Solid waste costs to rise

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Adams County will pay an additional $5.26 for each truck load of solid waste hauled from the county transfer station during 2013, and an additional 44 cents per ton to dispose of that refuse at the Jay County landfill.

The increases were triggered by a 1.8 percent jump in the federal Consumer Price Index, as spelled out in contracts between the Adams County Solid Waste Management District and Luginbill Trucking and Waste Management Inc. for the hauling and disposal of that waste.
 

Solid waste board members were alerted to the additional costs during the year-end meeting on Monday.

Olympic Gold Medalist shares life lessons with students

 Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Twelve years ago, Brandon Slay rose to worldwide acclaim by winning the Gold Medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Two years before that, Slay had graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in finance and management from the prestigious Wharton School of Business.

This past Friday, Slay spoke at high schools in New Haven and South Adams, conducted a wrestling clinic on Saturday and then spoke at Grace Bible Church on Sunday.

But it wasn’t only Olympic success that had the popular wrestler sharing the Gospel in area colleges and schools. Thanks to seeds sown by a grandmother and the faithful example of Christians at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Slay launched on a campaign to bring people to Jesus Christ through nationwide appearances.

Taxes, jobs, health care top issues -- Lehman says gay marriage ban may take a back seat

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Taxes, jobs and health care are expected to be among the predominate topics during the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly.
 

A constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, however, may take a back seat this time around.
 

Those were the views expressed by State Rep. Matt Lehman, R-Berne, during a town hall-type meeting held Saturday morning at Adams Central High School. Only a handful of area residents attended the event.
 

Lehman said he hopes the legislature puts much of its time and energy into economic development-related issues, including a renewed emphasis on vocational training and increased flexibility that would grant local units of government a broader range of choices in their use of Local Option Income Tax (LOIT) and County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT) funds.

Hard freeze could benefit area fields

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Most field activity now includes working ground and applying fertilizer and lime, says Jeff Lehman of Lehman Feed Mill. Lehman said that a few fields of corn are being harvested but a huge part of this year’s harvest is completed.

“This year’s harvest, especially beans, was much better than anyone would have dreamed when it was so hot and dry in July,” said Lehman. “Even some of the corn was fairly decent. Of course, there were also fields of corn that were poor.”

Lehman said that one disappointment of this fall was the lack of wheat that was planted because of wet fields.

“We didn’t get as much wheat in this fall as I had hoped for,” Lehman said. “Much of that was because bean harvest was broken up because of frequent rain during harvest.”

One down, one to go — But what to do with the exposed wall?

Decatur Daily Democrat:

One is down and one is yet to fall.
 

The former Dwayne's Sweeper Shop has been demolished and next up will be the onetime street department garage between the city pool and police station. Mayor John Schultz gave updates on both projects at Tuesday night's city council meeting.
 

The now-empty lot at Second and Monroe streets has been seeded, "a temporary thing until we decide what to do there," the mayor said.
 

As was expected, the demolition laid bare the north wall of the adjacent building, owned by CPA Becky Cochran. The next step will focus on what to do to with the wall, likely covering it in some manner and sealing it.

Huntington native Wright not quite Mary Poppins, but finds au pair work to her liking

Huntington County Tab:

She may not be Mary Poppins, but she is on her way.

Madison Wright, a Huntington native, has just finished her first stint abroad working as an au pair in Madrid, Spain.

Au pair, a French term, means "on a par" or "equal to" and is used throughout European countries to describe a domestic assistant from a foreign country.

The concept originated after World War II and has been offering young American women the opportunity to live overseas for more than 70 years.

Lehman Park equipment upgrade coming

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

It was a lot of hard work getting there, but in the end Berne City Council members had nothing but praise for the hard work put in by Lehman Park board member Amanda Patterson and the other board members that worked feverishly to put together a financial package to purchase over $65,000 of playground equipment.

The new equipment will be installed in the west part of the park near the concession stand and ball diamond. It is anticipated that it will be ready for use by spring.

The equipment will be replacing several pieces of equipment that had been condemned and that will be removed from the park.

Chinese wind up their tour of city today

Decatur Daily Democrat:

In a whirlwind tour of Decatur, six Chinese officials — three of whom are involved in education — visited the city Monday and part of today, getting a closeup look at schools and industry.

Decatur Mayor John Schultz and Economic Development Director Larry Macklin led the guests, who arrived here late Sunday night by vehicles after flying into Indianapolis.
 

The delegation was scheduled to have breakfast at Richards restaurant this morning, then tour the Adams Memorial Medical campus, have lunch at the hospital, then return to Indianapolis.

AC to become a pilot school

Decatur Daily Democrat:

 

Adams Central is set to become a pilot school in Computer Software Engineering (CSE) for Project Lead the Way (PLTW), beginning next year.

 

Jonathon Patterson, PLTW teacher, told the AC Board of Education recently that studies show by 2018, CSE will be the number one "hot job."
 

"We need to have a class that we offer computer software engineering," said Patterson.

Veterans honored during program at South Adams

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Adams County Commissioner Doug Bauman, a veteran of Vietnam, told those attending the South Adams Veterans Day program on Thursday that he knows what it’s like to watch those close to you literally drop by your side, victims of the war in Vietnam.

Bauman, who received two Purple Hearts and the Seal of Honor, among other awards, came home from Vietnam with scars on his body and heart from laying his life on the line in the tough war.

“Veterans, isn’t it wonderful to have a ceremony like this in our honor?” said Bauman with passion. “On behalf of all vets, we appreciate the opportunity to attend and honor our veterans.”

Major traffic changes set downtown — Building demolition will start on Monday

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Some major changes in traffic patterns will be seen in downtown Decatur starting Monday, as Fleming Excavating begins the task of demolishing the former Dwayne's Sweeper Shop/Holthouse Drug Co. building.

Traffic will not be allowed in the half block of Second St. from Monroe St. south to the first alley, and the half block of Second St. from Monroe St. north to the first alley.

That, of course, means that traffic traveling on Monroe St. will not be able to turn onto Second St.

Macedonian family loving life in Berne area

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Brothers Safet and Fatmir Veseli realize that their names may not be the most recognized in the local area at this time. But as long as people recognize their restaurant (Berne Dining) food and where it is prepared, that is all that matters to them.

Safet Veseli came to the United States, looking for a place of freedom and safety to bring his children. It was early this year when Veseli checked out the sale of an eatery on the south side of Berne. Veseli came and investigated and liked what he saw. He purchased the restaurant and soon his family was flying to the Berne area to start a new life in North America.

At the beginning of the school year, Veseli and his wife, Azbie, and children, daughters, Vjosa and Ardita and son, Suletman, re-established their residence in the Berne area.

Solid county turnout likely — Some 2,500 voted early

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Voting was reported heavy in a number of Decatur and Adams County precincts this morning as local voters looked to cast their ballots on not only national and state
races, but local contests as well.

