“Talk” to DNR ice safety expert on Facebook, Dec. 20

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

Facebook followers of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources can “talk” online about ice safety with Lt. William Browne of DNR Law Enforcement on Friday, Dec. 20, from 2 to 3 p.m. EST on the DNR’s Facebook wall.

Browne will discuss guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience on the ice, whether fishing, snowmobiling or just sliding around. Participants are invited to join the conversation and ask questions.

Future topics, instructions on how to join a conversation on Facebook, and commenting guidelines are posted at dnr.IN.gov/7315.htm.

To join a chat, go to the DNR’s Facebook wall, facebook.com/INdnr, and click “like” (if you are not already a “friend”).

You may begin typing in questions during the time slot. The DNR experts will answer questions as time allows.

Contact Information:
Name: Marty Benson
Phone: (317) 233-3853
Email: dnrnews@dnr.in.gov

N-B Photos: A peek at the Ouabache State Park Wonderland of Lights

The Ouabache State Park still has hours for its Wonderland of Lights. For $5 a vehicle, guests can drive through a section of the park and see light displays created by local organizations and businesses. The lights will continue to be displayed from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, through Sunday, Dec. 29. (Photos by Jessica Williams)

“Talk” to DNR ice safety expert on Facebook, Dec. 20

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

Facebook followers of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources can “talk” online about ice safety with Lt. William Browne of DNR Law Enforcement on Friday, Dec. 20, from 2 to 3 p.m. EST on the DNR’s Facebook wall.

Browne will discuss guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience on the ice, whether fishing, snowmobiling or just sliding around. Participants are invited to join the conversation and ask questions.

Future topics, instructions on how to join a conversation on Facebook, and commenting guidelines are posted at dnr.IN.gov/7315.htm.

To join a chat, go to the DNR’s Facebook wall, facebook.com/INdnr, and click “like” (if you are not already a “friend”).

You may begin typing in questions during the time slot. The DNR experts will answer questions as time allows.

Contact Information:
Name: Marty Benson
Phone: (317) 233-3853
Email: dnrnews@dnr.in.gov

N-B Flashback: The state keeps suing

Another suit has been filed in Wells Circuit Court by the Indiana Attorney General’s office against a South Main Street business.

The State of Indiana has filed a complaint for appropriation of real estate against CVS Caremark Corp. — the CVS Pharmacy at 1203 S. Main St.

In the suit, the state is seeking the strip of land where CVS’s signs are located and the signs will have to be moved or replaced.

To keep track of who the state has sued so far — and how they've responded — see our blog post from Thursday, Dec. 5. Share your comments with us as well. Is this a good idea? Is it worth it?

“Talk” to DNR Christmas Tree Expert on Facebook, Dec. 13

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

Facebook followers of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources can “talk” online with forest education director Sam Carman about Christmas trees on Friday, Dec. 13, from 2-3 p.m., on the DNR’s Facebook wall.

Participants will learn about selecting a fresh Indiana Christmas tree and keeping it fresh throughout the holidays. Followers will be able to ask questions online during the hour-long chat.

Future topics, instructions on how to join a conversation on Facebook, and commenting guidelines are posted at dnr.IN.gov/7315.htm.

To join a chat, go to the DNR’s Facebook wall, facebook.com/INdnr, and click “like” (if you are not already a “friend”).

You may begin typing in questions during the time slot. The DNR experts will answer questions as time allows.

Contact Information:
Name: Marty Benson
Phone: (317) 233-3853
Email: dnrnews@dnr.in.gov

Wells County Extension Office announces calendar through Jan. 16

• Dec. 6-8: Indiana Beef Congress, State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis
• Dec. 8: 4-H Junior Leaders, Shop at Bluffton Wal-Mart for Christmas Family, 3 p.m.
• Dec. 9: Wells County 4-H Association, Wells County Community Center, Bluffton, 6:30 p.m., Carry-In Supper
• Dec. 10: 4-H Scholarship Workshop, Wells Co. Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton, 7 p.m.
• Dec. 11: Manure Management Workshop, Wells Co. Public Library (200 W. Washington St., Bluffton) 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. PARP credits available. RSVP to SWCD (824-0624 X 3)
• Dec. 14: State 4-H Crops, Entomology, & Forestry Career Development Activity, Purdue University, Stewart Center, 8 a.m.
• Jan. 3-5: Indiana Association of Fairs and Festivals Conference, Marriott East, Indianapolis
• Jan. 14: Council on Agriculture, Research and Teaching, Hyatt Hotel, Indianapolis
• Jan. 14-16: Fort Wayne Farm Show, Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne

Youth Ambassadors sought to document state parks and reservoirs

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

DNR is looking for enthusiastic young adults who will volunteer to document their experiences at Indiana’s state parks and reservoirs for the America’s State Parks Youth Ambassador program.

Their photos, videos and blogs will be posted at AmericasStateParks.org, along with entries from other Youth Ambassadors from around the country. The Youth Ambassadors program is a movement to promote the outdoors to other young adults.

“Indiana is looking for young adult volunteers to help tell our state park story and get today's young adults excited about visiting our 32 state parks and reservoirs,” said DNR Division of State Parks & Reservoirs volunteer coordinator Jody Heaston.

Applicants should be between the ages of 18 and 26 and must apply by Dec. 30.

The program is a great way for young people to share their outdoor experiences and get their writing and photographs published.

Youth Ambassadors will visit state parks and reservoirs within a defined region to photograph and blog at least once a month about events, hikes, camping, hunting, fishing and more.

The regions are northeast, northwest, east-central, west-central, southeast, and southwest.

Youth Ambassadors may be asked to cover specific events.

The program requires at least a one-year commitment.

Youth Ambassadors will receive an annual entrance pass for all state parks and reservoirs and free or reduced camping (when available).

Applicants must have a basic knowledge of Indiana’s state parks and reservoirs, an enthusiasm for natural and cultural resources and outdoor recreation, an ability to write in a conversational style, an ability to use a digital camera for photographs and videos, and must pass a criminal background check.

Youth Ambassadors are expected to provide their own transportation, meals and lodging (unless a campsite is available.) A digital camera will be provided.

To apply, email Heaston at jheaston@dnr.IN.gov with the following information:

• Name, mailing address and email address.
• Preferred region
• A paragraph describing an experience at an Indiana state park or reservoir.
• A paragraph explaining why you want to be a Youth Ambassador. (Include how you might approach this role.)
• A photograph that you've taken of people enjoying the outdoors or of a scenic place/view.

Contact Information:
Name: Jody Heaston
Phone: (260) 824-0926
Email: dnrnews@dnr.in.gov