Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Kaylee Imel places
fourth in Women’s Open
Kaylee Imel finished in a three-way tie for fourth place at the Pepsi Indiana Women’s Open Championship on Tuesday at Wood Wind Golf Club in Westfield.
Imel, a Western Michigan sophomore from Bluffton, tied with Rachel Pruett of Linton and Peanut Crafton of Indianapolis at 11-over par.
The 2009 Norwell graduate shot a 153 (79-74) for the 36-hole, two-day event.
Aimee Neff of Carmel was the champion with a 3-over-ar 145. Taylor Gohn of Columbus was runner-up with a 6-over 148. Julia Potter of Granger finished third with a 7-over 149.

State Farm blanks Pizza Hut
Trey Collins pitched a two-hit shutout Tuesday night to lead State Farm to a 12-0 victory over Pizza Hut in a Bluffton Junior League baseball game at Jefferson Park.
State Farm pounded 16 hits, led by JayR Kobryn with a home run, two doubles and a single. Noah Antrim and Cordell Humbarger each slashed two doubles and a single. T.J. Arriaga added a pair of singles.
Dylan Heckman singled twice for Pizza Hut and was the losing pitcher.

State Farm clobbers AdamsWells
State Farm rolled to an 8-1 win over AdamsWells Internet on Monday in a Bluffton Junior League baseball game.
Noah Antrim struck out 12 and allowed just one run and one hit for the complete-game win. JayR Kobryn drilled a home run and double and scored three runs. Trey Collins, Cordell Humbarger and Keaton Reddick each doubled.
Orion Lewis singled for AdamsWells and Desmond Carter was the losing pitcher.

State Farm routs PNC Bank
State Farm used an 18-hit attack to hammer PNC Bank 17-4 last Friday in a Bluffton Junior League baseball game at Jefferson Park.
Noah Antrim led State Farm with five runs batted in. He smacked two doubles and a triple. Anthony Harriman hit two singles with two outs in the first and second innings that scored three runs. JayR Kobryn drilled a home run in the second inning and singled. He also was the winning pitcher. Trey Collins tripled and singled twice. T.J. Arriaga doubled, singled twice and scored three runs. Bryce Paxson added two singles.
Eric Baumgartner singled for PNC Bank’s one hit. Jacob Heron was the losing pitcher.

Parlor City Trophy & Apparel
rolls over Standard Plastic
Parlor City Trophy & Apparel blasted Standard Plastic 16-1 on Monday in a Bluffton Farm League baseball game at Roush Park.
Brandon Lockwood hit a home run over the fence in left field for the winners. Ty Wright, Max Corle, Mason Heller and Jordan Szarenski each had two of Parlor City Trophy & Apparel’s 12 hits. Kolton Moore, Levi Steffen and Kade Gerber each had one hit. Corle was the winning pitcher.
Reid Wenger scored for Standard Plastic. Elias Inskeep, Case Smith and Blaine Williams collected the hits for Standard Plastic. Spencer Schwartz was the losing pitcher.

F.O.P. downs MarkleBank
F.O.P. scored two runs in the last inning and held off MarkleBank to win a Bluffton Farm League baseball game 10-9.
Nick Huffar tripled and singled for F.O.P. Everett Johnson and Stewart Strickler each doubled. Corey Lewis was the winning pitcher.
Matt Feasel led MarkleBank with two hits. Landon Harris, Jordan Bower, Noah Frederick and Nicholas Sprankles each had one hit. Bower was the losing pitcher.

F.O.P. tops PNC Bank
F.O.P. defeated PNC Bank 8-2 in a Bluffton Farm League baseball game. Gavin King had four hits, including a double, to lead F.O.P.
Nick Huffar was the winning pitcher. Dylan Kobryn added a double. Corey Lewis and Everett Johnson each singled.
Braden Schreiber tripled for PNC Bank and Clayton Thompson singled. Thompson was the losing pitcher.

T-Ball scores reported
The following Bluffton T-Ball League baseball scores were reported: Almco 17, Longenberger 15; Dairy Queen 19, American Legion 11.

Claghorn, Ellison lead senior golfers
Larry Claghorn and Stan Ellison were the top individual players in the Senior Golf League on Tuesday at Green Valley Golf Club. Claghorn posted the low gross score of 43 and Ellison had the low net score of 31. Jerry Moss, Bill Fuller, Bob Grove and Ellison comprised the winning team. Rex Sommers was the closest-to-the-pin winner. Tom Antrim made the longest putt.

Teams needed for 11U tournament
Two teams are needed for an 11-and-under youth baseball tournament at the Uniondale Field of Dreams July 9-11. Entry fee is $300. No gate or admission fees will be charged. Three games guaranteed. Trophies for first and second place. For more information please call Greg at 260-402-6987.

Small bluegills still dominate Upper Long Lake

Indiana DNR Release:

ALBION – Small, slow-growing bluegills continue to over-populate Upper Long Lake in southwest Noble County despite the stocking of additional predator fish to reduce their number.

Since 1996, the local lake association and the Lake Webster Musky Club have released more than 3,000 muskies in the 86-acre natural lake.

The fish were purchased from a private hatchery in Wisconsin and stocked with permission of the DNR’s Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Muskies are large, toothy predator fish that can grow more than 4 feet long. They are similar to northern pike, but unlike pike, they are not native to Indiana natural lakes.

Part of the reason for stocking muskies in Upper Long Lake, was that local residents, anglers and the DNR hoped they would prey on small bluegills. The reasoning was that once bluegill numbers declined, those that survived would have more food per fish and could grow larger.

That was a good idea in theory but not so in reality.

Based on recent sampling by DNR biologists, bluegills are now more abundant than ever before. And they are smaller.

“I’ve never seen so many small bluegills in a lake,” said Matt Horsley, a DFW fisheries intern and recent graduate of Michigan State University.

Horsley was part of a three-person crew that captured 700 bluegills in only 30 minutes of electro-fishing along the shoreline. At times, so many bluegills were stunned by the shocker boat that Horsley couldn’t net them all fast enough.

Of the 700 bluegills, 97 percent were less than 6 inches long. Only eight were larger than 6 inches and only three were larger than 7 inches.

The electro-fishing catch rate of 3- to 5-inch bluegills was 340 per 15 minutes of sampling, the highest ever recorded at an Indiana natural lake during a June survey and second only to a catch rate of 460 per 15 minutes at nearby Loon Lake in July 2004.

Ironically, muskies stocked in Loon Lake, as well as in Skinner Lake, east of Albion, have also failed to reduce bluegill numbers and increase bluegill size. Biologists speculate that muskies likely prefer to eat other species, including other predator fish, which may actually reduce predation on bluegills.

According to Horsley, the overall catch rate of bluegills at Upper Long Lake averaged 282 per 15 minutes from 1991 through 2010. A typical catch rate at other Indiana natural lakes is 100.

“We don’t know why bluegills are so abundant in Upper Long Lake. That’s something we are still trying to figure out,” Horsley said.

Meanwhile, anglers may want to switch to muskie fishing there. Horsley also caught 10 muskies during the survey.

Salamonie seniors lunch variety show by YHCC workers, July 5

Indiana DNR Release:

Individuals age 50 or above are invited to enjoy a variety show at the seniors lunch on July 5. The show will be put on by the members of the Young Hoosiers Conservation Corps who are spending their summer working at the interpretive center.

The program kicks off with the meal at 12:30 p.m. The meat dish will be provided by Upper Wabash Interpretive Services (UWIS). Seniors should bring a dish to pass, their own table service and $1 donation to help defray the cost of the provided meat dish.

The eight YHCC workers and the summer intern have put together a fun show, featuring a sing-along of well-known patriotic songs and a trivia game about the history of our nation’s Independence Day.

Those interested should register by calling (260) 468-2127, or visiting the interpretive center, 3691 S. New Holland Rd., Andrews, 46702.
The interpretive center and gift shop’s hours are 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 questions. The center is in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area, Highway 105, western Huntington County.

The standard gate fee ($5/in-state car; $7/car for out-of-state cars) will be in effect when the gatehouse is open.

For more information on other UWIS programs, see www.dnr.IN.gov/uwis.

Mississinewa Reservoir hosts "Small Town" Band, July 3

Indiana DNR Release:

Guests can enjoy the musical styling of "Small Town," July 3, at 7:30 p.m., at Mississinewa’s interpretive shelter and amphitheater in the modern campground.

Small Town is a band that comprises five members from Wabash County. The band will cover some well-known songs from several different genres, including classic and modern rock, country, and contemporary Christian. The concert is free, but donations are welcome.

Guests should bring lawn chairs or blankets to help enjoy the sounds.

Located in the Miami Recreation Area at Mississinewa Reservoir, the modern campground amphitheater and interpretive program shelter is just a short walk from the visitors parking area.

The standard entrance fee ($5/in-state car; $7/car for out-of-state cars) will be in effect when the gatehouse is open.

Fort Harrison State Park to host Vietnam Re-enactment, July 17-18

Indiana DNR Release:

The Museum of 20th Century Warfare and Fort Harrison State Park will team up to host the Vietnam Experience Re-enactment on July 17 and 18.

The program will recreate American units who will be opposing Vietcong forces in a Vietnamese-style public battle. The encampments and tactical battles tell the stories of the veterans who passed through Fort Harrison when it was a military reservation.

Dressed in authentic or recreated uniforms the unpaid hobbyist re-enactors use Vietnam-era equipment and weapons to drill, exercise and simulate combat situations. The soldiers will “fight” during the re-enactment much as soldiers did during the Vietnam War.

Fort Harrison State Park was an active military base from 1906 until 1996. It has also served as an induction center during the Vietnam War and was home to several base hospitals, support schools and the Finance Center. Fort Harrison was decommissioned and turned over to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in 1996.

Both the re-enactment and the military camp will be open to the public. The program will be conducted regardless of the weather; park visitors coming to the re-enactment are advised to dress for the weather, as this is an outdoor event. The public tactical will begin at the historic Walnut Plantation at 2 p.m. on July 17, with a weapons demonstration at 2 p.m. on July 18.

There is no cost for the program, but the normal $5 weekend in-state and $7 out-of-state gate fee applies. For more information, please contact the park office at (317) 591-0122.

Hunters Helping Farmers sign up starts July 1

Indiana DNR Release:

Starting July 1, deer hunters who want to help landowners or farmers remove excess antlerless deer from private property during the regular deer hunting seasons can sign up on at www.IN.gov/dnr/fishwild.

Using an online form, each hunter will be able to select up to two counties that he or she would be willing to hunt. Landowners or farmers who think they need additional antlerless deer removed from their property can then contact their district wildlife biologist for the list of prospective hunters for their area. The landowner would then be responsible for reviewing the information on each application and contacting the hunter(s) of his or her choosing.

The registration form must be completed online from July 1 at 12:01 a.m. to midnight on Aug. 31. There will be no exceptions or extensions to the deadline. Mailed or faxed copies will not be accepted. Hunters who do not have Internet are encouraged to visit a local library offering Internet access. Multiple applications submitted by the same hunter are prohibited and will be purged from the database.

