Trinity UMC restoring treasured art

The Huntington County TAB:

Trinity United Methodist Church is undergoing a four-phase restoration project of the church's stained glass windows.

Originally installed in 1914 when the church was built, the windows have withstood almost 100 years of rain, sleet and snow.

Church member Gaylord Eutsler says the Window Creations, of Otterville, was chosen to complete the four phases of the restoration project.

The company specializes in restoring stained glass windows.

Jones: 4-H teaches how to be a leader

Hartford City News Times:

Being a Blackford County 4-H member for ten years has taught Tricia Jones how to step up and be a leader and not always a follower.
Jones, whose projects have included sheep, swine, dairy, cooking and gardening, is a member of the 4-H Beef Club. She is the daughter of Mike Jones and Patsy Jones and a Blackford High School Class of 2010 graduate....

Elected officials mutiny over wages

Hartford City News Times:

When six county department heads, of both political parties, did not have a chance to speak at the June 9 county council meeting, what they wanted to say was:

• We’re all upset and our employees are all upset– Laura Coons (R), county clerk of courts.
• Obviously, we need a better written salary ordinance – Fred Tobey (R), county treasurer.
• I don’t understand the reasoning. One time they raise (wages) one way and at another meeting they raise them another way. We wanted an explanation. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the raises they’ve given – Ed Hollander (D), county treasurer....

WFWA PBS39 will go high def Sunday

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — PBS39 will return to high-definition broadcasting at 7:30 p.m. Sunday on channels 39 and 39.1.
WFWA PBS39 was the first TV station in northeast Indiana to begin broadcasting a digital signal in February 2004, it said in a news release. ...

County revenue, funds from state fall as costs up

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Adams County Auditor Bill Borne opened Tuesday night's meeting on a possible wheel tax with a fiscal summary. Borne mentioned the following:
• From 2001 to 2009, the percent of state money given to counties dropped eight percent, while, for example, spending for the state police rose from $50 million to $90 million....

Council votes 4-0 to table talk for year

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The wheel tax was run over Tuesday night.
At a special meeting of the Adams County Council, which drew approximately 30 county residents and a dozen or so public officials, the idea to create the tax on January 1, 2011, was voted down via a 4-0 vote after a 90-minute discussion....

FWCS students will see longer days, start later on Wednesdays next year

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Students will have longer days in school, but also will start a half hour later each Wednesday this fall under a new schedule released by Fort Wayne Community Schools.

Elementary schools will be in session from 8:55 a.m.-3:30 p.m., after previously attending from 8:50 a.m.-3:20 p.m. Students at FWCS' middle schools will go to class from 7:30 a.m.-2:25 p.m. — they were in school from 7:55 a.m.-2:35 p.m. last year. High School students will be in school from 7:30 a.m.-2:35 p.m. after attending from 8 a.m.-2:35 p.m. a year ago....

Relay is near $76,000 with more to come

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Relay for Life 2010 in Adams County was among the most successful ever, with almost $76,000 collected for the research battle against cancer, to aid those with the disease, and to educate people to help prevent them from getting cancer....

Cooler courthouse coming

Decatur Daily Democrat:

As it gets hotter outside, it will soon get cooler inside the Adams County Courthouse.
At Monday's meeting of the commissioners, Tom Acheson, who is overseeing repair and renovation projects at the historic edifice in downtown Decatur, reported that, by the end of this week, the new air conditioning system in Adams Circuit Court on the top floor should be in full operation.

City to smoke test for sewer leaks in Northwest Fort Wayne

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Fort Wayne’s sewer maintenance department will smoke test sewer lines in the Watersong and Chapel Creek neighborhoods starting today, weather permitting. Testing the entire area should take about a week.

Smoke testing will be done in the area generally bounded by Union Chapel Road, Auburn Road, Falling Water Boulevard, Brandon Way, Crooked Creek Parkway and Chancel Way, city officials said in a news release....

Fort Wayne to host girls finals again

East Allen Times:

INDIANAPOLIS — The 2011 IHSAA Girls Basketball State Finals will return to Fort Wayne for a second year following approval by the IHSAA Executive Committee on Thursday.

The decision was one of four significant items, three related to state tournaments, which resulted from the Committee’s final meeting of the 2009-10 school year.....

Republicans fill 11 ballot spots

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Officials of the Republican Party in Adams County convened a caucus in Decatur on Saturday and slated 11 members of the local GOP to fill vacancies on the November election ballot.
The three major nominations filled were as follows....

Crash ends police chase

Decatur Daily Democrat:

A police pursuit in southern Adams County early Sunday morning initiated by the Geneva Police Department and joined by Berne police ended in approximately five minutes when the vehicle being chased left the road, struck a utility pole, and ended up hitting a nearby house....

Relay for Life exceeds goal in 2010 fundraiser campaign

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

“Well guys, we did it,” an excited Steve Christner said to those gathering for announcement of the results of this year’s Relay for Life event that was held at Adams Central Schools.
Christner spoke with emotion and excitement as he told those present that this year’s Relay for Life event had exceeded its goal by nearly $8,000. While event organizers were hoping for $67,800, the final total tallied out at $75,780. A huge cheer from those present broke out across the Adams Central stadium when Christner announced the results....

