State’s Archaeology Month starts tomorrow

Indiana DNR Release:

Hoosier history buffs can learn about archaeological sites and artifacts, make stone tools and talk with archaeologists during September, the 14th annual Indiana Archaeology Month.

This year’s slogan, “Ancient Artistry,” pertains to the skill Indiana’s earliest peoples used to make everyday items as well as works of special significance.

By showcasing these artifacts all month through special events, commemorative posters and T-shirts, the DNR Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA) hopes to illustrate the creativity and skill that went into making these objects, and help people better appreciate these cultures.

"What these cultures did without the tools we have today is nothing short of amazing," said DNR director Robert E. Carter Jr., who serves as State Historic Preservation Officer. "I encourage Hoosiers of all ages to participate in this month's activities to have fun learning more about this fascinating part of the state's wonderful heritage."

Although many people are familiar with what they usually call “arrowheads” (archaeologists use the term “projectile points”), they may have never seen some of the outstanding examples of other types of artifacts that have been discovered in Indiana. September will be packed with such opportunities.

Archaeologists have done investigations in Indiana since the early 1800s, finding and recording more than 58,000 archaeological sites, paving the way for the celebration.
Indiana Archaeology Month features events for all ages. For a schedule and more information, see dnr.IN.gov/historic or contact Amy Johnson of the DNR Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology, at ajohnson@dnr.IN.gov or (317) 232-1646.

New Outdoor Indiana magazine is a blast

Indiana DNR Release:

Old-school muzzleloading, straight from the little town of Friendship in Ripley County, graces the cover of the September-October issue of Outdoor Indiana magazine.

This southern Indiana town, population 49, home of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association (NMLRA), serves as center of a culture characterized by its devotion to history and its laid-back style. Learn about this unique Hoosier place and its heritage in a feature article by managing editor Ben Shadley.

The article is just one of many you'll find nowhere else in the latest issue of the DNR's 48-page full-color magazine, now in its 75th year. Subscriptions are $12 for a year (six issues) or $20 for two years. You also can ask for Outdoor Indiana at most Borders and Barnes and Noble stores in the state, and at DNR properties. Single copies sell for $3. To subscribe, or for more information, call (317) 233-3046 or go to OutdoorIndiana.org.

To join the Outdoor Indiana page on Facebook, see http://www.facebook.com/OutdoorIndiana. If you love the outdoors, you'll love Outdoor Indiana magazine.

Adams-Wells Bi-County Cross Country (pt 2)

News-Banner Sports Editor Paul Beitler also shot video footage of the Bluffton boys' cross country team at the Adams-Wells Bi-County Cross Country meet Saturday at Adams Central High School.

Beitler also recorded an interview with former Bluffton cross country runner and record-holder, now Bluffton Boys Cross Country Coach, Bret Grover about the team this year and how it feels to be coaching rather than running.

Adams-Wells Bi-County Cross Country

News-Banner Sports Editor Paul Beitler was covering the Adams-Wells Bi-County Cross Country meet Saturday at Adams Central High School in Monroe and he shot this great video of the finish of the girls 5,000-meter race.

Check it out:

High School Sports Calendar

Friday, Aug. 28
FOOTBALL: Manchester at Bluffton, 7 p.m.; Wabash at Southern Wells, 7 p.m.; Norwell at Heritage, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 29
CROSS COUNTRY: Adams-Wells Bi-County at Adams Central, 9 a.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Southern Wells at Taylor Invitational, 9 a.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Knights swat down Jets
The Norwell Knights won their second straight match against a sectional rival on Thursday. The Knights blanked the Adams Central Jets 5-0 on their home courts. The previous evening, they squelched the South Adams Starfires 5-0.
The Jets almost scored a point against the Knights in the No. 1 singles match, but Norwell sophomore Kyle Fillman battled back to beat freshman Nathan Barger in three sets. Barger opened up winning a tiebreaker 7-6 (7-4). Then, Fillman won 6-3 and finished scoring a tiebreaker in the third set, 7-6 (7-6).
Norwell improved its record to 4-0, while the Jets dropped to 2-3.
In the junior varsity match, Norwell won 5-3 and jayvee squad also upped its mark to 4-0.

NORWELL 5, ADAMS CENTRAL 0
VARSITY SINGLES: Kyle Fillman (N) def. Nathan Barger 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 7-6 (7-6); Reid Imel (N) def. Kam Fiechter 6-0, 6-0; Thye Petty (N) def. Keaton Fiechter 7-6 (7-1), 6-3.
VARSITY DOUBLES: Kyle Reinhard/Ross Mathews (N) def. Austin Neadstine/Josh Smith 6-4, 6-2; Jasson Werling/Kyle Isch (N) def. Evan Timmons/Derek Roe 6-2, 6-0.

NORWELL 5, ADAMS CENTRAL 3
JUNIOR VARSITY SINGLES: Mitchell Wilson (N) def. Jon Weil 8-3; Tanner Mathews (N) def. Derek Hanni 8-2; Pierce Harry (AC) def. Sean Cole (N) 8-3; Damon Gerber (N) def. Isaac Branstetter 8-2; Hanni (AC) def. Jake McBride 8-5.
JUNIOR VARSITY DOUBLES: Brandon Taylor/Tanner Bowen (N) def. Ryan Colchin/Jacob Bergdall 8-2; LJ Reeve/Kyle Johnloz (N) def. Dylan Krueger/Blake Pfeiffer 8-1; Isaac Luginbill/Cody Walburn (AC) def. Jared Meyer/Joel Sauer 8-3.
Bluffton netmen turn away Whitko
The Bluffton Tigers won two singles matches and both doubles contests Thursday to down the Whitko Wildcats 4-1 in boys’ varsity tennis action at Bluffton.
Bluffton also won the junior varsity match 4-0.

BLUFFTON 4, WHITKO 1
VARSITY SINGLES: Kurt Boggs (W) def. Cameron Gerber 6-4, 6-3; Cody Cochran (B) def. Alex Winger 6-1, 6-0; Nick Huffman (B) def. Josh Larocque 6-3, 6-2.
VARSITY DOUBLES: Bryan Bowman/Jackson Bates (B) def. Grant St. Clair/Anthony Habermann 6-3, 6-2; Chandler Okey/Michael Vanderkolk (B) def. Tyler Noragon/Nathan Sherrard 6-3, 6-4.
BLUFFTON 4, WHITKO 0
JUNIOR VARSITY SINGLES: Damon Kuhlenbeck (B) def. Riley Cold 8-0; Brendan Baumgartner (B) def. Tom Danner 8-0.
JUNIOR VARSITY DOUBLES: Zach Mezera/Alex Penrod (B) def. Urian Bailey/Tyler Pottenger 8-0; Luke Bertsch/Josh Buckland (B) def. Cold/Danner 9-7.

East Noble girls top Norwell golfers
East Noble’s Katie Sharp shot a one-under-par 35 on the front nine at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Bluffton Thursday to lead her girls’ golf team to a 172-195 victory over the host Norwell Knights.
East Noble’s Knights raised their season record to 5-2 and upped their Northeast Hoosier Conference mark to 3-1.
Norwell was led by Kristen Springer with a 45. Megan Evans was next with a 48. Hannah Porrata added a 50, while Cassie Herndon concluded the four-player team scoring with a 52. Olivia Shapley ended up with a 59.
Sadey Gamble turned in a 43 for East Noble, followed by Anna Pasquali and Conner Handshoe each with a 47. Brittany Wyatt finished up with a 48.
East Noble’s junior varsity squad tripped Norwell 229-236. Kristine Morgan led Norwell with a 51. Haley Toliver was next with 58, Bailey Nodine 60 and Maggie Lazzell 67. Kayla Vance and Taylor Likes each shot a 54 to lead East Noble.

Sadie Herr leads SW girls
The Delta Eagles defeated the Southern Wells girls’ golf team 188-210 on Thursday at Lakeview Golf Club.
Sadie Herr led the Raiders with a 47, while Jayde Sills shot a 48. Acacia Herr followed with a 57 and Morgan Perry turned in a 58.
On Tuesday at Sycamore Golf Club near North Manchester, the Raiders beat Caston but fell to Manchester. Manchester had a team score of 215, while the Raiders topped Caston 231-266.
Manchester’s Erika Milam was the match medalist with a 51. Hannah Lochner followed with a 52 for the Squires, while Hannah Little and Lindsay Budnik each shot a 56.
Sadie Herr finished with a 54 to lead the Raiders. Acacia Herr and Sills each shot a 56. Perry ended up with a 65. Emily Oswalt shot a 74 and Kendra Mounsey a 78. Caston’s Fode Powlen shot a 57.

Restrictions set at Tiger FB games
To ensure safety for all fans at Bluffton High School and Middle School football games, the athletic department states that only Nerf footballs will be allowed into Fred F. Park Field. All plastic and leather footballs will be confiscated at the gate from the ticket takers or school personnel. Only Bluffton Elementary and Bluffton Middle School students will be permitted to play in the southeast grassy area within the stadium.

Bluffton plans Back to School Bash
Bluffton Athletic Boosters are sponsoring a Back to School Bash, including a free hog roast with all the fixings, on Friday, Aug. 28, at Fred F. Park Field on the lawn east of the ticket booth from 5 p.m. until game time. First-come-first-served, until it’s gone. Donations accepted.
Please bring lawn chairs. Moon walk, cornhole, hillbilly golf, football toss, and other games. Sign up and pay for your athletic booster membership and get a free booster member T-shirt.

Tigersharks needs diving coach
The Bluffton High School Athletic Department is seeking candidates and taking applications for diving coach. Applicants should have a strong background in the technical skills of diving, along with the leadership abilities to work with student-athletes and coaches. Interested applicants should contact Athletic Director Steve Thompson at 260-824-3724 as soon as possible.

Earlier date for Parlor City Trot
This year’s Parlor City Trot will be held on Sept. 5, because the Fort 4 Fitness event is being held in Fort Wayne on the final weekend of the Bluffton Free Street Fair.
The Ouabache River Runners will be heading up the Parlor City Trot with the addition of a 10-mile race to the schedule that includes the half-marathon Trot and 10-kilometer run.
Race entry forms are available in the Oupatient Rehabilitation Clinic at the Bluffton Regional Medical Center’s South Campus, Hot Cakes and FPC.
For additional information, e-mail at macmcavoy@gmail.com.

