F-Stop and breathe

VIDEO: A man of strong conviction

2012-01-30T15:46:00.014-05:00

A man of strong conviction from Jake May on Vimeo.

He tied his shoes slowly, lace by lace. He buttoned up his jacket with such grace. Life is about the small details that make up the picture, together, everyone sees for this man.

As he put on his dark black hat, a feather protruding from its side, he walked into Second Baptist Church on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to commemorate a man of strong conviction in Jackson, Mich. A man that he, James Kelley, 64, modeled a living mentality after.

"After he was killed, (the movement for equality) sort of dwindled because you didn't have enough people with the same conviction," Kelley said as he lit up a cigarette in his kitchen. "There are a lot of things that could be done, even today."

As a child in Jackson, Kelley faced animosity and hatred from neighbors, store owners and many non-black residents. He joined the freedom marches through the city in the '60s, where he saw the most racial controversy to a non-violent pursuit of equality.

Kelley said he and other men wore baseball gloves to catch and avoid being hit by rocks, bottles and other solid objects thrown at marchers.

"I met such opposition from those who I knew," he said. "I knew there was segregation. I knew that there was differences in people. The hostility seems to elevate. These same people would be your adversaries and your marching for equality.
"Equality is something every man can put his hand on."

Kelley said Martin Luther King, Jr.'s message, purpose and drive showed him that there is always a way to succeed. He said King's stance with a relentless passion for a goal of a better tomorrow stuck with him the rest of Kelley's life.

"If you try, you can do it, you can succeed. Regardless of what anybody says, you can be better today than you (were) yesterday," Kelley said.

PORTRAIT: Libby March, photojournalist

2012-01-23T20:44:00.002-05:00

In-class project for JRN 521. Portrait of my class partner, Libby March. Also, she's my best friend (dork alert).

PROJECT: James Kelley

2012-01-16T18:30:00.003-05:00

Jackson resident James Kelley, 64, stands solemnly as he prays during a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day church service on Monday morning at Second Baptist Church in Jackson, Mich.

For our first project in my JRN 521 class, we were asked to follow a subject through their experiences for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I followed up with someone I found during a peace march on Jan. 1 in Jackson, Mich. He was a well-versed, stoic gentleman named James Kelley. I made some calls, and tracked him down. He was incredibly willing to allow me into his life, and he has a fantastic view on King, and his life lends to tell quite the story. I will post my completed multimedia piece her one week from today.

SPORTS: CMU gymnastics meet

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Sophomore all-arounder Meaghan McWhorter leapt into the air as she tumbled on the mat during her floor routine, scoring 9.650 during the gymnastics meet Sunday at McGuirk Arena. CMU took first place in a meet of four teams, including Wisconsin- La Crosse, Wisconsin Eau Claire and Centenary.

Senior all-arounder Kristin Teubner takes a breath as she prepares for to compete in the balance beam at the gymnastics meet Sunday at McGuirk Arena. Teubner scored an 8.525 in the event.

Teammates applaud as freshman all-arounder Taylor Noonan lands successfully while competing her floor routine, scoring 9.575 during the gymnastics meet Sunday at McGuirk Arena.

Freshman all-arounder Rebecca Druien tumbles backward as she competes in the balance beam, scoring a 9.350 at the gymnastics meet Sunday at McGuirk Arena.

Junior all-arounder Samantha Piotrowski center, reacted as she screamed joyously with teammates after she saw the overall score, putting CMU in the lead after the first event of four at the gymnastics meet Sunday at McGuirk Arena.

A judge watches on as head coach Jerry Reighard, left, positions himself to help freshman all-arounder Taylor Noonan as she competes on the bars Sunday at McGuirk Arena.

SPORTS FEATURE: Come from behind victory

2011-12-18T01:18:00.000-05:00

Northeast Dubois' Cameron Riecker sat while he caught his breath, head in hand as he thought of game strategy to come back from an eight-point deficit against Forest Park during halftime in the locker room Friday night in Dubois.

Northeast Dubois' Cody Newland, center, cheered as he high-fived teammate Jace Gordon in the locker room as the team celebrated a come from behind victory in the fourth quarter against Forest Park Friday night in Dubois. The Jeeps beat the Rangers 70-61.

GEN. NEWS: Windell's Cafe closing its doors

2011-12-17T12:15:00.001-05:00

The “Horseshoe Club” — named for the shape of the bar at which they regularly sit — at Windell’s Café in Dale includes Jerry Sanders of Santa Claus, clockwise from top left, Ray Striegel of Dale, Ray Harpenau of St. Henry and Jack Troth, Bob Reinke and Gerald Spurlock, all of Dale. At about 5:30 a.m. Thursday, the men enjoyed some of the final cups of coffee being served at Windell’s. The café opened in 1947 and Betty and Darrel Jenkins, owners for the past 20 years, are closing it Sunday. Of the six men, they total 226 years in collective attendance. "These guys, they're like a family to me," said Patty Gogel of Dale, a Windell's waitress for 17 years. "When they don't show up, I worry, but once we close, it's going to be hard for all of us. It'll be like losing a part of my family."

SPORTS: Double-teamed

2011-12-16T12:14:00.000-05:00

Heritage Hills' Kaebra LaGrange, center, tried to fight off Southridge's Victoria Schaefer, left, and Cassie Wertman as they double-teamed her on defense Tuesday evening in Lincoln City. The Lady Raiders beat the Lady Patriots 45-21.

FEATURE: Mama Cindy

2011-12-15T09:52:00.000-05:00

While mother goat Chloe, left, tended to one of her newborn goats Colton, "Mama" Cindy Leinenbach of Huntingburg shared some love by holding and kissing her other two babies Katie, left, and Caleb, who were born on Dec. 7, while sitting in a gated pen at her animal rescue barn Friday afternoon in Huntingburg. Leinenbach ensured that each received enough colustrum, a necessity for baby goats bodies' digestive and immune systems to get up and running. Leinenbach cares for 20 goats, nine ducks, about 40 chickens, one lamb, three donkeys, and a myriad of other animals. "It's so therapeutic. It gives me a good feeling in my heart to be here for these animals," she said. "There ain't nothing better."

FEATURE: Shop with a cop

2011-12-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

Jasper Police Patrolman Allan Foy, left, smiled as he watched three-year-old Logan use a popcorn tin as a drum as they finished their shopping spree Wednesday during the annual Shop with a Cop event at Walmart Super Center in Jasper. The shopping spree, which benefited 61 children, was sponsored by the local Fraternal Order of Police and funded through donations from local businesses and individuals. Each child was given a $100 budget, $60 to be spent on clothes. The 61 children are all members of Tri-CAP Head Start, a comprehensive pre-school program for low-come families.

Indiana State Police Master Trooper Ken Miller of Shoals held the hand of four-year-old Leyla as he guided her through the toy section Wednesday during the annual Shop with a Cop event at Walmart Super Center in Jasper.

FEATURE: Pucker up your clucker

2011-12-14T21:54:00.000-05:00

Nicolle Cyrill of Jasper, left, leaned in to kiss a chicken in the arms of Kenny Wehr of Birdseye, one of about 20 chickens in a fenced in coop at his home Tuesday morning in downtown Birdseye. Cyrill and Wehr meet up about once a week for dinner after she bought farm-fresh eggs from him in July to swap stories, and she visits to help feed the chickens and the rabbits he breeds. "Chickens are a nice animal," she said. "You can find love within them, so they deserve to be loved."

SPORTS: Mount Carmel at Jasper

2011-12-13T09:36:00.000-05:00

Mount Carmel's Makenzie Metcalf, left, and Jasper's Megan Sterberg stretched to gain possession of the ball on a rebound Saturday afternoon at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper. Jasper beat Mount Carmel 61-58.

Jasper's Megan Sternberg, left, drove to the basket, shooting a layup over the top of Mount Carmel's Tyra Buss under the hoop Saturday afternoon at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper.

Mount Carmel's Allie Dean grabbed the ball as Jasper's Shelby Merder stretched in an attempt to gain possession on a rebound among traffic Saturday afternoon at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper.

GEN. NEWS: Our Precious Angels

2011-12-12T11:53:00.002-05:00

Life is short. Time is the one thing so much of us squander, not thinking about the value it truly has in the big picture of life. We are too focused on the day-to-day dealings of work, school and, often, we do not look at the big picture. Life's grand scheme, when you look at it, is beautiful. In birth. In death. But I say we squander our time because we don't live enough. We don't live life without regrets, to our fullest. We are fearful of what others will think much of the time, and it's a horrible trait to waste so much of our lives worrying about. I just want to encourage every one of us to be honest with ourselves. Live the life we want for us, not for that guy in math class you have a crush on, and not for your editor. Live life for you. Make time for you. Be you.

All of this stems from an assignment that got me to think about life. So, the assignment was a candlelight service at the 4-H Fairgrounds Memorial Garden on Sunday, a service to remember, to commemorate all of the children who have died, and those who have lost children to come cope with that loss around others who have been through a similar tragedy in life. This photograph depicts one family who has been through a lot in the last 14 months. The family lost two different members to different vehicular accidents. The first was a motorcycle accident, the other a four-wheeler. One man was 44. The other 16. The elderly woman in the photo lost her son and grandson, a tragic reality I hope none of us ever have to face — losing a child or grandchild. The family was incredibly strong though. Why? Because they had each other. I was able to get every name, quotes and really talk to them in such a trying moment of their lives. They let me in. For that, I am eternally grateful. The Kluesners (other last names as well, but the family's root name) were simply admirable to be as strong as they were, and continue to be.

