Ohio DNR and Mercer officials fishing for answer to Grand Lake problems

The Berne Tri-Weekly News:

The amount of funding available to dredge the stricken Grand Lake St. Marys was tripled on Friday, thanks to an amendment tacked on to the state's transportation budget by Ohio State Senator Keith Faber, a Republican from Celina. The amendment, which was approved by the state senate, provides an additional $750,000 to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the dredging and related disposal.

"Grand Lake St. Marys is a tremendous asset to our region, and it is crucial that we take corrective steps now to help avoid the algae blooms and toxin outbreaks that inhibited peoples' ability to enjoy the lake for much of last year," Faber said in a statement accompanying his recommendation.

Limberlost visitor center groundbreak this summer

The Decatur Daily Democrat:

An almost $800,000 project to build a visitor center at the Limberlost State Historic Site in Geneva has been fully financed, thanks to the Indiana State Museum, which put up most of the money, and local donors, who raised $200,000.

"We have reached the goal. It is a tremendous accomplishment, especially considering the size of the community we have," the site's director, Randy Lehman told the Berne Tri-Weekly News, noting Geneva's population of approximately 1,200 people.

Lehman said the $795,000 project will be bid soon, with groundbreaking in the summer and completion by late winter or early spring of 2012. Construction will be overseen by the state museum and the state Department of Natural Resources, which has operated the site for many years.

Felony filed in alleged lottery theft

Hartford City News Times:

Forty-four dollars worth of lottery tickets allegedly being stolen from a local convenience store has ended with a Blackford County resident being charged with a Class D felony.

Johnson-Juillerat face-off for Andrews C-T set for this fall

Huntington County Tab:

Democrat incumbent William "Bill" Johnson and former Clerk-Treasurer and former Huntington County Auditor Kathy Juillerat (R) will go head-to-head in the Andrews clerk-treasurer race this fall.

Because each of the two candidates is from a different party, voters will not have to make a decision between the two in the May 3 primary election. The choice will come in the general election in November.

Chamber Program to Aid Local Businesses

The Decatur Daily Democrat:

The Decatur Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Mind's Eye Graphics of Decatur and Armanda Designs, has announced that it will present a series of events called First Tuesday to help local businesses make the most out of their assets.

The initial First Tuesday event will be held on April 5 at 8 a.m. in Mind's Eye Graphics, 1019 Commerce Dr., at the far western end of an addition to Industrial Park.

Officials said space is limited to 15 people.

County commissioners hear about upgrades to courthouse security on Monday, March 21

Huntington County Tab:

Upgrades to the security of the Huntington County Courthouse were on the table again during the Huntington County Commissioners' meeting on Monday, March 21.

Sheriff Terry Stoffel, who is leading research into improved courthouse security, discussed recommendations made by the U.S. Marshals' Office to beef up protection for county employees. Stoffel's next step is to form a committee of public officials and law enforcement members to devise a plan for the upgrades.

"There's a lot of things that need to be done that won't cost money, and there's some things that will cost money," Stoffel said.

County must replace stop signs by ’12

Decatur Daily Democrat:

By the end of this year, Adams County must replace all its "stop" signs on rural roads with signs that are more reflective, according to county Highway Superintendent Mark Mitchel.

He told the county commissioners on Monday that he is working with the Butler, Fairman, and Seufert engineering and consulting firm in Indianapolis to seek a $50,000 grant to buy and erect the new "stop" signs.

Baker wins state title on beam, medals in two other events at gymnastics finals

Huntington County Tab:

Huntington North High School's Jessica Baker won a state title and received medals in two other events as well at the 39th annual IHSAA Gymnastics State Finals on Saturday, March 19, at Ball State University.

Baker, a junior, scored a 9.625 to win the balance beam over 47 other competitors, and she added to that triumph by receiving a medal for placing third on the uneven bars and sixth in the all-around.

Top six finishers in each event got the all-state hardware.

Huntington North sophomore Stephanie Freeman, also competing, had her best finish on the bars, tying for 13th place with a score of 9.200.

Baker beat her closest competitor on beam, Abaigale Light, of LaPorte, by more than one point as Light scored a 9.450 for runner-up honors.

Parkview Foundation grant to fund sleep center

Huntington County Tab:

A grant of more than $93,000 from the Parkview Huntington Foundation will fund a new Sleep Center at Parkview Huntington Hospital.

The two-bed Sleep Center, which will be fully accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, will be located in the John B. Kay Medical Office Building on the Parkview Huntington Hospital campus.

Dr. Srinivasan Devanathan, of Parkview Sleep Medicine, a member of Parkview Physicians' Group, is a pulmonologist credentialed in sleep studies. Devanathan will diagnose and treat patients with sleep disorders on an outpatient basis. He will see patients twice a month, with full-day schedules for consultations and follow-up.....

Republicans can choose from among seven for mayor nominee; Democrats have lone candidate

Huntington County Tab:

Huntington Republicans will choose their mayoral nominee from a field that includes a current mayor, a former mayor, three current or former city council members, a law enforcement officer and a political newcomer.

That's seven candidates, if you're counting.

Democrats, on the other hand, have just one mayoral candidate - a local businessman - on their primary ballot.

The city's mayor is elected for a four-year term, and there is no limit to the number of terms a mayor can serve. The mayor serves as the city's executive officer, setting a course for the city and implementing the decisions of the city council....

Still time to create, promote ideas for city funds

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE - The city is reminding the public that there are still opportunities to voice opinions in the use of millions of dollars in Fort Wayne's future.

Mayor Tom Henry started Legacy Fort Wayne as an initiative to steer decisions about Fort Wayne Community Trust and city light lease settlement funds.

Meetups

For those who want to take part in a Legacy Fort Wayne discussion face-to-face, Meetups are now on the calendar: (click for more)

Jauregui ready for IU track

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Former Bellmont state runner-up Travis Jauregui is preparing for his first spring high jump season with the Indiana University Men's Track Team.
Jauregui completed indoor competitions recently. Travis cleared over 6'9" last June to earn second place in the state boys high jump competition at the Indiana track and field complex.
"I'm learning a whole new technique," noted Jauregui.
"It hurts my performance now, but when I get it down I expect to see improvement," noted Jauregui....

