Adams-Wells Regional News

Friday, April 30, 2010

CANstruction collects more than 124,000 cans of food

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — The 2010 CANstruction event collected 124,404 cans of food weighing 98,658 pounds or the equivalent of 76,000 meals for Community Harvest Food Bank.
At the beginning of April students from 14 area high schools built super-sized sculptures at Glenbrook Square Mall. Mentored by IPFW design students, the high school students designed and constructed giant sculptures made with donated canned goods, Community Harvest officials said in a news release....

Absentee voting ends Monday

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Absentee voting for this year's primary election will end at noon next Monday, according to Adams County Clerk Gayla Reinhart.
To accommodate voters wishing to cast absentee ballots, voting will take place in the hallway outside the clerk's office in the courthouse on Saturday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., the clerk said. Absentee voting on Monday will be from 8 a.m.-noon....

Two major fires fought

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Two rural building fires less than four hours apart destroyed a garage and a barn and kept firefighters from three counties busy late Thursday night and early this morning.
No one was injured in either blaze, but the combined property losses will be quite large....

“Put Christ at the helm” says Habegger in receiving honor

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

“Surprised that they did that,” is local businessman Charlie Habegger’s reaction to the fact that Bethel College recently bestowed on him, “trustee emeritus,” at its Founder’s Society banquet.
The honor means that despite his retirement from the board of trustees, he is still invited to meetings to share his input without voting power....

Thursday, April 29, 2010

We're still here!

East Allen Times:


If you have tried to contact Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly or any of the Times Community Publications recently and have been unable to get through on our phones, we apologize.

We’ve been experiencing a number of problems with our telephone service and technicians are working to correct them....

Mayor, church group return

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Decatur Mayor John Schultz arrived back in City Hall a little past noon on Wednesday, after a week-long trip to Haiti.
The mayor was with a group of six other people from St. Mary of the Assumption Church here who flew to the earthquake-ravaged nation to provide assistance to the people there....

Hake family was settling in

Decatur Daily Democrat:

HARTSELLE — The Hake family was finally beginning to feel settled into life in Hartselle. The children had made friends and were participating in school activities. The parents, Doug and Jennifer Hake, were also beginning to enjoy the sunny South.
“They were making plans like crazy,” said Sydnee Hake, their 16-year-old daughter.
Two weeks ago, Doug Hake bought a motorcycle for the first time since his college years.
Doug, 44, and Jennifer, 43, were apparently enjoying an afternoon ride with friends when their motorcycle collided with a vehicle Sunday on Union Grove Road near Sweet Home Baptist Church, about three miles southeast of Union Grove....

Swiss Cleaners to Refocus on Full Service Laundry; teams with Village Green Cleaners

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Owners Joe Elkins and Tim Hartigan announced recently the Swiss Cleaners business in Berne will refocus on providing full service laundry to the Berne Community, while continuing to offer dry-cleaning service through a new affiliation with Village Green Cleaners in Decatur....

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Bull Rapids, Maumee Center roads close May 3

East Allen Times:

NEW HAVEN — Bull Rapids and Maumee Center roads will close May 3 as part of the Fort to Port project, according to a news release from the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Bull Rapids Road is closed from U.S. 24 to Woodburn Road. A detour route is S.R. 101 and U.S. 24. Bull Rapids Road should reopen in late September....

Suicide victim identified

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Adams County Deputy Coroner Leslie Cook on Tuesday afternoon released the identity of the man who committed suicide by gunshot in a vehicle near the covered bridge in southern Adams County around midday on Monday.
He has been identified as Charles D. Zimmerman, 53, of Albany, Indiana....

NA free summer lunch program returns

Decatur Daily Democrat:

North Adams Community Schools will, for the second consecutive summer, take part in a free summer lunch program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program.
According to Erin Ripley, food service supervisor for the school district, free meals will once again be made available to all children aged 18...

“God is the only steady thing in our life right now,” says Sprunger

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

When Berne’s Brittani Sprunger opted nursing as a career, she never dreamed that some day that choice would be a lifeline to her mother’s health and her family’s spiritual and emotional help.
Sprunger, the daughter of Jay and Patti Sprunger, knew that all was not well when she answered a cell phone call from her mother at 1:19 a.m. on Dec. 4, 2009. Sprunger, at home with her parents, knew immediately what was going on when she heard her mother’s cry for help....

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

May 5 deadline for filling NA seat

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Applications will be accepted until 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5, for people interested in filling a vacancy on the North Adams Community Schools Board of Education.
The opening was created when school board president Gary Giessler last week submitted his resignation, effective May 1, due to a pending...