Back to the life discussion though. I, myself, was in a vehicular accident recently on my way back to Jasper from Michigan just last week. It wasn't much damage to either vehicle, and was more jarring than anything else. Accidents on the road have never bothered me. I've always stayed calm and collected, even when my front driver's side tire flies completely off at 70 mph. The thing is, I could easily have been unfortunate in any of these cases. I don't really understand how lucky I am to be in such good health and getting by without any injury in these situations. I've taken that for granted, through and through. I am incredibly lucky to have caring friends and family in my life, and wanted to say I am undoubtedly grateful for each of you in your own way. Thank you all for being in my life.

Carol Kluesner of Jasper, second from left, held her granddaughter Kennedy Kieffner of Jasper, 11, and was surrounded by other family members Sunday at the Our Precious Angels memorial at Dubois County Park. About 50 people gathered at a candlelight service to commemorate the lives of children who have died, and Carol’s son Terry and his son, Benton, were among those remembered. Also pictured, clockwise from left, are Zuniga Kluesner of Princeton, Whitley Kluesner of Jasper, 17, Mallory Alles of Jasper, 17, Debbie Beckman of Jasper and Rebecca Kluesner of Princeton, 9. Terry Kluesner died May 13 in a motorcycle accident, and Benton died Oct. 3, 2010, in a four-wheeler accident. “To be with people who have had the same tough luck you’ve had and to have my family here with me, it means everything,” Carol Kluesner said. “Together, we’re going to make it through. It’s a tear-jerker, but we stay strong for each other.”

FEATURE: Leaf angel

2011-12-11T19:27:00.000-05:00

After leaping into a pile of leaves her grandmother Vickie Thacker raked in the backyard, Kamryn Allen of Holland, 4, closed her eyes as she waved her arms and legs to form an angel outline Tuesday at the Thacker home in the 200 block of Meridian Street in Holland. "When I jump into the leaf pile, it feel like I'lm jumping into a pool. It's really fun," Kamryn said.

FRIENDS: Bursting bubbles

2011-12-10T15:13:00.001-05:00

Madeline Weatherwax, 2, smiled as she ran around trying to catch bubbles in her hand, and sometimes in her mouth on Nov. 5 as the sun set in her family's yard in Jasper, Ind.

SPORTS: Locker room jubes and dejects

2011-12-09T13:27:00.001-05:00

Forest Park's Olivia Uebelhor, left, Amanda Jacob, Kayla Smith, Johannah Jackson, Kylie Blessinger, Chelsea Freyberger and Sami Hopf smiled as Head Coach Marty Niehaus congratulated the Lady Rangers for beating Heritage Hills 45-38 on Thursday night at Forest Park High School in Ferdinand.

Heritage Hills' Staci Schaefer, left, Natalie Biever, Brittany Karpowicz, Bailey Spencer and Hayli Scott listened to Head Coach Kim Brown as she explained some weaknesses on the court as they were down 15-14 to Forest Park on Thursday night at Forest Park High School in Ferdinand. The Lady Rangers beat the Lady Patriots 45-38.

FEATURE: Uebelhor and son

2011-12-07T13:20:00.002-05:00

Mick Uebelhor of Huntingburg, 7, held a lit candle while his mother Mary held him tightly while other parade-goers took photos and watched the lighted Christmas parade Saturday evening on Fourth Street in Huntingburg.

NEWS: Remembering Dexter Royer

2011-12-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

Butch Royer of Dubois, left, stood somberly by his wife Heather as she wept while the entire gym commemorated their son Dexter Royer Saturday night at Northeast Dubois High School in Dubois. Dexter Royer, a former Northeast Dubois basketball player, was killed when a tree fell on him in August.

SPORTS: H. Hills at NE Dubois

2011-12-06T13:10:00.001-05:00

Northeast Dubois' Jace Gordon threw his hands up in celebration to his teammates in the locker room Saturday night after edging out Heritage Hills to win 64-62 in Dubois.

Northeast Dubois' Cody Newland, center, grimaced as he reached for a rebound between Heritage Hills' Jake Fella, left, and Damon Wahl on Saturday night in Dubois.

Northeast Dubois' Wade Friedman, left, cheered on his team as head coach Terry Friedman looked up to the scoreboard to see his team tied up the game 59-59 in the fourth quarter Saturday night at Northeast Dubois High School in Dubois. The Jeeps beat the Patriots 64-62.

FEATURE: Santa Claus is coming to town

2011-12-05T12:39:00.000-05:00

Ralph Purkhiser of West Badem walked along the sidewalk at a train station as he prepared to play Santa Claus on a live-action rendition of the Polar Express on Nov. 17 in French Lick, Ind. Purkhiser has played the part of Santa Claus in different venues throughout southern Indiana for 29 years.

SPOT NEWS: Ireland family loses home to blaze

2011-12-03T12:42:00.001-05:00

Rita Fraley of Ireland leaned against the charred frame of her house, located at 4096 W. State Road 56, as she searched for salvageable items after Fraley's home caught fire Friday afternoon in Ireland. Five trucks and about 15 firefighters were called to the scene at 3:14 p.m. for 90 minutes to extinguish the fire at the 12-by-55-foot trailer home. The home was engulfed in flames upon arrival, and ended as a total loss, said Fire Chief Stan Seifert. Fraley, her husband Justin and four children — a seven-year-old girl and three boys, ages 4, 3, and 1 — exited the home safely. Nobody was injured. The Fraleys will stay with family in Washington, Ind.

Five trucks and about 15 firefighters were called to the scene at 3:14 p.m. for 90 minutes to extinguish the fire at the 12-by-55-foot trailer home. The home was engulfed in flames upon arrival, and ended as a total loss, said Fire Chief Stan Seifert.

Ireland Volunteer Firefighter Clint Gogel walked somberly away from the home at 4096 W. State Road 56 on Friday afternoon in Ireland after he went inside to douse the walls with a fire hose.

Homeowner Justin Fraley, left, smoked a cigarette outside of his burnt down house alongside neighbors and bystanders as they peer through the charred frame, located at 4096 W. State Road 56, as his wife Rita searched for salvageable items Friday afternoon in Ireland.

SPORTS: Boonville at Jasper wrestling

2011-12-02T11:02:00.004-05:00

Jasper's Dillon Wagner grimaced as he pressured Boonville's Luke Duncan onto his back for a near fall during the 170-pound match Thursday evening at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper. The Wildcats beat the Pioneers 37-27.

Boonville's Larry Whitehouse pinned Jasper's Dillon Hurst in three minutes, six seconds during the 106-pound match Thursday evening at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper.

Jasper varsity wrestlers focused together before taking on Boonville on Thursday evening at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper.

Jasper's Grant Brescher and Boonville's Tristen McDaniel clunked heads as they looked for an advantage in position during the 138-pound match Thursday evening at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper.

Jasper's Dillon Hurst, center, and the rest of its bench erupt in cheers when Grant Brescher won the 138-pound match against Boonville's Tristen McDaniel on Thursday evening at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper. The Wildcats beat the Pioneers 37-27.

Jasper's Grant Brescher pushed back onto Boonville's Tristen McDaniel in an attempt to turn him to his back as the two lay intertwined during the 138-pound match Thursday evening at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper.

A referee smaced his hand to the floor as Boonville's Connor Ennis pinned Jasper's Ben Popp in 42 seconds during the 145-pound match Thursday evening at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper. The Wildcats beat the Pioneers 37-27.

Jasper's Kyle Eckert lifted of his back to avoid being pinned by Boonville's Jarrod Hemmings during the 120-pound match Thursday evening at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper.

A referee watched on as Jasper's Cole Kreilen pinned Boonville's Cote Lawrence in two minutes, 50 seconds during the 160-pound match Thursday evening at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper. The Wildcats beat the Pioneers 37-27.

FEATURE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. in Birdseye

2011-11-30T20:13:00.003-05:00

A cardboard cutout of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. stands at a window in a home in the 500 block of Highway 145 in Birdseye, Ind.

NATURE: Blackbird(s)

2011-11-30T12:00:00.000-05:00

A flock of birds flew across a snow-covered cornfield off of Ferdinand Road on Tuesday during the first snowfall near the intersection of Ferdinand Road and County Road S. 100W in Ferdinand.

FEATURE: Hide and go SNOWBALL!

2011-11-30T11:30:00.000-05:00

As he walked home from the bus stop after school, Ayden Small of Ferdinand, 6, left, smiled as he brought a snowball home as his sister Maddix Small of Ferdinand, 4, hid behind a truck to throw a snowball at him after the first snowfall at their home on 9th Street in Ferdinand.

FEATURE: Puppy Love

2011-11-30T10:01:00.000-05:00

Carolyn Rae Schmitt of Indianapolis, 12, cocked her head back laughing as she received kisses by their family's dog Charlie, who licked her face as she lifted him up into the air Saturday afternoon while celebrating Thanksgiving at her grandparent's house, Mayor Bill Schmitt and his wife Carolyn, on Saturday in Jasper. Carolyn Rae Schmitt was named after her grandmother, and her middle name was in honor of Bill Schmitt's father's name.

OUTTAKES: Dubois County 4-H Fair

2011-11-29T17:36:00.002-05:00

FEATURE: Child's Play

2011-11-29T11:59:00.003-05:00

Long overdue for my blog, but finally found the time to post an edit from the Dubois County 4-H Fair in Jasper, Ind. It's a huge undertaking for this newspaper, and the community is very involved in this fair. All three photographers, including myself, were on fair duty all week. Two features from the fair every day, plus the five-page Saturday Feature you see at the bottom of this post. It was in the 100-degree heat index most of the week. So, of course, I continuously found myself sweating through every shirt and shorts I wore. Totally worth it. This was in my first month at The Herald, and looking back, I am proud of how I shot this essay. Very moment-driven, a lot of cute kids, but all in all, I learned a lot about community photojournalism in this week (if not about staying hydrated).