Fathers, sons are state royalty

Decatur Daily Democrat:

At last week's Bellmont wrestling banquet, 23-year head coach Brent Faurote noted that senior John Mahlan and junior Brooks Faurote became the first two Bellmont wrestlers to follow their fathers to state this past season.
John qualified for the IHSAA State Wrestling finals at 160 pounds and finished his career at 79-32. His dad, Chris (upper left) was a three-time state placer, winning the 185-pound title in 1979. He was a state runner-up in 1978 and placed third at 177 pounds in 1977. He went 112-10 in his career....

Bogus food inspectors said working this area

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The Adams County Health Department (ACHD) issued an alert today over alleged scam artists posing as Indiana State Department of Health food inspectors in area restaurants.
ACHD Sanitarian Terry Smith said this morning that he has been notified these imposters have been active in at least two area counties.
Primarily, the impersonators have been preying on Oriental and perhaps Hispanic establishments, Smith said. The individuals will cite establishments for bogus violations, fine the establishments and then demand payment of fines before they will leave.....

Two collector books slated for the 175th

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Members of the 175th Anniversary Committee in Decatur have announced that website has been created and two collector books will be printed.
The website is www.decatur175.com and features a schedule of events, a short history of the city, a page on which to shop for 175th anniversary souvenirs, and a "contact us" page so people can say what they think and add ideas to better the celebration.
The committee said the site will be continually updated.
The committee also has a FaceBook page that is updated often: "Decatur 175."....

Corrections program growth seen

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Adams County's Community Corrections program is destined for growth so Councilman Matt Dyer said at this week's city council meeting that city department heads and others should come up with projects for those in the program to handle.
Criminal offenders who enter the Community Corrections program are assigned to perform community service at various sheriff’s departments, parks, city or county properties or non-profit agencies. They receive earned credit time but no pay.
The local Community Corrections board, of which Dyer is a member, recently approved the purchase of a large van, which program Director Ian Gilbert said is now being sought. It will be used to transport program participants to various work sites......

Two Jets, one Starfire named first team All-ACAC

Berne Tri Weekly News:

Adams Central’s Maverick Baumer and Dalton Combs were both named first team All-Allen County Athletic Conference in boys’ basketball the conference announced late last week. The two helped Adams Central to a 5-2 finish in the ACAC this past season.
South Adams’ Dustin Wanner was also selected to the ACAC first team. Others named to the first team were: Tanner Prible of Southern Wells; Ryan Bollier, Luke Pepple and Andrew Suciu of Leo; Wil Knapke and Mitch Castleman of Heritage; Brandon Porter of Garrett; Clint Romines of Woodlan; and Keith Cochran, Cameron Gerber and Chandler Okey of Bluffton.....

Nevil laid to rest from labor of love for Geneva and Indiana

Berne Tri Weekly News:

The words of Vince Gill singing, "Go rest high upon that mountain," lifted over a holy hush in the Geneva Volunteer Fire Department on Sunday afternoon as an overflow crowd paraded in front of the casket of favorite son and friend, Ivan Nevil, following a very meaningful tribute memorial service on Sunday afternoon.
No one knew what to say, but all felt the same pain of loss and loneliness, a sense of being more vulnerable because their protector who had all the answers of safety and care had passed suddenly last week after a short bout with leukemia.....

Meet the mayor in one-on-one 'Night In'

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry will have a final Mayor’s Night In on March 28 at the City-County Building later this month. In April, his office will move to a new location at Citizens Square.

Fort Wayne residents can schedule a sit-down meeting with Henry and his staff as a means to discuss ideas, concerns or just get to know the mayor. Since taking office in 2008, Henry has held quarterly open houses.

“Hosting my final Mayor’s Night In (at the City-County Building) will be bittersweet. This space has served many administrations very well. I am committed to continuing this popular program when we move to our new location at Citizens Square,” Henry said.....

Night club disturbance leads to double shooting

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE - A man is in serious condition Friday after a shooting incident at Pierre's Entertainment Center on St. Joe Road.

Just after 2:30 a.m., the Fort Wayne Police Department responded to a possible shooting inside a night club in Pierre’s Entertainment Center. According to FWPD spokesperson Raquel Foster, witnesses said there was a disturbance inside the club followed by gunfire. Then, the crowd scattered.

Outside the building, police found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm, but was determined to be in fair condition at the scene. A second male victim was found inside in serious condition with a gunshot wound to the torso area. Both men were transported to a local hospital.....

Oak Lanes Bowling Results -- Winter Leagues

Huntington County Tab:

Oak Lanes Bowilng Scores Week of March 7

Friday, March 18, 2011 10:04 AM

Monday Early Bird
Men's High Game: Bill Kusler, 199; Bill Reed, 197; Gerald Black, 192.
Men's High Series: Bill Kusler, 535; Bill Reed, 514; Dick Wymer, 498.
Women's High Game: Sharon Wymer, 148; Rosalyn Hughes, 115.
Women's High Series: Sharon Wymer, 390; Rosalyn Hughes, 303.
Top Teams: The Bs, 33-19; Old Guys, 33-19; Two Gs, 27-25.

(click here for more)

School board rejects plan to sell bonds

Huntington County Tab:

The Huntington County Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees rejected plans to sell bonds to fund school maintenance projects on Monday evening, March 14, by a 4-3 vote.

The $2 million Qualified Schools Construction Bond would have paid for a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system at Horace Mann Elementary School, renovations in the Huntington North High School cafeteria and upgrades to the corporation's technology.

The Horace Mann HVAC system's estimated cost was about $350,000 and would have replaced the current aging system. The cafeteria renovations at HNHS were estimated at about $300,000 and would have added more lines to the cafeteria for more student food selections, a project Superintendent Tracey Shafer said was a marketing effort in order to sell a better product to the students.....

Risch reports "quality" tracksters this season

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Bellmont track coach Carl Risch reports that only 27 are out for girls track, but he's still smiling.
"We have some real quality this year," said Risch, noting the return of sophomore sprinter Alexis Harvey, 800 runner Jessica Brewer, who went to state two years ago, and some promising freshmen.
"The numbers are down a little, but we definitely are going to score some points," said Risch.
Frosh sisters Holly and Bailey Hankenson, who played on Bellmont's state championship volleyball squad, are running track. Risch hopes to use them in the 1600 relay.....