Couple enjoying cycle ride

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Arrangements are pending at Haggard and Sefton Funeral Home in Decatur for a former city couple killed in a traffic accident in Alabama on Sunday.
The 4:05 p.m. wreck took the lives of Douglas Hake, 44, and Jennifer Hake, 43, who were riding a motorcycle in Marshall County, Alabama....

Geneva Town Council approves financing for 2010 Town Festival

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

After considerable discussion, Geneva town council approved financing for this year’s town festival, which will be held on June 26. The event will include a concert, fireworks, and various other events. Village Clerk-Treasurer Bill Warren noted that total expenses for the event are estimated at $12,368. Of that amount, $2,750 has been donated through special means, and the Geneva Volunteer Fire Department is donating $5,000. The remaining amount, $4,618, will come out of the park equipment fund. Council members raised some concern because the park equipment fund is formed from tax revenue, but Warren said that organizers hoped that money raised from the event would more than cover the amount. ....

Area Things to See and Do

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
WALKING WITH DINOSAURS—April 27-28, Memorial Coliseum, three shows. More info and tickets at 800-745-3000.
ALAN JACKSON, JOSH TURNER & CHRIS YOUNG—Sunday, May 2, 7 p.m., tickets $39.75 to $59.50.
Tickets via Ticketmaster, Coliseum box office 1-800-745-3000.

FW’S EMBASSY THEATRE EVENTS
CRAIG FERGUSON—Wednesday, April 28, 7:30 p.m., tickets $34.50 to $54.50.
AVENUE Q—Monday, May 3, 7:30 p.m., $27 to $52.
POPS ON PIPES—Sunday, May 9, 2 p.m., with Mark Herman.
MOODY BLUES—Sunday, June 27, 7:30 p.m., tickets $43 to $78.
Ticket information at 260-424-1811 or through Ticketmaster. For groups of 20 or more call 260-420-3344.

FORT WAYNE MUSEUM OF ART
WYETH AN AMERICAN LEGACY EXHIBIT—through May 2, featuring work by N.C., Andrew and Jamie.
JAPANESE PRINTS—through May 2.
More information at 260-422-6467 or www.fwmoa.org
VAN WERT’S NISWONGER CENTER
DANIEL RODRIQUEZ—Tuesday, April 27, 7:30 p.m., (the singing policeman).

FORT WAYNE ARENA DINNER THEATRE
DIAL ‘M’ FOR MURDER—April 30, May 1, 7, 8.
FATHER OF THE BRIDE—June 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26.
More information at in at 260-424-5622.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Huntington University music prof to present ‘Classical Praise with Images’

East Allen Times:

HUNTINGTON — Dr. Patricia Spedden, professor of music at Huntington University, will present a piano recital at 7:30 p.m. May 6 in the Zurcher Auditorium of the Merillat Center for the Arts, university officials said in a news release.
This recital titled, “Classical Praise with Images,” was rescheduled from March 23....

Weekend rain totals 3.5 inches

Decatur Daily Democrat:

One of the wettest weekends Decatur has ever seen dumped three and one-half inches of water on the city over a period of little more than 48 hours.
There's good news, though: after today, no more rain is in the Decatur-area forecast through at least Thursday....

Former city couple killed

Decatur Daily Democrat:

A husband and wife who moved earlier this year from rural Decatur to Hartselle, Alabama, were killed in a two-vehicle traffic accident on Sunday in Marshall County, Alabama.
The 4:05 p.m. wreck took the lives of Douglas Hake, 44, and Jennifer Hake, 43, who were aboard a motorcycle....

Area youth creates income to help those in need

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Twelve-year-old Autumn Boots, of rural Berne, has always had a very caring heart for those about her. It’s not unusual for her to stop in an area business and pray with someone with need, if it is identified to her.
Then, as tragedies such as the Haitian earthquake and areas of poverty have been called to her attention, she has become more convinced than ever that she wants to do her part to assist with the needs....

Friday, April 23, 2010

Northwood Middle School's Sims has best persuasive speech at FWCS

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Northwood Middle School student Karris Sims beat out all other students from Fort Wayne Community Schools 11 middle schools to win the Fort Wayne Community Schools 2010 Middle School Persuasive Speech Contest.
Sims' speech, “Do Americans Show Lack of Respect for President Obama,” was the best at her school and beat winners from 10 other middle schools.

Former mayor leaves hospital

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Former Decatur Mayor Fred Isch was released from Adams Memorial Hospital on Wednesday after a stay of several days and is now recovering at his home.
Isch, 77, has been battling pulmonary hypertension. After it was discovered last week that he had blot clots in his lungs, he was immediately placed on blood thinners.

