Friday, July 30, 2010

4-H Extension Calendar

August 2 Pressure Canner Testing, Wells County Extension Office, 4 ñ 7 PM
$3.00 for gauge and lid; $5.00 for entire canner

August 4 State Fair Foods and Horticulture Exhibits due at County Extension Office,
7 - 8 AM

August 6 22 Indiana State Fair

August 10 Preserving Nature's Bounty, Wells County Community Center, 6:30 - 8 PM
$3.00 fee call 824-6412 to register

August 13 ñ 15 Wheels of Yesteryear Antique Tractor Show

August 14 4-H Day at the Indiana State Fair

August 19 4-H Association, Council, Leaders, Volunteers, Fair Review, Community
Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM

August 19 Northeast Purdue Ag Center (NEPAC) Field Day, Columbia City,
8:30 AM - 1 PM Lunch provided

August 23 Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

A few leftover pics






Found these on a spare camera. They are pix of the chalk drawings at the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds, and a few of the Junior Leaders food booth. That's News-Banner Intern Brandon Gephart on the right, along with 4-H member Mary McClure. Gephart and McClure are both 4-H Junior Leaders....

Pressure Canner Testing on August 2nd

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service of Wells County will be offering a Pressure Canner Testing session on Monday, August 2nd from 4:00-7:00 PM in the meeting rooms at the Wells County Community Center at the 4-H Park.

Pressure canning is the only recommended method for canning meat, poultry, seafood and vegetables. Using boiling water canners for these low-acid foods poses a real risk of botulism poisoning. The USDA recommends a dial gauge pressure canner be checked once a season for accuracy.

The Extension Service will check the dial gauge and lid for $3.00. If you bring in the whole dial gauge canner, a full canner assessment can be made for $5.00. This is the last scheduled pressure canner testing session for the summer.

Contact the Wells County Office of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension at 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM if you have any questions.

Monday, July 26, 2010

4-H Extension Calendar

July 27 — State Fair Exhibits due at County Extension Office by 4:30 p.m.
July 27 — Preserving Nature's Bounty, Wells County Public Library, 6-7 p.m. $3 fee - call 824-6412 to register

August 2 — Pressure Canner Testing, Wells County Extension Office, 4-7 p.m. $3 for gauge and lid; $5 for entire canner

August 4 — State Fair Foods and Horticulture Exhibits due at County Extension Office, 7-8 a.m.
August 6-22 — Indiana State Fair

August 10 — Preserving Nature's Bounty, Wells County Community Center, 6:30-8 p.m. $3.00 fee - call 824-6412 to register

August 13-15 — Wheels of Yesteryear Antique Tractor Show

August 14 — 4-H Day at the Indiana State Fair

August 19 — 4-H Association, Council, Leaders, Volunteers, Fair Review, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 p.m.
August 19 — Northeast Purdue Ag Center (NEPAC) Field Day, Columbia City, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. - Lunch provided
August 23 — Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 p.m.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Livestock Auction

We found some video from the livestock auction...decided to post it, too. ;-)

Until next year!



The combined News-Banner staff spent more than a hundred hours at the 2010 Wells County 4-H Fair this year, and we loved every minute of it. Thanks for the great times and fantastic memories. Thanks also to all the volunteers and parents who gave their time and effort to make it such a success. We are already looking forward to next year!

FFA Petting Zoo



Northern Wells and Southern Wells members of the FFA set up a petting zoo at the 4-H fair. Of course we had to get more video of that.....

More of "The Legends"

Pedal!--Pull!--Pedal!--Pull!



The annual Optimist Pedal Pull Tractor Race was a rousing success! We will post the complete results as soon as we get them.

