High School Sports Calendar

Wednesday, Sept. 30
BOYS JV SOCCER: Concordia Lutheran at Norwell, 5 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 1
BOYS TENNIS: IHSAA Sectional at Norwell, Bellmont vs. Huntington North; South Adams vs. Adams Central, 4:30 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER: Norwell at Blackford, 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Leo at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; Southern Wells at Woodlan, 6 p.m.; New Haven at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.
FRESHMAN FOOTBALL: East Noble at Norwell, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 2
BOYS TENNIS: IHSAA Sectional at Norwell, Norwell vs. Bellmont-Huntington North winner; Bluffton vs. South Adams-Adams Central winner, 4:30 p.m.
FOOTBALL: Adams Central at Southern Wells, 7 p.m.; Bluffton at Heritage, 7 p.m.; Norwell at DeKalb, 7 p.m.;

Saturday, Oct. 3
BOYS TENNIS: IHSAA Sectional at Norwell, championship, 9 a.m.
FRESHMAN VOLLEYBALL: Bluffton, Southern Wells at Adams Central Tournament, 9 a.m.; Norwell Invitational, 9 a.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: Bluffton, Southern Wells at South Adams Invitational, noon; Norwell at Northeast Hoosier Conference meet at Bellmont, 9 a.m.
GIRLS SOCCER: Norwell at FW North Side (varsity only), 10 a.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Norwell netmen whip Generals
The Norwell Knights boys’ tennis team defeated the short-handed Wayne Generals 5-0 on Tuesday at Fort Wayne.
Thye Petty received a forfeit at No. 1 singles and the No. 1 doubles tandem of Kyle Reinhard and Ross Mathews also received a forfeit.
In the No. 2 singles match, Kyle Johnloz defeated Cameron Powell 6-1, 6-0. Jared Meyer won the No. 3 singles match, beating Raymond McCune 6-1, 6-0.
In No. 2 doubles Jasson Werling and Joel Sauers defeated Arriston King and Mason Waggoner 6-0, 6-1.
Norwell upped its varsity record to 14-3. No junior varsity matches were played.

Register for Future Lady Tigers
The Bluffton girls’ basketball program will be tipping off its Future Lady Tigers program Oct. 10 and running it every Saturday through Dec. 12 at Bluffton High School.
Bluffton-Harrison girls in grades 3-6 may register for $25, which includes a team jersey. Registration forms may be picked up and returned at Bluffton High School, Bluffton Middle School or Bluffton-Harrison Elementary offices or e-mail to head coach Vicki VanMatre at vvanmatre@bhmsd.k12.in.us. Deadline is Oct. 7. For more information, please call coach Van Matre at 824-3724, ext. 7304.

Sign up for Squires League
The Norwell Squires Basketball League is taking registrations for any Northern Wells district girl or boy in grades 3-6. Cost is $60 for one child and $30 for each additional child from the same family. Entry deadline is Oct. 2. Forms may be picked up in the elementary school offices and sent to Randy Hawkins or Eric Thornton at Norwell High School, 1100E-US 224, Ossian, IN 4677. For more information, call 543-2213, ext. 7319 or 7233.

Videos now up on Sports Blog
The News-Banner Sports and Outdoors Blog at www.news-banner.com has been updated with the video clips taken at the IHSAA girls’ golf regional on Saturday at Noble Hawk Golf Links at Kendallville. The News-Banner apologizes for the mix up and regrets any inconvenience it may have caused.

Divisions to co-manage Interlake hunting, trapping

Indiana DNR Release:

Hunting, fishing and trapping activities at Interlake State Recreation Area will be managed cooperatively by two DNR divisions – the Division of Outdoor Recreation and the Division of Fish & Wildlife.

Interlake is a 3,550-acre multi-use recreational area near Lynnville that is open to day use for motorized trail riding, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, hiking, trapping and other activities.

The Division of Outdoor Recreation manages the property, but some activities – fishing, hunting and trapping – are more compatible with the mission of the Division of Fish & Wildlife.

So, beginning Thursday, Nate Levitte, property manager at nearby Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area, will assume responsibility of all aspects of fishing, hunting and trapping programs at Interlake.

Interlake will be open for these activities in compliance with DNR regulations and seasons as published in the Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide, and the Indiana Fishing Guide.

Trapping will be by permit only.

Hunter sign-in and permit boxes will be posted at the north (Pike County Road 1200S) and south (Indiana 68, Warrick County) entrances of Interlake.

Interlake will be closed to hunting on Nov. 7 to accommodate the 4th annual Toys for Tots fundraiser.

For additional hunting, fishing, or trapping information, contact Sugar Ridge headquarters at (812) 789-2724.

For all other Interlake property inquiries, contact Carman Jackson at (317) 232-4069, (812) 665-2207 or by email at cjackson@dnr.in.gov, or go to www.IN.gov/dnr/outdoor/4226.htm.

Meeting set on suggested Brookville trout rules

Indiana DNR Release:


A delegation of the Natural Resources Advisory Council will conduct a public meeting to discuss suggestions received from the public through the Comprehensive Fish and Wildlife Rules Enhancement Project pertaining to trout fishing on the Brookville Reservoir tailwaters.

The meeting is at 6 p.m. (EDT) Oct. 8 at the Franklin County Government Center, 1010 Franklin Ave., Brookville.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to offer input on the suggested changes. Suggested changes to the current fish and wildlife rules were accepted through April 2009. The Advisory Council has been actively evaluating those suggestions since June.

Additional information about the Comprehensive Fish and Wildlife Rules Enhancement Project is available at www.IN.gov/nrc/index.htm.

Two from NHS at Girls Regional Golf Competition

Norwell High School juniors Kristen Springer and Cassie Herndon, both advanced from last week's golf sectional to the regional competition at Kendallville.

Both golfers finished the season strong and will help form a powerful core for the NHS Golf Team going forward...

Hoosier Outdoor Experience this weekend, rain or shine

Indiana DNR Release:

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience will commence tomorrow morning at 9 a.m., rain or shine, as thousands are expected to descend upon Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis for an inaugural event at which guests can try dozens of outdoor activities free of charge.

Attendees should consider bringing rain gear.

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience, which runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, is a family-friendly event that is the first of its kind in Indiana. Unlike at 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.

Parking, admission, activities, demonstrations and seminars are free to the public, but online registration is requested. To register, go to hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov and click on the yellow registration icon. Registration can be done in advance to speed entry into the event or be done at the event entrance.

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

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.

Meetings planned to discuss bovine TB

Indiana DNR Release:

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) issued a reminder of three public meetings scheduled next week at which they will address the current status of bovine tuberculosis in Indiana and outline proposed actions the two agencies have planned for the upcoming deer hunting seasons.

The meetings will be from 7 to 9 p.m. local time. Dates and locations are:

– Sept. 28, Laurel Middle School, 13246 Indiana 121, Laurel (Franklin County)
– Sept. 29, Wayne County Youth Center, Wayne County Fairgrounds, 861 Salisbury Road, Richmond (Wayne County)
– Sept. 30, Corydon Junior High School, 377 Country Club Road, Corydon (Harrison County)

State officials will provide updates on the presence of bovine TB in captive cervid (deer and elk) operations and discuss plans for testing of free-ranging white-tailed deer taken during the upcoming hunting seasons.

Bovine TB is a chronic bacterial disease that affects primarily cattle but can be transmitted to any warm-blooded animal.

The disease was identified at a captive cervid operation in Franklin County in May. The animals at that facility, mostly elk and non-native deer species, have been euthanized.

BOAH subsequently quarantined two additional facilities – one in Harrison County and one in Wayne County – for exposure to the disease because they had purchased cervids from the Franklin County site. Animals at the Wayne County site have been euthanized. Plans are in the works to depopulate the Harrison County site this fall.

DNR conservation officers culled 30 deer in the vicinity of the Franklin County site in August. Preliminary tests showed no significant findings of bovine TB in the samples. Results from more extensive tests are pending.

High School Sports Calendar

Friday, Sept. 25
BOYS TENNIS: Bluffton at ACAC Tournament (Adams Central), 5 p.m.
FOOTBALL: Southern Wells at Bluffton, 7 p.m.; East Noble at Norwell, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26
BOYS TENNIS: Bluffton at ACAC Tournament (Adams Central), 9 a.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: Southern Wells, Norwell at New Haven Classic (IPFW course), 9 a.m.
GIRLS GOLF: IHSAA Regional at Noble Hawk (Kendallville), 10 a.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Norwell at Harding Invitational, 9 a.m.
JV VOLLEYBALL: Norwell at Leo Invitational, 9 a.m.
BOYS SOCCER: FW Elmhurst at Norwell (Varsity only), 10 a.m.
JV FOOTBALL: Norwell at East Noble, 10 a.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Norwell netmen succumb to Carroll
The Carroll Chargers defeated the Norwell Knights 3-2 in a Northeast Hoosier Conference boys’ tennis match on Thursday at Fort Wayne.
Norwell’s season record dropped to 13-3 overall and 4-3 in conference.
Reid Imel scored one Norwell point with a win in No. 2 singles. Jasson Werling and Kyle Isch scored the second point with a win in No. 2 doubles.
Carroll’s junior varsity team posted a 10-4 victory and the Knights fell to 13-3.

CARROLL 3, NORWELL 2
VARSITY SINGLES: Jordan Glassley (C) def. Kyle Fillman 3-6, 6-3, 7-5; Reid Imel (N) def. Jake Yager 6-3, 6-2; Taylor Turney (C) def. Thye Petty 6-4, 6-4.
VARSITY DOUBLES: Travis Glassley/Tariq Anabtawi (C) def. Kyle Reinhard/Ross Mathews 6-1, 6-3; Jasson Werling/Kyle Isch (N) def. Steve Snider/Billy Finger 2-6, 6-1, 6-2.

CARROLL 10, NORWELL 4
JUNIOR VARSITY SINGLES: Noah Norris (C) d. Brandon Taylor 8-6; Tanner Bowen (N) d. Austin Porter 8-6; Scott Campbell (C) d. LJ Reeve 8-5; Cameron Duffner (C) d. Jared Meyer 8-2; Kyle Johnloz (N) d. Corey Daman 8-5; Luke Garrison (C) d. Joel Sauer 8-2; Ryan Thompson (C) d. Meyer 8-6.
JUNIOR VARSITY DOUBLES: Cody Chase/Ross Marano (C) d. Mitchell Wilson/Tanner Mathews 8-7 (7-2); Nathan Weaver/Brian Banister (C) d. Sean Cole/Damon Gerber 8-1; Salway/Sommer (C) d. Jake McBride/Tyler Smith 8-0; Knowlman/Goetz (C) d. McBride/Smith 8-4; D. Quade/Hike (C) d. Cole/Gerber 8-5; Wilson/T. Mathews (N) d. Zehr/Lehman 8-1; Taylor/Sauer (N) d. R.Quade/Fox 8-4.