AC teachers offer contract changes

Decatur Daily Democrat:


An eight-point contract-modification proposal offered by Adams Central teachers and unanimously accepted on Thursday by the AC school board will save the district $110,000 to $120,000 in 2010 and 2011 and prevent job cuts....

Promo Beitler passionate about good health and high quality living

Berne Tri-Weekly News

South Adams senior leader Allison Beitler is very passionate about the things that mean the most to her in life - her family, her faith in God, good health, and quality living.
Beitler’s passion for good quality living for others has spilled over to her goal for a life profession; she aspires attending Goshen College to prepare to be a nurse. But her determination and concern for others has already evidenced itself at South Adams High School this year where she has actively filled out her appointment as a student athlete role model for the Substance Abuse Awareness Council (SAAC)....

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Area Things to See and Do

BRYANT

GOODTIMES THEATRE AT BEARCREEK FARMS
Shower of Stars programs begin on Saturday, April 24. 2 and 7:30 p.m. performances unless otherwise note.
MICKEY ROONEY—Saturday, April 24, 2 & 7:30 p.m., $20 to $35, add lunch for $9.50 or dinner for $13.50.
KINGSMEN QUARTET—Friday, April 30.
LEGENDS EXTRAVAGANZA—Saturday, May.
MARTY STUART—Friday, May 7.
BOBBY VINTON—Saturday, May 8.
THE VAN DELLS—Friday, May 14.
JIM BRICKMAN/ANNE COCHRAN—Saturday, May 15.
COMEDIAN JIMMY TRAVIS—Thursday, May 20.
BIG BAND MEMORIES—Saturday, May 22.
LIVE FROM BRANSON WITH DOUG GABRIEL—Thursday, may 27.
SANDY 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
The Civic Theatre’s 2009-1010 season has been announced and includes: Studs Terkel Working, May 7-16; and Playwright Contest, June 4-13. For more information call 260-422-8641 or check out www.fwcivic.org

FW PHILHARMONIC CONCERTS
MASTERWORKS CONCERT—Saturday, April 17, 8 p.m.
POPS CONCERT—Saturday, April 24, 8 p.m., with Manhattan Transfer.
MASTERWORKS CONCERT—Saturday, May 8, 8 p.m.
For more information call 260-456-2224 or visit www.fortwaynephilharmonic.com Tickets at 260-481-0777.

Liquid nitrogen spills

Decatur Daily Democrat:

It wasn't an airplane crash on the state line, but the emergency management exercise conducted last fall which set up that mock disaster for numerous responders from six counties in Indiana and Ohio was a big help in coordinating an actual incident that occurred Wednesday along...

Hospital offers free trips for treatments

Decatur Daily Democrat:

A huge benefit to a group of people who could most use it will be offered at Adams Memorial Hospital (AMH) beginning in May.
Adams Health Network (AHN) Chief Executive Officer Marvin L. Baird told members of the AHN board of trustees Wednesday night that....

Community to show its support for heralded giving person

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

When Pam Werst, and her husband, Mark, go motorcycle riding these days, there is a sense of emptiness that has taken some of the thrill out of their ride. Their very close friends, Jay and Patti Sprunger, who used to ride regularly with them, are missing since Patti suffered an aneurysm last November. “We have Harleys; we used to hang out together all of the time,” said Werst. “She (Patti) is a very close friend of mine. She is a very good friend and a very gentle person. She is such a wonderful person. She’s more like a sister. When she got sick, it really hit our hearts hard....

ISP warns public to be on look out for meth trash

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — The Indiana State Police warn people doing activities outdoors to watch out for trash left behind by those who have manufactured methamphetamine.
The ISP Meth Suppression Section reminds citizens that this trash may contain chemicals that are toxic, flammable, corrosive and acidic. The combination of these chemicals could cause an explosion, fire or burns if they come into direct contact with the skin, the ISP said in a press release.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Senior Luncheon April 28 at South Adams Senior Center

The April Senior Luncheon will be held at the South Adams Senior Center, 825 Hendricks St., Berne on Wednesday, April 28, at noon. The menu will consist of beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, California blend vegetables, dinner roll and butter, assorted pies, lemonade and coffee. Cost is $5 per person. The meal will be catered by Norm's Preble Gardens. Entertainment will be furnished by Margaret "Pill" Sprunger. Door prizes will be given away.
Please call 589-8877 to sign up by Monday, April 26. Anyone age 55 and above are invited to attend.

Traffic switch at State Route 1, Dupont Road starts tomorrow morning

East Allen Times:


FORT WAYNE – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Fort Wayne District will switch traffic on State Route 1/Dupont Road from I-69 to Diebold Road at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday...

