N-B Video: Chandler Harnish, Matt Hasselbeck prepare for Colts football

The Indianapolis Colts opened the 2013 training season Sunday, and Norwell graduate Chandler Harnish returned with them, while veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck started playing with them. Learn more in the Monday, July 29, News-Banner.

N-B Video: New coach ready for Raider football

The News-Banner's Paul Beitler meets with new Southern Wells football coach Steven Yencer to talk about the upcoming season. Learn more in the Saturday, July 27, News-Banner. (Video by Paul Beitler)

City announces results of Iron Kid Triathlon

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N-B Video: NASCAR driver makes pit stop in Bluffton

Racer Austin Dillon visits Bluffton's Steffen Oil to promote ethanol stations and refineries. Learn more about his history and dreams in the Tuesday, July 23, News-Banner. (Video by Paul Beitler)

N-B Video: Colts player comes home to his first team

Colts player and Norwell graduate Chandler Harnish visits his home county to help at a two-day youth football camp at his old high school. Learn more in the Tuesday, July 23, News-Banner. (Video by Paul Beitler)

N-B Video: Chandler Harnish talks pigskin

The Bluffton and Norwell football teams practice in preparation for the upcoming season, and Colts player and Norwell graduate Chandler Harnish is there to help. Learn more in the Thursday, July 18, News-Banner. (Video by Paul Beitler)

N-B Video: And they're off — 4-H holds annual Run and Walk

Learn more in the Monday, July 8, News-Banner. (Video by Paul Beitler)

Salamonie preschoolers to have “Bubble Bonanza!” July 17

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

Preschool-age children and their adults are invited to Salamonie Preschool “Bubble Bonanza!” on July 17.

The Salamonie preschool class will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Salamonie Interpretive Center in Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area, Andrews.

Bring extra dry clothes for your child.

Each program is designed to enhance the preschooler’s basic education, including learning the alphabet, building a craft, social interaction, and time spent outdoors, always with a nature-related theme.

The program fee is $2 per child. Advance registration is appreciated. Register by calling Upper Wabash Interpretive Services at (260) 468-2127.

For more information on other UWIS programs, see dnr.IN.gov/uwis or visit Facebook.com/UpperWabash, or call (260) 468-2127.

Salamonie Lake (stateparks.IN.gov/2952.htm) is at 9214 West-Lost Bridge West, Andrews, 46702.

Annual sand sculpture contest at Indiana Dunes State Park, July 13

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

Watch the sand come alive or participate with friends and family at the 16th annual Indiana Dunes State Park sand sculpture contest on Saturday, July 13.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of Indiana Dunes group.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. CDT on the west end of the pavilion. Teams can begin sculpting two hours before registration begins. Judging is at noon, followed by awards after 1 p.m.

This year's theme is "Once Upon A Time." Sculptures that follow the theme will earn extra points.
"It’s been great to see folks run with the theme each year," interpretive naturalist Brad Bumgardner said. "Whether you're 5 or 105 years old, grab a pile of sand and get creative."

Prizes will be awarded in two categories, one for teams of children age 15 and younger and another for individuals and families numbering less than eight. Observers can vote for their favorite in the "Viewers Choice Award" between noon and 1 p.m.

Participation is free after the standard gate fee of $5 for Indiana vehicles and $10 for out-of-state vehicles.  For more information, call the nature center at (219) 926-1390. 

Indiana Dunes State Park (stateparks.IN.gov/2980.htm) is at 1600 North 25 E. Chesterton, 46304.