Johnson, Thompson win MS races
The Wells County middle school cross country teams battled it out Thursday in dual meet action at Bluffton.
In the girls’ race, Southern Wells split with Bluffton and Norwell, while Norwell’s boys defeated both Bluffton and Southern Wells.
The Crusaders’ boys topped Bluffton 21-34, while Southern Wells lost to Norwell and Bluffton since the Raiders did not have enough runners for a team.
Southern Wells’ girls beat Bluffton 15-40 and Norwell beat Bluffton 15-58 and Southern Wells 18-41.
The Crusaders’ Rachel Johnson won the girls’ 3,000-meter race in 12:18, followed by teammates Jessie Best in 12:19 and Samantha Tolson in 12:38. Sarah Bauermeister finished in 13:05, Sara DeVoe 13:15, Abby Springer 13:21 and Monica Frauhiger in 13:43.
Ivy Maddox was fourth for Southern Wells in 12:50. Other overall finishers for the Raiders were: 6. Meghan Yencer; 9. Timber Tucker; 10. Chloe Maddox; 14. Brooke Penrod; 16. Autumn Stevens; 18. Carissa Carter; 22. Jordan Sills; 23. Chloe Elam; 28. Ashton Prible; 31. Kennedy Rhodes.
 Southern Wells’ Taylor Thompson won the boys’ 3K race in 11:32. Other Raider overall finishers were: 8. Kedrick Barr; 14. T.C. Perry; 17. Josh Markley.
Ethan Roebuck was second to lead Norwell in 11:49. Other Crusader finishers were: 3. Justin Miskin 11:59; 5. McGerran Clouser 12:02; 7. Nathan Garver 12:33; 10. Duke Wang 13:05; 11. Austin Harris 13:29; 12. Noah Dirig 13:37; 21. Hunter Searles 15:19; 22. Derek Macon 15:57; 23. Chad Kremer 16:52.

Elementary CC races at Norwell
The fourth Northern Wells Elementary Schools cross country race will be held Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Norwell on the grass loop located in front of the school.
Runners in grades K-2 will run a half mile and grades 3-5 will run one mile. All runners in grades K-2 will receive a participation ribbon. Top three finishers in grades 3-5 boys’ and girls’ races will receive medals and places 4-15 will receive place ribbons. All runners in grades 3-5 will receive participation ribbons.
Registration forms are available at Lancaster and Ossian elementary schools. Registrations are due in the elementary offices by Oct. 1. Parents are asked to register as soon as possible to insure that anyone wanting to run is included. Cost is $4 per entry, which includes a T-shirt. Make checks payable to Norwell High School. For more information, contact Bob Dahl at bdahl@onlyinternet.net or Scott Hanni at Scott.Hanni@nwcs.k12.in.us.

Race event for runners, walkers
The second Forgotten Children International 5K and one-mile run and walk will be held on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 3 p.m. at Hope Missionary Church in Bluffton. Runners and walkers of all speeds are welcome. Entry fee is $15 per person, which includes an event T-shirt. Register online at www.forgottenchildren.org or at Hope Missionary Church. Entry forms also are available at Outdoor Concepts, Body Solutions and FPC.

8th-grade Crusaders beat Bellmont
Jonah Patten ran for two touchdowns and Isaac Delgado rushed for another to lead the Norwell Crusaders 8th-grade football team to a 22-14 victory over Bellmont on Tuesday.
Zach McGrew also kicked a pair of two-point extra-pointers. Delgado also ran for 100 yards. The Crusaders are 3-1.
On defense, Isiak James had two quarterback sacks, one blocked pass and five tackles. Anthony West, Justin More and Austin Fisher each had over seven tackles.

Bluffton students get in free
All Bluffton students will be admitted free into tonight’s football game against Southern Wells. Students in grades K-4 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Kickoff time is 7 p.m.

High School Sports Calendar

Thursday, Sept. 24
BOYS TENNIS: Norwell at Carroll, 4:30 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Eastbrook at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; DeKalb at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.
FRESHMAN FOOTBALL: Norwell at New Haven, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 25
BOYS TENNIS: Bluffton at ACAC Tournament (Adams Central), 5 p.m.
FOOTBALL: Southern Wells at Bluffton, 7 p.m.; East Noble at Norwell, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26
BOYS TENNIS: Bluffton at ACAC Tournament (Adams Central), 9 a.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: Southern Wells, Norwell at New Haven Classic (IPFW course), 9 a.m.
GIRLS GOLF: IHSAA Regional at Noble Hawk (Kendallville), 10 a.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Norwell at Harding Invitational, 9 a.m.
JV VOLLEYBALL: Norwell at Leo Invitational, 9 a.m.
BOYS SOCCER: FW Elmhurst at Norwell (Varsity only), 10 a.m.
JV FOOTBALL: Norwell at East Noble, 10 a.m.

Fundraiser for Connor Whitesell

A golf scramble is being held to raise money for Connor Whitesell on Sunday at Timber Ridge golf course. Whitesell, a Norwell student, was injured in a motorbike accident earlier this year.
Entry fee per person is $75, which includes green fee, cart, lunch and prizes. The shotgun start is 1 p.m. Registration forms may be picked up at Timber Ridge Pro Shop, Gerber Interior Design, Corner Depot, Farm Bureau Insurance, Ossian Subway, Ossian Brew Ha or Bohemian Bean Coffee House.

Special parking set for Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Indiana DNR Release:

Visitors to the Hoosier Outdoor Experience on Friday and Saturday at Fort Harrison State Park are reminded of special parking and transportation plans for the event.

Parking is free, but there will be no vehicle access to the state park.

Signs will direct visitors to park in the Maj. Gen. E.J. Bean Finance Center parking lot off Post Road. A free shuttle service will transport you to the event from there, or you may walk to the event from the parking lot. An accessible bus lot also has been established. Attendees should not park there unless they need this service.

To view a map of the parking lot, visit hoosieroutdoorexperience.IN.gov and click on the Parking icon. If using an online mapping site, such as www.mapquest.com, enter your destination as the intersection of Herbert Lord Road and North Post Road.

Bicyclists may enter through the foot entrance on Glenn Road off 56th Street. Supervised Pedal & Park bicycle racks will be available.
IndyGo Route 4 will provide transportation to the event on Saturday. There is no bus service on Sunday.

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.

Admission, activities, demonstrations and seminars are free to the public, along with parking, 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.

Food is available at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Indiana DNR Release:

Visitors to the Hoosier Outdoor Experience this weekend at Fort Harrison State Park won’t have a reason to go hungry. Several low-cost food and beverage options will be available for purchase at the Sept. 26 – 27 event.

“We are partnering with several nonprofit, community and youth organizations to provide food for our participants,” said Amanda Wuestefeld, Hoosier Outdoor Heritage Coordinator. “These groups will be using the Hoosier Outdoor Experience as a fund raiser. Food choices will range from breakfast sandwiches, barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, corn-on-the-cob, walking tacos and even elk burgers. Food vendors have worked hard to make sure that we will have several food options for around $5 during the event.”

Participants are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks to the event. However, large coolers will not be permitted inside the Hoosier Outdoor Experience. Participants should bring only what they feel comfortable carrying with them throughout the event.

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.

Famed archer’s Hall of Fame selection on target

Indiana DNR Release:

Gene Stratton-Porter’s novel “A Girl of the Limberlost” was first published 100 years ago, but Dave Fox doesn’t hesitate when asked if the story has relevance today.

“JK Rowling, who wrote the Harry Potter books, says it is one of her top five favorite children’s books,” said Fox, property manager at the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site in Rome City.

Porter will be inducted into the Indiana Conservation Hall of Fame on Friday during a banquet and ceremonies at The Garrison at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis. The Indiana Conservation Hall of Fame recognizes individuals with Indiana ties for their contributions to the state’s natural or cultural heritage.

Porter authored 12 novels, seven nature books, two books of poetry, children’s books and numerous magazine articles. With an estimated 50 million readers, her works have been translated into several foreign languages as well as Braille. Eight of her novels were produced as motion pictures.

“She was one of Indiana’s first environmentalists,” Fox said. “She worked alongside (Richard) Lieber and (Charles) Deam, and really brought Indiana’s environmental situation to the attention of people. She did that in a passive way through her stories, and in an active way in speaking to the legislature on laws about the drainage of wetlands.”

Porter’s affection for wetlands stemmed from her younger days spent near the Limberlost Swamp, a 13,000-acre wetland that covered parts of Adams, Wells and Jay counties in Indiana and stretched across the state line to Mercer County in Ohio. It was the perfect location for her study of nature and proved inspiration for early Porter novels such as “Song of the Cardinal,” “Freckles” and “A Girl of the Limberlost.”

She named her Geneva, Indiana, home Limberlost and it also is a state historic site managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

In 1913, Porter built a second home on the shores of Sylvan Lake near Rome City. The surrounding woodlands provided another source for her nature studies, writings and photography. The site currently encompasses 125 acres, 20 of which are part of Porter’s original property.

Others who are being inducted to the Indiana Conservation Hall of Fame are Leila (Lee) Botts, Lynton Caldwell, Reynold (Rey) Carlson, Bill and Gayle Cook, Charles C. Deam, Tom and Jane Dustin, the Efroymson family, President Benjamin Harrison, Marion Jackson, Richard Lieber, Eli Lilly, Sally Reahard, Rev. Damian Schmelz, and J. Maurice Thompson.

