What's Up! June 26, 2013

Wet Wacky Wednesday tonight

The pool will be open tonight, June 26, for an evening family swim from 6:30-8 p.m. Cost is $1.50 per person over age five. 

All youth must be accompanied by an adult. 

Future dates include: July 3,10,17, 24 and Aug 7.

Register now for IronKids Triatholon

It’s time to register for the Bluffton Parks Department IRONKIDS TRIATHLON! Forms can be downloaded at the following link: http://www.ci.bluffton.in.us/documents/Triathlonregform13.pdf  This event is for youth ages five to 12 years old. It will be held Saturday July 20. Cost is $15. For more information call 824-6069.  Best recorded times are as follows in each age group:

Girls age 5-6 is 13:01, 7-8 is 12:16, 9-10 is 12:29 and 11-12 years old is 11:02. Boys age 5-6 is 13:21, 7-8 is 12:04, 9-10 is 11:32, and 11-12 years old is 11:22.

Register now for Boot Camp

It’s time to register for Boot Camp for students finishing fifth or sixth grade who would like to experience what it takes to become a police officer. Camp dates are July 22-26 from 8-11:30 a.m. at the 4-H Park. Cost is $10. Uniforms are provided. 

Students will learn a variety of skills from water rescue, K-9 tracking, bike safety, self defense, marching and participate in team physical challenges. 

This camp fills up quickly. Call the Bluffton Parks Department at 824-6069 to sign up.

Free movies at Kehoe begin July 5

The Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor a Free Family Movie Night at Kehoe Park every Friday night from July 5 through Aug. 9 at dusk (8:45 p.m,) Those attending should bring their own lawn chair, blankets, bug spray and snacks. The movies are fully funded by the Wells County Foundation. Free popcorn will be provided from All Things Power.

Movie dates and movie titles are as follows:

July 5: Dr. Seuss The Lorax.

July 12: Ice Age Continental Drift.

July 19: Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

July 26: Wreck it Ralph

Aug 2: The Odd Life of Timothy Green.

Aug 9: Oz the Great and Powerful.

For more information call 824-6069.

Sweet Chariots Car Show July 6

Sweet Chariots Car Show will be held Saturday, July 6 from noon to 3:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s U.M.C. in Decatur. Admittance for display vehicles will begin at 8 a.m.

Last year approximately $3,000 was received and distributed to the various missions supported by St. Mark’s U.M.C.  

In addition to cars, trucks and motorcycles to examine, there will be food, and the Pinewood Derby to enter or watch. There is a $1 admittance for the Derby spectators over age 12. There is no fee for racers. Prizes will be awarded for three places in two categories: Boy Scout regulation cars and Outlaw (anything that does not harm the track). 

Breakfast and lunch will be served with throughout the day at minimal cost. Power Play D.J. will be providing music. Admission is free for the Car show spectators. Pre-registrations will be accepted until July 1 at $8. The day of the show the cost will be $10. 

More information for activities can be received by calling 433-0313 or the church office at 724-7183.

Pre-registrations can be mailed to: Rebecca Cochran CPA , 165 N. 2nd Street, Decatur, IN 46733. Checks should made out to: St. Mark’s UMC. St. Marks is located on 224 West of Decatur, approximately a half mile from intersection of SR224 and U.S. 27/33.

What's Up! June 25, 2013

Bluffton Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays

The Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaza (Main Street at the bridge) on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Current features include: bedding and garden plants, fresh baked foods and frozen meats, hand crafted and woodworking products and more. (Pd. Advt.)

Limberlost Cross Country Run/Walk June 29

The Friends of the Limberlost will sponsor the Limberlost Trailblazer Series. This is a cross country run/walk. All races will be held at the Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve.  The Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve is located three and one-half miles west of Bryant on State Road 18 then north one-half mile on Jay County road 250-West.  The street address is:  8323 North   250 West. The Trailblazer Series includes the following events:

Saturday, June 29: 5K starting at 8 a.m.

Entry fee for 2K, 3K, and 4K is $5 per race; No pre-registration required

The number one male and number one female in each race will receive a free entry for the 5K race.

Prior to the 2K, 3K, and 4K races there will be a Half K fun run for children 10 and under starting at 6:30 p.m. There is no entry fee.

Proceeds go toward maintenance of the Loblolly Pavilion and surrounding trail system. For more information contact: 260-368-7428 or email: loblollybill@yahoo.com or loblollybill@yahoo.com 368-9990.

