunteers are needed to help with Indiana’s largest hands-on outdoor recreation event, the Hoosier Outdoor Experience, Sept. 15-16.

Held at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis, this free event of the Indiana DNR features more than 50 hands-on activities, such as fishing, mock archaeological dig, mountain biking and many more activities. Attendees can interact with 120 grassroots partners to learn about how to enjoy the outdoors.

Each day, the event opens to the public at 9 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m. Volunteers and staff are on site at 8 a.m. for setup and an hour after gates close for tear-down.

Sign up to volunteer at http://2012experiencevolunteers.eventbrite.com.

Questions? Contact volunteer coordinator Cheryl Hampton, (317) 233-1002, champton@dnr.IN.gov or Leah Kopp, (317) 234-1064, lkopp@dnr.IN.gov. More at www.hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov.

Monday, July 9, 2012

N-B Video: More than 100 people run and walk through county

While the temperature and humidity started to climb by 8 a.m., 109 people finished the annual 4-H 5K run and walk at the 4-H Park Saturday, July 7. Learn more in the Monday, July 9, News-Banner. (Video by Paul Beitler)

Friday, July 6, 2012

DNR to start second round of input on fish, hunt, trap regulations

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

The DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife wants to hear your thoughts about suggested fishing, hunting and trapping regulations in Indiana.

From July 15 to Aug. 1, the public can use a convenient online form to provide input to the DNR. The process is like a “virtual” open house.

To participate, go to wildlife.IN.gov and click on the “Got INput?” box near the middle of the page. The form will be available for use beginning July 15. A list of potential regulations will also be available on the “Got INput?” page.

There will also be two on-site open houses, one in southern Indiana and another in northern Indiana. The first open house will be July 25 from 5-7 p.m. at the Spring Mill State Park Inn near Mitchell. The second open house will be July 30 from 5-7 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library in Plymouth.

Input on specific suggested regulations can also be mailed to:

DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife
Attn: Proposed Regulatory Changes
402 W. Washington St., Room W273
Indianapolis, IN 46204

The July 15 to Aug. 1 public input period is the second input period by the Division of Fish & Wildlife this year. The earlier round was May 15 to June 1.

After reviewing input, DFW staff will consider all suggestions before proposing regulations to the Natural Resource Commission.

Contact Information:
Name: Michelle Cain
Phone: (317) 234-8240
Email: dnrnews@dnr.in.gov

Thursday, July 5, 2012

WMDH Night at the races to feature five divisions

From the Anderson Speedway:

Racing action returns to Anderson Speedway on Saturday, July 7 with the WMDH Night at the Races. Featured divisions include McGunegill Engine Performance Late Models, EDCO Welding Street Stocks, WMDH ThunderCars, G.W. Pierce Front Wheel Drives Oval and Mini Cups.

Josh Poore sits atop the McGunegill Engine Performance Late Model division after collecting two consecutive third place finishes. Brandon Phillips ranks in second spot, 45 markers behind Poore. Four top-five finishes have placed Ronnie Rose in fourth with Rob Allman ranking fifth and Fred Hopkins rounding out the top five.

In the EDCO Welding Street Stocks, Josh Myers has a 46 point margin over Rickie Tharp heading into Saturday night. Myers has visited the winner’s circle on three occasions while Tharp has posted six top-five finishes. Early season points leader Jimmy Kirby is third with Tyler Marsh in fourth and Frankie Oakes ranked fifth.

The WMDH ThunderCar division features a close battle for the points lead. Hannah Lundy is 24 points ahead of Rob Allman. Both drivers have collected six top five finishes while Lundy has one feature victory and Allman has produced two heat victories. Third is Earl Adams lll with the Scott Neal owner machine in fourth position and Frankie Oakes fifth.

Ron Phipps consistent season has placed him first in the G.W. Pierce Front Wheel Drive Oval point standings. Jerry Dane ranks second with a division best five feature victories. Six top-10 finishes have placed Marshall Clark Jr. in third spot with Paul Phipps and Trevin Henson filling out the top five.

The Mini Cups return to Anderson Speedway on Saturday and will be showcased in a 25-lap feature. Jarrod Pritchett is the most recent winner in the Mini Cup division. He took the victory last October.