More Horse and Pony Show riders

4-H Extension Calendar

July 24 Iron Kid Triathlon, 4-H Park, 8 AM

July 27 State Fair Exhibits due at County Extension Office by 4:30 PM

July 27 Preserving Nature's Bounty, Wells County Public Library, 6 - 7 PM
$3.00 fee call 824-6412 to register

August 2 Pressure Canner Testing, Wells County Extension Office, 4 ñ 7 PM
$3.00 for gauge and lid; $5.00 for entire canner

August 4 State Fair Foods and Horticulture Exhibits due at County Extension Office,
7 - 8 AM

August 6 - 22 Indiana State Fair

August 10 Preserving Nature's Bounty, Wells County Community Center, 6:30 ñ 8 PM
$3.00 fee call 824-6412 to register

August 13 ñ 15 Wheels of Yesteryear Antique Tractor Show

August 14 4-H Day at the Indiana State Fair

August 19 4-H Association, Council, Leaders, Volunteers, Fair Review, Community
Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM

August 19 Northeast Purdue Ag Center (NEPAC) Field Day, Columbia City,
8:30 AM - 1 PM Lunch provided

August 23 Wells County 4-H Association, Community Center, 4-H Park, 7 PM

Thursday, July 22, 2010

4-H Livestock Royal Showmanship Contest

Last night, many participated in Wells County's 4-H Livestock Royal Showmanship Contest. Sadie Herr took away the Royal Showmanship honor. Watch her talk about it in the video below.


Legends rock Wells County 4-H

Legends performed a concert at the 4-H festival Wednesday night. Check out Legends singing "Hang on Sloopy".


Miss Wells County - Behind the Scenes

Miss Wells County 2008, Kourtney Reed, taught the Miss Wells County contestants some new games to relieve stress and burn time before the pageant. In the first, everyone wrote their name on a card and rotated, signing everyone else's card with compliments. In the second game, Reed took a creative way of adding "Telephone" and "Pictionary".






Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Hose and Pony Show (more video to come)

NHS Dance Troupe

The Norwell High School Dance Troupe kept the crowd entertained as they waited for the 2010 Wells County fair Talent Show to begin Tuesday night.

4-H Talent Show

In our opinion every kid who participated in the Wells County 4-H Fair Talent Show was a winner. It takes a lot of intestinal fortitude to stand before a crowd and perform. Whether you are singing, dancing or just doing your thing, having all eyes on you can be quite daunting. But the 4-H members did it, and did it well.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Projects at the Community Center


Entertainment Editor Barb Barbieri was at the Community Center Saturday as folks were lining up to check-out the projects.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Miss Wells County 2010

Miss Wells County results are in ... Sara Alford is Miss Wells County 2010. Hannah Oman is first runner-up; Kelly Brewer is second runner-up; Chelsea Clifton is third runner-up; Kristen Murray won People's Choice Award; and Kimberlee Bussey won Miss Congeniality.

Look for more coverage in Tuesday's News-Banner. Video clips from the ceremony are listed below.



Brittany Blazier sings the National Anthem before Monday night's Miss Wells County Pageant 2010.

The nine Miss Wells County contestants do their opening number Monday night at the beginning of the pageant.


Bluffton Mayor Ted Ellis, emcee for the Miss Wells County pageant, reads a question to contestant Kristen Murray. Each contestant had to answer a question she drew out of a basket as part of the judging process.

Contestant Hannah Oman responds to an on-stage question from emcee Bluffton Mayor Ted Ellis.

The Miss Wells County contestants show their business wear during the pageant. Kristen Murray is pictured in this video.

Haley Toliver models her dress in front of the judges Monday night during the Miss Wells competition.





Lindsey Helmer sings "At last" during the pageant as the judges finalize their calculations.



2009 Miss Wells County Stephanie Bussey addresses the crowd before taking her final walk as Miss Wells County.


Kristen Murray receives the People's Choice Award Monday night.


Kimberlee Bussey receives the Miss Congeniality award.

Sara Alford is crowned Miss Wells County 2010 as her family watches from the front row.

2010 4-H Fair Projects

Lots of very cool projects on display in the Community Expo building at the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds. Plus, it's fully air-conditioned! Beat the heat and check out the results of 4-H hard work.
 

4-H 5K Fun Run/Walk

News-Banner Sports Editor Paul Beitler was there for the start and finish of the 4-H Fun Run/Walk on Saturday. Check out more photos and results in today's News-Banner. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

More 2010 4-H Parade video

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Wells County 4-H Fair Parade

Friday, July 16, 2010

Fruits and Vegetables galore!