Garage Sale June 27-July 2 at Celina

Iota Psi Sorority and the Senior Center at 217 Riley Street in Celina will sponsor a garage sale June 27-July 2. Proceeds will benefit the Mercer County Council on Aging. Hours of the garage sale are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the week. Hours on Thursday is until 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone wanting to drop off items for the sale can do so before June 15. Call 419-586-1644.

Scott Gehres Benefit June 30

A benefit will be held for Scott Gehres Sunday, June 30 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 1703 High Street in Decatur.

Scott developed a severe case of pneumonia which caused him to stop breathing and he quickly progressed into a cardiac arrest. The devastating effects of these medical issues left him with a brain injury.

He had most recently been employed at Midas in Fort Wayne. He has also worked at Schwartz Ford in Decatur and Reimschisel Ford in Bluffton.

Scott and his wife Kim have three daughters, Heather, Abigail and Emma.

Family and friends have come together to host the benefit. Dinner will be provided to the public for a free will donation. There will be live music, performance by local dance company Razz M’Jazz, raffles, bake sale adn a silent and Chinese auction. Financial contributions are welcome and can be sent to: Gary Steinke (Scott’s father-in-law) at 3443 N. Hickory Road, Decatur, IN 46733. For more information call 260-724-9166, 260-223-1360, 260-525-1666, 260-724-7493, 260-223-2042, 865-809-8180 or 865-806-4717.

Ice Cream Social at Historical Museum June 30

The annual Ice Cream Social will be held from from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 30 at the Historical Museum in Bluffton.

Stephanie Shultz will be strolling and providing folk and Early American music on her dulcimer and recorder.   She is a concert pianist and will be in the West Room on the upright King piano at times and will be displaying her hand crafted gourds fashioned into various types of rhythm instruments. Robert Harter’s World War II model planes will also be on display.

Board members will be present on each floor to guide and explain artifacts.  Visit the Country Store  in the basement and play 78 rpm records on an old fashioned hand cranked Victrola or check out the children’s bedroom and toys on the second floor. Those attending may find something  donated from their grandparents or great aunts or uncles or some other relative.   School displays are always a popular attraction. This is a free event.  Donations are always welcomed and appreciated to cover the costs and upkeep of the museum at 420 W. Market Street.

Muncie children’s museum events

Two summer programs for children are being announced for June and July at the Muncie Children’s Museum, 515 South High St. On the weekend of June 29-30, there will be a Summer Sleepover beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and concluding at 9 a.m. on Sunday.  There will be movies, games and crafts as well as treats. A bedtime story will be  told by Miss Rosa from PBS Kids. Breakfast will be provided by Bruner’s Family Restaurant. Cost is $30 which included one free adult admission. (One adult must accompany each child.)

From July 15-19, the museum will host Sid the Science Kid Summer Camp from 8:30 a.m. to noon with registration to begin at 8 a.m. The five day camp will include chances to investigate using different “science tools,” making observations and record data with Sid the Science Kid and conclude with Science Adventure Day. Registration is $70 ($60 for museum members).  More information at 765-286-1660, ext. 213 or at www.munciemuseum.com

Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $6 per person ages 1 to 100.  

What's Up! June 24, 2013

Free lunch offered June 25 in Montpelier 

Southern Wells Community Church will be serve free lunches (no donations) at the corner of Main Street and Ind. 18 in Montpelier and also at the intersection in Keystone. from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the following dates: July 10, July 24 and  Aug. 7. Available will be sandwiches, chips, drinks, etc. Any questions, call 765-728-2154.

Openings in Preserve Nature’s Bounty Class

Bluffton Parks Department has openings in the Preserving Nature’s Bounty class for adults who would like to learn canning, freezing and drying.  This class will be held Tuesday June 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the second floor City Hall. Cost is $3 per person and everyone who attends can help themselves to free seeds for next year’s garden. Call 824-6069.

Star Gazing Night at Lancaster Park June 28

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor Star Gazing Night for those ages eight to adults Friday June 28 starting at 8:45 p.m. at Lancaster Park. 

There will be special telescopes to view the sun so people can stop out even though it isn’t totally dark yet. Bring a lawn chair and $1 per person.

Call 824-6069 for more inforamtion.

Local Roundup June 22, 2013

Historical Museum will host ice cream social June 30

The Wells County Historical Society will host its annual ice cream social from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 30, at the Wells County Historical Museum, 420 W. Market St.

Stephanie Shultz will provide folk and Early American music on her dulcimer and recorder. She is a concert pianist and will be in the West Room on the upright King piano, and she will also be displaying her hand crafted gourds fashioned into various types of rhythm instruments.