A number of races dotted the local ballots including, for the first time, North Adams school board elections. Four candidates are seeking two District 1 seats while there are six candidates for two District 2 seats.
 

South Adams has two school board seats up, with three candidates vying for an at-large post and two looking for a District 2 position.

Council says no to 4-H farm animals being kept in city limits

Huntington County Tab:

Rules that, for the most part, keep farm animals outside the city limits of Huntington will remain in place.

Members of the Huntington Common Council voted 5-2 on Tuesday, Oct. 30, to make no changes to its animal control ordinance. The ordinance requires that anyone keeping animals that are commonly considered farm animals to have a minimum of five acres of land, a lot size uncommon inside the city limits.

Councilman Jim Long, acting on behalf of a constituent who was raising chickens, wanted to change the ordinance to allow city residents to raise animals for 4-H on any size lot.

Weather lightens parade crowd

Decatur Daily Democrat:

It wasn't the largest crowd for a Callithumpian Parade, but given the weather, it was a good one.

Estimates of Monday night's turnout for the annual parade were in the 5,000 range, not bad at all considering the weather predictions that included big gusts of wind. The temperature stood at 44 degrees when the parade kicked off around 7 p.m., with wind-chill readings in the mid-30s.

"I'd say around 5,000," Police Chief Ken Ketzler said this morning. "The crowd was lighter than usual — we've had 8,000 or 9,000 in the past — but not bad. It was really windy out there."

As for crowd control and the handling of traffic afterward, Ketzler said "it went real well."

Bean harvest should beat weather system

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

 

With the unpredictable harbinger of one of the worst storms in weather history threatening the eastern third of the nation for the first half of this week, southern Adams County farmers worked feverishly over the weekend to complete the harvest of this year’s bean crop.

The encroaching storm, said weather specialist Rick McCoy, will remain totally unpredictable for at least the next 24 hours.

“While it appears that the brunt of this unprecedented storm will stay just to the east of us, it would not be unreasonable for us to see some wet snow flakes to mix in with blowing rain Monday night and Tuesday,” said McCoy. “The National Weather Service is thinking now that there could be sustained winds of 35 miles per hour and gusts of 50 miles per hour or better, even in this area, especially during the day on Tuesday.”

Six seek two NA board seats

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Six candidates are vying for two seats from District 2 on the North Adams Community Schools’ board of education in the first-ever public elections for board seats.

The top vote-getter in the District 2 voting will receive a four-year term that will start Jan. 1, 2013. If an incumbent board member is the top vote-getter, that person will automatically earn a new term on the board, effective Jan. 1, 2013. Their vacated seat would then be filled by a vote of the school board.
 

The second-place vote-getters in each district, if not appointed to fill a board vacancy, would take office on July 1, 2014, during the phase-in period between appointed and elected positions.

Bickel implores council to hire more officers

Huntington County TAB:

A man shoots a gun into the air and threatens to turn the weapon on his family. It's the middle of the night, and the shooting is taking place in a rural home in southern Huntington County.

A lone police officer responds.

A victim is tied up, bound and gagged in a strong-arm robbery in Roanoke.

Again, a solitary police officer responds.

Both incidents could have been deadly, and both happened over the past few weeks in Huntington County, Sheriff Terry Stoffel says. And the fact that one police officer was sent into each situation is not out of the ordinary.

Horseman rides into Geneva Tuesday

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Leslie Fender told those sitting around listening to him at the Highline Restaurant that he had left Dublin, Texas on April 2 and had ridden a total of 3,800 miles when he strode into southern Adams County with his pair of horses on Tuesday.

Fender had come from Detroit to Fort Wayne, where he was forced to stay overnight because there was a squabble as to whether or not his horses would be allowed in the city, down U.S. 27 through Decatur and Berne. He eventually wound up at the Highline for a hot lunch, due to the steady rain that had set into the area.

“These people around here are really nice,” said Fender. “They are treating me so good.”Dick Clutter, president of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, presented Fender with the key to the cabin at Affolder Park, and cooks at the Highline Restaurant promised to deliver supper to the surprise guest as part of his stay at the cabin.

Red to black: Last month’s taketh is this month’s giveth

Decatur Daily Democrat:

At last month's meeting of the Adams Health Network (AHN) Board of Trustees, members learned a state hospital tax tab of $1,346,270.49 had put their financial bottom line several hundred thousand dollars in the red.

This month, the federal government came a-callin' again, but this visit left the hospital leaders in good spirits as Medicare deposited a settle-up check for 2011 in AHN coffers for approximately $750,000 — meaning the hospital now shows a $268,298 balance in the black.

AHN President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Nordwick and AHN Chief Financial Officer Dane Wheeler reported to the board that the cost report that Adams Memorial Hospital (AMH) submits to the government at the end of May (the most recent was for the 2011 calendar year) settles up the payments the hospital received for Medicare patients (who account for about 60 percent of the AHN business).

Jobless rate in tumble

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Unemployment in Adams County hit a four-year low during September.    According to figures released Friday by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Adams County's jobless rate plummeted to 6.6 percent during September. That represents the lowest unemployment figure experienced in the county since June of 2008, when unemployment stood at 5.5 percent.

September's unemployment rate was down .7 percent from the county's 7.3 percent reading in August.

Adams County's jobless rate has now remained at or below 8 percent for seven consecutive months after starting the year at 8.5 percent. The previous low for the year came in April, when the county's jobless rate stood at 7.0 percent. Three years ago, in September of 2009, Adams County experienced an unemployment rate of 13.4 percent. One year ago that rate was at 7.8 percent.

Student’s report led to Strauss arrest

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Former South Adams Elementary School principal Brian Strauss told Indiana State Police investigator Bobby Jackson that he did not believe that behavior that led to his Thursday’s arrest for sexual misconduct charges with a minor was unlawful.In an affidavit released from the office of LaPorte County Prosecuting Attorney Robert Szilagyi, detective Adam Hannon, who investigated the case that led to Strauss’s arrest, said that this past Aug. 21, a female who was a minor at the time, reported to Deputy Rashaun Sinclair that she had been involved in an inappropriate relationship, which evolved into a sexual relationship, with Strauss while he was employed as a teacher at South Central School Corporation.She then told Hannon that she began an online correspondence with Strauss in the summer of 2008. Initially the correspondence consisted of casual conversation, she said, but in the fall of 2008, her freshman year, the correspondence transitioned to content that was sexual in nature.

SA music department receives $3,510 through car promotion

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

As a result of a promotion sponsored by Moser Motor Sales, the music department has an extra $3,510 to use toward needs at South Adams High School.

Jim Eicher, representing Moser Motor Sales, said that as a result of cars driven through his company earlier this fall, the check could be presented to South Adams principal Trent Lehman and music department chairman Curt Amstutz.

“We really are grateful to Jim (Eicher) and the people at Moser Motors for partnering in this,” said Amstutz. “This only backs up the company’s outstanding reputation of being a good neighbor to the entire community.”