Zebra mussels mean trouble for Allen County

Indiana DNR Release:

A lone zebra mussel was found attached to a rock in the St. Joseph River in Fort Wayne this month during routine sampling led by Saint Francis University assistant professor Warren Pryor.
That could signal big trouble for waters in that area, much as the mussel's presences has affected others.
Though found in more than 75 bodies of water in 43 counties throughout Indiana, the discovery marks the first time that the mussel has been found in Allen County. Zebra mussels were also discovered earlier in the year in Sylvan Lake, the first find in Noble County.

Doug Keller, aquatic invasive species coordinator with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, said the effect of zebra mussels can be devastating where the invasive species successfully colonizes.

“Zebra mussels can rapidly multiply and are known for clogging drainage and filtration pipes,” Keller said. “Besides pipes, they can attach to virtually anything in the water column, including rocks, limbs, piers or even boats.”

Zebra mussels are originally from Europe and spread rapidly across North America in the 1990s. Aside from being a costly nuisance to humans, zebra mussels may also cause declines in fish populations. By filtering tiny plants, called phytoplankton, out of the water column, zebra mussels diminish the base of the food chain, potentially causing declines in all other aquatic life, including fish.

Keller said that few options for eradicating the mussel exist, short of eliminating every other living thing in the river. The best means of control, he said, is by educating boaters about preventing further spread of the mussel.

Typically, zebra mussels are transported by human recreational activities such as boating or fishing. A few simple tasks can prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species. Removing all aquatic vegetation and draining live wells, bilge, water lines and boat trailers at access ramps will prevent transport of the mollusk to other waters. Drying equipment after each use also is important.

“Letting all equipment dry for five days after a boating trip will prevent the spread of both adults and larvae," Keller said. “However, if you plan to visit a body of water sooner, you can use a solution of 5 percent bleach and water to clean and disinfect all of your equipment.”

The DNR has posted informational signs at all DNR-owned boat ramps to remind users of these procedures. For more information, visit http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3123.htm, or contact Keller at (317) 234-3883.

South West Conservation Club September events

South West Conservation Club, Inc., 5703 Bluffton Rd., Fort Wayne, will present the following events open to the public. For more information call 260-747-4677.
Thursday night bingo will be held Sept. 3, 10, 17, and 24. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., warm-ups start at 6 p.m. and regular bingo at 7 p.m.
Fish and tenderloin supper will be held Fridays, Sept. 4 and 18, from 5 p.m. to 7:30.
3-D archery shoot will be held Sundays, Sept. 6 and 20, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. September 20 is the last archery shoot of 2009 season.
Trap and skeet shoot will be held Sundays, Sept. 6 and 27 from 12:30 p.m. until close.

Ossian Conservation Club Events

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

September 10th , 11th & 12th Ossian Days, We’ll be there with Sugar Corn and Vern’s Animals, come see us at our booth. We also will be selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a new Ruger 10-22 rifle. This is a “Distributor’s Special” model GRL-THB with a MSRP of $545.00. Tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5.

September 12th & 13th Saturday & Sunday - Ouabache Archer’s Year End Jamboree and 3-D Shoot at the Ossian Conservation Club. Several new Rinehart 3-D Targets! 8:30 AM. to 2:30 PM. All are welcome!

September 22nd Tuesday – Bluffton Street Fair starts – Come see us on West Market Street outside the Industrial Tent for Raffle Tickets and Old Style Sugar Corn!!

September 27th Sunday - Ossian Conservation Club Shotgun Shooter’s informal Shotgun Shoot – regular clays – middies – minnies and rabbit targets. 12:00 noon till 4:30 PM. Bring the whole Family. Public is welcome!

Discover hiking happiness at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Indiana DNR Release:

There is much more to hiking than simply placing one foot in front of the other. Learn how to make the most of this enjoyable and readily available outdoor activity at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience, Sept, 26–27.

Hiking is an affordable and accessible means of physical fitness and outdoor recreation most Hoosiers can participate in. The Hoosier Hiking Council, Indianapolis Hiking Club
and members of the DNR Division of Outdoor Recreation will be on hand at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience to teach participants about hiking in Indiana.

“We hope to teach participants the details of hiking. We not only want to inform people about where to hike, but also, we hope to educate participants about equipment, preparation, social advantages, and leadership on the trail,” said Ron Higdon, director of the Indianapolis Hiking Club.

Indiana is home to thousands of miles of established hiking trails, with more on the way. In 2007, Gov. Mitch Daniels outlined a plan to have a trail within 15 minutes of every Hoosier home by 2017.

“Hiking is the simplest and easiest way for people to enjoy the outdoors,” said Dale Brier of the Division of Outdoor Recreation. “Indiana has trails that can suit almost any need or skill level. From short, shaded walks in the woods, miles of paved rail-trails, to rugged backcountry hikes, Indiana has it all. You’ll even find yourself healthier and happier at the end of the day.”

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is a family-friendly event that is the first of its kind in Indiana. Unlike traditional trade shows, visitors will be able to enjoy hands-on experiences in a wide range of outdoor activities, such as fly fishing, target shooting, archery, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, camping and much more.

The Hoosier Outdoor 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, WXIN-Fox 59, Indianapolis, and numerous other sponsors.

Parking, admission, activities, demonstrations and seminars are free to the public, but online registration is required. To register, go to hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov and click on the yellow registration icon.

Event updates can be found at hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov or on Facebook and Twitter.

Premiere of documentary on history of State Parks

Indiana DNR Release:

"Indiana State Parks: Treasures in Your Own Backyard,” a new documentary, tells the story of the staff, visitors, challenges and natural and cultural resources of Indiana State Parks since their beginning in 1916.

This production premieres Sunday, Aug. 30, at 7:30 p.m. on WTIU, Public Television from Indiana University. It is a companion to the new Ken Burns documentary on the national parks system, scheduled to air on PBS stations nationally this fall, and is one of the first events in preparation for the Indiana State Parks Centennial Celebration in 2016.

WTIU developed the show in high definition in partnership with the DNR Division of State Parks and Reservoirs. WTIU will also air the 60-minute program Sept. 3, at 8 p.m. and Sept. 5, at 10:30 a.m.

“This piece provides a great overview of how Indiana State Parks started through the vision of Col. Richard Lieber, and how they’ve changed over the course of nearly a century,” said Dan Bortner, director of Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs. “We’re excited to see this one-of-a-kind documentary made available to Hoosiers.”

WTIU producer/director Ron Prickel spent hundreds of hours visiting state parks, talking with staff and combing through historic photos and film. Composer Nathanael Pangrazio wrote the original score to accompany videography featuring several state parks in four seasons. Ronald Keaton narrated. A preview is at http://www.indianapublicmedia.org/stateparks.

Several other Indiana PBS stations are scheduled to air the program this fall as shown below (watch local listings for potential changes):
- WVUT, Vincennes: Sept. 5, at 5 p.m.
- WIPB, Muncie: Sept. 10, 9 p.m.
- WNIN, Evansville: Sept. 10, 9 p.m.; Sept. 12, 10 p.m.; Sept. 13, 3 p.m.; Sept. 27, 11 p.m.; and Sept. 29, 1 p.m.
- WFYI, Indianapolis: Sept. 14, 10 p.m.; Sept. 16, 4 p.m.; and Sept. 17, 8 p.m.
- WNIT, South Bend: Sept. 23 at 10 p.m.; Sept. 27, at 7 p.m.
- WFWA, Fort Wayne: September date TBA near Ken Burns' National Parks special
- WYIN: Merrillville: October date to be announced

The DVD will be available for purchase from WTIU Oct. 4. The DVD or Blu-Ray, including an additional hour of bonus video footage and music soundtrack, will be available as a membership premium for viewers joining WTIU. The DVD, Blu-Ray, and soundtrack will be sold at state park gift shops at a future date.

For further information on the documentary, see:
www.indianapublicmedia.org/stateparks.

For an overview of the unique natural features, cultural history and stories that make each Indiana state park and reservoir a unique place to visit, download the booklet “Discovering a Sense of Place: A Guide for Teachers, Students and Families” at http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-TeacherBooklet08Web.pdf

For more information about Indiana State Parks Centennial Celebration, contact Ginger Murphy, assistant director for stewardship with the Division of State Parks and Reservoirs, at (317) 232-4143 or gmurphy@dnr.IN.gov.

Bluffton Cross Country

News-Banner Sports Editor Paul Beitler captured this video of Bluffton cross country runners Jackson Lambert, Tanner Coratti and Nick Rhoades, finishing back-to-back-to-back in the 5,000 meter (3.1 mile) Bellmont Invitational at Decatur on Tuesday evening.

State could use more and different urban trees

Indiana DNR Release:



Indiana could benefit by having more and different trees lining its city streets, according to a study on the trees in 23 cities done for the state's Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry.

Bringing about such change is important, said Pam Louks, DNR's Community and Urban Forestry (CUF) coordinator, because the study also showed that Indiana’s urban forests reward Hoosiers with nearly $79 million in annual benefits. The rewards include energy savings and reducing carbon in the atmosphere.

The study, which was done for the CUF program, found that street trees throughout the state also return benefits by reducing ozone levels, volatile organic compounds such as sulfur dioxide and small particulate matter, and improve stormwater interception and reduction.

Economically, trees also make city streets look better, increase community economic vitality, increase real estate values, and give residents a sense of place, according to the study, which was done by the Davey Resource Group.

“While we are still studying the analysis, we can immediately conclude that we need to diversify our urban forest species with native trees, and, where space permits, plant large maturing trees for optimum environmental benefits," Louks said. "We also recommend to engineers, planners, and developers to plan spaces in urban areas for large maturing species of trees, as opposed to leaving small sites for so many ornamental trees that don’t offer the multitude of benefits of large ones.”

The study found that more than 850,000 vacant street tree planting sites in the state, the top six species are maple, ash, elm, oak, crabapple, and pear (with maple and ash being the predominate species), 58 percent are in good condition, 26 percent are in fair condition, 14 percent poor, and 2 percent are dead or dying.

Having such limited diversity opens many issues, which the top species listed highlight. Silver maple can cause infrastructure problems. All ash trees in Indiana are threatened with death by the emerald ash borer insect, which is and will be a financial burden for affected cities and towns. Crabapple and pear look nice but have neither the size nor canopy to produce the amount of environmental benefits many other trees offer.

Louks said the sample urban statewide inventory (SUSI) demonstrates that the urban forestry program is on track toward a solution, using the silver maple species as an example.

"The current study shows that the planting of problematic species such as silver maple is being reduced throughout the state," Louks said. "SUSI also shows that this species is our main service provider in the way of environmental benefits.