Engle acting mayor; Isch recovering

Decatur Daily Democrat:


The City of Decatur has a new mayor today: Barb Engle. Mayor John Schultz scurried out of Tuesday night's city council meeting to catch a plane for Haiti. He is among a group of seven people from St. Mary of the Assumption Church who will spend a week in that earthquake-ravaged city....

Giessler exits NA board

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The North Adams Community Schools' board of education, already set to welcome two new members on July 1, will now have a third fresh face on the five-member panel....

Jay closes Shell Station, Subway will stay

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Due to plans to renovate the intersection of U.S. 27 and Indiana 218, Jay Petroleum, the parent company of the Pak-A-Sak Convenience Stores, and owner of the Berne Shell Station, opted to close the gasoline station on March 24. Jay Petroleum has operated a Shell Station in Berne since 1983, and relocated to the current site in 1994. Ron Freeman, president of Jay Petroleum, sited the Indiana Department of Transportation’s decision to expand the intersection as a major factor in the decision to close the gasoline portion of the business. The Subway Restaurant will remain open....

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Stalking guilty plea halts trial

Decatur Daily Democrat:

A major trial, scheduled for five days and involving three highly-regarded local officials as the victims of crimes, never got started on Monday in Adams Circuit Court since the defendant quickly pleaded guilty to one of the six charges filed against him...

Growing money concerns for county highway

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The fiscal problems in the Adams County Highway Department, stemming from a constantly-diminishing level of state financial support, were discussed at the April meeting of the county council, but no decisions were made....

Students role model successful living

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

The word, "palooza," came up a lot on Thursday as members of the South Adams Substance Abuse Awareness organization challenged students in lower grades to not drink, use drugs, or smoke.
Students were called to the front of the auditorium and given various general knowledge questions, many dealing with drugs and alcohol. Each successful answer brought a shout of, "palooza," from the scoring team.
The purpose of the entire program, which was held at Burkhalter Auditorium, was to create awareness and to make connections with solid role models.

Walk for the Wetlands to raise funds for Little River Wetlands Project

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — The Little River Wetlands Project will host Walk for the Wetlands June 5 in an effort to raise money for the land trust.
The 5K/2K walk will be from 9-11 a.m. Participants will walk the nature trails and view wildflowers, frogs, turtles, birds and other wildlife.
Little River Wetlands Project maintains three restored wetland preserves and protects 1,100 acres of natural land between Fort Wayne and Huntington.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Creative Arts Council Programs

Visit the Creative Arts Council’s Balentine Gallery at the Arts, Commerce & Visitors Centre, 211 West Water Street, Bluffton, Indiana 46714. (260)-824-5222 or wellscocreativearts.com Find event & membership information, view exhibits, purchase tickets, take classes, or volunteer.
HOURS—Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Monday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon and by arrangement with the CAC office.

IN THE BALENTINE GALLERY
STUDENT ART—Wells County student artwork April 18-May 21 sponsored by Bluffton Tri Kappa.
Calls for entries:
Works due May 28 for “The Garden” florals, landscapes, critters may be entered
2010 Focus on Photos award exhibit sponsored by Ossian State Bank
CAC SCHOOL OF BALLET
“Cinderella” performance Sunday, May 2 at Life Center Auditorium at 3:30 PM

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Bright & Breezy Bebop for toddlers on Mondays in April from 10-10:45 with Cindy Lemmen. $35 for youngster and adult together

EVENTS
BENEFIT AUCTION—Friday, April 23, dinner and auction, $30 per guest with reservations due by April 16.
POETRY JAM—Monday, April 26, 7 p.m., mic poetry jam, public welcome.
ROAD TRIP—Saturday, June 5, “Vintage Indiana,” food, wine and entertainment fest at Military Park in downtown Indy, $60 for transportation and admission to event. Reservations needed.

Ongoing Activities:
CAC board of directors—Carolyn Coleman presiding, Mon. April 19, at 5:15 fundraiser initiative
PHOTOGRAPHERS FORUM—will meet in May. Beginners welcome. Open to the public. Free of charge.
READERS CIRCLE—Thursday, May 11, topic to be announced. Brown bag lunch meetings at noon to 1:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday each month at CAC.
CULINARY ARTISTS—Thursday, May 6, noon, tour of Simpler Times Bakery, reservation to CAC by May 4. Nancy Hewitt hosting.
ARTISTS IN ACTION— Fridays at 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., work space by arrangement with CAC office

Brand Innovation Group wins six regional advertising awards

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE – Brand Innovation Group (Big) won six silver Addy awards in the District 6 Addy competition.
Big received these awards for work completed for these clients: Huntington University, The Red Barn Market, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries, The Coalition for a Better Fort Wayne, and Stock, Lock & Barrel. Projects included a recruiting brochure, poster campaign, identity, calendar and direct mail campaign, the company said in a news release.