BMS Braves cop mat crown

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Bellmont won the recent Northeast Hoosier Middle School Conference Wrestling Tournament, piling up 16 placements and 332.5 points to beat Indian Springs by 20 points.
Taking titles for Bellmont were: Jordan Amacker at 95 pounds, Brett Baker at 155, and heavyweight Jacob Wooster.
TEAM SCORES: 1. Bellmont 332.5; 2. Indian Springs 312.5; 3. E. Noble 285.5; 4. Carroll 259; 5. Maple Creek 193.5; 6. DeKalb 175; 6. Summit 175; 8. New haven 154; 9. Woodside 149.5; 10. Norwell 101.75-1. Jack Franklin (WO), d. Mason Mendez (Be) 7-0; 3. Wes Goodman (IS), p. Bailey Payton (NH) 1:51.....

AC teacher pact changes OKed

Decatur Daily Democrat:

A unanimous vote of the Adams Central School Board on Thursday followed a strong vote by AC's teaching staff as a contract was ratified to make several changes in provisions that will remain in effect until August of 2013.
However, according to AC Superintendent Mike Pettibone, the school board and the Adams Central Classroom Teachers' Association (ACCTA) will renegotiate salary and health benefit issues this summer.
A fact sheet from school officials lists the following provisions in the contract:
• Salary stays comparable with the scale during the 2008-09 school until until the summertime renegotiation.
• Current health insurance contributions from the school corporation are $4,080 toward a single-person plan and $10,313 toward a family plan.....

Hunger foes gearing up to start packing

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The annual Kids Against Hunger campaign will be boosted again this year by people working in Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School north of Decatur.
An announcement said the event on Saturday, April 16, will have two shifts to pack more than 40,000 meals, two-thirds of which will go to needy people in Adams, Wells, and Allen counties. The other third will go to other countries.
The meals include rice, soy, vitamins, minerals, and dehydrated vegetables. An announcement from organizers of the event said the food mixture is easy and safe to transport, simple to make with only boiling water, and culturally acceptable worldwide."....

Random drug testing becoming a reality at South Adams

Berne Tri Weekly News:

Eleven parents, teachers, and school administrators that make up part of the Random Drug Testing Committee met on Wednesday evening to discuss the current random drug testing policy at South Adams and to work on setting the administrative guidelines for random drug testing. These 11 individuals are school board member Steve Dobler, school superintendent Scott Litwiller, principal Jeff Rich, athletic director Mike Pries, vice-principal Brian Strauss, Curt Amstutz, Cindy Lautzenheiser, Doug Beall, Troy Young, and Lack and Melinda Taing.....

Bellmont coaches step down

Berne Tri Weekly News:

In order to allow the school to find a teacher coach, Bellmont head football coach Rick Burkhalter has resigned.
Burkhalter assumed the head coaching role two years ago upon the resignation of Toney Bergman, serving one year as a co-head coach with Greg
Meyer and last year as head coach.....

State police to conduct sobriety checkpoint in Huntington County

Huntington County Tab:

The Fort Wayne District of the Indiana State Police will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint in Huntington County during the late night hours of Saturday, March 19, and running into the early morning hours of Sunday, March 20.

In an effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related automobile crashes, the sobriety checkpoint will target the impaired driver and will be utilized in an area identified as having a high number of alcohol related crashes.

Sgt. Tom Matheny is reminding motorists to have their driver's license and vehicle registrations readily available when entering the checkpoint, so as to minimize the amount of time that they are delayed.....

Hoosiers donate $135,000 to Japan relief fund in a day

East Allen Times:

INDIANAPOLIS - A statewide Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, established by the Japan-America Society of Indiana (JASI), reports $135,000 was collected from Hoosiers in just its first day accepting charitable donations.

JASI is listed on the IRS website's Publication 78, a list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions.

“The Japan-America Society of Indiana joins with businesses, universities, communities, not-for-profit organizations and individuals in expressing its heartfelt support for the people of Japan," said executive director Theresa Kulczak. "The threefold catastrophe of the magnitude nine earthquake, the tsunami and the uncertain condition of the Fukushima nuclear power plants is unprecedented in history.”....

Gay marriage ban amendment worries Indiana companies

East Allen Times:

INDIANAPOLIS — Executives from two of Indiana's most prominent companies told a state Senate committee on Wednesday that their ability to recruit top employees could be hurt by a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage and civil unions.

Supporters countered by telling the Senate Judiciary Committee that the amendment would not restrict employers from offering insurance or other benefits to same-sex partners as some already do, even though current state law defines marriage as between one man and one woman....

An emerging pattern: Revenue rises at Vera Bradley

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE - Vera Bradley Inc. reported net revenue for the fiscal year ending Jan. 29 that was 27 percent higher than the previous year and net income that was up 7 percent. But its recently announced plans to expand into Japan are now in flux, for obvious reasons.

On a March 15 conference call that followed the company’s first-ever earnings release since its initial public offering last October, CEO Michael Ray said no harm had come to Vera Bradley’s employees in Japan as a result of the earthquake that hit there on the afternoon of March 10.

The company had announced in January that it planned to extend its brand in Japan this year through “pop-up” stores and Web sales, with a kickoff event scheduled April 1.....

Quadriplegic death ruled homicide

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE - A Fort Wayne man who was shot 13 years ago has died. His death was ruled a homicide by the Allen County Coroner.

According to our partner in news, WANE-TV, Earl Dashawn Terrell, 32, was shot in the 1400 block of Eliza Street on Sept. 12, 1997. After the shooting, he was rendered a quadriplegic as a result of his injuries.....

OSU, Kansas are the picks

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Entries for the annual NCAA March Challenge will not be accepted after 1 p.m. today, it was announced by the Daily Democrat sports department.
Well over 100 entries are expected for the contest.
Daily Democrat sports writers Jim Hopkins and Joe Spaulding have made their picks for the upcoming tourney.
Hopkins is picking Kansas, while Spaulding likes Ohio State, the overall No. 1 seed in the tourney.
HOPKINS: (lst round) Ohio St., Geo. Mason, Clemson, Kentucky, Marquette, Syracuse, N. Carolina; Duke, Michigan, Arizona, Texas, Missouri, UConn, Temple, San Diego St.; Kansas, UNLV, Vanderbilt, Louisville, Georgetown, Purdue, Texas A&M, Notre Dame; Pitt, Butler, Kansas St., Wisconsin, St. John's, BYU, Mich. State, and Florida.....