Story Summary: The Dubois County 4-H Fair is a big deal for every kid the age of 12 and under. It's a week filled with lives dedicated to farm animals in the barn, preparing animals for show, sweating out the heat, keeping cool and just having some old-fashioned fun. The fair is the place every child finds themselves for one week in July — a bountiful playground of non-stop chaos. Between the running around barns, throwing shaving cream all over one another, carnival rides and pig wrestling, these kids don't tire easily. It's a place known for child's play.

Camren Giesler of Ferdinand, 6, pulled his aunt's calf, which fights him from moving, outside of the cattle barn to tie him up after being weighed July 16 in preparation for the Dubois County 4-H Fair.

Abby Hochgesang of Birdseye, 16, squirted water out of a glove like an utter into the mouth of Ella Mattingly of Holland, 9, as Morgan Hume of Huntingburg, 9, watched smiling Thursday at the horse barn during the Dubois County 4-H Fair.

Cole Oeding of Ferdinand, 11, left, laid his hands on the top of a drawing of a cow on the table while Luke Jacob of Schnellville, 12, played an Ace atop Oeding's Jack in the card game "War," winning the hand in the cattle barn July 20 at the Dubois County 4-H Fair.

Zach Hoffman, 11, left, and Dayne Burger, 11, both of Ferdinand, positioned the stance of their goat during intermediate class junior division for showmanship July 18 at the Dubois County 4-H Fair. Hoffman, a first-time 4-H competitor, was named the junior division grand champion and the overall grand champion for pygmy goats. "I never expected to win," he said. "It feels really awesome."

Katie Stenftenagel of Jasper, 8, left, snuggled her head into the chest of Riley Merder of Jasper, 9, her cousin in the cattle barn Wednesday at the Dubois County 4-H Fair.

Sarah Obermeier, left, 9 dove into the mud chasing down a pig with teammates of the Mud Monsters who are her cousins Lauren Obermeier, 13, second from left, Emma Messmer, 11, back center, and Abby Fischer, 9, all of Jasper, during the annual pig wrestling contest July 22 at the Dubois County 4-H Fair.

Ally Schipp of Fulda, 5, threw her arms out to feel like she was flying on the swing carnival ride at the midway July 19 during the Dubois County 4-H Fair.

Levi Schaeffer of Huntingburg, 8, showed some love for his calf Buddy by petting his ear laying next to him in the cattle barn July 20 at the Dubois County 4-H Fair.

From left: Shaydon Voelkel of Dubois, 14, Lauren Roos of Ferdinand, 12, Garrett Betz of Schnellville, 10, and Sophia Bolte of Ferdinand, 15, helped each other rinse off shaving cream while Katelyn Roos of Ferdinand, 14, and Curtis Gress of Celestine, 12, tried to cool off by spraying a hose into the air and catch water in their mouths during the shaving cream fight July 21 at the Dubois County 4-H Fair.

Kendra Steckler of Ferdinand, 11, aired out her feet by taking her boots off while doing her nails at the cattle barn in preparation for the Beef Show on July 20 at the Dubois County 4-H Fair.

Chanler Balsmeyer of Huntingburg, 9, put his weight into pulling as hard as possible along with other members of team "Udder Tuggers" July 21 during the annual Tug of War at the Dubois County 4-H Fair. "My arms are just tired now, like jello," he said letting go of the rope.

Lauren Roos of Ferdinand, 12, slept next to her goats atop a bail of hay in the sheep barn July 21 morning during the Dubois County 4-H Fair.

SPORTS: Jasper at Pike Central

2011-11-28T18:01:00.000-05:00

Pike Central's J.J. Howald reached for the basketball over teammate Kegan Aldridge as he fouled Jasper's Nate Messier, who completed a lay-up Saturday night at Pike Central High School in Petersburg. The Wildcats beat the Chargers 67-37.

FEATURE: Silly swinging

2011-11-28T17:59:00.001-05:00

Logan Steele of Brownsburg, 2, smiled as she was raised higher, closer to her grandfather Dennis Schepers of Jasper, who made faces every time she swung close to him while Logan swung on an old rope swing on a tree in Scheper's front lawn Friday evening at his Skyview Drive home in Jasper. Logan was visiting for Thanksgiving weekend.

FEATURE: Tugging at Santa's beard

2011-11-25T18:12:00.000-05:00

Five-month-old Ashlyn Street of Jasper tugged at Santa Claus' beard as her eyes lit up upon meeting him for the first time in her life Wednesday at Sixth Street fire station in Jasper.

FEATURE: Rock-a-bye Baby

2011-11-25T18:07:00.000-05:00

Tamara Shasteen of Chicago rocked her three-year-old daughter Lauren Shasteen back and forth as she fell asleep in her lap waiting up to see Santa Claus on Wednesday night at the Sixth Street fire station in Jasper. The two are in town visiting Tamara's brother and sister-in-law for Thanksgiving.

STORY: Grave Work

2011-11-23T15:21:00.002-05:00

Huntingburg Vault Company gravedigger Earl Underhill of Gentryville sweeps dirt back into the grave as he cleaned up excess around the edges while opening a grave site on Sept. 22 in St. Anthony. Graves are usually dug about 58 inches deep.

Huntingburg Vault Company co-owner Mike Tretter, bottom right, waited for concrete to pour down a luge as he and co-owner Dennis Boeglin pour, fill and smooth six 2,500-pound concrete burial vaults for caskets for about 90 minutes on Oct. 11 in Huntingburg. Tretter, a former mechanic, and Boeglin, a former coal miner, took over the business from its former owners about 17 years ago.

Huntingburg Vault Company gravedigger Darrel Harris, left, sat in each chair to test it for durability and comfort as Orville Lemond, center, and Earl Underhill continued to prep the chairs and gravesite for the post-funeral procession in Enlow Cemetery on Oct. 12 in Jasper.

Orville Lemond of Huntingburg handed a flower that had dropped from the casket to Nikolas Stuckey of Jasper, 10, to place back atop as he paid his respects to his grandmother Deborah L. Stuckey of Huntingburg, who was buried Oct. 12 in Enlow Cemetery in Jasper.

Flowers, as well as any other personal belonging left by family members atop the casket, are buried undisturbed by the gravediggers. "Death can be a beautiful thing, if you let it be," said Huntingburg Vault Company gravedigger Orville Lemond.

Gravedigger Earl Underhill of Gentryville slowly lowered the casket of Deborah L. Stuckey of Huntingburg into the vault in the ground after her funeral procession Oct. 12 at Enlow Cemetery in Jasper. Flowers, as well as any other personal belonging left by family members atop the casket, are buried undisturbed by the gravediggers.

Gravedigger Darrel Harris of Celestine, left, pulled down a truckload of dirt with a Kubota tractor back onto the gravesite of Bryan Reckelhoff while Earl Underhill of Gentryville directed both Harris and Orville Lemond of Huntingburg, not pictured, who maneuvered the truck back between headstones on Sept. 22 at St. Anthony Catholic Church cemetery.

Gravedigger Darrel Harris of Celestine took a moment to respect the man, Bryan Reckelhoff, he and two others buried after a funeral on Sept. 22 at St. Anthony Catholic Church cemetery. "Death is naturally a part of life, and we are the ones to ensure a peaceful burial," Harris said.

FEATURE: Nervous choir boy

2011-11-21T17:29:00.000-05:00

Nathan Jarboe of Ferdinand, 8, bit his lip as he tried to remember some of the lyrics to a holiday tune he was singing along with about a dozen others in the St. Ferdinand's Children's Choir on a stage set up in the center of a shopping hub at Forest Park High School on Saturday at Christkindlmarkt in Ferdinand.

SPOT NEWS: House Fire in Dubois

2011-11-18T18:25:00.000-05:00

About 32 firefighters from Dubois and Haysville's fire departments worked to contain a house fire, which resulted in a total loss, early Friday morning on a hillside drive among a bed of trees at 8267 N. 575 E. in Dubois. Homeowner Craig Merkel was transported to Memorial Hospital in Jasper for smoke inhalation, and no other injuries were sustained. The cause of the fire, which started at about 12:30 a.m., was Merkel's wood stove.

SPORTS: Reaching Rebound

2011-11-18T17:25:00.000-05:00

Forest Park's Katelyn Welp stretched as she leapt to grab the ball at her fingertips while boxing out Perry Central's Kristi Brumfield and Lynsay Goffinet for a rebound Thursday night at Forest Park High School in Ferdinand. The Lady Rangers won 44-34.

GEN. NEWS: Roman Missal changes

2011-11-17T17:24:00.000-05:00

Deacon Patrick Hirtz of St. Meinrad, left, stood beside Father Bill Wargel of Birdseye as Wargel led the congregation in prayer Sunday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper. Significant changes have been made to the Mass in Roman Catholic churches around the world to the Roman Missal, the book of texts and prayers used in the Mass. The changes are intended to be closer to the liturgical Latin that was used for centuries than the current version. American Catholics will first hear the new missal on Nov. 27, the first Sunday of Advent, and start of the liturgical year and the season leading up to Christmas.

SPORTS: Evansville Mater Dei at Southridge

2011-11-16T17:20:00.001-05:00

Southridge's Kendyl Dearing, right, ran forward for a layup past Evansville Mater Dei's Casey Jochem on Tuesday night at Memorial Gym in Huntingburg. Evansville Mater Dei beat Southridge 50-48.

