Huntington resident recycles bottles, containers into art

Huntington County Tab:

Most people see plastic bottles and containers as trash. Others recycle.

Huntington resident Jerry Pelz sees them not as trash or recyclables, but as raw materials to create interesting pieces of art.

Over the last few years, Pelz has been creating various animals from recyclable bottles. The idea was spawned while he was employed at MJV Group, a commercial cleaning company here in Huntington.

"Jerry saw all the empty bottles in the trash and thought that he could make something out of them," says Brenda Emley, company manager. "That's where it all started."

Pelz says his love for animals was what inspired him to choose them as his muse. His first creation was an elephant.

"After I made my first one, I would ask Brenda what she wanted me to make next," states Peltz. "Then I would go home and try to create it."

Dots in Blue Water project greater than anticipated

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Thankfully, a group of South Adams students and teachers that built water-purifying systems for installation in Haiti took five purifiers along on their mission trip. Not only did the students install the purifying systems at the Nehemiah Vision Ministries School near Port-Au-Prince and the city of Chambrun, South Adams educators were called upon to install two purifiers in a village where a cholera outbreak was in progress. In addition, a fifth purifier was left to be installed at a Nehemiah Vision outreach.

2011 Adams County cancer relay raises nearly $75,000

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Balloons ascended, cheers broke out, and leaders gave emotional responses of appreciation at the announcement on Saturday morning that 31 teams and various other contributors had raised nearly $75,000 toward this year's American Cancer Society Relay for Life event.

Once again this year's event was held at the Adams Central football field and athletic track. The goal for this year's event had been set at $81,000. Although the total at Saturday morning's 11 a.m. ceremony was tallied at $74,750.69, more money had come in following the announcement.

No new jail now, but in the future...

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The primary requirement of the "judicial needs study" performed by the Schenkel Shultz architectural firm of Fort Wayne was to advise local officials what to do about the future of Adams Superior Court and the county probation department, located in an old and inadequate building in downtown Decatur.

However, the study also looked a number of years ahead to when a new county jail would be required to replace the current one, which opened in 1980 in Decatur.

Commissioner Ed Coil made quite clear at the meeting that the jail "is not on the radar." On the other hand, it is likely to be considered not too many more years from now, so plans are being considered.

Steiner works hard to see seeds are healthy

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Adams Central graduate Jill Steiner spent much of her youth in Adams County involved with the local FFA, state FFA and 10 years of 4-H work. In 2003 she had been selected as the Miss Adams County 4-H Fair Queen. During that time, agriculture and the science of healthy, productive seeds continued to grow in her rural fiber.

Following high school, she attended Purdue University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Ag Economics and Ag Communications.

During her time there, she was awarded one of the most prestigious honors possible to any Purdue student.

Everett shares journey to help others

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Meri Everett, 28, has been chosen as one of the two honorary co-chairs by the Adams County Relay for Life Committee to walk the first lap around the Adams Central track at the event on Friday.

Meri is a Bellmont High School graduate and the daughter of Kim Stoppenhagen and Jim and Becky Everett, all of Decatur. She said she is willing to share her journey of her cancer survival with others because, "If my story can help even one person, it would truly be a blessing."

Her journey began in September of 2009, when she went to the doctor with what she thought were flu symptoms. When her condition did not improve, she returned to the doctor, who then decided to run a complete blood count test, or CBC.

It’s now official: BHS an Early College School

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Officials from CELL — the Center for Excellence in Leadership of Learning — have given the final stamp of approval for Bellmont High School's transformation into one of the few Early College High School's in the state of Indiana.

Bellmont Principal Scot Croner received notification earlier this week of the approval.

"I am pleased to inform you that CELL is endorsing Bellmont High School as an Early College High School," Dr. Janet Boyle, assistant director of CELL, wrote in a letter to Croner. "Congratulations. The hard work and dedication of you and your staff has come to fruition in Bellmont High School’s recognition as an Early College High School endorsed school. Please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to working with you more in the future."

City officials admonished

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Decatur City Council was admonished at its meeting Tuesday night for its perceived lack of support for American troops, and county officials will be hearing the same criticism in the near future.

City resident Darlene Zeitvogel said she has a son serving in Iraq, along with six other local people. Her voice cracking, Zeitvogel said she was extremely disappointed that no city officials turned out for the Memorial Day ceremonies here on May 30 "to support my son and six other guys over there."

The lack of officials' support, she said, "is a shame," and she urged all officials to attend the Fourth of July fireworks and ceremonies.

City-county building proposed

Decatur Daily Democrat:

"Fix it or move," said Adams Superior Court Judge Patrick Miller.

"Think broadly," said Adams Circuit Court Judge Fred Schurger, because "where we are today is not where we will be tomorrow."

No decisions were made at a special session of the Adams County commissioners held on Tuesday, but ambitious plans were revealed to some 45 people, many of them government officials, in a report about an eight-month-long "judicial needs study" by the Schenkel Shultz architectural firm in Fort Wayne.