The program is designed to connect landowners and potential hunters; there are no special hunting benefits associated with this program. The program does not increase a hunter’s bag limit, county antlerless deer quotas, or give the hunter any special considerations or license fee reductions. Hunters selected by landowners to hunt on their property must abide by all Indiana hunting regulations, bag limits, bonus antlerless quotas, and purchase the appropriate valid license(s) needed to take one or more antlerless deer off the property.

Outdoor Indiana magazine features Turkey Run State Park

Indiana DNR Release:

Turkey Run State Park, which was supposed to be the first Indiana State Park but ended up the second, is featured in an eight-page removable insert in the July-August issue of Outdoor Indiana magazine, available now at most DNR properties and most Borders and Barnes and Noble stores in the state.

The Turkey Run feature is the second of a series of features on the DNR’s state parks and reservoirs that will run through 2016, the 100th anniversary of Indiana’s state parks.

The latest issue also features an article on the annual wildlife display staged by the DNR’s Hardy Lake staff at the Scott County Fair, an article on panning for gold in the state, and the story of how some Indiana towns disappeared long ago, due to disease.

Find out the whole story to each and more by subscribing to DNR's 48-page bi-monthly full-color magazine for $12 for a year (six issues) by calling (317) 233-3046 or going to OutdoorIndiana.org. Join Outdoor Indiana magazine on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/OutdoorIndiana

If you love the outdoors, you'll love Outdoor Indiana magazine.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Bluffton Regional outlasts
First Bank of Berne/Peyton’s
Bluffton Regional Medical Center defeated First Bank of Berne/Peyton’s Northern 11-8 on Friday in a Wells County Girls’ Fastpitch Softball Junior League game at Roush Park.
Ashley Allen smacked a home run and double for Bluffton Regional and scored two runs. Zoey Smith added a home run and single and scored twice.
Brielle Wilson had four hits, including a home run, and scored twice for First Bank of Berne/Peyton’s Northern. Abby Stoppenhagen added a double and a run scored.

Boucher sixth in 4-mile race
Evan Boucher of Markle placed sixth in the Old Settlers Day 4-mile race at Columbia City on Friday. Boucher finished in 22 minutes and 20 seconds. He also was first in the 15-19 men’s age division. Boucher, who will be a junior at Bellmont, is the son of Joel and Tamra Boucher. He is a member of the Braves’ cross country and track teams.

T-Ball scores reported
The following Bluffton T-Ball League baseball scores were reported: Goodwin Memorial Chapel 14, AdamsWells Internet 14; DeHoff Insulation 17, LGI 16.

Outdoor cooking demonstration at Ouabache SP, July 24

Indiana DNR Release:

They’ll be cooking up a storm at Ouabache State Park during their annual outdoor cooking demonstration on July 24. Participants can learn cast iron open-fire cooking, taste test and walk away with new recipes. This year international dishes will be featured.

The demonstration will be held at Trails End Shelter from 6:30–8 p.m.

There is a program fee of $5. Registration is required by July 16 at (260) 824-0926 or OuabacheInterp@dnr.IN.gov.

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

Montpelier Motoring

News-Banner Sports Editor Paul Beitler visited Montpelier Motor Speedway on Saturday and came away with some awesome video. Check out all the action here then reach for your copy of the print edition of the News-Banner for his story on the events.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Parker rejoins BayBears
for rehab assignment

Jarrod Parker, the Arizona Diamondback’s 2007 top draft pick, rejoined the Mobile BayBears last Friday.
Parker was pitching with the BayBears in 2009 when he experienced soreness in his arm and had surgery later that season.
The 2007 Norwell graduate will be continuing his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow for a couple months. Parker is hoping to pitch during the season, but the Diamondbacks’ organization will probably hold off on that until the Arizona Fall League, according to BayBears’ Wayne Randazzo, Director of Broadcasting/Media Relations.
The BayBears are the Double A minor league affiliate of the Diamondbacks, who play at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile, Ala.

Klay Fiechter, Tyler Roush
to play in All-Star Classic
Norwell graduate Klay Fiechter and Southern Wells graduate Tyler Roush have been selected to play in the Grange Insurance All-Star Classic football game on July 16 at North Central High School in Indianapolis.
Fiechter and Roush are on the North team roster. Both were selected as running backs. Southern Wells’ head coach Mark Lefebvre was named an assistant coach for the North.
“As an independent agent representing Grange Insurance, I’m proud to support Klay Fiechter and his achievements,” said Tom Neuenschwander. “It is an honor to be selected as an All-Star and everyone at Insurance & Business Specialists is excited about this year’s game.”
Wells County fans are encouraged to support their local players. Kickoff time is 7 p.m.

Sign up for 4H Fun Run/Walk
The annual 4-H 5K Fun Run/Walk will be held Saturday, July 17 at the Wells County 4-H Park. In an effort to beat the heat, race-day registration will start at 6:45 a.m. and the 5K (3.1-mile) race will begin at 7:30 a.m. Race-day registration is $15. All proceeds go back to the youth of our community through the Wells County 4-H Foundation scholarship fund. For more information, e-mail Kyan Harris at k_pepper33@hotmail.com or registration forms may be picked up at the Purdue Extension Wells County office.

Bluffton Regional wins big
Bluffton Regional slammed Parlor City Trophy & Apparel 24-2 in a Wells County Girls’ Fastpitch Junior League game.
Rachel Harvey led Bluffton Regional with two triples and a double and scored four runs. Danielle Lambert added three singles and scored two runs.
Autumn Moriarity and Marissa Hoffstetter doubled for Parlor City Trophy & Apparel.

First Bank of Berne tops PNC Bank
First Bank of Berne downed PNC Bank 12-7 Tuesday in a Bluffton Junior League baseball game at Jefferson Park.
Tanner Thompson was the winning pitcher with nine strikeouts. Kenny Patterson hit a triple for First Bank of Berne. Garrett Walborn, Elijah Hon and Hunter Schreiber each singled twice. Ben Caylor was the losing pitcher.

The Bowling Center posts win
The Bowling Center defeated Mike Anderson Chevrolet 6-2 on Tuesday in a Wells County Junior League 10U baseball game at Ossian.
Cole Wilson and Jacob Ferando led The Bowling Center. Cole smacked a solo home run in the third inning and Ferando hit a triple. Jonathon Carpenter was the winning pitcher, while Jamin Dickson recorded a save for The Bowling Center. Derek Decker struck out seven batters but suffered the loss for Mike Anderson Chevrolet.

Softball pitching camp scheduled
Thunder Sports will be conducting a fastpitch softball pitching camp on July 24 at Hartford City. Former Ball State pitcher Elizabeth Milian, other current or former college players and high school coaches will be instructors. The camp is open to girls who will be in grades 2-12. The camp is designed for the player who is serious about improving her skill level. For more information and registration visit www.thundercamps.com or call John Hendricks at 765-348-6413. Deadline to register is July 18.

T-Ball scores reported
The following Bluffton T-Ball League baseball scores were reported: American Legion 21, Shaw Realty 21; Hot Cakes 24, NAPA 20.

Ouabache State Park replaces July 3 art show with nature center display

Indiana DNR Release:

Ouabache State Park’s Natural Beauty Art Show that was to be held July 3 has been canceled due to a lack of artist interest. In its place a “Nature Center for a Day” will be set up in the Lodge Recreation Building from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will feature mounts and displays along with crafts throughout the day.

Normal daily park admission fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for out-of-state vehicles will apply. Parking is available at the Lodge Recreation Building. Ouabache State Park is located at 4930 East State Road 201, Bluffton, IN 46714.

For more information about the interpretive services or becoming involved with interpretive and cultural events at Ouabache State Park, contact the Interpretive Naturalist at (260) 824-0926 or OuabacheInterp@dnr.IN.gov.

USA Basketball Announces Men's Youth Olympic Games Team

-- Inaugural Youth Olympic Games To Be Held August 14-26 in Singapore --

Sterling Gibbs was a member of the 2009 USA U16 Team that won gold and he'll be looking for a second gold medal at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games (Photo: Steven Maikoski / USA Basketball).

Colorado Springs, Colo. (June 24, 2010) -- Four members of the 2009-10 USA Basketball Men's Developmental National Team were selected to represent the U.S. at the inaugural 2010 Youth Olympic Games. The 2010 Youth Olympic Games will feature a 3-on-3 men's basketball competition Aug. 14-26 in Singapore that includes 20 nations, organized by the International Olympic Committee and FIBA.Athletes eligible for this competition must have been born between Jan. 1, 1993 and Dec. 31, 1994.The selections were made by USA Basketball's Men's Developmental National Team Committee after five training sessions held June 18-20 at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Named to the USA squad were 6-11 centerK.C. Caudill (Brea Olinda H.S. / Brea, Calif.); 6-9 forwardAngelo Chol (Herbert Hoover H.S. / San Diego, Calif.); 6-1 guardSterling Gibbs (Seton Hall Prep / Scotch Plains, N.J.); and 6-2 guardL.J. Rose (Second Baptist School / Houston, Texas).

Eric Flannery, head coach at St. Edward High School in Cleveland, Ohio, is head mentor of the 2010 USA Basketball Men's Youth Olympic Games Team. Flannery is a long-time member of the USA Basketball Developmental National Team Committee (2001-2012) who has compiled a 258-81 overall record (.761 winning percentage) in 14 seasons (1996-97 to present) with the St. Edward Eagles.

"First of all I'm excited about the opportunity and I think we do have a great 3-on-3 basketball team. We've got two solid guards that I think are two guys who could have easily made the U17 team in Sterling (Gibbs) and L.J. (Rose); we've got the combination of a versatile player in Angelo (Chol) who I think can play the perimeter as well as inside and then we've got the big Caudill in the middle, a guy who I think can post people up and gives us an added dimension for this unique experience. Because this is something different I think we have our bases covered. We have a good group of versatile guys that I think can handle a lot of different situations," said Flannery.

The USA squad will reassemble for training in Springfield, Mass., Aug. 7-9. The U.S. has been placed in the Youth Olympic Games preliminary round Group C and is joined by the Central African Republic, Israel, host Singapore, and Turkey. The USA opens Aug. 15 versus Turkey, then meets Israel on Aug. 16, Singapore on Aug. 18, and closes out preliminary play facing the Central African Republic. Quarterfinals get underway Aug. 21, with semifinals taking place Aug. 22 and the finals are Aug.23.

The four selected USA players for the USA Youth Olympic Games were part of the 22 member 2009-10 USA Basketball Developmental National Team. Additionally, Gibbs and Rose were members of the 2009 USA U16 FIBA Americas Championship Team that went to Mendoza, Argentina, and captured the gold medal, finished a perfect 5-0 and earned the U.S. its qualifying berth into the 2010 FIBA U17 World Championship. Gibbs averaged 9.2 ppg., 2.8 apg. and 1.8 spg., while Rose posted 3.0 ppg. and 0.6 apg.

The player selections for the USA Youth Olympic Games Team was made by the USA Basketball Men's Developmental National Team Committee. Chaired by USA Basketball Men's National Teams Director Sean Ford (non-voting chair), the committee features five voting members: Ron Crawford, head of the Arkansas Wings AAU program and Boo Williams, head of the Boo Williams Summer League (Va.) were appointed by the AAU; Flannery and John Olive, head coach at Torrey Pines High School (Calif.) were appointed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS); while 1999 USA Pan American Games Team member Kermit Holmes serves as the athlete representative.