"We need to maintain the silver maple we currently have but start planting other species that have the same capability for carbon sequestration, stormwater uptake, energy conservation, and air cleaning.

"While the study shows we are making progress, it also showed that, in the 23 SUSI communities inventoried, there is approximately only one tree for every six people," Louks said.

According to recent research done by Dr. Dave Nowak of the USDA Forest Service, it takes one acre of healthy trees to support the oxygen (clean air) for eight people.

"We have our work cut out for us to help make Hoosier cities and towns green and healthy,” Louks said.

The study also found that Indiana’s urban forest is evenly balanced in age. But, Louks said, the urban forest needs to be unevenly balanced in order to ensure that the benefits derived from large, maturing trees continue without disruption.

To do the study, the consultants first inventoried the trees, then assessed and quantified the benefits of the street tree resource to estimate a net value to those benefits, after deducting the cost of purchase, planting, and maintenance over the life of each tree.

The consultants were hired by the DNR Division of Forestry using funds from three U.S. Forest Service urban forestry grants from 2007-08. The project included the same 23 cities and towns inventoried in1992 by a Purdue University study.

“The 1992 study was a baseline to guide us in the future about where we need to focus our dollars and efforts,” Louks said.

The 23 SUSI communities are being visited by the urban forest office, Indiana Urban Forest Council members, consultants, and city foresters to explain the study. For more information or a list of the communities involved in the study, call (317) 591-1170 or e-mail plouks@dnr.IN.gov.

Norwell vs Huntington

News-Banner Sports Editor Paul Beitler shot these excellent photos of the Norwell girls' soccer match on Monday against the Huntington North Vikings at Norwell.

Match officials lead the Norwell and Huntington North girls' soccer teams onto the field prior to Monday's match at Norwell, which Huntington North won 8-2. It was the third match of the season for the young Norwell squad, which has only two seniors. The Knights have four juniors, 11 sophomores and 11 freshmen.

Norwell freshman Tasia DeLeon (8) dribbles the ball up field, chased by Huntington North's Reagan Valenzuela. Norwell freshman Carlee Harnish is behind DeLeon.

Norwell sophomore defender Sophie Gerber (20) boots the ball up the field.

Norwell junior forward Caitlin Ailor (21) is pressured by Huntington North defender Asheley Chaney.

Norwell Knights' forward Tasia DeLeon (8) is tackled by Huntington North defender Asheley Chaney.

Coughlin wins Pro Stock Title

Jeg Coughlin won the Pro Stock title at last weekend’s Toyo Tires Nationals in Reading, Pa. and is now one of just nine racers to win 60 or more NHRA national events. The others are John Force (126), Warren Johnson (96), Bob Glidden (85), Frank Manzo (84), Pat Austin (75), David Rampy (70), Kenny Bernstein (69), and Dan Fletcher (62).

Following the Reading victory, Jeg Coughlin enters this weekend’s NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis as the top ranked Pro Stock driver in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. He has claimed six wins in 17 events this season and currently holds a 65-point lead over second place Jason Line.

Jeg has won the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, NHRA’s oldest and most prestigious national event three times in his career. He won the Pro Stock title in 2002 and 2000, claiming final round wins against Jim Yates and Ron Krisher respectively. Jeg also won the Super Gas title at Indianapolis in 1992 on his way. Every year that Jeg has won Indy, he has won an NHRA World Championship.

Jeg was the first racer to officially clinch one of the ten spots available in the Countdown to One phase of the NHRA Full Throttle Pro Stock championship, a feat he accomplished with a round two finish in Norwalk, Ohio, on June 28. Jeg can clinch the top seed in the Countdown by reaching the second round of eliminations at Indianapolis. Jeg took over the Full Throttle points lead following his win in Las Vegas in April and has held it for the last 13 events.

In 17 events this season, Jeg has six wins, two runner-up, and four semifinal finishes to his credit. In addition to his victories in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Madison, Joliet, Englishtown, and Reading he was also a runner-up in Atlanta and Houston. Jeg’s round win record for the 2009 season is 43-11. By comparison, Jeg’s record was 29-14 at the same point in the 2008 season and he was ranked third in the points standings.

In ten career appearances at O’Reilly Raceway Park, Jeg has a career round win record of 16-7 in Pro Stock competition.

In 253 career Pro Stock races, Jeg has reached the final round 76 times, recording 47 wins. Including his 13 sportsman victories, Jeg has won a total of 60 times, good for ninth place on NHRA’s all time wins list. During his career, Jeg has appeared in 94 final rounds, 76 as a professional and 18 as a sportsman racer.

In addition to his six national event victories this season, Jeg also won the $50,000 top prize in the K&N Filter Horsepower Challenge held in Norwalk. Jeg defeated Greg Anderson in the final and has now won the specialty event three times in his career. His other wins came in 1999 and 2000.

As a sportsman racer, Jeg has also had considerable success at O’Reilly Raceway Park. In addition to his U.S. Nationals victory in the Super Gas class in 1992, he also won the track’s Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event in 1992 (Super Gas), and 1997 (Comp Eliminator). Jeg also won the $10,000 top prize in the 2004 Mopar Hemi Challenge at Indy after driving Michael Ogburn’s ’68 Barracuda factory race car to a victory.

Jeg’s best qualifying position in Indianapolis is second in 1999. He has qualified in the top half of the Pro Stock field six times at O’Reilly Raceway Park.

Jeg has won at least one NHRA national event title at 21 different tracks. Currently, there are just two facilities where Jeg has not won, Norwalk Raceway Park and zMax Dragway, which have combined to host just four NHRA events.

Jeg is one of just two NHRA professional racers without a first round loss this season. The other is Top Fuel points leader Antron Brown.

With 47 career Pro Stock wins, Jeg ranks fourth all-time among Pro Stock drivers. Only Warren Johnson (96), Bob Glidden (85) and Greg Anderson (57) have more titles.

Jeg is the reigning NHRA Pro Stock champion. He has earned four NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Pro Stock titles in his career, including back-to-back titles in 2007 and 2008. His other titles came in 2000 and 2002. As a sportsman racer, Jeg also captured the Super Gas championship in 1992.

Jeg’s brothers, John, Mike and Troy, are all former Mac Tools U.S. Nationals finalists. Mike won Pro Stock Truck titles in 1999 and 2001 and Troy won the Super Gas class in 1991. John was a runner-up in Pro Stock Truck in 2000. John also won Indy as a car owner, supplying the JEGS Mail Order dragster for 2005 Super Comp champ Brad Plourd.

Troy Coughlin Jr will be the first of the third-generation Coughlin's to take on the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. He will be competing in Super Comp in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.


Jeg Coughlin Jr - By The Numbers
NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals edition


3 - Number of wins for Jeg Coughlin in Indianapolis (two in Pro Stock and one in Super Gas)

8 - Number of final rounds for Jeg this season in 17 Pro Stock events

21 - Number of NHRA facilities where Jeg has won at least one Pro Stock event during his career. (The only current tracks where he has not won are Norwalk and Charlotte)

43 - Number of round wins for Jeg this season, against just 11 losses

253 - Career Pro Stock races for Jeg Coughlin

624 - Career rounds in Pro Stock for Jeg Coughlin, (431 wins and 193 losses for a .690 career winning percentage)

Taylor releases its basketball schedule

UPLAND — The Taylor University men’s basketball team will open its 2009-10 schedule with exhibition games against NCAA Division I opponents, Ohio and Butler and a trip to NCAA Division II Gannon University during the holiday break.
The Trojans will open their preseason against Ohio on Oct. 30. The Bobcats are coached by 1994 Taylor graduate John Groce and former teammate and former Trojans’ assistant coach Chris Holtman.
“I am looking forward to seeing John and Chris in action together,” said Taylor coach Paul Patterson. “They both made tremendous contributions to Taylor basketball while they were here and continue to do that by their example and professionalism in their work.”
One week later, the Trojans will travel to Hinkle Fieldhouse to take on the Butler Bulldogs. The 2008 Horizon League regular season champions are coming off a 26-6 season, in which they were ranked in the AP and ESPN/USA Today Top 25 polls for 12 consecutive weeks, reaching as high as No. 11.
Trojans’ junior Drew Tower will meet up with former New Castle High School teammates Zach Hahn and Chase Stigall, a junior and redshirt freshman for the Bulldogs, respectively.
Patterson acknowledges the daunting task of playing two NCAA D-I schools and a potential preseason top 20 team but is looking forward to the long-term benefits.
“We know these games will demand a lot from our players. We feel like the pace and intensity of the games and the experience will go a long way in helping our young guys adjust to college basketball.”
Taylor will see three conference opponents during the first semester, when they travel to the University of Saint Francis on Nov. 24 and Spring Arbor University on Dec. 5, and play host to Huntington University on Dec. 1.
The 26th annual Ivanhoe’s Classic is slated for the weekend of Dec. 11-12 with the traditional Silent Night contest being played on Friday night at 6 p.m.
Before turning the calendar and striking up the bulk of conference action, the Trojans will travel to NCAA Division II Gannon University for a two-day holiday classic on Dec. 29-30.
On two occasions during the second semester the Trojans will face three 2009 national tournament qualifiers in a matter of four games, including back-to-back games against 2009 co-conference champions Bethel College and Indiana Wesleyan University.
The Trojans will tip off the regular season at home on Nov. 3 against Miami-Hamilton at 7 p.m.
Statistics of all home games will be provided live online at www.taylor.edu/athletics.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Fiechter breaks school record
Norwell senior tailback Klay Fiechter broke a 36-year-old school record Friday night for the most rushing attempts in a single football game.
Fiechter carried the ball 37 times for 246 yards and three touchdowns in the Knights’ 28-19 victory over the Leo Lions.
The old mark was 31 set by Chris Gahman in 1973, also against Leo.

Knights 4th at tennis tournament
The Norwell Knights boys’ tennis team finished fourth in the DeKalb Invitational on Saturday at Waterloo.
East Noble was first with 34 points. DeKalb took second with 28, followed by Angola with 24 and Norwell with 20. Bellmont was fifth with 10. West Noble, Jay County and NorthWood rounded out the field.
Norwell singles players, Kyle Fillman, Reid Imel and Thye Petty, each finished the event with 2-1 records. Ross Mathews and Kyle Reinhard were 2-1 in No. 1 doubles and Jasson Werling and Kyle Isch were 2-1 in No. 2 doubles.