Evansville Mater Dei's Beth Fischer and Southridge's Cassie Wertman fought for possession of the ball Tuesday night at Memorial Gym in Huntingburg. Evansville Mater Dei beat Southridge 50-48.

Southridge's Kendyl Dearing, left, grasped her jersey as she teared up walking off court with teammate Megan Dippel after losing 50-48 to Evansville Mater Dei on Tuesday night at Memorial Gym in Huntingburg.

SPORTS: Let girls basketball season begin!

2011-11-14T17:19:00.000-05:00

Jasper's Mallory Wehr reached for the ball as she scrapped with Southridge's Kendyl Dearing, who forced the ball to a teammate after capitalizing on a loose ball to a steal Saturday at Memorial Gym in Huntingburg. Southridge beat Jasper 49-47.

FEATURE: Saved by the bell

2011-11-12T17:18:00.000-05:00

Eight Heritage Hills eighth graders relaxed after gym class on the gymnasium floor while waiting the final minutes before the last bell rang to go home at the end of the school day Wednesday afternoon at Heritage Hills High School in Lincoln City. Heritage High School eighth graders pictured, from top-let, clockwise, Andrew Show, 14, Noah Seaford, 13, Owen Ninke, 13, Ryan Hines, 13, Christian Alvey, 14, Mason Becher, 14, Kyle Kaetzel, 13, and Nick Pate, 14.

SPORTS: 'Hour of Power'

2011-11-11T17:16:00.000-05:00

Rebecca Richardson of Jasper, 17, center, cheered loudly amongst about 60 other participants, comprised of the boys' and girls' swim teams, master's swimmers and Jasper Aquatic Wildcats (JAWS) members, as they celebrated Tuesday evening at the pool at Jasper High School after completing a full hour of non-stop swimming for the "Hour of Power" relay, a fundraiser for Amanda Rees and Sarcoma research. More than $1,700 was raised in donations, which will be split between Amanda Rees' family and the Ted Mullin Fund for Pediatric Sarcoma Research at the Comer Children's Hospital at the University of Chicago.

FEATURE: Florence's 101st birthday

2011-11-10T17:11:00.000-05:00

Florence Neuhoff, a St. Charles resident, lifted her tea cup during a tea part for her 101st birthday with about 20 other residents, who played games trying to guess facts about her life during a tea party Tuesday at St. Charles Health Campus. Neuhoff lived independently until she was 99 before moving into St. Charles. "I never thought I'd get to this age," she said. "I wish my family all the happiness in the world, and everyone here made this such a wonderful day for me to cherish."

GEN. NEWS: Election Night 2011

2011-11-09T17:14:00.000-05:00

Bill Hewitt, president of the Jasper Public Library Board and the chairman of Political Action Team — Vote No, smiled as he embraced Ellen Vonderheide of Jasper on Tuesday night at Snaps Restaurant as he celebrated the final count of 3,884 of 5,345 area residents, 73 percent, voting not to fund the construction of a new Jasper Public Library on South Newton Street.

Marilyn Schepers, left, and Sarah Leinenbach, both of Jasper, worked together as Schepers listened to the radio as voting numbers came in while Leinenbach kept record on a piece of notebook paper to follow the races closely Tuesday night at the Knights of Columbus building in Jasper.

Caleb Burger of Jasper, 9, dragged his hand down his face as he listened to results come across the radio, continuously stating his father, Jasper democratic mayoral candidate John Burger, was down in the polls as each precinct reported results Tuesday evening at the Knights of Columbus building in Jasper. Burger lost to republican candidate Terry Seitz, who raked in 68 percent of the vote.

GEN. NEWS: Living Veterans Award

2011-11-07T17:09:00.000-05:00

World War II veteran Jerome "Jerry" Blesch of Holland, 85, left, stood humbled as emotions overcame him while a room of about 70 people, mostly veterans, gave a standing ovation, including his daughter Barb Shafer of Carmel after receiving Dubois County's Living Veterans Award on Saturday at American Legion Post 343 in Holland. "I'm so proud of my father. He's just a good guy all around, and a very, very humbled man. He won't say he deserves this award, but he truly does," Shafer said.

SPORTS: Sectional Football Loss

2011-11-05T17:08:00.000-04:00

The football floated above the pack of players as Jasper's Cole Sermersheim fumbled the ball after Evansville Central's Jesse Hohl popped it loose in the fourth quarter as the Wildcats made their last effort push upfield to even the score Friday during the Class 4A sectional championship game at Central Stadium in Evansville. The Bears beat the Wildcats 23-14.

Jasper's Sam Hahn fell to one knee after a third down attempt failed in the fourth quarter as the Wildcats made the last-effort push upfield to even the score Friday during the Class 4A sectional championship game at Central Stadium in Evansville. The Bears beat the Wildcats 23-14.

GEN. NEWS: Meals for Veterans

2011-11-04T17:07:00.000-04:00

American Legion Post 147's Dicky Singer, left, expressed his gratitude as he delivered meals to the home of former Jasper mayor Jerome "Chick" Alles and his wife Annie, both of Jasper, as they smiled at the site of the turkey meal provided by the American Legion in Jasper to veterans and their spouses Thursday evening at St. Charles Health Campus. About 450 meals were given to veterans and their families throughout Jasper.

Bill Hedinger of Jasper, who served in the Air Force from 1952 to 1956, laughed as he and his wife Libby swapped stories while sharing a turkey meal with Dick and Sally Moorman of Jasper provided by American Legion Post 147 in Jasper to veterans and their spouses Thursday evening at St. Charles Health Campus. About 450 meals were given to veterans and their families throughout Jasper. Dick Moorman served in the Air Force from 1943 to 1950.

FEATURE: Reach!

2011-11-02T17:05:00.000-04:00

Keaton Allen, 6, left, leapt into the air to grab the net at the bottom of the basketball hoop as his sister Kamryn Allen, 4, both of Holland, prepared to shoot a walnut into the hoop as the two took turns practicing free throws with walnuts at their grandparents', Tom and Vickie Thacker's house on the 200 block of Meridian Street in Holland. "It's fun to come to my grandparents' house everyday after school to play," Keaton said.

SPORTS: Semistate Loss

2011-11-01T17:03:00.000-04:00

As members of Bishop Chatard celebrated their semistate championship, Jasper's Annie Huebner, left, coped with the loss as her teammates Jaclyn Schmitt, Lydia Scherle and Abby Rogers cried in each other's arms after losing the 40th annual IHSAA volleyball semistate championship game Saturday at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper. The Wildcats lost the match to the Trojans in 4 sets, 25-22, 19-25, 12-25, 24-26.

Jasper's Rachel Bartley, left, held teammate Shelby Merder closely as the two cried in the locker room after losing the 40th annual IHSAA volleyball semistate championship game against Bishop Chatard on Saturday at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper. The Wildcats lost the match to the Trojans in 4 sets, 25-22, 19-25, 12-25, 24-26.

FEATURE: Costume contest

2011-10-31T16:58:00.000-04:00

Madison Hostetter, 10, left, smiled as her friend Kaylee Howard, 9, both of Jasper, rushed to hug her as they waited for results of a Halloween costume contest each participated in Saturday afternoon at Jaycee Park hosted by Jasper Jaycees Inc. in Jasper. Hostetter claimed first place for prettiest costume as a monster high doll. Howard dressed as a cheetah. "I get to act all pretty when I dress up, that's the best part about costumes," Madison said.

SPORTS: Jasper at Evansville Football

2011-10-29T16:53:00.000-04:00

Jasper's Cole Sermersheim mentally prepared in the locker room before the Class 4A semifinal sectional game against Evansville Harrison on Friday night at Romain Stadium in Evansville. The Wildcats beat the Warriors 35-7, securing their spot in the sectional championship game next week against Evansville Central in Evansville.

Jasper's Markus Montee carefully wrapped his pointer finger and hands in the locker room at halftime during the Class 4A semifinal sectional game Friday night against Evansville Harrison at Romain Stadium in Evansville. The Wildcats beat the Warriors 35-7, securing their spot in the sectional championship game next week against Evansville Central in Evansville.

Jasper's Logan Hettinger wailed loudly as he roused his teammates up as he celebrated the 35-7 win over Evansville Harrison at the Class 4A semifinal sectional game Friday night at Romain Stadium in Evansville. The Wildcats beat the Warriors 35-7, securing their spot in the sectional championship game next week against Evansville Central in Evansville.

SPORTS FEATURE: Regional volleyball champs

2011-10-27T16:51:00.000-04:00

Jasper's Tori Sermersheim, left, Erica Welp, Lydia Scherle and Paige Buschkoetter joyously screamed as they ran around the court after clinching the Class 3A volleyball regional championship Tuesday night at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper. Jasper beat Mount Vernon in four sets, 26-24, 18-25, 25-14, 25-19.

Jasper's Annie Huebner, left, Jaclyn Schmitt, Megan Sternberg, Rachel Bartley, Erica Welp and Tori Sermersheim joined hands as they leapt screaming with joy after clinching the Class 3A volleyball regional championship Tuesday night at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper. Jasper beat Mount Vernon in four sets, 26-24, 18-25, 25-14, 25-19.

FEATURE: Halloween Wedding

2011-10-26T16:40:00.000-04:00

Newlywed Mike Taber of Jasper, left, laughed after he swooped in to bite the neck of his wife Stacey Taber (Kiefer) with his fake vampire fangs, but instead kissed her within an hour of being married in front of a group of friends and family at halloween costume party Saturday evening at their new home in Velpen. The wedding was a surprise, and they only told Taber's best man Brian Mounts of Jasper and Kiefer's maid of honor, her mother Darlene Mann of Ireland. "As I look back, my life really was not complete until I met her. She loves the things I do: sports, fishing, the food I eat, all of that. It's very rare to find someone that compatible," Mike Taber said. "It's just been a phenomenal road so far, and I hope the road never ends. She's truly a blessing, a great woman, a great mother and now, for me, a great wife."