Cancer survivor Welch will do Relay victory lap tonight

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Reg Welch is one of the four honorary co-chairs chosen by the Adams County Relay for Life Committee to walk the first lap around the track at this year's Relay for Life event at Adams Central, starting at 6 tonight and continuing into Saturday.....

Many parts of Indiana are all wet; not as bad here

Decatur Daily Democrat:

While a state climatologist says this month is already Indiana’s eighth wettest June since climate record keeping began in 1895, Decatur's rainfall is still a bit shy of the city's June average....

South Adams students attend IHSAA conference

Berne Tri-Weekly:

Twelve students representing South Adams High School attended the IHSAA Student Leadership Conference Tuesday at Pike High School in Indianapolis. There were 734 student athletes in attendance from 86 different schools across Indiana....

Adams Central student given hope, thanks to cancer research

Berne Tri-Weekly:

Adams Central senior Michael Hirschy admits that he was scared at first when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in Bluffton. That fear was heightened when he was told that parts of the cancer had spread into the lymphatic system and lungs.
“I was scared until my doctor, Dr. Lawrence Einhorn, at the University of Indiana Medical Center in Indianapolis, told me how much progress has been made in treating that type of cancer,” said Hirschy. “Dr. Einhorn had personally developed treatment to combat the type of cancer that I had. He said that there was a 99 percent chance that I would respond positively to the treatments.”....

Economic summit identifies strategies for northeast Indiana

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — The new mantra for creating jobs and propelling economic growth in northeast Indiana is simple, declarative and very much out of character for a region that prides itself for its steady, conservative and hard-working Midwest attitudes.

Be outrageous. ....

City offers help removing trees damaged by storms

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Many street trees across Fort Wayne have fallen over or have been damaged after a rash of Thunderstorms swept through the region Wednesday.

Residents who have a fallen or damaged tree that was planted between the sidewalk and curb of their property may call the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department for help removing tree debris, according to a news release....

Lt. Governor Skillman Awards City of Berne a $600,000 Community Focus Fund Grant

INDIANAPOLIS- Yesterday at a Statehouse ceremony, Lt. Governor Becky Skillman awarded the City of Berne a $600,000 Community Focus Fund grant for water infrastructure improvements. The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) administers the grants, which are funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Twenty-two communities and counties were recognized at the ceremony, with grant awards totaling more than $10 million.

“Community Focus Fund grants help Hoosier cities and towns achieve their long-term development goals,” said Lt. Governor Skillman. “Infrastructure and quality of life projects, like this one, are crucial to the economic success of rural communities in our state.”

The grant will fund the will purchase and install a new 500,000 gallon elevated water storage tank. It will also demolish the old 250,000 gallon tank, which is rusted and in poor condition. The new tank will provide the city with adequate storage to meet its average daily water use.

The Community Focus Fund grants are awarded twice annually through a competitive application process. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: community and senior centers, special needs facilities, libraries, water system improvements, storm drainage projects, and sewer system improvements.
(Submitted Release)


PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured with Lt. Governor Skillman: Sen. Holdman; Phyllis Gates, Grant Administrator; Mayor John Minch; Jane Minch; Kurt Dailey; John Crider; Gwen Mallers; Gregg Sprunger; Matt Lehman.

History Center buys items from Farnsworth auction to be part of new display

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — The History Center bought seven pieces from the recent auction of Philo T. Farnsworth Television Museum.

Named after the man who invented television, Dr. Stephan Hofer, whose father once worked for Farnsworth in Fort Wayne, sold the collection when he couldn't find a new home for it....

Northeast School of Dance sends slew of groups to national competition

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — The Northeast School of Dance will send 32 groups of dancers and their teachers to compete in the NexStar National Talent Competition National Finals, July 5–11 in Sandusky, Ohio, at the Kalahari Resort....

Goshen Road closed because of downed power lines

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Goshen Road is closed between Butler Road and Independence Drive after severe thunderstorms brought down power lines.

Fort Wayne's Traffic Operations is working to restore traffic signals at the following locations:...

45th Willshire Days opens tonight

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The 45th annual Willshire Days celebration opens tonight, then swings into high gear on Friday and Saturday.
New features this year, according to an announcement, are a Little Master Willshire contest and a Little Master Prince contest for boys ages three to seven....

AC student: ‘Can happen to anyone’

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Michael Hirschy, a 17-year-old Adams Central High School student and a cancer survivor, will walk the first lap at this year's Adams County Relay for Life event as one of the four honorary co-chairs.
Michael, who was diagnosed with metastatic testicular cancer in March, said he is willing to share his story with the community because, "I think it's good for other people to know that it can happen to anyone."
According to cancer.gov, this highly treatable disease most often occurs in men who are 20 to 39 years old......