Norwell girls 9th at CC invitational
The Norwell Knights girls’ cross country team placed ninth on Saturday at the Huntington North Invitational on the Huntington University course.
The meet featured three Top 25 teams and three other highly-regarded Fort Wayne areas teams.
Sophomore Kaitlyn Best led the Knights with a 27th-place finish of 21:38 on a very hilly 5,000-meter course, which had been softened and muddied by recent rains.
“Kaitlyn put in a lot of miles this summer and it is starting to pay off for her in meets,” said Norwell coach Bob Dahl. “Several of our girls spent time this summer running together and they are also showing progress in their racing.”
Sophomore Jami Reinhard was the next Norwell finisher in 22:57. Junior Kelsey Worrel was 51st in 23:40, followed by freshman Alex Wall who was 63rd in 24:13 and freshman Halle Sweet 66th in 24:25 to round out the top five Norwell scorers.
Junior Alexis Searles was 73rd in 25:36 and sopomore Corinne Eckert was 79th in 27:43. Katherine Gordon placed 58th in the reserve race in 25:43.

Bluffton HS seeking event workers
Bluffton High School is seeking adults to serve as event workers during the upcoming school year. Event workers will earn a discount or free adult all-sports passes for all Bluffton athletic events or can receive pay for their work. Needed are volleyball line judges and ticket sellers. Please contact Athletic Director Steve Thompson at 824-3724 or by e-mail at sthompson@bhmsd.k12.in.us

High School Sports Calendar

Monday, Aug. 24
BOYS TENNIS: Bluffton at FW Bishop Luers, 4:30 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER: Norwell at Huntington North, 4:30 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER: Huntington North at Norwell (varsity only), 5 p.m.
JV FOOTBALL: South Adams at Southern Wells, 6:30 p.m.; Norwell at Leo, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 25
BOYS TENNIS: Norwell at FW South Side, 4:15 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: Southwood, White’s at Southern Wells, 4:30 p.m.; Bluffton at Bellmont Invitational, 5 p.m.
GIRLS GOLF: Cowan, Manchester at Southern Wells, 4:30 p.m.; Norwell at New Haven, 4:30 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Bluffton at Blackford, 6 p.m.; Huntington North at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 26
BOYS TENNIS: South Adams at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.; Bluffton at Mississinewa, 5 p.m.
GIRLS GOLF: Norwell at Blackford, 4:30 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER: Norwell at Carroll, 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Bluffton at Mississinewa, 6 p.m.; FW Elmhurst at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 27
BOYS TENNIS: Adams Central at Norwell, 4:15 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER: Carroll at Norwell, 5 p.m.
GIRLS GOLF: Southern Wells at Delta, 4:30 p.m.; East Noble at Norwell, 4 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Churubusco at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; Southern Wells at Mississinewa, 6 p.m.
FRESHMAN FOOTBALL: Norwell at Leo, 5 p.m.; Bluffton at Northfield, 6 p.m.; South Adams at Southern Wells, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 28
FOOTBALL: Manchester at Bluffton, 7 p.m.; Wabash at Southern Wells, 7 p.m.; Norwell at Heritage, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 29
CROSS COUNTRY: Adams-Wells Bi-County at Adams Central, 9 a.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Southern Wells at Taylor Invitational, 9 a.m.

Deadlines for state park deer reductions near

Indiana DNR Release:

Applications to participate in this year's state park deer reductions must be received by Aug. 28.

These reductions are held specifically to reduce the ecological impact of damaging deer herds present in certain state parks. Potential applicants should read details in the 2009-2010 Hunting and Trapping Guide, available at http://www.IN.gov/dnr/fishwild/2343.htm, before applying.

The special hunt application is available at indianaoutdoor.IN.gov. No paper applications are available.

Two reduction efforts will take place. The first is Nov. 16-17. The second is Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

Participating state parks for firearms include Chain O’Lakes, Charlestown, Harmonie, Lincoln, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles and Whitewater Memorial.

Participating state parks for archery include Fort Harrison and Clifty Falls.

Applicants must be Indiana residents, be 18 years of age by Nov. 16, and possess at least one valid Indiana deer license to apply. Each person may apply only once for each state park deer reduction effort, regardless of primary or buddy status. All applications sharing duplicate names will be disqualified. Designated areas are available for participants with special needs.

Biologists evaluate which parks require a reduction each year, based on floral recovery and previous hunter success. The state parks are home to more than 32 state-endangered plants. The reductions help maintain browsing by deer to a level that helps ecosystems recover throughout the state parks. Though the parks have had much success since the first reduction in 1993, a high no-show rate of those drawn and over-selective hunting remain a challenge for the program.

Indiana Conservation Hall of Fame names first class

Indiana DNR Release:

The Indiana Natural Resources Foundation today announced the charter class for the Indiana Conservation Hall of Fame, a group that includes a U.S. president, Indiana’s first state forester, a noted author, the recognized father of the Indiana state park system, and several academicians, philanthropists and environmentalists.

“These inspired and passionate people worked to conserve our wild and historic places,” said Bourke Patton, executive director of the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation. “We are excited to honor their contributions in a way that will inspire us all to work harder to protect our irreplaceable treasures.”

The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals, living or deceased, who have made extraordinary contributions to the conservation and preservation of natural, cultural and historical heritage. The inaugural class includes:

– Leila (Lee) Botts, a key player in passage of the Federal Clean Water Act and the planner and founder of the Indiana Dunes Environmental Center.
– Lynton Caldwell (1913-2006), an Indiana University professor who was one of the principal architects of the National Environmental Policy Act and an advisor on environmental matters to the U.S. Senate and the United Nations.
– Reynold (Rey) Carlson (1901-1997), former chair of the Indiana University Department of Recreation and Parks Administration, where he developed the outdoor recreation education curriculum.
– Bill and Gayle Cook, industrialists and philanthropists, who played major roles in the restoration of West Baden Springs and French Lick Springs hotels.
– Charles C. Deam (1865-1953), Indiana’s first State Forester, whose interest in botany resulted in a collection of 78,000 plant specimens from across the state and the discovery of 25 new species.
– Tom (1923-2004) and Jane (1929-2003) Dustin, founders of ACRES, Indiana’s first private land trust, and advocates for the Clean Water Act and federal wilderness protection.
– The Efroymsons, an Indianapolis family who over four generations provided philanthropic support for natural and historical conservation efforts.
– President Benjamin Harrison (1833-1901), who while in office used the General Public Lands Reform Act of 1891 to establish 17 national forest reserves totaling 13 million acres and lay the foundation for today’s national forest system.
– Marion Jackson, a distinguished author, naturalist, conservationist and professor emeritus of ecology at Indiana State University.
– Richard Lieber (1869-1944), whose visionary leadership established Indiana’s state park system in 1916 as a model for the rest of the United States. Lieber also was the first director of the Department of Conservation, predecessor to the Department of Natural Resources.
– Eli Lilly (1885-1977), who founded and endowed the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, which led to the establishment of Angel Mounds State Historic Site and Conner Prairie.
– Sally Reahard (1908-2003), an Indianapolis philanthropist who single-handedly preserved thousands of acres across Indiana and along the East Coast through her donations to The Nature Conservancy.
– Rev. Damian Schmeltz, an educator, scientist and theologian who assisted Alton Lindsey of Purdue University in completing an inventory of Indiana’s natural areas and later served more than 30 years on the Indiana Natural Resources Commission.
– Gene Stratton-Porter (1863-1924), a prolific author who drew on experiences growing up near Limberlost Swamp and Wildflower Woods in northeast Indiana to write 12 novels and seven nature books, including Freckles and A Girl of the Limberlost.
– J. Maurice Thompson (1844-1901), author of the seminal book on archery, The Witchery of Archery, and co-founder of the National Archery Association, the governing body of Olympic-style archery in the United States.

More information on the inductees appears in the September-October issue of Outdoor Indiana magazine, available at most major bookstores. To obtain a subscription to the magazine, go to OutdoorIndiana.org.

The inductees will be honored during a banquet Sept. 25 at The Garrison at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis. The Natural Resources Foundation and the Indiana Wildlife Federation are co-hosts of the event.

Ticket prices begin at $60. For information, visit www.IndianaNRF.org or contact Patton at (317) 234-5447 or bpatton@dnr.IN.gov.

The Hall of Fame ceremony coincides with the Hoosier Outdoor Experience scheduled for Sept. 26-27 at Fort Harrison State Park. The free, family-friendly event features more than 50 hands-on outdoor activities and “experiences” for visitors to try. For more information on the Experience, go to hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov.

Try fly fishing at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Indiana DNR Release:

If fly fishing looks like fun but you don’t know where to begin learning the sport, here’s your chance. Fly fishing will be one of more than 50 events you can try at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience, Sept. 26-27 at Fort Harrison State Park.

Instructors from Reel Women-Reel Men, Indy Flycasters and Tippecanoe Fly Fishers will be on hand at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience to guide participants through the basics of fly fishing, including casting, equipment, and fly tying. Plus you’ll have the chance to catch a fish.

“Each participant will have an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, and hopefully experience the joy of catching a fish on a fly,” said Patti Beasley, president of Reel Women-Reel Men, an Indianapolis-based fly fishing club.

Fly fishing isn’t as difficult as it looks, and it isn’t limited to trout or western locales.

“I’ve been fly fishing my whole life, and I’ve never lived outside Indiana,” said Ben Shadley, managing editor of Outdoor Indiana magazine. “Most Hoosiers have great fly fishing opportunities for bass, bluegill, wipers or other warm-water fish species within a short drive of home.”

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is a family friendly event that is the first of its kind in Indiana. Unlike traditional trade shows, visitors will be able to enjoy hands-on experiences in a wide range of outdoor activities, such as fly fishing, target shooting, archery, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, camping and much more.

The Hoosier Outdoor 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, WXIN-Fox 59, Indianapolis, and numerous other sponsors.

Parking, admission, activities, demonstrations and seminars are free to the public, but online registration is required. To register, go to hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov and click on the yellow registration icon.

Event updates can be found at hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov or on Facebook.

