Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Imels help Indiana beat Kentucky
Norwell graduates Kaylee and Drew Imel of Bluffton helped Indiana maintain its dominance over Kentucky in the Indiana/Kentucky Junior Challenge Cup golf tournament held this week at Bardstown Country Club in Bardstown, Ky.
The Hoosier girls won the cup for the fourth straight year, while the boys extended their streak to five in a row. The girls posted a 408-427 victory and the boys a 544-558 advantage.
Both sides held a comfortable lead after the morning four ball matches, with the boys leading by eight shots and the girls by seven. Kaylee Imel and Emily Dixon led the girls in the morning, firing a seven-under par 65, while Trey Pfund and Drew Imel matched them with a 65 of their own.
In the afternoon alternate shot format, the Indiana girls upped their lead behind a four-under par 68 from Kristi Cardwell and Carleigh Silvers. The boys repeated their seven-shot morning advantage with former Cathedral High School teammates, Corey Ziedonis and Henry Plager, shooting seven-under par 65 for the low alternate shot total by three strokes.

Smokies top Parker, BayBears
MOBILE, Ala. — Jarrod Parker surrendered five runs for the second time in his last three starts, while the Mobile BayBears’ offense was quiet again in a 5-2 loss to the Tennessee Smokies Thursday night at Hank Aaron Stadium.
The BayBears have been outscored 33-7 in the first four games of this series. For the second consecutive game, the BayBears grabbed the lead in the bottom of the second, but the Smokies climbed back in the third.
James Adduci walked with one out, while Marquez Smith followed with a two-run home run to put the Smokies on top. Blake Lalli followed with an opposite-field homer to left, giving Tennessee a 3-1 lead. The two homers were the first given up by Parker in nearly 96 innings this season.
In the Smokies’ fourth, Welington Castillo led off with a single and took third on a hit by Nate Samson. A sacrifice fly by Casey Coleman (10-5) brought Castillo home to make it 4-1. Adduci drove in Samson with a single.
Parker (4-6, 3.68 ERA) allowed eight hits, walked one and struck out five in four innings.

Silver Hawks activate Justin Parker
South Bend — The South Bend Silver Hawks have activated infielder Justin Parker from the disabled list.
Parker has been on and off the disabled list a couple of times this season, bothered by left shoulder inflammation. He missed three weeks in June with the injury, and has missed the last three weeks with the same problem.
He has been a force in the lineup, hitting .276 with a home run and 24 RBI.
Parker was drafted in the sixth round of the 2008 First Year Player Draft from Wright State University in Dayton.

Clouser places 12th in tournament
McCormick Clouser tied for 12th place in the American Junior Golf Association Notre Dame Junior Open at Warren Golf Course in South Bend.
After round one Clouser was tied for 33rd with a 76 (37-39), but with consecutive 73s (36-37, 34-39) on Wednesday and Thursday he moved up to 12th in the 75-man field.
SW girls’ golf team to hold first practice
Girls interested in playing for the Southern Wells Raiders girls’ golf team should attend a meeting and practice on Friday, July 31, at 4 p.m. at the school. Bring clubs. For more information, call coach Charles Harris at 765-728-2769.

Raiders’ cross country to begin
The Southern Wells Raiders’ high school cross county teams will be opening their camp at 8 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 3, continuing through noon Friday, Aug. 7. Phillip Rhodes is the varsity coach and may be contacted at 260-694-6453.

Raiders’ football to open practice
Southern Wells Raiders’ football players in grades 9-12 will begin practice on Monday, Aug. 3 from 8-11:00 a.m. Second practice of the day will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. New students in grades 9-12 or anyone wishing to play should call coach Mark Lefebvre at 260-273-2820.

Practice to begin for SW volleyball
Southern Wells girls’ high school volleyball practice will start Monday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a break for lunch and a second session from 2-4:30. Any girl in grades 9-12 is welcome. New students in grades 9-12 or anyone wanting to play should contact coach Melissa Northrop at 260-750-5329.

Norwell boys’ tennis to begin
Tennis tryouts begin Monday, Aug. 3, for the Norwell boys’ tennis team. Any student interested in playing may attend the tryout. Practices are at 9-11 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. Physicals and other school documents must be completed and turned in before an athlete may participate. If there are any questions, call coach Joel Fillman at 273-7217.

Norwell girls’ cross country to start
Norwell High School girls’ cross country practice will start on Monday, Aug. 3 at 8 a.m. Physicals must be completed and turned in before an athlete can practice. Knight Contracts and trainer cards are due at the same time. For more information, contact Bob Dahl at bdahl@onlyinternet.net

Crusaders girls’ CC conditioning slated
Norwell Middle School girls’ cross country conditioning will be starting Monday, Aug. 3, 2009 at 8 a.m. Physicals must be completed and turned in before an athlete can begin conditioning. Any girl interested in conditioning should meet at the Norwell High School flag pole near the entrance to the high school gym. Girls should wear practice clothes, running shoes and bring a water bottle. Conditioning will end at approximately 9:30 a.m. Parents needing more information should contact Bob Dahl by e-mail at bdahl@onlyinternet.net or call 260-824-2766.

Norwell boys’ cross country to begin
Norwell High School boys’ cross country practice will start on Monday, Aug. 3 at 8 a.m. Physicals must be completed and turned in before an athlete can practice. Knight Contracts and trainer cards are due at the same time. Any questions, contact Randy Hawkins at 341-3974 or randal.hawkins@nwcs.k12.in.us

Bluffton volleyball tryouts to be held
Bluffton Tigers girls’ volleyball tryouts will be Aug. 3 and 4 from 5:30-8 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

SW Jr. High cross country start set
Southern Wells Jr. High cross country practice will start Monday, Aug. 10 from 6-7 p.m. Runners should meet in front of the high school gym. All runners in grades 6-8 must have a completed physical turned in before they can practice.

Gun club to host youth clinic
The Wells County Gun Club and National Rifle Association are sponsoring a trap and five-stand shooting clinic for youth Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 6:30 p.m. The club is located at 2555E-400N. Fundamentals of shotgun shooting will be the focus of instructors Paul Rumple, Leonard Rekeweg and Andrew Werling. There is no fee, but participants must furnish ammunition. For more information, call Rick McEvoy at 260-824-4364.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Jason Murray takes
coaching post at Liberty University
Lynchburg, Va. — Liberty head baseball coach Jim Toman has announced the hiring of Jason Murray as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
Murray replaces former Liberty coach Nick Schnabel, who accepted a similar position at East Carolina earlier this month. Murray will serve as the team’s infield coach and assist with the hitters.
“We are delighted that we were able to hire someone with Jason’s experience,” said Toman. “Not only has Jason worked with several outstanding coaches, but he has also been a head coach in the Big South Conference and was recently the recruiting coordinator at Michigan.”
“This opportunity is a true blessing for my wife, Mindy, and me,” stated Murray, who graduated from Bluffton High School in 1993.
Murray, 34, is no stranger in Big South baseball circles, having served two assistant coaching stints at Winthrop and leading the Charleston Southern program as its head coach for four years.
Last season, Murray returned to Winthrop to serve as an assistant coach for the second time under Hudak. The Eagles posted a 35-25 overall record, while finishing in second place in the Big South standings with an 18-9 mark.
In September 2004, after coaching at Michigan, Murray returned to the Big South as head coach at Charleston Southern. Over his four years at the helm of the Buccaneers, Murray recorded the fourth-most wins by a head coach in program history and had six of his players earn all-conference honors. His 2005 Buccaneer squad set a school record by posting a 14-game win streak—the longest in school history. In 2008, three of his freshman recruits earned All-American honors.
Murray is the son of Fred and Trudy Murray of Bluffton.

SW girls’ golf team to hold first practice
Girls interested in playing for the Southern Wells Raiders girls’ golf team should attend a meeting and practice on Friday, July 31, at 4 p.m. at the school. Bring clubs. For more information, call coach Charles Harris at 765-728-2769.

Raiders’ cross country to begin
The Southern Wells Raiders’ high school cross county teams will be opening their camp at 8 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 3, continuing through noon Friday, Aug. 7. Phillip Rhodes is the varsity coach and may be contacted at 260-694-6453.

Raiders’ football to open practice
Southern Wells Raiders’ football players in grades 9-12 will begin practice on Monday, Aug. 3 from 8-11:00 a.m. Second practice of the day will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. New students in grades 9-12 or anyone wishing to play should call coach Mark Lefebvre at 260-273-2820.

Practice to begin for SW volleyball
Southern Wells girls’ high school volleyball practice will start Monday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a break for lunch and a second session from 2-4:30. Any girl in grades 9-12 is welcome. New students in grades 9-12 or anyone wanting to play should contact coach Melissa Northrop at 260-750-5329.

Norwell girls’ cross country to start
Norwell High School girls’ cross country practice will start on Monday, Aug. 3 at 8 a.m. Physicals must be completed and turned in before an athlete can practice. Knight Contracts and trainer cards are due at the same time. For more information, contact Bob Dahl at bdahl@onlyinternet.net

Crusaders girls’ CC conditioning slated
Norwell Middle School girls’ cross country conditioning will be starting Monday, Aug. 3, 2009 at 8 a.m. Physicals must be completed and turned in before an athlete can begin conditioning. Any girl interested in conditioning should meet at the Norwell High School flag pole near the entrance to the high school gym. Girls should wear practice clothes, running shoes and bring a water bottle. Conditioning will end at approximately 9:30 a.m. Parents needing more information should contact Bob Dahl by e-mail at bdahl@onlyinternet.net or call 260-824-2766.

Norwell boys’ cross country to begin
Norwell High School boys’ cross country practice will start on Monday, Aug. 3 at 8 a.m. Physicals must be completed and turned in before an athlete can practice. Knight Contracts and trainer cards are due at the same time. Any questions, contact Randy Hawkins at 341-3974 or randal.hawkins@nwcs.k12.in.us

Bluffton volleyball tryouts to be held
Bluffton Tigers girls’ volleyball tryouts will be Aug. 3 and 4 from 5:30-8 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

SW Jr. High cross country start set
Southern Wells Jr. High cross country practice will start Monday, Aug. 10 from 6-7 p.m. Runners should meet in front of the high school gym. All runners in grades 6-8 must have a completed physical turned in before they can practice.