FEATURE: Spell Bowl

2011-10-26T14:44:00.000-04:00

Holy Family School eighth-grader Nicole Nord, 13, left, smiled as she raised her hand to signal to her teammates she spelled the word "streptococcic" correctly as Karen Hill of Pike Central Middle School, a moderator, gave Nord compliments on completing a tough word during the Hoosier Spell Bowl Junior Division area contest Tuesday night at Jasper Middle School. Streptococcic is defined as any of a genus (Streptococcus) of spherical, Gram-positive bacteria that divide in only one plane and occur generally in chains: some species cause various serious diseases. "That last word, I knew I knew it. I practiced it over and over," Nicole said. "It's such a relief to get that word right in such a tense and stressful situation. I was nervous, but so happy once I spelled that correctly."

FEATURE: Grandma's Attic

2011-10-25T16:37:00.000-04:00

Mila Vernon of Jasper, 12, looked over to her friend Kerrigan Welp of Jasper, 11, who belted out in laughter as she started modeling a hat along with other clothes she found in the clothes trunk for Vernon's sister Maddie, 9, (not pictured) in Grandma's Attic on Sunday afternoon at the Dubois County Museum.

SPORTS: Forest Park celebration

2011-10-24T15:46:00.000-04:00

Forest Park's Kayla Brahm, left, Sydney Berg, Mackenzie Weyer and Sami Hopf let out a yell as they celebrated a point in the third match Saturday morning during the IHSAA Class 2A volleyball sectional in Ferdinand. The Lady Wildcats beat the Lady Rangers 25-23, 25-22 and 25-15.

SPORTS: Forest Park loses at sectional

2011-10-23T15:41:00.000-04:00

Steam floated from Forest Park's Nathan Libbert as he bowed his head after losing to South Spencer 14-0 on Friday night during the IHSAA Class 2A Football Sectional in Reo.

Forest Park's Casey Abell, left, Alec Hassfurther, Miles Leonard and Lance Buechler forced South Spencer's Jake Burden to the ground on third down in the first quarter Friday night during the IHSAA Class 2A Football Sectional in Reo. The Rangers lost to the Rebels 14-0.

Forest Park's Justin Freyberger, left, and Nathan Libbert cheer on the defense from the sideline in the last four minutes of the fourth quarter Friday night during the IHSAA Class 2A Football Sectional against South Spencer in Reo. The Rangers lost to the Rebels 14-0.

Forest Park's Austin Kempf leapt to tackle South Spencer's Jared Lauer as he grappled him to the ground on third down to force a punt in the second quarter Friday night during the IHSAA Class 2A Football Sectional in Reo. The Rangers lost to the Rebels 14-0.

Forest Park's Lynk Kordes, left, Jhett Bieker and Dylan Popplewell cried together as they exchanged hugs after losing to South Spencer 14-0 on Friday night during the IHSAA Class 2A Football Sectional in Reo.

SPORTS: Friday Night Lights

2011-10-23T15:39:00.000-04:00

Forest Park's Dylan Popplewell let out a grunt as he cheered on the field after stopping South Spencer on third down in the first quarter Friday night during the IHSAA Class 2A Football Sectional in Reo. The Rangers lost to the Rebels 14-0.

SPORTS: NE Dubois Volleyball loss

2011-10-22T15:35:00.000-04:00

Northeast Dubois' Kaylan Jacob, far right, cried on the shoulder of teammate Rachel Breitwieser as she and other teammates paired up to console each other with hugs in the locker room Thursday night after losing to Springs Valley during the IHSAA Class 1A Volleyball Sectional tournament in Orleans. The Jeeps were eliminated after losing the match to Springs Valley in three sets, 27-25, 25-13 and 25-21. "I'm definitely going to miss this," Jacob said. "These girls, they are my closest friends. We're family. I'm truly sad it's all over."

Northeast Dubois senior Jesse Hasenour, left, Josh Dorsey and Toren Land cheer along with about 30 other students in the student section for the Northeast Dubois volleyball team Thursday night during the IHSAA Class 1A Volleyball Sectional tournament in Orleans. The Jeeps were eliminated after losing the match to Springs Valley in three sets, 27-25, 25-13 and 25-21.

Northeast Dubois' Alexa Rasche swayed backward as she avoided touching a ball as it sailed out of bounds Thursday night during the IHSAA Class 1A Volleyball Sectional tournament in Orleans. The Jeeps were eliminated after losing the match to Springs Valley in three sets, 27-25, 25-13 and 25-21.

Northeast Dubois' Emily Lueken shed a single tear as she embraced teammate Lindsey Elliot in the locker room after losing to Springs Valley on Thursday night during the IHSAA Class 1A Volleyball Sectional tournament in Orleans. The Jeeps were eliminated after losing the match to Springs Valley in three sets, 27-25, 25-13 and 25-21.

FEATURE: Like a good neighbor ...

2011-10-21T15:34:00.000-04:00

Kathy Goss of Jasper smiled as she embraced neighbor Isabella Harmon of Jasper, 4, as she waited for her siblings Quentin, 9, and Ava, 7, to finish their youth hockey practice Wednesday night at Skate Palace in Jasper. "I'm like a grandmother to all of these kids," Goss said. "Isabella is just such a sweetheart, and just a good little girl. I love these kids like they were my own."

FEATURE: So many Cades

2011-10-19T16:09:00.000-04:00

Cade Reed of Otwell, 5, playfully stuck his tongue out Sunday as he looked back at his mother Emily, a Jasper native, and grandmother Vivian reed as he walked down an old, grass-covered railroad track outside of the Schaeffer Barn in Jasper. Cade was on his way to see his grandparents Nathan and Beth Schnellenberger, both of Jasper.

SPORTS FEATURE: CCJ Flag Football

2011-10-17T15:57:00.001-04:00

Kenny Korthaus, 12, of Jasper ran up the sideline as he attempted to juke away from having his flag pulled by opponents Austin Alles, left, and Rhiley Eckert, both of Jasper and 15, during a five-on-five flag football tournament Sunday at Christian Church of Jasper.

Jared Schnarr, bottom, celebrated as teammate Grant Brescher, both 16 and of Jasper, leapt onto his back after as Schnarr scored the second touchdown of the game during Chili Bowl IV, a five-on-five flag football tournament Sunday at Christian Church of Jasper. Schnarr and Brescher were joined by teammates Rhiley Eckert, 15, Andy Knust, 16, and Austin Alles, 15, all of Jasper.

FEATURE: Weekend at Melvyn's

2011-10-16T15:55:00.000-04:00

Mallory Wollenmann of Evansville, 4, left, crossed the monkey bars with the help of her grandfather Melvyn Evans of Jasper, who also held up Mallory's 1-year-old sister, Olivia, as the trio played Saturday afternoon at Evans' home. The two girls were spending time at their grandparents' home while their parents were on vacation.

SPORTS: Mount Vernon at Jasper football

2011-10-15T15:53:00.000-04:00

Jasper's Kade Elliott, center, and his teammates run up the sideline and cheer as Cole Sermersheim scored on a 79-yard touchdown run Friday night at Jerry Brewer Alumni Stadium. Jasper beat Mount Vernon 37-21.

Jasper's Jon Thomas hovered over Mount Vernon's Calvin King after tackling him with teammate Devon Traylor on a kick return Friday night at Jerry Brewer Alumni Stadium. Jasper beat Mount Vernon 37-21.

Jasper's Logan Hettinger leapt into the air yelling as he celebrated a successful two-point conversion in the second quarter Friday night at Jerry Brewer Alumni Stadium. Jasper beat Mount Vernon 37-21.

SPORTS: Halftime pep talk

2011-10-15T15:49:00.000-04:00

Jasper's Connor Giesler sat solemnly in the locker room as he listened to coaches at halftime Friday night at Jerry Brewer Alumni Stadium. Jasper beat Mount Vernon 37-21.

SPORTS: Jasper vs. Castle, regional loss

2011-10-14T15:37:00.000-04:00

Jasper's Reed Stetter stood sternly without a poncho in front of his teammates as they listened to head coach Kyle Kendall at halftime Thursday night during class 2A boys soccer regional semi-finals in Washington. Castle beat Jasper 1-0.

Castle's Lucas Woodford, left, and Jasper's Tyler Huckelby challenged each other mid-air to head the ball Thursday night during class 2A boys soccer regional semi-finals in Washington. Castle beat Jasper 1-0.

Jasper's Michael Flynn, left, held teammate Edgar Chevez as he bowed his head within seconds of Thursday night's loss to Castle during class 2A boys soccer regional semi-finals in Washington. Castle beat Jasper 1-0.

Jasper's Kyle Thimling headed the ball upfield during the first half against Castle on Thursday night during class 2A boys soccer regional semi-finals in Washington. Castle beat Jasper 1-0.

Jasper's Leighton Hochgesang shut his eyes as teammate Conner Braun buried his head in his hands on the team bus waiting to leave for home as the two coped with Thursday night's loss to Castle during class 2A boys soccer regional semi-finals in Washington. Castle beat Jasper 1-0.

