On Saturday, March 6, Master Gardener Richard Wymer instructs a small group on how to make their own rain barrel. The workshop instructed participants on the benefits of using rain barrels to help in water conservation as well as for environmental reasons.

Individuals interested in serving as volunteers with the Huntington County 4-H program or current volunteers with less than two years of service must attend the County 4-H Volunteer Orientation workshop on Thursday, March 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The workshop will be held at the Courthouse Annex and will cover 4-H policies and procedures, expectations and responsibilities of 4-H volunteers, safety issues with working with youth and understanding positive youth development.

Photo by Andre Laird.

(From left) Elizabeth Grantham, Marianne Christman and Eve Rowley work on the stage and costume designs during ‘Drama Day,' held at Evangelical United Methodist Church, on Saturday, March 6. Participants practiced skits, designed the set and costumes and performed for friends and family later in the day.

A local farm became Huntington County's most recent recipient of the Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of the farm's ownership by the same family for at least 100 years.

Larry Zahm's farm was one of 35 Indiana operations to receive the award during a ceremony hosted by Lt. Governor Becky Skillman on Feb. 19.

"There are only a very small number of families in Huntington County that can claim that," Larry says.

In 1873, Nicholas Zahm, a native German from whom many Zahms in the county are descended, founded the Zahm farm north of Huntington.

Instead of a week at the beach or at home relaxing, students from around Huntington University are setting off this spring break with another goal in mind.

Service is the focus for numerous students this March 15-19 as they travel to Benton Harbor, MI, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, among other destinations, to help in schools, Habitat for Humanity and other projects in those communities.

"Part of our core values here is missions," said Grace McBrayer, director of first-year students and volunteer services at the university. "One of our goals is enacting that."

Photo provided.

The Huntington North DECA group (Distributive Education Clubs of America) recently competed in the 2010 State Career Development Conference in Indianapolis. They are apart of the Marketing program through the Business department at the high school.

They had competed at the district level at Fort Wayne Snider in January and placed high enough to compete in Indianapolis.

The next Huntington County Chamber of Commerce sponsored After Hours event will be hosted by Miller's Merry Manor, on Tuesday, March 16, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The event offers networking opportunities for area businesses.

Reservations are required and must be made by Thursday, March 11, by calling the chamber at 356-5300.

Miller's Merry Manor is located at 1500 Grant St.

American Legion Post 160, Roanoke, will sponsor a fish fry, on Friday, March 12, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

The evening includes all-you-can-eat fish, hushpuppies, baked potatoes or French fries and coleslaw or applesauce.

A bake sale will also be held.

Proceeds from the fish fry will go to Boy Scout Troop 302 to purchase equipment.

Huntington University's Excel Adult Degree Programs will hold an informational meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 15, in room 125 of the university's Science Hall.

This free event is open to anyone interested in completing a bachelor of science degree in accounting.
Carrie Hoffman, admissions consultant, will be on hand to answer questions.

Huntington County Chamber of Commerce will host a free "Lunch and Learn" seminar on Tuesday, March 16, from noon to 1 p.m.

FPC Technology Group, of Bluffton, will present "What Every Business Owner Must Have in Place Now To Guarantee A Fast, Easy And Painless Recovery Of Their Data After A Disaster."

Pathfinder Kids Kampus Child Care Center in Huntington will hold its 19th annual golf outing on Wednesday, May 26.

The fundraising event, sponsored by David Culp and Company, will take place at LaFontaine Golf Club, 6129 North Goshen Road, Huntington. Registration and a lunch sponsored by SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church begins at 11:30 a.m., with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start.

New this year, Pathfinder Kids Kampus is offering foursomes who register before April 9 a "buy three, get one free" deal on the per-golfer registration fee.

Photo provided.

The Huntington North High School Winter Color Guard has advanced to the divisional state finals this Saturday, March 13, at Center Grove High School in Indianapolis.

This is the first season for the Winter Guard and the guard instructor is Brittany Krieg, of Huntington.

Krieg says that after the guard's first competition, it was promoted into the next class because of its score.

The teams perform for scores and receives ratings of bronze, silver or gold.

There are 12 HNHS girls on the team.

Photo provided.

Dr. Terrell Peace, professor and director of teacher education at Huntington University, has been elected president of the Association of Teacher Educators.

He is the first president to come from the university in the organization's 90-year history.

Peace, who has taught at the university since 1998, was installed as president on Feb. 17 at the 2010 ATE annual meeting in Chicago. Peace will serve one year as president while promoting his theme of "Re-igniting the Passion and Purpose of Teaching."

The Horace Mann Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization is now accepting applications for the 19th Annual Horace Mann Scholarship.