Extension Educator, Molly Hoag, shares with summer assistant Jessica Nusbaumer canning processes for fruits and vegetables. Molly will be showing the different processes of "Preserving Nature's Bounty" which she will be presenting Tuesday, July 27 from 6:00-7:30 PM at the Wells County Public Library, Bluffton. A charge of $3.00 for materials and supplies will be collected at the door. Register at 260-824-6412. This program is sponsored by the Wells County Office of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service.
Wow, just 26 hours and 40 minutes away.

4-H Project Judging

News-Banner Reporter Justin Peeper visited the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds Thursday morning as 4-H members brought in their individual projects for judging.

Peeper shot some video of the kids and took a moment to speak with Extension Educator Roger Sherer.

4-H Cookie Competition



Video compliments of News-Banner Entertainment Editor Barb Barbieri who attended the 2010 Wells County 4-H Fair Cookie Competition on Thursday.

2010 4-H Fair Dog Show


Grand and Res. Champ
Rachel Makowski and Reggie (Res.), Abby Nussbaumer and Banjo (Grand Champ)

3A Obedience winners
Mary McClure and Carman, Naomi Mauger and Clancey, Jessie McClure and Hank

2A/2B Obedience winners
Rachel Makowski and Reggie, Abby Nussbaumer and Banjo, Rowan Caylor and Bailey

Class 1A/1B obedience winners
Jarrett Phillippe and max, Kami Brandiewie and Holly (not Pictured), Alexis Schweiterman and Tillie, Josh Williams and Ella


Sr. Showmanship
Rachel Makowski and Reggie, Naomi Mauger and Clancey, Jessie McClure and Hank


Jr. Showmanship
Alexis Schweiterman and Tillie, Bree Bailey and Pepper, Desiah Reinhard and Missy

Novice showmanship
Paris Mohler and Fancy, Heather Phillips and Scruffy, Jarrett Phillippe and max

Jarrett Phillippe is showing judge Debbie Greer his dogs bite in showmanship at the 4-H dog show on Thursday night. This is Jarrett's first year in the dog club.


Naomi Mauger is calling her dog, Clancy, in a recall at the dog show on Thursday night. Naomi and Clancy competed in one of the upper classes, Division 3A.


(Photos by News-Banner Intern Brandon Gephart)

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Grill-off

If you are interested in forming a team for Sunday's barbecue grill-off, organizers say there is still time to sign up. Contact the 4-H office at 824-6412 by Saturday to sign up. It was a big success last year! This year's 10 teams will grill boneless pork-loins, and there will be cash and grilling tools for the winners. Also, organizers will be handing out smoked sausage patty sandwiches and asking for donations to help sponsor the cook off.

4-H Fair check-in time!


Food vendors have begun to set up at the Wells County 4-H fair grounds in anticipation of this year's county fair, which begins Saturday and runs through Thursday.


Jacob Zent of Chester Township checks in his collections and electric individual projects at the Wells County 4-H Fair Wednesday afternoon. The projects will all be judged Thursday beginning at 9 a.m.

Extension Calendar

July 16 — 4-H Livestock Check In, 4-H Park, 4-9 p.m.

July 17-22 — Wells County 4-H Fair

July 23 — 4-H Fair Clean Up, 10 a.m.-noon, Appreciation Lunch, noon

July 24 — Iron Kid Triathlon, 4-H Park, 8 a.m.

July 27 — State Fair Exhibits due at County Extension Office by 4:30 p.m.
July 27 — Preserving Nature’s Bounty, Wells County Public Library, 6-7 p.m. $3 fee - call 824-6412 to register

August 2 — Pressure Canner Testing, Wells County Extension Office, 4-7 p.m. $3 for gauge and lid; $5 for entire canner

August 4 — State Fair Foods and Horticulture Exhibits due at County Extension Office, 7-8 a.m.