On Saturday, July 7, spectator gates open at 4:30 p.m. with the racing beginning at 8. Admission is $12 for adults and $4 for kids ages 6-12. Children five and under get in free.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

TinCaps prepare Fourth festivities

From the Fort Wayne TinCaps:

The TinCaps have captured the Patriotic Spirit this 4th of July with a fantastic three-game homestand to celebrate our country's independence! With games Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week, there's a perfect opportunity for your family and friends to make it out to Parkview Field to celebrate with us!

Wednesday, July 4th @ 7:05pm
Post-game Patriotic Fireworks! Presented by Aunt Millie's
Appearance by Jake the Diamond Dog
Military Game-Worn TinCaps Jerseys and Silent Auction
WebKinz™ Wednesday (Mocha Pup) to first 1,000 children
TICKETS

Thursday, July 5th @ 7:05pm
Thirsty Thursday™
TICKETS

Friday, July 6th @ 7:05pm
Post-game Fireworks!
Country Theme Night
TICKETS

Monday, July 2, 2012

Perfect night for Poore at Anderson

From the Anderson Motor Speedway

ANDERSON – It was a perfect night for Josh Poore at Anderson Speedway on Saturday leading all 200 laps to capture the Champion Racing Association’s Street Stock feature.

Poore set quick time during qualifications and was never headed during the 200-laps of action, turning back challenges from a number of drivers to record the win.

He was challenged at different times by Beau Mitchell, Jason Atkinson, and for the final 100 laps had Dustin Burge glued to his rear bumper.

With 15 laps remaining Burge was trailing Poore by less than a car length, just waiting for the leader to make a mistake in lapped traffic.

As Poore and Burge battled for the top spot that allowed David Bice and Jimmy Kirby to close on the leaders. But that would be the way they finished with Danny Smith rounding out the top five.

Poore became the first repeat winner of the annual 200-lap event.

Jason Atkinson started the second half of the race in the second spot but on the restart got caught on the outside and dropped back in the field. On lap 120 he slammed into the turn three wall, ending his night.

At the start of the second 100 laps of action, Dustin Burge and Beau Mitchell slipped inside of Atkinson with Burge running close behind leader Poore.

The leader board got shook up on lap 92 when the lapped car of Danny Adams lost an engine entering turn one in front of the lead pack causing fourth place running Josh Myers to spin.

The red flag waved on lap 54 when Calvin Parham, who had just taken over the fifth spot from Brian Hopkins, lost an engine entering turn one.

Rob Allman hit the turn two wall while running sixth on lap 39 and Ronnie Rose suffered a flat left front tire on lap 28 while running inside the top ten.

Only 16 of the 33 cars that started the feature were still running at the finish. The race was slowed eight times by cautions for a total of 59 laps.

Nick Warner led the entire distance to record his second WMDH ThunderCar feature of the year holding off fast qualifier Hannah Lundy for the final 22 laps.

Lundy got inside of second place running Rob Allman entering turn three and for most of the race was only two car lengths off Warner’s rear bumper.

Earl Adams II finished third with Rob Allman and Phil Jenkins rounding out the top five.

David Lobbia scored his first career win in the Thunder Roadsters division by using an inside pass entering turn three to get around Marty Griffin with five laps remaining in the feature.

Griffin bounced off the front straight wall after being passed by Lobbia and fell all the way back to sixth. Doug Dugger and Scott McGinley finished second and third.
Frankton’s John Robbins inherited the lead when Josh Dietz suffered damage to the rear nerf bar in an incident on turn three when Cody Anderson spun on the back straight and the field stacked up during the caution.

On the first of two restarts, Robbins held off fast qualifier Jack Dossey Jr., who bounced off the front straight wall, ending his night.

From there Robbins dominated the remainder of the race followed by James Eldin, Jack Dossey III, Marty Griffin and Chris Hacker.

Anderson Speedway returns to racing action on Wednesday, July 4th with Marsh Supermarkets Figure 8 Madness presented by Custom Door Products. The racing lineup includes IOFS Outlaw Figure 8’s, Culver’s Trailer Race, IOFS Compact Figure 8’s and IOFS Super Carts. Plus a huge fireworks show.