SPORTS: Girls Cross Country Sectional

2011-10-12T15:19:00.001-04:00

Heritage Hills seniors Kiersten Kennedy, second from left, and Shaylyn Ayer hugged after the Patriots received the sectional trophy while Stephanie Schaefer, left, and Annastacia Sumbles joined the celebration Tuesday night at Vincennes University Jasper Campus. Kennedy placed sixth and Ayer finished fourth to help the Patriots edge Perry Central by 11 points and claim the program's fourth sectional title in the last five years.

Southridge's Alexis Tormohlen paced herself as she ran uphill on Tuesday evening's cross country sectional at Vincennes University Jasper Campus. Tormohlen finished in 25th place in 24 minutes, 9.38 seconds.

Southridge's Corey Oser. left, and Rhegann Fetter, right, guided teammate Kendra Gehlhausen away from the finish line as she collapsed, unable to walk on her own after finishing in 28th place in 24 minutes, 17.25 seconds during Tuesday evening's cross country sectional at Vincennes University Jasper Campus.

FEATURE: Boy Scout on route

2011-10-11T14:10:00.002-04:00

Austin Rawlins of Jasper, 10, left, laughed as he joked with neighbor Kent Taylor of Jasper, who has bought popping corn from Rawlins for the last five years, and was delighted to find him featured on some of the Boy Scout food sales products as Rowlins went door-to-door to sell popcorn to his neighbors Tuesday afternoon in Jasper. Rawlins is a Webelos 2 Cub Scout in Pack 182. Taylor is also the principal at Rawlins' school, 10th Street Elementary School. "We think so much of him," Taylor said. "He's just as down to Earth as everybody else, but can rough house with the boys, I'm sure. He's a good kid, a good student, but one with a lot of talent."

WEEK OF SPORTS: The features

2011-10-10T13:55:00.000-04:00

In the last week, I've had seven sports assignment within five days. A lot of celebration, jubilation, dejection and action. Here's a taste of the feature photos, and another post below shows the action.

Jasper's Moises Valenciano, left, Nathan Leibering and Sam Hahn prayed together with the rest of their team in the locker room after beating Washington 14-7 on Friday night in Washington.

Jasper's Kyle Thimling, left, Caleb Williams and Christian Leinenbach held New Albany's net up laughing and celebrating as they each cutting a section off for themselves Saturday after securing the IHSAA Boys Soccer Sectional Championship title at Floyd Central High School in Floyds Knobs. Jasper beat New Albany 2-1 in overtime.

Northeast Dubois senior Kami Knies cried as she hugged teammate Kendra Wineinger after losing 6-1 Thursday night to Forest Park at the IHSAA 2A Girls Soccer Sectional in Bretzville.

Jasper's Ben Brooks, left, Austin Blessinger, Nathan Leibering, Dillon Wagner and Jon Thomas celebrated after beating Washington 14-7 on Friday night in Washington.

Nathan Helsley, who scored Jasper's lone goal in regulation play Saturday, smiled as the rest of his Wildcat soccer teammates hoisted the Class 2A sectional trophy following a 2-1 overtime win over New Albany at Floyds Knobs. The Wildcats won their first soccer sectional crown since 2005. The Heritage Hills girls soccer team, meanwhile, won its first sectional title in school history.

Heritage Hills' Kaebra LaGrange celebrated after scoring a point Tuesday night against Southridge in Lincoln City. LaGrange recorded 15 kills in the five-set match, which Heritage Hills won with a 15-8 final set.

Forest Park's Olivia Uebelhor, left, cheered alongside teammates Lindsey Sermersheim, Madi Boeglin and Demi Jahn along with the rest of the team at halftime with a 4-0 lead over Northeast Dubois Thursday night at the IHSAA 2A Girls Soccer Sectional in Bretzville. The Jeeps lost to the Rangers 6-1.

Northeast Dubois' Jesse Hasenour sat at the fence behind his team's bench crying as he dealt with the 4-1 loss to Washington Catholic on Wednesday night at the IHSAA Boys Soccer Sectional in Dubois.

Heritage Hills varsity volleyball players Kaylee Zoglman, left, Felicia Leibering, Kelsey Wahl, Abby Fischer, Kaebra LaGrange and other teammates celebrated as they cheered together in the locker room after defeating Southridge in a five-set match Tuesday night in Lincoln City. Heritage Hills won the fifth set 15-8.

Jasper's Holly Renner, left, held her face closely as she embraced teammate Laura Renner on Saturday evening after losing the IHSAA Girls Soccer Sectional Championship game to Floyd Central 2-1 in regular time in Jeffersonville.

WEEK OF SPORTS: The action

2011-10-10T13:38:00.001-04:00

In the last week, I've had seven sports assignment within five days. A lot of celebration, jubilation, dejection and action. Here's a taste of the action photos, and another post will show the features.

Northeast Dubois goalie Jade Hoffman reached out in an attempt to save the ball as Forest Park's Adi Dilger, left, and Megan Grundhoefer continue to attack the goal, resulting in the fifth goal of Thursday night's game at the IHSAA 2A Girls Soccer Sectional in Bretzville. Northeast Dubois lost to Forest Park 6-1.

Jasper's Caleb Williams, left, flinched as he and New Albany's Josue Munoz Alcala wrapped up in each other's arms in a fight for possession of the ball Saturday at IHSAA Boys Soccer Sectional Championship at Floyd Central High School in Floyds Knobs. Jasper beat New Albany 2-1 in overtime.

Jasper's Jesse Schmitt ran ahead to block for teammate Devon Traylor who was tackled by Washington's Nathan Ramaj on Friday night in Washington. The Wildcats beat the Hatchets 14-7.

Jasper's Nick Hale, from left, Jon Thomas, Moises Valenciano and Max Bawel along with a majority of Jasper's defense work together to tackle Washington's Teylor Smith during the first quarter Friday night in Washington. The Wildcats beat the Hatchets 14-7.

Jasper's Ben Seng backhanded the ball close to his body as he returned it toward Loogootee's Bryce Wilz and Will Nonte during the No. 2 Doubles match Wednesday afternoon at the IHSAA Boys Tennis Regional in Jasper.

Jasper's Holly Renner, center left, fought for a header on a corner kick in the second half against Floyd Central's Lauren Haley on Saturday evening at IHSAA Girls Soccer Sectional Championship in Jeffersonville. Jasper lost to Floyd Central 2-1 in regular time.

FEATURE: Ready, set, leap!

2011-10-10T12:17:00.000-04:00

Talon Rohleder of Ferdinand, 4, center, leapt from the top of a set of stairs onto the lawn of the historic Wollenmann home at 1150 Main Street as his mother Karissa, left, and cousin Isabelle Bates of Evansville, 2, sat along the stairs while spending time together Saturday during Primitive Days festivities in Ferdinand.

SPORTS: Natural light vignette

2011-10-09T13:10:00.000-04:00

It's a mystery to me, but however the light hit my glass, it resulted in this crazy light vignette. Oh, weird light diffraction.

Floyd Central's Lydia Kost, left, and Christine Clark chased down Jasper's Emily Jones on a breakaway in the first half Saturday evening at IHSAA Girls Soccer Sectional Championship in Jeffersonville. Jasper lost to Floyd Central 2-1 in regular time.

SAT. FEATURE: Lark Ranch

2011-10-08T12:07:00.000-04:00

Adam Dooley, 4, left, and his brother Alex Dooley, 5, both of Dubois, jumped across haystacks as they played atop a small maze while the two raced and chased each other Friday evening around Lark Ranch in Loogootee.

As Shelby Homminga of Oolitic, front, chased down the whereabouts of her friends, she found Josh Vescuso of Mitchell, left, hugging his girlfriend Alisha Jones of Mitchell tightly as the two were sneaking around the 15-acre corn maze Friday evening at Lark Ranch in Loogootee.

Mason Whaley of Ireland, 2, focused pretending to drive a car among a line of cars while resting his head on his arm during a tractor-pulled train ride Friday evening at Lark Ranch in Loogootee.

Oden resident Audra Wagler, an employee at Lark Ranch, swept the dirt from the entrance to the outhouse barn Friday evening at Lark Ranch in Loogootee. It was Wagler's first day on the job.

Amanda Smith of Linton let out a broad smile as she lifted her nine-month-old daughter Haddie into the air Friday evening next to one of many barns at Lark Ranch in Loogootee. Smith and her husband Adam have been coming to the ranch for more than three years, including last year, while she was pregnant with Haddie. "Fall is my favorite season," Amanda Smith said. "I just love the colors, the crisp air and sitting by campfires. Here, we can share all of that with our children."

SPORTS FEATURE: Mascot peaking Out

2011-10-06T13:32:00.001-04:00

Northeast Dubois junior Dakota Linne peaked out from under the Jeeps mascot suit to get a better view of Wednesday night's game against Washington Catholic at the IHSAA Boys Soccer Sectional in Dubois. Northeast Dubois lost to Washington Catholic 4-1.

FEATURE: Marching Band Districts

2011-10-04T15:08:00.001-04:00

Jasper freshman Ryan Fritz kept her eyes on the drum major conducting as she played clarinet and marched with the Wildcats Saturday during the ISSMA District High School Marching Band Contest in Jasper.

Jasper bass drum players McKala Troxler, a sophomore, left, freshman Emily Cushman, sophomore Jordan Mathies, sophomore Luke J. Hochgesang and senior Zac Johnson laughed as they stretched during physical warm-ups Saturday during the ISSMA District High School Marching Band Contest in Jasper. "We're all really good friends. We're pretty much family," Mathies said. "I'll be sad when marching season is over. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience with these people. I will really miss being with my friends all the time."