Sewage rate hike approved

Decatur Daily Democrat:

After an hour-long public hearing Tuesday night in which city officials were challenged to stand up to "bullying tactics" by the federal government, Decatur City Council unanimously passed a 50 percent sewer rate increase which will go into effect with the next billing cycle.
 

Rates initially will rise 37 percent, then another 4 percent a year later; then, probably, another 7 percent in the third year of a three-phase project, Meanwhile, the city will float a $3 million bond issue.

Geneva moves ahead with utility improvements

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Even as the town of Geneva is finishing completion of an $830,000 wastewater treatment plant Clerk/Treasurer Bill Warren is investigating the possibility of acquiring a $700,000 grant for line improvements.Currently, the town is in the process of installing a generator at the new $830,000 wastewater plant. That move was motivated by the massive June 29 storm this past summer that caused widespread power outages throughout the area."One thing I was calling for that we installed was a fine screen system," said Warren. "That helps remove wood, plastic and other items before they get into the plant."

Three prison terms are handed down

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Prison sentences were handed down recently in Adams Circuit Court, including two to Decatur residents. Wesley A. Lanning, 23, Portland, received prison time after recently pleading guilty in Adams Circuit Court to child molesting. He was sentenced to four years in prison, with two years suspended, by Judge Fredrick A. Schurger. Lanning will be on probation for two years after serving his time, tmust register as a sex offender, and was ordered to pay $2,062.14 in court costs and restitution to the victim's father.

Rich to serve as interim elementary principal

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Jeff Rich, South Adams Middle School principal, will serve as interim elementary principal until another interim or permanent principal is secured for the spot vacated by Brian Strauss, when he submitted his resignation on Oct. 3.

At its regular monthly October school board meeting, board members both officially accepted the resignation of Strauss and agreed with a recommendation from Superintendent Scott Litwiller that Rich fill the position until a more permanent solution can be acted upon.

Strauss surprised school officials when he tendered his resignation to Litwiller on Oct. 3, effective immediately. At the time, Strauss informed Litwiller that he is under investigation in relation to his previous employment in another county.

Courthouse woes are continuing

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The escalating cost to renovate the Adams County courthouse is showing no sign of coming to an end soon.

Dave Meyer of the county's building maintenance department met with the Adams County Council Tuesday to discuss yet another snag discovered by contractors as they continue with the final phase of the courthouse project.
 

Meyer said as the contractors are working on the bricks they need to remove to complete the tuck-pointing, brick faces above, below, and generally all around the work area have been popping out from the vibrations.
 

Meyer said part of the problem is that over the years the courthouse has been sandblasted to help keep the exterior looking clean.

Andrews council lets food pantry use building

Huntington County Tab:

The Andrews Town Council decided Monday, Oct. 8, to allow the Shepherd's Food Pantry, in Andrews, permission to use of part of the Andrews Community Building.

Shepherd's Food Pantry will use the building the third week of every month, which is when it receives food and distributes it to the community.

Pat McCloskey, secretary-treasurer of the food bank board, represented the pantry before the council. She petitioned the council for use of the community building, located at 67 North Snowden Street, because of issues that the pantry's current location, at the Methodist church in Andrews, poses on the days when the pantry receives and distributes food.

Park festival proves to be best ever

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

In spite of wet grounds and chilly temperatures, the fall sun came out just in time to invite visitors to the third annual Lehman Park Harvest Festival at the local facility on Saturday afternoon.

To make things better, it was the best year in financial income. According to Amy Orr, who spearheaded the festival once again, at least $6,500 was generated toward the festival income. Once again, money will go toward upkeep of the park equipment and grounds.

"The cool weather may have kept some from attending, but this, our third, was the best so far in terms of fund proceeds raised," said Orr.

"Thanks so much to all who participated in any way," added Orr.

More snags in ongonig work at the courthouse

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Even as the renovation project on the Adams County Courthouse is winding to a close, unexpected snags seemingly pop up at every turn.

At the beginning of September, Dave Meyer, who heads the county building and maintenance department, told the Adams County Commissioners that as he and Dave Sholl of Schenkel and Schultz Architecture were inspecting the building they found several ornamental leaves that were rusted and falling apart and needed to be replaced.
 

The commissioners asked Meyer to get an exact count of the damaged fixtures and to get estimates for the cost of replacing the decorative leaves.

Taylor’s comrades visit Berne

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Comrades of local young man, Nick Taylor, whose life was tragically taken during an insurgent attack in Afghanistan on July 16, paid a visit to Taylor’s parents on Monday afternoon.

Patrick Bogacz of Griffith and Kyle Leonard, of Valparaiso, visited the home of Tim and Stephania Taylor. In the evening, there was a public reception for the young men at Swiss Village.

Both men were on the same mission with Taylor when his platoon was fired on with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms while clearing bombs in Kandahar Province. Another Indiana man, Sergio Perez, of near Crown Point, was also killed in the incident. Both Taylor and Perez were members of the Valparaiso-based 713th Engineer Company.

Local students and teacher learn lessons through Ugandan school

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

It was in 1995 when Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Wayne and Dawn Smith of Berne, traveled to Uganda on a mission trip. While she was there, she developed a real heart for the Ugandan people. When she returned home, she suggested that Dawn develop a pen pal friendship with a teacher who was instructing children while they sat on rocks under banana trees.

When she returned, she unloaded the burden to her parents she had for those children who, though extremely poor and broken, dedicated themselves to gaining an education. Dawn, a recently retired fifth grade teacher at South Adams Elementary School, suggested that local students foster pen pal relationships with approximately 25 students in the institution.

What's Up

Garage sale in Celina Sept. 27-Oct. 2
A six-day sale sponsored by the Mercer County Council on Aging (MCCOA) will be held Sept. 27 through Oct. 2 at the Senior Citizen Center at 217 Riley Street in Celina. Call 419-586-1644 for hours of operation.

Kinder Haus BBQ Chicken Dinner fundraiser Oct. 5 

Swiss Village’s Kinder Haus Day Care will be host a drive-thru chicken dinner fundraiser Friday, Oct. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets will be sold by pre-sale only.

The Dinner will include Romers half chicken, applesauce, potato chips, and dinner roll with butter. Cost is $7 each and can be purchased at the Swiss Village front desk, The Arthur and Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion or Kinder Haus Day Care through Sept. 28.

All proceeds will go directly to the Kinder Haus Day Care Endowment Fund. For more call 260-589-3173.

Bowman Reunion Oct. 7
The Bowman Reunion will be held Sunday, Oct. 7, from noon to 4 p.m. at Legion/Cannon Park on Winchester Street in Decatur. Those attending should bring a side dish to share. Chicken and juice will be provided.

For more information or directions call Krissa Aker at 260-701-2528.