Everett chosen as honorary survivor for Relay

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

"Prayer is powerful," says Decatur's Meri Everett these days as she faces life after two bouts with leukemia in the past two years. "I know that I have such a big support group with people I have never met before. I hear from people that are praying for me in states all over the country, people I have never met. "I'm keeping my spirits up and going on," continued Everett. "I can't disappoint all of those people who are praying for me." Ironically, Everett was diagnosed with Acute Myeloma Leukemia on Sept. 22, 2009. She was treated and apparently put into remission. Then, to the surprise of medical personnel, it came back with a vengeance one year later.

Anspaugh to become a 'living legend'

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Those who recall David Anspaugh as a youth in Decatur in the 1950s and 1960s would never have attached the title "living legend" to him.

However, decades later, Anspaugh, a veteran film and television director, has reached that level, having been acclaimed as an "Indiana Living Legend."

He and three others, including Angelo Pizzo, his screenwriting friend and former fraternity brother at Indiana University, and Indianapolis Colts president Bill Polian, will be honored by that formal designation on July 29 in downtown Indianapolis at a major event sponsored by the Indiana Historical Society (IHS).

Bids opening for covered bridge slated

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Ben Beer of Bluffton, who works for USI Consultants at Indianapolis, informed the Adams County Commissioners on Monday that three firms attended a pre-bid meeting last week in regard to the project to rehabilitate and restore the covered bridge in the south end of the county.

The bids will be opened at next Monday's meeting of the commissioners.

USI Consultants has completed the design of the project.

Beer also said the winning bidder will try to use as many local materials as possible once work starts.

Williams-Seip has spent half her life fighting cancer

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Halle Williams-Seip spends her time these days running through her house and playing with things that any three-year-old child would enjoy. To look at her smile and listen to her bubbling laughter, the casual onlooker would have no clue that she has spent half of her life fighting a very threatening brain tumor. Her parents are Ciera Williams (mother) and Nick Seip (father). The grandparents are Penny Williams, Dave Williams, Rhonda Eyanson and Dennis Seip.

The drama began shortly after her first birthday when she began to vomit profusely and became lethargic and weak. Her motor skills began slowing down and she wanted to be with two people, her mother and grandmother.

Beitler, Baumgartner relay positive news on Plaza

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Jim Beitler, co-chair of the Fundraising Committee and Dave Baumgartner, president of the Berne CDC (Community Development Corporation) are excited about all of the upcoming developments at the Muensterburg Plaza and Clock Tower.

“There have been a lot of new developments since the dedication last summer during Swiss Days,” said Beitler. “Many of which include the new settlers monument, the 270 degree Muensterburg Plaza wall, improved stage, and so much more.

No Excuses at elementary school in city

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Students at Northwest Elementary School and Bellmont Middle School were soaking up the college atmosphere as the current school year concluded, and will continue to do so.

Northwest Elementary has been named one of 102 schools in the country, and only two in the state Indiana, to become a member of the No Excuses University network. The national initiative is designed to promote a comprehensive model of college readiness to all students the moment they begin elementary school "and to create a culture of college readiness" in local classrooms, according to Northwest Principal Becca Lamon.

Bellmont Middle School is in the process of obtaining Early College University status, said Principal Scott Miller.

Warren to set live traps to catch feral cats running loose in town

Huntington County Tab:

Beginning Monday, June 20, the Town of Warren will be setting live traps to capture feral cats running loose in the community.

The cats will then be taken to the Riverside Veterinary Clinic, where they will be spayed or neutered and offered up for adoption as barn cats.

The clinic is currently searching for more homes for the cats, which will be available after they have been spayed and neutered.

Local woman steps out in support of world without breast cancer

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Walking sixty miles in one direction can take you in many places, says Berne resident Jill Steiner, but the sense of satisfaction in joining thousands of others in the 2011 Susan G. Koman Cleveland Three-Days for a Cure is more than worth the consequences of fatigue and sore feet at the finish line.

After months of training and fundraising, participants will walk 60 miles during three days to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and community-based breast health and education programs.

Funding gone, NA drops Even Start

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The North Adams Community Schools' board of education approved a rash of personnel transactions Tuesday night, including the elimination of several federally-funded Even Start positions, accepting the resignation of a veteran girls tennis coach, and the filling the vacant varsity girls basketball coaching position.

Six North Adams employees lost their jobs with the school's Even Start program when federal funding for the program was eliminated. Released from their positions as part of a Reduction In Force (RIF) effort were Even Start adult education instructor Linda Steury, and paraprofessionals April Busse, Jennifer Dick, Anita Hirschy, Lori Matthews and Nicole Walther.