Members of the Forest Park marching band perform in a semicircle atop a tarp while color guard senior Olivia Steckler, center, performed a routine with two flags for an audience and judges Saturday during the ISSMA District High School Marching Band Contest in Jasper. "It's all hard work, but it all pays off in the end," Steckler said.

Northeast Dubois sophomore Sarah Breeding, right, cried on the shoulder of senior drum major Mallory Barger as they coped with the announcement of a silver performance Saturday during the ISSMA District High School Marching Band Contest in Jasper. The band was 0.25 points from gold, which would have allowed them to move on in the competition.

Jasper sophomore Luke Messmer, left, held hands with junior Sam Ebenkamp as they came together with the rest of the drumline to focus in aim of a good performance Saturday during the ISSMA District High School Marching Band Contest in Jasper.

Jasper junior Janelle Gore wiped the soot from her fingers as she smiled at her friend, junior Kayla Judy (not pictured), after the duo wrote their school's name and musical notes on the back of a bus window before performing Saturday during the ISSMA District High School Marching Band Contest in Jasper.

Southridge freshman flautist Paige Wallace lied still on the ground at the beginning of the marching band's performance Saturday during the ISSMA District High School Marching Band Contest in Jasper.

Members of the Jasper High School marching band stood together as the sun set after marching off of the field Saturday during the ISSMA District High School Marching Band Contest in Jasper.

Jasper senior Kelsey Gelhausen, left, hugged senior Samantha Erny as the two congratulated each other after finishing their last district competition together Saturday during the ISSMA District High School Marching Band Contest in Jasper. Gelhausen and Erny met in sixth grade band class, and have been friends since. "It's kind of sad, bittersweet even," Erny said, "but we know it all has to come to an end sometime."

FEATURE: Sherri Lautner

2011-10-03T15:04:00.000-04:00

Sherri Lautner of Ferdinand laughed as she tickeled her daughter Ann Marie Scott, 3, while the two waited for a free oil change Sunday afternoon at Central Christian Church. As a single mother, Lautner said she was surprised, but glad a much needed service like this was being offered. Ann Marie's father, Daniel Scott, was killed in a head-on collision in August 2008 before having the chance to marry Lautner, but she took on the responsibility of raising their daughter. "This really helps us financially," she said. "It really helps, and it shows that people care. It's a necessity for us, and we can't express enough thanks." The church gave 25 free oil changes, gave out 40 casseroles, made 16 blankets for children and teens in need at hospitals, cleaned 15 bags-fulls of trash from the shoreline of Huntingburg Lake and painted fences and dugouts at League Stadium for Get Out Day, a day the church created to give back to the community.

SPORTS: Volleyball, super wide

2011-10-02T15:20:00.000-04:00

Jasper's Abby Rogers and Shelby Merder recovered and looked up to the ball after a block Thursday against Perry Central at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper. Jasper won the match by securing all three sets, respectively at 25-18, 27-25, 25-14.

Jasper's Shelby Merder hit the ball past Perry Central's Ashley Gengelbach and Victoria Lutgring to score a point Thursday night at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper. Jasper won the match by securing all three sets, respectively at 25-18, 27-25, 25-14.

SPORTS: Volleyball, not so wide

2011-10-02T15:02:00.000-04:00

Jasper's Shelby Merder spiked the ball to score a point past Perry Central's Hannah Harpenau and Ashley Gengelbach on Thursday night at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper. Jasper won the match by securing all three sets, respectively at 25-18, 27-25, 25-14.

Members of Jasper's varsity volleyball team cheered together to pump each other up as part of a tradition before every game Thursday at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper. Jasper beat Perry Central by securing all three sets, respectively at 25-18, 27-25, 25-14.

Jasper's Shelby Merder lifted the ball over the net lightly Thursday night at Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium in Jasper. Jasper won the match by securing all three sets, respectively at 25-18, 27-25, 25-14.

FEATURE: Slain by his brother's sword

2011-10-01T14:59:00.000-04:00

Kaden Kibby, 8, left, held a plastic sword as he stood over his brother Keaton Kibby, 3, both of Jasper, after he had slain him in a battle while the two played by sword fighting in their backyard Wednesday night in Jasper. The two play with the swords almost every day after school. "We think about deadly things, deadly moves, and we fight to the death," Kaden said of their pretend battles. "I just want to win the battle and come out on top."

SPORTS FEATURE: Volleyball warm-ups

2011-09-30T14:57:00.000-04:00

Jasper's Megan Sternberg laughed as she danced in the center of a circle of her teammates while warming up Saturday morning for the Jasper Invitational in Jasper.

Members of the Jasper High School varsity volleyball team circled up to play "Ninja" to limber up in the locker room before a match Saturday morning at the Jasper Invitational in Jasper.

Jasper's Rachel Bartley danced back-to-back with teammate Jaclyn Schmitt as they warmed up in the center of a circle of their teammates Saturday morning before a match at the Jasper Invitational in Jasper.

FEATURE: Archaeology

2011-09-29T14:55:00.000-04:00

Heather Boehm of Evanston, from left, Sophi Lewis of Santa Claus, Rebecca Sinclair of Mariah Hill, Libby Hinton of Chrisney, Claire Dilger of Mariah Hill and Chloe Konerding of Lamar, all 13 years old, searched through excavated dirt from the ground behind Colonel William Jones State Historic Site looking for artifacts from the 1800s during a Heritage Hills Middle School eighth grade field trip Friday morning in Gentryville. Among the findings were remains of structure, such as pieces of brick and nails, as well as parts of domestic items, such as bowls and plates.

SPORTS FEATURE: Irish Road Bowling

2011-09-28T14:54:00.000-04:00

Another team of road bowlers watch on as Amy Weisman of Ireland, center, holds an umbrella over Jamie Clark of Ireland as he throws a small cannonball, otherwise known as a "bullet", around a curve in the road while Irish Road Bowling on Saturday afternoon on North County Road 500 West in Ireland. "You constantly have to wonder what the right angle is in order to get the ball the furthest," he said. "I love doing this. My advice is to watch the angle of the road. It's not power, but a balance of speed and direction."

Patty Sermersheim, left, and her husband Jeff, both of Stendal, look both ways before crossing the road after retrieving a ball from a cornfield Saturday afternoon during Irish Road Bowling on North County Road 500 West in Ireland.

Todd Fromme of Ireland, center, laughed while dressed as Princess Peach from the Super Mario Brothers as Dan Fuhs of Jasper swooped into jokingly give him a kiss on the check for luck before his throw Saturday afternoon during Irish Road Bowling on North County Road 500 West in Ireland.

FEATURE: Forest Park marching band

2011-09-27T14:52:00.000-04:00

Lauren Blume of St. Anthony, 14, center, tried to hold in her laughter while fellow Forest Park marching band members Alyssa Hurm, 13, left, and Bethany Boeglin, 16, both of Ferdinand, laughed out loud as one of the instructors made a joke about body language on the field while the marching band practiced in the school parking lot Tuesday evening in Ferdinand.

SPORTS FEATURE: Jasper Homecoming

2011-09-26T14:50:00.000-04:00

Fans applauded and reached out as they cheered onJasper's Karson Nixon as he took the field Friday night at Jerry Brewer Alumni Stadium when Jasper took on Princeton for a homecoming game.

Balloons soar into the sky after Jasper fans released them upon the football team taking the field Friday night to play against Princeton at Jerry Brewer Alumni Stadium.

From left, Jasper's Cole Sermersheim, Jesse Schmitt, Karson Nixon, Tyler Carie, Austin Blessinger and Sam Hahn celebrated after Nixon scored a touchdown on a 29-yard rush on fourth down in the first quarter Friday night against Princeton at Jerry Brewer Alumni Stadium. The Wildcats scored 42 points in the first quarter, and finished the game 63-9 to beat the Tigers.

From left, Jasper's Dillon Wagner, Moises Valenciano, Nathan Leibering, Tyler Carie, Colby Krodel, Jon Thomas and Devon Traylor celebrated as they joked around with one another in the locker room after a 56-0 shutout against Princeton in the first half Friday night at Jerry Brewer Alumni Stadium. The Wildcats went on to beat the Tigers 63-9.

FEATURE: Babysitting

2011-09-25T14:49:00.000-04:00

Alexa Romero of Jasper, 2, left, reached over to play with a baby doll held by Adelyn Chavez of Jasper, 3, while Ashley Ortiz of Jasper, 8, smiled while waiting for her parents to arrive home from work, looking up at Doreyda Fajardo of Dubois who babysat the group of girls on Ortiz's porch after Ortiz arrived home from school Tuesday afternoon at her 2nd Street residence. Fajardo started babysitting the girls in May, and said the job is a blessing. "The children ... I love them a lot, a lot, a lot," Fajardo said.

FEATURE: Put your hands up!

2011-09-24T14:47:00.000-04:00

Jasper's Lydia Scherle threw her hands up in celebration as she cheered after she and her teammates secured the second set of three Thursday night in Huntingburg. Jasper won all three sets, beating Southridge 25-17, 27-25, 25-19.

FEATURE: Little Miss, Junior Miss

2011-09-23T14:44:00.000-04:00

Luxey Neukam of Huntingburg, 9, smiled as she chatted with Ella Mattingly of Holland, 7, as the two prepared to compete in the Junior Miss Pageant on Friday night at the Holland Community Fest.

Cheyanne Motteler of Holland, 9, left, swapped stories about a boy with fellow Junior Miss contestants Chaney Barrett of Huntingburg, 9, Savannah Goeppner of Huntingburg, 9, and Luxey Nuekam of Huntingburg, 9, before the pageant Friday evening at the Holland Community Fest. "There's one boy who keeps taking our picture who goes to our school," Goeppner said. "Apparently he likes us, and that's disgusting!"