High School Sports Calendar

Thursday, Aug. 20
GIRLS GOLF: Bellmont at Norwell, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER: Leo at Norwell, 5 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER: Norwell at Leo, 5 p.m.
BOYS TENNIS: Bellmont at Bluffton, 4:30 p.m.; Norwell at Jay County, 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Wabash at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; Southern Wells at Southwood, 6 p.m.; Heritage at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 21
FOOTBALL: Bluffton at Northfield, 7 p.m.; Southern Wells at Southwood, 7 p.m.; Leo at Norwell, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 22
VOLLEYBALL: Southern Wells at Elwood Invitational, 9 a.m.; Norwell at Jay County Invitational, 9 a.m.; Bluffton at Madison-Grant Invitational, 9 a.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: Southern Wells at Garrett Hokem-Karem, 9 a.m.; Norwell at Huntington Invitational, 10 a.m.
BOYS TENNIS: Norwell at DeKalb Invitational, 9 a.m.
BOYS SOCCER: Norwell at FW South Side, 10 a.m.
GIRLS GOLF: Norwell, Southern Wells at New Haven Invitational, noon.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Detour for Raider football fans
Southern Wells football fans, going to the Raiders’ opening game against Southwood on Friday, may face a detour on Indiana 124 west of Indiana 5.
As an alternate route, fans may consider taking Indiana 218 west to Indiana 15, and north towards Wabash and take Indiana 124 back east to Southwood. Game time is 7 p.m.

Bluffton HS seeking event workers
Bluffton High School is seeking adults to serve as event workers during the upcoming school year. Event workers will earn a discount or free adult all-sports passes for all Bluffton athletic events or can receive pay for their work. Needed are volleyball line judges and ticket sellers. Please contact Athletic Director Steve Thompson at 824-3724 or by e-mail at sthompson@bhmsd.k12.in.us

Norwell to honor 1994 grid team
The 1994 Norwell Knights football team will be recognized before Friday’s season-opening game against the Leo Lions. Game time is 7 p.m.

Norwell baseball golf outing slated
The Norwell Baseball Club’s golf outing will be Sept. 26 at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Bluffton. Entry fee is $65. Starting time is 1 p.m. For more information or to enter, call Kurt Gray at 260-414-5458 or 744-4387, or e-mail at norwellbaseball@verizon.net

Cards sign John Smoltz
ST. LOUIS (AP) — John Smoltz agreed to a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals, giving the 42-year-old former ace a chance to rejuvenate his career in the middle of a pennant race.
Smoltz joined the NL Central leaders shortly after he cleared waivers, following his release by Boston. He was 2-5 with an 8.33 ERA in eight starts for the Red Sox.
General manager John Mozeliak said Smoltz would likely start Sunday at San Diego, and would probably get at least a few turns in the rotation.
Smoltz is 212-152 with a 3.32 ERA and 154 saves in 21 seasons. An eight-time All-Star, he’s the only pitcher in major league history with 200 wins and 150 saves. He holds the record for postseason wins, 15-4 with four saves and a 2.65 ERA in the playoffs and World Series.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Tigers win first tennis match
The Bluffton Tigers boys’ tennis team opened its 2009 season Tuesday with a 3-2 victory over the Blackford Bruins at Hartford City.
Bluffton won two of its three singles matches and split the two doubles contests. The Tigers’ junior varsity team won 5-3.

VARSITY SINGLES: Cameron Gerber (BLU) def. Austin Ford 3-6, 6-2, 6-3; Jackson Bates (BLU) def. Aric Durm 6-3, 7-5; Evan Baughey (BLA) def. Alex Penrod 6-2, 6-1.
VARSITY DOUBLES: Blake Mussleman/Trevor Schambers (BLA) def. Bryan Bowman/Nick Huffman 7-6 (7-5), 6-3; Michael Vanderkolk/Damon Kuhlenbeck (BLU) def. Damon Kemp/Ethan Harriett 6-1, 6-1.

JUNIOR VARSITY SINGLES: Zach Mezera (BLU) def. Trevor Smith 8-1; Seth Thompson (BLU) def. Bailey Landis 8-3; Trey Mettler (BLU) def. Brent Rucker 8-1; Robbie Elliott (BLA) def. Stephen Vanderkolk 8-4; Trevor Smith (BLA) def. Dillon Myers 8-3; Brent Rucker (BLA) def. Austin Okey 8-3.

JUNIOR VARSITY DOUBLES: Luke Bertsch/Josh Buckland (BLU) def. Chase Twibell/Mitchell Lanning 9-7; Matt Dann/Carson Addington (BLU) def. Bailey Landis/Robbie Elliott 8-2.

Canterbury downs Norwell golfers
Norwell’s Kristen Springer and Canterbury’s Sarah Dusman tied for medalist honors on Tuesday, but Canterbury shot down the Knights 184-199 in girls’ golf action at Timber Ridge Golf Course in Bluffton.
It was the second straight day that Springer shot a 41 on the front nine and led the Knights.
Hilary Robertson added a 43 for Canterbury. Caitlin Sullivan and Megan Keller each shot a 50 for the Cavaliers. Marianne Hafer finished up with a 54.
Cassie Herndon followed Springer with a 49. Hannah Porrata added a 54 and Megan Evans shot a 55. Olivia Shapley ended up with a 65 for Norwell.

Knights boot SA in girls’ soccer
Tasia DeLeon scored the winning goal in the second half to lead the Norwell Knights girls’ soccer team to a 2-1 victory over the South Adams Starfires in the first match of the season at Norwell.
Lauren Johnson gave Norwell a 1-0 lead in the first half with a goal that was assisted by Caitlin Ailor.
South Adams’ Victoria Smith broke up Norwell’s bid for a shutout with a penalty kick goal.
Norwell goalkeeper Ashton Springer made 17 saves. Jessie Beavers had eight saves for South Adams.

Norwell spikers beat Starfires
Lauren Klansek, Lindsey Dahn and Amanda McAfee powered the Norwell Knights girls’ volleyball team to 3-0 victory over the visiting South Adams Starfires on Tuesday.
Klansek hammered nine kills in the season-opening match for Norwell. Dahn fired seven kills and McAfee five. Norwell won the first game 25-19 and followed with games of 25-23, 25-15.
Mallory Bushee had 13 assists and 10 digs. Breanna Wilson had two service aces and 10 digs. Klansek also had 10 digs. McAfee also had two solo blocks.
Karen Bollenbacher had five kills, one block and 14 digs for South Adams (0-2). Kassy Potts had 20 digs and Kysha Cox had 10 digs and two aces.
Norwell won the junior varsity match 25-13, 25-8. Jessica Louison had six kills. Amber Haiflich and Louison each had six aces. Addie Williams had five digs.

Cushman leads Norwell runners
Norwell junior Alex Cushman finished sixth on Tuesday to lead the Knights in the DeKalb Invitational boys’ cross country meet at Waterloo.
No team scores were kept. It was a season-opening individual event.
Cushman ran the 5,000-meter course in 17:39. Teammate Brandon Long was 8th in 17:57. Ben DeVoe was 47th in 19:45, Alex Schmidt 71st in 20:29, Joe Kumfer 91st in 21:22, Jacob Graft 121st in 23:58 and Brandon Sutton 145th in 30:58.

Bluffton HS seeking event workers
Bluffton High School is seeking adults to serve as event workers during the upcoming school year. Event workers will earn a discount or free adult all-sports passes for all Bluffton athletic events or can receive pay for their work. Needed are volleyball line judges and ticket sellers. Please contact Athletic Director Steve Thompson at 824-3724 or by e-mail at sthompson@bhmsd.k12.in.us

Decker, Gilliom lead senior golfers
Jack Decker and Bob Gilliom tied for the top spot for the Tuesday Men’s Senior Golf League at Green Valley Golf Course in Bluffton. Both had a low gross score of 43.
Bill Amburn had the low net of 31. Members of the winning team were Bob Myers, Paul Perry, Joe Gilbert and Richard Ehrsam. Amburn also was closest-to-the-pin winner. Bill Milholland made the longest putt.

Cross country polls released
The Indiana Track and Cross Country Coaches Association preseason cross country polls are as follows:

GIRLS
1. Carmel; 2. Lake Central; 3. Valparaiso; 4. Noblesville; 5. Columbus North; 6. Carroll (Allen); 7. Portage; 8. Westfield; 9. Franklin Central; 10. Huntington North; 11. Crown Point; 12. FW Northrop; 13. West Noble; 14. North Central; 15. Northridge; 16. Bloomington South; 17. Brownsburg; 18. DeKalb; 19. Westfield; 20. Heritage Hills; 21. Terre Haute North; 22. Bishop Chatard; 23. Madison; 24. Center Grove; 25. Bloomington North.

BOYS
1. North Central; 2. Carmel; 3. Huntington North; 4. Terre Haute North; 5. Chesterton; 6. Noblesville; 7. Fishers; 8. Columbus North; 9. Franklin Central; 10. Concord; 11. Zionsville; 12. FW Bishop Dwenger; 13. Warren Central; 14. Hamilton Southeastern; 15. Valparaiso; 16. Bloomington South; 17. New Albany; 18. Westfield; 19. FW Snider; 20. Carroll (Allen); 21. LaPorte; 22. McCutcheon; 23. Center Grove; 24. Floyd Central; 25. West Noble.

High School Sports Calendar

Tuesday, Aug. 18
GIRLS GOLF: Canterbury at Norwell, 3:30 p.m.
BOYS TENNIS: Bluffton at Blackford, 5 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: Norwell at DeKalb Invitational, 5 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER: South Adams at Norwell, 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Eastbrook at Southern Wells, 6 p.m.; South Adams at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 19
GIRLS GOLF: Muncie Southside, Daleville at Southern Wells, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 20
GIRLS GOLF: Bellmont at Norwell, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER: Leo at Norwell, 5 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER: Norwell at Leo, 5 p.m.
BOYS TENNIS: Bellmont at Bluffton, 4:30 p.m.; Norwell at Jay County, 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Wabash at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; Southern Wells at Southwood, 6 p.m.; Heritage at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 21
FOOTBALL: Bluffton at Northfield, 7 p.m.; Southern Wells at Southwood, 7 p.m.; Leo at Norwell, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 22
VOLLEYBALL: Southern Wells at Elwood Invitational, 9 a.m.; Norwell at Jay County Invitational, 9 a.m.; Bluffton at Madison-Grant Invitational, 9 a.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: Southern Wells at Garrett Hokem-Karem, 9 a.m.; Norwell at Huntington Invitational, 10 a.m.
BOYS TENNIS: Norwell at DeKalb Invitational, 9 a.m.
BOYS SOCCER: Norwell at FW South Side, 10 a.m.
GIRLS GOLF: Norwell, Southern Wells at New Haven Invitational, noon.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Knights top Raiders in girls’ golf
Kristen Springer led the Norwell Knights to victory over Wells County rival Southern Wells in girls’ golf Monday afternoon at Timber Ridge golf course in Bluffton.
Springer birdied the fourth hole on the way to carding a five-over-par 41. She topped a trio of Knights, who shot in the 40s. Megan Evans was next with a 46 and Cassie Herndon added a 47. Hannah Porrata followed with a 50 to give Norwell a 184 team score. Olivia Shapley, who was the fifth golfer, finished with a 58.
Southern Wells was driven by No. 2 golfer Sadie Herr, who notched a 58. Her sister, Acacia, battled a sore back to shoot 60. Jayde Sills was next with 62 and Kendra Mounsey added a 65 to put the Raiders at 245. Morgan Perry rounded out the team with a 70.