Affolder Implement to reopen service area October 1

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Affolder Implement Sales, Inc. is approaching the end of a long and sometimes hard journey. The service area which was destroyed by fire last December has been rebuilt and should be opening by Oct. 1, according to business owner Greg Milholland.

"We should start doing some moving in next week, around the 25th," said Milholland. "We won't be ready to work until Oct. 1.

"It's been quite a journey, long and tough at times," Milholland said. "It is very fulfilling that so many people stood by us and continue to do business with us. There are times that I know that it's been unhandy for them to do business with us. The community came to our rescue. Words can't express our appreciation for the way that so many people assisted."

Police: Mom told teens to rob Amish

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The Adams County sheriff’s and Berne police departments collaborated to quickly arrest four suspects in the alleged recent attacks on members of the Amish community in the Berne area, according to Adams County Prosecutor Chris Harvey

Three people now face multiple felony charges, including armed robbery, and a fourth is facing a conspiracy charge.

David Veliz, 19, and Alejandro Lopez, 18, both of Fort Wayne, and Brady Rodriguez, 17, who is a minor but has been remanded to adult court, all face one count of armed robbery, three counts of attempted armed robbery, three counts of criminal confinement, and one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

Roanoke council explores extension of High Street

Huntington County Tab:

A project to extend High Street, connecting Roanoke to a cluster of businesses currently only accessible only via U.S.-24, was discussed at the Tuesday, Sept. 18, meeting of the Roanoke Town Council.

"This is a good deal here," says Councilman John Stoeckley. "It'll keep our residents from having to pull on to 24 and then decelerate right away and pull into the businesses."

High Street currently ends at Washington Street. Beyond High Street is a small section of land and the businesses lie on the other side of that, where a street is already in place.

Two in jail for Amish attacks

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Alejandro Lopez, 18, and David Veliz, 19, both of Fort Wayne, were arrested and an unnamed juvenile have been detained by the Adams County Sheriff’s Department for their involvement with alleged crimes committed against members of the Amish community in Adams County last Monday, according to Adams County Prosecutor Chris Harvey.
 

The prosecutor said both men have been preliminarily detained pending charges of armed robbery and criminal confinement.
 

Formal charges are against both men and more information will be provided as soon as it's made available, he added.

Arnold named athletic director at South Adams

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

In a special board meeting on Tuesday evening, the South Adams School Board wrapped up a four-week search by acting on the recommendation of superintendent Scott Litwiller and high school principal Trent Lehman and unanimously approving the hiring of Jason Arnold as South Adams’ new athletic director.

“I’m looking forward to working with him during this transition time,” said Litwiller.

Arnold is currently the head football coach for the Starfires, a high school social studies teacher, and a driver’s education teacher. He is a graduate of Ball State University and has a degree in administration. He was hired at South Adams five years ago as the head football coach and a social studies teacher. He has experience coaching football from elementary through high school and spent some time coaching soccer at Geyer Middle School early in his career.

Arrests made in Amish attacks

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Two Fort Wayne men are being held without bond today in the Adams County Jail in connection with several attacks on Amish residents in southern Adams County Monday.

Adams County Sheriff Shane Rekeweg announced this morning that his department, with assistance from the public and the Berne Police Department, was able to identify and arrest David Veliz, 19, and Alejandro Lopez, 18. Both are preliminarily charged with armed robbery.

Hank vs. IDEM...Hank wins!

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Adams County Solid Waste District Manager Hank Mayer reported to the district's board of trustees on Monday that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has backed off an earlier requirement that a passive gas study be performed at the county's long-closed south landfill.

After IDEM earlier this year had required the county to implement the additional test vents to monitor methane gas at the landfill, Mayer called the state agency to protest.

"I told them they were making us spend a lot of money for absolutely nothing, and that they should take another look" at the mandate, Mayer told the board.

The director reported that IDEM officials responded by saying that if the passive gas vents were installed as requested, the district could halt its ongoing methane monitoring at the landfill. If the new vents are not installed, Mayer said, IDEM will require methane testing for five more years.

Over 1,000 show up to honor Neuenschwander at auction

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

The sound of auctioneers could be heard echoing around the barn and sheds of the Phil Neuenschwander property on Saturday. Crowds of people from around the county jammed together to examine ponies, thousands of tools and other farm heirlooms and to examine items for sale on the farm they had occupied since May of 1947.

Their children, Judy, Patti, Cheryl and Thomas (deceased) were born and raised on the property. Thousands of family experiences with children, eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren were cutting sentimental grooves in Leona Neuenschwander's memories on Saturday. Phil sat in a cart and watched silently as a lifetime of treasures were sold and dispensed. It was a day of mixed feelings, with concerns from aging being dispensed, but disposing of items that represented priceless memories.

Diners at Applebee’s on Sept. 10 can turn in flier to make a donation to Pathfinder Services programs

Huntington County Tab:

Pathfinder Services will hold a Dine to Donate day at Applebee's, located at 346 Hauenstein Rd., Huntington, on Monday. Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to midnight as part of its United Way Pacesetter campaign.

For anyone who eats at Applebee's that day and turns in a flier, the restaurant will donate 15 percent of the total ticket price for that order. Fliers can be found at www.pathfinderservices.org, at the Pathfinder Services main office at 2824 Theater Ave., Huntington, or at the Pathfinder Community Supports office at 1152 E. State St., Huntington.

No city help for Oakwood

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The Oakwood Addition south of Decatur continues under a boil advisory due to major problems with its water system, but at this point there is no way the City of Decatur could or would come to the rescue.

Councilman Matt Dyer raised the matter at Tuesday night's city council meeting, asking if it would be possible for the city to provide water to the residents of Oakwood, also known as Yost Woods.

Board of Works and Safety member Bill Karbach put it succinctly: "They couldn't afford it," referring to what it would cost for the city to do so.

Roanoke to weigh funding options for utility project

Huntington County Tab:

The Roanoke Town Council will decide how to fund capital improvements to the town's water utilities at its next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 18.

Greg Guerrettaz, of Financial Solutions Group, Inc., was present at the Sept. 4 meeting to answer any questions council members might have regarding the municipal water utility rate review he prepared.

The review analyzed receipts and disbursements, cash balance and all pertinent information regarding the town's water utilities, using information for the 2011 calendar year. Additionally, the review provided the council with two ways to fund the list of capital improvements to the water utilities it approved on its June 19 meeting.

Thefts from vehicles in Geneva on rise

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Geneva Marshall Rob Johnson reported during the town's council meeting on Tuesday that there has been an increase in the number of calls to the police regarding items being stolen out of vehicles.

Johnson said, "We encourage people to keep their car doors locked" to avoid becoming a victim of this increasingly popular crime. He also said to make sure to report any theft to the Geneva Police Department as soon as possible because, "We will go out of our way to check it out."