Fort Wayne City Utilities nabs water quality award for 10th straight year

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Fort Wayne City Utilities won the Directors Award from the Partnership for Safe Water for the tenth consecutive year.
The drinking water honor quality levels that surpass the required federal standards, according to a news release from city officials.

YLNI to release 2020 Vision Brochure Wednesday

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Young adults in the region would like to the creation of professional career opportunities and mass transit, according to a survey by Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana.
The group gathered feedback via an online survey from over 200 of Northeast Indiana’s emerging leaders in their 20s and 30s, to understand what the demographic believes are the strengths of the region and how to make it a better place to live, work and play, YLNI said in a news release....

Egolf’s contract not renewed by SA board

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Mitch Sprunger ended his brief stint serving on the South Adams School Board with a few parting words and one final motion as he ended Tuesday’s special meeting with the recommendation that the board not allow an automatic renewal of Superintendent Cathy Egolf’s contract, and that her current contract not be renewed on June 30, 2011, thus ending her stint with the school.
Sprunger, who was filling the remainder of the term of Myron Schwartz, began his final address to the board by stating that he was not resigning from the board, but “waiving his constitutional right to a holdover term.” After addressing the end of his service, Sprunger made his motion that carried by a 5-2 vote, with board members Steve Dobler and Julie Mansfield dissenting....

Fort Wayne City Utilities nabs water quality award for 10th straight year

Decatur Daily Democrat:

FORT WAYNE — Fort Wayne City Utilities won the Directors Award from the Partnership for Safe Water for the tenth consecutive year.
The drinking water honor quality levels that surpass the required federal standards, according to a news release from city officials.

YLNI to release 2020 Vision Brochure Wednesday

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Young adults in the region would like to the creation of professional career opportunities and mass transit, according to a survey by Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana.
The group gathered feedback via an online survey from over 200 of Northeast Indiana’s emerging leaders in their 20s and 30s, to understand what the demographic believes are the strengths of the region and how to make it a better place to live, work and play, YLNI said in a news release....

Herman seeking seat on county council

Decatur Daily Democrat:

DuWayne Herman, who has been an attorney in Decatur for more than 30 years, has announced that he will seek the Republican nomination to be a candidate for the Second District seat on the Adams County Council....

More storms bring more rain

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Storms which rolled through Decatur and Adams County in today's early-morning hours brought more rainfall to the area. The St. Marys River, thought, fell a couple of feet since Monday....

Clock Tower Video

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

See video of the clock tower roof raising on our YouTube channel. Visit www.youtube.com/user/BerneTriWeeklyNews.

Exploring Huntington Heritage Days through parade

East Allen Times:

HUNTINGTON — Although 14-year-old Caleb Alexander has never been a part of Huntington's Annual Heritage Days Parade, he knows what the 47th annual event means to his community.
“It’s just part of our heritage and what we do,” Alexander said Saturday of the parade that started at the corner of Jefferson and MacGahan streets and finished at the corner of Jefferson Street and Etna Avenue....

JeFFFest as the perfect ending

East Allen Times:

HUNTINGTON — JeFFFest 2010, held on N. Jefferson Street in downtown Huntington, was an evening filled with fun food, fine arts and music.
La Fontaine Arts Council and Four Corners Custom Framing sponsored the two-hour event Sunday evening. The festival was open to the public free of charge, and many people came out to see what it provided....

Milligan to seek council post, resign manager job

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Having been Geneva's clerk-treasurer and town manager for most of the past decade, Doug Milligan has announced that he will be a Republican candidate for the District Two seat on the Geneva Town Council in the November election....

Jobless rate dips below 10%

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Adams County's jobless rate dipped below 10 percent in May, falling below that threshold for the first time in more than a year, according to figures released Friday by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development....

Hundreds turn out to witness clock tower roof raising

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Local contractor Mike Schwartz can’t remember what he saw when he looked out from the top of a crane at the newly-constructed clock tower on Friday morning.
Schwartz, owner of Limberlost Construction Company, which is in charge of the building the tower, was hoisted to put the filial on the tower.
“At that point, I can’t even remember what I saw as I looked out,” said Schwartz. “I remember being surprised at all of the people that were watching. It was the first that I noticed how many people were there.
“In a sense, I felt like I could relax a little bit,” continued Schwartz. “Putting that roof on there was a big part of the icing on the cake. I had never been 160 feet in the air like that before.”
Schwartz said on Saturday that the top of the tower was put to the test on Friday evening when a powerful storm with high winds blew through the area....

Sinking feeling at jail building

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Another problem at the Adams County Jail has come up — or, rather, gone down — according to reports at Monday's meeting of the county commissioners....

City targets ‘split’ streets

Decatur Daily Democrat:

If you drive out Washington St. (Archbold Road) toward the countryside, in the area near Jim Miller Field and Rube Wynn Field, you will be on county property. If you return on the same street/road, you'll be riding on city property....