Jobless rate in slight dip...again

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Adams County's unemployment rate March fell for the fourth consecutive month during March, according to figures released Friday by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The new report shows the county's jobless rate stood at 11.2 percent last month, down from 11.6 in February and 11.8 in January...

Mayor in group going to Haiti

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Serving as "scouts" for what could be future assistance trips from Decatur to the Caribbean nation of Haiti are seven people from St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, led by its pastor, Father David Voors, and the city's mayor, John Schultz....

Local couple’s hearts broken by “grandparent scam”

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

It was the day of the NCAA championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. While most of Indiana was anticipating Butler University’s participation in the game, Berne couple Grace and Loren Moser were enjoying the early spring weather.
That all changed about noon when they received an alarming phone call from their “grandson,” who was supposedly in Indianapolis and in deep trouble.
The voice on the other end, commented Grace, identified himself as her grandson, who she thought was at home in Iowa. He told her that he was in a wreck, hit a car from England, and needed $2,000 immediately to pay a lawyer and get out of trouble....

Friday, April 16, 2010

Crawford donates $27,000 to Boundless Playground

East Allen Times:

Radiation oncologist and former City Councilman Dr. John Crawford announced a $27,000 gift to Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll for the state’s first Boundless Playground Project. Dr. Crawford’s donation will take the total raised to over $1.1 million, with $200,000 still needed to construct this inclusive play area planned for Kreager Park. Dr. Crawford was inspired by Taylor Reuille’s vision to build a playground where all kids could play together. Boundless playgrounds allow children with physical, developmental, cognitive and sensory disabilities to play too....

Thatcher pleads guilty to murder

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Decatur resident Jonathan Thatcher, 19, pleaded guilty this week in Wells Circuit Court at Bluffton to a charge of murder.
A day later, another Decatur resident, Cody A. Mendez, 18, was given 20 years in prison for his involvement in the same crime.
Thatcher admitted being the shooter who took the life of Justin Sprow, 19, of Uniondale on a rural Wells County road last October....

Bergman named to NA board

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Debra A. Bergman is the latest new member of the North Adams Board of Education.
She was chosen Thursday night in a 2-1 vote of the three northern township trustees, following interviews of five people who had applied for the position....

Starfires rally for home opening win

Berne Tri-Weekly:

Three shutout innings of relief from Caleb Sprunger and a big three-run home run by Dustin Wanner helped South Adams overcome a five-run deficit and stage an 8-6 comeback victory over Winchester Tuesday night at Harry F. Anderson Field....

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Area Things to See and Do

FORT WAYNE MUSEUM OF ART
DANIEL QUINN—Saturday, April 17, 3 p.m., $15 adults and $10 students & museum members.
WYETH AN AMERICAN LEGACY EXHIBIT—through May 2, featuring work by N.C., Andrew and Jamie.
JAPANESE PRINTS—through May 2.
More information at 260-422-6467 or www.fwmoa.org

VAN WERT’S NISWONGER CENTER
DANIEL RODRIQUEZ —Tuesday, April 27, 7:30 p.m., (the singing policeman). 260-484-1029.

Fort Wayne Arborists to give away trees

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — The Fort Wayne Arborist Association will once again give away sapling trees to Allen county residents on April 30 in honor of Arbor Day.
Canaan fir, Concolor fir, Serviceberry, Chinkapin oak and Sweetgum are the varieties that folks can choose from — with a three-tree limit per household.

North Adams shifts Rainy Day funds

Decatur Daily Democrat:

In addition to closing Monmouth Elementary School and reconfiguring grades Tuesday night, the North Adams Schools Board approved a resolution that will appropriate an additional $1.27 million from the rainy day fund to the district's annual operating budget....

Bennett urges 'fierce urgency'

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Speaking about the "fierce urgency" for competitive educational reform, Indiana's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Bennett, delivered a no-holds-barred talk at Wednesday night's Lincoln Day dinner, presented by the Adams County Republican....

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Police car computers discussed

Decatur Daily Democrat:

First, there was e-mail.
Now, there are e-tickets: traffic tickets written by computers in police patrol cars....

Monmouth closing set

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Monmouth Elementary School will officially close at the end of this school year. The North Adams Schools Board approved a motion to close the school by a 4-1 vote during its meeting Tuesday night....

Zoo opens April 24

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — New animals, zoo babies, and the African Journey will take center stage when the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo opens for its 46th season April 24.
The zoo is open April 24—October 10, 2010. Admission is $13 for adults; $10 for seniors age 60-plus and $8 for children ages 2-14. Babies age 1 and under and Zoo Society Members are admitted free.