Johnson also reported that there has been an increase in noise complaints, such as people playing music in their cars too loudly. Because there is no town noise ordinance, council members agreed to have Clerk-Treasurer Bill Warren draft an ordinance for review at an upcoming meeting. Warren noted that Berne and Fort Wayne have noise ordinances that are similar to each other and measure noise in footage as opposed to decibels. The Geneva ordinance will likely follow suit.

Maintaining healthy and productive soil topic of seminar

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Farmers from throughout the county gathered at the Dan Abnet farm for this year's annual Adams County Soil and Water Annual Field Day.

This year's event included a combination of Adams County Soil and Water Conservation District, Upper Wabash Valley Basin Commission and St. Mary's River Watershed Project.

"The purpose of this is promoting soil and water health and quality," said Katy Stoller, resource specialist for the Indiana Department of State Agriculture.

Emphasis at the seminar included soil health demonstrations, no-till use of cover crops and soil quality. There was also discussion concerning cover crop choices, precision planting and crop production. The seminar was also permitted to count as credit for those working on their PAPR credit pesticide applicator.

Two-week 4-H exchange trip to Poland tops list for Huntington resident’s vacation

Huntington County Tab:

When most teenagers think of how to spend their summers, a two-week trip to Poland doesn't top the list.

Unless you're Huntington resident Rhyan Geiger, who spent June 25 through July 8 in Poland as part of a team of 4-H exchange students.

Geiger says the yearly program is familiar to her family.

"We have previously hosted exchange students from Poland and Japan," she says. "Our team of nine had kids from Allen and Wells counties, one from Plymouth and another from Indianapolis."

City awarded $400,000 grant - Will be used to raze onetime city garage

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The city of Decatur has been awarded a $400,000 federal Community Development Block Grant to help pay for the cost of demolishing a former street department building that has been deemed a public hazard and an eyesore.

The grant, announced Friday by Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, was made available through the Indiana Community Focus Fund and is administered through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). Decatur was one of 38 Hoosier communities to share in CFF grants totaling $16,248,626.

"This is wonderful news, just wonderful," Mayor John Schultz said Friday morning. "I'm very happy about this."

Remains of old Mennonite Cemetery brought back home

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Remains and artifacts that had been removed from the old Mennonite Cemetery two years ago have been brought back home for internment in the MRE Cemetery. The mass grave containing the remains is located south of the flagpole in the southern part of the graveyard.

Susan Doell, representing the Indiana Department of Transportation, said that final permission to bury the remains and artifacts was given late Tuesday, allowing for the Wednesday burial.

Ryan Peterson, archeologist in charge of the excavating project, said that in the end his archeological team had excavated slightly over 130 grave shafts. In the process of their work, Peterson said that archeologists had found all forms of remains, including portions of skeletons, burial relics and portions of caskets. While most grave shafts were located just to the east of the highway, Peterson had reported that there were three confirmed grave shafts on the very eastern portion of the grade school property.

Remains laid to rest second time

Decatur Daily Democrat:

It was a three-mile journey that took nearly three years to complete, but the remains of turn-of-the-century Berne residents were laid to rest for a second time Wednesday at M.R.E. Cemetery west of Berne.

Cemetery officials and a handful of interested onlookers joined with representatives from the Indianapolis-based AMEC Earth & Environmental archaeology firm to re-inter human remains and burial artifacts excavated in 2009 and 2010 from the long-abandoned Mennonite Church Cemetery in Berne.

The former cemetery was located primarily on the northeast corner of what today is the intersection of U.S. 27 and State Route 218. The decision to excavate the site was made in conjunction with an Indiana Department of Transportation project to widen the intersection there. AMEC was contracted by state transportation officials to delicately identify and remove the any human remains and burial artifacts from the former cemetery site.

Remains laid to rest second time

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

A rush to file for school board seats prior to the Friday noon deadline set up some contests for the South Adams School Board election in November.

While Gresham Bearss had filed for the District 6 at-large seat earlier in the process, two other challengers entered the race when Amy Orr, currently representing the third district on the board, and Debra Gerber threw their names into the at-large contest.

The at-large seat opened up when Steve Dobler, who currently held the spot, decided not to seek another term.

One other South Adams race was set up when District 2 incumbent Arlene Amstutz was challenged by Cheryl Caffee. Other incumbents filing for South Adams board include incumbents Julie Mansfield in District 5 and John Buckingham in District 4.

Uncertain status of county’s emergency management agency irks council members

Huntington County Tab:

The uncertain status of the Huntington County Emergency Management Agency continues to color spending decisions by the Huntington County Council, and the lack of progress in resolving differences between the EMA advisory board and the Huntington County commissioners continues to irk council members.

"Until that mess we have - that people won't take the responsibility to resolve - we need to leave that department alone," Councilman Don Davenriner said as the council pulled back from a proposal to spend unused money in the EMA budget on an upgrade to police communication equipment.

Lehman learns many lessons during trip to Haiti

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

South Adams High School principal Trent Lehman had visited 13 countries through various mission trips prior to his trip to Haiti this past summer with the Dots in Blue Water project. While he had seen many things in different cultures, Lehman admitted that he had never seen poverty like he saw in Haiti.

"In terms of infrastructure, it's the worst I've been to," said Lehman. "India rivals it, especially in poverty, but in India we saw fast food places. There was nothing like that in Haiti, nothing like American civilization type things, no McDonalds, no Pizza Huts, no American type of influence with fast food restaurants.

Maybe Friday

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Just in time for the big weekend of the Festival of the Kekionga, which honors our heritage, a seeming part of our "heritage" may be gone.

Those orange "Road Construction Ahead", "End Construction" and other such signs which have begun to seem to be a part of the city's heritage will be removed on Friday. At least that's what an Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) representative told Decatur Street/Sanitation Superintendent Jeremy Gilbert on Tuesday.

Farmers looking ahead to 2013 season

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Regardless of crop results from this year, over 200 area farmers gathered at New Era Ag, located south of Monroe, on Thursday evening to hear assessments of lessons learned from this summer's drought and professional advice on how to start planning for next summer's crop.

"We have people here from Adams, Wells, and Allen counties in Indiana and from Mercer and Van Wert counties in Ohio," commented Todd Mathewson, one of the owners of New Era Ag. "Guys are here to get educated about new products and new techniques. In addition, this counts for certification points for applicator licenses. It can be applied to continuing education credits.

Refinancing to save hospital millions August 20, 2012

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Action taken last week by the Adams County Hospital Association by refinancing the lease revenue rental bond used to construct the new hospital back in 2005 will save the hospital several million dollars over the life of the bond issue.

Adams Health Network (AHN) President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Nordwick met with the five-member board and explained the process and history of the bond issue which was originally approved in 2003 for $40 million. He noted that hospital-generated funds and money approved by local and county governmental agencies from the Community Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT) have been used to date to make semi-annual bond payments.

Nordwick noted that with the dramatic drop in interest rates, hospital officials decided to seek a refinancing procedure to lower payments. He stressed that an Indiana State Board of Accounts report indicated the bond issue "is not a direct liability to the county itself, but is secured by the tax pledge of CEDIT funds and the moral obligation of the state of Indiana."