Ouabache State Park meteor party Aug. 8

Spread a blanket on the ground and lay back to enjoy an exciting night of Perseids Meteor Shower gazing at Ouabache State Park, Aug 8. Listen as park naturalists explain the phenomenon of meteor showers. The event, which starts at 9:30 p.m., is open to all. Participants should park at the pool and meet on the large hill next to the pool. There is no fee for the event. Park entrance fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Emshwiller places in state swim event
Bluffton’s Rachel Emshwiller, swimming with Fort Wayne Aquatics, competed in the Indiana Swimming 50-meter Long Course State Championships in Indianapolis July 24-26.
Emshwiller was fifth in the 200-meter backstroke in 2:30.32, fifth in the 200 individual medley in 2:32.06, sixth in the 100 backstroke in 1:10.57, seventh in the 100 freestyle in 1:01.66 and 11th in the 200 freestyle in 2:16.35.

Norwell girls’ cross country to start
Norwell High School girls’ cross country practice will start on Monday, Aug. 3 at 8 a.m. Physicals must be completed and turned in before an athlete can practice. Knight Contracts and trainer cards are due at the same time. For more information, contact Bob Dahl at bdahl@onlyinternet.net

Crusaders girls’ CC conditioning to start
Norwell Middle School girls’ cross country conditioning will be starting Monday, Aug. 3, 2009 at 8 a.m. Physicals must be completed and turned in before an athlete can begin conditioning. Any girl interested in conditioning should meet at the Norwell High School flag pole near the entrance to the high school gym. Girls should wear practice clothes, running shoes and bring a water bottle. Conditioning will end at approximately 9:30 a.m. Parents needing more information should contact Bob Dahl by e-mail at bdahl@onlyinternet.net or call 260-824-2766.

Norwell boys’ cross country to start
Norwell High School boys’ cross country practice will start on Monday, Aug. 3 at 8 a.m. Physicals must be completed and turned in before an athlete can practice. Knight Contracts and trainer cards are due at the same time. Any questions, contact Randy Hawkins at 341-3974 or randal.hawkins@nwcs.k12.in.us

Norwell football camps slated
Norwell boys entering grades 3-8 are invited to attend an instructional football camp, covering blocking, tackling, running, passing and receiving.
Norwell football coaches will teach players offensive plays that will be used in the Wells County Youth Football League or Norwell Middle School teams. Pads and helmets will not be used.
Grades 3-4 will meet Tuesday, July 28, Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the practice field east of the softball diamond. Each camper will receive a Norwell High School Camp T-shirt. Cost is $30.
Grades 5-8 will meet Tuesday, July 28, Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30, from 5:30-7. Cost is $35.
For more information, please call coach Jeff Miller at 622-4125, ext. 7010, or Director of Football Operations Tom Neuenschwander at 622-4169.

SW girls’ golf team to hold first practice
Girls interested in playing for the Southern Wells Raiders girls’ golf team should attend a meeting and practice on Friday, July 31, at 4 p.m. at the school.

Boys’ tennis meeting slated
A Bluffton boys’ tennis meeting for parents and prospective athletes is slated for Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Bluffton High School. Anyone interested in playing should call head coach Robert Vanderkolk at 260-273-3220.

Bluffton volleyball tryouts slated
Bluffton Tigers girls’ volleyball tryouts will be Aug. 3 and 4 from 5:30-8 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

Auto racing at Montpelier track
Montpelier Motor Speedway, which is under new management, has auto racing every Saturday night. Hot laps start at 6 p.m. and racing begins at 7 p.m. Gates open at 4 p.m.
The quarter-mile dirt track normally features late models, United Midwestern Promoters modifieds, super street stocks and thunder cars.
Admission is $10 for adults. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Pit admission (ages 14 and over) is $25.

Hoosier Outdoor Experience registration begins

Indiana DNR Release:

Looking for a free and fun, family-oriented event that provides a healthy taste of the great outdoors?

Then register for the Hoosier Outdoor Experience, the first event of its kind in Indiana, featuring hands-on opportunities to try fly fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, archery and dozens of other activities.

Scheduled for Sept. 26-27 at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis, the Experience is presented by the Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, with sponsorship support from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Ball Brothers Foundation, and WXIN-Fox 59, Indianapolis.

Parking, admission, activities, demonstrations and seminars are free to the public, but online registration is required.

By registering, participants will help Experience organizers estimate attendance and improve outreach efforts for this year’s event and future events. All information collected will be used only to evaluate the Experience. Registrants may be contacted to invite their participation in a research study about the event.

Registration is available at hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov. Click on the yellow registration icon and follow instructions.

The process limits registration to no more than eight. Youth groups, church groups and others with special requests larger than eight registrants can call the Hoosier Outdoor Experience staff at (317) 562-1338 or e-mail outdoorexperience@dnr.IN.gov.

Keep track of event updates at hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov, or through signing up as a fan or follower on Facebook and Twitter.

Southern Wells Fall Coaching Roster

Southern Wells Community School board approved its Fall coaching roster for the 2009-2010 school year.

Football:
Head Varsity, Mark Lefebvre
Varsity Coordinator, Chad Smekens
Varsity Assistant, Paul Douglass
Varsity Assistant, John Fouts
Varsity Assistant, Bill Cline
JV/Freshman, Gary Paxson
JV/Freshman, Denny Ripple
Junior High, Mike Carter
Junior High, Caleb Sleppy
Junior High, Nick Miller
Junior High, Robert Carroll

Volleyball:
Head Varsity, Melissa Northrop
Jr. Varsity, Sydney Osborn
Freshman, none
Jr. High (8th), Kristen Bortner
Jr. High (7th), Andi Green

Cross-Country:
Varsity Boys/Girls, Phillip Rhodes
Jr. High Boys/Girls, Bob Pace
Volunteer, Jim Thompson
Volunteer, Dale Miller

Golf:
Varsity Girls, Charles Harris

Cheerleading:
Varsity, Nikki Pease
JV, Lori Murray
Jr. High, Lauren Hamilton

Ouabache State Park meteor party, Aug. 8

Indiana DNR Release:

Spread a blanket on the ground and lay back to enjoy an exciting night of Perseids Meteor Shower gazing at Ouabache State Park, Aug 8. Listen as park naturalists explain the phenomenon of meteor showers.

The event, which starts at 9:30 p.m., is open to all. Participants should park at the pool and meet on the large hill next to the pool.

There is no fee for the event. Park entrance fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply.

DNR grants available for urban trees

Indiana DNR Release:

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry's 2009 grant program Make Your Trees Count makes available approximately $110,000 in grant funds for municipalities and non-profits to use for public tree inventories and tree-planting projects.

Applicants may request funds ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Projects must show an equal match, which can be a mix of cash and in-kind services. All projects must be in an urban area or in an area being impacted by urban sprawl.

The presence of forest within urban areas has been shown to positively benefit cities and towns, and those who live and work in cities and towns, environmentally, psychologically, socially, economically, and recreationally.

“Trees can mitigate a host of environmental issues. That is why the tree planting projects approved for funding will be ones that are planned to specifically target issues such as energy conservation, air, and water quality,” said John Seifert, State Forester.

The urban forestry funds available for this grant program are made possible by a 2009 grant awarded to the DNR's Community and Urban Forestry (CUF) program by the USDA Forest Service. The deadline for application is Oct. 30. Awards will be announced in late November.

Grant applications and further information can be obtained by contacting Pam Louks, CUF coordinator, at (317) 591-1170, plouks@dnr.IN.gov, or at 5750 Glenn Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46216.

Little League Tournament

I had an opportunity to watch some excellent ball players at work Saturday in Jefferson Park. The Bluffton All-Star Team played host to Little Teams from around the state and despite the rain, all the kids played their hearts out.
I shot a few pieces of video, including a hit batter and an attempt at stealing third base that had success written all over it--until the mud caused a slip from the bag...

Paul Beitler: Sportsman

Nat Bryan sent us this picture he snapped of News-Banner Sports Editor Paul Beitler on a recent fishing trip. Here's the note:

Paul's usually on the other side of the camera but not this time.
He was at a Hope Missionary Church men's ministry campout and pulled in this
monster. By the look of his hat he must have "Strike King" as a sponsor!
He's a catch and release kind of guy so we don't have the stats on the bass.
Just thought that you might be interested in our local "Bill Dance."

Nat Bryan


Thanks for the picture Nat. Nice to see Paul keeping abreast of all things outdoors related! -jb

Salamonie Reservoir sporting dog event, Aug. 8

Indiana DNR Release:

Hunting with canine companions is a joy many sportsmen treasure. If you’re interested in learning about how to hunt rabbits and squirrels with dogs, attend a workshop at Salamonie Reservoir, Aug. 8.

Jim Heasley of Heasley’s Keystone Kennels, will host seminars on hunting rabbits with beagles, and on hunting squirrels with treeing curs and treeing fiest dogs.

The program begins at 10 a.m. with an introduction to American Kennel Club (AKC) hunting beagles. Heasley plans to deliver a short lecture before performing a field demonstration of beagles running rabbits. He also plans to explain and demonstrate tracking techniques using GPS units attached to dogs’ collars.

After a break for lunch, Don Bonsett takes the stage at 12:30 p.m. to speak about hunting with squirrel dogs. He too, plans to deliver a short lecture, followed by a field demonstration of squirrel dogs.

Jack Hyden of the Indiana Beaglers Alliance and the Indiana Council on Animal Welfare plans to attend to help answer questions about beagling. Randy Church and Kenny Smith―both champion squirrel dog owners― plan to assist with the squirrel dog training portion of the workshop.

Long pants and closed-toe shoes are recommended for field participation. Participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch.

Register before Aug. 5 at (260) 468-2127, or by visiting the Upper Wabash interpretive center, 3691 S. New Holland Road, Andrews, 46702.

There is no fee for this program. Park entrance fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply.

Ouabache SP craft workshops, Aug. and Sept.

Indiana DNR Release:

Ouabache State Park is hosting three craft workshops during August and September―"Origami 101," Aug.1; bead making, Aug. 15; and advanced origami, Sept. 5.

During Origami 101, participants can learn the basics of origami, including how to create several basic and intermediate origami models. The bead making workshop is designed to teach participants how to create beads out of everyday materials found around their homes. After a quick review of the basics, advanced origami participants should plan to dive into creating intermediate and challenging models.

All three classes begin at 9:30 a.m. and are scheduled to be held at Campview Shelter in the campground. Participants who are not camping will have to walk a short distance to get to Campview Shelter after parking near the campground gate.

The Origami 101 workshop and the bead making workshop are recommended for participants ages 7 and older. Advanced origami is recommended for ages 10 and older. All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Register for each event by calling (260) 824-0926, e-mailing OuabacheInterp@dnr.IN.gov, or filling out and mailing the form found on the special events link at http://www.IN.gov/dnr/parklake/2420.htm.

