Craft Bazaar Saturday at the Fairgrounds!!

Don't miss the Craft Bazaarr from 9 a.m. to 2p.m., Saturday, at the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds in Bluffton.

Admission is FREE!

There will be nearly 50 booths selling home-baked goods, including apple dumplings. Breakfast and lunch will be available.


The event is being sponsored by the Community Christian Fellowship. Booth space is limited, but still available. Call 260-824-3903 for more information.

Little Buckaroo Show Tonight

With all the Bluffton Street fair excitement downtown, don't miss the show at the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Tonight is the Little Buckaroo Show (for riders 9 and under) which starts at 6:30 p.m.

All the horse stalls at the fairgrounds have been beautifully decorated and the riders are ready to go....don't miss it!


These photos are compliments of Melissa M. Neu-Bolyn. Send your photos for the Blog Bank to me at jerryb@news-banner.com

National Neighborhood Day Chili Cook-Off

Celebrate National Neighborhood Day Sunday, September 13th from 4:00 - 6:00
p.m. at Kehoe Park with the Bluffton Parks & Recreation Department, Mayor
Ted Ellis and the Bluffton Police and Fire Departments. Pictured here
preparing for all the fun is Mayor Ellis, Police Chief Tammy Schaffer,
Assistant Park Superintendent Brandy Fiechter and Fire Chief Bob Plummer.

Enjoy socializing with your community neighbors while feasting on freshly
grilled hot dogs by the police and fire departments. There will also be
delicious homemade cookies from the Southern Wells HS home economics class.
The Parks Department will provide chips, pretzels and drinks.

Adding a little more to this year's fun is our 1st annual Chili Cook-off. Do
you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share? Call the park office at
824-6069 and register to participate in the contest. There is no cost to
enter and there is a cash prize for the winner (based on the number of
participants). We'll even share these delicious concoctions with your
"neighbors" so they can add a little spice to those yummy hot dogs!

To kick-off the celebration, Magician and Illusionist Jim Barron will
perform from 4:14 - 5:15 p.m. Jim will mesmerize you with his many unique
and fun tricks. Following his performance will be local entertainment by
Suzie Q's Studio. Also as part of the fun, try your hands (and feet) at the
outdoor electronic playground system.NEOS! This game system will challenge
you both physically and mentally while truly entertaining you! The Parks
Department would love to add this to their plethora of play equipment, so
let us know what you think.

All of this fun in one place and it's all FREE!

4-H Horse & Pony Color Guard

On August 8, 2009, the Wells County 4-H Horse & Pony Color Guard competed at the Indiana State Fair. The team participated in the annual Color Guard completion along with 10 other teams from counties throughout the state. In the event, the team is judged on horsemanship, teamwork, appearance and required pattern elements.

This year the Wells County 4-H Color Guard team was the Reserved Champion Color Guard (2nd place). This is the highest place the team has received in the past 22 years of entering the state fair completion.

Members of the team are (from left to right: Aston Grube, Shaile Perry, Coach Melissa Bolyn, Madison McConn, Stephanie Mittlestedt, Sierra Perry, Alexis Schwieterman, and Aubrea Kobryn.) (Submitted Information)

Rodeo coming this weekend!

A Rodeo will be held Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds in Bluffton.

This is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the Wells County 4-H Association. Proceeds earned will go toward improvements and care of the grounds.

There will be seven events at this weekend's rodeo: Bare-back riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, cowgirl barrel racing, team roping, and bull riding. Plus, stick horse races for children!

Admission: $10 for adults, $5 children 6 and under. For more information call Kent Ulmer at 260-417-4932.

Lantz Milk Transport

John Lantz, of Lantz Milk Transport (that's him in the middle in the top picture and on the far right of the lower picture) has been a big supporter of the Wells County 4-H Association. We accidentally spelled the name of his company wrong in the paper and wanted to get a correction out there asap.

Thanks John--for supporting the kids and allowing us to give you the credit you deserve.