Humerickhouse takes coaching job
Ashtyn Humerickhouse, a 2005 Norwell High School graduate and 2009 graduate from Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne, is starting her first season as an assistant coach for the Union College (Barbourville, Ky.) Athletics’ volleyball staff.
A member of the very first Indiana Tech team, Humerickhouse played four years as a middle blocker.
Now residing in Richmond, Ky., Humerickhouse was named to the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference first team three times. She also was on the second-team one season and was a freshman WHAC team selection. Humerickhouse was named WHAC Player of the Week during her senior year.
She also help lead Indiana Tech to the NAIA National Tournament in 2008. Humerickhouse was selected as an All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association after earning AVCA All-Region team honors.

Sign up for revised Parlor City Trot
The Ouabache River Runners have announced several changes for the upcoming 35th Parlor City Trot. The most significant involves moving the date of the race to Sept. 5. In addition, a 10-mile race will be added to the schedule, which includes a half-marathon and a 10-kilometer event.
The date was changed because of a conflict with the Fort 4 Fitness Festival on Sept. 26 in Fort Wayne.
Trot race entry forms are available at the Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic in Bluffton Regional Medical Center’s South Campus, Hot Cakes and FPC.
For additional information, e-mail macmcavoy@gmail.com

Sign up for Elks golf tournament
Teams and individuals may register for the Bluffton Elks Lodge 796 Scholarship Golf Tourney, slated for Sept. 20 at Timber Ridge Golf Club.
The four-person Florida Scramble begins with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Cost is $45 for Timber Ridge members and $65 for non-members. Teams should sign up at the Elks Lodge.

Bluffton HS seeking event workers
Bluffton High School is seeking adults to serve as event workers during the upcoming school year. Event workers will earn a discount or free adult all-sports passes for all Bluffton athletic events or can receive pay for their work. Needed are volleyball line judges and ticket sellers. Please contact Athletic Director Steve Thompson at 824-3724 or by e-mail at sthompson@bhmsd.k12.in.us

Deer hunting intro at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience, Sept. 26-27

Indiana DNR Release:

Becoming an ethical and effective deer hunter requires education, and the Hoosier Outdoor Experience, Sept. 26–27, is a good place to learn the necessary basic skills from experts.

“There is much more to deer hunting, than simply walking out in the woods and shooting a deer. New hunters need someone to teach them what to look for in the woods, how to act ethically, and the rules and regulations of where they are hunting,” said Capt. Dave Windsor, Indiana Conservation Officer.

The Indiana Deer Hunters Association will offer its Whitetail Deer Sensory Trail to attendees of the Hoosier Outdoor Experience, who can experience much of what it’s like to be a deer hunter.

“The sensory trail will introduce participants to many different scenarios they may encounter while deer hunting. It is set up to explain "deer sign" (i.e., how to tell if deer have been in the vicinity recently), equipment used in deer hunting, what to do with a deer after it’s been killed, and much more,” said Kevin Smith, IDHA member.

Those who take the sensory trail will leave with the basic knowledge necessary to begin deer hunting. The event is geared toward beginning and intermediary hunters looking to gain valuable knowledge.

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is a family-friendly event that is the first of its kind in Indiana. Unlike traditional trade shows, visitors will be able to enjoy hands-on experiences in a wide range of outdoor activities, such as fly fishing, target shooting, archery, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, camping and much more.

The Hoosier Outdoor 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, WXIN-Fox 59, Indianapolis, and numerous other sponsors.

Parking, admission, activities, demonstrations and seminars are free to the public, but online registration is required. To register, go to hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov and click on the yellow registration icon.

Event updates can be found at hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov or on Facebook and Twitter.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Sign up for revised Parlor City Trot
The Ouabache River Runners have announced several changes for the upcoming 35th Parlor City Trot. The most significant involves moving the date of the race to Sept. 5. In addition, a 10-mile race will be added to the schedule, which includes a half-marathon and a 10-kilometer event.
The date was changed because of a conflict with the Fort 4 Fitness Festival on Sept. 26 in Fort Wayne.
Trot race entry forms are available at the Oupatient Rehabilitation Clinic in Bluffton Regional Medical Center’s South Campus, Hot Cakes and FPC.
For additional information, e-mail macmcavoy@gmail.com

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 on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 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 intormation, call Rick McEvoy at 260-824-4364.

High School Sports Calendar

Monday, Aug. 17
GIRLS GOLF: Southern Wells at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 18
GIRLS GOLF: Canterbury at Norwell, 3:30 p.m.
BOYS TENNIS: Bluffton at Blackford, 5 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: Norwell at DeKalb Invitational, 5 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER: South Adams at Norwell, 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Eastbrook at Southern Wells, 6 p.m.; South Adams at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 19
GIRLS GOLF: Muncie Southside, Daleville at Southern Wells, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 20
GIRLS GOLF: Bellmont at Norwell, 4 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER: Leo at Norwell, 5 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER: Norwell at Leo, 5 p.m.
BOYS TENNIS: Bellmont at Bluffton, 4:30 p.m.; Norwell at Jay County, 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Wabash at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; Southern Wells at Southwood, 6 p.m.; Heritage at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 21
FOOTBALL: Bluffton at Northfield, 7 p.m.; Southern Wells at Southwood, 7 p.m.; Leo at Norwell, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 22
VOLLEYBALL: Southern Wells at Elwood Invitational, 9 a.m.; Norwell at Jay County Invitational, 9 a.m.; Bluffton at Madison-Grant Invitational, 9 a.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: Southern Wells at Garrett Hokem-Karem, 9 a.m.; Norwell at Huntington Invitational, 10 a.m.
BOYS TENNIS: Norwell at DeKalb Invitational, 9 a.m.
BOYS SOCCER: Norwell at FW South Side, 10 a.m.
GIRLS GOLF: Norwell, Southern Wells at New Haven Invitational, noon.

High School Sports Calendar

Friday, Aug. 14
FOOTBALL: Winchester at Bluffton, scrimmage, 6:30 p.m.; Alexandria at Southern Wells, scrimmage, 7 p.m.; South Adams at Norwell, scrimmage, 7 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Admission for football scrimmages
There will be an admission fee charged for fans attending Friday’s controlled football scrimmages at Bluffton, Southern Wells and Norwell. Southern Wells is charging $4, while the fee at Bluffton and Norwell is $2. Bluffton is hosting Winchester at 6:30 p.m. Norwell is hosting South Adams and Southern Wells is hosting Alexandria, with both starting at 7 p.m.
Money collected at Norwell will be used to pay the game officials and the rest will be donated to the Indiana Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in Richmond. Passes and season tickets will not be accepted.

Tailgate party at Norwell
Norwell football fans will be tailgating in the high school parking lot from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Friday before the Knights’ controlled scrimmage against the South Adams Starfires at 7 p.m. South Adams fans are welcome. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided. Fans are asked to bring a dish to share or donations will be accepted.

BMS football sign up Friday
Bluffton Middle School football sign ups will be held Friday, Aug. 14, during lunch at the middle school. Practice will begin Monday, Aug. 17, at 3 p.m.

County golf tournament starts Friday
The inaugural Wells County Amateur Golf Championship will be held Aug. 14, 15 and 16 at Timber Ridge Golf Club. It is open to any amateur player, including high school. Entry fee is $40. Call 824-2728 for more information.

Formulaboat.com drivers in running
Jeff Bernard and J. Michael Kelly, drivers for the Decatur-based Formulaboats.com unlimited hydroplane boat team, rank third and fourth in the American Boat Racing Association point standings headed into the Thunder on the Ohio race in Evansville on Aug. 21-23.
Following the last race, National High Point Standings are led by Steve David, driver of the U-1 Oh Boy! Oberto with 5,815 points. Dave Villwock, driver of the U-16 Ellstrom Elam Plus, is second with 5,566. Bernard, driver of the U-5 Formulaboats.com, is third with 4,714 and Kelly, driver of the U-7 Graham Trucking boat, is fourth with 3,729.
The ABRA season will conclude with the first-ever international race in Doha, Qatar, in November.

Insect program for preschoolers at Salamonie, Aug. 19 and 20

Indiana DNR Release:

The Salamonie Interpretive Center will offer an active and exciting way to learn about nature with your child or grandchild, Aug. 19 and 20.

“I like Insects,” a program designed for youth, ages 2 to 5, will be presented both days, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The program is offered twice to accommodate more children. The time is different from what previously announced.

In this one-and-a-half-hour program, children and their parent or caregiver can enjoy activities focused around insects and their role in the environment. No matter the weather, the program is planned to be both indoors and outdoors, beginning at the Salamonie Interpretive Center. Participants may want to plan to arrive early to explore the exhibit area and gift shop.

Children will pretend to be insects, make a craft and catch insects together.

Parents are asked to register in advance and stay with their child throughout the program. Register by calling the UWIS, (260) 468-2127 or visiting the Salamonie Interpretive Center, 3691 S. New Holland Road, Andrews, 46702. Participants can choose to bring their lunch to eat together after the event.

There is a $2 fee per child for the program. The property entrance fee will be waived for program attendees.

The Salamonie Interpretive Center and Otter Run Tradin’ Post is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. This barrier-free building features exhibits, floor-to-ceiling windows in the wildlife viewing area, and staff to answer your questions. The center is located in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area on Highway 105 in western Huntington County.

Visit the Upper Wabash Reservoirs Interpretive Services www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis for more information about Interpretive Services programs.

Mountain Bike at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience, Sept. 26 - 27

Indiana DNR Release:

Indiana is quietly becoming a mountain bike Mecca for riders east of the Mississippi River. Come to the Hoosier Outdoor Experience and learn how to ride a mountain bike, so you can take advantage of Indiana’s highly acclaimed off-road trails.