There is a $2 per person program fee per workshop. Park entrance fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Heat eliminated at Dreams Park
The Ossian Heat’s week at the Cooperstown Dreams Park baseball tournament series in Cooperstown, N.Y., came to an end in the second round of elimination play on Wednesday.
The Heat (3-4) received a bye but was defeated 17-11 by the Palos Verdes Dirt Bags from California.
The Heat pounded out 14 hits, but that just wasn’t enough firepower to overcome the Dirt Bags. Reggie Hayes and Nathan Allison led the Heat with three hits apiece. Allison slammed is fifth home run in second inning to give the Heat an 8-7 lead.
The Dirt Bags came back with a nine-run third inning and the Heat could not recover.
Bray Wilson and Hunter Ingle each added two hits. Jaron Stoppenhagen added an acrobatic diving catch in the fourth inning and Garrett Mohler had two outstanding plays at first base. Wilson was the losing pitcher in relief of Reggie Hayes. Allison pitched the final 3 1/3 innings.

Imel duo invited to play
Drew and Kaylee Imel, both 2009 Norwell graduates, have been invited to play in the Indiana/Kentucky Challenge Cup golf event on July 27-28 at Bardstown Country Club in Bardstown, Ky.
The first round will be a four ball format and the second round will be a Chapman alternate shot format.

Boys’ tennis meeting slated
A Bluffton boys’ tennis meeting for parents and prospective athletes is slated for Wednesday, July 29 at Bluffton High School. Anyone interested in playing should call head coach Robert Vanderkolk at 260-273-3220.

BMS cross country to start conditioning
Bluffton Middle School cross country conditioning will begin Monday, July 27 at the White Bridge east of Bluffton at the intersection of River Road and 450 East from 8-9:30 a.m. All students entering grades 6-8 are welcome to attend. All participants must have a completed physical on file at the middle school before beginning conditioning. All interested parties should bring a water bottle and a beach towel. For more information, call Bev Balash at 565-3278 or 223-5529.

4-H Hoop Shoot winners
Winners for the Wells County 4-H Foundation Hoop Shoot contest at the 4-H Fair are as follows:
Wednesday
Girls 8-12: Catie Neuenschwander (2); Boys 8-12: Grant Prible (2); Girls 13-and-up: Kailey Thiele, Catherine Neuenschwander; Boys 13-and-up: Austin Brigner (2).
Tuesday
Girls 8-12: Megan Yencer, Grace Miller; Girls 13-and-up: Crystal Reinhard, Kailey Thiele; Boys 8-12: Cody Shively, Ben Mossburg; Boys 13-and-up: Luke Roush, Brandon Wiegand.
Monday
Girls 8-12: Catie Neuenschwander (2); Boys 8-12: Daniel Beeks, Ben Mossburg; Girls 13-and-up: Sierra Steffen, Jenna Cleaveland; Boys 13-and-up: Drake Biberstine, Jacob Mossburg.

Grants announced for 26 lake, river projects

Indiana DNR Release:

New grants totaling more than $925,000 have been awarded for the care of Indiana's waterways this year through the Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program, part of the DNR's Division of Fish and Wildlife.

“In a time when all spending is scrutinized for cost-effectiveness, these boater-funded LARE grants are an important way to address problems in public lakes and river watersheds across Indiana,” DNR director Robert E. Carter Jr. said. “The grants direct funds toward projects that protect and enhance the very resources used in aquatic recreational activities, including fishing and boating.”

The 26 projects were submitted by local sponsors who commit to sharing a portion of the total cost. DNR’s portion comes from the Lake Enhancement fee paid annually by boat owners to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. It is a variable fee based on the value of the boat when new.

“The LARE grants are crucial to local organizations enabling them to tackle natural resource concerns that can be impossible for them to address on their own,” said Gwen White, an aquatic biologist with LARE.

White said some projects can require years of planning and diligence to complete. The new grants feature biological and engineering projects, including diagnostic, design, and engineering feasibility studies, and construction projects.

Several watershed land-treatment projects received funding to assist landowners with water-quality concerns near locally important streams. These grants complement the $1.33 million in LARE grant awards Carter announced in March to address nuisance aquatic vegetation and dredging of sediment in publicly-accessible lakes.

“Our goal is to provide grant funds in projects that provide improved aquatic habitat in lakes and rivers,” White said. “As a side benefit these projects also promote a positive economic impact resulting from better access to improved water resources. In this way, LARE funds help improve the experiences for boating, fishing, swimming while enhancing and improving the aquatic environment for fish and other inhabitants of Indiana’s waters."

Volunteers sought for Suman Fen project

Indiana DNR Release:



The DNR Division of Nature Preserves and Save the Dunes Council are seeking volunteers to help restore a rare wetland at Suman Fen Nature Preserve in northern Porter County.

The preserve is located midway between Chesterton and Valparaiso and is one of Indiana’s best examples of a fen – a type of wetland fed by ground water.

The fen had become infested with reed canary grass, an invasive species from Europe that grows without restraint. Beginning in 2007, a grant from the Lake Michigan Coastal Program was used to purchase herbicides to control the reed canary grass on 22 acres.
Although the effort was successful in controlling the canary grass, portions of the treatment area were so damaged by the weed that additional help is required to complete the restoration.

Save the Dunes has donated more than 6,000 native wetland plants produced in greenhouses from locally collected seed. Volunteers are needed to help with plantings and scattering seed to accelerate restoration of the fen community.

Volunteers are asked to meet at 10 a.m. (CDT) on Aug. 1 at Faith Memorial Lutheran Church, 753 N. Calumet, in Valparaiso. Volunteers will then carpool to the work site. The project is scheduled to last until 2 pm (CDT).

Volunteers should bring water-resistant footwear, drinking water and insect repellant. Lunch will be provided.

2 NE Indiana sites designated nature preserves

Indiana DNR Release:

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission has approved nature preserve status for two sites in northeast Indiana that over the years have become popular destinations for school children and Scout groups.

The Evelyn and Wendell Dygert Nature Preserve is a 55.7-acre property near Columbia City in Whitley County that is noted for its high quality oak-hickory forest. The site contains one of the best wildflower displays in northeast Indiana, featuring blue-eyed Mary, Jack-in-the pulpit, spring beauty, firepink and various violets.

The preserve is part of a 134-acre area managed by ACRES Land Trust, which acquired the property from the Dygerts in 2001 with financial support from the DNR’s Indiana Heritage Trust program.

The other new preserve is the Wildwood Nature Preserve, a 93.8-acre property near Silver Lake in Kosciusko County. It also is noted for a high quality oak-hickory forest mixed with well-drained uplands and a forested swamp. Numerous large white oak, chinkapin oak, swamp white oak, shagbark hickory and black walnut are present.

Wildwood is part of a 238-acre tract that ACRES acquired from Bob and Alice Frantz in 2002 with financial support from Indiana Heritage Trust.

The status given to both sites boosts the total number of state-designated nature preserves to 229. The DNR Division of Nature Preserves was created in 1967, and the first nature preserve – Pine Hills at Shades State Park – was designated in 1969.

Visit IN.gov/dnr/naturepreserve for more on nature preserves in Indiana.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Heat advances at Dreams Park
The Ossian Heat split a pair of games Tuesday to finish 3-3 in pool play and earned a first-round bye in the single elimination tournament of the Cooperstown Dreams Park tournament series in Cooperstown, N.Y.
The Heat beat the Burlington Bulls from Canada 8-7 in a thrilling come-from-behind victory by scoring three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.
The score was tied 5-5 after four innings, but the Heat gave up one run in the fifth and another in the sixth to go down 7-5.
Garrett Mohler started the sixth with his third hit of the game. He was balked to second base and Hunter Ingle drove him in with a single. Graham Denney entered for Ingle as a pinch runner. Trevor Eichler sacrifice bunted Denney to second. Denney stole third base and the throw got past the third baseman to allow Denney to score the tying run. Brandon Burch walked and stole second and third. Alex Hunter added a bunt single, but Burch was picked off third on a trick play. Hunter was balked to third. Trevor Wilson followed with a high pop up between second and first, but the Bulls’ players collided and dropped the ball, allowing the winning run to score.
Nathan Allison belted his fourth home run and Reggie Hayes slammed his first homer. Ingle picked up the win in relief of Graham Denney.
In the second game, the Heat ran into a team from Georgia that couldn’t be stopped. The East Cobb Warriors, 6-0 in pool play, blanked the Heat 20-0. The Heat were led by Hayes with two hits. Eichler was the losing pitcher.

BMS cross country to start conditioning
Bluffton Middle School cross country conditioning will begin Monday, July 27 at the White Bridge east of Bluffton at the intersection of River Road and 450 East from 8-9:30 a.m. All students entering grades 6-8 are welcome to attend. All participants must have a completed physical on file at the middle school before beginning conditioning. All interested parties should bring a water bottle and a beach towel. For more information, call Bev Balash at 565-3278 or 223-5529.

Claghorn, Dickenson lead senior golfers
Larry Claghorn and John Dickenson were the top individual leaders Tuesday morning in the Senior Men’s Golf League at Green Valley Golf Club in Bluffton. Claghorn posted the low gross score of 40 and Dickenson had the low net score of 30. Members of the winning team were Bill Poulson, Tom Williams, Dick Hamilton and Bob Brickley. Smokey Baller was the closest-to-the-pin winner and Claghorn had the longest putt.

Ouabache State Park Events

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
1:45 p.m. - A Pitcher Catcher. Create your own pitcher plant that really catches flies on the pool lawn during the safety check. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
3:45 p.m. - Birding Basics. Birding is a popular outdoor activity. Learn about birding on the pool lawn during the safety check. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can easily re-enter the pool!
7:30 p.m. - Backyard Birding. Learn how to enjoy this popular form of birding. We’ll talk about how to bird first, then we’ll do a little of it ourselves. Meet at Rustic Oak Shelter.

THURSDAY, JULY 23
1:45 p.m. - Weather Scavenger Hunt. Join Naturalist Kate on the pool lawn during the safety check for a quick scavenger hunt. There will be a small prize of the individual that finds the most items. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
3:45 p.m. - A Constellation Myth. Constellations have had a special job throughout the ages. Learn about that job on the pool lawn during the safety check. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
7:30 p.m. - Mudpuppies. Meet at the Boat House to learn more about these cool aquatic creatures.

FRIDAY, JULY 24
1:45 p.m. - Intro to the Stars. How much do you know about stars? Learn more about the stars and our sun on the pool lawn during the safety check. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can easily re-enter the pool!
3:45 p.m. - You and a Shrew. We’ll make a few comparisons today on the pool lawn during the safety check between you and a shrew. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
8:00 p.m. - Salamanders, Newts, and Sirens. Meet a few of these amphibians found in Indiana at Campview Shelter. No live animals will be at this program.