Patterson resigns as BHS boys cage coach

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Bellmont High School boys basketball coach Larry Patterson became the second major coach at the school to resign this week as he notified school officials and his players of that decision today.
Football coach Rick Burkhalter stepped down from his position earlier in the week.
Patterson had been at the helm of the Bellmont basketball program for the past four years and before that served as a junior varsity and freshman coach for the Braves for nearly 20 years under coaches Kevin Leising, Shaun Busick, and Flava Sirk.
"This is something I've certainly enjoyed doing. One of my lifelong dreams was to become a varsity coach and since I wasn't a teacher I never thought that would happen. I wouldn't change anything we've done in the past four years. Not to make excuses but we had some injuries the last couple of years and that hurt. Sure we would have liked to have had a better record but it's all about those young men. The hard work, respect they've had will carry on with them for the rest of the lives and I'm sure they'll all be successful at whatever they do," Patterson said.....

Spring-break activities on tap throughout county

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Twenty-four activities for young people will be available in Decatur, Berne, and Geneva during spring break (March 21-26), courtesy of the Decatur-Adams County Parks and Recreation Department and nine partners.
Free lunches will be provided six times for youth ages 3 to 18, regardless of economic status. Children do no have to participate in any activity in order to receive a free lunch. Snacks will also be provided at eight events and there will be one free supper.
Parents are encouraged to attend with their children.
Here is the schedule: (click here for more)

Baird replacement named

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Nearly six months of work was wrapped up in three minutes early Wednesday evening as the board of trustees of the Adams Health Network (AHN) selected a new administrator for the facility to succeed retiring 22-year veteran Marvin L. Baird.
By a unanimous 5-0 vote, the trustees selected Thomas J. Nordwick to take over the post and thus become the fourth administrator in the history of Adams Memorial Hospital. Nordwick is currently the chief executive officer/administrator of the Memorial Hospital of Converse County located in Douglas, Wyoming.
In a phone interview Wednesday night, Nordwick said the major draw to Adams County for him was the organization and facilities that exist and "I'm very excited to be a part of it. One of the main goals we've had here at our hospital in Wyoming is the heavy focus on quality care. The hospital in Decatur has a similar focus and I look forward to continuing that goal."....

Police raid Kendallville meth lab

East Allen Times:

KENDALLVILLE — Three people were arrested during a methamphetamine lab bust early Wednesday, according to the Noble County Sheriff’s Department.

Among items found in the raid at about 3 a.m. were eight one-pot meth labs and a .45-caliber handgun.

Members of the Indiana Multi Agency Group Enforcement Drug Task Force conducted a search at 719 W. William St., Kendallville. Due to the possibility of an active meth lab and weapons, the Noble County Special Operations Group and Northeast Indiana SWAT assisted.....

Late night comedy host gibes Mayor

East Allen Times:

NEW YORK - On an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tuesday, the host asked his audience what they thought of the name given to a new Fort Wayne government building.

After a bit of prompting, the audience gave it a "boo." But that is most likely because they remember Kimmel's "High Horse Moment of the Night" segment in February, when Kimmel scolded the city for denying the name Harry Baals from donning a downtown city-county building.

On Tuesday, Kimmel’s producers requested Mayor Tom Henry appear as a follow-up guest from the show’s February segment. Henry joined Kimmel via Skype through the show's "Magic Window" to defend the building's new name, Citizens Square, and he needed a sense of humor to do it.....

'Chico' finds new home, lease on life

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE - Officer Brock Williams could not shake the image of a dying dog out of his mind after a February drug bust.

The small dog was near death in a cold garage, hovering under a towel when Williams found him. He tried to help the dog drink, but the chihuahua could hardly move his tongue, let alone take a sip of water.

The dog arrived at Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control weighing 3.2 pounds. But after weeks of tender loving care and nourishment, Chico the chihuahua left the shelter Monday for his new home - with Williams. ....

BHS wrestlers earn academic honors

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Five members of the state finals Bellmont wrestling team were honored recently for more than athletic achievement as two were placed on the first team Academic All-State and three more were honorable mention All-State.
Ryley Hankenson, the 171-pound wrestler for the Braves, joined fellow senior and 152-pound wrestler Will Busse on the Academic first team.
Hankenson and Busse both shine in the classroom as well as on the mat with Hankenson posting a sparkling 3.94 GPA which ranks him 10th out of 209 and Busse owns a 3.87 GPA which is good for 19th in his soon-to-be graduating class.....

Coaches ‘step away’ from BHS football program

Decatur Daily Democrat:

"It was time," stated Bellmont football coach Rick Burkhalter, who turned in his resignation Tuesday afternoon after two years as head coach and eight years as an assistant.
"If they have teaching openings, and can fill that with a football coach, then that's what they need to do," said Burkhalter, who took the reins for the 2009 season along with Greg Meyer, who then stepped back as an assistant head coach for 2010.
Meyer, the veteran line coach for the Braves, also is getting out, as is assistant coach Mike Stimpson.
"I wasn't sure by the end of the season, but after sitting back and reassessing things, for the good of the program it's time for me to step away. It's time to get somebody in the school, a new teacher and coach," said Meyer Tuesday night....

Sheriff: Making progress on settling hospital bills

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Adams County Sheriff Shane Rekeweg says he's making progress in settling financial accounts with Adams Memorial Hospital over medical bills incurred by inmates at the county jail.
Rekeweg told the March meeting of the Adams County Council that the overall hospital bill for inmates was almost $100,000, but has been whittled down to $36,000.
He also said he will come before council in April to seek an additional appropriation to pay for medical bills for inmates. Rekeweg said he is having the jail's visiting nurse practitioner, Alicia Bates, check up on the inmate medical records and expenses.....

City bans collection of e-waste

Decatur Daily Democrat:

A policy which has unofficially been in effect was made official on Tuesday night by Decatur City Council: E-waste (electronic devices) will no longer be collected by the city during regular trash collections. And the ban extends to heavy trash pickups.
With the first of two heavy trash collections this year due to come up the first week of April, Mayor John Schultz reminded council of new federal regulations which went into effect on January 1, banning electronic devices from landfills.
Trash collected by the city goes to the county transfer station and eventually ends up in the landfill in Jay County.
Banned electronics often contain mercury and other hazardous materials that can cause serious pollution concerns if they enter the environment.....