Youth Olympic Games
Scheduled to take place every four years, the inaugural Youth Olympic Games men's and women's 3-on-3 basketball competition will feature a total of 40 teams from 38 different countries.

At the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, 3-on-3 basketball replaces traditional basketball and will be played on a half of a regular basketball court with one basket. Each team will consist of four players (with three players on the court and one substitute). Each game will consist of three periods of five minutes each, and the first team to score 33 points or lead the game after regulation game time is the winner.

The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games are expected to include as many as 5,000 athletes and officials participating from 205 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), along with an estimated 1,200 media representatives, 20,000 local and international volunteers and more than 500,000 spectators. Athletes 14 to 18 years old are eligible to compete in 26 sports and take part in cultural and educational programs.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Bluffton Regional tops
Indiana Physical Therapy
Bluffton Regional defeated Indiana Physical Therapy 27-10 in a Wells County Girls’ Fastpitch Softball Junior League game.
Laura Stoops drove in three runs to lead Bluffton Regional. Stoops had four hits, includind a double, and scored four times. Alyssa Burchett added three hits, including a double, and scored twice.
Sammie Herndon and Ashlyn Mechling were top players for Indiana Physical Therapy.

Pizza Hut nips AdamsWells
Pizza Hut outlasted AdamsWells Internet 8-7 Tuesday night in a Bluffton Junior League baseball game.
Caleb Steiner drove in the game-winning run with a hit in the bottom of the sixth inning. Winning pitcher Dylan Heckman doubled and singled twice. Devin Shannon doubled and singled. Dillon McAdoo singled three times. Bubba Applegate and Steiner each had two hits. Cameron Cook singled.
Losing pitcher Philip Pearson and Hayden Valentine doubled and singled for AdamsWells. Nate Flatt added three singles and Desmond Carter singled twice. Colton Anderson and Trevor Norman each singled.

Subway Walmart conquers
Ossian Family Eyecare
Subway Walmart defeated Ossian Family Eyecare 16-9 on Tuesday in a Wells County Junior League 10U baseball game at Ossian.
Tyler Skiles led Subway with two doubles and Nathaniel Larkin singled twice. Jacob Collins, Conner Torson and Andrew Douglas pitched. Alec Allen made three key defensive stops late in the game for Subway.

McBride Realty downs Subway
McBride Realty defeated Subway Walmart 12-3 on Monday in the opening game of the Wells County Junior League 12U baseball tournament at Uniondale. Quinton Middleton picked up the win for McBride Realty and was relieved by Peyton Laley in the fifth inning.

Fan appreciation night
at Montpelier Motor Speedway
Due to a rainout last week, Montpelier Motor Speedway management has rescheduled its fan appreciation night for Saturday. General admission tickets are only $5.
The racing program will include the weekly card of United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) Modifieds, Super Streets, Thunder Cars and ModLites.
Gates open at 4 p.m. Hot lap session starts at 6 p.m., followed by racing action at 7. Pit admission (must be at least 14 years old) is $25.

T-Ball scores reported
The following Bluffton T-Ball League baseball scores were reported: Apache Propane 15, Almco Steel 14; Apache Propane 28, Saf-T-Lite 12; Minnich’s Landscaping 21, Dairy Queen 15; Wells Fargo 21, Goodwin Memorial Chapel 20; Steffen Oil 21, Peyton’s 21.

HOWE CRA SPORTSMAN RETURN TO ANDERSON SPEEDWAY ON SATURDAY NIGHT

ANDERSON, Ind. — The HOWE Champion Racing Association Sportsman series will make its second appearance at Anderson Speedway on Saturday, June 26.
The Front Wheel Drives will also be part of the racing action with events on the Oval and Figure 8. 
In the initial HOWE CRA Sportsman event at Anderson on May 15, Fort Wayne driver Al Cook Jr. held off a determined pack of cars with five laps remaining to claim the victory in the Anderson 75.
Cook led all the entire distance and held off Sterkowitz for the final 32 laps. Sterkowitz appeared to have the faster car, bumping the rear bumper of Cook’s Chevrolet in the corners, but he was unable to move the leader off the low line.
With five laps remaining fast qualifier Charlie Hanna and Mark Lambert slipped past Sterkowitz on the outside to claim the second and third spots.
Sterkowitz’s car faded at the finish and he finished seventh. Jason Atkinson grabbed the fourth spot followed by Howard Kelly Jr.
After the opening four events, Atkinson sits atop the series standings with an eight point cushion over Keith Sterkowitz. Defending series champion Charlie Hanna ranks third with Al Cook Jr. and Steve Stacy completing the top five.
It’s a battle of the Braggs at the top of the Front Wheel Drive Oval point standings. Gary Sr. leads his son by five points with Chris Teepe in third, Frank Gasho in fourth and most recent feature winner Jerry Dane in the fifth position.
In the Front Wheel Drive Figure 8 standings, Rickie Tharp holds a 35 point advantage over multi-time champion Nick Warner. Josh Tharp ranks in third position with Elliott McKinney and Harry LaShure rounding out the top five.
Spectator gates open at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday with racing beginning at 8. Admission is $10 for adults and $4 for kids ages 6-12. Children five and under get in free.
For additional information on Anderson Speedway, visit www.andersonspeedway.com or contact Anderson Speedway at (765) 642-0206.

Most state parks and reservoirs open after storms

Indiana DNR Release:

Most of Indiana's state parks and reservoirs are open and ready to enjoy despite recent storms, according to Dan Bortner, director of the Department of Natural Resources Division of Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs.

The beaches at Mississinewa Lake and Roush Lake have reopened after closures over Memorial Day weekend due to high water.

“A few of our properties will have facilities closed due to high water or storm damage. I am so proud of our staff and how they are responding to this situation. Our properties are open and ready for hiking, camping, fishing, swimming and interpretive programs. Our inns are open as well,” Bortner said.

Storm-related closures are affecting only the seven properties listed below. There are no closures at any of the other 26 state parks and reservoirs at this time.

–Cagles Mill Lake: The campground, pool and other facilities are open. Boat ramps are flooded and limited parking is available. The beach is closed at Lieber SRA. For local updates, call (765)795-4576.

–Turkey Run State Park: Trails 2 and 11 are open but all other trails are closed as staff remove downed trees and debris. For local updates, call (765) 597-2635.

–Monroe Lake: The beach at Paynetown SRA is open, as is the lake and all other facilities. The beach at Fairfax SRA is currently closed. For local updates call (812) 837-9546.

–Shades State Park: The backpack/canoe campground is closed, as are trails 7 and 8, but all other facilities remain open. For local information, call (765) 597-2635.

–Cecil M. Harden Lake (Raccoon SRA): The main launching ramp in Raccoon SRA is open, but all other ramps are closed except for the Walker Ramp, and boats must be backed down to the water there. The beach in Raccoon SRA is closed. The campground is open, and shuttles are being provided to the boat rental docks. Fireworks originally scheduled for Saturday, July 3 have been rescheduled for Saturday, Sept. 4. For the latest conditions, call (765) 344-1412.

–Salamonie Lake: The lake is open for boating. The beach is closed, but the campground and all other facilities remain open. Boaters should use caution on the lake and watch for floating debris. For the latest conditions, call (317) 468-2125.

–Versailles State Park: The Shadow Run loop of the mountain bike trail system is closed for repairs due to wet conditions. The rest of the mountain bike trail system remains open for riding. For the latest conditions, call (812) 689-6424.

White bass found in Waubee Lake

Indiana DNR Release:

MILFORD –Department of Natural Resources biologists netted a 14.7-inch white bass in Waubee Lake in mid-June, adding it to the growing list of lakes where the fish has apparently been illegally stocked by anglers.

Biologist Jed Pearson with the Indiana DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife captured the white bass in a routine fishery survey of the 187-acre natural lake in northern Kosciusko County. He suspects an angler caught it elsewhere and released it into the lake without a permit.

According to state law (IC 14-22-9-8), anyone who stocks fish in public water must first get a permit from the DNR. Doing so without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor.

“We are finding more and more white bass in lakes where they should not be,” Pearson said.

White bass do not naturally occur in Waubee Lake, nor are they native to other Indiana lakes in the Great Lakes watershed. They are also not native to upper reaches of the Tippecanoe River watershed.

In 2003, white bass were found in Lake Wawasee, Indiana’s largest natural lake, located not far from Waubee. Since then, white bass have been found at Big Lake in Noble County and Lake-of-the-Woods in Marshall County. An angler also caught a white bass at Loon Lake in Whitley County last summer and reported it to fisheries officials. Numbers of white bass in Wawasee and Lake-of-the-Woods are increasing.

Pearson said he thinks these populations originated from fish taken from lakes that naturally contain white bass.

“White bass have always been present in several Kosciusko County lakes, including the Barbee Chain, Tippecanoe, and Winona,” Pearson said. “Today’s boats now have built-in livewells and aerators, making it easy to move fish from one lake to another and very hard for conservation officers to detect.”

White bass, which are actually silver in color, are considered sport fish and are popular with anglers. But they are also predatory fish and can feed on small bluegills and largemouth bass.

Where white bass occur naturally, they typically eat gizzard shad, a forage fish of little interest to anglers. Shad, meanwhile, cause other problems by competing with bluegills and largemouth bass. Waubee, like Wawasee, Big, and Loon, does not contain shad, so biologists don’t know what long-term impacts the species may have on the native fish community.

Pearson’s nightmare, however, is someday also finding gizzard shad in these lakes.

“We understand why anglers may want to stock white bass, but they need to realize white bass can harm fishing,” he said. “An even bigger problem would result if fishermen now think these lakes need shad to feed the white bass.”

“If you’re going to take a fish from a lake, take it home to eat,” he said.

ACAC at Ball State details given

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

The ACAC will play a slate of four varsity football games at Ball State’s Scheumann Stadium on Saturday, September 25 with Bluffton and Southern Wells playing the first game at 10 a.m., Woodlan and Garrett following at 1 p.m., Heritage and Leo playing at 4 p.m. and Adams Central playing South Adams at 7 p.m. Gates will open at 9 a.m. and pre-sale tickets are available at each school for $8. Tickets at the gate are $10. There will be no fee for parking at the stadium, and fans are allowed to tailgate before, during and after the games (no alcohol is permitted on stadium grounds). Food, drinks and personal coolers are not allowed into the stadium.....

Ramps on Lake Manitou to open July 1

Indiana DNR Release:

The Department of Natural Resources' boat access site on Lake Manitou, which has been closed since late April to allow for treatment of the highly invasive plant hydrilla, will open July 1. The city boat ramp on the northwest corner of the lake also will open, which is a change from last year’s procedure.

The DNR decided to open the ramps after a recent survey found no viable hydrilla plants in the lake.

Despite the findings of the survey, the threat of spreading the plant to other waters still exists. Signs remain at access sites on Manitou to remind boaters to self-inspect their watercraft, motor and trailer for signs of plants when taking them from the water. All plant material should be removed and disposed of at the ramp before the boat is towed. Mud should be rinsed from the boat and trailer before transport since hydrilla tubers could be present.