SATURDAY, JULY 25
9:30 a.m. - Up Close and Personal With Pond Life. Take a look at what is found in the lake by digging in yourself! Meet at the Boat House. Please wear clothing that you won’t mind if they get a little dirty!
11-11:30 a.m. - Hoosier Quest. Connect! Discover! Explore! Learn more about the patch program at the Campview Shelter, located in the middle of Campground A. After a brief introduction, we'll break up into groups to start working on the requirements. Scouts and other groups, are you interested in earning a patch? See the Naturalist to learn about the Hoosier Pathfinder program.
1:45 - Pool Break Cool Craft. Create your own floral art on the pool lawn today with Naturalist Kate! Swimmers, make sure to get your hand stamped so you can easily re-enter the pool!
8:00 p.m. - Frog vs. Toad. Do you know the difference between a frog and a toad? Find out as we take a 60 minute hike around Kunkel Lake in search of these amphibians. Hike meets at the Boat House. Tennis shoes, sunscreen, and bug spray are recommended.

SUNDAY, JULY 26
9:30 a.m. - Worship Services. Join us at Campview Shelter for an inspirational service in the beauty of nature.
11-11:30 a.m. - Hoosier Quest. See Saturday for details.
1:45 p.m. - Pool Break Creature Feature. Meet one of Ouabache’s insects during today’s pool break on the pool lawn. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can easily re-enter the pool!

Skeet Shoot!

Skeet Shoot July 26
South West Conservation, located at 5703 Bluffton Road, will sponsor Trap and Skeet Shoot July 12 and 26 from 12:30 p.m. to close. It is open to the public Call 260-747-4677.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Ossian Heat drops two games
The Ossian Heat lost two games Monday in the second day of pool play in the Cooperstown Dream Park Tournament series in Cooperstown, N.Y., to drop their pool record to 2-2 before the single elimination tournament begins.
The Heat lost 17-13 to the Oak Mountain Stealers from Alabama. The Heat trailed 17-9 going into the last inning but fell short. The Heat had 12 hits and the Stealers 15, including four home runs. Nathan Allison led the Heat going 4 for 4, including his third home run of the week, and three RBIs. Brandon Burch and Bray Wilson each added two hits. Burch also stole two bases. Graham Denney was the losing pitcher in relief.
The Colorado Braves shut out the Heat 5-0 in the second game. Hunter Ingle and Garrett Mohler each had two hits, including a double by Mohler. Reggie Hayes was the losing pitcher.
For more information and video coverage go online here.

BMS cross country to start conditioning
Bluffton Middle School cross country conditioning will begin Monday, July 27 at the White Bridge east of Bluffton at the intersection of River Road and 450 East from 8-9:30 a.m. All students entering grades 6-8 are welcome to attend. All participants must have a completed physical on file at the middle school before beginning conditioning. All interested parties should bring a water bottle and a beach towel. For more information, call Bev Balash at 565-3278 or 223-5529.

Wells County 4-H Horse & Pony Show

News-Banner Sports Editor Paul Beitler has been monitoring the annual Horse & Pony Show at the Wells County 4-H fairgrounds. Here are a few of his pictures of Bobby Perry and Riley Smitley from the Western Trail Senior Competition on Sunday.


His video of Horse & Pony show events are posted at the Wells County 4-H Fair blog.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Imel finishes 23rd in State Amateur
Kaylee Imel of Bluffton ended up in a four-way tie for 23rd place in the Indiana Women’s Golf Association State Amateur after Wednesday’s final round.
Imel, who graduated from Norwell this spring, tallied a three-day, 24-over 240 (84-78-78) at the Otter Creek Golf Club in Columbus.
Fishers’ Brittany Kelly, the second-day leader, was crowned the champion with an even-par 216. Julia Potter of Granger was second at five over. Tobi Herron of Columbus was third at six over and Carmel’s Aimee Neff was fourth at seven over.
DeKalb graduate Lauren Vogt of Auburn, Jordan Woods of Brownsburg and Emily Podzielinski were tied with Imel.

Register for Bluffton pee wee football
The Bluffton Wells County Pee Wee Football League team for 5th- and 6th-grade students will have registration and equipment fittings on Friday, July 17, and Wednesday, July 22, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Bluffton Middle School practice fields.

Iron Kid Triathlon July 25

Children ages five through 12 can compete in a swim, bike, and run contest held on Saturday July 25 at 8 a.m. Cost is $15 and includes a t-shirt, finishing medal, snacks and trophies to the top three in each age and gender group.
Registrations can be printed off from the web site at www.blufftonindiana.net or picked up from the Parks office at 128 E Market St.
Swim distances are as follows: ages five and six: the width of the pool; seven and eight: the width of the pool twice; all others will swim the length of the pool (50 meters). Children are allowed to use fastened floating devices or a parent can assist in the water.
Bike distance is 1.17 miles and training wheels are allowed. Running distance is .65 miles and a parent may run beside the child who is under six years old.
Registration forms need to be turned in by July 17. Call 824-6069.

Helping Hunters Benefit 3-D Archery Shoot July 18

Hunters Helping Hunters Benefit 3-D Archery Shoot will be held Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South West Conservation Club at 5703 Bluffton Road. There will also be a hog roast from 5 to 7 p.m. There will also be a Russ Chandler Concert from 7 to 11 p.m. that evening. Proceeds will go to Hunters Helping Hunters, Inc. The event is open to the public. For more information call 260-747-4677.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Imel moves up in State Amateur
Norwell graduate Kaylee Imel of Bluffton moved up into a two-way tie for 28th place in the Indiana Women’s Golf Association State Amateur after Tuesday’s second round.
Imel, who will be attending Western Michigan, headed into the final round at 18 over on the Otter Creek Golf Club Northwest course in Columbus.
Brittany Kelly was the second-day leader at even par. Julia Potter remained in second place at three over. First-round leader Taylor Gohn slipped to third at five over.

Register for Bluffton pee wee football
The Bluffton Wells County Pee Wee Football League team for 5th- and 6th-grade students will have registration and equipment fittings on Friday, July 17, and Wednesday, July 22, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Bluffton Middle School practice fields.

Golf scramble for Norwell boys’ tennis
The Norwell boys’ tennis team is hosting a golf scramble July 25 at Timber Ridge Golf Club. Proceeds benefit the boys’ tennis program. Entry fee is $75 per person. Hole sponsorships are $100. The shotgun start is at 9 a.m. Sign up in the Pro Shop. For more information, call Bruce Imel at 824-4465.

Gilliom, Gilbert lead senior golfers
Bob Gilliom and Joe Gilbert tied for the low gross leaders each with a 42 in Tuesday’s Senior Men’s Golf League at Green Valley Golf Club in Bluffton. Paul Perry and Fred Pernell tied for low net honors at 33. Perry also was a member of the winning team with Larry Claghorn, Chuck Detwiller and Bob Myers. Gilbert also had the fewest putts. Myers also had the longest putt. Bill Fuller was the closest-to-the-pin winner.

PCTA beats National City
Parlor City Trophy & Apparel blanked National City 10-0 in a Bluffton Farm League baseball game Monday night at Roush Park.
Winning pitcher Mitchell Kuhlenbeck also tripled and singled. Jacey Dunnuck doubled twice. Kolton Moore singled twice.
Jason King was the losing pitcher. National City had three hits.

Josh Davis choses Purdue

A former Norwell freshman football player has commited to play at Purdue.
Josh Davis, who will be a senior at Jonathan Alder High School, was a freshman at Norwell in 2007 before moving to Plain City, Ohio.
Davis, a 6-foot-6, 270-pound defensive lineman, accepted a scholarship offer from Purdue on Monday. He had 60 tackles as a sophomore and 50 as a junior when Alder was 8-3.
He has been a two-year starter at Alder and has a 3.91 grade-point average on the school’s 4.0 scale. He plans to major in engineering at Purdue.
Davis selected Purdue over Illinois, Indiana, Cincinnati, Ohio University, Marshall, Kent State and Eastern Michigan.
Davis is the son of Cindy and Dan Davis, who graduated from Southern Wells. His grandparents are Wanda Dickey of Poneto and Mr. and Mrs. John Gearheart of Warren. His sister, Kristy Davis, graduated from Norwell in 2007 and will be a junior at Indiana University.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Kaylee Imel in State Amateur
Kaylee Imel, a recent Norwell graduate, finished the first round of the Indiana Women’s Golf Association State Amateur on Monday in a five-way tie for 44th place.
Imel, who will be attending Western Michigan, shot a 12-over 84 on the Otter Creek Golf Club Northwest course in Columbus.
Taylor Gohn was the first-round leader with an even-par 72. Julia Potter was second with a one-over 73.

Register for Youth Football League
The last time to register boys for the Wells County Youth Football League is Wednesday.
The tackle football league is for students entering grades 5 and 6 at Bluffton, Norwell, Southern Wells and South Adams. Cost is $60. Registration and equipment fitting will be from 7-8:30 p.m.
At Norwell, please enter Door 46 and go to the main gym’s upper deck.
Southern Wells students will be contacted by coach Mark Lefebvre to get signed up.

Golf scramble for Norwell boys’ tennis
The Norwell boys’ tennis team is hosting a golf scramble July 25 at Timber Ridge Golf Club. Proceeds benefit the boys’ tennis program. Entry fee is $75 per person. Hole sponsorships are $100. The shotgun start is at 9 a.m. Sign up in the Pro Shop. For more information, call Bruce Imel at 824-4465.

Stamp required for hunting mourning doves

Beginning in 2009-2010, Indiana hunters who wish to pursue mourning dove must purchase a game bird habitat stamp.

Mourning doves are the most abundant game bird in the world and the most popular game bird in Indiana. Each year, roughly 35,000 hunters pursue morning dove in Indiana. It is estimated that over one-third of all doves harvested in Indiana are taken from DNR-owned properties.

When the game bird stamp was developed, doves could not be hunted in Indiana. Had dove hunting been legal at the time the game bird stamp was developed, doves would have been included on the list of species requiring the stamp.

This year, the DNR took advantage of the opportunity to bring doves under the game bird stamp provision. Money collected from the sales of game bird stamps is used to purchase and manage land on which the public can hunt pheasants, quail, turkeys grouse and doves.

“Habitat development has been traditionally focused on eradicating fescue, establishing native grasses, developing firebreaks, planting food plots, enrolling Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land in strategic locations, conducting prescribed burns, strip disking, and strip spraying,” said Mitch Marcus, DNR wildlife staff specialist.

Of the money collected from the sale of game bird habitat stamps, 75 percent is used to acquire game bird habitat, including development on fish and wildlife areas and other public land, while the remaining 25 percent is used to fund game bird habitat developments on privately owned land throughout the state. On the average, $130,000 is used each year to develop approximately 2,600 acres of game bird habitat on private lands.