Water rate hikes and budget highlight council meeting

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

After considerable discussion, Berne City Council voted in favor of the first water rate hike in 30 years at Monday's bi-monthly meeting. Council members voted to raise rates from a current $9.54 to $17.96, with an increase of 40 percent at $8.42. The rate grew out of a presentation in July in which Steve Carter, a consultant with H.J. Umbaugh and Associates, pointed out that water reserve funds have fallen from $1.3 million three years ago to the current amount of $500,000.

Maller noted that a portion of that reflected the construction of the new water tower last year.

"We're not in a bad situation but something has to be done before we get there," said council member Philip Provost. "The amount of money is dwindling so it is going to make it a pretty extensive increase."

Sewer board, Decatur to keep talking

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Negotiations are continuing between the Adams County Regional Sewer District board and the city of Decatur pertaining to sewage treatment costs for a proposed $4.5 million sewer project to serve the outlying areas of Monmouth, Bobo, Pleasant Mills and Arcadia Village.

While those talks are ongoing, however, regional sewer board members on Tuesday were urged to look at other options — including the possibility of sending sewage to Berne — to make the proposed sewer project as cost effective as possible.

The regional sewer district board met Tuesday afternoon at the Riverside Center and received an update on negotiations with the city of Decatur that were suggested at last month's meeting.

Huntington County Tab:

As the school year begins and students hustle through the halls, many will see new administrative faces.

Three new principals have been hired in Huntington County - Chad Daugherty at Huntington North High School, Chuck Werth at Crestview Middle School and Russ Degitz at Lancaster Elementary School.

Each principal weighs in on his hopes on the start of a new year:

Damage costs rising

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The cost to repair damages to the electrical system at the Adams County Courthouse, which was zapped during severe storms that whipped through the area at the beginning of August, is much higher than initially thought.

Dave Meyer of building maintenance told the Adams County Commissioners on Monday that the estimated cost to repair the electrical damage caused by an apparent lightning strike is now around the $60,000 mark, a substantial jump from the initial $20,000 estimate in the days immediately following the storm.

Pries resigns South Adams post

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Embattled South Adams Athletic Director Mike Pries confirmed this morning that he has resigned his position.

Pries, who survived a 3-2 vote of the school board two years ago after then-superintendent Cathy Egolf attempted to have him fired, recently was highlighted when it was learned Paul David Baker, 48, a friend of Pries, was a SA volunteer girls basketball coach who was required to register as a sexually violent predator.

Contacted by the Democrat this morning, Pries simply said he had submitted his resignation Friday to school officials.

Preble and Hoagland fire departments get grant funds

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Volunteer fire departments in Preble and Hoagland are among rural fire departments in 39 counties across Indiana to share in $242,000 in Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants.

The grants are administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Division of Forestry Fire Control Headquarters and are made available through the United States Department of Agriculture's Forest Service.

New school board election filing deadline approaching

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

The deadline to file as a candidate for a local school district in Indiana is approaching, according to South Adams School Superintendent Scott Litwiller. Under new policy, all school board elections across Indiana would be moved to the November ballot under a bill that has gained final approval from the state legislation.

Locally, that choice was always made in the May primary.

The proposal would complete the practice of allowing local boards to decide whether to hold the nonpartisan election during the May or the November elections, starting with the 2012 elections.

Huntington water dept., wellhead group hosting meeting on plan

Huntington County Tab:

The City of Huntington Water Department and the Wellhead Protection Local Planning Team will be hosting a public informational meeting on the City's Wellhead Protection Phase II Plan.

The meeting will be held on Aug. 15, at 6:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, on the third floor of the City Building.

The purpose of Wellhead Protection is to prevent drinking water from becoming polluted by managing possible sources of contamination in the area that supplies water to the city wells.

Construction begins on Limberlost Visitor Center

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

Arnold Co., Inc., of Decatur has started pouring the foundation for construction of the Limberlost Visitor Center.

Cole Fryback, representing the company, which has been contracted to construct the facility, said earlier this week that a pad has been built and cement is being poured to set the foundation for the center.

In the meantime, Randy Lehman, executive director of the Limberlost State Historic Site said that the Decatur-based construction company told him that it has been given the verbal green light to go ahead and has begun the project.

Currently, said Lehman, he has been given no timeline on completion of the project.

Knous tax deal is given the OK

Decatur Daily Democrat:

As expected, Decatur City Council, at its meeting this week, approved via a confirming resolution a 10-year tax abatement on a warehouse which Knous Enterprises LLC of Decatur will improve for its affiliate, P&B Trucking.

The request had been presented at the previous meeting by Portland attorney John Coldren, representing owners Robert and Pam Knous of Decatur.

The Knouses have an empty warehouse in Industrial Park I and will build a 12,000 square foot improvement to it at a cost off $352,000 to $372,000. That would translate into the hiring of three of four employees, Coldren said previously.

Young entrepreneurs starting new crop in county

Huntington County Tab:

Growing along U.S.-24, on a hillside between Roanoke and Huntington, are hundreds of grape vines.

Eric Harris and Emily Hart planted them there this spring, and now they are training them to grow according to vertical shoot positioning - a method used by vineyards in California to maximize visual appeal and efficiency of the plant, says Harris.

But why are these plants now a part of the Huntington County landscape?

They are a component of Harris' and Hart's dream of owning a winery.

Police pay hike stirs city debate

Decatur Daily Democrat:

An hour and 20-minute budget discussion at Tuesday night's Decatur City Council meeting was mostly devoted to a stirring, passionate debate over a requested pay increase for members of the city police department.

In the end, three council members voted to provide a $2,500 increase to each of the 17 members of the department. That will be in addition to the two percent pay boost set up earlier for all city employees.

The issue of extra police raises came up as, for the first time, the proposed city budget for 2013 came into public view. It carried a figure of $7,131,597, up $275,710 from last year's $6,855,869 proposal. But the new proposal will now have to be recalculated due to the hikes granted the police department.

Busy day for police - Apprehensions in two incidents

Decatur Daily Democrat:

City and county law-enforcement authorities had a busy Monday afternoon, conducting an extensive search for an individual northwest of Decatur and during that time apprehending at gunpoint two people in a vehicle reported as stolen.

It all began around 2:15 p.m. when the sheriff's department got a tip that a wanted man, Michael A. Robinson, was staying at a residence on northwest Winchester Road. As Decatur police Det. Leonard Corral Jr., on duty with the sheriff's department, was attempting to serve a warrant the man, he fled into a corn field.

Sheriff's deputies and city officers set up a perimeter around the field and the Indiana State Police K-9 was called. After approximately an hour, the search was called off without an apprehension.