Brief profiles of the inductees are published in the September/October issue of Outdoor Indiana magazine, which is available in leading bookstores or through subscription at OutdoorIndiana.org.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame banquet are available by contacting Indiana Natural Resources Foundation executive director Bourke Patton at (317) 234-5447 or by email at bpatton@dnr.IN.gov

High School Sports Calendar

Tuesday, Sept. 22
BOYS TENNIS: Homestead at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: South Adams at Bluffton, 4:30 p.m.; Southern Wells, Woodlan at Garrett, 5 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER: Heritage at Norwell, 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Adams Central at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; Southern Wells at Leo, 6 p.m.; Columbia City at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 23
GIRLS SOCCER: FW Wayne at Norwell (Varsity only), 5 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 24
BOYS TENNIS: Norwell at Carroll, 4:30 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Eastbrook at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; DeKalb at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.
FRESHMAN FOOTBALL: Norwell at New Haven, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 25
BOYS TENNIS: Bluffton at ACAC Tournament (Adams Central), 5 p.m.
FOOTBALL: Southern Wells at Bluffton, 7 p.m.; East Noble at Norwell, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26
BOYS TENNIS: Bluffton at ACAC Tournament (Adams Central), 9 a.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: Southern Wells, Norwell at New Haven Classic (IPFW course), 9 a.m.
GIRLS GOLF: IHSAA Regional at Noble Hawk (Kendallville).
VOLLEYBALL: Norwell at Harding Invitational, 9 a.m.
JV VOLLEYBALL: Norwell at Leo Invitational, 9 a.m.
BOYS SOCCER: FW Elmhurst at Norwell (Varsity only), 10 a.m.
JV FOOTBALL: Norwell at East Noble, 10 a.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Knights top DeKalb netmen
The Norwell Knights upped their Northeast Hoosier Conference boys’ tennis record to 4-1 on Monday with a 4-1 victory over DeKalb at Waterloo.
Norwell (13-1) swept the three singles matches and the No. 2 doubles team won its match in three sets.
Jasson Werling and Kyle Isch rallied to beat Michael Culler and Josh Martin 0-6, 6-4, 7-5. In No. 3 singles, Thye Petty charged back to win in three sets, 1-6, 6-4, 6-4.
The Knights’ junior varsity team pulled out a 6-5 victory to improve to 13-1.

NORWELL 4, DEKALB 1
VARSITY SINGLES: Kyle Fillman (N) def. Nick Martin 6-2, 6-0; Reid Imel (N) def. Austin Stokes 6-0, 6-3; Thye Petty (N) def. Mitch Hart 1-6, 6-4, 6-4.
VARSITY DOUBLES: Colton Miller/Levi Copenhaver (D) def. Kyle Reinhard/Ross Mathews 4-6, 6-1, 6-2; Jasson Werling/Kyle Isch (N) def. Michael Culler/Josh Martin 0-6, 6-4, 7-5.

NORWELL 6, DEKALB 5
JUNIOR VARSITY SINGLES: Ben Lancaster (D) def. Brandon Taylor 8-6; Tanner Bowen (N) def. Brandon Fruits 8-3; Wade Hantz (D) def. LJ Reeve 8-6; Braedon Bassett (D) def. Jared Meyer 8-3; Kyle Johnloz (N) def. Duke Becker 8-3; Greg Hathaway (D) def. Joel Sauer 8-7 (7-4); Bowen (N) def. Dylan Liddell 8-5.
JUNIOR VARSITY DOUBLES: Mitchell Wilson/Tanner Mathews (N) def. Matt Helmkamp/Landon Miller 8-3; Gabe Taylor/Damon Colbert (D) def. Sean Cole/Damon Gerber 8-5; Jake McBride/Tyler Smith (N) def. Warren Travis/Quinton Johnson 8-7 (12-10); Wilson/Mathews (N) def. Avery Schmidt/Conner Helmkamp 8-1.

Jets riddle Tigers in ACAC tennis
The Adams Central boys’ tennis team captured the Allen County Athletic Conference season championship Monday with a 5-0 victory over the Bluffton Tigers at Bluffton.
The Jets (8-6) posted a 3-0 record in conference play.
Adams Central also swept the Tigers 10-0 in junior varsity matches. The Jets are 9-1/3-0.

ADAMS CENTRAL 5, BLUFFTON 0
VARSITY SINGLES: Nathan Barger (AC) def. Cameron Gerber 6-3, 6-1; Kam Fiechter (AC) def. Jackson Bates 6-0, 6-3; Jon Weil (AC) def. Nick Huffman 6-2, 6-0.
VARSITY DOUBLES: Austin Neadstine/Josh Smith (AC) def. Cody Cochran/Bryan Bowman 6-1, 7-6 (9-7); Evan Timmons/Ryan Colchin (AC) def. Chandler Okey/Michael Vanderkolk 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2
 
ADAMS CENTRAL 10, BLUFFTON 0
JUNIOR VARSITY SINGLES: Keaton Fiechter (AC) def. Damon Kuhlenbeck 8-5; Derek Hanni (AC) def. Brendan Baumgartner 8-4; Pierce Harris (AC) def. Carlos Vergara 8-5; Isaac Bransteter (AC) def. Trey Mettler 8-4; Bransteter (AC) def. Dillon Myers 8-5; Harris (AC) def. Matt Dann 8-0.

JUNIOR VARSITY SINGLES: Jacob Bergdall/Cody Walburn (AC) def. Alex Penrod/Zach Mezera 9-7; Dylan Krueger/Blake Phieffer (AC) def. Luke Bertsch/Josh Buckland 8-1; Hanni/Luke Marbach (AC) def. Carson Addington/Seth Thompson 8-5; Krueger/Phieffer (AC) def. Stephen Vanderkolk/Austin Okey 8-1.

Kaylee Imel helps Broncos place 8th
YORKTOWN, Ind. — Western Michigan University freshman Kaylee Imel posted the third-best score for its women’s golf team at the Cardinal Classic tournament, hosted by Ball State, at The Players Club.
Senior Elise Swartout carded the first sub-par collegiate round of her career to move up to third place. She shot a 2-under par 70 on Sunday morning to register the third top-three finish of her career.
Western Michigan finish eighth in the team standings.  The Broncos scored their lowest team round of this young season with a 307.
Imel finished the two-day, 36-hole tournament with a 15-over 157 (79-78) in a tie for 39th place.
Eastern Michigan won the team title with a two-round score of 591 (298-293), besting Ball State by seven strokes.  Grand Valley State (599), Xavier (602) and Indiana State (614) rounded out the top five.
The Broncos will have two weeks to prepare for their next event, the Nittany Lion Invitational. The 54-hole event opens on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Barons blank Knights in girls’ soccer
The Norwell Knights were defeated 8-0 by DeKalb in a Northeast Hoosier Conference girls’ soccer match at Waterloo.
Olivia Gomez led the Barons with three goals and Amara Knox added a pair. Olivia Gerke, Whitney Krider and Lauren Rowe each had one goal. Goalkeeper Rachel Bly recorded the shutout, stopping three shots.
Norwell goalkeeper Haley Keller blocked 37 shots. Caitlin Ailor had two shots and Morgin Imel one. The Knights’ record fell to 3-7-1 overall and 2-3 in NHC action. The Knights’ junior varsity team lost 2-0.

Fireworks after Friday’s game
There will be additional fireworks Friday night at Fred F. Park Field in Bluffton following the Allen County Athletic Conference football showdown between the Southern Wells Raiders and Bluffton Tigers.
Before the game, the Lutheran Air helicopter will deliver the game ball, landing on the 50-yard line. Then after the game, there will be a large fireworks display, sponsored by the Bluffton Athletic Boosters.
There will be free admission to Bluffton students in kindergarten through grade four.

DNR fish survey points to areas for improvement

Indiana DNR release:

FORT WAYNE – A two-year study of Fort Wayne-area fisheries is helping develop the "Fishin' in the Fort" program aimed at improving area sport fishing.

Fishin' in the Fort is a community-based initiative to educate citizens of Fort Wayne about fishing, and encourage their participation in other outdoor activities. The results of the study showed current sport fishing opportunities in the city’s three rivers are limited.

The DNR plans to work with the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department on improvement strategies that may involve such things as deepening ponds and adding aerators to improve water quality, adding fish attractors, stabilizing shorelines, installing in-stream habitat, stocking additional fish for anglers, and increasing the number of fishing clinics to teach youths and adults how to fish.

DNR fisheries biologist Nate Thomas said fishing activity in Fort Wayne park ponds and the three rivers has declined by nearly 50 percent over the past two decades.

Thomas and his crew based the analysis on surveys of six sites, two on each of the three rivers. Sites included Shoaff Park and the St. Joseph Dam on the St. Joseph River, Lawton Park and Foster Park West on the St. Marys River, and Hosey Dam and Maumee Park on the Maumee River.

During the survey, biologists captured nearly 1,000 fish that weighed a total of nearly a thousand pounds. The catch was predominantly nongame species, but included some sport fish.

“We caught 17 saugeye, which is a walleye-sauger hybrid, during the survey," Thomas said. "Because they have not been stocked into the rivers, we presume they escaped from a hatchery in Ohio located along the St. Marys River. The largest one was over 24 inches long and weighed 6 1/2 pounds.”

Other sport fish found included largemouth and smallmouth bass, white crappie, and catfish; however, most of those were too small to interest anglers. The abundance of non-game fish found is typical not only of Fort Wayne area rivers, but also Indiana rivers in general.

“Non-game fish, including carp and suckers, accounted for 67 percent of our catch by number and over 83 percent of our catch by weight,” Thomas said. “Among all fish collected in the survey, carp alone made up almost 40 percent of the total weight.”

Though DNR biologists recognize that some anglers fish for carp, only 1 percent of anglers interviewed last summer said they fished for the non-native species. Thomas said he encourages anglers to fish for carp; however, the rivers and other fishing locations likely will be managed for traditional sport fish, such as bass and crappie.

“Overall, we would like to see an increase in the abundance of native sport fish available to anglers,” Thomas said. “Though this could take place through supplemental stockings, fishing locations around the city would also benefit from habitat improvements.”

Habitat conditions evaluated in 2009 at the various river sites ranged from poor to good.

“Our best site was in the St. Marys River downstream of the Foster Park West Bridge. Habitat included in-stream cover, diverse water flows, and woody debris,” Thomas said. “Our worst site was also in the St. Marys River, but more upstream near Lawton and Headwater’s Park. It’s virtually devoid of beneficial habitat for sport fish.”

Thomas said the abundance of non-game species, degraded habitat in the rivers, and an overall lack of public awareness of local fishing opportunities are likely contributing to the local decline in fishing activity.

“Improving multiple aspects of the local rivers and park ponds is the next step if we want to get people out and fishing again,” Thomas said. “Doing so can help get kids outdoors, as well as boost the local economy.”

In a 2008 report, Thomas estimated more than $200,000 is spent annually for fishing in Fort Wayne, an amount that includes equipment and other expenditures associated with fishing trips.

For more information on the “Fishin’ in the Fort” program or fishing opportunities in Fort Wayne, contact Thomas at (260) 244-6805 or NThomas@dnr.IN.gov.

Indiana fall turkey season, Oct. 1–Oct. 25

Indiana DNR Release:

Indiana’s 2009 fall turkey season begins Oct. 1 with the opening of the archery-only portion of the season. From Oct. 1 through Oct. 25, fall turkey hunters can use archery equipment in selected counties.