“Private land is used in targeted areas around the state to augment existing game bird habitats and increase the chances of local game bird populations finding suitable nesting, brood-rearing and escape cover as broods expand into surrounding areas,” said Gary Langell, DNR private lands program manager.

Funds collected from the sale of the game bird habitat stamp provide landowners standardized habitat development/management payments and one-time incentive payments for enrolling lands in the CRP and for voluntarily enrolling existing CRP lands into mid-contract management activities designed to increase habitat quality for game birds.

Hog Calling contest cancelled

County fair officials have decided to cancel the hog calling contest
that had been scheduled for Saturday night.
Organizers called off the 7:30 p.m. competition this morning after they
learned that Saturday’s 8 p.m. greased pig contest had been canceled, as
reported on Page 1 of today’s News-Banner.
This year would have been the first for a hog calling contest at the
county fair.

Natural Resources Commission meeting, July 21

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission (NRC) will meet at Fort Harrison State Park – The Garrison, July 21. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. (EDT). NRC meetings are open to the public.

Topics to be heard include:
Consideration of request by Indianapolis Power & Light Company for a Water Sale Contract.
Consideration of the dedication of the Evelyn and Wendell Dygert Nature Preserve, Whitley County
Consideration of the dedication of Wildwood Nature Preserve, Kosciusko County
Consideration for approval of amendments to Non-rule Policy Document (Information Bulletin #46) regarding geocaching on DNR properties
Consideration of Petition by Salt Creek Services, Inc. to amend 312 IAC 8-4-4 governing the maximum number of mooring slips for boat dock at Hooks Point, Lake Monroe
Consideration of adoption of amendments to 312 IAC 9 governing the taking of fish from public waters, to prohibit the taking or possession of paddlefish except under a commercial fishing license on the Ohio River
The Indiana Natural Resources Commission 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. The Commission meets at least four times annually.

Fort Harrison State Park – The Garrison is located at:
6002 North Post Road
Indianapolis, Indiana
(317) 543-9592

The complete meeting agenda is available at http://www.in.gov/nrc/.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

State Farm advances to finals
State Farm defeated AdamsWells Internet 15-8 Sunday night to advance to tonight’s championship finals of the Bluffton Junior League baseball team at Jefferson Park.
State Farm will meet National City at 6 p.m. National City is undefeated in the double elimination tournament. If National City loses the first game, a second game will follow at 8 p.m.
Noah Antrim and JayR Kobryn each drove in three runs to lead State Farm. Kobryn doubled and singled twice, while Antrim singled three times. Chris Hoffmeier added four hits, including a double. Anthony Harriman, Hunter Greenway, Jacob Wenger and Trey Collins each added two hits. Collins also was the winning pitcher. State Farm out hit AdamsWells Internet 18-6.
State Farm broke the game open with seven runs in the third inning, led by two-run hits by Kobryn and Antrim. State Farm added five more runs in the fifth, powered by RBI singles by Kobryn and Antrim and a RBI double by Hoffmeier off the top of the fence in right-center field. Wenger also drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.
AdamsWells Internet was led by Dane Hoffman, who crushed a three-run home run in the third inning. He also added a double and two singles. Brandon Norman was the losing pitcher.

Register for Youth Football League
Boys entering grades 5-6 may begin registering for the Wells County Youth Football League.
The tackle football league is for students attending Bluffton, Norwell, Southern Wells and South Adams. Cost is $60.
Registration and equipment fitting dates and times are as follows: Monday, July 13, 7-8:30; Wednesday, July 15, 7-8:30.
At Norwell, please enter Door 46 and go to the main gym’s upper deck.
Southern Wells students will be contacted by coach Mark Lefebvre to get signed up.

Norwell football golf outing slated
The Norwell Football Club will be holding a golf outing on Aug. 8 at Timber Ridge Golf Club. Cost is $60 for the 18-hole Florida scramble, including fees, cart and lunch. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m., with lunch following and the shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Hole sponsorships are $100. For more information or hole sponsorship, call Tom or Jon Neuenschwander at 260-622-4169 or e-mail at tom754@comcast.net. Send registration to Norwell Football Club, P.O. Box 159, Ossian, IN 46777.

Golf scramble for Norwell boys’ tennis
The Norwell boys’ tennis team is hosting a golf scramble July 25 at Timber Ridge Golf Club. Proceeds benefit the boys’ tennis program. Entry fee is $75 per person. Hole sponsorships are $100. The shotgun start is at 9 a.m. Sign up in the Pro Shop. For more information, call Bruce Imel at 824-4465.

Decatur boats place third, fourth
DETROIT — Dave Villwock won his seventh Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup victory Sunday on the Detroit River.
Villwock, driver of the U-16 Miss Ellstrom Elam Plus, defeated Steve David in the U-1 Oh Boy! Oberto.
Running in third was Jeff Bernard in the U-5 Formulaboats.com, owned by Ted Porter of Decatur. Bernard edged out fellow teammate J. Michael Kelly in the U-7 Graham Trucking boat. Rounding out the field was Greg Hopp in the U-100 Miss Jarvis Painting.

Ouabache State Park

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
1:45 p.m. - Leafy Fun. Have some fun with a leaf as we make cool creations on the pool lawn during the pool safety break. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
3:45 p.m. - Insect Trivia. How well do you know insects? Test your knowledge during this short game on the pool lawn during safety check. There will be a prize for the person with the most correct answers! Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
7:30 p.m. - Goin’ Native With Plants. Why are native plants the way to go? What plants are native to this area? Find out tonight at Trails End Shelter.

THURSDAY, JULY 16
1:45 p.m. - Plant's Anatomy. Join the drama as we discover just what makes a plant tick on the pool lawn during the safety check. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
3:45 p.m. - Mischievous Moths. Some moths can be destructive. Find out about one such moth on the pool lawn during the safety check. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
7:30 p.m. - Nature’s Flood Insurance. Mother Nature has her own type of flood insurance. Find out more about them at Campview Shelter tonight!

FRIDAY, JULY 17
1:45 p.m. - Build a Bird. Make a feathered friend to take home with you on the pool lawn during the safety check. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
3:45 p.m. - It’s a bird... No it’s a... A... Squirrel??? Learn more about these beautiful gliders on the pool lawn during the safety check. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
7:00 p.m. - Roving Interpreter. Be on the lookout for Naturalist Kate in the Campground. She'll have a tasty treat for you to try!

SATURDAY, JULY 18
9:30 a.m. - Bison Hike. Meet at the small shelter in front of the Wildlife Exhibit for a 60 minute hike around the enclosure. As we hike, Naturalist Kate will share some facts about the Bison of Ouabache. Tennis shoes, sunscreen and bug spray are recommended.
11-11:30 a.m. - Hoosier Quest. Connect! Discover! Explore! Learn more about the patch program at the Campview Shelter, located in the middle of Campground A. After a brief introduction, we'll break up into groups to start working on the requirements. Scouts and other groups, are you interested in earning a patch? See the Naturalist to learn about the Hoosier Pathfinder program.
1:45 - Pool Break Creature Feature. Join Naturalist Kate on the pool lawn to learn about this large arachnid found at Ouabache State Park. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
6:30 p.m. - Outdoor Cooking Demonstration. Bring your appetites! We’ll be cooking up some simple and healthy foods that you might want to try at your own campsite. Recipes will be available. Meet at Rustic Oak Shelter. Pre-registration is required by July 13. $5 program fee.

SUNDAY, JULY 19
9:30 a.m. - Worship Services. Join us at Campview Shelter for an inspirational service in the beauty of nature.
11-11:30 a.m. - Hoosier Quest. See Saturday for details.
1:45 p.m. - Pool Break Quickie Craft. Make a cool creation to take home with you on the pool lawn during the pool’s safety check. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Indiana Lightning to play at Parkview Field
The Indiana Lightning baseball team, comprised of 14-year-old boys from Norwell, will be playing a doubleheader against the Aboite Braves at Parkview Field on Tuesday, July 14.
There is no admission charge and parking is free. First game will start at 5 p.m. and game two at approximately 7:30 p.m. Parkview Field is the new home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps.
Players are Nathan Shelton, Ryan Elmore, Luke Hunter, Cale Schumm, Spencer Newell, Joe Rasdorf, Piercen Harnish, Sam Harness, Robbie Ritter, Jacob Meyer, Alex Mills, Cal Clouser and Tailur Szarenski.
Coaches are Jeff Shelton, Jeff Elmore, Lex Hunter and Ted Schumm.

AdamsWells Internet ends Pizza Hut’s season
Dane Hoffman and Brandon Norman combined to help AdamsWells Internet defeat Pizza Hut 11-10 on Thursday night in the Bluffton Junior League baseball tournament at Jefferson Park.
Hoffman pitched the first three innings and came back in the sixth to shut down Pizza Hut and notch the win. He also added two hits. Norman led the offense with four hits, while Desmond Carter had three.
Pizza Hut was led by Matthew Vitatoe and Bubba Applegate with three hits. Kohl Buskirk and Drew Hunter each added two hits. Buskirk was the losing pitcher.
AdamsWells Internet will play State Farm on Saturday night at 7 p.m. The winner will play National City on Sunday at 5 p.m. in the championship finals. National City is undefeated in the double elimination event, while AdamsWells Internet and State Farm each have one loss.

Register for Youth Football
Boys entering grades 5-6 may begin registering for the Wells County Youth Football League.
The tackle football league is for students attending Bluffton, Norwell, Southern Wells and South Adams. Cost is $60.
Registration and equipment fitting dates and times are as follows: Monday, July 13, 7-8:30; Wednesday, July 15, 7-8:30.
At Norwell, please enter Door 46 and go to the main gym’s upper deck.
Southern Wells students will be contacted by coach Mark Lefebvre to get signed up.

Norwell football golf outing slated
The Norwell Football Club will be holding a golf outing on Aug. 8 at Timber Ridge Golf Club. Cost is $60 for the 18-hole Florida scramble, including fees, cart and lunch. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m., with lunch following and the shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Hole sponsorships are $100. For more information or hole sponsorship, call Tom or Jon Neuenschwander at 260-622-4169 or e-mail at tom754@comcast.net. Send registration to Norwell Football Club, P.O. Box 159, Ossian, IN 46777.

BHS volleyball camp set
The Bluffton High School volleyball camp for girls who will be in grades 9-12 will be held July 13-16 from 6-8 p.m. at the Tiger Den. Cost is $100. IPFW volleyball coach Arnie Ball and members of his coaching staff will be conducting the camp. For more information, contact the Bluffton athletic office or Robert Ochoa 260-710-1317.

BMS volleyball camp slated
The Bluffton Middle School volleyball camp also will be held July 13-16 from 4:30-5:45 p.m. Cost is $25.