Wells County 4-H Fair (final shots)

These are the last of my videos from the 2009 Wells County 4-H Fair. The News-Banner always a has a great time covering the fair and the hard work of the 4-H Association and members who work toward making it a grand event.
In fact, Justin Peeper spent his summer vacation at work in the newsroom just to cover the 4-H Fair. He heads back to school next week after completing the 4-H Scrapbook.

(Thanks Justin--see you next year!)

Livestock Auction

The last official day at the Wells County 4-H Fair and the last official day for livestock. Here are my final few clips...enjoy!

4-H Concert "Borrowed Time"

"The Borrowed Time Band" brought that old time rock & roll to the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds for the final day of festivities. I would have shot footage of folks dancing...if only they would have been dancing.

More 2009 4-H fair video

I have some left over video of the Wells County 4-H fair. It's a mixed-bag of stuff I'll be posting here and there as fast as I can.

Check it out...

THANKS - Hare's Canvas of Markle

The cost of the sunscreen for the hog barn at the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds was $185 and the cost of the sunscreen for the show ring at the 4-H fairgrounds was $167. The Wells County 4-H Association paid for the show ring screen, but Hare’s Canvas of Markle donated the hog barn sunscreen free of charge.
This information was incorrect in Saturday’s News-Banner.

Now that's out of the way let's be clear: The Wells County 4-H Association knew it needed the sunscreen for the show ring and it also needed one for the swine barn. (Hogs can be burned by the sun if they don't have protection.)
The problem was it only had enough money for the $167 sunscreen to provide protection for the show ring. They explained this to Hare Canvas Products and ordered just the one screen.
To their surprise, Hare Canvas Products of Markle showed up with two sunscreens, and only charged them for one.

Talk about community support, folks. The people of Hare Canvas Products deserve recognition not only for making the donation, but for doing it without being asked. That's the way a community-responsible business operates.

That's Hare Canvas Products, 300 N. Tracy Street, Markle. 758-8800


Hare's Canvas of Markle. Stop by and tell them "thanks" for supporting the Wells County 4-H and their community.

News-Banner covers auction

News-Banner Managing Editor Glen Werling and correspondent Justin Peeper were in attendance during the entire livestock auction. (I just had to shoot their video -jb)

More than $100,000 was raised for the 4-H members during the auction, but that's down slightly from last year. Of course, so is the economy.

Who's up for a BBQ?

The new swine wash bays built this year through donations and volunteer labor by the family and friends of the Wells County 4-H Association were a welcome addition for handlers who needed a clean, clear area for their animals.

Wells County 4-H Golfers

Mini-golf seemed a popular feature during this year's Wells County 4-H Fair, as kids flocked to the greens to show off their short game.

Goodbye 4-H fair Food

If you want a Taco Potato or an ice cream cone from C&E Concession you'll just have to wait until the Bluffton Street Fair to get one. This year's vendors packed up and left the fairgrounds after Thursday's livestock auction was complete.

Until next year

Members of the Wells County 4-H Association spent a good portion of Thursday clearing out their exhibits and taking home ribbons, including the dozens on display inside the Exhibit Hall.

WCSD at 4-H Fair

Wells County Sheriff's Department was out in force all this week at the Wells County 4-H Fair. Most were on foot patrol, like Chief Deputy Scott Holliday, Sheriff Bob Frantz and Deputy Russ Mounsey, while others got to ride the ATV. (Wish I got to ride the ATV...but only as a driver, not a suspect.)

Reserve Grand Champion Steer auction

Samantha Piqune had the Reserve Grand Champion steer at the 2009 Wells County 4-H Fair. Here is the actual auction, shot by News-Banner Online Editor Jerry Battiste.

Grand Champion Steer Auction

Heather Huffman had the Grand Champion steer at the 2009 Wells County 4-H Fair. Here is the actual auction, shot by News-Banner Online Editor Jerry Battiste.

Horse & Pony Fun Night!

Sports Editor Paul Beitler shot some great video of the Horse & Pony Show Fun Night events. Here's some Egg Race and Match Pairs contest footage. Check it out and remember, riding a horse is like driving a diesel truck--from the hood.