Robert Harter’s World War II model planes will also be on display.

Board members will be present on each floor to guide and explain artifacts. Those who visit the Country Store in the basement and play 78 rpm records on an old-fashioned hand cranked Victrola or check out the children’s bedroom and toys on the second floor.

This is a free event.  Donations are always welcomed and appreciated to cover the costs and upkeep of the museum.

Ossian council will meet Monday evening

The Ossian Town Council will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, June 24, at the Ossian Town Hall, 507 N. Jefferson St.

Items on the agenda include the review of a tax abatement compliance forms filed by Berne Apparel and H&N Properties and a report by Town Manager Luann Martin and council member Tom Neuenschwander on the flood plain appeal process. Tim Ehlerding, Wells County’s economic development director, and a representative from the H.J. Umbaugh and Associates public financing firm to discuss a tax increment financing district.

The council will hold an executive session at 6 p.m., prior to the regular meeting. During the executive session, which will be closed to the public, the council will discuss the job performance of individual employees.

Bluffton Board of Works to meet Tuesday afternoon

The Bluffton Board of Public Works and Safety will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, in the meeting room on the first floor of City Hall.

Items on the agenda include the opening of sidewalk bids, a request for a monitoring well, and the approval of a camp contract.

Wells County BZA will  meet Tuesday evening

Three items are on the agenda for this week’s meeting of the Wells County Board of Zoning Appeals. The BZA will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, in the multi-purpose room on the lower level of the Well Carnegie Government Annex, 223 W. Washington St.

The only item of old business on the agenda is an appeal of a violation notice. Ronald Mang and Bruce Leas are appealing a violation issued in regard to a satellite manure lagoon.

Also Tuesday, the Poneto United Methodist Curch is requesting a variance to reduce the 35-foot front yard setback at 36 E. Walnut St. in Poneto. The existing sign is 26 feet from the center of the road.

AlmcoSteel Products Inc. is asking for a variance to reduce the front yard setback requirement from 40 feet to 20 feet. The property is located at 173 N. Oak St. in Bluffton.

Bluffton Common Council will meet Tuesday evening

The Bluffton Common Council will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall.

The only non-routine item on the agenda is consideration of an ordinance concerning stop intersections in the city.

Ossian stormwater board to meet Wednesday evening

The Ossian Stormwater Management Board will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at the Ossian Town Hall.

Items on the agenda include an updates on the Roe Street project, Archbold Wilson Park, Heyerly Drive, Maplewood Drive, and the board’s budget. Also on the agenda are a discussion on a ditch at 302 Bittersweet and an update from Town Manager Luann Martin on new projects

What's Up June 20, 2013

Bluffton Farmer’s Market on Saturday

The Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaza (Main Street at the bridge) on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Current features include garden plants, fresh baked foods and frozen meats, hand crafted and woodworking products, fresh coffee beans and ground coffee, rhubarb, and more. (Pd. Advt.)

Openings for Flank Steak Class

The Parks Department has two openings left in the Flank Steak Meals class for adults on Monday, June 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bluffton Middle School Culinary Arts Room (enter door 9).

Cost is $10 due that night. Call to register at 8247-6069. Hurry, space is limited.

Openings in Preserve Nature’s Bounty Class

Bluffton Parks Department has openings in the Preserving Nature’s Bounty class for adults who would like to learn canning, freezing and drying.  This class will be held Tuesday June 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the second floor City Hall. 

Cost is $3 per person and everyone who attends can help themselves to free seeds for next year’s garden. Call 824-6069.

Chihuly glass exhibit at FWMA begins June 29

From June 29 to Sept. 29, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art will be presenting two exhibits featuring work by glass artist Dale Chihuly. Two exhibits will highlight the breath of style in contemporary studio glass.—The 41st Annual International Studio Glass Invitational Award Winners and The Next 

Generation of Studio Glass. 

A members only preview party will be held on  Friday, June 28, with a lecture by Ferdinand Hampson. A public lecture will be held on Friday, July 19 with a discussion  led by Bruce Harkey. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 .a.m. Tuesday through Saturday and until 8 p.m. on Thursday and noon to 5  p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and $10 for families. Free admission every Sunday and Thursday.

What's Up Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Bluffton Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays

The Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaza (Main Street at the bridge) on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Current features include: bedding and garden plants, fresh baked foods and frozen meats, hand crafted and woodworking products and more. (Pd. Advt.)

Huntington, Markle libraries offer summer reading for the whole family

Summer Reading programs are underway for all ages at the Huntington City-Twp. Public Library, 255 West Park Drive, Huntington, and the HCTPL Markle Branch Library, 197 East Morse Street, Markle.