South Adams gives nod to appraisal of Geneva property

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

The South Adams Board of Education gave its nod to building maintenance supervisor Dave Vorhees to begin the process of seeking appraisal of the Geneva property, now that demolition is fully completed.
Board members have commissioned Vorhees to secure appraisers and, if possible, bring appraisals to the next regularly scheduled school board meeting....

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Area Things to See and Do

FORT WAYNE
FLM FESTIVAL AT U. OF ST. FRANCIS
TThe Living Healthier Film Festival will be held at the University of Saint Francis on Friday, April 16, beginning at 7 a.m. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dr. Eudy Kachmann will be in the lobby of the Nrth Campus Auditorium to sign his books. For more information call 260-399-7700 ext. 8501 or 8545.
BRYANT
GOODTIMES THEATRE AT BEARCREEK FARMS
Shower of Stars programs begin on Saturday, April 24.
MICKEY ROONEY—Saturday, April 24, 2 & 7:30 p.m., $20 to $35, add lunch for $9.50 or dinner for $13.50.
SANDY 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
The Civic Theatre’s 2009-1010 season has been announced and includes: The Road to Mecca, April 2-18; Studs Terkel Working, May 7-16; and Playwright Contest, June 4-13. For more information call 260-422-8641 or check out www.fwcivic.org

FW PHILHARMONIC CONCERTS
MASTERWORKS CONCERT—Saturday, April 17, 8 p.m.
POPS CONCERT—Saturday, April 24, 8 p.m., with Manhattan Transfer.
MASTERWORKS CONCERT—Saturday, may 8, 8 p.m.
For more information call 260-456-2224 or visit www.fortwaynephilharmonic.com Tickets at 260-481-0777.

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
ROCK & WORSHIP ROADSHOW—Friday, April 23, 7:30 p.m., $10 at the door.
ALAN JACKSON, JOSH TURNER & CHRIS YOUNG—Sunday, May 2, 7 p.m.
Tickets via Ticketmaster, Coliseum box office 1-800-745-3000.

FW’S EMBASSY THEATRE EVENTS
CRAIG FERGUSON—Wednesday, April 28, 7:30 p.m., tickets $34.50 to $54.50.
AVENUE Q—Monday, May 3, 7:30 p.m., $27 to $52.
POPS ON PIPES—Sunday, May 9, 2 p.m., with Mark Herman.
MOODY BLUES—Sunday, June 27, 7:30 p.m., tickets $43 to $78.
Ticket information at 260-424-1811 or through Ticketmaster. For groups of 20 or more call 260-420-3344.

USF going smoke free Aug. 1

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — The University of Saint Francis will join more than 300 college campuses across the country when it goes tobacco free Aug. 1.
All campus buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, parking lots, walkways, and grounds will be included in the policy, university officials said in a news release....

Sirk lists many positives

Decatur Daily Democrat:

In his third State of the Schools address, North Adams Community Schools Superintendent Wylie Sirk listed many positives — from a high school graduation rate grown by more than 13 percent in four years to five progressive programs in elementary school...

Clock tower work begins

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Construction began Monday on the long-awaited Berne clock tower and adjoining Muensterberg plaza when workers from Coreslab Structures delivered six of approximately 25 large pre-cast panels that will make up the base of the tower.
Pre-cast panels and structural steel will be erected over the next four weeks, said Mike Schwartz, owner of Limberlost Construction...

Monday, April 12, 2010

Register online for Fort Wayne's spring cleanup

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — More than 2,500 have signed up to help beautify the city during Fort Wayne's annual spring cleaning May 15 and others are urged to register for the effort online.

Volunteers across the city will work help to teams pick up litter and debris from parks, neighborhoods, trails, roadways and riverbanks. The registration period now extends through April 21 and is available at www.cityoffortwayne.org/greatamericancleanup or by calling 427-1345 during business hours....

Fire damages city home

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Decatur firefighters made two runs last weekend, including one for a major house fire. A fire that broke out Sunday evening caused considerable damage to a second-floor bedroom at the Tom and Gay Peterson home, 1845 W. Monroe St.
The Petersons escaped without injury.....

Writing book helped MacDonald

Decatur Daily Democrat:

What should you do if you get depressed?
In Sean MacDonald's case, writing a book was part of the answer....

Friday, April 9, 2010

Fundraiser for boundless playground Tuesday at Jeffereson Pointe Chick-fil-A

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — The Jefferson Pointe Chick-fil-A will donate 15 percent of food purchases to Taylor’s Dream for a Boundless Playground for all children, regardless of their abilities from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday.
This fundraiser will help pay for the final $300,000 needed to complete this $1.3 million project, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation officials said in a news release....