4-H Talent Show winner: Mary McClure

Wells County 4-H Talent Show winner Mary McClure entertained the crowd with her melodic vocals while her brother, Alan McClure, provide acoustical guitar accompaniment. McClure's sister, Jessie, was also a vocal solo competitor in the show. Alan provided guitar back-up for her performance as well.

4-H Talent Show judo kids

Haley Craig and Lindsay Aker demonstrated their judo throwing skills during the Wells County 4-H Fair Talent Show on Tuesday. Both kids attend Mountain Storm Martial Arts academy in Bluffton. (820-1333)

Norwell Drum Line

Members of the Norwell Drum Line entertained the crowd prior to the start of the Wells County 4-H Fair Talent Show. These students were banging-out a rhythm that set feet to tapping and fingers to snapping across the fairgrounds.

Meet the 4-H Dog Club

Wells County 4-H Dog Club members, and their dogs, dressed up sharp for a meet-and-greet Tuesday in the exhibit area. Lots of cool costumed canines, if you ask me.

Horse and Pony Show, Junior Division

News-Banner Sports Editor Paul Beitler was on-hand for the Horse and Pony Show,Junior Division, contest events (keyhole and pole) shot some great pictures and these great videos. Check 'em out:

Owls--WHOOS out there?

Great program on owls in front of the log cabin tonight at 7 p.m. at the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds. Check out this video by Asst. Editor Dave Schultz, then hustle over to the park and watch it LIVE!

Log Cabin tours at the 4-H Park

Touring the old Log Cabin at the Wells County 4-H Park is like taking a step into the past. Hard to believe six people lived in that one-room shack....

Dairy Feeder Show

Just a snippet of video from the Wells County 4-H Fair Dairy Feeder Show. (Thanks Glen Werling)

Balloon Artistes at Wells County 4-H Fair

Wheels of Yesteryear sponsored an appearance by balloon artistes, Jimbo and Snuggles, of "A Balloon Above" at the Wells County 4-H Fair. The pair handed out dozens of free balloon creations Saturday night. (You can reach those clowns at 260-745-1388)

Sheep Wash Opens at 4-H park

Southern Wells FFA has a proven track record of agricultural successes. It is no wonder they could be spotted at the Wells County 4-H fair, showing and handling animals with confidence.

Chainsaw Carving--UPDATE!!--BUY THIS CARVING!!

**UPDATE**
Fair officials will auction this eagle, which was carved with a chain saw by Sid King of rural Bluffton, Thursday during the 4-H Livestock Auction. The auction begins at 3:30 p.m. The eagle will sell with the 4-H Foundation items later in the evening, probably around 7 or after. Proceeds will go to the Wells County 4-H Foundation for scholarships and a new junior leader's food booth. Trudy and Joe Dickason donated the cedar wood for the carving. The eagle is dedicated in the memory of Mack Buckland, who was a friend of King's and a 4-H supporter. (Photo provided)

The chainsaw carving demonstration Sunday at the Wells County 4-H Fair drew a large crowd. I personally had no idea what he was making until it was nearly finished. Here's the process presented in several bite-sized morsels.

Miss Wells County 2009

Stephanie Bussey was crowned Miss Wells County 2009 and will represent Wells County at the Miss Indiana State Fair Pageant in Indianapolis on August 23.
News-Banner Editor Greg Werling was on-hand during the competition and took a few moments to speak with her following the event.

Miss Wells County Contest 2009

News-Banner Editor Glen Werling was on-hand for the 2009 Miss Wells County contest on Monday and was gracious enough to shoot some video (between taking notes and still photos.)
Thanks Glen!

Miss Wells County and Ambassadorial Candidates

I somehow managed to find all the Ambassadorial and Miss Wells County candidates before the parade on Saturday.

Listen as I rush from place to place trying to catch them before their took off for the Wells County 4-H fairgrounds. (Never mind all the heavy breathing...I was winded from running!)