“Contrary to what the name implies, mountain biking does not have to involve mountains or traversing incredibly difficult terrain,” said Steve Morris, director of the DNR Division of Outdoor Recreation. "A well designed trail will carry you smoothly through many of Indiana's favorite natural places."

At the Hoosier Outdoor Experience, the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association will provide bikes for participants to ride on a short skills course that will include logs, ramps, rocks, and more. Instructors will be on the course to help riders.

“We hope to teach some of the skills needed to enjoy Indiana's mountain bike trails, so more Hoosiers can get out and enjoy our state’s great mountain bike trails,” said Paul Arlinghaus, vice president of HMBA.

Indiana was recently recognized by Bike Magazine for having some of the finest mountain bike opportunities in the country.

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is a family-friendly event that is the first of its kind in Indiana. Unlike traditional trade shows, visitors will be able to enjoy hands-on experiences in a wide range of outdoor activities, such as fly fishing, target shooting, archery, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, camping and much more.

The Hoosier Outdoor 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, WXIN-Fox 59, Indianapolis, and numerous other sponsors.

Parking, admission, activities, demonstrations and seminars are free to the public, but online registration is required. To register, go to hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov and click on the yellow registration icon.

Event updates can be found at hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov or on Facebook and Twitter.

High School Sports Calendar

Thursday, Aug. 13
GIRLS GOLF: Southern Wells at Blackford Invitational, 9 a.m.

Friday, Aug. 14
FOOTBALL: Winchester at Bluffton, scrimmage, 6:30 p.m.; Alexandria at Southern Wells, scrimmage, 7 p.m.; South Adams at Norwell, scrimmage, 7 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

BMS football sign up Friday
Bluffton Middle School football sign ups will be held Friday, Aug. 14, during lunch at the middle school. Practice will begin Monday, Aug. 17, at 3 p.m.

County golf tournament starts Friday
The inaugural Wells County Amateur Golf Championship will be held Aug. 14, 15 and 16 at Timber Ridge Golf Club. It is open to any amateur player, including high school. Entry fee is $40. Call 824-2728 for more information.

Norwell golf outing set
The Norwell Baseball Club has limited openings for its 18th Turf’s Up fall golf scramble on Sept. 26 at Timber Ridge Golf Club. The scramble begins at 1 p.m. Cost is $65 per person, due by Sept.18. For information call Kurt Gray at 260-414-5458 or 744-4387 or e-mail at norwellbaseball@verizon.net

Moss leads senior golfers
Jerry Moss led the Tuesday Senior Men’s Golf League at Green Valley Golf Course in Bluffton with a low gross score of 41. Roger Nelson and Dave Prible tied for the low net score of 31. Members of the winning team were Joe Gilbert, Paul Perry, Don Reeves and Bill Milholland. Closest-to-the-pin winner was Dick Hamilton. Perry also had the longest putt.

Norwell gets new Varsity Boys' Basketball Coach

Randy Hawkins has been named the 2009-2010 Interim Head Boys Basketball Coach at Norwell High School.
He took a few minutes to speak with the News-Banner about bringing the "fun" back to the gym at Norwell...

Report banded birds when found, DNR asks

Indiana DNR Release:

The Department of Natural Resources asks individuals who come across Canada geese, mourning doves or wood ducks that have been banded, and are in a position to read the band, to report that information to the national Bird Banding Laboratory.

Reports can be filed by calling 1-800-327-BAND or going online at www.reportband.gov. The data collected are compiled by the BBL and sent to program participants twice a year.

“When we band geese, we attach an aluminum band to one leg,” said DNR waterfowl biologist Adam Phelps. "Since each band has a unique number on it, this allows biologists to identify each bird that has ever been banded, if it is captured again or harvested by a hunter.

Phelps said that when the DNR bands a bird, it plots that point on a map. If the bird is caught again the following year, harvested by a hunter, hit by a car, or if a birder reads the band number through binoculars, and the person reports the band, the program has another point on a map for that bird.

"Two points give us a line," Phelps said. "With thousands of such lines, we can develop movement patterns for these geese or other birds.”

Indiana’s breeding geese move around much more than most people think. Birds banded in June in Indiana have been harvested by hunters from Idaho to Delaware, and from Hudson Bay in Canada to Alabama.

Bird banding provides more than information on movement patterns. With enough reported bands, biologists can determine survival rates and harvest rates (the rate at which geese are taken by hunters).

Program data from 1986-2007 suggest that hunters take a high proportion of geese that are relocated from urban areas to Fish and Wildlife Areas. This means that moving birds from places where they conflict with humans to FWAs is likely to be an effective strategy for reducing these populations. Because these species of birds are migratory, jurisdiction for their management lies with the federal government. The BBL, a federal agency within the U.S. Geological Survey, is responsible for the management of all migratory bird banding in the U.S.

Ouabache State Park Events

Property Manager: Robert Greiner
Assistant Mgr.: Charlie Schantz
Interpretive Naturalist: Kate Curless
Office Phone: 824-0926
4930 E. SR 201, Bluffton
Ouabacheinterp@dnr.IN.gov
Ouabache's interpretive programs are family oriented. Parents and children are encouraged to attend activities together. An adult should accompany children under the age of 10. In the case of inclement weather, all hikes and programs on the pool lawn will meet at the Campview Shelter. Schedule subject to change.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
7:30 p.m. - Fish Printing. Learn more about this ancient art, and then try it for yourself at Trails End Shelter. Bring a white or light colored shirt with you or make your print on paper.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
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, AUGUST 14
7:30 p.m. - Roving Interpreter. Be on the lookout for Naturalist Kate in the Campground. She'll have something interesting with her!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
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 p.m. - 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!
8:00 p.m. - Incredible Edibles. Throughout time, people have known what was good to eat in the forest. Learn more about the incredible edible plants we have around us by meeting at Campview Shelter.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
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!

Outdoor Fitness at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Indiana DNR Release:

Learn how to develop a strong mental and physical foundation for outdoor enjoyment through outdoor fitness activities at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience, Sept. 26 – 27.

“Finding fun ways to become fit is a challenge most people face,” said Steve Morris, director of the DNR Division of Outdoor Recreation. “At the Hoosier Outdoor Experience, we hope to introduce visitors to numerous ways to work on fitness while enjoying outdoor activities.”

Understanding how to prepare body and mind for outdoor activity is extremely important for both enjoyment and safety. Stretching, exercise, and proper diet are a few of the skills to be covered.

Volunteers from Fit City, a social marketing campaign that teaches people healthy eating habits and physical fitness skills, will lead participants through a series of 10 different outdoor fitness activities. Instructors will teach participants proper methods for stretching before outdoor activity, then lead participants through an obstacle course. Participants also will learn by playing a physical fitness based game of Jeopardy.

“Physical fitness is the basis of all outdoor enjoyment,” said Eleather Baker, Fit City program director. “(Fit City) is pleased to be a part of the first-ever Hoosier Outdoor Experience. We hope to help people learn to take care of themselves, so they can better enjoy the outdoors.”

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is a family-friendly event that is the first of its kind in Indiana. Unlike traditional trade shows, visitors will be able to enjoy hands-on experiences in a wide range of outdoor activities, such as fly fishing, target shooting, archery, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, camping and much more.

The Hoosier Outdoor 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, WXIN-Fox 59, Indianapolis, and numerous other sponsors.

Parking, admission, activities, demonstrations and seminars are free to the public, but online registration is required. To register, go to hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov and click on the yellow registration icon.

Event updates can be found at hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov or on Facebook and Twitter.

High School Sports Calendar

Tuesday, Aug. 11
GIRLS GOLF: Norwell at Snider Invitational, 9 a.m.; Whitko at Southern Wells, 4:30 p.m.
———
Wednesday, Aug. 12
GIRLS GOLF: Southern Wells, Norwell at Bellmont Invitational, 8 a.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Pick up SW Jr. High football equipment
Southern Wells Jr. High School football equipment will be issued to 7th-graders on Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 6-7:30. The first practice for grades 7 and 8 will be Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 6-8 p.m. All players must have physicals turned in to the coach or office in order to practice. Physical forms are available in the high school office. Cost for football kit materials will be $25, which may be paid the day of equipment issue.
If there are any questions, call either Mike Carter at 765-728-5149 or Mark Lefebvre at 765-728-5708.

Bluffton MS volleyball to start
Bluffton Middle School volleyball practices will begin on Aug. 11 from 3:30-5 p.m.

Sign up for Elks golf tournament
Teams and individuals may register for the Bluffton Elks Lodge 796 Scholarship Golf Tourney, slated for Sept. 20 at Timber Ridge Golf Club.
The four-person Florida Scramble begins with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Cost is $45 for Timber Ridge members and $65 for non-members. Teams should sign up at the Elks Lodge.

Colts to host four prep games
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts will sponsor four high school football games at Lucas Oil Stadium in September.
The inaugural Horseshoe Classic will be held Sept. 5.
Zionsville faces Noblesville in the opening game at 11 a.m. That will be followed by Indianapolis Cathedral against Cincinnati St. Xavier, Columbus North and Bloomington North and Indianapolis Pike against Southport.
The Peyback Classic is also held at Lucas Oil Stadium. Those games are sponsored by Peyton Manning’s charitable foundation.

High School Sports Calendar

Monday, Aug. 10
GIRLS GOLF: Southern Wells at Marion Invitational, 9 a.m.; FW South Side at Norwell, 11 a.m.
———
Tuesday, Aug. 11
GIRLS GOLF: Norwell at Snider Invitational, 9 a.m.; Whitko at Southern Wells, 4:30 p.m.
———
Wednesday, Aug. 12
GIRLS GOLF: Southern Wells, Norwell at Bellmont Invitational, 8 a.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Crusaders to pick up football equipment
Norwell Middle School football equipment will be issued on Monday, Aug. 10, in the southwest corner of the second floor. The 8th-grade players should report from 3-4 p.m. and 7th-graders between 4-5. Please use Door 36. A coach will be taking groups outside to get speed times. Shorts and running shoes should be worn. Players will need to purchase a practice pack, consisting of a practice jersey, practice pants, mouth guard and navy game socks. Cost is $35. Players must have a completed physical on file to pick up equipment.