Those counties are: Bartholomew, Benton, Brown, Carroll, Cass, Clark, Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dearborn, Decatur, DeKalb, Dubois, Elkhart, Fayette, Floyd, Fountain, Franklin, Fulton, Gibson, Grant (west of Interstate 69), Greene, Harrison, Howard, Huntington, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jennings, Johnson, Knox, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Lake, LaPorte, Lawrence, Marshall, Martin, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Newton, Noble, Ohio, Orange, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Porter, Posey, Pulaski, Putnam, Ripley, St. Joseph, Scott, Spencer, Starke, Steuben, Sullivan, Switzerland, Tippecanoe, Union, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, Wabash, Warren, Warrick, Washington, Wayne and White.

(Note: Jackson County also was omitted from this list on page 20 of the 2009-10 Hunting and Trapping Guide, but should be listed.)

From Oct. 21 through Oct. 25, hunters may use firearms or archery equipment in only these counties: Brown, Clark, Clay, Crawford, Dearborn, Dubois, Floyd, Fountain, Franklin, Greene, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Ohio, Orange, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Putnam, Ripley, Scott, Spencer, Sullivan, Switzerland, Vermillion, Vigo, Union, Warrick and Washington, as shown on page 20 of the 2009-10 Hunting and Trapping Guide, the second page of the wild turkey hunting regulations.

The bag and possession limit for the fall season is one bird of either sex.

Hunters must possess one of the following licenses (unless exempt – see pages 3 and 4 of the hunting guide – those exempt from needing a license as described on pages 3-4 of the guide are also exempt from needing the game bird habitat stamp): fall turkey hunting, lifetime comprehensive hunting, lifetime comprehensive hunting/fishing, resident youth consolidated hunting, nonresident youth fall turkey hunting, or apprentice license of one of these types to legally pursue turkeys. In addition, a valid game bird habitat stamp privilege is required except for those with a lifetime comprehensive hunting license, lifetime comprehensive hunting/fishing license, or resident youth consolidated hunting license. Hunter education is required for anyone born after Dec. 31, 1986; however, individuals of any age may buy an apprentice license without having to take hunter education. Individuals are limited to three apprentice hunting licenses in their lifetime. Special apprentice hunting license rules apply.

Legal archery equipment includes long bows, compound bows, recurve bows and crossbows. Legal firearms include 10-, 12-, 16- or 20-gauge shotguns loaded with 4, 5, 6, 7 or 7 ½ shot. Muzzleloading shotguns that meet the above requirement are legal.

According to Steve Backs, Indiana’s turkey biologist, hunters should expect harvest numbers to vary by geographic location.

“The 2009 summer production success appears to have been quite variable throughout the turkey range due to the generally cool, wet weather. Some areas of Indiana experienced flash and bottomland flooding during the critical early brood season in early summer. Other areas were not affected,” Backs said.
Overall, Backs said he anticipates the fall harvest to resemble last year’s season.

“The 2008 fall harvest was 610 birds. I would expect the 2009 fall harvest to be around 600 to 650 birds,” he said.

Anyone with questions regarding fall turkey hunting rules and regulations should first consult the Indiana 2009-2010 Hunting and Trapping Guide, which is available at most sporting goods retailers and online at http://www.IN.gov/dnr/fishwild/2343.htm (and note the omission listed earlier). For further assistance, contact a conservation officer at North Region Headquarters (765) 473-9722 or South Region Headquarters (812) 837-9536.

Harnish and the Huskies prove themselves over Purdue

Chandler Harnish and his Huskies Offense ran roughshod over Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday and Managing Editor Glen Werling was there to capturing some great images.

These photos and many more are available for sale at our Photo Gallery

Banner early archery deer season expected

Indiana DNR Release:

DNR deer research biologist Chad Stewart expects a banner year for early archery deer season, which runs Oct. 1 through Nov. 30.

Early archery deer season provides a different experience from the more popular firearm season for deer.

"Archery season is a great time to be out," Stewart said. "The woods are far less crowded, the weather is cool but not too cold, and best of all, the deer are active because the season typically overlaps the pre-rut and rut, when deer are most active."

"Rut" refers to breeding season for deer.

In assessing the prospects for this year's deer seasons, Stewart said that EHD (epizootic hemorrhagic disease), an insect-borne virus suspected to be present in more than 30 of the state's counties last year, should have little effect on this year's hunting.

"We have had several EHD reports this year from the south central and west central counties, but nothing to the extent to what we received the past two years," Stewart said. "Much like the counties with EHD two years ago rebounded last year, the counties affected last year should rebound this year, though there may be some properties that are still feeling the effects into this year."

Stewart said that the overall deer harvest for the last three years has averaged around 124,400 to 125,500, numbers he expects to be met or exceeded this year.

"In terms of early archery season, the harvest has ranged from about 23,000 to about 26,000, and I anticipate similar numbers this year," he said.

Famed archer’s Hall of Fame selection on target

Indiana DNR Release:

Gene Hopkins wasn’t the least bit surprised to see Maurice Thompson’s name show up on the inaugural list of inductees for the Indiana Conservation Hall of Fame.

“I’d think he would be among the top three,” Hopkins said.

The Indiana Conservation Hall of Fame recognizes individuals with Indiana ties for their contributions to the state’s natural or cultural heritage.

Inductees in the charter class weren’t ranked by the Hall of Fame selection committee, but it’s no surprise Hopkins would think so highly of Thompson. After all, he shares the same passion that Thompson did more than a century ago—archery.

“He is recognized universally and unquestionably as the father of archery in America, and bow hunting as an outgrowth, due to his writings in magazines and books,” Hopkins said. “That is without doubt what resulted in a renewed interest in the sport of archery.”

Thompson wrote numerous archery articles for national publications like Harper’s and Atlantic Monthly but is best known as the author of “The Witchery of Archery,” which was published in 1878.

“Still today, it remains one of the best and most influential books ever written on the subject,” Hopkins said. “It’s in reprint 150 years later and still available off bookstore shelves. The tried and true staying power of that book lives on.”

Hopkins, an archery historian from Columbus, will display a number of Thompson-related items during the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday (Sept. 25) at The Garrison at Fort Harrison State Park. One is the only known autographed first edition copy of “The Witchery of Archery.”

Also on display will be one of Thompson’s early long bows (circa 1880), a signed arrow, and a complete collection of the books written by Thompson. The 30 titles include another of Thompson’s well-known books, “Alice of Old Vincennes.”

Thompson was born Sept. 9, 1844, in Fairfield (Franklin County). He and his brother Will took up archery at a young age after the family moved to Georgia.

Both joined the Confederate Army during the Civil War, in which Maurice was wounded at the Battle of Cold Harbor. On doctor’s advice, he moved to Florida after the war to recuperate and once again picked up the bow and arrow as tools to harvest animals for food and survival.

Thompson eventually returned to Crawfordsville, where he and his brother formed the National Archery Association, which remains the U.S. governing body for Olympic target archery.

Thompson later became a civil engineer and lawyer, was elected to the state legislature and was appointed state geologist. He died in 1901.

Others being inducted to the Indiana Conservation Hall of Fame are Leila (Lee) Botts, Lynton Caldwell, Reynold (Rey) Carlson, Bill and Gayle Cook, Charles C. Deam, Tom and Jane Dustin, the Efroymson family, President Benjamin Harrison, Marion Jackson, Richard Lieber, Eli Lilly, Sally Reahard, Rev. Damian Schmelz, and Gene Stratton-Porter.

Brief profiles of the inductees are published in the September/October issue of Outdoor Indiana magazine, which is available in leading bookstores or through subscription at OutdoorIndiana.org.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame banquet are available by contacting Indiana Natural Resources Foundation executive director Bourke Patton at (317) 234-5447 or bpatton@dnr.IN.gov

Canada goose reductions at Summit Lake and Potato Creek State Parks

Indiana DNR Release:

Having attempted various non-lethal methods of managing the Canada goose populations at Summit Lake and Potato Creek state parks with little success, the DNR will conduct controlled goose reductions in November and December. Similar reductions occurred in 2007 and 2008.

The dates chosen coincide with hunting seasons to optimize effectiveness and take into consideration state and federal law, local flight patterns and goose behavior. Certain areas of Potato Creek will be open only to participating hunters on the dates of both of its two-day reductions, Nov. 9– 10 and Nov. 23–24. Summit Lake will be closed to all but reduction participants on Dec. 5–6.

Large amounts of goose waste at both park’s beaches, picnic areas and in bank-fishing locations have raised health concerns, adversely affected visitor enjoyment, increased erosion and resulted in increased operating costs.

Participation will be determined by a drawing similar to other DNR waterfowl draws. Successful applicants can bring up to three individuals along to hunt if they wish. These individuals do not have to be on the applicant’s application. Groups will be assigned to specific reduction areas. Shooting hours will be one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. An unrestricted stand-by drawing for eligible participants will occur each morning, 90 minutes before local sunrise to fill spots not claimed by successful applicants by that time.

Hunters who want to participate in the reductions must complete an online application between Sept. 21 and Oct. 4 at http://www.IndianaOutdoor.IN.gov. Individuals can apply for any set of dates.

Applicants and stand-by participants must be Indiana residents and 18 years of age by Nov. 9, 2009, and should have their hunting license number and Harvest Registration Program (HIP) number ready to enter in the application. Though hunter education is not required, preference in first-round drawing is given to those who have completed a hunter education course. Hunters must present a state waterfowl stamp and federal duck stamp on site on the day of the reduction, do not need to possess them to apply. Apprentice licenses are not applicable.


For more information, see these related Web sites:

http://www.IN.gov/dnr/parklake/2413.htm
http://www.IN.gov/dnr/fishwild/2996.htm

Youth rabbit, squirrel hunt at Salamonie Lake, Nov. 7

Indiana DNR Release:

Youth rabbit and squirrel hunts will be held at Salamonie Lake on Nov. 7. Participants should meet the property's office at 7 a.m. Hunters will be in the field for the rabbit hunt until noon. The youth squirrel hunt will follow a free lunch. Instructional sessions regarding game cleaning will be included.

All youth participants are encouraged to have attended and passed a Hunter Education Course and have either a valid Indiana Youth Hunting License or Apprentice License. Information regarding upcoming Hunter Education courses is available at http://www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/4812.htm. Participants must register in advance by contacting Jim Heasley at (765) 674-3791. Youth can bring their own shotgun, or have one provided. Those requiring that a shotgun be provided must request one while registering.

Each youth will have a “private mentor” that will supervise and assist him or her during the hunt. Parents are encouraged to accompany the youth, but that is not mandatory.

The lunch that will be provided after the morning rabbit hunt is for all youth, mentors, and dog handlers. The event and meals are free for all who attend. Youth Hunting Licenses cost $7 and will be available at the Salamonie office the day of the hunt. Licenses are also available anytime at www.IndianaOutdoor. IN.gov. Adults wishing to volunteer as dog handlers or mentors must register in advance by calling the same number listed above.