Promo Improvements at Swiss Heritage Museum shed new light on history

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Officials from Swiss Heritage Society have made improvements in the museum to accommodate visitors during the 25th anniversary of the organization.
New windows have been put in to improve lighting on artifacts and to give a brighter countenance to the museum displays.
But the biggest changes have taken place in expanding several of the exhibits, especially the area sports exhibit. There are more pictures of former southern Adams County basketball teams and more memorabilia.
“We are working to install the old scoreboard from the former Berne (South Adams Elementary) gym,” said Lehman. “We also have the carved SA that was once in the center of the gym.”...

Blood donations still needed through summer

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood as Independence Day nears.
Blood donations dip in July and around traditional vacation times because donors may be focusing on summer activities and could overlook donating blood, CEO Sharyn Whitman said in a news release....

Rally for Navistar

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — City officials, community leaders and Navistar employees led a public rally Wednesday morning at Parkview Field to show Fort Wayne’s desire to keep the company's truck design and technology center and its more than 1,000 jobs in the city.

A news release from Mayor Tom Henry's office claims the mayor has been working with officials in Allen County government, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce to retain Navistar’s Fort Wayne operations, while also exploring options for the Chicago-based company to expand in northeast Indiana....

Most county students top state average

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Adams County students in grades 3 through 8 in most cases exceeded state average scores in the latest round of ISTEP testing, according to figures released Wednesday by the Indiana Department of Education....

Motorsports Festival to mark 10th anniversary on Friday

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The Motor Sports Festival sponsored by the Decatur Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its 10th birthday this Friday with a show downtown from 4-9 p.m....

Henry names deputy mayor, public information director

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Elizabeth Malloy and and Joe Fox were added to Mayor Tom Henry's senior leadership team Tuesday, city officials said in a news release.

Malloy is the new deputy mayor and comes to the Fort Wayne with an extensive background in management consulting, strategic planning and technology. She was most recently a founder and partner in Premis Consulting Group, working with state and local governments across America to help them develop methods for improving their performance....

Fort Wayne schools outsourcing 200 custodian jobs

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — The state's second-largest school district is cutting the jobs of more than 200 custodians by hiring a private company.

The Fort Wayne Community Schools expects to save about $4.4 million a year as it responds to state funding cuts that previously led it to issue layoff notices to 311 teachers.

The School Board voted 6-1 Monday to approve a three-year contract with Sodexo, a French-based company with operations across the country, that will cost about $7.2 million a year. Much of the savings will come from having 24 fewer custodial positions and reducing pay by as much as $6 an hour....

Giraffe born at Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo welcomed its 16th baby reticulated giraffe when female giraffe Luna delivered a baby girl June 3 in the African Journey.

Kesi (KESS-ee) is petite for a baby giraffe, standing only 5’5” tall and weighing 115 pounds at birth, according to a news release from the zoo. Kesi is the fourth baby for her father, male giraffe Jelani, and is the first baby for her mother, Luna....

ABATE rally could return here in 2011

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The June 6 ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) of Indiana motorcycle rally in Decatur was another full-scale success, and if local members of the group have their way, they'll be returning for Mayor's Ride No. 3 in 2011....

City honors one of its own

Decatur Daily Democrat:

A Decatur man was honored and celebrated at Tuesday night's city council meeting for a remarkable life.
It was 50 years ago last Wednesday (June 9) that Bob Brown was severely injured in an industrial accident....

Council approves grant application for sewer project

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Berne City Council approved application of a federal disaster recovery grant that would secure $960,000 towards installation of a sanitary and storm sewer project.
The funds are available through the Indiana Office of Rural Affairs (OCRA), but is highly competitive Matt Vondran, grant facilitator for Northeastern Indiana Regional Coordinating Council, told council members on Monday night.
“This is an extremely competitive grant,” said Vondran. “They are anticipating over 100 applications. Only 30 of those will be approved.”...

Berne to seek $960,000 grant; FCC gets OK

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Monday evening's meeting of Berne City Council was dominated by a pair of public hearings: one surrounding the city's application for grant of nearly $1 million for sewer separation projects; the other to finalize the tax abatement request of a local industry....

Cattle site plan stirs concern

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Something that wasn't on the agenda for Monday's meeting of the Adams County commissioners dominated the second half of that meeting....

Seifert announces run for Bell’s seat

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Political newcomer Brandon Seifert hopes to use his rural roots and relationships within the Allen County Republican Party to become the next Indiana State Rep. in the 83rd District.

Seifert, 34, formally announced his candidacy during a news conference Monday at the former home of his great grandparents in northwest Allen County.


Watch video of this story at FwNews.tv....

FWCS outsources custodial services, will save $4.4M annually

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Fort Wayne Community Schools will pay just over $7 million for the next three years for custodial services.

The FWCS Board of School Trustees approved Sodexo at its Monday meeting for the service and will pay $4.4 million less than what the district currently pays.

FWCS will pay Sodexo $7,193,974 annually for the next three years, according to a news release from FWCS.

What does new county sewer district mean for some county residents?