Berne Council discusses signage, youth baseball

Berne Tri Weekly News:

The dream of the Community Development Corporation to place way finding signage at strategic spots in Berne is well on its way to coming true, according to a report from Attorney Dave Baumgartner, who heads up the CDC.
Several months ago, council had given its approval to matching a $5,000 grant to purchase signs that would identify various historical sites and points of interest throughout the city. The signs will be posted along U.S. 27 and Indiana 218 so that those passing through Berne will have better direction to visit spots of interest.
Monday night, Baumgartner told council that Berne had been one of very few cities in the area that had been approved funding toward the...

Crash victim identified

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE - The man who was killed in a fiery crash Monday has been identified. James S. Pierce, 51, from Garrett, died as a result of blunt force trauma after his truck flipped on Rohman Road in New Haven.

When the Allen County Sheriff’s Department arrived on the scene just before 4:00 a.m., they found the pickup truck fully engulfed, with Pierce trapped under the truck....

Citilink wants ideas for new transfer station

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE - Citilink leaders are taking your suggestions for a new multi-million dollar downtown transfer station.

A public meeting will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday night in the Omni Room of the City-County Building.

You'll be able to ask questions about the station and give your input.....

Public input sought on transportation improvement

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE - The Northeastern Indiana Regional Coordinating Council (NIRCC) has requested area residents to attend an open house to review the Draft Fiscal Year 2012-2015 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Air Quality Determination Analysis.

Staff will be present to answer questions regarding projects funded with federal funds in the urbanized area. ....

Closing school is among options for HCCSC board to consider

Huntington County Tab:

A decision of closing one or more Huntington County elementary schools could be made by the end of April.

Nine options that would help the Huntington County Community School Corporation cut $2.5 million from its budget over the next three years were presented to the school board on Monday evening, March 14, which drew a crowd to its meeting at Huntington North High School.

Superintendent Tracey Shafer said the corporation is dealing with decreasing student enrollment and increasing budget cuts, requiring the board to consider more efficient uses of the corporation's facilities.....

Health Fair Saturday at Lutheran

FORT WAYNE — Medtech College Licensed Practical Nursing Students will host an Educational Health Fair from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. The fair will be held in the lower level by the cafeteria of Lutheran Hospital, 7950 W. Jefferson Blvd. The “Health Matters 2011” event is free and open to the public. The goal of the event is to generate awareness for obstetrics and pediatric healthcare options in the Fort Wayne area. Local participants include American Red Cross, Similac, YMCA, Decatur Dental, Olson ALS Foundation, Blondie’s Cookies, MDA, Peg-Perego, Vera Bradley, Lassus Handy Dandy and more. For more information on the event, please contact Sonja Cronin or Kathleen Ward at 260-436-3272.

Save money, water by fixing household leaks

East Allen Times:

INDIANAPOLIS - According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, household leaks waste more than one trillion gallons of water per year, enough to supply the water needs of Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles combined.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is joining the EPA in recognizing March 14 to 20 as the third annual "Fix a Leak" week, a time to take inventory of your home’s water usage and make easy fixes. Each day this week, IDEM will issue a tip to help Hoosiers reduce the amount of water leaked in homes, which can help reduce water bills.....

DBA, Decatur Softball switch fields

Decatur Daily Democrat:

At the Adams County Parks & Recreation Board meeting Monday, it was noted and approved that the Decatur Baseball Association and the Decatur Softball Association will trade fields for the coming season and thereafter.
The Decatur Clemente baseball league played last year basically on Field 4, just to the East of a park road entering Hannah-Nuttman Park from the South. The girls have long played at what was Field 3, just to the West of that road and next to the Decatur Men's Softball Field. That field will now go to the boys, while the Decatur Softball girls will play on the field closest to the other softball fields.
The numbers of the fields have also been switched. Field three will be the designation for the girls field, and Field four will be the designation to the old girls field, now in possession of Decatur Baseball.....

Berne, Geneva leagues combine

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Youth baseball programs in Berne and Geneva are now operating under one umbrella, with the possibility of girls softball joining that association at some point in the future.
Berne City Councilman Ron Dull on Monday evening announced the formation of the South Adams Youth League as the new governing body for youth baseball operations in the two communities. Dull said the organization, which is not affiliated with South Adams Schools, replaces the Berne Little League association as well as the Southern Adams League that oversaw youth baseball in Geneva last season.
He said the merger was made as the recommendation of South Adams High School varsity baseball coach Brad Buckingham. Dull said Buckingham believed that having two competing organizations, both from the SA school district, was not in the best interest of the young athletes....

Commissioners: No new jail soon

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The three Adams County commissioners were united on Monday in squelching any public beliefs that county officials will move ahead soon to build a new county jail.
Commissioner Doug Bauman said he received several telephone calls from citizens who were concerned over the jail issue after reading newspaper stories last week about possible jail-construction ideas that were discussed at the March session of the Adams County Council.
Bauman strongly stressed that a special committee has been set up to study only what to do with the downtown Decatur building that houses Adams Superior Court and the probation department. The jail is not under formal discussion at all by that committee, Bauman said....

Court building flaws criticized

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Adams County's two courts — circuit in the courthouse and superior in a former library across a street from the courthouse — operate well, but while the courthouse has been fully renovated in recent years, the condition of the superior court building is of considerable concern.
That was one of numerous points made by circuit court judge Frederick A. Schurger as he gave the annual State of the Judiciary address on Monday to a crowd of about 40 people after a Decatur Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Woodcrest Retirement Community.
Judge Schurger, who has been an attorney and a jurist in his hometown for almost 40 years, said the probation department upstairs in the building has over 40 filing cabinets bowing the floor, the chief deputy prosecutor says the building stinks of mold, and jury space is inadequate and probably violates jury-deliberation rules....