Boating equipment should dry for five days before being used in another body of water. These precautions should be performed not only at Manitou but at all waters to prevent the spread of a host of aquatic invasive species, not just hydrilla.

"Through the 2009 treatment, the hydrilla tuber population has been reduced by 95 percent, compared to pre-treatment levels," said Doug Keller, DNR aquatic invasive species coordinator.

The herbicide Sonar was initially applied on May 7. The need for future additions of herbicide will be determined through frequent testing to determine the level of Sonar in the water. A concentration of Sonar lethal to hydrilla will be maintained in the lake through Oct. 15. By this date the water temperature should have cooled enough that hydrilla tubers would no longer be expected to germinate.

“Hydrilla tubers can sprout at any time water temperature is 55 F or warmer, which requires that a concentration that is lethal to the plant be maintained throughout the growing season to eliminate newly sprouted plants,” Keller said.

Sonar, with the active ingredient Fluridone, is an aquatic herbicide produced by SePRO Corporation of Carmel. Humans, fish and other aquatic life are not harmed by Sonar, especially at the extremely low rate being used at the lake, according to Keller.

Another tuber survey will take place this fall to determine the continued attrition of the tuber bank and another plant survey will be performed mid-summer.

Registration opens for Sept. 17-19 Riders Rendezvous at Salamonie Reservoir

Indiana DNR Release:

Salamonie Reservoir will present the Salamonie Riders Rendezvous, Sept. 17 through 19.

Participants can bring their horses and camp for the weekend or just visit during the day to enjoy the events. Individuals without a horse are welcome to enjoy music around the fire, browse the flea market or eat a “Prairie Steamer” dinner.

There will be a variety of horses to view; however, no horse rentals or rides on horses will be available. Event price (excluding camping fees, if applicable) is $2 per person for the weekend. Advance registration by calling (260) 468-2127 is encouraged.

The Horsemen’s Campground is located in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area on Highway 105 in western Huntington County.

The schedule of events:

Sept. 17

Set-up and campfire time in the evening: After campers have set up their own site, they can stop in at the tent where Loop A and B of the horse camp meet to help others with set-up or sit around the campfire together.

Sept. 18

–10 a.m., Trail safety clinic by accredited trainer Marry Morrow
–11 a.m., Equine chiropractor Beth Draper will demonstrate an equine massage.
–12 – 1:30 p.m., Lunch break. Lunch is bring your own.
–1:30 p.m., Mounted scavenger hunt: Ride your horse to find items using provided clues and take a photo of your find to document success.
–5:30 p.m., “Prairie Steamer” dinner, made by camp chefs Dave and Pat Putt. Donations accepted; bring your own drink and table service.
7 p.m., Music around the fire with Lucas Simpson of Goldmine Pickers.

Sept. 19

–10 a.m., Tack Flea Market. Table space available for $5. Sponsored by the Friends of the Upper Wabash Interpretive Services.

See dnr.IN.gov/uwis/ for more information about Upper Wabash Interpretive Services programs or call (260) 468-2127. To let us know you plan to attend, call the Upper Wabash Reservoirs Interpretive Services.

Gypsy moth treatments completed for year

Indiana DNR Release:

With the completion of the aerial treatments to disrupt the mating process of gypsy moths yesterday at sites in and Marshall, Huntington and Wabash counties, the Department of Natural Resources has completed this year's aerial treatment program for gypsy moth.

Maps of the areas treated and other pertinent information are at gypsymoth.IN.gov. While the application poses no health threat to people, pets, livestock or other animals, individuals in the treatment areas may notice the small green flakes on their vehicles. Washing vehicles promptly with soap and water will remove the flakes.

Anyone with questions about this project may call toll free 1-877-INFO DNR (463-6367) between 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For a condensed background about the gypsy moth insect, click on www.entm.purdue.edu/GM/.

Ouabache State Park Events

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 will meet at the Campview Shelter. Schedule subject to change.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23
1:45 p.m. — Buzzing hat. We’ll create a killer hat during the pool’s safety check on the pool lawn. Swimmers, make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave the bath house, so you may re-enter the pool!
3:45 p.m. — The spider and the fly. Learn how the spider knows the fly is on her web on the pool lawn during the pool safety check. Swimmers, make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave the bath house, so you may re-enter the pool!
7 p.m. — Backyard birding. Birding is very popular. Learn some tips and tricks to watching birds tonight at Trails End Shelter.

THURSDAY, JUNE 24
1:45 p.m. — Nature’s ninja. This insect is silent and deadly. Learn more on the pool lawn during the safety check. Swimmers, make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave the bath house, so you may re-enter the pool!
3:45 p.m. — Jewelweed. You might recognize this beautiful plant found around the park. Meet on the pool lawn during the safety check. Swimmers, make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave the bath house, so you may re-enter the pool!
7 p.m. — A study in silence. Join this unique hike for a study in using our senses. We’ll meet at the boat house, where we’ll hike around Kunkel Lake in silence, stopping every so often to use our senses and record our findings. Back at the boat house, we’ll share the sights, sounds and smells we discovered. Bug spray, sunscreen and tennis shoes are recommended. Hike recommended for individuals age 8 and up.

FRIDAY, JUNE 25
1:45 p.m. — Pool break quickie craft. We’ll create an aquarium that you never have to worry about on the pool lawn during today’s pool break. Swimmers, make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave the bath house, so you may re-enter the pool!
3:45 p.m. — Beautiful blues. Learn more about this beautiful bird on the pool lawn during the pool safety check. Swimmers, make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave the bath house, so you may re-enter the pool!
8 p.m. — The view from above. Meet Naturalist Kate at the base of the fire tower to learn more about these structures and their uses in our history.

SATURDAY, JUNE 26
9:30 a.m. — Up close and personal with pond life. What is lurking beneath the water? Find out this morning as we dig our hands into the lake at the boat house. Please wear old clothes.
11-11:30 a.m. — Hoosier Quest. Connect! Discover! Explore! Learn more about the patch program at 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 quickie craft. We’ll create some box turtles today on the pool lawn during the safety check. Swimmers, make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave the bath house, so you may re-enter the pool!
8 p.m. — Evening bison hike. Take a leisurely stroll around the Wildlife Exhibit to view the bison. Along the way, we’ll talk about these giants and their role in history. Meet at the small shelter in front of the Wildlife Exhibit. Bug spray and tennis shoes recommended.

SUNDAY, JUNE 27
11-11:30 a.m. — Hoosier Quest. See Saturday for details.
1:45 p.m. — Venom! Meet on the pool lawn to learn about venom and the animals that use it. Swimmers, make sure you get your hand stamped before you leave the bath house, so you may re-enter the pool.

COMING SOON
July 1 — Patriotic Pops Concert
July 3 — Natural Beauty Art Show. Artists: If you are interested in showing or selling your artwork during the show, contact the Naturalist.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

ACAC football at Ball State
Allen County Athletic Conference football teams will be playing at Ball State University’s Scheumann Stadium in Muncie on Saturday, Sept. 25.
Bluffton will be playing Southern Wells at 10 a.m., followed by Woodlan vs. Garrett at 1 p.m., Heritage vs. Leo at 4 p.m. and Adams Central vs. South Adams at 7 p.m. Gates will open at 9 a.m.
Tickets may be purchased before Sept. 25 at each school for $8. Tickets sold on game day will cost $10. There will be free parking, including handicapped parking with a properly displayed handicap license plate or tag.
Ball State offers other unique ways to watch the games. Suites may be rented, ranging in size from eight-person suites to the 172-person club level. Catering for these suites also is available for a fee. Contact Steve Rhoades at Garrett High School 260-357-4116 for more information.
Fans may tailgate before, during and after the games in the parking lot area. No alcohol will be permitted. Food, drink and personal coolers will not be permitted in the stadium. All bags/packages larger than 16x16 inches, any missile-type objects, all large signs/banners, any pole mounted flags/signs, laser pointers and any weapons will not be permitted in the stadium.
The ACAC also is looking for corporate and individual sponsors to offset expenses for the day. Sponsorships may be arranged for the entire day or individual game. Sponsors will be recognized on the message center scoreboard, receive complimentary tickets and VIP parking passes. The electronic scoreboard can handle nearly all business graphics. Sponsors also will be recognized in the game program. If interested, businesses or individuals should contact their local school’s athletic department for more details.

State Farm edges First Bank of Berne
State Farm prevailed over First Bank of Berne 10-9 in a Bluffton Junior League baseball game last Friday night at Jefferson Park.
Anthony Harriman smacked two doubles and a single to lead State Farm’s 10-hit attack. Winning pitcher JayR Kobryn and Noah Antrim each hit a pair of doubles. Trey Collins added a double and single.
Hunter Schreiber doubled and singled for First Bank of Berne. Kenny Patterson and Brennen Rheinhart also doubled. Garrett Walborn was the losing pitcher.

Parlor City Trophy & Apparel wins
Parlor City Trophy & Apparel defeated F.O.P. 7-3 last Friday night in a Bluffton Farm League baseball game at Roush Park.
Kolton Moore triple for Parlor City Trophy & Apparel’s only hit. Gavin King had two of F.O.P.’s three hits, while Everett Johnson tripled to complete the hitting. Max Corle was the winning pitcher, while Nick Huffar suffered the loss.

T-Ball scores reported
The following Bluffton T-Ball League baseball scores were reported: Dairy Queen 25, Peyton’s 14; Goodwin Memorial Chapel 21, Saf-T-Lite 20.

All-stars explode with home runs at Parkview Field

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Joel Nichols loves baseball and decided he'd go soak up the all-star atmosphere at Parkview Field Monday.
Nichols, his girlfriend and a couple of buddies were sitting in leftfield during the Midwest League All-Star game's home run derby at Parkview Field.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Summer track & field meets offered
New Haven High School will host track meets June 23, 30 and July 7 and 14. Starting time is 6 p.m. Cost is $1 for each event entered.
All standard high school field events will be contested. On June 23 and July 7, the following running events will be offered: 100mH/110mH, 60m dash (9-under only), 100m, 800m, 200m, 400m, 1600m. On June 30 and July 14 the following running events will be offered: 300mH, 60m dash (9-under only), 100m, 800m, 200m, 400m, 3200m.
The following age groups will be available for competition: 9-under, 10-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and up.

Final track meet at Starfire Field
The final all ages track meet at South Adams High School in Berne is scheduled for Saturday, June 26, at 7 p.m. Cost is 50 cents per event. Events scheduled are: shot put, long jump, 110 hurdles, 50/100, 1600, 400, 200, 800. Field events begin at 7 p.m.

Soccer club taking registrations
The Northern Wells Soccer Club is having fall sign ups at the Ossian Town Hall on June 23 from 5-7 p.m. The league is for any boy or girl ages 4 through 15. Registration forms will be available at sign ups. Any questions contact Kim at 565-3804 or Traci at 824-9926. Practices will begin in August and first games will be on Aug. 21.