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Adams County residents who might be affected by the mandatory installation of sewer lines in areas of the county that have never had sewers discussed that matter at a recent meeting of the county’s regional sewer district board....

A ‘hair’-oine in the battle against cancer

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Jerrldeane “Jerri” Lehman, a licensed barber/stylist, is passionate about helping people look and feel their best. As owner of Lehman Hair Care in Bluffton, Lehman is using her talent to give back to the community by operating an American Cancer Society-sponsored wig bank at her business....

Promo Former Adams County man finds life different on the other side of the globe

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

When former Berne area resident Delno Abnet watched the sun rise over the old Maple Grove Church, it never crossed his mind that some day he would witness the same phenomena from all parts of the globe.
Abnet, son of the late Don and Ruth Abnet, and his wife, Becky, daughter of Ralph and Berteen Minnich, just returned from several months of living in India. In July, Abnet plans to return to the eastern country and Becky will more than likely join him in August.
As a project manager for Dayton Phoenix Group, which manufactures parts for locomotives, Abnet is often sent to different parts of the world to oversee certain projects. Quite often, Becky is able to spend at least part of the time with him.

Community Band marks 30th year

East Allen Times:

The Fort Wayne Area Community Band is in the middle of its 30th year of presenting concerts to local audiences. It just wrapped up its formal concert series at the John & Ruth Rhinehart Music Center on the IPFW campus and is now preparing for its annual free summer series at Foellinger Theater in Franke Park.

The band, which has been performing at Foellinger Theater for more that 20 years, will hold its first concert of the season Tuesday, June 15. Performances are also scheduled for July 20 and August 17. Downbeat for the concerts is 8 p.m....

Don Cooper joins KPC as VP of Sales, GM

East Allen Times:

Don Cooper, a veteran newspaper executive, has joined KPC Media Group Inc. as vice president of sales/general manager.

A native of St. Louis, Cooper earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. He has been associated with the newspaper industry since 1977 and has been an editor, general manager and publisher of newspapers in Missouri, Texas, Illinois and New Jersey....

Baer Field event raises $xxxx for NHHS band

East Allen Times:

Fort Wayne’s Baer Field Speedway and the New Haven High School Bulldogs Marching Band partnered recently on a very unique fundraising project. After hearing reports about the need for uniforms and instruments for band members, Speedway officials contacted New Haven band director Joseph Godfrey and began working on the project....

Geneva seeks $1 million grant for wastewater work

Decatur Daily Democrat:

After a public hearing Tuesday, the Geneva Town Council passed a resolution to submit an application to the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) to help fund wastewater utility improvements in the town....

Weekly 'learning sessions' for AC teachers

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The Adams Central school board was told at its Tuesday meeting that a nine-part questionnaire will be used over the summer to prepare teachers from kindergarten through grade 12 for a once-a-week series of professional learning sessions at the school during the 2010-11 year....

Promo Lehman lives on the memories of the family auction house

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Corrine Lehman loves to sit in her quaint apartment, located in a large red barn, and reflect how she and her husband, Emerson Lehman, spent much of their life managing the well-known Emie’s Auction House, which was located on the site of the barn.
Lehman said that she loves her quaint “barn apartment” because it stands on the ground where she and her husband had found so much enjoyment and satisfaction in holding consignment auctions.
Her eyes gaze into the distance as she recalls all of the friends, acquaintances, and good business people they had met over the years at the auction house....

Washington Center Elementary raises $5,800 for Riley

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Students at Washington Center Elementary School celebrated their work raising money for Riley Children's Foundation during a pretzel party Wednesday.

At the party Auntie Anne's will present Riley representatives with a check for $5,800, according to a news release from Fort Wayne Community Schools. Washington Center raised more than any other FWCS school....

SA still undecided about assistant AD position

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The South Adams school board once again decided to table a recommendation by Schools’ Superintendent Cathy Egolf to terminate the assistant athletic director position currently held by Herb Resler....

NA board ok's new sports fee

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The North Adams Community Schools' board of education on Tuesday reluctantly approved most — but not all — recommended changes to the high school and middle school handbooks for the 2010-2011 school year....

Adams Central students understand the script in reading challenge

Berne Tri-Weekly news:

There was a lot of “noise and commotion” recently during an Adams Central Middle School auction, but in a permissible way, says Adams Central principal Aaron McClure.
“Anything you can do to promote excitement for reading is an exciting thing,” said McClure. “Good readers make good students.”
The recent vocal hype occurred at an “end of the year” auction geared for successful readers that came through the school year’s Cafe Latte Reading program....