 This summer’s overall theme, Dig Into Reading! The program is divided into age groups with each having its own theme, format and requirements for earning prizes.  For more information call 260-356-0824.

Marty Zide to speak at Grace Bible Church June 23

Marty Zide will be the guest speaker during the 10 a.m. morning service at Grace Bible Church, Sunday, June 23. His topic will be “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”  Zide is the director for Midwest Messianic Center. It is an evangelical faith missionary organization that began in 1924 with the purpose of proclaiming Jesus as Messiah to anyone, but with an emphasis to the Jewish people.   He will also speak in the evening he and will lead in a full Passover Seder meal that begins at 5 p.m.  The meal will consist of partaking in food from the Passover Feast and an explanation of the meaning and significance surrounding the Passover customs.  

The community is invited and encouraged to participate in the worship service in the morning and the Passover Seder in the evening. 

For more information call 260-589-2687.

Musical Entourage Pizza Hut Fundraiser tonight

Members of the Bluffton High School Musical Entourage will sponsor a Pizza Hut fundraiser Monday, June 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. The choir will receive $1 per buffet plus all tips and donations.

First Presbyterian in Ossian VBS June 23-27

The First Presbyterian Church in Ossian will sponsor their Vacation Bible School  for children age four thorugh grade six June 23-27 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each evening. Registration deadline is June 23. Call 260-622-7178.

What's Up June 6, 2013

Grandpa and Me Build a Wooden Car June 9

The Bluffton Parks Department will sponsor Grandpa and Me build event where they will build a wooden car is Sunday, June 9 at Kehoe Park. Cost is $5. those attending should bring a hammer and screw driver. 

The 2-3:30 time is full, but there are openings in the 3:30-4:30 time. You must pre-register by calling 824-6069.

Bike Bluffton June 9

Bike Bluffton, a 20 Mile bike ride, has a new date! It is now Sunday, June 9 at 2 p.m. Registration is $5 and includes two refreshment stops: Lancaster and Roush Parks. Call 824-6069 to reserve a spot.

Military Appreciation Day at the Zoo June 10

 To honor those who serve America, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo will hold Military Appreciation Day on Monday, June 10.

Active duty military, retired military, National Guard members, Reservists and their immediate families will receive free zoo admission on June 10 with a valid military ID.  Immediate family includes spouse/partner and children age 18 and under.

 The zoo will be open for regular business hours on June 10, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information call 260-427-6820.

Dairy Days and Tractor Event June 11-16

Dairy Days will be held June 11-16 and the Tractors, Tractors, Tractors event on will be held Saturday, June 15 at Souder Village in Archbold, Ohio.

While activities and demonstrations will vary from day-to-day, costumed guides will be preparing dairy-related recipes throughout the week and there will be historic recipes for guests to pick up and try at home. Some of the dairy-related historic cooking demonstrations planned include making cheese, cream dressing and buttermilk pie. Guests will be able to try their hand at churning butter and making biscuits. In the Homestead area guests can help hand-crank and taste the ice cream and watch cream separating demonstrations.

On Saturday, June 15 the “Tractors, Tractors, Tractors” event will combine with Dairy Days for an in-depth agricultural experience. This tractor-themed event will focus on the machines that make farming possible. There will be modern farming equipment on display from Liechty Farm Equipment and Archbold Equipment. Guests will have an opportunity to get an up-close look at farming equipment of today.

Nearly 40 antique tractors will be on display in the Historic Village. The historic tractors are from the 1930s to the 1960s and some participants will even be doing demonstrations throughout the day. There will also be a Pedal Tractor Pull for children to enjoy thanks to the Tinora Young Farmers and the Archbold FFA.

For more information call 1-800-590-9755, visit www.saudervillage.org, like Sauder Village on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @SauderVillage

Bluffton Christian Writers Group to meet June 10

The Bluffton Christian Writers Group meets the second Monday of every month in the library at River Terrace.  The next meeting will be Monday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m. with a prayer. The meeting will end at 8:30 p.m.  Those attending are encouraged to share writing advice and personal writing successes. Everyone is welcome to read their writing and receive honest, but kind, critiques. Children and teen writers are welcome to join the fun if attending with an adult.

Relay for Life Fundraiser at Pizza Hut June 10

The Wells County Public Library Relay for Life team will sponsor a fundraiser at Pizza Hut in Bluffton Monday, June 10 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Staff members from the library will be serving and all tips received will go to the Wells County Relay for Life, which helps the American Cancer Society save lives from cancer. Plus, Pizza Hut will donate $1 for every buffet during those two hours.