Cabela’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, the National Cur and Feist Breeders Association, the National Kennel Club, and the Indiana Beaglers Alliance will serve as hosts.

The Salamonie Interpretive Center is located in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area, west of Highway 105 in western Huntington County.

Harnish shines in upset over Purdue

These videos speak for themselves. News-Banner Sports Editor Paul Beitler was there to capture the moment as Chandler Harnish and the Huskies beat the Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday.

High School Sports Calendar

Friday, Sept. 18
FOOTBALL: Woodlan at Southern Wells (Homecoming), 7 p.m.; Bluffton at Garrett, 7 p.m.; Norwell at New Haven, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 19
GIRLS GOLF: IHSAA Sectional at Timber Ridge, 8 a.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Bluffton, Southern Wells at Canterbury Invitational, 9 a.m.; Norwell at Tippecanoe Valley Tourney, 10 a.m.
FRESHMAN VOLLEYBALL: Norwell at Huntington North Invitational, 9 a.m.
BOYS TENNIS: Bluffton, Bellmont, South Adams at Norwell Invitational, 9 a.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: Norwell at Yorktown Invitational, 9 a.m.

Monday, Sept. 21
BOYS TENNIS: Adams Central at Bluffton, 4:30 p.m.; Norwell at DeKalb, 4:30 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER: DeKalb at Norwell, 5 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER: Norwell at DeKalb, 5 p.m.
JV FOOTBALL: Southern Wells at Woodlan, 6:30 p.m.; New Haven at Norwell, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 22
BOYS TENNIS: Homestead at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: South Adams at Bluffton, 4:30 p.m.; Southern Wells, Woodlan at Garrett, 5 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER: Heritage at Norwell, 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Adams Central at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; Southern Wells at Leo, 6 p.m.; Columbia City at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 23
GIRLS SOCCER: FW Wayne at Norwell (Varsity only), 5 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Tigers’ netmen defeat Starfires
The Bluffton Tigers won two singles matches and split in doubles action to post a 3-2 victory over South Adams in boys’ tennis on Thursday at Berne.
Jackson Bates and Nick Huffman were winners at No. 2 and No. 3 singles, respectively, and Chandler Okey and Michael Vanderkolk won their No. 2 doubles match.
The Tigers handed the Starfires an 8-2 loss in junior varsity matches.

BLUFFTON 3, SOUTH ADAMS 2
VARSITY SINGLES: Alex Huber (SA) def. Cameron Gerber 7-5, 6-2; Jackson Bates (B) def. Kegan Sprunger 6-2, 6-1; Nick Huffman (B) def. Ian Frank 6-3, 6-2.
VARSITY DOUBLES: Chase Ingle/Jacob Smith (SA) def. Bryan Bowman/Cody Cochran 6-4, 6-0; Chandler Okey/Michael Vanderkolk (B) def. Derek Schwartz/Mark Muselman 6-2, 7-5.

BLUFFTON 8, SOUTH ADAMS 2
VARSITY SINGLES: Damon Kuhlenbeck (B) def. Reid Zurcher 8-3; Trey Mettler (B) def. Jonathon Steffen 8-4; Jeremiah Heckard (SA) def. Dillon Myers 8-6; Reid Zurcher (SA) def. Brendan Baumgartner 8-6; Alex Penrod (B) def. Jonathon Steffen 8-0; Zach Mezera (B) def. JD Tarr 8-4.
JUNIOR VARSITY SINGLES: Carlos Vergara/Seth Thompson (B) def. JD Tarr/Zach Yoder 8-4; Matt Dann/Carson Addington (B) def. Landon Lehman/Luke Nussbaum 8-4; Austin Okey/Stephen Vanderkolk (B) def. WIlliam Hicks/Dakota Mitchel 8-3; Luke Bertsch/Josh Buckland (B) def. Landon Lehman/Luke Nussbaum 8-1.

East Noble clips Norwell netmen
Despite some strong play by their doubles teams, the Norwell Knights suffered their first loss of the season Thursday 3-2 to the visiting East Noble Knights.
East Noble swept the singles matches to secure the Northeast Hoosier Conference victory. Norwell slipped to 3-1 in conference and 9-1 overall.
Kyle Reinhard and Ross Mathews breezed through their No. 1 doubles match, while Jasson Werling and Kyle Isch needed three sets to win the No. 2 doubles contest.
Norwell’s junior varsity squad beat East Noble 6-2 to up its overall record to 12-1.

EAST NOBLE 3, NORWELL 2
VARSITY SINGLES: Derek Romer (EN) def. Kyle Fillman 6-2, 6-3; Kyle Johnson (EN) def. Reid Imel 6-4, 6-4; Nick Ihrie (EN) def. Thye Petty 6-1, 6-1.
VARSITY DOUBLES: Kyle Reinhard/Ross Mathews (N) def. Jeremy Mertz/Chris Doyle 6-0, 6-0; Jasson Werling/Kyle Isch (N) def. Quinton Howell/Matt Stallman 6-2, 2-6, 6-0.

NORWELL 6, EAST NOBLE 2
JUNIOR VARSITY SINGLES: Mitchell Wilson (N) def. Grant Manon 8-7 (7-2); Devin Wolf (EN) def. Tanner Mathews 8-6; Damon Gerber (N) def. Ethan Wyatt 8-3; Sean Cole (N) def. Luc Hettner 8-7 (7-4); Manon (EN) def. Jake McBride 6-1.
JUNIOR VARSITY SINGLES: Brandon Taylor/Tanner Bowen (N) def. Gabe Stephens/Brandon Mick 8-6; LJ Reeve/Tyler Smith (N) def. Nathan Gerardot/Casey Seitz 8-5; Joel Sauer/Kyle Johnloz (N) def. Brice Handshoe/Corey Spaw 8-0.

Norwell, Elmhurst end in tie
Tasia DeLeon’s goal in the first half gave the Norwell Knights a 1-1 tie with the Elmhurst Trojans in girls’ soccer action Thursday at Norwell.
The Knights are now 3-6-1 for the season.
Lauren Johnson assisted on the goal against goalkeeper Madison Willcutts.
Shemana Sarker scored the Trojans’ goal against goalkeeper Haley Heller.
Heller and Willcutts each had 14 saves. Johnson had eight shots for the Knights and DeLeon four. Sarker had five for the Trojans.

Bellmont golfers beat Raiders
The Bellmont Squaws topped the Southern Wells Raiders 213-238 in girls’ golf action Thursday at Dogwood Glen golf course in Warren.
Corrinna Bussel shot a 50 and Amber Fuhrman carded a 51 to lead Bellmont. Casey Fee added a 54 and Kara Klinker shot a 57 to complete the score for the Squaws. Paige Shaneyfelt ended up with a 59 and Saige Markley shot a 69.
Sadie Herr led the Raiders with a 55 and Acacia Herr shot a 57. Kendra Mounsey followed with a 60, while Jayde Sills shot a 66. Morgan Perry and Emily Oswalt each turned in a 67.

Norwell golfers post dual win
Megan Evans and Kristen Springer helped lead the Norwell Knights to a double victory in girls’ golf action on Wednesday at Timber Ridge golf course in Bluffton.
Evans tied Amanda Vankoski of Bishop Luers for medalist honors with a 44 on the par-36 front nine. Springer was next with a 46.
Norwell tallied a team score of 191. Bishop Luers trailed with 195 and Fort Wayne North Side netted a 225.
Cassie Herndon added a 48 for the Knights and Olivia Shapley completed the scoring with a 53. Hannah Porrata finished up with a 54.
Kyren O’Shaughnessy shot a 47 for Bishop Luers and Alex Hamel recorded a 51. Alex Eagleson rounded out Luers’ scoring with a 53.
Crystal Kalogris topped North Side with a 48.

Crusader spikers split with New Haven
The Norwell Crusaders volleyball teams split their matches Thursday night against New Haven. The 7th-grade Crusaders won in three games 25-24, 14-25, 15-10, while the 8th-grade Crusaders lost in three 25-18, 20-25, 15-14.
Hannah Aschliman and Arianna Cruz each had two kills for the 7th-grade Crusaders. Liara Isnogle had one kill. Caroline Shapley and Cruz each had four aces. Arissa Moser, Halie McMillan, Kristen Burkhardt, Moser and Isnogle each had one ace. Chloe Williams had five assists. McMillan also had two digs and Isnogle one.
Olivia Geiger had six kills for the 8th-grade Crusaders, while Kendall Beckstein, Brittany Barger, Kaitlynne Douglass and Alissa Hanni each had one kill. Hanni also had five aces, Beckstein four, Barger three, Laken Chaney two, Brittany Staley one, Tiffany Williams one and Douglass one. Chaney also had seven assists, Barger three, Williams two, Hanni one and Staley one.

SW hog roast set for Oct. 2
The Southern Wells athletic department is having a hog roast meal on Oct. 2 at the Southern Wells Cafe before the Adams Central football game from 5-6:30 p.m. Funds raised will go to the athletic transportation budget. Meal includes pulled pork sandwich, chips, applesauce or coleslaw, cookie and drink. Adult ticket price is $6 before game night or $7 at the gate, children 6-12 is $4.50 or $5.50. Please contact the high school office to order tickets.

Yellowwood Lake dredging project resumes Monday

Indiana DNR Release:

A Department of Natural Resources dredging project that will extend Yellowwood Lake’s useful life and improve boater access to the campsites once completed is scheduled to resume Monday, Sept. 21.

The project on the 130-acre lake, which was constructed in 1938, near Nashville, Ind., by the Works Project Administration (WPA), began last year when DNR conducted a dry dredging operation. Material was removed from the lakebed and placed on the shore. Approximately 5 acres of 10-feet-thick sediment was removed.

The project was necessary because the upper end of the lake had been filling in with sediment since it was built, a process that happens to most man-made lakes.

Starting Monday, most of the sediment from the project will be moved across the road to a clearing. Once that process is completed, workers will grade the surface and restore lakeside recreation on the lakeshore site in an elevated area. DNR anticipates opening the area in fall 2010.

DNR plans to complete removal of silt from the lakebed by Nov. 1. Additional fishing structures will be added to the lakebed before the lake is allowed to fill.

Meetings planned to discuss bovine TB

Indiana DNR Release:

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) have scheduled three public meetings to address the current status of bovine tuberculosis in Indiana and outline proposed actions the two agencies have planned for the upcoming deer hunting seasons.