Smokey Bear’s Birthday Bash, July 17 & 18

Indiana DNR Release:

Every bear has his day, or is that every dog? Either way, join your old friend Smokey Bear to celebrate his 60th birthday at Mississinewa Reservoir, July 17 & 18.

On July 17, festivities begin at 8:30 p.m. with a family movie at the modern campground program shelter. At 5:30 p.m., July 18, gather to decorate the shelter. A bicycle decorating party is at 6 p.m., followed by a parade at 6:45 p.m. At 7 p.m., everyone is invited to enjoy cookies, punch and ice cream. Make a donation and have your photo taken with Smokey.

There is no fee for the program. Park entrance fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply.

Salamonie children’s day camp, Aug. 3 - 11

Indiana DNR Release:

Give your kids the gift of nature this summer at Salamonie Reservoir’s children’s day camp, Aug. 3 – 7. Each day provides a variety of sessions from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children ages 7 to 11 are welcome.

Programs about butterflies, bees and beekeeping, grasshoppers and crickets, ants and dragonflies will be presented. Participants spend time examining insect habitat and go swimming on dragonfly day. The camp features indoor and outdoor activities, movie time, snacks, crafts and games.

Activities are guided by interpretive naturalists trained to provide a safe and fun environment. Although small snacks are provided, children must bring a sack lunch with drink each day.

There is a $55 participation fee per child, with $10 due at time of registration. Parents will be asked to fill out health/participation forms before their child enjoys activities on the first day. Register at (260) 468-2127. Visit www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis to download the participation/health form.

Park entrance fees are waived for participants.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Pretzel’s, Inc. wins tourney title
Pretzel’s, Inc. blanked National Oil/Nodine’s 13-0 Wednesday night to win the Wells County Girls’ Softball Senior League tournament championship at Roush Park.
Pretzel’s had lost three times to National Oil/Nodine’s during the regular season. National Oil/Nodine’s finished up with a 10-4 record, while Pretzel’s ended up at 11-3.
Breanna Brickley pitched a complete-game no-hitter, allowing only two baserunners. Brickley finished the season with an 8-1 record and one save.
Karlie Longenberger powered Pretzel’s with a triple and double, driving in four runs. Hannah Gilliam, Katie Runyon and Nicole Lykins each added two hits. Kaitlyn Dunnuck also doubled.
Kyanne Bryant and Kennedy Johnson pitched for National Oil/Nodine’s, while Bryant suffered the loss.

Pizza Hut eliminates Standard Plastics
Pizza Hut scored eight runs in the fifth inning to defeat Standard Plastics 12-7 in the loser’s bracket of the Bluffton Junior League tournament on Wednesday at Jefferson Park.
Standard Plastics was eliminated from the double elimination tournament. Pizza Hut advanced to tonight’s first game at 6 p.m.
Drew Hunter ripped a pair of triples for Pizza Hut. Matthew Vitatoe doubled and singled. Dylan Longenberger and Zach Wilson each singled twice. Winning pitcher Trae Jojola and Bubba Applegate each doubled.
Standard Plastics got a home run and double by Caitlin Herndon and Grant Prible singled twice. Herndon was the losing pitcher.

PCTA edges BRMC
Parlor City Trophy & Apparel built a six-run lead over Bluffton Regional Medical Center Tuesday night and held on to win the Bluffton Farm League baseball game 7-6.
Jacey Dunnuck had two hits for Parlor City Trophy & Apparel, while Tylon Wright doubled. Mitchell Kuhlenbeck was the winning pitcher.
Bradley Kelley doubled for Bluffton Regional Medical Center and Rylie Johnston was the losing pitcher.

Bluffton HS volleyball camp set
The Bluffton High School volleyball camp for girls who will be in grades 9-12 will be held July 13-16 from 6-8 p.m. at the Tiger Den. Cost is $100. IPFW volleyball coach Arnie Ball and members of his coaching staff will be conducting the camp. For more information, contact the Bluffton athletic office or Robert Ochoa 260-710-1317.

Bluffton MS volleyball camp slated
The Bluffton Middle School volleyball camp also will be held July 13-16 from 4:30-5:45 p.m. Cost is $25.

Register for Youth Football League
Boys entering grades 5-6 may begin registering for the Wells County Youth Football League.
The tackle football league is for students attending Bluffton, Norwell, Southern Wells and South Adams. Cost is $60.
Registration and equipment fitting dates and times are as follows: Monday, July 13, 7-8:30; Wednesday, July 15, 7-8:30.
At Norwell, please enter Door 46 and go to the main gym’s upper deck.
Southern Wells students will be contacted by coach Mark Lefebvre to get signed up.

Golf scramble for Norwell boys’ tennis
The Norwell boys’ tennis team is hosting a golf scramble July 25 at Timber Ridge Golf Club. Proceeds benefit the boys’ tennis program. Entry fee is $75 per person. Hole sponsorships are $100. The shotgun start is at 9 a.m. Sign up in the Pro Shop. For more information, call Bruce Imel at 824-4465.

Tiger boosters to hold golf outing
The Bluffton Athletic Boosters are holding a nine-hole golf scramble and outing with contests and prizes Saturday, July 25, at Green Valley Golf Club in Bluffton. Shotgun start is at 10 a.m. Cost is $40 per person, including fees, cart, three beverages and hot picnic lunch following the event. For more information and to register, contact Dan Geimer at 824-8543 or e-mail at djgeimer@sbcglobal.net. All proceeds go to the Athletic Boosters for middle and high school athletic programs.

Register for pee wee basketball
Girls and boys (K-4) may register for a Pee Wee Basketball League at Kehoe Park on Friday from 8-9 p.m. Registration forms may be picked up at the Bluffton Parks & Recreation Dept. in city hall or downloaded from the city website at www.blufftonindiana.net. Cost is $15, which includes a T-shirt. Volunteer coaches are needed.

DREAM TEAM AWARDS BANQUET (date changed)

The Dream Team will hold its final game and awards banquet on the same day, July 30, at 6 p.m., at Bi-County Field.

For more information, to participate or to volunteer, call the Wells County YMCA at 824-5019.

Smokey Bear's Birthday Bash

July 10 & 11
Drive out for the day or camp at Salamonie Reservoir near Wabash and Andrews for Smokey Bear's Birthday Bash July 10 and 11.
On Friday, July 10 there will be a family movie at 8:30 p.m. at the program shelter in the modern campground.
Events for Saturday, July 11 include making birthday decorations at 5:30 p.m.; making parade decorations at 6 p.m.; Smokey's parade at 6:45 p.m. and the birthday bash at 7 p.m. with cookies, punch and ice cream.
For more information call 260-468-2127 or log onto: www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Pizza Hut boots First Bank of Berne
Pizza Hut advanced to Wednesday’s 6 p.m. game in the Bluffton Junior League baseball tournament by eliminating the First Bank of Berne 11-10 on Tuesday night at Jefferson Park.
Drew Hunter led Pizza Hut’s 15-hit attack with two doubles and a single. Matthew Vitatoe added three singles. Reggie Garrett doubled twice. Dylan Longenberger was the winning pitcher.
Kenny Patterson led First Bank of Berne’s 11-hit attack with a double and two singles. Caleb Shepherd added a double and single. Jacob Studabaker and Conner Esmond each added two singles. Garrett Walborn was the losing pitcher.

National City blasts Standard Plastics
A 12-hit, 12-run explosion in the third inning by National City was the killer against under-manned Standard Plastics Tuesday night in the second round of the Bluffton Junior League baseball tournament at Jefferson Park.
National City routed Standard Plastics 16-4 to advance to Thursday’s semifinals at 8 p.m. in the double-elimination tournament.
National City slugged 17 hits, led by Mitchell Drew with two doubles and a single. James Spera and Taylor Pulver each doubled twice. Jarrett Harris doubled and singled. Levi Eisenhut added three singles and Bo Thompson singled twice. Eric Baumgartner and winning pitcher Tristan Niblick each doubled.
Standard Plastics, which had only eight players (two outfielders), was held to five hits. Caitlin Herndon tripled and singled. Grant Prible, Matthew Scott and Mike Scott each doubled. Prible was the losing pitcher.
Standard Plastics will play Pizza Hut Wednesday in the loser’s bracket at 6 p.m.

AdamsWells nips Pizza Hut
AdamsWells Internet held off Pizza Hut Monday night for an exciting 11-10 victory in the first round of the Bluffton Junior League baseball tournament at Jefferson Park.
AdamsWells Internet will play State Farm Wednesday at 8 p.m.
AdamsWells Internet out hit Pizza Hut 15-13 and Desmond Carter led the winners with a 4-for-4 hitting performance. Winning pitcher Dane Hoffman added three hits and Cade Meadows had a pair. Jacob Stout lofted a towering home run that hit the top of the light pole in left-center field.
Pizza Hut was led by Bubba Applegate with three hits. Matthew Vitatoe, Reggie Garrett and Zach Wilson each had two hits. Drew Hunter added two hits, including a solo home run.

F.O.P. out scores MarkleBank
The Fraternal Order of Police erupted for 10 runs in the fourth inning to record a 14-12 win over MarkleBank in a Bluffton Farm League baseball game.
Gavin King ripped a triple and single for F.O.P., while Everett Johnson, Nick Huffer and Damian Waldon each doubled and singled. Philip Pearson was the winning pitcher.
Orion Lewis singled twice for MarkleBank. Jordan Bower was the losing pitcher. MarkleBank scored nine runs in the third inning and three in the fourth.

National City records victory
National City slugged 20 hits in a 15-6 Bluffton Junior League baseball victory over Standard Plastics on June 29.
Tristan Niblick was the winning pitcher and doubled twice. James Spera had four hits, including a triple and two doubles. Jarrett Harris tripled and singled twice. Bo Thompson, Levi Eisenhut, Taylor Pulver and Mitchell Drew each doubled and singled.
Caitlin Herndon had three hits of Standard Plastics’ six hits, including a home run and triple. She also was the losing pitcher.

T-Ball scores reported
The following Bluffton T-Ball League scores have been reported: Almco Steel 20, Goodwin Memorial Chapel 9; Hot Cakes 28, Peyton’s Northern 16.

Register for Youth Football League
Boys entering grades 5-6 may begin registering for the Wells County Youth Football League.
The tackle football league is for students attending Bluffton, Norwell, Southern Wells and South Adams. Cost is $60.
Registration and equipment fitting dates and times are as follows: Thursday, July 9, 7-8:30; Monday, July 13, 7-8:30; Wednesday, July 15, 7-8:30.
At Norwell, please enter Door 46 and go to the main gym’s upper deck.
Southern Wells students will be contacted by Mark Lefebvre to get signed up.