More 4-H Fair Parade Floats

Just a few more short videos from the Wells County 4-H Fair parade, including 2009 Caley Memorial Award winner Mary McClure riding on the Nottingham 4-H Club float and the Rising Stars of Adams and Wells County.

Horse and Pony Drill Team

Sports Editor Paul Beitler was on-hand prior to the start of Monday's Horse & Pony Show, Senior Contesting, and shot some excellent video of the Horse & Pony Drill Team.

Check it out:

Wells County 4-H Fair Parade floats

Saturday was certainly not as hot and humid as it's been during past fair weeks. In fact some folks needed jackets to keep out the chill.
I visited with all the parade floats, or as many as I could find before the parade started, to see who was having a good time and who was simply along for the ride...

4-H Horse Show video

Sports Editor Paul Beitler and his trusty video camera captured great images of precision horseback riding this weekend. That's Stephanie Mittlestedt during Saturday's Horse and Pony Show and Missy Nolan, winner of the Western Trail Senior Division.

4-H 5K Fun Run/Walk

Dozens of Wells County residents (and some not-Wells County residents) attended the annual 5K run on Saturday.
Sports Editor Paul Beitler was on-hand to capture the moments...

Tractor Pull at 4-H fair

If you enjoyed the Antique Tractor Pull at the Wells County 4-H fairgrounds on Friday night, then don't miss Wheels of Yesteryear coming the second weekend in August to the Wells County 4-H fairgrounds.

Now check out these monsters towing a sled through a clay track. And check out my story in Saturday's News-Banner. (By the way--the maximum pulling distance was 300 feet--not yards. Sorry!)

4-H Foundation Bake Sale July 18

The 4-H Foundation Bake Sale will be held Saturday, July 18 starting at 5 p.m. at the Wells County 4-H Park in Bluffton.
Bakes goods, along with pop and water, will be sold in front of the Community Building. Those interested in bringing treats to sell can do so by dropping the labeled items to the Community Building by 4 p.m. on the day of the sale and mark the price clearly. Baked goods should not need to be refrigerated. Place your name and address on each item. All proceeds will go to fund scholarships and other local programs promoted by the 4-H Foundation. Call Martha Paxson at 260-413-7391.

Meet the Dog Show competitors

More than a dozen 4-H Dog Show competitors took to the livestock ring to compete at Thursday's show. Here are just a few of them:

Dog show at 4-H fair big hit

All the competitors in the 4-H Dog Show (both human and canine) did an excellent job of performing before a crowded house on Thursday. Some 4-H members were nervous, while others exuded confidence, but everyone seemed to be having a great time!

Not quite ready at the Wells County 4-H fair

They are getting things in order, judging in the 4-H Exhibit Building, cleaning animal stalls and setting up tents, but the big business of the Wells County 4-H Fair starts tomorrow when the animals begin to arrive. (At least that's the big news for city-folk like me. -jb)

Judging at the Community Center

Exhibit Judging at the 4-H Exhibit Hall Community Center was in full swing this morning. Fortunately for me a few had time to explain the process; what they look for in a 4-H project.

Hog Calling contest cancelled

County fair officials have decided to cancel the hog calling contest
that had been scheduled for Saturday night.
Organizers called off the 7:30 p.m. competition this morning after they
learned that Saturday’s 8 p.m. greased pig contest had been canceled, as
reported on Page 1 of today’s News-Banner.
This year would have been the first for a hog calling contest at the
county fair.

4-H greased pig contest canceled

By Justin Peeper
The greased pig contest that was set to take place following
opening-night awards and presentations at the 4-H Fair this weekend has
been canceled.
The contest, which began at last year’s fair, was scheduled for 8 p.m.
Saturday, but officials were forced to call it off, organizer Mike
Moriarity told The News-Banner late Tuesday night.
The contest served as a fund-raising event for the Fraternal Order of
Firefighters, and they used the profits to help fund scholarships for
Wells County students.
Organizers cited two reasons for canceling this summer’s competition.
First, they said not enough people had pre-registered. Second, they
indicated a problem securing pigs for Saturday night because of a
contract issue with the farmers who were going to supply the pigs.
It was unclear Tuesday night if the greased pig contest would be on the
county fair schedule for next year, Moriarity said.
About 102 people — children and teens — participated in last year’s
contest.