The meetings will be from 7 to 9 p.m. local time and scheduled for:

– Sept. 28, Laurel Middle School, Laurel (Franklin County)
– Sept. 29, Wayne County Fairgrounds, Richmond (Wayne County)
– Sept. 30, Corydon Middle School, Corydon (Harrison County)

State officials will provide updates on the presence of bovine TB in captive cervid (deer and elk) operations and discuss plans for testing of free-ranging white-tailed deer taken during the upcoming hunting seasons.

Bovine TB is a chronic bacterial disease that affects primarily cattle but can be transmitted to any warm-blooded animal.

The disease was identified at a captive cervid operation in Franklin County in May. The animals at that facility, mostly elk and non-native deer species, have been euthanized.

BOAH subsequently quarantined two additional facilities – one in Harrison County and one in Wayne County – for exposure to the disease because they had purchased cervids from the Franklin County site. Animals at the Wayne County site have been euthanized. Plans are in the works to depopulate the Harrison County site this fall.

DNR conservation officers culled 30 deer in the vicinity of the Franklin County site in August. Preliminary tests showed no significant findings of bovine TB in the samples. Results from more extensive tests are pending.

High School Sports Calendar

Thursday, Sept. 17
GIRLS GOLF: Bellmont at Southern Wells, 4:30 p.m.
BOYS TENNIS: East Noble at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.; Bluffton at South Adams, 5 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER: FW Elmhurst at Norwell (Varsity only), 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Southern Wells at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; Carroll at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.
FRESHMAN FOOTBALL: Bellmont at Norwell, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 18
FOOTBALL: Woodlan at Southern Wells (Homecoming), 7 p.m.; Bluffton at Garrett, 7 p.m.; Norwell at New Haven, 7 p.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Raider golfers fall short
The Southern Wells girls’ golf team recently played two matches, coming up on the short end.
On Tuesday at Blackford Country Club in Hartford City, Blackford won the three-way meet against Jay County and the Raiders. Blackford netted a 191, while Jay County shot a 210. The Raiders finished with a 226.
Blackford’s Carly Foy was medalist with a 43 and Brodie Sones shot a 46. Carly Clock and Megan Lanning each added a 51.
Abbey Denney led Jay County with a 46. Cara Garringer and Macy Gerber each added a 51, while Brittany Stevens shot a 53.
Sadie Herr had a 50 to lead Southern Wells. Acacia Herr followed with a 53. Jayde Sills was next with 59 and Kendra Mounsey with 64.
On Monday at the Marion Elks Country Club, Mississinewa beat Elwood and Southern Wells.
Elwood’s Katie Huffman was medalist with a 39.
Mississinewa was led by Erin Odgen and Kait Corbin each with a 46. Lauren Flores added a 47.
Sadie Herr paced the Raiders with a 54. Sills shot a 58 and Acacia Herr a 62. Emily Oswalt carded a 63 and Morgan Perry finished with a 69.

Crusaders win girls’ CC three-way
With five runners placing in the top six, the Norwell Middle School girls’ cross country team scored a double victory over Woodside and Summit at Fort Wayne on Wednesday.
The Crusaders tallied 18 points, followed by Woodside with 47 and Summit 59.
Norwell’s Rachel Johnson won the 3,000-meter race in 12:06. Jessie Best was second in 12:23, Samantha Tolson fourth in 12:47, Sarah Bauermeister fifth in 12:48 and Sara DeVoe sixth in 12:51. Abby Springer was 12th in 13:36 and Monica Frauhiger 18th in 14:06.
The Crusaders’ junior varsity team was second behind Summit. Maddie Bates was third for Norwell in 14:26, Jorey Wall seventh in 14:38, Heather Phillips 10th in 14:56, Ally Smith 15th in 15:11 and Halley Edington 16th in 15:17.

8th-grade Crusaders take first loss
The Norwell 8th-grade football team suffered its first loss of the season Tuesday, falling to Maple Creek 42-16 at Fort Wayne.
Jonah Patten and Spencer Walden scored touchdowns for the Crusaders (2-1). Zach McGrew kicked a pair of two-pointers.
Jason Meyer kicked a successful on-side kick that was recovered by Spencer Walden and Justin More.
On defense, Dakota Miller led the Crusaders with three tackles for loss, a sack and one solo tackle. Mike Gresley caused a fumble and Chase Nash recovered.

Crusader spikers bested by DeKalb
The Norwell Middle School volleyball teams suffered losses Tuesday to DeKalb. The 8th-grade Crusaders lost in three games, 22-25, 25-11, 15-8, while the 7th-graders fell 25-22, 25-23.
Olivia Geiger had seven kills to lead the 8th-graders, while Kendall Beckstein had three and Kaitlynne Douglass two. Laken Chaney had seven assists and Brittany Staley five. Brittany Barger added an ace.
Liara Isnogle had six aces and one kill for the 7th-graders. Arianna Cruz had two kills. Rylee Werling added four aces, while Arissa Moser, Halle McMillan and Chloe Williams each had one ace. Williams also had three assists.

Tigersharks need 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 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.

SW hog roast set for Oct. 2
The Southern Wells athletic department is having a hog roast meal on Oct. 2 at the Southern Wells Cafe before the Adams Central football game from 5-6:30 p.m. Funds raised will go to the athletic transportation budget. Meal includes pulled pork sandwich, chips, applesauce or coleslaw, cookie and drink. Adult ticket price is $6 before game night or $7 at the gate, children 6-12 is $4.50 or $5.50. Please contact the high school office to order tickets.

Norwell golf outing needs golfers
Golfers are needed for the Norwell Baseball Club’s outing on 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

Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Indiana DNR Release:

WHAT: The Hoosier Outdoor Experience, a first-time event in Indiana with nearly four dozen outdoor recreational activities that participants can try on for size.

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27.

WHERE: Fort Harrison State Park, Post Road and 59th Street, Indianapolis

WHY: Research and popular writing have explored the growing disconnect between humans, particularly children, and nature while stressing the importance of reestablishing that natural connection (i.e., Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder). The Hoosier Outdoor Experience bridges that gap by introducing outdoor recreational opportunities to people who are interested in a healthy, active lifestyle but lack information needed to become a participant.

WHO: The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is presented by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, with generous sponsorship support from foundations, businesses and conservation groups.

HOW: The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is a free event, but advance registration is requested (visit www.dnr.IN.gov and click on the Hoosier Outdoor Experience logo to learn how).

Registration required for Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Indiana DNR Release:

If you would like to attend the free Hoosier Outdoor Experience, Sept. 26-27, at Fort Harrison State Park, you must register in advance. Don't miss this educational and skill-building event focusing on natural resource conservation, outdoor ethics and responsibility.

Register at the DNR Hoosier Outdoor Experience homepage, http://www.IN.gov/dnr/5009.htm and click on the yellow registration icon.

Information collected will be used for evaluating this event and will not be sold or released to third parties unrelated to the Hoosier Outdoor Experience.

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

Mark Reiter to lead DNR Fish & Wildlife division

Indiana DNR Release:

Mark Reiter, who spent most of the last 22 years in various jobs with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, has been named director of the agency’s Division of Fish and Wildlife.

He succeeds previous division director Glen Salmon, who took a position with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in June.

As head of one of DNR’s largest divisions, Reiter will manage a staff of 230 employees that includes biologists, property managers, staff specialists, and natural resource educators. The division oversees 21 fish and wildlife areas, eight fish hatcheries, numerous other conservation areas, and hundreds of public access boat ramps. The division also is responsible for the management of wildlife populations on public and private lands in Indiana.

Reiter spent the last six years as public lands program manager for DNR, supervising more than 80 full-time employees to develop and facilitate programs to help ensure the future of fishing, hunting, trapping and shooting sports heritage in Indiana. He was named the division’s Program Manager of the Year in 2008.

Reiter began his DNR career in 1977 as a laborer at Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area, and in 1979 became property manager of public access sites and fishing areas in southern Indiana.

From 1982 to 1991, Reiter was staff specialist for the division’s Properties Section. He was promoted in 1991 to Wildlife Section chief, a position in which he supervised public and private lands programs and research activities.

Reiter left DNR in 1994 for a three-year stint as Indiana field representative for the National Rifle Association.

He returned to the DNR in 1997 and spent the next six years as staff specialist in the Wildlife Section, coordinating land acquisition, public land management programs, managing federal aid grants, and providing technical guidance for the DNR Shooting Range Grant Program. He chaired several internal committees, including the Career Development Program.

A 1977 graduate of Purdue University with a degree in wildlife science, Reiter also has an associate’s degree in science from Fullerton College in California.

Tickets available for Sept. 25 Conservation Hall of Fame banquet

Indiana DNR Release:

Tickets are still available for the Indiana Conservation Hall of Fame banquet, Sept. 25, at The Garrison at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis.

The charter inductees to the Hall of Fame will be honored during the banquet. The list of inductees 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.

Ticket prices begin at $60. For information, visit www.IndianaNRF.org or contact Burke Patton at (317) 234-5447 or bpatton@dnr.IN.gov. The Natural Resources Foundation and the Indiana Wildlife Federation are co-hosts of the event.

The Hall of Fame ceremony coincides with the Hoosier Outdoor Experience on Sept. 26-27 at Fort Harrison State Park.

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is the first event 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.

Volunteers needed for fall festival at Ouabache SP

Indiana DNR Release:

Volunteers are needed to assist with Ouabache State Park’s Fall Festival Weekend, Oct. 30-31.

Ouabache’s Fall Festival is an opportunity for families to enjoy the weather and participate in a variety of events in a safe environment. Individuals are needed to help make the pot luck soup, decorate Campview Shelter, and assist with games during the Fall Festival Fair. Other volunteer opportunities also exist.

Anyone, age 16 or older may volunteer. Volunteers will be provided a free evening meal and will be presented with a certificate of thanks afterward. Letters documenting volunteer time will be provided for individuals requesting one for work or school purposes.

To volunteer, contact the park's interpretive naturalist at (260) 824-0926 between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., or e-mail OuabacheInterp@dnr.IN.gov.

Ouabache State Park is at 4930 E. State Road 201, Bluffton, 46714.