Applicants for the $500 awards must have attended Horace Mann for at least three years, and must be a graduating senior at Huntington North High School or be involved in post-secondary studies. Renewal applications are accepted.
Forms are available in the HNHS guidance office and at Horace Mann Elementary.

All applications should be sent directly to Joanne Green, 2303 College Avenue, Huntington, by March 27.

Photo by Andre B. Laird.

Jessica Welker takes her turn at the podium during the Great Debate, held at the Boys and Girls Club of Huntington recently. Members were split into two teams and debated the effectiveness of home schooling versus traditional schooling. The competition was part of Black History Month.

The Warren Town Council will investigate repairs needing to be made on several sections of the baseball diamonds, members decided on the Council meeting on Monday, March 8.

Lisa Williams, member of the baseball association, addressed the council about making repairs to a few sections of baseball diamond before upcoming season play starts.

The council moved to investigate the matter and make any necessary repairs.

Photo by Cindy Klepper.

A sour economy didn't prevent the Huntington County United Way from exceeding its $700,000 goal in 2009, outgoing campaign chairman Michael Zahn says.

It's just another example, he says, of "how Huntington sticks together."

Zahn used the occasion of the United Way Thank You Luncheon on Wednesday, March 3, to say thanks to the more than 200 individuals who volunteered to help with the United Way campaign he shepherded.

He also introduced Tracey Shafer, superintendent of the Huntington County Community Schools, as chairman of the 2010 campaign.

The Huntington Police Department is working with the Indiana State Police and more than 250 local law enforcement agencies throughout the state in a statewide crackdown on impaired and dangerous driving.

The crackdown began March 5 and continues through March 21.

Photo provided.

Lily Nutter, of Warren, was honored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2689, Huntington, for her dedication over the past seven years in preparing and shipping more than 860 care packages to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pictured during the surprise presentation are (from left) Ken Fisher, Fifth District Commander; Rodney Funk, VFW department commander's representative; Nutter; John Lichoff, USS Salamonie representative; and Dale Howell, VFW Post 2689 commander. Lichoff, of Norwalk, OH, organized the presentation.

The Roanoke American Legion Auxiliary Unit 160 will award scholarships to children or grandchildren of Post 160 members in good standing.

Recipients may use the scholarship at the college or vocational school of their choice.

Applications are available at the American Legion Post, 1122 N. Main St., in Roanoke.

Applications, including transcripts and recommendation, must be returned by April 1 to JoAnn Caulk, 8253 Roanoke Rd., Roanoke, IN 46783 or dropped off at the Legion Post in Roanoke.

For information, call Caulk at 673-0303.

Information packets are now available for the Youth Scholarship Contest sponsored by United REMC.

Area high school age students can compete for three cash scholarships. First place is awarded $1,000, while second and third place winners each receive $500.

The contest is open to students freshman through senior year, and the only requirement is that the student's parent or legal guardian be a customer of United REMC.

The Teen Suicide Prevention Task Force will host a training session on March 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

This is a free training session that will be held at the Youth Services Bureau office and is geared for family members, friends, pastors, etc. who want to learn more about preventing suicide among teens.

Photo provided.

Mike Rohler (left), director of the Huntington County Chapter of the American Red Cross, accepts a check for $1,538.52 from Eric Fawcett, senior vice president of Bippus State Bank. BSB offices in Huntington County collected donations Jan. 22 through Feb. 19 for the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund. Customers and employees contributed $1,038.52, and BSB pitched in another $500. Photo provided.

The Huntington University Foundation's breakfast on Wednesday, March 10, will highlight the many offerings of the Huntington County EXPO and Huntington County Chamber of Commerce.

The Huntington County 4-H Junior Leaders will meet on Thursday, March 11, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the First Baptist Church in Warren.

A program will be presented by Master Sgt. Martina Cocklin and Captain Mike Spahr from the Indiana Air National Guard.

Photo by Andre B. Laird.

A Shamrock Luncheon will be held on Friday, March 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the gymnasium of St. Peter Lutheran Church.

Proceeds will go to the Church Organ Restoration Fund.
The Comfort the Needy Quilting group, the Dorcas Circle and the General Guild are the event organizers.

Menu items include homemade soups, salads, main dishes and desserts.

Musical entertainment will be provided by pianist Richard Prange.

Reservations are not required; however those wishing to attend in a group should contact the church to make special arrangements.

The Huntington County 4-H Fair Board will meet Tuesday, March 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the 4-H Community Building, Hier's Park.

The board will be continuing plans for the 80th annual Huntington County 4-H Fair, which will be held July 16-30.

Board members will also discuss items for the bi-annual 4-H Fair Board Golf Outing.