Courthouse damage could top $10,000 - Likely lightning zaps electrical equipment

Decatur Daily Democrat:

While Saturday's storm didn't cause any structural damage to county buildings, plenty of electrical equipment was zapped by an apparent lightning strike.

Dave Meyer, of building maintenance, told the Adams County Commissioners Monday that he checked on the courthouse after he failed to receive a routine status email Sunday morning.

Meyer said when he got to the building he discovered the second floor air conditioning unit, elevator, emergency alarms and panic alarms were not working. Meyer called Bleeke Electric to fix the problems and as of Monday all systems, except the air conditioning unit, were operating again.

Bean crop to benefit most from weekend rain

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

It was like "grant money from the heavens" on Saturday evening and Sunday morning when between two and four inches of rain fell on area fields. Millions of dollars dropped on the parched Indiana crop with a special blessing for the state's bean crop.

Locally, rainfall amounts varied, ranging from two inches in the southern parts of the county to nearly four inches in the Monroe area, and three inches reported in the extreme eastern part of the county. Regardless of the amount, all farmers were speaking in terms of "great blessing" as they gathered in the foyers of their churches before worship on Sunday morning.

The rainfall was actually a product of three storm complexes. A quick forming line of thundershowers passed over the area late in the afternoon, dropping anywhere from a couple of tenths of an inch to nearly a half inch in some areas. Then, later in the evening, a much stronger punch hit the county, this time with one to two inches of rain accompanied by strong gusty winds that included a tornado warning for the central part of the county for a few minutes.

Ebony’s new life is under way August 6, 2012

Decatur Daily Democrat:

To see seven-year-old Ebony Fawcett, with her thousand-watt smile and fairylike giggle, playing in her hot-pink room, it's difficult to imagine the hardships this Decatur girl has endured during her short life.

In 2006, when Ebony was little more than a year old, she was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a children's cancer that develops in the nervous system, most commonly in the abdominal and chest area, and is associated with the adrenal glands.

Even before her diagnosis, Ebony's life was far from ideal. She was living with her biological family when her illness was discovered after the Department of Children and Families came to investigate the conditions of her home.

Club calendar

Wednesday, Aug. 8

• Poplar Grove Club — Corner Depot; 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 11

• Korean War Veterans Assoc., Indiana Chapter One — VFW at 2202 W. Main Street, Fort Wayne; 10 a.m. Lunch following meeting. Friends and spouses welcome to attend the event. 260-485-7627.
• River Terrace Estates — Tab Beechler playing piano and singing; 3 p.m. in Healthcare.

Sunday, Aug. 12

• LifeTree Café — Brew Ha! in Ossian; 6-7 p.m. Topic: “Lonely: Secrets learned in solitary confinement.” 260-622-4632.
• River Terrace Estates — Art Beer, Esther Mowery and Denver Morrow; 2:30 p.m. in ALD.

Are you ready for some fireworks? Hgtn. fireworks display set for Aug. 4

Huntington County Tab:

The annual Fourth of July Huntington fireworks display, postponed this year due to the burn ban, is set to commence at last this Saturday, Aug. 4, off the grounds of Huntington North High School at 10 p.m.

Dan Fisher, chair of the fireworks display for American Legion Post 7, has been involved with fireworks displays since 1982 and can't remember a display ever facing "more than a day or two delay."

Fisher, however, is quick to praise Leon Hurlburt, deputy chief and fire marshal with the Huntington Fire Department, for his decision to delay the show.

PD dispatch center closed

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The dispatch center at the Decatur police station on Third St. was officially closed down on Wednesday.

Now, calls to the police department's telephone number, 724-3123, will be answered by an electronic operator, and the caller will be asked to hang up and call 911 if it is an emergency or to call 724-5345 for all other calls. The call to 724-5345 will be answered by someone in the communications center in the Adams County Jail

All dispatches to city police now come from the communications center at the county jail.

Community and nation turn out to celebrate life of Taylor

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

By 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning, multitudes of area residents were lined up in the hallway leading to the South Adams Gymnasium, waiting for doors to open to the funeral site of Nicholas (Nick) Taylor, veteran and hero of the local community whose life was taken in Afghanistan on July 16.

And while the community came out in mass, it wasn't only Berne or Adams County people that paid tribute to the community's fallen hero. Hundreds of motorcycle riders from the Indiana Patriot Guard stood by with flags saluting the young soldier and his grieving family. Dignitaries such as State Senator Travis Holdman, Governor Mitchell Daniels, Adjutant General of Indiana National Guard General Umbarger, U.S Representative Dan Coates, U.S. Representative Mike Pence and State Representative Matt Lehman all paid tributes to Taylor's military service.

Swiss Days opens with tribute to Taylor

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

A hush of respect and grief fell over the large crowd attending Swiss Days opening exercises on Thursday evening when Berne Chamber of Commerce director Sheree Barkley directed those present to a time of silent reverence on behalf of Nick Taylor, son of Tim and Stephania Taylor, who lost his life in the line of fire in Afghanistan on July 16. The playing of "Taps" followed the time of silence.

The National Anthem was sung by JD Tarr and Samantha Holley; those attending also stood with respect for the playing of the Swiss National Anthem.

"Welcome to Swiss Days 2012," said Barkley in greeting those present. "There was such an amount of work that came together for this moment; there are wonderful things planned for you."

Andrews council retains insurer at special meeting on Friday, July 20

Huntington County Tab:

During a special meeting of the Andrews Town Council on Friday, July 20, council members voted on bids for the town's liability insurance.

President John Harshbarger made a motion to accept the bid from Mettler Insurance Agency, the company that has provided the town with liability insurance coverage for the past 55 years.

Councilman Ray Tackett seconded the motion, and Harshbarger and Tackett voted in favor of accepting the bid. Vice President Mike Rohler voted against accepting the bid from Mettler.

Hospital color of month stays the same: black

Decatur Daily Democrat:

When a business has total operating revenue of $20,409,965 for the first six months of the year, a figure of $18,127 seems like small potatoes.

But, for Adams Memorial Hospital, that small number was how much the facility was in the black for the month of June — and for the year the hospital has taken in $147,235 more than what has been spent for expenses.

Chief Financial Officer Dane Wheeler noted, "It wasn't a lot, but we were in the black. I'll take that any day as opposed to being in the red."

City dispatch station closing soon

Decatur Daily Democrat:

On Wednesday, August 1, at approximately 9 a.m., the Decatur Police Department will no longer dispatch calls for service from the police station at 521 N. Third Street, according to an announcement by Chief Ken Ketzler.

All calls to the department's telephone number, 724-3123, will be answered by an electronic operator, and the caller will be asked to hang up and call 911 if it is an emergency or to call 724-5345 for all other calls. The 724-5345 number is the Adams County Sheriff.s Department number, and is answered by the Central Dispatch Center in the basement of the jail.

All dispatches will then come from the Central Dispatch Center.