Moss, Walburn top Senior League
Jerry Moss and Roger Walburn were the individual leaders for the Tuesday Men’s Senior Golf League at Green Valley Golf Club in Bluffton. Moss had the low gross score of 43 and Walburn was low net with 31. Winning team members were Herman McCormick, Jim Smith, Dick Hamilton and Walburn. Bill Poulson was the closest-to-the-pin winner. Smith made the longest putt.

Tiger boosters to hold golf outing
The Bluffton Athletic Boosters are holding a nine-hole golf scramble and outing with contests and prizes Saturday, July 25, at Green Valley Golf Club in Bluffton. Shotgun start is at 10 a.m. Cost is $40 per person, including fees, cart, three beverages and hot picnic lunch following the event. For more information and to register, contact Dan Geimer at 824-8543 or e-mail at djgeimer@sbcglobal.net. All proceeds go to the Athletic Boosters for middle and high school athletic programs.

Ouabache State Park Events

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
1:45 p.m. - Meet the Cedar Waxwing. You might have seen this beautiful bird eating berries off of the trees here in the park. Find out more about them on the pool lawn during the pool’s safety check. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
3:45 p.m. - Spiders That Jump. These little spiders have a big jump. Discover the Jumping Spider on the pool lawn during this afternoon’s safety check. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
7:30 p.m. - Arachnophobia! Are you afraid of spiders? Conquer your fear by learning more about these important arachnids at Campview Shelter. Live spiders may be at this program.

THURSDAY, JULY 9
1:45 p.m. - One Pesky Bandit. This little bandit loves to creep into the campground and steal tasty treats. Learn more about them on the pool’s safety check. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
3:45 p.m. - Catch This Cat. Found in the depths of Kunkel Lake this cat might bite if your bait is right. Discover more about the channel catfish we have at Ouabache on the pool lawn during this safety break. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
7:30 p.m. - Ssssnakes. Some people are terrified of snakes, but they are great for an ecosystem. Learn why people are terrified and why you want one around! Meet at Campview Shelter. No live animals will be at this program.

FRIDAY, JULY 10
1:45 p.m. - Fire! Fire can be friend or foe in the forest. Learn more about forest fires on the pool lawn during the safety check. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
7:30 p.m. - Leapin’ Lizards! Yes, there are lizards here in Indiana. Discover them tonight at Campview Shelter. No live animals will be at this program.

SATURDAY, JULY 11
9:30 a.m. - Terrific Tree Trek. Meet at the trailhead for Trail 3, located in the campground near camp site 32. We’ll talk about trees and their uses as well as some specific trees as we hike Ouabache’s Tree Trail. Tennis shoes, sunscreen and bug spray are recommended for this program.
11-11:30 a.m. - Hoosier Quest. Connect! Discover! Explore! Learn more about the patch program at the Campview Shelter, located in the middle of Campground A. After a brief introduction, we'll break up into groups to start working on the requirements. Scouts and other groups are you interested in earning a patch? See the Naturalist to learn about the Hoosier Pathfinder program.
1:45 - Pool Break Creature Feature. Check out the cool skull Naturalist Kate has with her today on the pool lawn during the safety check. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!
8:00 p.m. - Campfire Story. Join Naturalist Kate at Campview Shelter for the story Owl Moon by Jan Yolen. After the story we’ll make a craft for you to take home!

SUNDAY, JULY 12
9:30 a.m. - Worship Services. Join us at Campview Shelter for an inspirational service in the beauty of nature.
11-11:30 a.m. - Hoosier Quest. See Saturday for details.
1:45 p.m. - Pool Break Quickie Craft. Make a cool creation to take home with you on the pool lawn during the pool’s safety check. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped so you can re-enter the pool!

Upper Wabash Outdoor Cooking, July 11 & Aug. 1

Indiana DNR Release:

No one is more popular in camp than the cook. Come out to the Upper Wabash Reservoirs to learn more about outdoor cooking and to compete for culinary honors at outdoor cooking events, July 11 at Mississinewa, and Aug. 1 at Salamonie. Events are open to both campers and day visitors.

Both events are held at each campground’s program shelter. Each day begins with outdoor cooking class from 1 to 2 p.m. The cooking competition follows from 2 to 5:30 p.m. There is a $10 entry fee per individual/team.

Competition requires each entrant to cook one entrée and one dessert. There must be enough of each dish to allow eight judges to sample.

All cooking must be done in a Dutch oven. Entrants are responsible for supplying all food ingredients, cooking utensils, charcoal and starter. All foods must be prepared on site.

Judging takes place at 6 p.m. An awards ceremony follows. First-place teams from each property win a new Dutch oven, and qualify to compete in the Oct. 24 championship cook-off at J. Edward Roush Lake. The championship winner will earn a tripod, lid lifter and other outdoor cooking accessories.

These events are sponsored by Bozarth Country Store.

Park entrance fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply.

Indiana CCC Reunion at Fort Harrison SP, Oct. 10

Indiana DNR Release:

Veterans of the Indiana Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) should mark their calendars for Oct. 10, when Indiana’s statewide CCC reunion will be held at Camp Glenn in Fort Harrison State Park, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public is welcome to join in the day’s events and meet CCC veterans.

The CCC veterans and their families will be served a complimentary picnic lunch at noon, followed by the taking of a reunion photograph. To reserve your place at the picnic, contact Vicki Basman at (317) 234-4926 or vbasman@dnr.IN.gov by Sept. 30.

An oral history booth also will be provided for veterans wishing to record their CCC memories. Everyone is invited to enroll into the CCC for the day and experience camp life at an interactive camp.

Interpretive naturalists will provide walking tours of historic Camp Glenn throughout the day. The afternoon will be filled with scheduled interpretive programs by guest speakers, including Fred Wooley, interpretive naturalist at Pokagon State Park. The schedule and times for interpretive programs will be announced at a later date.

The reunion is free to attend, but the regular $5 per vehicle park entrance fee will be charged to in-state residents. The gate charge for out-of-state vehicles is $7 per carload. CCC veterans will receive free park admission.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Clouser ties for 8th in golf tourney
Norwell junior McCormick Clouser finished in a tie for eighth place at 12-over par in the Callaway Junior Series Golf Tournament at Penn State University’s Blue Course last week. He shot 76 (37-39), 80 (41-39) and 72 (37-35) for a total of 228.

Pretzel’s downs Les Gerber Insurance
Pretzel’s defeated Les Gerber Insurance 12-6 last Wednesday night in the final regular-season game of the Wells County Girls’ Softball Senior League.
Breanna Brickley and Erin McKinley combined to pitch a three-hitter, with Brickley posting the win. Brickley also tripled and doubled to lead Pretzel’s 11-hit attack. Nicole Lykins added two hits.
Pretzel’s and Gerber Insurance will play at 6 p.m. tonight in the first game of the league tournament. MarkleBank and National Oil will face off in following game, with the winners squaring off Wednesday night.

Pizza Hut beats First Bank of Berne
Pizza Hut scored five runs in each of the fourth and fifth innings to defeat First Bank of Berne 10-4 last Friday in a Bluffton Junior League baseball game at Jefferson Park.
Drew Hunter doubled and singled twice for Pizza Hut. Dylan Longenberger tripled and singled. Matthew Vitatoe and Bubba Applegate each singled twice. Kohl Buskirk and Zach Wilson each doubled and singled, while Trae Jojola doubled. Applegate also was the winning pitcher.
Caleb Shepherd had three singles for First Bank of Berne. Grant Harris and Tanner Thompson each added two singles. Nick King was the losing pitcher.

MarkleBank rolls past Hiday Motors
MarkleBank beat Hiday Motors 15-8 last Thursday in a Bluffton Farm League baseball game at Roush Park.
Jordan Bower struck out eight batters to notch the win. He also had a double and two singles. Draven Stoultz legged out an inside-the-park home run. Orion Lewis singled twice.
Evan Huffman hit a three-run inside-the-park homer and two singles to lead Hiday Motors. He also was the losing pitcher. Gabe Eisenhut doubled and singled. Elijah Hon added two singles.

PCTA tops Bohemian Bean
A pair of nine-run innings powered Parlor City Trophy & Apparel to a 19-4 victory over Bohemian Bean last week in a Bluffton Farm League baseball game.
Tylon Wright smacked a home run and two singles to lead Parlor City Trophy & Apparel. Cordell Humbarger doubled and singled. Mitchell Kuhlenbeck, Jacey Dunnuck and Max Corle each added two hits. Kuhlenbeck also was the winning pitcher.
Mitchell Von Gunten tripled for Bohemian Bean and Dillon McAdoo doubled. Sean Stinson was the losing pitcher.

MarkleBank clips Bluffton Regional
Jordan Bower, Orion Lewis and Landon Harris each hit an inside-the-park home run on June 29 to lead MarkleBank to a 12-9 victory over Bluffton Regional Medical Center in a Bluffton Farm League baseball game.
Bower also struck out eight hitters to log the victory. Bobby Louis was the losing pitcher for Bluffton Regional Medical Center, whose pitchers combined to strike out 11 batters.

T-Ball scores reported
The following Bluffton T-Ball League scores have been reported: Saf-T-Lite 17, DeHoff Insulation 9; Longenberger Financial 17, AdamsWells Internet 4.

Bluffton HS volleyball camp set
The Bluffton High School volleyball camp for girls who will be in grades 9-12 will be held July 13-16 from 6-8 p.m. at the Tiger Den. Cost is $100. IPFW volleyball coach Arnie Ball and members of his coaching staff will be conducting the camp. For more information, contact the Bluffton Athletic office or Robert Ochoa 260-710-1317.

Bluffton HS volleyball conditioning
Bluffton volleyball conditioning will resume on July 7 and run on Tuesday and Friday from 5-7 p.m. and Thursday 7-9 p.m.

Bluffton MS volleyball camp slated
The Bluffton Middle School volleyball camp also will be held July 13-16 from 4:30-5:45 p.m. Cost is $25.

Volleyball rules clinic at Bluffton
Bluffton Volleyball will have a volleyball rules clinic for parents and athletes on Tuesday, July 14, from 5-6:30 p.m. Dan Houser, a certified high school, college and international official, will be discussing volleyball rules. The clinic is free.

Register for Youth Football League
Boys entering grades 5-6 may begin registering for the Wells County Youth Football League.
The tackle football league is for students attending Bluffton, Norwell, Southern Wells and South Adams. Cost is $60.
Registration and equipment fitting dates and times are as follows: Tuesday, July 7, 7-8:30 p.m.; Thursday, July 9, 7-8:30; Monday, July 13, 7-8:30; Wednesday, July 15, 7-8:30.
At Norwell, please enter Door 46 and go to the main gym’s upper deck.
Southern Wells students will be contacted by coach Mark Lefebvre to get signed up.