High School Sports Calendar

Tuesday, Sept. 15
GIRLS GOLF: Blackford, Jay County at Southern Wells, 4:30 p.m.
BOYS TENNIS: Norwell at New Haven, 4:30 p.m.; Leo at Bluffton, 5 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: South Adams, Southern Wells at Leo, 5 p.m.; Adams Central, Bluffton at Woodlan, 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Heritage at Southern Wells, 6 p.m.; Bluffton at Woodlan, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 16
GIRLS GOLF: FW North Side, FW Bishop Luers at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 17
GIRLS GOLF: Bellmont at Southern Wells, 4:30 p.m.
BOYS TENNIS: East Noble at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.; Bluffton at South Adams, 5 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER: FW Elmhurst at Norwell (Varsity only), 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Southern Wells at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; Carroll at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.
FRESHMAN FOOTBALL: Bellmont at Norwell, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 18
FOOTBALL: Woodlan at Southern Wells (Homecoming), 7 p.m.; Bluffton at Garrett, 7 p.m.; Norwell at New Haven, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 19
GIRLS GOLF: IHSAA Sectional at Timber Ridge, 8 a.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Bluffton, Southern Wells at Canterbury Invitational, 9 a.m.; Norwell at Tippecanoe Valley Tourney, 10 a.m.
FRESHMAN VOLLEYBALL: Norwell at Huntington North Invitational, 9 a.m.
BOYS TENNIS: Bluffton, Bellmont, South Adams at Norwell Invitational, 9 a.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: Norwell at Yorktown Invitational, 9 a.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Bluffton netmen beat Generals
With two matches against Allen County Athletic Conference rivals in the picture this week, the Bluffton Tigers boys’ tennis team tuned up Monday with a 5-0 win over the short-handed Wayne Generals at Fort Wayne.
The Generals only had four players and had to forfeit the No. 3 singles and No. 2 doubles matches.
In the No. 1 singles match, Cameron Gerber defeated Cameron Powell 6-1, 6-3. Jackson Bates won his No. 2 singles match 6-0, 6-0 over Raymond McCune.
In No. 1 doubles, Bryan Bowman and Cody Cochran blanked Mason Waggoner and Arriston King 6-0, 6-0.

Norwell golfers down Starfires
Kristen Springer and Cassie Herndon led the Norwell Knights to victory over the South Adams Starfires in girls’ golf action Monday at Timber Ridge golf course in Bluffton.
Springer shot a 44 on the back nine and Herndon followed with a 45. Olivia Shapley netted a 50 and Megan Evans added a 51 to give Norwell a 190 team score. Hannah Porrata finished up with a 52.
South Adams was led by Trisha Crider’s 45. Jansen Yoder shot a 53. Grace Dobler and Kristen Lehman each shot a 60 to round out a 218 team score.
The Knights’ junior varsity team lost 259-261. Bailey Nodine and Kristine Morgan each shot a 60 for Norwell. Kari Sark and Sam Schwartz led the Starfires each with a 64.

Norwell kickers top East Noble girls
Norwell freshman forward Tasia DeLeon scored two first-half goals to lead the Knights’ girls’ soccer team to a 2-1 victory over East Noble on Monday at Norwell.
Lauren Johnson and Morgin Imel assisted on DeLeon’s goals. Goalkeeper Haley Heller had 20 saves. Norwell improved its season record to 3-6 and its Northeast Hoosier Conference mark to 2-2.
Abby Evard spoiled Norwell’s bid for a shutout with a goal before halftime.

JV Knights split in tennis tourney
The Norwell Knights’ junior varsity boys’ tennis team won two of three matches Saturday at the Homestead Invitational in Fort Wayne.
Norwell beat Bellmont 4-1 and lost to Homestead 5-0. Against New Haven/Homestead, the Knights won 3-2.

NORWELL 4, BELLMONT 1
SINGLES: Phil Bauman (B) d. Brandon Taylor (N) 6-3, 6-4; Tanner Bowen (N) d. Nick Faurote (B) 6-1, 6-2; LJ Reeve (N) d. Nick Huffine (B) 6-3, 6-2.
DOUBLES: Mitchell Wilson/Tanner Mathews (N) d. Garrett McCord/Aaron Thieme (B) 6-2, 6-4; Sean Cole/Damon Gerber (N) d. Caleb Averill/Dalton Mann (B) 6-3, 7-6 (7-4).
Exhibition: Kyle Johnloz (N) d. Adrian Dilley (B) 8-1.

HOMESTEAD 5, NORWELL 0
SINGLES: Michael Thompson (H) d. Wilson (N) 10-6; Brad Rumancik (H) d. Mathews (N) 10-8; Niev Rajdev (H) d. Gerber (N) 10-2.
DOUBLES: Tanner Crandall/David Libbing (H) d. Taylor/Bowen (N) 10-8; Matt Steiner/Justin Miller (H) d. Tyler Smith/Jake McBride (N) 10-3.
Exhibition: Sam Stone (H) d. Joel Sauer (N) 6-4.

NORWELL 3
NEW HAVEN/HOMESTEAD 2
SINGLES: Johnloz (N) d. Joey Shin (H) 10-4; Braeden Holle (NH) d. Jared Meyer (N) 10-7; Sauer (N) d. Dan Foote (NH) 10-0.
DOUBLES: Reeve/Sole (N) d. Troy Cole/Eric Mosshammer (H) 10-3; Drew Sauer/Zach Fritcha (NH) d. Smith/McBride (N) 10-5.

MS Tiger runners win races
Although Josh Streveler and Jared Reckart were individual race winners, the Bluffton Middle School cross country teams lost to Huntington Riverview on Monday at Huntington.
Streveler won the 8th-grade 3,000-meter race in 12:20, while Reckart finished first in the 6th- and 7th-grade 3,000-meter race in 12:16.
Riverview’s 6th/7th-grade team outscored Bluffton 22-35 and won the 8th-grade event, because the Tigers only had three runners.
In the 6th/7th-grade race, Bluffton’s Colin Barker was 5th in 13:35, Kobie Lucabaugh 8th in 14:06, Ashlyn Bruggeman 10th in 14:40 and Jacob Ehle 11th in 14:56.
In the 8th-grade contest, Bluffton’s Blake Connelly was 4th in 13:32 and Tanner Fear 7th in 14:48.

8th-grade Crusaders thump Bulldogs
David Vogel and Graham Stoppenhagen combined to lead the 2-0- Norwell Crusaders’ 8th-grade football team to a 32-6 victory over the New Haven Bulldogs last Wednesday night at the Courtyard.
Vogel threw two touchdown passes to Stoppenhagen. Brent Bales added a 20-yard interception return for a score. Jonah Patten scored on a 50-yard punt return and Will Gerber ran back a kickoff 90 yards for six more points. Zach McGrew added an extra-point.
Isaac Delgado paced the rushing attack with 100 rushing yards. Other outstanding offensive performers were Reid Jutte, Colyn Torson and Bales. The defense also had two sacks and a forced fumble by Isiak James and an interception by Cal Clouser. Other top defensive performances were turned in by Justin Branstrator, Dakota Miller, Cody Felger, Logan Dettmer, Austin Fisher, Spencer Walden, Thomas Elliot, Jamie Bailey, Dillon Smith and Patten.

SW hog roast set for Oct. 2
The Southern Wells athletic department is having a hog roast meal on Oct. 2 at the Southern Wells Cafe before the Adams Central football game from 5-6:30 p.m. Funds raised will go to the athletic transportation budget. Meal includes pulled pork sandwich, chips, applesauce or coleslaw, cookie and drink. Adult ticket price is $6 before game night or $7 at the gate, children 6-12 is $4.50 or $5.50. Please contact the high school office to order tickets.

Women’s basketball at Lancaster
Women of the area are invited to play basketball every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Lancaster Elementary School.

Rick Minnich to be honored
Former Adams Central players and coaches, and fans are invited to a reception on Sept. 25, honoring Rick Minnich for his 32 years of coaching Adams Central football. The reception in the wrestling gym will follow the football game between Adams Central and South Adams. Please RSVP on or before Sept. 21 by contacting Natalie Lengerich at 260-692-1107 or e-mail at www.lengerin@accs.k12.in.us

Leising named Bluffton varsity basketball coach

Kevin Leising has been named the new Varsity Basketball Coach at Bluffton High School. I tried to shoot a little video of Coach Leising last night after the board meeting, but the room was a little too noisy for my microphone. So, if you're curious exactly what News-Banner Sports Editor Paul Beitler is asking him, check out the story in today's News-Banner, Page 6.

Sylvan Lake restoration a success story

Indiana DNR Release:

ROME CITY – Armed with backpack sprayers, pumps, boats, and even a commercial crop-dusting airplane, the Department of Natural Resources conducted one of its most successful fishing restoration projects 25 years ago this week at Sylvan Lake, a 669-acre impoundment in northern Noble County.

On Sept. 19, 1984, fisheries biologists with the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife began applying 4,000 gallons of rotenone, a chemical fish toxicant, to Sylvan Lake, its inlet ditches, and several lakes upstream, including Barr, Beck, Hall and Wible.

The purpose of the project was to remove an excessive population of carp, a non-native invasive fish species that had roiled the lake bed, muddied the water, destroyed fish habitat, and displaced sport fish. Ironically, carp were first brought to Indiana 100 years earlier in 1884 to stock in ponds in hopes of boosting meat production.

Once treated, Sylvan Lake was restocked with large mouth bass, bluegills, channel catfish, and walleyes.

Total cost of the Sylvan Lake project in 1984 dollars was about $125,000 and was funded by fishing license sales and the federal Sport Fish Restoration program.

Since then, the turnaround in water quality, fish habitat, fishing, and the overall economic value of the lake community has far exceeded that initial investment.

As a result, Sylvan Lake today is one of the most popular fishing lakes in northern Indiana. Anglers flock to the lake each year to catch bass and bluegills, progeny of those released back in 1984.

A 14-inch minimum size limit on bass, imposed at the time of the renovation, has helped protect small bass from over-harvest. Walleyes are still stocked in the lake each fall by the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. As recently as 2007, estimates are that anglers fished nearly 60,000 hours and took home more than 46,000 bluegills.

“The Sylvan Lake Restoration Project is a true success story and a great example of what professional fisheries managers can accomplish,” said Bill James, DNR’s chief of fisheries.

James credited the teamwork of his field biologists, hatchery managers, lake residents and town leaders for success of the project. Local residents coordinated a cleanup effort that sent over a million pounds of carp to a fertilizer plant.

“If anyone wants an example of what the DNR and Hoosier citizens can accomplish together, or how state investment in local communities and outdoor recreation opportunities can pay big dividends, I’ll mention Sylvan Lake every time,” he said.

Salamonie, Roush lakes host part of Huntington Bike Challenge, Sept. 19-20

Indiana DNR Release:

Portions of the sixth annual Huntington Bicycle Challenge, Sept. 19-20, will give cyclists the chance to enjoy the scenery of DNR properties Salamonie and Edward J. Roush lakes.

Organized by the Huntington County Visitor Bureau and 3 Rivers Velo Sport, the event attracts both tour riders and competitive racers to compete for big dollars, or simply ride the course through beautiful Huntington County.

