Bluffton Tigers practice hard

News-Banner Sports Editor Paul Beitler has been visiting high school training camps around Wells County the past couple weeks.
Presented for your enjoyment are a couple videos he shot yesterday at the Bluffton High School Tigers football practice.
Check it out...

Lake shoreline/seawall workshop, Aug. 28

Indiana DNR Release:

The rules that regulate seawall construction projects on Indiana lakes can be confusing. A workshop designed to help lake residents, lake leaders, realtors, attorneys, and developers understand is scheduled, Aug. 28 at Skinner Lake in Noble County.

The event is hosted by the Skinner Lake Homeowners Association (SLHOA), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Indiana Lakes Management Society (ILMS). The goal is to provide information on various shoreline classifications and how those classifications determine the type of seawall that may legally be installed.

The workshop begins at 6 p.m., and should last approximately two hours. After a brief presentation on factors used to classify shorelines, workshop participants will tour Skinner Lake on pontoon boats to examine various sites and discuss seawall options.

“There is a general lack of knowledge and widespread misunderstanding of the rules that regulate seawalls,” said Jeremy Price, DNR compliance biologist who handles cases involving illegal seawalls. “This workshop gives folks the opportunity to find out what type of seawall might be permitted along their lakefront property.”

According to Indiana law (IC 14-26-2-3), anyone who constructs seawall along the shoreline of a public freshwater lake must first get a permit from the DNR. When reviewing seawall permit applications, the DNR must follow certain standards under administrative rule 312 IAC 11-1-1, based on one of four shoreline categories. The categories function much the same way as local zoning designations and restrictions.

Concrete, steel or other “bulkhead” seawalls may only be constructed in “developed areas,” already impacted by extensive shoreline alterations. Glacial rock seawalls may be permitted within less-impacted “areas of special concern.” In sensitive areas, those classified as “natural shorelines” or “significant wetlands," only bio-engineered seawalls that incorporate native plants into their design may be allowed.

Please contact Ed Sprague of the SLHOA and board member of ILMS at (260) 636-7336 or escs@ligtel.com if you plan to attend.

Sweet Lake Church is located east of Albion at the intersection of Noble County 300E and 415N.

Go fishing at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience

Indiana DNR Release:

Fishing is a popular and enjoyable means of outdoor recreation in Indiana, and the Hoosier Outdoor Experience on Sept. 26-27 at Fort Harrison State Park is the place to learn fishing skills from experts.

“Fishing remains one of the most wholesome and fun ways to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Bill James, chief fisheries biologist for the Department of Natural Resources. “Unfortunately, many of today's computer-age kids spend far more time plugged in indoors than they do exploring their natural world. Teaching a youngster to fish opens up and enriches their world in ways that can last a lifetime.”

Fishing activities planned for the Hoosier Outdoor Experience include lessons for all ages on basic fundamentals, equipment, knot tying and casting.

In addition, the Indiana Bass Federation is host for a youth casting competition. Youths will cast from the front of a boat (on land) to three targets placed at different distances. The winner at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience qualifies for the state competition later in the year.

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

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is presented by the Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, with sponsorship support from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Ball Brothers Foundation, WXIN-Fox 59, Indianapolis, and numerous other sponsors.

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

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

Canoe at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience, Sept. 26 - 27

Indiana DNR Release:

Finding a place to paddle a canoe is easy in Indiana, where opportunities abound on hundreds of lakes and miles and miles of rivers and streams.

“While many Hoosiers may be aware of the great hiking and biking trail opportunities available to them in Indiana, it may come as some surprise to learn that there are 1,600 miles of water trails ready and waiting for the launching of canoes,” said Steve Morris, director of the DNR Division of Outdoor Recreation. “Paddling Indiana's streams and lakes is a great way to get back to nature and have some outdoor fun.”

What if you don’t know how to paddle a canoe but want to learn?

The Hoosier Canoe Club will help make the connection at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience on Sept. 26-27 at Fort Harrison State Park.

“Our canoe club is excited for this opportunity to introduce our fellow Hoosiers to the joys of paddling in Indiana,” said Dan Valleskey, club member.

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

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is presented by the Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, with sponsorship support from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Ball Brothers Foundation, WXIN-Fox 59 Indianapolis, and numerous other sponsors.

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

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

Wheels of Yesteryear Coming SOON!!!