Proposal could have a huge impact here

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Legislation scheduled for a summer study session by Indiana lawmakers could have a devastating effect on the operation of the Adams County Solid Waste Management District if approved in its current form, according to local solid waste officials.
Hank Mayer, director of the county's solid waste district, on Monday updated board members on legislation proposed by State Sen. Beverly Gard, a Republican whose district includes Hancock, Henry and a portion of Hamilton counties. The legislation as written would strip from solid waste district's throughout Indiana the ability to rely on tax revenues to operate waste districts....

Forester men’s tennis team earns national ranking

Huntington County Tab:

After finishing the fall portion of their schedule with a perfect 13-0 record, the Forester men's tennis team has earned national attention as they are currently ranked 26th in the NAIA national poll.

Several Foresters also received individual recognition at the national level. Freshman Vladislav Khudziy, of Moscow, Russia, is ranked 5th in the national poll, while teammate Augusto Velez, of Lima, Peru, is currently 45th in the national standings.....

DEA, state police offer free drug disposal

East Allen Times:

INDIANAPOLIS — Hoosiers will have a chance to safely dispose of old, unwanted prescription drugs next month.

Most Indiana State Police posts and several other agencies across the state will be taking part in the Drug Enforcement Administration's second annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 30.

The DEA says the service is free and anonymous. During the first event last September, Americans turned in more than 121 tons of drugs at sites across the country.

The agency says drugs that languish in medicine cabinets are particularly susceptible to abuse. The DEA says more Americans abuse prescription drugs than use cocaine, heroin and hallucinogens combined.

Area students recognized in Huntington art exhibit

East Allen Times:

HUNTINGTON — Several students from Fort Wayne high schools earned honors at the sixth annual Huntington University High School Art Exhibit.

Huntington University hosted the exhibit from Feb. 28 through March 10.

Ashley Martin from Carroll High School earned first place for her photo, "Bottled." Christina Hoppingarner from Whitko High School won third place for her scratchboard, "Shoeless."

Fund drive provides free History Center tours for students

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE — The History Center kicked off its annual fund drive for the Heritage Education Fund (HEF) this month. HEF provides free tours to all K-12 public, private, parochial and home school students, teachers, and chaperones in a five-county area in northeast Indiana.

HEF was born in 2003 when funding for field trips to the History Center was eliminated from school budgets. In the fall of the 2003-2004 school year, the History Center hosted the first group of Allen County students through HEF. In 2006 the program was extended to include all K-12 school groups from DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben counties in Indiana....

DDD March Challenge slated

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The annual Daily Democrat “March Challenge” NCAA picking contest will he held as usual this year, the 25th year for the contest.
Those who want to participate should fill out a bracket, which will be available on line, or write down the names of the winners each round, and email it to sports@decaturdailydemocrat.com, or mail to the Democrat Sports Dept., 141 S. 2nd St., Decatur, or bring it to the front office.
The prize again will be a dinner for four at Arnold’s Drive-In in Decatur.
Those who get their picks in by Tuesday (tomorrow) will be credited with a point for each win in the early play-in games. Deadline for entering the contest is noon on Thursday. Bracket sheets must be in the Daily Democrat front office at that time....

Knights, Tigers have 4th period troubles in losses

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Three Wells County teams vying for boys regional basketball titles fell short in their bid to advance to the IHSAA semi-state this weekend with both Bluffton and Norwell faltering in the fourth period to be eliminated. Southern Wells fell to Rockville 56-39 in a Class A Regional game at Frankfort.
Bluffton saw Tipton post a 16-10 advantage in the fourth period to earn a 47-43 win over the Tigers while at Blackford, Harding tipped Norwell 53-52 by erasing a fourth period Knight lead.
At Blackford High School in Hartford City, the Knights dropped a heartbreaker as Harding's Michael Stevenson hit a pair of free throws with six ticks left in the game and the Hawks stripped the ball from sophomore sensation guard Josh Vanmeter as he was driving to the hoop for what would have been the game winning points for Norwell with just two seconds remaining to play....

AC: Do it yourself and save

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Adams Central officials gave an impromptu lesson at the March school board meeting that could have been entitled "How to Save More Than $470,000 in Two Years."
The way to save, they indicated, is not to spend so much in the first place.
The lesson involved an idea that AC Athletic Director Rick Minnich and AC Middle School Principal Aaron McClure had to create temporary classrooms inside the school's large physical education gymnasium, according to AC Superintendent Mike Pettibone....

Lawmakers get rude welcome

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The two Republican lawmakers who represent Adams County in the Indiana General Assembly were given a rude welcome Saturday morning during a town hall meeting at the Decatur public library.
Facing a crowd of more than two dozen local residents — primarily teachers and/or organized labor sympathizers — State Rep. Matt Lehman and State Sen. Travis Holdman were peppered with questions and sharp-edged complaints about the GOP's current legislative agenda. Most of those in attendance voiced various levels of support for Indiana Democrats who effectively have brought the House of Representatives to a standstill for some three weeks by fleeing to Illinois.....

Coach and wife inspiring girls basketball program to give

Berne Tri Weekly News:

Bellmont senior Dana Kaczmarek is deeply inspired these days by the advice of Bellmont coach Lou Koning.
"He told me that I am a shooter and to never stop shooting," said Kaczmarek.
"He said that he didn't care if I miss 10 shots in a row. As long as I keep shooting, that's the most important thing because that is what I am supposed to be, a shooter."
This past year, Kaczmarek was one of the Squaws basketball players that raised over $5,000 toward a cancer fundraiser, money that was raised, ironically, by shooting. That amount has added to a grand total of over $66,000 that the girls program has raised in the last seven years.....

Starfires qualify more for indoor state

Berne Tri Weekly News:

South Adams qualified three individuals and one relay team for the IATCCC Hoosier State Relays meet during an indoor qualifying meet at Indiana Wesleyan University Saturday.
Joel Schmidt made the qualifying mark for the second straight week in the 55 meter hurdles, finishing tenth in 8.56 seconds. Eric Isch scored a ninth place finish and an HSR mark in the 3200 meter run, finishing in 10:22.98.
South Adams’ 4 x 200 meter relay team of Schmidt, Sam Amstutz, Justin Wygant and Tobin Eicher qualified with an eighth place finish and a time of 1:37.87.....

I&M warns of scam

East Allen Times:

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is alerting customers in its Fort Wayne service area of a possible scam involving tree trimming.