Wells County 4-H fair: Excitement building

Tents are already going up at the Wells County 4-H fairgrounds.

In this video, Roger Sherer speaks with News-Banner staffer Gregg Palmer about what's happening at the fairgrounds in preparation for the weeks events.

Visit the Wells County 4-H Fair

Members of the Wells County 4-H Foundation have extended an invitation to everyone to attend the 2009 Wells County 4-H Fair being held July 18-23.
On Saturday, July 18, a 4-H 5K Run/Walk will be held beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the 4-H Park. Registration will begin at 6:45 a.m. The race will start at 7:30 a.m. Registration cost is $15 on race day. Awards will be presented to first, second and third places in age groups for the 5K. First, second and third place boy and girl finished in the one mile Fun Run will also be given awards. Women and men, age 19 through 50 and over, will also receive awards. For more information email Kyan at: k_pepper33@hotmail.com or Lynn at: carrollrl@onlyinternet.net.
Beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, there will be a bake sale under the Community Center canopy. Those participating should put their name, address and telephone number on all baked goods for the sale. If the recipe uses nuts or any other ingredients that causes an allergic reaction, please make note of it on the label. No perishable products such as cream cheese or things that must be refrigerated will be accepted. Check-in time is 4 p.m. Baked products can be brought to the kitchen before 4 p.m.
Following the parade and during the week from 6:30 to 9 p.m. there will be Pepsi Walks, Hoop Shoot contests and face painting in the Exhibit area in front of the Rabbit building.
During the Livestock Auction Thursday, July 23, the traditional homemade cherry pie and a 4-H commemorative silver coin will be auctioned. Proceeds will go to the Junior Leader Booth Building Fund.
The committee’s goal is to raise $4,500. Approximately $2,000 will do to the Junior Leader Booth Building Fund, $1,500 will go toward $300 scholarships for Wells County 4-H members and $1,000 will go to the Indiana 4-H Foundation State Programs available to Wells County 4-H members.

2009 4-H Events

4-H Horse & Pony Club BBQ Ribs Fund Raiser July 11
The 4-H Horse and Pony Club will sponsor a barbeque fundraiser Saturday, July 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Richard's Restaurant in Bluffton. Cost is $7 per person. Call Roger Sherer at 260-824-6412.

4-H Foods Judging July 13
The 4-H Foods Judging will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 13 at the Community Center, at the 4-H Park in Bluffton.
4-H members in the Foods project bring their projects to be judged. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and judging at 6 p.m. Call Roger Sherer at 260-824-6412.

4-H Leaders
Meeting July 14
The Wells County 4-H Leaders meeting will be held Tuesday, July 14 at 8 p.m. at the Community cetner at the Wells County 4-H Park in Bluffton. 4-H Club Leaders will meet to discuss Fair Week activities. Call Roger Sherer at 260-824-6412.

4-H Project
Check-In July 15
Project Check-in for 4-H projects will be held Wednesday, July 15 from 2 to 9 p.m. in the Expo Hall at the Wells County 4-H Park in Bluffton. 4-H'ers must bring their certificates. Call Roger Sherer at 260-824-6412.

4-H Cookie Contest July 16
The Wells County Extension Homemakers will sponsor the cookie Contest Thursday, July 16 during the 4-H Fair. Registration will be held from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Judging will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Wells County Community Center at the 4-H Park. Those interested can enter any kind and as many types as you choose. Any age may enter and the competition is open to anyone.
Entries need to have six cookies per exhibit with the recipe included with the cookie entry. Please do not list your name.
The Top 10 cookies will be selected, with no ranking or order of placing. The top 10 will receive a “Sticker of Distinction” placed on exhibit and displayed during the 4-H Fair.
Open Class Homemakers Competition Committee members will not be eligible to enter cookies in the contest.