August 6-22 — Indiana State Fair

August 13-15 — Wheels of Yesteryear Antique Tractor Show

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

4-H Event Calendar

July 16 4-H Livestock Check In, 4-H Park, 4 - 9 PM

July 17 - 22 Wells County 4-H Fair

July 23 4-H Fair Clean Up, 10 AM - 12 Noon, Appreciation Lunch, 12 Noon

July 24 Iron Kid Triathlon, 4-H Park, 8 AM

July 27 State Fair Exhibits due at County Extension Office by 4:30 PM

July 27 Preserving Nature's Bounty, Wells County Public Library, 6 - 7 PM
$3.00 fee ñ call 824-6412 to register

August 2 Pressure Canner Testing, Wells County Extension Office, 4 - 7 PM
$3.00 for gauge and lid; $5.00 for entire canner

August 4 State Fair Foods and Horticulture Exhibits due at County Extension Office, 7 & 8 AM

August 6 - 22 Indiana State Fair

August 13 & 15 Wheels of Yesteryear Antique Tractor Show

4-H 5K Fun Run/Walk July 17

The 4-H 5K Fun Run/Walk will be held Saturday, July 17 beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Wells County 4-H Fairgrounds. Entry fee is $12 (pre-registered) or $15 on race day. Registration will begin at 6:45 a.m. To pre-register send payment to: 4-H 5K Fun Run/Walk, 1240 South 4-H Road, Bluffton, IN 46714.
The event has several age divisions: Boys 14 and under; Boys 15-18; Girls 14 and under; Girls 15-18; Men 40-49; Men 50 and over; Men 19-29; Men 30-39; Women 19-29; Women 30-39; Women 40-49; Women 50 and over. Awards will be presented to overall male and female winners as well as first, second and third places. Drinks will be available for participants in each age group.Email: k_pepper33@hotmail.com.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Mmmmm..delicious!


4-H Foods Judging was completed Monday, July 12 in preparation for the annual 4-H Fair. Over 75 youth brought their foods projects to be judged. Results will be know at the opening of the 4-H Expo Hall, Saturday, July 17, 10 am.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Extension Calendar

July 12 — 4-H Foods Judging, Community Center, 4-H Park. Registration 5:30 p.m., Judging 6 p.m.

July 14 — Expo Hall 4-H Projects to be checked in, 2-9 p.m.

July 15 — Expo Hall Project Judging, 9 a.m.
July 15 — Open Class Cookie Competition, Bring cookies in, 5-5:30 p.m.

July 16 — 4-H Livestock Check In, 4-H Park, 4 to 9 p.m.

July 17-22 — Wells County 4-H Fair

4-H readiness on display



A group of 4-H members are show here after helping to pickup limbs at the Wells County 4-H Park after some trees were trimmed. Tree trimming, show arena preparation and barn cleaning was going on this past weekend at the 4-H Park in preparation for the 4-H Fair, July 17 – 22.

Friday, July 9, 2010

4-H Livestock Check-In Friday, July 16th

4-H Livestock members should plan to check in their animals Friday, July 16th, 4-9 PM at the 4-H Park in Bluffton.

All trucks with animals should enter at the north entrance (Spring Street). Members completion certificates ( Bright Orange)for livestock which were issued by their leaders will be checked and veterinary staff will conduct the animal health check.

Livestock “Certificates of Inspection” are not required for the 4-H Fair. Livestock committees will be recording identification numbers of animals exhibited.

Signs will be posted in the 4-H Park to direct traffic. Trucks exiting the Park should use the south drive.

Livestock trailer parking will once again be located south of Goodyear Tire or the northwest edge of the 4-H Park where the former State Highway Garage was located.

4-H families are encouraged to check their 4-H Newsletter for details.

For complete information about livestock check in, traffic and parking at the 4-H Fair, call the County Extension Office, 824-6412

KIDS PEDAL PULL ANNOUNCED

The annual Kids Pedal Pull sponsored by the Bluffton Optimist Club will be held at the Wells County 4-H Fair on Wednesday, July 21st.

Registration will be held in front of the Quonset Building, 6-6:30 PM. The contest will start at 6:30 PM. Some seating will be available, however, people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Maximum weight of contestants is 70 pounds. Each participant will receive an award.

The Optimist Club will also have another Pedal Pull on Saturday August 14th, 9 AM at the Wheels of Yesteryear Antique Power Show, held at the 4-H Park in Bluffton.