Area Things to See and Do

FORT WAYNE’S GERMANFEST
GERMANFEST—June 6-13, Headwaters Park, a variety of events. Family Fest, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 12. Main Festival tent open 11 a.m. to midnight on Wednesday and Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, admission is $2 until 5 p.m. and $5 after 5 p.m., featuring a variety of entertainment. Kiddie rides from noon to 8 p.m. daily. Face painting and balloon sculpting noon to 9 p.m. daily. Opening concert on Sunday, June 6, 4:30 to 9 p.m. at Park Edelweiss, 3355 Elmhurst Dr., FW. More information at www.Germanfest.org

BRYANT GOODTIMES THEATRE AT BEARCREEK FARMS
Shower of Stars programs at 2 and 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise
SANDI PATTY—Sunday, June 13, 2 & 4:30 p.m., tickets now on sale.
COMMUNITY THEATRE PRODUCTION—”South Pacific,” June 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, & 19, meal and show $25.
FASHBACK WEDNESDAY—Wednesdays of June 9, 16, 23 & 30, meal & show $10 and show only $6.
Schedule of Shower of Stars available at www.bearcreekfarms.com For more information and reservations call 260-997-6822 or check out www.bearcreekfarms.com

Event to honor volunteers who help young Burmese immigrants

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — A literacy fair will take place at Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne to recognize volunteers who help make a difference in young Burmese immigrant children lives and to commemorate Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s 65th birthday.

IPFW said in a news release it will host the sixth annual Aung San Suu Kyi Literacy Fair from 10:30 a.m. to noon June 19 in Neff Hall, Room 101. It is free and open to the public....

Skateboarding club catching on at Shawnee Middle School

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — A nontraditional after-school club at Shawnee Middle School is helping kids balance their grades — and themselves.

Once a week, teacher and librarian Erin Patton-McFarren spends an hour the skateboard club known as Faze 1. Anywhere from six to 10 students participate in the club, and they are glad that they have this opportunity....

Aaron Baker tabbed for administrative post at BMS

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Aaron Baker, who has spent his entire nine-year teaching career at Monmouth Elementary School and has coached several high school sports teams, was approved on Tuesday evening as the new assistant principal at Bellmont High School....

Wheel tax eyed by county

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Should there be a wheel tax in Adams County?
That will be the central question at a special meeting of the Adams County Council on June 29 at 7 p.m. in the cafetorium of Adams Central School at Monroe....

Isch wins Monroe Lions race

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Seventeen year-old Eric Isch, of rural Geneva, emerged from a pack of 112 participants to win the Monroe Lions Club 5K race Saturday in Monroe. Isch finished the five-kilometer race in 17:33, 37 seconds ahead of the race runner-up – Nathan Rupp of rural Berne.
The race field was spared Saturday’s downpours, as rain stopped minutes before the race, but picked up again after the awards ceremony finished. The humid conditions did slow the field a bit.
Denise Conrad, of Decatur, was the top female runner in 20:11, beating Linn Grove’s Maddie Moore by 70 seconds....

South Adams opening bidding on Geneva property, accepts offer

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

South Adams put the process in place toward selling its Geneva property and accepted an offer from the Indiana Department of Transportation on portions of its Berne elementary land during its school board meeting Tuesday evening.
School attorney Jim Beitler advised the board that they could opt for two different methods of shedding the former middle school ground in Geneva, holding a public auction or setting a period of time for bids.
The board decided unanimously to open bidding on the property on June 14 through July 12 with the idea that it would decide whether or not to accept one of the bids during its regularly scheduled meeting on July 13.
“We need to consider South Adams and represent all of South Adams,” Superintendent Cathy Egolf stated regarding the sell of the Geneva ground. “Maintaining that property takes labor and costs, plus it adds to our liability insurance....

Kids can play for free, supervised during Fort Wayne Parks summer program

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation will offer a free summer playground program to children ages five and up.

Kickball, T-ball, bumper pool, Mancala, basketball, arts and crafts and Kohl’s Healthy Kids fitness program are just a few of the fun and exciting activities planned for our summer playground program.

All playground sites are supervised by qualified, trained staff from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Children may come and go as they please. Fort Wayne Community Schools will provide free lunches daily.

Girls Scouts CEO retiring

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Sherri Weidman, CEO of Northern Indiana-Michiana, will retire June 22.

Weidman has been professionally involved in Girl Scouts of the USA efforts for more than 31 years, including 13 years of success as CEO at Girl Scouts of Limberlost Council, headquartered in Fort Wayne.

Weidman was instrumental in guiding the efforts of blending Limberlost Council with three other Girl Scout councils to form Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana, according to a news release from the Limberlost Council. In August 2008, she was hired as CEO of that new council....

Troyer dumps bid for Congress, eyes state rep seat

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE - Phil Troyer is ditching his bid for Congress in hopes of taking over Indiana’s House of Representatives seat for the 83rd District.

Current Rep. Matt Bell, R-Avilla, announced last week he won’t seek reelection after he took a job as the director of the Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana.

Troyer said he is better suited for the House seat during a news conference Tuesday at Allen County Republican headquarters.

“I think I can make a much more immediate impact in the Indiana General Assembly as one of 100 members of the Indiana House, as opposed to being a freshman Congressmen in the hierarchy or Washington, D.C.,” Troyer said....