Treatment underway to neutralize algal bloom at Grand Lake

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Use of watercraft is currently not restricted on Grand Lake St. Marys in spite of the fact that Ohio Department of Natural Resource (ODNR) officials are overseeing treatment of the lake to minimize effects of an algal bloom that is currently plaguing lake waters.

"Recreational users of the three public beaches at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park are advised against swimming and wading, water should not be swallowed, and surface scum should be avoided," according to ODNR media relations coordinator Jason Fallon.

Mosser seeking Berne position

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Rod Mosser, a former coach and teacher at South Adams, Adams Central and Bluffton high schools, has announced his candidacy for the District 3 seat on Berne City Council.

Mosser, a Democrat, said he looks forward to using his education and work experience to help move Berne forward.

The District 3 seat is currently held by first-term Republican Mark Wynn.

Berne Democrat chairman Kyle Velasco said Mosser brings both education and experience to his candidacy. “To grow a community, it first takes experience,” Velasco said.

Season of planting finally comes for county farmers

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Things are looking much better for area farmers than they were a week ago, says Jeff Lehman of Lehman Feed Mill. The warm, dry weather of the past several days provided the perfect break for local agricultural experts' much needed time to sow this spring's planting.

"We're sitting pretty good now," said Lehman. "A large part of the corn crop is out and the beans are following."

Lehman estimated that 80 to 85 percent of the corn crop has been sown in the last week and that another 35 to 40 percent of the beans are in the ground. Because of the excessive warmth, Lehman said that corn could be up out of the ground within six days.

Op Cleanup rolls on

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Operation Cleanup, the program designed to spruce up Decatur for its 175th birthday celebration in August, is building momentum as June and hot weather arrive.

City Board of Works and Safety member Bill Karbach, who is heading up the effort, told city council Tuesday night that Phase I is "pretty much wrapped up" and now it's on to Phase II. That one will target what is termed "yard rubbish," and includes all manner of objects situated in yards — including dilapidated bikes, sleds and the like, plus auto parts, tires, scrap metal, etc. And, of course, trees in poor condition which may pose a hazard and buildings in poor condition.

Karbach said 30 warnings on such "rubbish" already have given out "and we've been getting a lot of good cooperation."

South Adams graduates 87 in class of 2011.

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

The South Adams Class of 2011 was given many reasons to feel proud of their accomplishments as they sat in the South Adams gymnasium on Sunday afternoon to receive their diplomas.

As high school principal Trent Lehman prepared to present each of the 87 students with their diploma, he expounded on the many accomplishments of this class.

Once emaciated, former Hill horse is winning awards

Decatur Daily Democrat:

It's a long way back from being partially starved to being a well-groomed 850-pound specimen on the verge of greatness.

That, however, is the arc of life so far for a four-year-old Arabian stallion named Merllinn, once owned by Rick Hill of rural Decatur and a victim of neglect on Hill's property west of Decatur.

Merllinn is now owned by Bill Miller of rural Decatur, a knowledgeable horse fancier and trainer who has nine of the formerly emaciated horses that were taken from Hill by court order in 2009 due to lack of food.

Miller says Merllinn, born at Hill's horse farm, was not one of the worst cases when he got him, but was considerably underweight.

HU senior decides he can do more with iPod

Huntington County Tab:

After receiving an iPod, most people upload songs, videos, games and load up on cool "apps."

Andrew Martin decided that he could do more.
The Huntington University senior from Eaton, OH, recently had his first application accepted for the Apple software market.

"A couple years ago, I won my iPod in a capital campaign competition here," states Martin. "I developed an application as part of a J-Term class."

Martin, a double major in digital media arts and computer science, says the January Term class on developing applications for the Apple market, or iTunes Apps Store, as it is commonly known, was led by Dr. Jeff Lehman, professor at Huntington University.

South Adams accepts bids "on principal"

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

The South Adams School Board met on Wednesday evening to discuss the sale of the Berne property. Bidding on the property closed at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, at which time only one bid had been submitted. That bid was from GKB Enterprises LLC of Decatur. The company is owned by Steven J. Kreigh and the estate of Ralph E. Biggs.

VFW honor guard pays last respects to county’s veterans

Huntington County Tab:

They've buried all the World War I veterans; now, they're putting the guys from World War II in the ground.

Occasionally, they'll gather to pay their last respects to a contemporary, bonded by common service in a more recent war.

"Just about every cemetery you go to now, there's somebody in it we helped bury," says Jerry Walling, a Vietnam veteran who heads up the honor guard of Huntington's Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2689.
Even his own era is not exempt.

Local residents observe "sacred day" at memorial service

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

"Comrades, this day is sacred," proclaimed Les Wagner, commander of Berne American Legion Post 468, at Monday's annual Memorial Day Service which was held at the local post.

"We are surrounded by the invisible presence of those who have gone before," said Wagner to a crowd of local residents who hovered in the shade to avoid the searing Memorial Day heat. "Let us renew our pledge of loyalty to our country and its flag."