Summer Track Meets at Starfire Field

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Summer track meets are underway at South Adams with just one remaining on Saturday, June 26. These meets are open to all participants regardless of age, with 50 cent entry into an event. Events this Saturday include: long jump, shot put, 50/100 meter dash, 800, 400, 200, 110 hurdles and the 1600. Field events start at 7 p.m....

Bass over-abundant in two Noble County lakes

Indiana DNR Release:

COLUMBIA CITY – The Indiana DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife may seek changes in largemouth bass fishing regulations at two Noble County lakes in hopes of culling high numbers of the popular sportfish to increase their growth and size.

Based on sampling conducted last year, DFW biologists say Big and Crane lakes contain three times the normal number of bass found in northern Indiana natural lakes. As a result, bass grow slowly and few bass large enough to be taken home by anglers are present.

Currently all angler-caught bass less than 14 inches long must be released. The DFW imposed the 14-inch minimum size limit at nearly all natural lakes in 1998 to increase bass numbers. The limit has apparently been overly protective at some lakes.

“We’ve seen huge increases in bass numbers at Big and Crane lakes as a result of the size limit,” said Jed Pearson, the DFW biologist who keeps tabs on bass populations throughout the region. “Coupled with angler promotion of catch-and-release fishing, some lakes now have more bass than they can support.”

Biologists captured 303 adult bass per hour of sampling at Big Lake and 294 per hour at Crane Lake. The average catch rate at most natural lakes is 96 per hour. Only 2 percent of the bass captured at Big and 5 pecent of the bass captured at Crane were of legal size.

According to Pearson, changes in bass fishing regulations may be worth considering at Big and Crane lakes to encourage anglers to catch and keep small bass. The theory is that once many of the small bass are removed, those that remain should then grow larger. Once balance in the bass populations is restored, the 14-inch limit could then be re-instated.

Any changes in bass fishing rules must first be approved by the Natural Resources Commission. That involves an extensive process to assure any change will achieve the desired results and to include public hearing, so no changes are likely to be made this year.

“Before we take a proposal to the Commission we need to iron out the details of what may be needed,” said Pearson. “We also want to make sure the public is willing to accept the change and conservation officers will be able to enforce it.”

The DFW is considering three options. All three rely on what Pearson called a “reverse slot limit.”

“Instead of a 14-inch minimum size limit, anglers may be allowed to keep only 10- to 14-inch bass,” Pearson said. “We could also relax the daily catch limit of five for bass that size. Or we could allow some combination of 10- to 14-inch bass and bass over 14 inches.”

If a change is eventually made, the DFW plans to promote it widely to encourage anglers to fish the two lakes and take home bass. A change could be linked to fishing derbies and other events designed to encourage fishing, especially among youngsters.

“All of this is in the talking phase right now,” Pearson said. “If and when a change is made, we will also want to closely monitor the results.”

National/state effort aims to reduce BUI, June 25-27

Indiana DNR Release:

Indiana will participate in a coordinated national weekend of detection and enforcement of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) laws, June 25-27, aiming to make recreational boating safer.

The second annual Operation Dry Water is organized by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), and combines the efforts of states, the U.S. Coast Guard and other partner agencies.

Indiana will increase BUI enforcement during the weekend by offering overtime to off- duty officers and increasing patrols in several locations. The overtime would be paid through a grant from the Coast Guard.

During last year’s operation, Indiana conservation officers made 15 Boating While Intoxicated arrests, part of the 101 made during the 2009 boating season.

According to the most recent Coast Guard statistics, BUI remains the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, with 17 percent of boating fatalities a direct result of alcohol or drug use.

For more information and statistics go to www.operationdrywater.org.

Upper Wabash fishing derbies results

Indiana DNR Release:

Upper Wabash Reservoirs’ free kids fishing derbies reeled in more than 100 children and their families on June 5.

Three separate derbies were held throughout Upper Wabash at J. Edward Roush Lake, Salamonie and Mississinewa Reservoirs. Families from all over northern Indiana gathered for the free fishing derbies. Grand prize winners were awarded rods and reels, tackle boxes and other fishing tackle.

Donations for the three derbies were given by Wal-Mart Supercenter, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Applebees, Bob Evans, Pizza Hut, Paesan’s Pizza, Juergens Hardware, Bud’s Fishin’ Hole, Owen’s South and Kiwanis Club of Huntington, Peace Pipe Bait and Tackle and Bozarth’s RR near Salamonie, Subway, Penguin Point, Big R, TSC and Marsh of Wabash. Buck’s Live Bait and Riverside Bait and Mark Coratti.

Prize Winners at J. Edward Roush Lake
Grand Prize Andrew Miller, Age 6, Huntington
Age 2 - 5 Prize Winners
1st – Daphinie Geiger, age 5, Andrews
2nd- Kimber Davis, age 4, Huntington
3rd- no winner
Age 6 – 10 Prize Winners
1st –Levi Kreth, age 6, Uniondale
2nd- Jaqellyn Wust, age 6, Huntington
3rd- Joe Melchi, age 7, Markle
Age 11 – 14 Prize Winners
1st – Seth Thompson, age 11
2nd - Mason Balkema, age 13, Ossian
3rd - Tyler Wohlgmuth, age 14, Huntington

Salamonie Reservoir Prize Winners
Grand Prize Ren Grove, age 5, Huntington
Age 2-5 Prize Winners
1st Cade Roberts, age 3, Lagro
2nd Bridgette Bailey, age 2, Lagro
3rd Aidan Patton, age 4, Wabash
Age 6 – 10 Prize Winners
1st – Cory Little, age 10, Huntington
2nd- Gabriel Klein, age 9, Marion
3rd- no winner
Age 11 – 14 Prize Winners
1st – Christopher Knight, age 14
2nd - Jacob Nieman, age 13, Summitville
3rd - Mikayla Marz, age 12, Wabash

Mississinewa Reservoir Prize Winners
Grand Prize Natalie Quaglio, age 4, Logansport
Age 2 - 5 Prize Winners
1st – Conner Brunt, age 4, Fishers
2nd- Falicity Baldwin, age 5, Wabash
3rd- no winner
Age 6 – 10 Prize Winners
1st – Luke Kirk, age 9
2nd- Michael Brunt, age 8, Fishers
3rd- Blake Panion, age 9, LaFayette
Age 11 – 14 Prize Winners
1st- Destiny Rains, age 11, Auburn
2nd- Kevin Frye, age 11, Logansport
3rd- Mary Pope, age 14, Peru

To find out more about the Upper Wabash Interpretive Services, call 260-468-2127 or visit the website at dnr.IN.gov/uwis/

Skamania steelhead fishing is just around the corner

Indiana DNR Release:

Independence Day not only marks our nation’s birth, it coincides with the start of summer steelhead fishing, and the second day of the Skamania Mania fishing tournament in northwest Indiana.

“Skamania” is the unique strain of summer-migrating steelhead trout that Indiana has developed in southern Lake Michigan. Steelhead that migrate up tributary streams in the fall and winter are also stocked by Indiana but the Skamania is special.

“Since these magnificent fish enter Indiana tributaries during the summer months, we are right on the cusp of this year’s migration,” said Indiana DNR Lake Michigan biologist Brian Breidert of the upcoming peak time for such fishing.

Indiana has been in the Skamania steelhead business for well over 35 years, becoming the mainstay for Indiana’s Lake Michigan stocking program.

Trail Creek, Salt Creek, the East Branch of the Little Calumet River, and the St. Joseph River have summer and fall returns of Skamania as a result of annual stockings. Once these fish enter the rivers, they become accessible to local anglers until the following spring, when they spawn and migrate back into the lake. This unique fish provides a nearly 12-month steelhead fishery. Northwest Indiana tributaries receive 180,000 fish annually, while the St. Joseph River receives 240,000 fish.

During the 2009 creel survey season, northwest Indiana stream anglers caught 5,473 steelhead from July through December. More than 3,300 were caught in summer months alone. Shore anglers fishing the harbor mouths accounted for an additional 400 fish. Stream angler catch rates of seven-steelhead-per-100-hours-fished were the highest of the past decade. Average size was 8 pounds, with fish measuring an average of 28 inches.

“Indiana is the home of the Skamania steelhead in the Great Lakes,” Breidert said. “Our hatchery staff continues to work diligently each summer, collecting adult Skamania steelhead to ensure our hatcheries have an ample supply of adults to produce eggs each winter for Indiana’s stocking programs.

“Steelhead fishing during the summer has become one of our biggest draws for those in pursuit of tackle-busting trophies, with anglers from over half of Indiana’s counties and throughout the Midwest pursuing these fish.”

The Skamania Mania fishing tournament, sponsored by the Northwest Indiana Steelheaders, is July 3 and 4. Boat, shore and stream anglers can participate at no cost. Weigh-ins will run throughout each day at the DNR public access site next to the DNR building in Michigan City.

The best stream angling opportunities during summer occur directly after rainfall or when sustained south winds bring cold water near shore.

“Fishing the piers in late evening or early morning from June to September provides some of the best action,” said local expert Mike Ryan.

With the 4th of July right around the corner, it’s time to prep your gear in anticipation of these summer stream-fishing opportunities.

New Fishing Guide posted online

Indiana DNR Release:

The 2010 DNR Fishing Guide online publication is available for viewing at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2347.htm, by selecting “large format.”

The large-format version of the 2010 guide is an expanded version of what was available in a printed magazine in past years. In addition to regulations, the new online guide includes feature articles on bank fishing, creel surveys, the Brookville Lake bass survey and fishing for walleye, as well as a list of where to fish in Indiana, and many color photos.

The change to an online publication was made to save on printing costs. In lieu of that guide, a six-page regulations brochure was printed and distributed across the state. An online version of that document can be viewed at the link listed above by clicking on “compact version.”

Indiana State Parks History DVD wins national award

Indiana DNR Release:

The DVD "Indiana State Parks: Treasures In Your Own Backyard" was recently named a Bronze Winner in the national Telly Awards. The DVD was entered in the TV Nature/Wildlife category in this 31st year of the awards program.

The DVD was produced by Ron Prickel, senior producer/director with WTIU/Indiana University Television.

The Telly Awards receive more than 13,000 entries each year. For more about the Telly Awards, see http://www.tellyawards.com/.

The program has also received a regional Emmy nomination, and the original soundtrack has also been nominated for a regional Emmy.

“We were honored to work with WTIU on this production,” said Ginger Murphy, assistant director for stewardship. “As we prepare for our State Parks Centennial Celebration in 2016, it’s great to have this tool available that looks back on our first 100 years.”

The DVD showcases and celebrates Indiana state parks, and introduces viewers to their vibrant, natural beauty and the people who have dedicated their lives to preserving them for future generations.

Copies of this award-winning DVD are available in Indiana State Park Inn gift shops or online at www.innsgifts.com.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Bluffton Regional wins
Bluffton Regional beat Loren’s Towing 12-3 in a Wells County Girls’ Fastpitch Softball Junior League game.
Zoey Smith tripled and singled, drove in two runs and scored twice. Rachel Harvey doubled and singled and scored three runs. Kaitlin Powers singled twice, scored and drove in one run. Aries Petty doubled and singled.