Advertisement Advertisement Home Local News National News Business Obituaries Entertainment Weather Sudoku Horoscopes Lifestyles Local Sports

Decatur Daily Democrat:

To the casual observer, Alayna McNamara most likely did not stand out among the nearly 200 students to receive sheepskins during graduation ceremonies at Bellmont High School on Sunday....

Soil and Water office relocation said likely

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The Adams County commissioners were told at their meeting Monday that the office of the Adams County Soil and Water Conservation District on South 11th Street in Decatur will likely have to be moved....

Beitler tells graduation crowd that it's time to move on

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

South Adams High School valedictorian Allison Beitler told classmates and those in the audience at the 44th annual graduation on Sunday afternoon that it was nice to be together, but now it's time to move on.
"It's time to move on and enjoy the road where God wants us," said Beitler. "We'll travel different directions; we'll take what we've learned here and take it to the new roads. Sometimes roads are not always straight and smooth.
"Life can have plenty of ups and down, just like roads, and sometimes there are detours," continued Beitler. "All of these things shape our lives. Certain obstacles may slow us down or turn us around at time. It's up to us to correct our paths and press on."...

Area Things to See and Do

FW’s lunch on the square concerts
Every Thursday during June and July Fort Wayne will host Lunch on the Square in downtown Fort Wayne at One Summit Square Courtyard.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a lunch and listen to local bands beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays. For a schedule of entertainment check out www.downtownfortwayne.com.

Indiana Art Fairs
During June the following sites will be hosting art fairs:
THE VILLAGE OF WINONA—June 5-6, hours on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Located near Warsaw at Winona Lake. No admission charge with free parking and entertainment. More information at villageatwinona.com or 574-268-9888.
IN THE GARDEN—Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., DeFries Gardens in River Preserve county Park just south of Goshen in New Paris. Visitors will be able to stroll the gardens as well as view paintings by artists from the Michiana area. Live music and refreshments available. Admission to the event is $2 for adults and free to those 12 and under.
AMISH QUILT GARDENS—From now through Oct. 1, the Amish Quilt Gardens and Murals of Heritage Trail in Elkhart County will be open. Download a map at www.AmishCountry.org/QuiltGardens Brochures also available at the North Point Plaza, just off 80/90 Indiana Toll Road, exit 92 behind Cracker Barrel.

Area Things to See and Do

FORT WAYNE’S GERMANFEST
GERMANFEST—June 6-13, Headwaters Park, a variety of events. Family Fest, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 12. Main Festival tent open 11 a.m. to midnight on Wednesday and Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, admission is $2 until 5 p.m. and $5 after 5 p.m., featuring a variety of entertainment. Kiddie rides from noon to 8 p.m. daily. Face painting and balloon sculpting noon to 9 p.m. daily. Opening concert on Sunday, June 6, 4:30 to 9 p.m. at Park Edelweiss, 3355 Elmhurst Dr., FW. More information at www.Germanfest.org

BRYANT
GOODTIMES THEATRE AT BEARCREEK FARMS
SANDI PATTY—Sunday, June 13, 2 & 4:30 p.m., tickets now on sale.
Schedule of Shower of Stars available at www.bearcreekfarms.com For more information and reservations call 260-997-6822 or check out www.bearcreekfarms.com
FORT WAYNE’S CIVIC THEATRE
Playwright Contest, June 4-13. For more information call 260-422-8641 or check out www.fwcivic.org

FW’S SCIENCE CENTRAL EVENTS
HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE—New views of the universe with this traveling exhibit, through Aug. 29. This exhibit contains images and video taken from the Hubble Space Telescope of planets, galaxies, black holes and many other fascinating cosmic entities. Developed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for all except free to those 3 and under. More information at 260-424-2400 or at www.sciencecentral.org

FORT WAYNE COLISEUM EVENTS
STAR WARS IN CONCERT—Thursday, July 15, narrated by Anthony Daniels (C-3PO in the Star Wars Saga)., Charge by phone to 800-745-3000.
Tickets via Ticketmaster, Coliseum box office 1-800-745-3000.

FW’S EMBASSY THEATRE EVENTS
JAMIE JOHNSON—Friday, June 25, 8 p.m., $32.50.
Ticket information at 260-424-1811 or through Ticketmaster. For groups of 20 or more call 260-420-3344.

Allen County Courthouse work moves forward

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE – Work on two sides of the Allen County Courthouse’s exterior is almost complete.

Crews will move scaffolding to the 108-year-old building’s north side across from the City-County Building and the west side scaffolding will be move to the east side within the next week or so, county officials said in a news release....

Street closings set for Sunday rally

Decatur Daily Democrat:

City officials have listed street closings for Sunday's ABATE motorcycle rally in downtown Decatur.
At approximately noon Sunday, Street/Sanitation Superintendent Jeremy Gilbert said, the following streets will be closed:
Second St., from Monroe St. and Five Points....

Top 3 at AC

Decatur Daily Democrat:

There was a dead heat for valedictorian at Adams Central High School this year as Lauren Harvey and Sarah Sipe vied and tied with grade-point averages of 12 on AC's 12-point scale....