Taylor to arrive back in Berne Sunday afternoon

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

The remains of Spc. Nick Taylor will arrive home in Berne on Sunday afternoon at an estimated time between 3 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Funeral director John Kirchhofer announced on Tuesday that the body of Taylor will arrive in Fort Wayne earlier on Sunday afternoon for a private family meeting.

Taylor will then be transported from Fort Wayne to Berne, with estimated arrival time around 3 p.m. The young soldier will arrive on U.S. 27 North, turn left on Main Street to Columbia Street to the Yager-Kirchhofer Funeral Home. Kirchhofer emphasized that the public is invited to welcome the family to Berne.

Visitation for Taylor will be held at South Adams High School gym on July 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will then be held at the school at 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

Emotional meeting-Berne council tearfully remembers Nick Taylor

Decatur Daily Democrat:

A somber mood was prevalent in Berne City Council chambers on Monday evening as city officials paused to tearfully remember one of their own.

After spending the first hour of Monday's meeting attending to routine city business, council members concluded their evening with an emotional tribute to Nick Taylor, who was killed a week earlier while serving his country in Afghanistan.

Council President Gregg Sprunger choked back tears as he read a special resolution prepared by city leaders in honor of Taylor. Everyone in the room stood with heads bowed as the resolution was read, and heavy hearts and immense grief were clearly evident.

City officials encourage water conservation

Huntington County Tab:

City officials say that while there's currently no shortage of water in Huntington, residents are encouraged not to waste the liquid resource.

"At this time the city's water supply is not at risk," Huntington Water Superintendent Randy Jones said in a news release issued Monday, July 9. "However, in being good stewards of a precious natural resource, we ask that citizens use their best discretion on the use of water,"

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has asked 32 Indiana counties - those that have capacity to withdraw 100,000 gallons or more per day - to implement voluntary water conservation measures.

SA school board denies facility request from The Bridge

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

With more than 40 people from The Bridge Community Church in attendance for the work session and the regular session, much of Tuesday evening’s South Adams school board meeting and a one hour work session prior to the regular session were taken up with discussion on Policy 7510 – Use of School Facility. Changes and updates by the board to Policy 7510 were brought to the table when a request was made by Mo Hodge on May 8 to use the facility as an extension church of The Bridge Community Church in Decatur. They requested the use of the auditorium and six classrooms every Sunday for an unspecified amount of time.

The request has been tabled since then as the board has held two work sessions and discussed the request during the regular board meetings to decide what is best for the school and the taxpayers and to discuss what changes they felt needed to be made to the current policy. Several areas of concern were brought up by various board members, including rental fees, student privacy, facility wear and tear, use of the facility by non-education related organizations, and a request for the use of the facility with no specified amount of time attached.

Truck downs lines, knocks out power and causes fire

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Inconvenience quickly turned to chaos as downed power lines caused widespread outages and sparked a fire in the Custom Car Care storage building on Thursday.

At approximately 9:30 a.m. a semitrailer driven by Edgar Butler of East Point, Michigan, attempted to drive between two I&M poles on the west side of the Pizza Hut parking lot.

Butler told investigators he was looking for Walmart. Having been told the store was behind Pizza Hut, its former location, Butler turned into the Pizza Hut parking lot after missing the entrance to Rural King.

Warren Town Council discusses downtown property

Huntington County Tab:

It was business as usual when the Warren Town Council met for its monthly meeting on Monday, July 9.

The council discussed the state of the abandoned property at 124 N. Wayne St., which was severely damaged when a support beam collapsed, which allowed the second floor of the downtown building to collapse.

While the town had started the legal process to acquire the abandoned building through the Huntington County Commissioners several months ago, ownership has not yet been transferred. As the building shares common walls with two other businesses, the exact state of the interior, and of those walls, needs to be established, but no access is available through the front of the building.

Sewer board to talk rates with Decatur

Decatur Daily Democrat:

The Adams County Regional Sewer District board of directors on Tuesday appointed a subcommittee charged with the task of negotiating with the city of Decatur the rates that will be charged to county residents whose sewage ultimately will be sent to Decatur for treatment.

The fledgling regional sewer board is attempting to get up and running following its receipt of a $2 million rural development grant earmarked to construct sewer lines to serve the unincorporated areas of Monmouth, Bobo, Pleasant Mills and Arcadia Village. The new sewer district would serve some 233 residences.

The board on Tuesday heard from John Skomp of Crowe Horwath LLP, an Indianapolis firm hired to serve as rate consultants for the city of Decatur.

Berne man attacked by wolf

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

A wolf attacked Grant Moser, a business teacher at South Adams High School, on Thursday while he was cleaning up storm damage in his yard. The wolf, Moser said, belonged to a neighbor and had sprung loose from the confinement two properties away.

"Our neighbor two houses over has a wolf and husky," said Moser. "He keeps them tied up. The husky has gotten away two or three times. One time the wolf came over and we went inside and watched it.

"I was out picking up sticks from the storm and I saw the wolf come jogging over with its chain," continued Moser. "I told my wife to go inside. I reached down to pick up a stick and the wolf grabbed my arm. It started jumping at my face. I hit it to protect myself and it grabbed at my leg."

Back to normal...except for rain

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Back to normal ... or at least close to it.

Everyone's power is restored and after nearly two weeks of extremely hot weather, Decatur-area residents are going to be seeing near-normal temperatures this week, the National Weather Service said this morning.

Now, if we could just get some more rain!

Forecasters said the Decatur area can expect a high temperature near 88 today, 85 on Tuesday and 87 on Wednesday. The trend shifts back upward a bit on Thursday and Friday with highs expected to be around 87 or 88 degrees.

Geneva employees to receive raises in 2013

Berne Tri-Weekly News:

The Geneva Town Council began with clerk treasurer Bill Warren commending the area law enforcement for the quick response to Friday afternoon’s storms and thanking the citizens for the quick clean up following the storm. During the monthly fire report, deputy fire chief Art Booth also commented on conditions during the storm.

“Friday night was chaos. But we did what we needed to do. We can thank God Almighty there were no fatalities,” said Booth.

The council approved several new ordinances during Tuesday evening’s meeting. Following the example of Berne and Decatur, they approved the first reading of Ordinance 2012-7 Salary Utilities and Ordinance 2012-8 Salary General which will give full time employees a one percent plus $400 raise in 2013 and will give part-time employees and council members a two percent raise.

Relief by Sunday?

Decatur Daily Democrat:

Weather experts are saying Decatur-area residents could be getting some relief from the oppressive heat by Sunday — if highs in the upper 80s are relief. The way it's been going of late, that could be a dip of 10 to 15 degrees!

The temperature topped out at 99 degrees at the city weather station on Thursday, the ninth consecutive day when the high hit 89 or more. And the National Weather Service is saying highs could be in the triple digits today and Saturday.

At least Decatur got some slight relief from the drought conditions. The edge of a storm dropped .27 on the city in early evening. That only wetted things down for a short time, but this summer, that's better than the norm.