First Bank of Berne
tops Pizza Hut
First Bank of Berne smothered Pizza Hut 16-5 on Tuesday in Bluffton Junior League baseball.
Garrett Walborn was the winning pitcher and Reggie Garrett took the loss.
Walborn also had two singles. Tanner Thompson doubled twice and Grant Harris doubled and singled. Hunter Schreiber singled twice.

MarkleBank drills
National Oil
MarkleBank drilled National Oil 8-2 Tuesday in a Bluffton Farm League baseball game. Jordan Bower and MarkleBank no-hit National Oil. Bower was the winning pitcher and doubled twice. Matt Feasel also doubled.

T-Ball scores reported
The following Bluffton T-Ball League baseball scores were reported: Hot Cakes 21, Goodwin Memorial Chapel 15; DeHoff Insulation 19, Pizza Hut 13; LGI 17, BKM 9; Outdoor Concepts 21, Dairy Queen 12.

F.O.P. beats National Oil
F.O.P. defeated National Oil 13-2 back on June 1 in a Bluffton Farm League baseball game.
Gavin King was the winning pitcher and Kyle Stacey suffered the loss.
Everett Johnson and King led F.O.P. hitting each with a double and single. Nick Huffar and Stewart Strickler each had two singles. Corey Lewis had one single.
Dominik Jojola doubled for National Oil, while Megan Prater and Stacey each singled.

F.O.P. wins again
F.O.P. won another lopsided Bluffton Farm League game back on May 26, beating PNC Bank 17-2.
Gavin King was the winning pitcher and Clayton Thompson took the loss.
Nick Huffar collected a double and two singles to pace F.O.P.’s hit attack. Corey Lewis doubled and singled. Dylan Kobryn doubled, while Everett Johnson, Stewart Strickler, Noah Foss and King each singled.
Braden Schreiber tripled and Thompson singled for PNC Bank’s two hits.

Youth soccer camp slated
A youth soccer camp for Wells County girls and boys will be held at the Norwell soccer fields.
Grades 1-4 (2010-2011 school year) will meet July 6-8 from 5-6:30 p.m., while grades 5-7 will meet July 13-15 from 5-6:30.
Cost is $25, which includes a camp T-shirt. For registration forms, e-mail at norwellknightssoccer@gmail.com. Forms also are available at Wells County Public Library locations. Registrations are due by June 26. Please mail registrations to: James Redick, 1517 Stogdill Road, Bluffton, IN 46714. Make checks payable to Norwell Soccer Boosters.

Some state parks and reservoirs affected by high water

Indiana DNR Release:


Most state park and reservoir facilities have been unaffected by this week's rain and storms, but high water is impacting Shades State Park; Mississinewa, Salamonie, Roush, Raccoon and Lieber state recreation areas, and some other reservoirs.

– The backpack/canoeing campground at Shades is closed due to culvert washouts.
– Beaches at Mississinewa, Salamonie, Roush and Lieber will be closed at least for the weekend due to high water.
– Portland Mills Ramp is closed at Raccoon, also due to high water.
– Some reservoirs may have debris floating in the water, so use caution when boating and skiing.

Individuals who plan to visit should contact the specific property for up-to-the-minute changes, since water levels may rise or drop depending on any additional rainfall or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water releases through the dams.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Indiana State promotes
assistant to basketball coach
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) — Indiana State has promoted assistant Greg Lansing as its new men’s basketball coach.
The announcement on Tuesday came a day after Kevin McKenna resigned to become an assistant to Dana Altman at Oregon. Lansing was on McKenna’s staff at Indiana State each of the past three seasons. He also was an assistant under former Sycamores coach Royce Waltman during a previous stint in Terre Haute.
In between coaching Indiana State, Lansing spent seven seasons as an Iowa assistant, but this is his first head coaching job at the college level.
Lansing takes over a team that went 17-15 last season and made its first postseason tournament appearance since 2001. The Sycamores played in the College Basketball Invitational.

Ryan Hunter-Reay stays
with Andretti for Iowa
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Ryan Hunter-Reay has teamed up with two American ethanol companies for this weekend’s race at Iowa.
Hunter-Reay is the only American to win a race this season in the IndyCar Series, in Long Beach, Calif. His sponsorship was scheduled to run out following the Texas race. He finished second in the season-opener at Brazil, has three top-five finishes and is sixth in points — the best of Michael Andretti’s four-car team.
The other drivers are Marco Andretti, Michael’s son, former series champ Tony Kanaan and Danica Patrick.
Hunter-Reay had surgery on his left thumb after a pit row accident during the Indianapolis 500 and also was involved in the frightening crash with Mike Conway on lap 199 of the 500.

Woodward, A’s cannot come to terms
Coastal Carolina third baseman Scott Woodward will be playing for the Bourne Braves in the Cape Cod Baseball League this summer.
The 2007 Norwell graduate was drafted last week by the Oakland A’s in the Major League Draft, but he and the A’s couldn’t come to terms on a contract as of now. He still has until Aug. 16 to sign with the A’s. If he does not sign with Oakland, he will return to finish up his college studies at Coastal Carolina.

Fan appreciation night
at Montpelier Motor Speedway
The management of Montpelier Motor Speedway will be showing its appreciation to its fans with a special $5 general admission charge for Saturday’s event.
The racing program will include the weekly card of United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) Modifieds, Super Streets, Thunder Cars and ModLites.
Gates open at 4 p.m. Hot lap session starts at 6 p.m., followed by racing action at 7. Pit admission (must be at least 14 years old) is $25.

Soccer club taking registrations
The Northern Wells Soccer Club is having fall sign ups at the Ossian Town Hall on June 16 and June 23 from 5-7 p.m. and June 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. The league is for any boy or girl ages 4 through 15. Registration forms will be available at sign ups. Any questions contact Kim at 565-3804 or Traci at 824-9926. Practices will begin in August and first games will be on Aug. 21. Forms are due by June 22.

Starfire spring athletes receive awards

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

South Adams held its annual spring athletic awards banquet and presented the following awards:
ACAC Academic All-Conference – Allison Beitler, Sam Heckard, Jacob Smith, Rosa Hilty, Grace Dobler, Amber Neuenschwander, Tori Kistler.
Scholar Athletes
Seniors – Allison Beitler, Grace Dobler, Sam Heckard, Rosa Hilty, Tori Kistler, Amber Neuenschwander, Jacob Smith....

Promo Two South Adams coaches resign

Berne Tri-Weekly:

South Adams has had two coaches resign their varsity positions as long-time girls’ tennis coach Cindy Greer stepped down and second-year girls’ basketball coach Kip Jones resigned to move into the collegiate ranks.
Greer, who spent 17 years with the girls’ team will continue as the varsity boys’ tennis coach....

Worden's coaching tenure remembered

Norwell teacher and girls' tennis coach Terri Worden is retiring from coaching after 34 seasons.
News-Banner Sports Editor Paul Beitler visited Worden and her students at the Norwell tennis camp on Monday. This is the 20th camp Worden has directed.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

State Farm cruises
past AdamWells Internet
State Farm collected 15 hits to pound AdamsWells Internet 15-1 in a Bluffton Junior League baseball game.
JayR Kobryn led State Farm with four hits. Winning pitcher Trey Collins also added three hits, while Noah Antrim laced a pair of doubles. Bobby Louis smacked a double and single and Tony Harriman singled twice. Collins also struck out 10 batters over four innings.
Hayden Valentine’s single was the only hit for AdamsWells Internet. Phillip Pearson scored the lone run and was the losing pitcher.

Pizza Hut rolls
over AdamsWells Internet
Pizza Hut conquered AdamsWells Internet 10-2 in a Bluffton Junior League baseball game on Saturday.
Bubba Applegate and Devin Shannon each doubled and singled for Pizza Hut. Reggie Garrett singled twice. Dylan Heckman, Cameron Cook and Chad Pulver each singled. Garrett also was the winning pitcher.
Desmond Carter led AdamsWells Internet with three singles. Nate Flatt added two singles, while Colt Anderson and Orion Lewis each singled. Flatt also was the losing pitcher.

Parlor City Trophy & Apparel
pounds PNC Bank
Parlor City Trophy & Apparel smashed PNC Bank 17-4 on Saturday in a Bluffton Farm League baseball game.
Parlor City Trophy & Apparel out hit PNC Bank 12-2. Levi Steffen led the way with three hits. Ty Wright, Kolton Moore and Mason Heller each had two. Brandon Lockwood hit a home run over the center field fence. Max Corle and Colton Paxson each added one hit. Corle also was the winning pitcher.
Braden Schreiber and Trey Cooley each had a hit and scored a run for PNC Bank. Evan Baumgartner and Jarret Phillippe also scored. Clayton Thompson was the losing pitcher.

Soccer club
taking registrations
The Northern Wells Soccer Club is having fall sign ups at the Ossian Town Hall on June 16 and June 23 from 5-7 p.m. and June 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. The league is for any boy or girl ages 4 through 15. Registration forms will be available at sign ups. Any questions contact Kim at 565-3804 or Traci at 824-9926. Practices will begin in August and first games will be on Aug. 21. Forms are due by June 22.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Hiday Motors deposit win
Walker Copeland used his arm and bat to help Hiday Motors bash PNC Bank 15-6 in a Bluffton Farm League baseball game last Thursday at Roush Park.
Copeland had three hits, including a double, and scored three runs. He also was the winning pitcher. Gabe Eisenhut also had three hits and three runs scored.
Carson Ringger and Clayton Thompson each had two hits and scored twice. Evan Baumgartner singled and scored and was the losing pitcher.

Summer track & field meets offered
New Haven High School will host track meets June 16, 23, 30 and July 7 and 14. Starting time is 6 p.m. Cost is $1 for each event entered.
All standard high school field events will be contested. On June 23 and July 7, the following running events will be offered: 100mH/110mH, 60m dash (9-under only), 100m, 800m, 200m, 400m, 1600m. On June 16 and 30 and July 14 the following running events will be offered: 300mH, 60m dash (9-under only), 100m, 800m, 200m, 400m, 3200m.
The following age groups will be available for competition: 9-under, 10-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and up.

More track meets at Starfire Field
Summer track meets are underway at South Adams’ Starfire Field in Berne with two remaining on Saturday, June 19, and Saturday, June 26. These meets are open to all participants regardless of age. Cost is 50 cents to enter each event. Events for next Saturday include: long jump, shot put, 50 and 100 meter dashes, 800, 400, 200, 300 hurdles and 3200. Field events start at 7 p.m.

Camp McMillen gets stocked with fish

East Allen Times:

HUNTERTOWN — Girls Scouts who go fishing at a pond at Camp McMillen have a better chance to land a lunker after the Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District donated fish to stock a pond at the camp.

District Director Greg Lake and intern Chelsea Werling delivered the stock to a group of Girl Scouts for release at the end of May, according to a news release....

Selking signs with USF women’s tennis

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Adams Central graduate Chelsea Selking has selected the University of Saint Francis to continue her higher education and pursuit of tennis.
Selking, the daughter of Jim and Jane Selking, capped off her senior year winning the No. 1 singles championship in the Allen County Athletic Conference Tournament earlier this year and finishing with a 21-2 record at No. 1 singles....

Big fish!