Eidam not seeking new term

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The North Adams Schools Board of Education got one new member earlier this week and a second new member will be named next week.
The trustees of the three northern townships in the NA district will meet next Thursday to interview five candidates seeking a...

City's only woman officer forced to retire

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The only woman to be a fulltime officer on the Decatur Police Department, Michelle Affolder, has been forced to retire for medical reasons.
Affolder spent more than 17 years as a patrol officer with the department, from January 1, 1993, to March 27 this year....

“Watch those prescription drugs,” says detective Beer

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Following last week’s successful drug bust, detective Eric Beer emphasized that there was good news and bad news as a result of the arrests.
The best news was that all 18 alleged violators were brought to the Adams County Jail and arrested. The bad news is that a shocking amount of drugs that were purchased involved prescription drugs that had been all too easily secured....

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Eguia to be retried

Decatur Daily Democrat:

"We're going to do it again."
So saying, Adams Circuit Court Judge Fred A. Schurger granted on Tuesday a motion by Adams County Prosecutor Chris Harvey to...

Motorcycle rally to return

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Theyyyyrrreee baaaccckkk. Or will be, come Sunday, June 6.
The folks who brought that huge motorcycle rally to Decatur last June are planning another trip here this year....

Monmouth Elementary School in Decatur may close

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Using a special school board meeting to allow the public a chance to vent their feelings on budget cuts needed to meet an $850,000 shortfall in funding, North Adams School Board President Gary Geissler said that he would favor closing the Monmouth Elementary School, a move that would save the school district around $500,000 per year...

Animal Care offers dog first aid

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control will host a Dog First Aid class from 12-4 p.m. May 2 at Animal Care & Control, 3020 Hillegas Road.
The $55 class fee includes instruction from a registered veterinary technician, classroom materials, dog First Aid manual and DVD to build skills and provide guidance in emergency situations until veterinary care is available....

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Area Things to See and Do

FORT WAYNE
JAZZ & GUITAR ENSEMBLES AT T. FRANCIS
The Jazz Ensembles and Guitar Ensembles of the University of Saint Francis will perform a spring concert on Friday, April 9, at 7 p.m. at the North Campus Auditorium, 2702 Spring St. The concert is free and open to the public.

BRYANT
GOODTIMES THEATRE AT BEARCREEK FARMS
Shower of Stars programs begin on Saturday, April 24.
MICKEY ROONEY—Saturday, April 24, 2 & 7:30 p.m., $20 to $35, add lunch for $9.50 or dinner for $13.50.
SANDY 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
The Civic Theatre’s 2009-1010 season has been announced and includes: The Road to Mecca, April 2-18; Studs Terkel Working, May 7-16; and Playwright Contest, June 4-13. For more information call 260-422-8641 or check out www.fwcivic.org

FW PHILHARMONIC CONCERTS
MASTERWORKS CONCERT—Saturday, April 17, 8 p.m.
POPS CONCERT—Saturday, April 24, 8 p.m., with Manhattan Transfer.
MASTERWORKS CONCERT—Saturday, may 8, 8 p.m.
For more information call 260-456-2224 or visit www.fortwaynephilharmonic.com Tickets at 260-481-0777.

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
CARRIE UNDERWOOD—Monday, April 12, also Craig Morgan and Sons of Sylvia.
ROCK & WORSHIP ROADSHOW—Friday, April 23, 7:30 p.m., $10 at the door.
Tickets via Ticketmaster, Coliseum box office 1-800-745-3000.

FW’S EMBASSY THEATRE EVENTS
DISNEY’S ‘BEAUTY & HE BEST’—Monday and Tuesday, April 5 & 6, 7:30 p.m., $29 to $60.
COUNTRY’S FAMILY REUNION—Saturday, April 10, 7 p.m., $42.75. Includes Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely, Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius and James Gregory.
CRAIG FERGUSON—Wednesday, April 28, 7:30 p.m., tickets $34.50 to $54.50.
AVENUE Q—Monday, May 3, 7:30 p.m., $27 to $52.
POPS ON PIPES—Sunday, May 9, 2 p.m., with Mark Herman.
MOODY BLUES—Sunday, June 27, 7:30 p.m., tickets $43 to $78.
Ticket information at 260-424-1811 or through Ticketmaster. For groups of 20 or more call 260-420-3344.