Gardening Workshop at the library June 11

Master Gardeners Tom Woodward and BJ Gray will give a program on different sizes of gardens from pot to large beds at the Wells County Public Library in Bluffton on Tuesday, June 11 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. 

Attendees will learn about mixing flowers and vegetables in the same flower bed and some general tips on gardening.

Each year Tom and his wife, Mary Lou, host a “Mum Walk,” and have more than 700 mums in their landscape. They’ve been featured in many local newspapers and in Indiana Gardener magazine. BJ Gray is the President of the Wells County Master Gardeners. The program is best suited for teens or adults. Registration is appreciated. To sign up stop by the library, visit the library’s website at www.wellscolibrary.org, or call 260-824-1612.

Touch a Truck June 15

Bluffton Parks Department Touch a Truck will be held Saturday, June 15 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Washington/Main Parking lot (across from the post office). 

Get an up close look at the big trucks. Take pictures for the photo contest. Tag us on facebook and we will draw a winner on June 24th. This is a FREE event!

What's Up June 5, 2013

Wells County Democrats breakfast meeting June 8

The Wells County Democrats will hold their montly breakfast meeting Saturday, June 8 at Democrat Headquarters at 119 S. Johnson Street.

Breakfast will start at 8 a.m. A short meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. Chairman Bricker will discuss recent events as well as plans for upcoming activities.

Haystack Luncheon June 9 at Swiss Heritage Village

A Haystack Luncheon will be held Sunday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Switzer Barn at Swiss Heritage Village and Museum.

A haystack dinner resembles an enhanced taco with ground beef over crushed tortilla chips with a choice of toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, olives, rice and beans, along with salsa, sour cream and cheese. Dessert will be a an old fashioned Swiss dish called strawberry sturm which is similar to strawberry shortcake.

Bluegrass music will be provided by The Harmony String Band.

The event is sponsored by the Swiss Heritage Society. Proceeds will go toward the continued restoration and preservation of the village.  Donations will be accepted.  

Those who attend the Haystack meal are also invited to take a stroll through the indoor museum and enjoy a number of newly fashioned displays. 

Free lunch offered June 11 & 25 

Southern Wells Community Church will be serve free lunches (no donations) at the corner of Main Street and Ind. 18 in Montpelier and also at the intersection in Keystone. from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the following dates: June 11, June 25, July 10, July 24 and  Aug. 7. 

Available will be sandwiches, chips, drinks, etc. Any questions, call 765-728-2154.

Hartford High School Alumni event June 15

The Hartford High School Alumni will be held Saturday, June 15 at 6 p.m. at South Adams School. Socializing will begin at 5:15 p.m. This will be a celebration of the last graduating class before consolidation.

Anyone who has ever attended Hartford is welcome to attend the event.

For reservations or for more information call Carol King at 260-692-6131.

What's Up Tuesday, May 4, 2013

Bluffton Farmer’s Market held on Wednesdays and Saturdays

The Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaza (Main Street at the bridge) on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

Current features include: bedding and garden plants, fresh baked foods and frozen meats, hand crafted and woodworking products and more. (Pd. Advt.)

Great Lakes Nations Pow Wow June 8 & 9

The 10th Annual Gathering of Great Lakes Nations Pow Wow hosted by National Center for Great Lakes Native American Culture will be held on June 8 and 9 at the Tri-State Antique Gas Engine Association Grounds at 1010 Morton Street in Portland. This event is sponsored in part by the Jay County Visitor and Tourism Bureau and First Bank of Berne.

The 10th Annual Gathering of Great Lakes Nations Pow Wow is a celebration of Great Lakes Native Americans and their culture. It features Native American drums, singers and dancers from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday June 8 and from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Sunday June 9.

All activities are included in the gate admission of $4 per person, children under 12 are free with a maximum of $15 per carload for families. Parking is free. Camping is available on site for $20 per night including electricity.

For more information call 765-426-3022 or kay.neumayr@ncglnac.com.

What's Up Monday, June 3, 2013

Sheets Wildlife Museum and Learning Center Movie Day June 8

The Sheets Wildlife Museum and Learning Center in Huntington will sponsor a movie day at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8.

The free movie, “Shark Quest,” will last about an hour. A tour of the museum will cost $1 per person. 

There will be a quiz with the top three youth receiving a gift certificate to be used in the museum gift shop.

Call 260-356-9453 for more information.