Ken Ellenberger, local auctioneer and fishing guru caught this large northern Pike, June 10, on Lake Wawasee. It took him 20 minutes to land this 34 inch, ten pound, northern. Ken netted the fish by himself. He caught it on a live chub with his favorite Writing McGill Pike Rod and Level Windreel.
(Photo Provided)

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Heritage fills coaching spots
Heritage High School Director of Athletics Roger Newton has announced the hiring of football head coach Dean E. Lehrman and girls’ basketball head coach John Beckman.
Lehrman, a 1969 Heritage graduate, takes over from Steve Snodgrass, who recently resigned. Lehrman began his coaching career 34 years ago in the East Allen County Schools system at Woodlan. He coached for nine seasons under Indiana Football Hall of Fame coach Leland Etzler.
Lehrman is the Heritage baseball coach with nine ACAC championships, six sectionals, two regionals, one semi-state and a Class 2A state runner-up title in 2007. Approaching 500 wins, he plans to continue coaching baseball.
Beckman follows Jonathon Fuelling, who recently resigned after six seasons. He is a 1981 Heritage graduate. Beckman was promoted after becoming the junior varsity and varsity assistant coach in 2005.

State Farm routs AdamsWells
State Farm blanked AdamsWells Internet 13-0 in a Bluffton Junior League baseball game Thursday. Winning pitcher Noah Antrim threw a no-hitter and struck out 13 batters.
Trey Collins had three hits, including two doubles. Antrim hit a two-out triple with bases loaded in the fourth inning to spark an eight-run inning. JayR Kobryn added a double. Cordell Humbarger and Keaton Reddick each singled.
Desmond Carter walked in the fourth inning to break a string of eight straight strikeouts and was AdamsWells Internet’s only baserunner. Carter was the losing pitcher.

Girls’ tennis camp opens Monday
The Norwell Girls’ Tennis Camp will be offered each morning June 14-18 for Northern Wells students entering grades 5-9 in 2010-11. Cost is $25, which includes instruction and camp T-shirt. Terri Worden, the Norwell girls’ tennis coach, will conduct the camp. Application forms are available at Lancaster and Ossian elementary schools, Norwell Middle School and in the Norwell High School athletic office. For information, call 260-543-2213, ext. 7110 or 260-597-7321.

Summer gymnastics classes available
The Bluffton Parks & Recreation Department is offering gymnastics classes at Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School Monday-Friday until July 20. Children will learn the vault, bars, beam and floor. City resident fee is $20 for the summer and non-residents fee is $25. Ages 5-7 will meet from 9-10 a.m. and ages 8 and older from 10-11 a.m. Enter at door No. 8.

T-Ball scores reported
The following Bluffton T-Ball League baseball scores were reported: Outdoor Concepts 16, Shaw Realty 14; American Legion 21, Peyton’s Northern 19; AdamsWells Internet 21, Dairy Queen 18; Minnich’s Lawn Care 21, DeHoff Insulation 21.

Fewer but bigger bass in Upper Long Lake

Indiana DNR Release:

ALBION – Biologists studying the long-term effects of stocking muskies in a small northern Indiana natural lake say fewer, but bigger, largemouth bass are now present.

The result should help quell angler concerns that muskie stockings harm bass fishing.

Since 1996, muskie fingerlings have been stocked periodically in Upper Long Lake, an 86-acre natural lake located southwest of Albion, in an effort to increase muskie fishing opportunities in the area.

The initial stockings were paid for by members of the local lake association, while recent stockings have been funded by the Lake Webster Musky Club of North Webster.

The muskies are purchased from commercial fish hatcheries and stocked with permission of the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW).

“We’ve seen a 20 percent reduction in the overall number of bass but a doubling of the number of 14-inch and larger bass since muskies were first stocked in the lake,” said Jed Pearson, DFW biologist. "This percentage is probably within the normal range of natural variation in bass populations even where muskies are not present."

Pearson’s estimates are based on bass electrofishing he conducted in April and May 1995, and again this spring. Because sampling methods were identical, the results are comparable.

“We tried to match what we did in 1995 before muskies were stocked to what we did this year to evaluate how muskies may have impacted bass,” he said.

In 1995 Pearson captured 535 bass, including 89 that were marked and later recaptured. Those numbers generated a population estimate of 1,067 bass in the lake (12.4/acre). This year he caught 505 bass, including 97 recaptured ones, for an estimate of 861 (10.0/acre).

The electrofishing catch rate also dropped from 101 per hour in 1995 to 83 per hour.

While fewer bass are now present, the number of 14-inch and larger bass (those legally large enough to catch and keep) increased from 135 before muskies were stocked to 296 currently. The number of 12- to 14-inch bass also increased from 186 to 267.

The decline in overall bass numbers occurred among 8- to 12-inch bass, dropping from 745 in 1995 to 297 this year. With fewer small bass present, those that survive or escape muskie predation may now be growing faster.

Because bass anglers are typically less interested in catching lots of small bass and more interested in catching big bass, Pearson said the change is positive at Upper Long Lake.

“I think most bass anglers who may have been concerned about the muskie stockings would be happy to know there are now actually more big bass in the lake,” he said.

Pearson plans to continue sampling at the lake this summer to examine the effects of muskies on other fish and fishing quality.

Tree steward course offered in Indianapolis

Indiana DNR Release:


The Indiana Community Tree Steward (ICTS) course will be offered in Indianapolis at Fort Harrison State Park in the Natural Resource Education Center on five consecutive Tuesdays, starting July 20, from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry’s Community & Urban Forestry program, in partnership with the Indiana Urban Forest Council, will sponsor.

The 15-hour training course concludes Aug. 19. The program offers education in tree care and management. Each person who completes the course is asked to provide 10 hours of volunteer service in any aspect of urban forestry for their community or state. Participants will receive an ICTS notebook, T-shirt or hat, and a certificate signed by the Indiana State Forester.

The course includes sessions on tree growth, identifying, selecting, planting and maintaining trees; pruning techniques; assessing risk; diagnosing pest and disease; and protecting trees during construction, as well as the benefits of the urban forest.

Instructors include natural resource professionals from the Division of Forestry, including Donna Rogler, conservation educator; Pam Louks, urban forestry specialist; and April Murray-Clayton, urban forester/volunteer coordinator. Others include Lindsey Purcell, Purdue Extension urban forester; and Steve Mayer of Marion County’s Purdue Extension.

The ICTS course will be pertinent to tree board members, municipal employees, non-profit organizations, arborists, landscape architects, groundskeepers, cemetery personnel, environmental volunteers, and anyone else who wants to learn more about the care of trees and urban forests. Continuing education credits (CEUs) are available for Certified Arborists.

The fee to register is $30, which includes course materials and breaks. The curriculum can be viewed at http://www.state.in.us/dnr/forestry/2854.htm.

For more information or to register, contact the CUF office at (317) 591-1170 or urbanforestry@dnr.IN.gov.

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 June 2010 events, for more information call 622-4712 or 622-6810 or go to HYPERLINK "http://www.ossianconservationclub.com"www.ossianconservationclub.com .

June 19th – Ossian Garage Sale Day, the Conservation Club will be set up on Maplewood Drive across from the Fire Station in Steve Gibson’s back yard. We will be popping sugar corn and selling ice cold pop and water. Stop in for a break from your shopping and have a cold pop and a bag of sugar corn. Proceeds will to go to the new furnace and siding fund.

June 20th – Ossian Conservation Club Shotgun Shooter’s informal Shotgun Shoot – regular clays – middies – minnies and rabbit targets. 12:00 p.m. till 4:30 p.m. Bring the whole Family. Public is welcome.

June 26th & 27th Saturday & Sunday - Ouabache Archer’s Hunt of A Lifetime in its third year at the Ossian Conservation Club. This is a charity event sponsored by the Ouabache Archer’s, Indiana Bowhunter’s Association, Sportsman’s Lodge of Decatur, Hunt of a Lifetime, and the Ossian Conservation Club. Start time is 7:00 AM. Shooting will continue till dark both days. All are welcome! Food & soft drinks will be available. Sugar Corn will be popped in a cast iron kettle by members of the Ossian Conservation Club with half of the proceeds going to the Hunt of A Lifetime.

This year we will be selling raffle tickets on a chainsaw “Wood Carving” by Sid King. If you have seen different animals or eagles carved from logs or stumps around the county you’ve probably seen Sid’s work. Tickets will sell for $1.00 each or 6 tickets for $5.00, and will be sold at all of the fund raisers and events this year and also from club members. For tickets or more information call, Dave Saalfrank at 622-7107 or Rose Barrick at 622-4733. The drawing will be at the October 1nd meeting at the Ossian Conservation Club.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Drew Imel qualifies for state am
IPFW sophomore Drew Imel of Bluffton qualified for the Indiana Amateur Golf Championship on Monday at The Player’s Club golf course in Yorktown. The tournament will be played June 21-24 at the Country Club of Indianapolis. Imel shot a 67 to take first place.

Heather Roush wins A10 javelin
Heather Roush, a Richmond University senior, was a standout performer for the Spiders women’s track and field team in the Atlantic 10 Conference Outdoor Championships back in May in Amherst, Mass.
The 2006 Southern Wells graduate won the javelin throw with a distance of 43.64 meters or 143.18 feet. She also placed third in the discus throw with a toss of 149 feet, 6 inches. Roush missed the 2008-2009 season as a medical redshirt due to an ACL knee injury.

Vogel receives NCAA Div. II honor
Urbana University freshman basketball center Andrea Vogel of Bluffton was the NCAA Division II All-Independent Freshman of the Year.
Vogel, a 2009 Norwell graduate, averaged 10 points and 6.8 rebounds in her first collegiate season. She also blocked a team-high 44 shots, including a school-record seven against fellow D-II Independent Central State. Vogel led the team in field goal percentage, hitting 52.8 percent of her attempts, placing her third all-time in school history. Her 17-rebound game against Marygrove was the sixth best single-game rebounding performance.

Summer gymnastics classes available
The Bluffton Parks & Recreation Department is offering gymnastics classes at Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School Monday-Friday until July 20. Children will learn the vault, bars, beam and floor. City resident fee is $20 for the summer and non-residents fee is $25. Ages 5-7 will meet from 9-10 a.m. and ages 8 and older from 10-11 a.m. Enter at door No. 8.

T-Ball scores reported
The following Bluffton T-Ball League baseball scores were reported: LGI 21, American Legion 13; Pizza Hut 14, Wells Fargo 13.

Moss, Antrim lead senior golfers
Jerry Moss and Tom Antrim were the individual leaders for the Tuesday Senior Golf League at Green Valley Golf Course in Bluffton. Moss finished with the low gross score of 39 and Antrim recorded the low net score of 28. Bill Fuller made the longest putt and Antrim was closest to the pin. Members of the winning team were Larry Sell, Dick Hamilton, Chuck Detwiler and Joe Baur.

High School Sports Calendar

Friday, June 11
BOYS GOLF: IHSAA Regional at Yorktown (The Player’s Club), Norwell, 8 a.m. (Tee time to be determined.)