Fair will host BBQ competition July 19

A barbecue cook-off for adults and youth is one of the new events for the 2009 Wells County 4-H Fair.
The competition is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at the fairground.
Entry guidelines are as follows:
• Up to three people are allowed on a team. Participants may use marinades, rubs, etc., and all grilling must take place between 4 and 6 p.m. the day of the contest at the 4-H Park.
• Each team will provide its own charcoal or propane grill, cooking utensils, tables, tent and supplies, etc., to be used exclusively by that team within the assigned 10 x 10 cooking space.
• Participants may set up between 2 and 4 p.m. and their meat preparations may begin during this time.
• Teams may begin grilling anytime after 4 p.m. on contest day. Teams must present their entries to the judges at 6 p.m.
• Judging results will be announced at approximately 6:30 p.m. at the stage.
• In keeping with the “fun” aspect of this contest, teams can choose a team name and a theme.
Participants will be provided six ribeye steaks which will be used in the cook-off and will be judged by a panel for appearance, doneness, taste and texture.
The top three teams will be awarded prizes.
Lengerich Meats, Heyerly’s and Gerber Locker are providing the ribeye steaks that will be used in the contest.
For more information about the contest and a form, go to www.wellscounty.org/4h/ or stop by or call the Wells County office of the Purdue Extension Service at the 4-H Park in Bluffton, 824-6412.

Pre-fair judging events set July 9 and July 13

Many 4-H members are busy preparing exhibits for some of the pre-fair judging events which will be held prior to the annual Wells County 4-H Fair, July 18-23.
Judging for the 4-H Sewing, Consumer Clothing, and Fashion Revue categories will be held Thursday, July 9, at the Wells County Community Center at the 4-H Park in Bluffton. Check in begins at 5:30 p.m. and judging begins at 6 p.m.
Judging for 4-H Foods will be held Monday, July 13 at the Community Center.. Check in begins at 5:30 p.m. and judging starts at 6 p.m.
Members need to bring their Project Completion Certificate with them.
All judging events are open to the public and there is no admission fee.
For more information, contact a 4-H volunteer or the Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, 260-824-6412.

Preparing for the 4-H Fair

Members of the Nottingham Nobles 4-H Club spent Saturday morning, June 20, cleaning up leaves at the 4-H Park. They invite the public to come to the Wells County 4-H Fair, July 18-23, and ‘Take A Stride Into 4-H Pride’ ... this year’s fair theme. Back row, left to right: Karli Hook, Dustin Dixon, Ryan Steiner, Zach Binegar, Megan Hook, Brandon Gephart. Middle row, left to right: Emily Aker, Jessie McClure, Shana Hicks, Amanda Price, Mary McClure. Front row, left to right: Jason Steiner, Malinah Dixon, Brooke Gephart, Shiloh Hicks, Matthew Geisel, Lindsay Aker. (Photo submitted.)

Entry deadline for 4-H Talent Show is July 13

Entry forms are available for the annual 4-H Talent Show which will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, during the annual Wells County 4-H Fair in Bluffton. Forms are due Monday, July 13.
The contestants will be divided into three grade classifications: Class A, Grades 1 and 2; Class B, Grades 3 through 6; and Class C, Grades 7 through 12. The grade in school is based on Jan. 1 of this year.
Within each class, participants may enter in vocal, instrumental or other. All contestants must be present 4-H members.
Youth will be able to participate in a sound check between 5 and 6:30 p.m..
Awards will be presented to winners in each category and the Mack Shultz Award will be presented to the top talent winner. The award is presented in memory of Mack Shultz who was a 10-year 4-H member who loved music. His Air Force jet disappeared off the coast of Florida in the Bermuda Triangle. Mack was the son of the late Shirley and Galen Shultz and brother to Peggy (Norman) Schweikhardt of Warren.
Applications are available from 4-H leaders or from the Wells County Office of the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service at 1240 S. 4-H Road. The Extension office's phone number is 824-6412.