The outing is scheduled for Saturday, June 26, at Clear Creek Golf.

Huntington County 4-H is selling geraniums as a fundraiser for a number of local 4-H clubs and the county 4-H program.

Orders may be placed with local 4-H club members or with the Huntington County Extension Office.

The geraniums come in four different colors, red, white, pink and coral and will be delivered on April 29.

All orders for 4-H geraniums must be placed no later than March 31.

The Parkview Family Huntington YMCA is conducting its annual Partners With Youth Campaign, which raises money for the YMCA's financial assistance program.

During 2009, YMCA Executive Director Dan Akeley says, more than 800 people received financial assistance with membership or program fees. That assistance totaled more than $48,000.

Photo by Cindy Klepper.

Huntington County Deputy Robbie Boxell (left) accepts a donation from Gary Yeiter of the Huntington Lions Club during a Lions meeting on Monday, March 1. The Lions Club sponsored an appearance of the Harlem Ambassadors in Huntington and donated the proceeds to Boxell, for use in the Huntington County D.A.R.E. program, and to Huntington North High School Principal Jeremy Gulley, to fund a character building program at HNHS. Yeiter said the Lions Club plans to bring the Ambassadors back to Huntington in 2011.

Purdue Extension Huntington County Office announces it 4-H calendar of events for the week of Monday, March 8 to Sunday, March 14.

They are:

Monday, March 8
6 p.m. - Canine Capers. Heritage Hall, Hier's Park.
7 p.m. - Leaders meeting. Family Living Building, Hier's Park.

A bowl-athon will be held Sunday, April 18, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Rainbow Lanes in Huntington to benefit Junior Achievement.

A team consists of a captain and four other bowlers. Each team is given a goal of raising $300.

Junior Achievement provides a financial literacy program to students in kindergarten through high school. The bowl-athon raises funds to purchase materials and resources for the program in Huntington County.

For more information, visit www.jani.org or call Joy Conley at 356-5903.

Ten students from Huntington North High School performed in the annual Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) State Instrumental Solo and Ensemble Contest.

The event was held on Feb. 27 at North Central High School, Indianapolis.

Students who received gold or silver ratings are as follows:

Gold Rating
Laura Henline, alto saxophone solo; Jessica Stahly, trumpet solo; Russell Moriarity, trumpet solo; Michael Paynter, French horn solo; and Justin Miller, trombone solo.

A graduation date has been set for the Huntington North High School Class of 2010.

The commencement ceremony will be held on Friday, June 4, at 7 p.m. in the HNHS gymnasium.
The last day of school for students currently stands at June 1.

Any additional weather cancellations experienced this spring will extend the school year.

"Dining Downtown for Main Street" will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on March 17 at Brick House Grill.

The event will feature a full dinner menu of prime rib, potato and salad. This is a 21-and-over event and reservations are requested by calling 224-6696.

The host will be Ryan Warner, 2008 Chief of the Flint Springs Tribe. Gratuities will benefit the Main Street Huntington project.

TAB photo.

The seven-year tenure of Robert "Bob" Brown as president of the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce comes to an end today, Friday, March 5.

Brown announced his departure in a letter sent out Friday afternoon. He has been battling health problems for several years, and says in the letter that his health has played a role in his departure.

"The board of directors has determined that my health has become an issue that has limited my effectiveness," Brown says. "At the close of business, March 5, my stewardship as the president will conclude."

Twenty-six additional businesses and organizations have registered for this year's Huntington County EXPO.

The Huntington County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 13th Huntington County EXPO on Saturday, March 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 21, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Merillat Fieldhouse at Huntington University.

Photo provided.

The Huntington North High School Varsity Singers won the grand champion trophy and swept all caption awards at the Northridge High School Show Choir Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 27, in Middlebury.

The HNHS Varsity Concert Choir was named grand champion concert choir at the same competition.

Both groups are directed by John Wenning.

Photo by Cindy Klepper.

State Rep. Dan Leonard (standing) makes a point during a legislative update session Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Huntington City-Township Public Library. The session, sponsored by the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce, also featured comments from (seated from left) State Sen. Gary Dillon, Huntington Mayor Steve Updike, and Huntington County Commissioners President Tom Wall. Each of the four presented remarks, then answered questions from those in attendance.

Photo by Matt Murphy.

Sadie Landrum, Horace Mann Elementary School guidance counselor, interviews Huntington University soccer player Marvin Martinez during a pep rally at the school on Friday, Feb. 26, in preparation for the ISTEP examinations this week. Guest speakers included members of the Fort Wayne Fusion arena football team, Huntington North High School cheerleaders and other community leaders.