The company received word from customers that imposters are knocking on doors claiming to represent I&M or another utility. The imposters tell the homeowner that trees on their property need to be trimmed and that the homeowner must pay a fee for the service.....

Thieves targeting specific car part

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE - Our partner in news, WANE-TV, reported that police in Fort Wayne are seeing an increase in the number of thieves stealing catalytic converters from vehicles in the area. It takes just minutes for them to cut off the part and then sell the scrap metal.

Allen County Sheriff Ken Fries said there is something you can do to deter a would-be thief.

In the last three months, Bill Prostman of Napa Auto Parts has had three catalytic converters stolen from his work vehicles. He said not only is it frustrating, but expensive to replace. ...

Fort Wayne natives brace for smaller tsunami

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE - Some Fort Wayne natives could be in the path of a destructive tsunami that swallowed towns on the coast of Japan early Friday, according to our partner in news, WANE-TV.

A 30-foot tsunami triggered by one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded smashed into Japan's eastern coast Thursday, killing at least 60 people as it tossed up homes, cars and buildings in its path.

Tsunami warnings blanketed the entire Pacific, as far away as South America, Canada, Alaska and the entire west coast of the U.S....

'Any Wednesday' debuts at Arena Dinner Theatre Friday

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE - A new show said to be "a happy comedy with the giddy bubble of champagne" is making its debut at the Arena Dinner Theatre Friday in the heart of Fort Wayne's historic West Central neighborhood.

Guests will first dine on Italian-inspired dishes and settle in for a play about a naughty businessman, his mistress and an unknowing young man.

The Muriel Resnik comedy, “Any Wednesday," directed by Larry Wardlaw, follows the president of a large corporation using the executive suite to house his young mistress....

Police investigate third child-occupied vehicle theft

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE - The Fort Wayne Police Department is investigating a third attempted automobile theft with children in the vehicle in just three days. According to FWPD spokesperson Raquel Foster, at 9:44 p.m. Thursday, a 38-year-old woman was parked by a gas pump at the Marathon station located at 3500 South Hanna. Her van was unlocked and left running with five children inside the vehicle. While she was in the gas station, a male subject got into the van and started to drive away, the children still seated in the vehicle.

Hop's Heresy: Break up the NHC!

Decatur Daily Democrat:

A few weeks back, the IHSAA came out with their realignment package for the next two years, and there were some disturbing numbers.
Tops on the list is 801, the number of students that attend Bellmont High School. That number continues to drop, with no end in sight.
To boot, it's a "soft" 801, with a good chunk of the students who just aren't going to participate in sports, or any extra-cirricular activities. Another alarming figure is 2,219, the number of students attending Homestead. In manny sports, most of the NHC schools can't compete with Homestead. Carroll has 1,925, and that number is only going up. DeKalb is at 1,275 and East Noble has just 10 fewer. Columbia City has 1,149. New Haven has 1,129, and could get a boost of 300 next year with the closing of Harding.....

BHS basketball girls raise thousands more for cause

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Via their annual "Shoot Down Cancer" fundraising efforts, the Bellmont girls basketball team has raised over $5,000 this year, with some of that money going to local causes and some to the national Jimmy V Foundation.
For the past eight seasons, the Bellmont squad has conducted the fundraiser, and over $70,000 has been raised, including $66,429 during the first seven years of the charity work....

BHS theater to carry Erekson name

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The theater at Bellmont High School has been named in honor of the man who helped design it and was instrumental in the development of stage productions in the community and at the school some 40 years ago.
The North Adams school board on Tuesday approved the recommendation of a group of performing arts supporters to re-name the Bellmont Theater the Erekson Memorial Theater in honor of the late Reid Erekson and his wife, Evelyn.
According to an information sheet distributed at the meeting, Reid Erekson was born in 1905 in Murray, Utah. He married Evelyn Olson on Nov. 21, 1929.....

Does AC need a fieldhouse?

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Should Adams Central School have a multi-purpose fieldhouse?
That question will be discussed by a committee selected by AC graduate, teacher, and football coach Michael Mosser, with at least one school board member volunteering to serve: John Sipe, president of the board.
If a fieldhouse is formally proposed, among the prime considerations will be seeking to do the project without using an increase in tax money, as board member Brian Tonner insisted. He said the school is in the midst of a $10 million construction and renovation project and he does not want the public to get the impression that school officials simply want to keep spending money on big projects.
Board member Steve Maller said creating a committee to discuss issues, ideas, and options would cause no harm. "Rattle the cage a little bit and see what happen," he said....

Litwiller takes dad's advice to superintendent’s office

Berne Tri Weekly News:

There was a time when newly appointed South Adams school superintendent Scott Litwiller was thinking of dropping out of college and returning to the family farm to work with his father, Bob Litwiller.
"My dad told me that I needed to get my degree first. I needed to finish my education, then if I wanted to come back home to work on the farm I could," Litwiller said.
Litwiller first attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and then transferred to Fort Wayne Bible College where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education.
At first, Litwiller combined teaching and farming. His first teaching job was in Pendleton; then he spent a year as an elementary teac...

Edward Jones, Parkview Physicians Group are major sponsors of 2nd Discover Roanoke run

Huntington County Tab:

OnTurf Sports, organizer of the DiscoverRoanoke 10K/5K Run/Walk, has announced that Edward Jones Investments and Parkview Physicians Group have agreed to serve as major sponsors for the second annual event.

The race will be held, rain or shine, on April 16 at 9 a.m. in downtown Roanoke. The event benefits the Roanoke Elementary School PTO and is open to participants of all ages.

Music and fitness-related vendors will be featured at the start/finish line. Live updates will be provided from the course.

Information and registration forms can be found at the event's website, www.onturfsports.com/Runners/10k-5kRun-Walk.htm ; at the Fort Wayne Track Club website, www.fwtc.org/ ; and at Three Rivers Running Company's site, www.3riversrunning.com/. Registrations are currently being accepted and race day registrations will be available at the start/finish line until an hour before the event.

Sword swallower to star

Huntington County Tab:

Professional sword swallower Dan Meyer will headline the Upward Sports Ministry event Sunday, March 13, at 3 p.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene in Huntington.

He is a Guinness World Record holder and is considered a unique performance artist.