Parkview Home Health & Hospice, title sponsor of the event, invites riders to “ride to remember a loved one.” Special event T-shirts can be ordered with the name of a person you are riding in honor of.

An online registration form, course map, lodging, and details are available at www.visithuntington.org www.3rvs.com or www.truesport.com. Call 800-848-4282 for more information.

The competitive race is sanctioned by USA Cycling and runs 140 miles (70 each day) both on and off road. The two-day offers a shared cash purse of $6,000 to the top winner in several categories. Cyclo-cross bikes are recommended for the race, but road bikes or mountain bikes with slicks or semi-slicks have also been used. The registration fee for racers is $60. USAC or NORBA licenses are required for racers and are available on site for a fee.

Non-competitive tour riders follow an all on-road course that travels through the city of Huntington and most major townships in Huntington County. These tour riders can choose between 9, 27, or 65 miles marked course each day. Whole families are welcomed to participate in the shorter courses designed especially for them. Registration for the tour ride is $35 for both days and $25. Registration fees include a free T-shirt. Tour riders are not eligible for cash prizes but door prizes will be awarded at the end of the day. Sags (feed zones) are positioned throughout the course for both race and tour riders. Food is furnished at the finish line.

The Business Team Challenge is open for all businesses or industries with a team of three to six riders on Saturday, Sept. 19 only. College and university bike teams are welcome. Registration for this ride is $250 per team. This is a fun and friendly competition over a 25-mile road course that is a team effort. Special medals and media coverage will be awarded to the top finishing teams.

Registration opens at 8 a.m. in downtown Huntington, 401 N. Jefferson St. A mass start for race participants is at 9 a.m. from this location. Tour riders will depart 15-30 minutes later from the same area following the start of the race.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Bluffton spikers fourth at Wabash
The Bluffton Tigers’ volleyball team placed fourth out of eight teams Saturday at the Wabash Invitational in Wabash.
The Tigers (6-9) defeated Taylor 25-22, 25-14 and University 25-17, 25-14, but lost to Wabash 25-19, 25-9 and Northfield 25-23, 25-17.
Wabash won the tournament, beating Manchester in the championship match.
Through the Tigers’ four matches, Bluffton was led by Kara Fiechter with 25 kills, five aces, 12 assists and 18 digs. Carlie Crosbie added seven kills, three aces and 43 digs. Gina Eisenhut also had seven kills and six blocks. Felicia Prible and Shelby Taylor each had 4.5 blocks. Megan Evans had 22 assists and three aces. Maggie Garrett had 13 digs and three aces. Hannah Gilliam also had three aces.

Norwell jayvees lose four matches
The Norwell Knights’ junior varsity volleyball team suffered four losses in the Bellmont Invitational on Saturday at Decatur.
The Knights (5-10) lost to Columbia City 25-24, 15-25, 15-13; Carroll 25-22, 25-17; DeKalb 25-23, 25-17; Bellmont 25-10, 25-16.
In the match against Bellmont, Amber Haiflich had eight assists and four digs for Norwell. Jessica Rupright had five kills.
Rupright had 11 kills against Columbia City. Haiflich had 14 assists and Olivia Glenn nine digs.
Rupright had eight kills and five blocks against Carroll. Haiflich had 12 assists and Addie Williams five digs.
Haiflich had 11 assists and five digs against DeKalb. Rupright had seven kills and Rebekah Witzig had four blocks.

MS Tigers place at CC invite
The Bluffton Middle School cross country teams competed in the Riverview Invitational Saturday at Huntington.
Josh Streveler was 6th in the 8th-grade 3,000-meter race in 11:41. Blake Connelly was 19th in 12:44, Dakota Falk 30th in 13:50 and Taylor Fear 33rd in 13:59.
In the 6th-grade and 7th-grade 2000-meter race, the top six finishers were Jared Reckart, Colin Barker, Kevin Moser, Justin Park, Mackenzie Park and Kobie Lucabaugh.

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.

Norwell golf outing needs golfers
Golfers are needed for the Norwell Baseball Club’s outing on 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

High School Sports Calendar

Monday, Sept. 14
BOYS TENNIS: Bluffton at FW Wayne, 4:15 p.m.
GIRLS GOLF: Elwood, Southern Wells at Mississinewa (Marion Elks CC), 4:30 p.m.; South Adams at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER: Norwell at East Noble, 5 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER: East Noble at Norwell, 5 p.m.
FRESHMAN FOOTBALL: Woodlan at Bluffton, 5 p.m.
JV FOOTBALL: Leo at Southern Wells, 6:30 p.m.; Norwell at Bellmont, 6:30 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Eastbrook at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 15
GIRLS GOLF: Blackford, Jay County at Southern Wells, 4:30 p.m.
BOYS TENNIS: Norwell at New Haven, 4:30 p.m.; Leo at Bluffton, 5 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: South Adams, Southern Wells at Leo, 5 p.m.; Adams Central, Bluffton at Woodlan, 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Heritage at Southern Wells, 6 p.m.; Bluffton at Woodlan, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 16
GIRLS GOLF: Three-way meet at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 17
GIRLS GOLF: Bellmont at Southern Wells, 4:30 p.m.
BOYS TENNIS: East Noble at Norwell, 4:30 p.m.; Bluffton at South Adams, 5 p.m.
GIRLS SOCCER: FW Elmhurst at Norwell (Varsity only), 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Southern Wells at Bluffton, 6 p.m.; Carroll at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.
FRESHMAN FOOTBALL: Bellmont at Norwell, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 18
FOOTBALL: Woodlan at Southern Wells (Homecoming), 7 p.m.; Bluffton at Garrett, 7 p.m.; Norwell at New Haven, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 19
GIRLS GOLF: IHSAA Sectional at Timber Ridge, 8 a.m.
VOLLEYBALL: Bluffton, Southern Wells at Canterbury Invitational, 9 a.m.; Norwell at Tippecanoe Valley Tourney, 10 a.m.
FRESHMAN VOLLEYBALL: Norwell at Huntington North Invitational, 9 a.m.
BOYS TENNIS: Bluffton, Bellmont, South Adams at Norwell Invitational, 9 a.m.
CROSS COUNTRY: Norwell at Yorktown Invitational, 9 a.m.

Birding Festival at Indiana Dunes SP, Oct. 2-4

Indiana DNR release:

The Indiana Audubon Society will hold its annual fall birding festival at Indiana Dunes State Park, Oct. 2-4.

Most programs occur at the state park's Nature Center, with exception of a dinner fundraiser at Hilton Garden Inn in Chesterton.

The weekend offers participants a variety of field hikes, demonstrations, presentations, and more on various birding topics relevant to Hoosier birders.

The required registration can be done at www.indianaaudubon.org or by visiting the Nature Center for a hard copy registration form. Registration fees are $45 for all activities, or $15 for everything but the Saturday night dinner program.

Activities start Friday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. CDT, with a special presentation by Valparaiso birder John Kendall. In 2008, Kendall broke the record for most species seen in Indiana in one year. His presentation, “Birding the Big Year,” showcases his journey through the state and highlights the many photos he took.

Saturday will start with early-morning birding field trips led by local and state birding experts, followed by special presentations on relevant birding topics. At 5 p.m. CDT, Dr. Kenneth Brock, author of "Birds of the Indiana Dunes," will give a special dinner program at the Hilton Garden Inn. Brock will highlight the unique birding opportunities in the dunes and discuss regional bird population changes that his research has noted in his 30-plus years of birding in Indiana.

After that, a second special program will occur back at the Nature Center at 8 p.m. CDT. Ross Brittain and state park interpreter Brad Bumgardner will introduce participants to owl banding. The state park debuts its northern saw-whet owl-banding station this year.

Sunday concludes with more field trips by local and state birding experts, general bird-banding demonstrations, bird-feeding activities for the kids, and a final presentation on the new birding opportunities at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area by state expert Lee Sterrenberg.

For more information about these events or any other interpretive programs at the state park, call (219) 926-1390.

DNR to present "Living with Urban Wildlife" seminars

Indiana DNR Release:

Seen a coyote in your neighborhood and wonder if you’re safe? Are white-tailed deer, beaver, or raccoons becoming a problem on your suburban property?

If so, make note that the Department of Natural Resources will offer the seminar "Living with Urban Wildlife" at three locations around Indiana during October. Attendees will learn the facts about various aspects of wildlife management, including relevant laws, basic biology, and methods to control wildlife damage from animals such as those listed above, as well as geese, coyotes and others.

"Wildlife is a valuable asset and can add a sense of tranquility in a busy neighborhood;" said Shannon Winks, DNR urban wildlife biologist, who is running the seminars, "however, if not kept in check, wildlife can invade homes, eat valuable plantings, and leave behind a mess.”

"In this free workshop, suggestions for preventing conflicts with wildlife will be covered. We will also discuss various gadgets on the market and talk about what works and what doesn’t."

All seminars run from 6 to 8 p.m. Landowners, managers of corporate campuses or golf courses, as well as park employees and the general public are invited.

The first seminar is Oct. 8 at the Main Library Auditorium in Bloomington, 303 E. Kirkwood Ave. No registration is required.

On Oct.14, the seminar will be offered at the Allen County Extension Service Office on the campus of IUPU-Fort Wayne, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne. Space is limited. Call (260) 481-6826, option 3, to reserve a seat.

On Oct. 22, the seminar will be presented at the Clarksville Middle School, 101 Ettles Lane, Clarksville. Registration by calling (812) 283-5313 is required.

For further information, contact Winks, (812) 334-1137, swinks@dnr.IN.gov.

CCC Reunion, Fort Harrison SP, Oct. 10

Indiana DNR Release:

Veterans of the Civilian Conservation Corps will be honored at Fort Harrison State Park with an Indiana statewide reunion on Oct. 10, at the park's Camp Glenn, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

CCC veterans and their families are invited for a picnic lunch at noon, followed by a reunion photograph. An oral history booth will be provided for veterans wishing to record their CCC memories. Children and families can enroll in the CCC for the day and experience camp life in an interactive camp setting.

Interpretive naturalists will provide walking tours of historic Camp Glenn throughout the day, and the afternoon will be filled with scheduled interpretive programs by guest speakers, including Fred Wooley, Pokagon State Park interpretive naturalist, and Foster Brown, singer/songwriter/storyteller from Cleveland Metro Parks.

CCC veterans can register for the event by contacting Vicki Basman, DNR Division of State Parks and Reservoirs chief of interpretation, (317) 234-4926 or vbasman@dnr.IN.gov.
Attendance is free; however, the usual state park daily weekend gate fee of $5 per in-state vehicle or $7 per out-of-state vehicle applies.