By FRANK SHANLY
This weekend’s Power Show and Festival will provide lots of food and trinkets available at the 4-H Park.
Organized by the Wheels of Yesteryear Antique Club, the festival will run from Friday to Sunday, with a variety of activities on display.
Wheels of Yesteryear President Ron Westfall anticipates one of the event highlights to be the pioneer encampment.
“Last year we had probably the largest encampment in more than 10 years.” recalled Westfall. “Approximately 20 camps were active with activities of the 1840 period.
“During the weekend these individuals take on the role of Indian and French trappers and traders and are very serious in the look of the period. They have trinkets to sell the public that many have handcrafted for the period. It is all very interesting and authentic.”
Westfall also promises plenty of food will be available for visitors to the show.
All meals, except for an additional fundraiser by the Homemakers’ Club on Friday evening, will be provided by the club. Westfall also anticipates that several food vendors will be at the show, providing ice cream, apple dumplings, fish and tenderloin sandwiches, mini donuts, possibly sweet corn and other good eating similar to the 4-H Fair.
The full meal schedule is as follows:
Friday morning:
Biscuits & Gravy ($4 for a full order with drink, $2.50 for a half order, $1 for a fruit cup.)
Friday evening:
Eat with the pioneers. (Ham and beans cooked in an open pot over a fire. There is no charge for this but the number of meals available is limited.)
Saturday morning:
Pancakes & sausage ($5 for all you can eat with drink and apple sauce. $2.50 for children under 12.)
Saturday night:
Chicken dinner ($7 for two pieces of chicken, potato salad, baked beans, roll, pie and a drink. $4.50 for children under 12.)
Sunday morning:
Biscuits & Gravy (same as Friday morning until gone.)
frank@news-banner.com

High School Sports Calendar

Wednesday, Aug. 5
GIRLS GOLF: Norwell vs. Carroll (Allen Co.), 9 a.m.; Southern Wells at Caston Invitational, 10 a.m.
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Thursday, Aug. 6
GIRLS GOLF: Norwell at Southern Wells, 8 a.m. (tentative).
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Friday, Aug. 7
GIRLS GOLF: Southern Wells at Muncie Southside, 1 p.m.
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Monday, Aug. 10
GIRLS GOLF: Southern Wells at Marion Invitational, 9 a.m.; FW South Side at Norwell, 11 a.m.
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Tuesday, Aug. 11
GIRLS GOLF: Norwell at Snider Invitational, 9 a.m.; Whitko at Southern Wells, 4:30 p.m.
———
Wednesday, Aug. 12
GIRLS GOLF: Southern Wells, Norwell at Bellmont Invitational, 8 a.m.

Sports Round-Up by Paul Beitler

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

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

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

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

NMS boys may report for CC
The Norwell Middle School boys’ cross country team will have its first voluntary practice Tuesday night. All middle school boys interested in running should meet at the middle school at 7:30 p.m.

SW Jr. High cross country start set
Southern Wells Jr. High cross country practice will start Monday, Aug. 10 from 6-7 p.m. Runners should meet in front of the high school gym. All runners in grades 6-8 must have a completed physical turned in before they can practice.

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

Gold Cup 100 at Baer Field on Friday
FORT WAYNE — Baer Field Speedway will host the Gold Cup 100 presented by International Truck Development and Technology Center for Superpro Late Model Series on Friday.
The Superpro Late Models will be joined by the O’Reilly Auto Parts USA Modifieds, Baer Field Late Models, Street Stocks and Mini Stocks.
Pit gates will open at 2 p.m., with practice at 3, spectator gates at 3:30, qualifying at 5 and racing at 7. Adult admission is $18, with children under 12 admitted free. Rain date is Saturday.
Baer Field Speedway is located at 4331 Winters Road, one mile south of Fort Wayne International Airport off Bluffton Rd. Call 260-478-7223 or go to www.baerfieldspeedway.net for more information.

Qatar to host final 2009 ABRA race
SEATTLE — Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani and American Boat Racing Association chairman Sam Cole recently signed a contract that will bring 10 unlimited hydroplanes to Qatar in November.
Sheikh Hassan and Qatari racing colleague Abdullah Al-Sulaiti were in Seattle to witness the action at the Chevrolet Cup at Seafair, an ABRA race.
On Sunday, during the race, Sheikh Hassan signed an agreement on behalf of the Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF) to host the final round of the 2009 ABRA series in Doha on Nov. 12-14. The event will be known as the Oryx Cup World Championship.

Hawaii coach chided for using slur
HONOLULU (AP) — The Western Athletic Conference is reprimanding Hawaii coach Greg McMackin for his derogatory comment while describing Notre Dame’s chant before last year’s Hawaii Bowl.
The university already has suspended McMackin for 30 days without pay. He’s volunteered to take an additional 7 percent pay cut from his $1.1 million salary.
The coach also has apologized for using the gay slur during a media briefing last week at the WAC football preview in Salt Lake City.
The WAC said Monday it reprimanded McMackin for violating the conference’s sportsmanship code. The league says any further violations will result in a minimum one-game suspension.