FORT WAYNE MUSEUM OF ART
DANIEL QUINN—Saturday, April 17, 3 p.m., $15 adults and $10 students & museum members.
WYETH AN AMERICAN LEGACY EXHIBIT—through May 2, featuring work by N.C., Andrew and Jamie.
JAPANESE PRINTS—through May 2.
More information at 260-422-6467 or www.fwmoa.org

VAN WERT’S NISWONGER CENTER
DANIEL RODRIQUEZ—Tuesday, April 27, 7:30 p.m., (the singing policeman).
1ST ASSEMBLY OF GOD PROGRAMS
ROCK & WORSHIP ROAD SHOW—Friday April 23, 7:30 p.m., Memorial Coliseum. Groups include MercyMe, Family Force 5, David Crowder Band, Francesca Battistelli and Fee. Ticket information at 260-484-1029.

FORT WAYNE ARENA DINNER THEATRE
DIAL ‘M’ FOR MURDER—April 23, 24, 30, May 1, 7, 8.
FATHER OF THE BRIDE—June 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26.
More inform at in at 260-424-5622.

FW’S 1ST PRESBYTERIAN THEATER
HARVEY—April 15-May 1.
INTIMATE APPAREL—June 3-19.
More information at 260-422-6329 or www.first.presfw.org

FORT WAYNE YOUTH THEATRE
PRINCESS & THE PEA—April 24 & 25.
More information at 260-422-6900.

WABASH
HONEYWELL CENTER
TAP KIDS—Sunday, April 18, 3 p.m.
CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES—Thursday, April 22, 3 & 7 p.m.
WYNONNA—Sunday, may 2, 7:30 p.m.
GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS—Sunday, May 16, 3 and 7 p.m., tickets $14 to $20 with $4 discounts for kids through high school. (Note this show often sells out at venues.)
VINCE GILL—Sunday, June 6, 7:30 p.m.
Information at 260-563-1102 or at www.honeywellcenter.org

Bird hike and banding program April 17

Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site a Wildflower Woods Bird Hike and Bird Banding program Saturday, April 17 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Participants are encouraged to enjoy an afternoon of up-close encounters with the birds of Northern Indiana.
Seasoned birdwatchers and beginners will join local birding experts on this hike through Wildflower Woods as they search for a variety of birds on Gene Stratton-Porter’s property, once suggested as a bird sanctuary. John Schaust, Chief Naturalist for Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc., will demonstrate bird banding, a method of tracking bird migration patterns.
Visitors can expect to see cardinals, downy woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatches, pileated woodpeckers, chickadees, brown creepers and more! Please bring your own binoculars. The event is $3 per person and open to the community

Youth engagement council application deadline extended to April 16

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE – Area youth interested in being a part of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry's Youth Engagement Council have until April 16, as the deadline has been extended.
Applications must be faxed or postmarked by that date, city officials said in a news release.
The application — which requires student information, short answers to informational questions, two adult references and parent or guardian permission – is available here....

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Ramsey now leads BCS

Decatur Daily Democrat:


The man who has served as executive director of Bi-County Services (BCs) for 16 years, John Whicker of Bluffton, has retired.
The new leader of BCS is Tim Ramsey, 54, of rural Decatur, who took over on Monday after 25 years with Fleetwood Enterprises and its successor, Fleetwood RV, in Decatur. Ramsey, a native of Fort Wayne, concluded his Fleetwood career as its national warranty...

TinCaps fans can meet players after Wednesday practice

East Allen Times:


FORT WAYNE — Fans can get a glimpse of the 2010 Fort Wayne TinCaps at the “Meet the Team” event Wednesday at Parkview Field.

A public workout begins at approximately 5 p.m., with an autograph session to follow. Admission is free.

Monday, April 5, 2010

NA kindergarten roundup set

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The annual kindergarten roundup for North Adams Community Schools will take place on Thursday, April 22, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Northwest Elementary School, 1109 Dayton Ave.
Children who will be five years old on or before August 1 this year may be enrolled for the 2010-11 kindergarten, school officials said....

'Miracle match' keeps Kriders together

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Terry and Peggy Krider of Decatur have a one-in-a-million marriage.
After 44 years together, with two sons and three grandchildren, Peggy became a successful kidney donor to Terry on February 26...

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Monroe No. 2 in census returns

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Count on it: Two of Adams County’s four organized communities are in the top 10 in Indiana among early respondents to the 2010 national census?
According to a March 29 report from state officials, Monroe ranks No. 2 and Berne is No. 9 among all cities and towns in the state....

18 arrested in drug bust

Decatur Daily Democrat:


Area police agencies were busy Wednesday arresting all 18 people targeted in an anti-drug campaign known as "Operation Spring Clean" that involved some 40 members of police agencies from Decatur, Berne, Geneva, Bluffton, the Adams and Wells County Sheriff's Department, and the Indiana State Police....