4-H EXPO HALL JUDGING THURSDAY

Wells County 4-H projects to be exhibited in the 4-H Expo Hall at the 4-H Fair should be checked in Wednesday, July 14th from 2-9 PM.

This includes Mini 4-H exhibits and traditional 4-H member exhibits such as poster projects, woodworking, gift wrapping, cake decorating, etc.

Traditional 4-H members (non Mini 4-H) must also show their certificate( purple), which was obtained from their leader.

Judging of projects in the Expo Hall will be held at 9 AM on Thursday, July 15th and is open to 4-H members and parents. Adults and teen volunteers are needed to assist judges. Volunteers should meet at 8:15 AM. Call the County Extension Office, 824-6412 to volunteer.

The 4-H Expo Hall will be open to the public on Saturday, July 17th, 10 AM- 9 PM. Sunday hours will be 1 PM-9 PM. Hours Monday through Wednesday will be 9 AM-9 PM. On Thursday July 22 the hours will be 9 AM- 4 PM

Projects will be then released 4 PM-8 PM from the Expo Hall. For a complete Wells County 4-H Fair Schedule go to www.ag.purdue.edu/counties/wells or just Google Wells County 4-H Fair.

4-H FAIR ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCED

It’s fair time and this year’s Wells County 4-H Fair will include a variety of attractions for the entire family.
An Antique Tractor pull will start things off Friday, July 16 at 5 PM. The event is sponsored by the Wheels of Yesteryear and Troxel Equipment.

On Saturday, July 17th will be the annual parade at 6:30 PM The parade will leave the Bluffton Regional Parking lots at 6 PM and travel down Main and Spring into the 4-H park.

Sunday will feature Katie Krout, 4-6 PM and the Gospel Music group “Unity” (Rain location-4-H Quonset Building)
The Miss Wells County Pageant will be held on Monday, July 19th at 7 PM.
Stephanie Bussey our 2009 Miss Wells County will crown the winner.

On Tuesday, July 20th the Norwell High School Dance Troupe will perform at 6:30 PM. The 4-H Talent Show will begin at 7:30 PM on the stage.

The rock and roll comedy group the “Legends” will perform on Wednesday, July 21, 7:30 PM. This is a new group to the Wells County 4-H Fair and people who like 50’s and 60’s music will love this band.

Jimmie Bussell, Country music singer will wrap up the week with a 7:30 PM concert on Thursday July 22.

Visitors to the 4-H Fair concerts and events are encouraged to bring their comfortable lawn chairs. All of the musical events will be held on the stage provided by the Bluffton Street Fair in front of the Wells County Community Center.

For more information pick-up a schedule at an area business, or County Extension Office. Schedule is also available on the website at www.ag.purdue.edu/counties/wells or just Google Wells County 4-H Fair.

Extension homemakers sponsor Fashion Revue

East Allen Times:

FORT WAYNE—Participants in the 2010 4-H consumer clothing and fashion revue displayed their sewn clothing for judging Thursday. The event took place at IPFW’s Allen County Extension Office building and was sponsored by the Allen County Extension Homemakers. Each participant was individually evaluated.

Third-grader Sophie Braun was among the six girls in her division to slowly walk across the room for the judge. Sophie’s bright green skirt, headband and her doll’s dress, all matched. A dark green sweater and lime green shoes accented her work.....

Thursday, July 8, 2010

4-H Sewing, Consumer Clothing, and Fashion Revue held July 8


The 2010 4-H Judging events have begun. The sewing, consumer clothing, and fashion revue projects were judged on July 8 at the Community Center, 4-H Park in Bluffton.
This is the first judging event of the 2010 Wells County 4-H Fair. Results of the event will not be revealed until the opening night of the fair, Saturday, July 17.
The 4-H Sewing and Consumer Clothing Fashion Revue will take place again on Saturday, July 17, at 11 a.m. at the Expo Hall for the public to attend.

Indiana 4-H Members Return Home



















Nineteen people recently arrived home in Indiana after participating in the Indiana-Poland 4-H Exchange Program.