Doors open at 2 p.m. There is no admission fee. The church is located at 1555 Flaxmill Rd.

For more information on Meyer, visit danmeyer.org.

Banks using 2011 legislative session as learning tool to help be better representative

Huntington County Tab:

For Sen. Jim Banks (R-Columbia City), the 2011 legislative session is proving to be a valuable learning experience for better representing District 17.

Banks, who represents all of Huntington and Whitley counties and portions of four others, has had five of his original 21 authored bills and one resolution pass the Senate to be sent on to the House of Representatives. In addition, three bills Banks co-authored have also passed the upper body of the General Assembly.....

2 men perish in Garrett house fire

East Allen Times:

GARRETT - A house fire took the lives of two men Wednesday night at a home in Garrett, about 30 minutes outside of Fort Wayne.

According to our partner in news, WANE-TV, crews were dispatched to the house at 0316 County Road 52 around 9:45 p.m.

When crews got to the scene, heavy fire was visible from the garage, but it made its way to the house.....

25,000 expected at Statehouse union rally

East Allen Times:

INDIANAPOLIS — The Associated Press reports that thousands of union members are expected for a rally Thursday at the Indiana Statehouse.

A coalition of labor, education, community and social advocacy groups organized the rally and say at least 25 thousand union workers will take part in the largest staged protest at the Statehouse this year.

According to our partner in news, WANE-TV, the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 166 will take a group of workers from Fort Wayne to Indianapolis to join in the Thursday protest.....

Few unlicensed daycare programs join Ind. system

East Allen Times:

INDIANAPOLIS — Few unlicensed daycare ministries are joining a voluntary Indiana quality rating and improvement system even as it recently reached a milestone.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration announced this week that its Paths to Quality program to improve the level of child care available for families has enrolled 2,000 daycares in the three years since it began.

FSSA says 85 percent of licensed child centers and half of licensed family-based daycares have enrolled but only 4 percent of unlicensed registered ministries. That's about the same participation as a year ago for the unlicensed ministries....

DBA registration at 'Spotlight' event

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Area baseball leagues are wrapping up registration for the coming season. The Decatur Baseball Association, which is still taking players for all six leagues, will sign up players at the 'Spotlight' activity Saturday at the Bellmont Middle School gym, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monmouth is taking players in the Mays Division (9-10) and in their new developmental league (5-6). Monroe registration has ended, and the Pleasant Mills registration will begin on Saturday.
Decatur Baseball will have one final signup the day after spring break, March 28, a Monday, at the United Steelworkers Hall, 6 to 8 p.m.....

Court building subject of review

Decatur Daily Democrat:

What might downtown Decatur and near-downtown look like in a few years?
It could appear quite a bit different, depending on what decisions are made regarding the location of Adams Superior Court and the county probation department.
At Tuesday's meeting of the county council, the president of that group, Randy Colclasure, who is a member of the Courthouse Review Committee that's discussing ideas about keeping the court and the probation office where they are or moving them, said there are three main ideas plus a few other concepts.
The top three ideas are as follows, Colclasure stated.....

NA offers retirement incentives

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Teachers at North Adams Community Schools who are at or near retirement age have been offered a one-time incentive to cement their retirement plans.
Superintendent Wylie Sirk reported to the board of education during its meeting Tuesday that federal stimulus funding has made possible the retirement incentive program, which will award a one-time payment of $15,000 to qualifying teachers who announce their retirement plans by April 1. The incentive payment will not affect other retirement benefits, Sirk said.....

AC play opens tonight

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Clayton Lengerich portrays Ron Montague and Sarah Soldner plays Juliet Capulet as leads in the Adams Central school play, "Jitterbug Juliet," opening tonight at the school. Performances will be given at 7 tonight, Friday and Saturday. Some tickets — $5 for adults, $4 for students — will be available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis....

SBDC announces spring workshops for small businesses

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE – The Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center will hold workshops and teach courses during the next few months to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners with starting or growing their businesses.

Basics of a Winning Business Plan Workshop

• Monday, March 21, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Fort Wayne (N.E. Indiana SBDC, 4312-B Hobson Road)
• Thursday, April 14, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Auburn (William H. Willennar Genealogy Center)
• Tuesday, April 26, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Huntington Chamber of Commerce

This workshop will present tips and tricks for writing a successful business plan through a mixture of class discussion and exercises. Information presented includes the need for and the basic elements of a winning plan, including what lending institutions require.

The $15 fee includes workshop materials. Register here.

How to Start a Business Workshop

• Wednesday, April 13, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Fort Wayne (N.E. Indiana SBDC, 4312-B Hobson Road)

Through this workshop, individuals who are thinking about opening a business will gain an overview of the critical elements of starting a business. The format will be lecture-based with participatory activities. Topics include: defining and assessing the business idea, requirements for operating a business, creating a business plan, legal issues, and types of financing and financial strategies.

A $25 fee includes handouts and business feasibility software. Register here.

Funding Options & Financial Literacy for Small Business Workshop

• Monday, April 18, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Fort Wayne (N.E. Indiana SBDC, 4312-B Hobson Road)

This seminar will introduce funding sources for small business, including commercial lending, the Small Business Administration, as well as state, regional and local programs, and is intended for individuals starting a business as well as owners of existing businesses that are investigating revenue options. Participants will learn strategies to consider in the lending process and the importance of understanding basic financial terminology and concepts.

This seminar is free of charge. Register here.

QuickBooks: How to Work the Numbers (meets six times)

• Thursdays, 4/21/11 through 6/2/11, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne

This introduction to electronic bookkeeping and accounting is user friendly and an excellent choice for small businesses. Learn how to set up a new company and perform business-related tasks such as writing checks, invoicing, tracking receivables and payables, inventories, bank reconciliations, payroll functions, and journal entries. You also will learn how to print various important reports and financial statements.

The cost is $209 for all sessions, and includes the textbook. Register here.

To learn more about the services of the Northeast Indiana SBDC, hosted by Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, call 260-481-0500 or visit the website.

Website surveys Hoosier input on insurance exchange

East Allen Times:

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana wants input from consumers, businesses, health care providers and others on the potential design of a health care exchange for the state under the federal health overhaul.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration announced Wednesday that interested parties can offer input by participating in an online survey at www.nationalhealthcare.in.gov through March 30.....