Best friends lift each other to top of Adams Central class

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Adams Central seniors Madison Bailey, Lauren Harvey, and Sarah Sipe have laughed, cried, and shared deepest friendship together during their time in school.
Now, this Sunday, they will share their class’s highest honor hand in hand. Harvey and Sipe have tied for the school’s valedictorian status with perfect 12.0 grade point averages while Bailey will be honored as salutatorian with an 11.90 GPA.
“We have been best friends all through school. We have studied together and always been there for each other. We are all competitive, but we care more about each other,” said Sipe.
The competition between Sipe and Harvey for valedictorian was so close that the final outcome wasn’t determined until late Wednesday....

Animal Care & Control to get 10 percent of IHOP sales during fundraiser June 15-16

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control is asking for community support during fundraisers at IHOP, 1535 West Washington Center Road, June 15-16....(more)

ABATE cyclists return Sunday

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) motorcycle group will be hitting town around noon Sunday as its Mayor's Ride comes to Decatur for the second consecutive year....

Monroeville school targeted

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The superintendent of the East Allen school system has revealed five ideas to tighten the district's budget and, in all five concepts, the elementary school in Monroeville would be closed. In one plan, the Hoagland elementary school also would be closed.
Superintendent Karyle Green also advocates closing the New Haven elementary school, making Harding High School a magnet school....

Auer Foundation donates $190K to area organizations

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — The Edward D. and Ione Auer Foundation, a private charitable foundation, donated $190,000 to 15 local organizations.

Organizations getting funds include:

• AIDS Task Force, support for their Women-At-Risk and African American outreach programs, $5,000
• Allen County Council on Aging, support to provide seniors in-home assistance, $10,000
• Camp Watcha Wanna Do, support for summer camp program for children who have or had cancer or a brain tumor, $5,000
• Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, support to provide practical resources and emotional support for local people with cancer, $10,000
• Fort Wayne Children’s Choir (more...)
  

South Adams seeks more cuts

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The South Adams Schools Board is looking to trim even more money from the general fund budget to help narrow the gap left by a $441,925 reduction in funding....

Group seeks playground equipment

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The MOPS are going to pull out all the stops to bring to Decatur some playground equipment that's tops.
Five mothers and some of their children showed up at Tuesday night's Decatur City Council meeting to unveil plans for a drive to raise more than....

Area residents gather at Geneva Memorial to honor the dead

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

The sun shone brightly on residents gathered by the Geneva War Memorial on Monday to remember the fallen veterans who hailed from the local area.
Earlier rain had moved out of the area and summer heat set in on those standing in shade in reverence of those who had given their lives on behalf of the American dream.
Berne American Legion commander Les Wagner told those present that, “So many of them gave up all the blessings we cherish, trading the green hill for a bunker, the laughter of children for the thunder of gunfire or roadside bomb, the starry night sky for shadows of death....

Northbound I-469 work means lane closures through June

East Allen Times:

NEW HAVEN — Construction on I-469 between U.S. 24 and State Route 37 will restrict traffic to one lane for all of June, Indiana Department of Transportation Fort Wayne District officials said in a news release.

The closures, on northbound I-469 between Exit 21 and Exit 25, is just four miles north of New Haven....

ATV crash proves fatal

Decatur Daily Democrat:

A southern Adams County man was killed Sunday evening near his residence after he left the road while operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and struck a tree in the 10600 south block of C.R. 500E.
According to an Adams County Sheriff's Department report, Spencer J. Haworth, 22, rural Geneva, became pinned between the tree he struck and ....

War dead keep nation alive

Decatur Daily Democrat:

To more fully appreciate the implications of Memorial Day, Col. Jeff Soldner said, the people of the United States ought not just attend ceremonies, but should visit cemeteries, especially military cemeteries....

Starfires fall to Tigers in sectional opener

Berne Tri-Weekly News:


FORT WAYNE – South Adams loaded the bases in both the fifth and sixth innings, but could only punch across a pair of late runs as they fell to Bluffton at Indiana Tech on Thursday night by a 6-3 score in the opening round of the Class 2A Bishop Luers Sectional. The sectional loss ended the season for the Starfires.
Bluffton jumped on South Adams starter Dustin Wanner early, using three straight singles and a fielder’s choice to score a pair of runs in the first inning. Cameron Gerber, Cody Cochran and Tyler Holmes all singled with Holmes’ single, the third straight hit by Bluffton to open the game, scoring Gerber. Centerfielder Ryan McCarthy then hit into a fielder’s choice...

Star Party on at Ouabache State Park on Saturday

Indiana DNR Release:

A star party will be thrown at Ouabache State Park Saturday night, June 5, by the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society.

Participants will view the night sky using the society’s telescopes. Society members will be on hand to answer questions. The park is at 4930 E. State Road 201 in Bluffton.

Normal park admission fees of $5 per in-state vehicle and $7 for out-of-state vehicles will apply. A voluntary donation of $1 to the astronomical society will be appreciated. Parking will be available at the pool.

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.