The delegation included 13 youth and 6 adults representing nine counties in Indiana. Participants from Wells County included Tessa Horan, Casey Carroll, Fiona Makowski, Rachel Mossburg, Steve Makowski, and Roger Sherer.

The group spent 18 days in Poland living with families, learning about their culture and 4-H program.

Next summer, Indiana will host youth and adults from Poland.
Captions- Photo 1: This Kosciusko Bell Tower received its name after the same man in which Kosciusko County did. Photo 2: The Old Town Square in Warsaw. Photo 3: Group photo in Krakow. Photo 4: Participants climbed a tower of a castle near Nowiny and glanced over local terrain. Group 5: Wells County participants in Krakow from left to right: Roger Sherer, Rachel Mossburg, Tessa Horan, Casey Carroll, Fiona Makowski, and Steve Makowski.

Extension Calendar

July 10 4-H Park Work Day, 4-H Park, Bluffton 8:30 AM ñ 12 Noon

July 10 4-H Poultry Blood Testing, 4-H Park, 9:30 AM ñ 12:30 PM

July 10 & 11 Wells County Garden Walk

July 12 4-H Foods Judging, Community Center, 4-H Park. Registration 5:30 PM, Judging 6 PM

July 13 Expo Hall Set Up, 4-H Park, 6:30 PM

July 13 Wells County 4-H Association, 4-H Park, 7 PM

July 13 4-H Leaders Meeting, 4-H Park, 8 PM

July 14 4-H Park Barn Set Up, 6 PM

July 14 Expo Hall 4-H Projects to be checked in, 2 ñ 9 PM, 4-H Park

July 15 Expo Hall Project Judging, 9 AM, 4-H Park (Volunteers arrive at 8:15 AM)

July 15 4-H Dog Show, Livestock Show Arena, 6 PM

July 15 Open Class Cookie Competition, Bring cookies in, 5 ñ 5:30 PM, 4-H Park

July 16 4-H Livestock Check In, 4-H Park, 4 ñ 9 PM

July 17-22 Wells County 4-H Fair

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Extension Calendar

July 7 — Ambassador Interviews, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 p.m.

July 8 — 4-H Sewing, Consumer Clothing & Fashion Revue Judging, Community Center, 4-H Park. Registration 5:30 p.m.; Judging 6 p.m.

July 10 — 4-H Park Work Day, 4-H Park, Bluffton 8:30 a.m.-noon

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Monday, July 19, 2010



Wells County Chamber of Commerce 4H Chicken BBQ Fundraiser

Wells County 4H Fairgrounds ~ 4 pm to 7 pm ~ Dine In or Carry Out

Villa North Mall ~ 4 pm to 6 pm ~ Half Chicken Carry Out ONLY

Tickets:

Half Chicken - $6.00

Chicken Dinner - $9.00

1/2 Chicken, Baked Potato, Applesauce, Roll & Beverage


Call the Chamber Office for Tickets 260.824.0510

Extension Calendar

July 2 4-H Caley Award forms due at County Extension Office

July 5 Independence Day ñ county offices closed

July 6 4-H PQA Plus Workshop, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 PM

July 6 Extension Homemakers Presidentís Council, 12:30 PM & 1:30 PM

July 7 Ambassador Interviews, Community Center, 4-H Park, 6:30 PM

July 8 4-H Sewing, Consumer Clothing & Fashion Revue Judging, Community Center, 4-H
Park. Registration 5:30 PM; Judging 6 PM

July 10 4-H Park Work Day, 4-H Park, Bluffton 8:30 AM ñ 12 Noon

July 10 4-H Poultry Blood Testing, 4-H Park, 9:30 AM ñ 12:30 PM

July 10 & 11 Wells County Garden Walk

July 12 4-H Foods Judging, Community Center, 4-H Park. Registration 5:30 PM, Judging 6 PM

July 14 Expo Hall 4-H Projects to be checked in, 2 ñ 9 PM

July 15 Expo Hall Project Judging, 9 AM

July 15 Open Class Cookie Competition, Bring cookies in, 5 ñ 5:30 PM

July 17 & 22 Wells County 4-H Fair