BayBears rally to slam Lookouts
MOBILE, Ala. — Ricardo Sosa’s grand slam highlighted a six-run seventh inning as the BayBears rallied for their fourth consecutive victory with an 8-2 crushing of the Chattanooga Lookouts on Saturday night at Hank Aaron Stadium.
Sosa’s blast off Tim Corcoran (2-6) came just after the BayBears claimed the lead in the seventh. Cyle Hankered was hit by an 0-1 fastball with the bases loaded, breaking a 2-2 tie. Pedro Ciriaco’s RBI single earlier in the frame evened the score, while Sosa capped off the rally.
Chattanooga entered the seventh with the lead after scoring a pair in the fifth against Jarrod Parker. Parker had shut the Lookouts down on just two singles over his first four frames but allowed Gabriel Gutierrez to reach on a one-out double in the fifth. Gutierrez was singled home by Justin Sellers who took second on the throw home. Sellers came in on a two-out knock by Adam Godwin.
Parker gave way to Josh Ellis (3-1), who kept the Lookouts right where they were with two scoreless frames and three punch outs.
Scott Maine worked around a couple hits and a walk over his two scoreless innings to end the ballgame.

TinCaps drawing more fans
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) — The first months of Fort Wayne’s new downtown baseball stadium have seen bigger crowds that officials hope will grow larger through the summer.
The Fort Wayne TinCaps drew nearly 162,000 fans to Parkview Field through the Midwest League’s all-star break in late June. That is more than 50,000 ahead of last year during the team’s final season in Memorial Stadium.
Team president Mike Nutter told The Journal Gazette he was pleased with attendance for the season’s first half.

Volunteers needed for Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Indiana DNR Release:

The inaugural Hoosier Outdoor Experience (Sept. 26-27, at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis) will give people a hands-on chance to try many outdoor activities.

In order to make the event a success, the Department of Natural Resources needs volunteers in four categories: hospitality, ambassador, first aid and shuttle attendant.

The doors will open to the public at 9 a.m. The event runs until 6 p.m. Volunteers and staff will be on site an hour before opening and an hour after gates close for setup and tear-down..

Program and volunteer registration information is available at www.hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov.

Call (317) 562-1338 or e-mail outdoorexperience@dnr.INgov with questions or to register a minor (under 18 years old) as a volunteer.

Volunteer Descriptions:

Hospitality: Coordinate and keep water stations for participants, staff and other volunteers supplied. Also will staff main hospitality station and work with DNR staff.

Ambassadors: Greet and answer general questions about the venue assigned, troubleshoot, escort parties to closest first aid station.

First Aid: Must be doctors, physician's assistants, nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, or first responders. Staff one of three first aid station. The DNR will provide basic first aid supplies.

Shuttle Attendant: Inform participants about each shuttle stop. Make sure participants ride safely.

Unwanted pike and white bass found in area lakes

Indiana DNR Release:

COLUMBIA CITY – Two species of fish, although popular among Hoosier anglers, are not what biologists wanted to find in three lakes north of Columbia City in Whitley County.

In mid-June, two northern pike were netted at Loon Lake and a white bass was captured in Big Lake during fish surveys conducted by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Last fall, two northern pike were also netted in Crooked Lake, although none were caught during a follow-up survey in June.

The northern pike found in both lakes were 24 to 26 inches long. The white bass in Big Lake was 14 inches long.

“Northern pike and white bass do not occur naturally in any of these lakes,” said Jed Pearson, DNR fisheries biologist. “They were apparently illegally stocked there by someone.”

According to Indiana law, anyone who stocks a fish in public waters under state control must first get a permit from the DNR. Catching fish in one lake and releasing them into another lake without an approved permit is a Class C misdemeanor. The cost of a stocking permit is $3.

Since northern pike and white bass are popular among anglers, some people may not realize such stocking is harmful.

“Both species are predatory fish and can compete with other sportfish,” Pearson said. “They both are capable of reproducing, so they could also increase and spread to other lakes in the area. But more importantly, they could harm ongoing fish management programs at each lake.”

Northern pike could compete with muskies stocked in Loon Lake, thereby reducing survival and growth of muskies. In Crooked Lake, pike could feed on ciscoes, a unique coldwater fish species found in only 13 Indiana lakes.

“Local residents and the DNR have done a lot to protect ciscoes in Crooked Lake. If pike numbers increase, they could decimate the population,” Pearson said.

White bass are predators that usually feed offshore on gizzard shad, a silver-colored forage fish. However, shad are not present in Big Lake, so white bass there would likely be forced to eat bluegills, perch or other sportfish.

“Anglers who think it is OK for them to take fish from one lake to stock in another lake run the risk of hurting fishing for everyone else,” said Pearson.

Ouabache SP outdoor cooking demo, July 18

Indiana DNR Release:

No one is more popular in camp than the cook, so head to Ouabache State Park’s outdoor cooking demonstration, July 18, to learn about open-fire cooking with cast iron.

The program runs from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Rustic Oak Shelter.

There is a program fee of $5 for this event. Register by July 13 at
(260) 824-0926, or by e-mailing OuabacheInterp@dnr.IN.gov.

Park entrance fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply.

Smokey Bear’s birthday, Salamonie, July 10 & 11

Indiana DNR Release:

Every bear has his day, or is that every dog? Either way, join your old friend Smokey Bear to celebrate his 60th birthday at Salamonie Reservoir, July 10 and 11.

On July 10, festivities begin at 9 p.m. with a family movie at the modern campground program shelter. On July 11, at 5:30 p.m., gather to decorate the shelter. A bicycle decorating party is at 6 p.m., followed by a parade at 6:45 p.m. At 7 p.m., everyone is invited to enjoy cookies, punch and ice cream. Make a donation and have your photo taken with Smokey.

There is no fee for the program. Park entrance fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply.

Big Bass baby

Local fisherman Bob Barton caught this beauty at a local farm pond. The exact whereabouts of the pond remain a secret.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Junior Golf League contest finishers
The Timber Ridge Junior Golf League held putting and chipping contests on June 29 and July 2. Results are as follows:

Chipping Contest
Ages 15-and-older: Boys, Dalton Cunningham; Girls, Olivia Shapley.
13-14: Boys co-winners, Brett Wilson and Cameron Blount.
11-12: Boys co-winners, Noah Tobias and Cameron Wilson; Girls, Erika Thornton.
9-10: Boys, Jacob Collins; Girls, Courtney Beer.
6-8: Boys co-winners, Braden Mallery and Ari Riley; Girls co-winners, Macy Morgan and Sophie Cady.

Putting Contest
Ages 15-18: Girls, Cassie Herndon; Boys, Cole Buzzard.
13-14: Boys (13), Brett Wilson, Boys (14), Daniel Shepherd.
11-12: Girls, Erika Thompson; Boys, Brody Myers.
9-10: Girls, Hannah Worden; Boys, Caleb Torson.
6-8: Girls (7-8), Sophie Cady; Boys (8), Braden Mallery; Boys (6) co-winners, Cooper King and Landon Chamberlain; Boys (5) co-winners, Augie Mann and Cody Wilson; Girls (6), Nature Miller.


T-Ball scores reported
The following Bluffton T-Ball League scores have been reported: Wells Fargo 20, DeHoff Insulation 17; AdamsWells Internet 15, Masonic Lodge 11.

Ossian Conservation Club Events

The Ossian Conservation Club, 9950N-100E, Ossian, has announced the following July events:
July 12 — Ossian Conservation Club Shotgun Shooters’ informal event from noon to 4:30 p.m. Regular clays, middies, minnies and rabbit targets. Bring the whole family. The public is welcome.
July 18-23 — Ossian Conservation Club will be at the Wells County 4-H Fair. Stop by for some old-style sugar corn made in a cast iron kettle. We also will be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a new Ruger 10-22 rifle, a distributor’s special model GRL-THB with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $545. Tickets are $1 each or six tickets for $5.
July 26 — Ouabache Archers will have a bow shoot from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30. There will be several new Rinehart 3-D targets. All are welcome.
For information call 622-4712 or 622-6810 or visit the club’s Web site at www.ossianconservationclub.com

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Outlaw Super Lates returning to Baer Field
After a four-year absence, the Outlaw Super Late stock cars are returning to race at Baer Field Speedway in the Three Rivers Festival 100 on Saturday, July 18.
The Outlaw Super Lates will be joined by the Baer Field Speedway Late Models, Modifieds and Street Stocks. Adult admission will be $18, children 7-12 $5 and no charge for those six and under.
Spectator gates open at 4 p.m., with qualifying at 5:30 and racing at 7:30. A practice session will be held Friday from 5-10 p.m.
The previously-scheduled event for CRA Late Models has been rescheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, to create a spectacular doubleheader program with the HOSS Outlaw Winged Sprints.
The speedway is located at 4331 Winters Road, one mile south of Fort Wayne International Airport off Bluffton Rd. Call 260-478-7223 or go on the Internet at www.baerfieldspeedway.net for more information.

AdamsWells takes two from First Bank of Berne
AdamsWells Internet scored 10 runs in the first inning and went on to rout First Bank of Berne 16-0 in a four-inning Bluffton Junior League baseball game on Wednesday.
Dane Hoffman struck out 10 batters to record the win and also smacked three hits, including a double. Brandon Norman also had three hits. AdamsWells Internet out hit First Bank of Berne 10-2. Tanner Thompson had both hits for First Bank of Berne and also was the losing pitcher.
AdamsWells Internet also beat First Bank of Berne 8-4 on Tuesday night.
Norman was the winning pitcher and helped himself by hitting two doubles and a single. Desmond Carter and Cade Meadows also had three hits. Hoffman doubled twice.
Grant Harris and Thompson led First Bank of Berne with three hits apiece. Jacob Studabaker and Caleb Shepherd each had two hits.

PCTA defeats F.O.P.
Parlor City Trophy & Apparel beat the Fraternel Order of Police (F.O.P.) 9-5 in a Bluffton Farm League baseball game on Tuesday.
Mitchell Kuhlenbeck hit a triple and double for Parlor City Trophy & Apparel. Winning pitcher Jacey Dunnuck added a double and single.
Philip Pearson doubled for F.O.P. and also was the losing pitcher.

T-Ball scores reported
The following Bluffton T-Ball League scores have been reported: Dairy Queen 14, American Legion 13; Outdoor Concepts 10, Wells Fargo 9.
Youth tournament needs teams
Youth baseball teams are needed for the Monroe All-Star Tournament on July 31-Aug. 3 at Don Ray Memorial Park in Monroe. There will be two divisions for ages 10-and-under and 12-and-under. Entry fee is $175 per team. For more information, call Scott Sharp at 260-592-7151.