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Jackson joins Purdue staff
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Mike Jackson has joined Purdue men’s basketball’s coaching staff as an assistant after holding the same role for Big Ten rival Michigan for five years.
Purdue announced the move Monday.
Michigan head coach John Beilein says he’s grateful for Jackson’s contributions to the Wolverines and says he’ll move quickly to fill the vacancy.
Jackson is a Detroit native. He spent two years as an assistant coach at Dayton, where he helped guide the Flyers to an Atlantic 10 West Division title and NCAA tournament berth in 2004.
The 1995 University of Detroit Mercy graduate began a five-year tenure as an assistant coach at his alma mater in 1996, then spent two years at Toledo before joining the Dayton staff.

Outlaw super lates at Baer Field
Outlaw super late model stock cars will be making the first of two appearances at Baer Field Speedway in Fort Wayne on Saturday.
Spectator gates open at 4 p.m., followed by qualifying at 5:30 and racing at 7:30. Adult admission is $18, children 7-12 $5; children 6-and-under no charge. Parking is free. For more information, call 260-478-7223 or go on line at www.baerfieldspeedway.net.

MarkleBank posts victory
MarkleBank collected 13 hits to overpower Bluffton Regional 17-7 in a Bluffton Farm League baseball game Monday night.
Jordan Bower was the winning pitcher and Riley Johnson suffered the loss. Bower also hit a home run and double. Noah Fredrick added three singles, while Landon Harris and Matt Feasel each had two singles. Bluffton Regional was held to two hits, including a double by Brook Nunley.

Pretzels/FOF down IPT
Pretzels/Fraternal Order of Firefighters defeated Indiana Physical Therapy 22-11 on Monday in a Wells County Girls’ Softball Junior League game. Allyssa Small and Madison Lovell led the hitting.

First Bank of Berne wins girls’ game
First Bank of Berne defeated Parlor City Trophy & Apparel 20-13 on Monday in a Wells County Girls’ Softball game at Roush Park. Ashlyn Nestleroad drove in three runs for First Bank of Berne with a single, triple and home run.

Golfer qualifies for state amateur
Kyle Imel qualified Monday for the Indiana Amateur Golf Championship which will be played June 21-24 at the Country Club of Indianapolis.
Imel shot a 73 Monday at Brookwood Golf Club in Fort Wayne. Taylor Imel failed to qualify with an 82.

Register for BHS girls’ hoops camp
The Bluffton Lady Tiger Basketball Camp for students in grades 5-8 (2009-10) is June 14-18 in the Tiger Den. Grades 5-6 will meet from noon-1:30 p.m. and grades 7-8 will meet from 1:30-3 p.m. Cost is $20 (make checks payable to Bluffton High School). Registration and fee are due Wednesday, June 9. For more information, contact coach Vicki Van Matre at 765-748-4450 or e-mail at vvanmatre@bhmsd.k12.in.us.

Sign up for Norwell boys’ hoops camp
Registrations are being taken for the Norwell summer boys’ basketball camp June 14-17 for boys who were in kindergarten through grade 8. Cost is $35 for one camper in a family or $30 for each additional family member. Registration deadline is June 9. Registration forms may be picked up at school offices or call Norwell coach Randy Hawkins at 260-543-2213, ext. 7319. Camp schedule is as follows: K-grade 2, 8-9 a.m.; grades 3-5, 9:15-10:30 a.m.; grades 6-8, 10:45 a.m.-noon.

T-Ball scores reported
The following Bluffton T-Ball League baseball scores were reported: Pizza Hut 21, Steffen Oil 15; Longenberger 20, Minnich’s 6; BKM 13, American Legion 10.

High School Sports Calendar

Friday, June 11
BOYS GOLF: IHSAA Regional at Yorktown (The Player’s Club), Norwell, 8 a.m. (Tee time to be determined.)

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

Diehl wins marathon, Dalrymple 5th
Luke Diehl, a recent Huntington University graduate, battled extreme conditions Saturday to take first place in the Sunburst Marathon at South Bend.
The 22-year-old Bluffton runner completed the 26.2-mile race in 2 hours, 48 minutes and 45 seconds. He was almost two minutes ahead of 44-year-old Jeff Mescal (2:50.33) of Hebron, Ind.
Bluffton’s Laurissa Dalrymple was the fifth woman to finish the race (3:19.08).

Cossairt 16th at state finals
Norwell senior Sean Cossairt finished his high school track and field career Saturday with a 16th-place finish in the IHSAA boys’ 800-meter run at Bloomington.
There were 27 competitors in the finals and he finished in a time of 1:58.92.

Fiechter loses in tennis regional
Bluffton High School junior Kara Fiechter was eliminated from the IHSAA girls’ tennis state singles tournament Saturday at Kokomo.
In the first round of the regional, Fiechter (16-6) lost to Lebanon sophomore Bethany Moore (21-1) in straight sets, 6-1, 6-0.

Ossian Heat runner up in tourney
The Ossian Heat 13-and-under travel baseball team took second place in the Hoosier Classic Baseball Tourney at the ASH Centre in Fort Wayne on Sunday.
The Heat was 3-1 in pool play, beating Concordia (B) 9-1, Cincinnati Storm 12-1 and Hamilton Southeastern 8-5. The Heat defeated Concordia (A) 9-8 in the semifinals before losing to Crystal Lake (Ill.) 9-1 in the championship game.
Adam Douglas led the Heat with 10 hits in the tournament, including three doubles, a triple and eight runs scored. Nathan Allison had eight hits, including a home run, four doubles and seven RBIs. Allison hit a game-winning double in the semifinal win over Concordia (A). Reggie Hayes had seven hits, including four doubles, a triple and seven runs scored in the tourney. Hayes also picked up two pitching wins. Garrett Mohler had six hits in the tourney and drove in four runs. Trevor Eichler threw a no-hitter against Concordia (B) and also pitched well in the win over Hamilton Southeastern. The Heat improved its overall record to 13-7.

Ducks Ultd. flies over McBride Realty
Ducks Unlimited defeated McBride Realty 10-7 on Friday in a Wells County Junior League 12U baseball game.
The Ducks were led by Kyler Boots, who went 3-for-3 with three RBIs. Chris Herman also singled. Boots pitched three strong innings and Colin Schwartz fanned six batters in the final three innings to seal the win.

McBride Realty tops Ossian State Bank
McBride Realty defeated Ossian State Bank 7-5 last Thursday in a Wells County Junior League 12U baseball game at Uniondale.
Garrett Werling, Grant McMichael and Travis Ragg had key hits late in the game to lead McBride. Kody Ahrens relieved starting pitcher Quinton Middleton and fanned three of the last seven OSB batters.

PNC Bank clips Pizza Hut
PNC Bank scored two runs in the sixth inning to beat Pizza Hut 15-13 in a Bluffton Junior League baseball game last Wednesday.
Each team had 12 hits. Jacob Heron doubled and singled twice for PNC. Guy Smuts added a double and single. Jason King and Mitchell Drew each had two hits for PNC. Ben Caylor added a double. Caleb Ivins and Jacob Swanson each singled. King was the winning pitcher.
Devon Shannon hit a home run and two singles for Pizza Hut. Dylan Heckman and Caleb Steiner each added two singles. Cameron Cook doubled. Reggie Garrett, Bubba Applegate, Dylan MacAdoo and Mathew Stotlar each singled. Heckman was the losing pitcher.

Hiday Motors posts 3 victories
Hiday Motors recently won a string of Bluffton Farm League baseball games, defeating Standard Plastics 4-1 last Friday, downing MarkleBank 7-5 last Wednesday and routing Bluffton Regional 12-6 on May 28.
Gabe Eisenhut was the winning pitcher against Standard Plastics and Spencer Schwartz took the loss. Walker Copeland and Eisenhut each had two singles. Noah Christal hit a two-run double for Hiday’s. Schwartz scored for Standard Plastics.
Copeland was the winning pitcher against MarkleBank and Jordan Bower suffered the loss. Christal and Copeland each singled and scored. Kyler Poling and Eisenhut each scored two runs. Bower tripled, doubled and scored for MarkleBank. Matt Feasal singled and scored twice. Noah Fredrick hit two RBI singles.
Copeland also notched the win against Bluffton Regional, while Colbryn Miller sustained the loss. Cameron Hall had two singles and scored for Hiday. Copeland singled, tripled and scored twice. Eisenhut singled, tripled and scored three times. Poling doubled and scored twice. Parker Blevins hit a two-run double for Bluffton Regional. Brock Nunley had a two-run single.

Youth soccer camp scheduled
The Norwell boys’ soccer team will be holding a youth soccer camp for Wells County area girls and boys on the Norwell soccer fields.
Grades 1-4 (2010-2011 school year) will meet July 6-8 from 5-6:30 p.m., while grades 5-7 will meet July 13-15 from 5-6:30.
Cost is $25, which includes a camp T-shirt. For registration forms, e-mail at norwellknightssoccer@gmail.com. Forms are available also at all Wells County Public Library locations. Registrations due by June 26. Please mail registrations to: James Redick, 1517 Stogdill Road, Bluffton, IN 46714. Make checks payable to Norwell Soccer Boosters.

Register for BHS girls’ hoops camp
The Bluffton Lady Tiger Basketball Camp for students in grades 5-8 (2009-10) is June 14-18 in the Tiger Den. Grades 5-6 will meet from noon-1:30 p.m. and grades 7-8 will meet from 1:30-3 p.m. Cost is $20 (make checks payable to Bluffton High School). Registration and fee are due Wednesday, June 9. For more information, contact coach Vicki Van Matre at 765-748-4450 or e-mail at vvanmatre@bhmsd.k12.in.us.

Sign up for Norwell boys’ hoops camp
Registrations are being taken for the Norwell summer boys’ basketball camp June 14-17 for boys who were in kindergarten through grade 8. Cost is $35 for one camper in a family or $30 for each additional family member. Registration deadline is June 9. Registration forms may be picked up at school offices or call Norwell coach Randy Hawkins at 260-543-2213, ext. 7319. Camp schedule is as follows: K-grade 2, 8-9 a.m.; grades 3-5, 9:15-10:30 a.m.; grades 6-8, 10:45 a.m.-noon.

Volleyball conditioning to begin
Bluffton’s volleyball conditioning program starts Monday, June 7, at Bluffton High School. Conditioning is open to girls who will be entering grades 6-12 and will run each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6-8:30 p.m. throughout the summer. For more information, contact varsity coach Robert Ochoa at 260-710-1317 or e-mail at coachochoa1@comcast.net.

Summer track & field meets set
New Haven High School will host a track meet series starting Wednesday, June 9, and June 16, 23, 30, July 7 and 14. Meets will start time at 6 p.m. and cost is $1 for each event entered.
All standard high school field events will be contested. On June 9 and 23 and July 7, the following running events will be offered: 100mH/110mH, 60m dash (9-under only), 100m, 800m, 200m, 400m, 1600m. On June 16 and 30 and July 14 the following running events will be offered: 300mH, 60m dash (9-under only), 100m, 800m, 200m, 400m, 3200m.
The following age groups will be available for competition: 9-under, 10-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and up.

T-Ball scores reported
The following Bluffton T-Ball League baseball scores were reported: Apache Propane 21, Wells Fargo 7; AdamsWells Internet 21, Shaw Realty 15; Longenberger 21, Peyton’s Northern 6.