Pick up SW Jr. High football equipment
Southern Wells Jr. High School football equipment will be passed out to 8th-graders on Monday, Aug.10, from 6-7:30 p.m. and issued to 7th-graders on Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 6-7:30. The first practice will be Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 6-8 p.m. All players must have physicals turned in to the coach or office in order to practice. Physical forms are available in the high school office. Cost for football kit materials will be $25, which may be paid the day of equipment issue.
If there are any questions, call either Mike Carter at 765-728-5149 or Mark Lefebvre at 765-728-5708.

NMS girls’ CC practice set
The first Norwell Middle School girls’ cross country practice is Aug. 10 at 9 a.m. Physicals must be on file or can be brought to the first practice. Girls may continue to condition with high school team until Aug. 10.

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.

Bluffton MS volleyball to start
Bluffton Middle School volleyball practices will begin on Aug. 11 from 3:30-5 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Ackley, Hacker medal at state finals
Logan Ackley and Walter Hacker, members of the Huntington-Wells Otters Swim Team, recently medalled at the Indiana Swimming Age Group State Long Course (meters) Championships at Fishers High School.
Ackley and Hacker competed in the 11-12 year-old boys’ division for Team PRO, which is a partnership between Penn Aquatics, Team Robinson and Huntington-Wells.
Along with Anthony Verasco and Eric Huang, Ackley and Hacker took fourth place in the 200-meter medley relay in 2:23.81. They also placed fifth in the 200-meter freestyle.
Corbin Cozad of the Otters also placed 11th in the 10-and-under boys’ 200-meter medley relay in 2:54.07 and 13th in the 200-meter freestyle relay in 2:28.65.
Individually, Ackley was 24th in the 100-meter butterfly (1:23.83), 31st in the 50-meter butterfly (36.34) and 38th in the 400-meter freestyle (5:39.56). Hacker was 15th in the 100-meter butterfly (1:19.79) 24th in the 50-meter butterfly (35.71) and 33rd in the 200-meter individual medley (3:03.06).

Crusaders to pick up football equipment
Norwell Middle School football equipment will be issued on Monday, Aug. 10, in the southwest corner of the second floor. The 8th-grade players should report from 3-4 p.m. and 7th-graders between 4-5. Please use Door 36. A coach will be taking groups outside to get speed times. Shorts and running shoes should be worn. Players will need to purchase a practice pack, consisting of a practice jersey, practice pants, mouth guard and navy game socks. Cost is $35. Players must have a completed physical on file to pick up equipment.

Bluffton MS volleyball to start
Bluffton Middle School volleyball practices will begin on Aug. 11 from 3:30-5 p.m.

NMS girls’ CC practice set
The first Norwell Middle School girls’ cross country practice is Aug. 10 at 9 a.m. Physicals must be on file or can be brought to the first practice. Girls may continue to condition with high school team until Aug. 10.

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.

Pick up SW Jr. High football equipment
Southern Wells Jr. High School football equipment will be passed out to 8th-graders on Monday, Aug.10, from 6-7:30 p.m. and issued to 7th-graders on Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 6-7:30. The first practice will be Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 6-8 p.m. All players must have physicals turned in to the coach or office in order to practice. Physical forms are available in the high school office. Cost for football kit materials will be $25, which may be paid the day of equipment issue.
If there are any questions, call either Mike Carter at 765-728-5149 or Mark Lefebvre at 765-728-5708.

DNR Fishin' Pond awaits young State Fair anglers

Indiana DNR Release:

About 4,500 kids learned to fish for free during last year's Indiana State Fair at the DNR's 312,000-gallon Fishin' Pond.

This catch-and-release fishing program runs from 9 a.m. to noon, and 4 to 7 p.m., daily, Aug. 7-23 (except the mornings of Aug. 7-8 and 17-21).

As last year, 3,500 hybrid bluegill and 1,500 channel catfish will be stocked before and during the fair to keep the fishing fresh.

Friendly volunteers will again teach kids, ages 5-17, how to be safe and successful. These adults will also bait the hook and release the fish if needed. Kids must be accompanied by an adult to participate. After the fishing, participants will want to head over to the education table where kids can do crafts and adults have the chance to make an Angler’s Legacy pledge to take a kid fishing in the upcoming year.

Registration, which is required before fishing, is located next to the Natural Resources Building, outside the doors of Mother Nature's Mercantile, near the paddlefish pond (sorry, no fishing there).

Just like natural fishin' holes, the Fishin' Pond is most crowded on weekends. If you go to the fair on a Saturday or Sunday and want to fish, head to the Fishin' Pond registration site as soon as you get in the fair gates. On those busy days, the early birds get to cast the worms. Early anglers also are likely to have better luck on weekdays, since that the crowds are thinner in the morning and grow heavier late in the day.

New DNR Go FishIN program coordinator Clint Kowalik, formerly an assistant fisheries biologist for the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, is eager to meet and ready to help the fair-going youngsters and youth fish safely and successfully.

DNR at the State Fair

Indiana DNR Release:

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources once again will have a large presence at the Indiana State Fair with daily activities planned at the DNR Building in the northwest corner of the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

The DNR has dozens of engaging stories to share with the media, including these:

– Kids Fishin’ Pond, daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (and 9 a.m. to noon every day except Aug. 7-8 and Aug. 17-21). (The DNR’s 312,000-gallon pond is well stocked with fish and gives thousands of children the chance to go fishing; some for the first time.)

– Taste of the Wild Cookout, 11 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 8), DNR Fishin’ Pond and Amphitheater. (Sample venison chili, beaver barbecue, fried fish, and other outdoor cuisine, including the DNR’s famous Creek Bank Potatoes.)

– Smokey Bear’s Birthday, 1 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 9), DNR Amphitheater. (Get your picture taken with this enduring icon of the great outdoors and hear his fire safety message.)

– Geocaching, 2 p.m. Friday (Aug. 14), DNR Building, front porch. (Find your bearings with this hi-tech, modern version of treasure hunting.)

– Archaeology “Road” Show, 1 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 16), DNR Amphitheater. (Bring your artifacts for identification by the DNR Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology. Meet the DNR’s own Dr. “Indiana” Jones.)

– Got Geese? Canada Goose Management, 2 p.m. Monday (Aug. 17), DNR Building, front porch. (An informative workshop that touches on the biology of this migratory waterfowl and legal methods to help manage the population.)

– DNR Division of Law Enforcement sponsors “Wear It Indiana Day” on Sunday, Aug. 9 to promote use of lifejackets while boating. Conservation Officers also will present SCUBA demonstrations from 2-4 p.m. Aug. 10, 14 and 21, and K-9 rescue dog demonstrations at 6 p.m. Aug. 14 and 22. Come meet the DNR dogs and their handlers.

SW football managers ready for the season

News-Banner Sports Editor Paul Beitler spoke with the Southern Wells Football Team managers on Thursday. Here's a snippet:

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Norwell girls’ fall to Carroll in opener
Three Carroll Chargers recorded nine-hole rounds in the lower 40s to spoil the season-opening golf match for the Norwell Knights girls’ team on Wednesday morning at Willow Ridge in Fort Wayne.
Ashley Kees led the Chargers with a 40, while Elizabeth Goings added a 42 and Erin Velpel finished with a 45. Katie Phipps shot a 50 to give Carroll a 177-205 victory in the battle of Northeast Hoosier Conference rivals.
Norwell was led by Kristen Springer with a 45. Megan Evans turned in a 51, followed by Hannah Porrata with a 54 and Cassie Herndon with a 55. Olivia Shapley rounded out Norwell’s varsity group with a 56.

Sluggers to hold baseball tryouts
The Summit City Sluggers baseball organization will be holding open tryouts for its 2010 teams Sunday, Aug. 16 at the Concordia High School varsity field, located just east of Zollner Stadium, 3500 N. Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne. Registration begins at 10 a.m. Players should bring their own equipment and water. Teams are anticipated for age groups 12-and-under through 18-and-under. Eligible birthdates are May 1, 1991 through April 30, 1998. Players will be evaluated by high school coaches, college coaches and professional scouts. For more information, please call president Mark Flueckiger at 260-348-9332.

Derek Kinzer signs with Taylor
Taylor University head baseball coach Kyle Gould announced Tuesday that 2009 Homestead graduate Derek Kinzer of Fort Wayne has signed a letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic careers with the Trojans.
Kinzer, an infielder and a pitcher, hit .402 and scored 20 runs as a senior as he helped Homestead (23-4) win a sectional championship.
As a junior, Kinzer played a role in guiding Homestead to the Indiana Class 4A State Championship game.
Derek is the younger brother of Taylor Kinzer, who played for the Trojans the last two seasons before signing a professional contract with the Los Angeles Angels this summer.
Matt Kinzer, father of Derek and Taylor, is Taylor University’s pitching coach. He is a Norwell graduate. He also pitched professionally for the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers.

Coach needed for Bluffton MS football
A coach is needed for Bluffton Middle School football. Anyone interested should call Bluffton High School head coach Nick Nicholas at 765-372-1239 or send an e-mail to nnicholas@bhmsd.k12.in.us

Crusaders to pick up football equipment
Norwell Middle School football equipment will be issued on Monday, Aug. 10, in the southwest corner of the second floor. The 8th-grade players should report from 3-4 p.m. and 7th-graders between 4-5. Please use Door 36. A coach will be taking groups outside to get speed times. Shorts and running shoes should be worn. Players will need to purchase a practice pack, consisting of a practice jersey, practice pants, mouth guard and navy game socks. Cost is $35. Players must have a completed physical on file to pick up equipment.

NMS girls’ volleyball coach needed
Norwell Middle School is seeking a 7th-grade girls’ volleyball coach. Anyone interested in the position may contact Principal Tim Wilson at 543-2218, ext. 6002, or via e-mail at Tim.Wilson@nwcs.k12.in.us.

Bluffton MS volleyball to start
Bluffton Middle School volleyball practices will begin on Aug. 11 from 3:30-5 p.m.
NMS girls’ CC practice set
The first Norwell Middle School girls’ cross country practice is Aug. 10 at 9 a.m. Physicals must be on file or can be brought to the first practice. Girls may continue to condition with high school team until Aug. 10.

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.

Pick up SW Jr. High football equipment
Southern Wells Jr. High School football equipment will be passed out to 8th-graders on Monday, Aug.10, from 6-7:30 p.m. and issued to 7th-graders on Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 6-7:30. The first practice will be Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 6-8 p.m. All players must have physicals turned in to the coach or office in order to practice. Physical forms are available in the high school office. Cost for football kit materials will be $25, which may be paid the day of equipment issue.
If there are any questions, call either Mike Carter at 765-728-5149 or Mark Lefebvre at 765-728-5708.