Kate Durcholz of Huntingburg, 6, held her mother Lisa Durcholz tightly as she kissed her after she walked off the stage for the Little Miss Pageant on Friday night at the Holland Community Fest in Holland. Kate was named first runner-up in the competition. "To see her smile, that's what it's all about," Lisa Durcholz said. "They're all so cute. As long as they all have fun, they are all winners."

FRIENDS: Rat Pack Camping 2011

2011-09-22T11:06:00.002-04:00

So, best weekend I've had in awhile. I came back to Michigan for the weekend just before my birthday to hang with my best friends. The destination was Muskegon State Park, so we could go to my hometown for a night as well. Neil, Sean and Libby are just phenomenal people. They are my family. I love each of them. OK. Enough sappiness in blogging. Here's a take of the photos from the camping trip.

FEATURE: Grandparents Dance

2011-09-20T16:12:00.000-04:00

Vince Schmitt of Jasper, 88, let go of his walker to dance with volunteer Mary Jo Hart of Jasper while 1940s and '50s music played Saturday evening at St. Charles Health Campus in Jasper during the nursing home's first Grandparents Dance. "I used to go out dancing all the time in my younger years," said Schmitt, a St. Charles resident. "Well, now it just wears me out, but I always feel lively while I'm doing it."

Sports: Girls Golf Sectional

2011-09-19T16:14:00.000-04:00

Jasper's MeKenzie Hilsmeyer hit a ball out of the rough while covered in brush from a tree on Hole 9 during the IHSAA Girls Golf Sectional on Saturday at Jasper Municipal Golf Course. Jasper finished second with 348-stroke total. Hilsmeyer placed third overall with an 84 on 18 holes.

Southridge's Kabrea Robling teed off on Hole 15 during the IHSAA Girls Golf Sectional on Saturday at Jasper Municipal Golf Course.

Southridge's Allison Bounds crouched as she lined up herself for a putt on Hole 14 during the IHSAA Girls Golf Sectional on Saturday at Jasper Municipal Golf Course. Bounds advanced from the sectional scoring 100 on 18 holes.

Southridge's Shelby Kippenbrock teed off on Hole 14 during the IHSAA Girls Golf Sectional on Saturday at Jasper Municipal Golf Course.

PORTRAIT: The Rat Pack

2011-09-18T00:01:00.002-04:00

The Rat Pack, a family portrait. From top left, clockwise: Sean Robert Proctor, Jacob William May, Elizabeth Jane March, Neil Andrew Blake.

FEATURE: For the birds (and fishermen)

2011-09-17T00:52:00.002-04:00

A flock of seagulls fly overhead while a group of four fishermen reel in a fish Sunday evening at sunset on Lake Michigan at the end of the Grand Haven pier.

SPORTS: Match-clinching point celebration

2011-09-16T12:45:00.000-04:00

Jasper's Lydia Scherle, left, Jaclyn Schmitt, Erica Welp and Megan Sternberg celebrated after securing the final point in Thursday night's 26-24, 25-20, 25-17 road victory over Northeast Dubois in Dubois. Sternberg thundered one of her 10 kills for the match-clinching point.

FEATURE: Story time sprint

2011-09-15T00:43:00.000-04:00

Kent Kaetzel of Dale, 3, laughed as he ran through the Mildred E. Taylor Children's Room in his pajamas after finishing his coloring at story time with Youth Librarian Rebecca Rau of Dale on Tuesday afternoon at the Lincoln Heritage Public Library. "Making stuff is cool, and I like hearing stories," he said. Children can attend story time Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. and 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Each session Rau reads two to three books with weekly themes, as the kids will have crafts, coloring and puzzles that coincide. This week's theme was pajamas, so kids came dressed in their pajamas and made hand-sized pillows.

FEATURE: John Dubois, SWAT

2011-09-13T00:49:00.001-04:00

Midland Police Department SWAT sniper John Dubois, 42, lays atop a hill in brush covered in camouflage as he practices his accuracy and eye behind the barrel and crosshairs of a Remington 700, .307 caliber sniper rifle June 28 at an off-road training facility in Midland. Dubois, who has been with Midland's SWAT for 14 years, trains once a month in team shooting exercises, but logs about three hours weekly atop his regular policing duties to keep his eye keen for sniper shooting. "You look through the crosshairs, and that's what you focus on," he said. "You've got to eliminate everything else around you, but be cognizant of it as well. Sometimes it's split-second decision making, whether you pull the trigger or not. When you pull it, you have to be 100 percent certain you know where that round will land because once you pull it, you can't get that round back."

PORTAIT: Elizabeth Walwood, my grandmother

2011-09-12T01:19:00.000-04:00

One of the strongest, most beautiful women in my life to this day. Sure, it seems cliché, but it's true. She's kind, sweet, helpful. She's lived a long, fulfilling life, and she's still going strong. I hope I can be as amazing as she is at her age, or anytime in my life. I truly admire her, and she has set such a good path for our entire family to follow. A great role model. An incredible woman. I love her with all my heart.

SPORTS: Jasper at Heritage Hills football

2011-09-10T10:33:00.000-04:00

Jasper High School seniors Jon Bell, Clay Kincer and Ryan Stenftenagel, all 17 and of Jasper, applied body paint on their chests in their school colors to show support for the football team during Friday night's game against Heritage Hills in Lincoln City.

Left: Heritage Hills' Tre Williams wrapped his wrist in the locker room before Friday night's game against Jasper in Lincoln City. The Patriots beat the Wildcats 24-14. Right: Jasper's Sam Hahn deflected a potential touchdown pass with his arm intended for Heritage Hills' Devon Wahl in the endzone in the second half of Friday night's game in Lincoln City. The pass was incomplete. The Patriots beat the Wildcats 24-14.

Jasper's Jesse Schmitt celebrated in the endzone after scoring his team's second and last touchdown in the first half during Friday night's game in Lincoln City. The Patriots beat the Wildcats 24-14.

Jasper's Sam Hahn tackled Heritage Hills' Tre Williams during the second half of Friday night's game in Lincoln City. The Patriots beat the Wildcats 24-14.

Heritage Hills' Garrett Wetzel cheeed as he celebrated the 24-14 win against Jasper with his teammates on the field after Friday night's game in Lincoln City.

Jasper's Jordan Gould sat with his head in his hand on a bench in the locker room as he reflected on the team's loss to Heritage Hills 24-14 in Lincoln City. "Being a senior, it's just tough," he said. "You work all those two-a-days. You sweat. You bleed, and to not come out on top, it's a wake-up call. You never want to lose the game to a rival, and we've never lost to them until tonight, but in football, there are two halves you have to play. We didn't show up to play in the second half."

FEATURE: Feline check-up

2011-09-08T23:57:00.000-04:00

Ellie Eckstein of Jasper, 72, left, inspected a needle to see if she drew enough blood from Brett, a five-month-old golden-white tabby cat, that Betty Fendel of Jasper, 66, held down to ensure the cat stay calm while checking for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) Wednesday afternoon at the Dubois County Humane Society. Brett's blood test came back negative, meaning he is healthy and adoptable. The organization will not adopt out pets that are diseased, and are able to save money by testing the animals themselves. Eckstein, a medical technician for more than 40 years, said drawing blood from a cat or dog is definitely a different challenge than that of humans. "(The animals) veins aren't as large as human's are, so you really have to hunt for them, but they sit still, unlike most people," she said, laughing. Both Eckstein and Fendel are board members at the humane society.

SPORTS: I love cross country!

2011-09-07T13:43:00.003-04:00

Forest Park's Libby Gress rested her arms on her head as she took in long breaths after edging out Northeast Dubois' Kelli Reutman for 20th place Tuesday afternoon during the Dubois-Crawford Invitational at Southridge High School. Gress finished with a time of 25 minutes, 54.25 seconds, while Reutman finished with a time of 25 minutes, 54.62 seconds.

Luis Flores of Huntingburg, 12, sat on the hillside near a tree as he watched Jasper's Nick Mehringer run alongside cornfields during Tuesday's boys cross country race at the Dubois-Crawford Invitational at Southridge High School. Mehringer finished in third place in 17 minutes, 38 seconds.

Southridge's Landon Boehm joked around with his teammates as he flexed his biceps before the boys cross country race Tuesday afternoon during the Dubois-Crawford Invitational at Southridge High School.

Northeast Dubois' Alex Pund endured the last leg of the boys cross country race as he sprinted toward the finish line Tuesday afternoon during the Dubois-Crawford Invitational at Southridge High School. Pund finished in seventh place in 18 minutes, three seconds.

A Crawford County runner walked as she tried to catch her breath during a girls cross country race Tuesday afternoon during the Dubois-Crawford Invitational at Southridge High School.

Jasper's Regen Foote showed fatigue as she crossed the finish line Tuesday afternoon during the Dubois-Crawford Invitational at Southridge High School. Foote finished in third place in 22 minutes, 27 seconds.

Southridge's Jaclyn Alstadt cheered her boys cross country teammates on while waving a giant school flag Tuesday afternoon during the Dubois-Crawford Invitational at Southridge High School. "We're the striped. We're here. We're proud," she said. "By waving this flag, people know what we represent and who we are."

FRIENDS: Krista Schinagl, bride to be

2011-09-07T13:35:00.001-04:00

Krista Schinagl of Jasper smiled as she tried on her wedding dress Wednesday at Keena's Sewing and So On in Jasper, Ind., where she had it tailored the first week in June.

FEATURE: Happy hayride

2011-09-07T13:07:00.000-04:00

Lucas Messier of Newburgh, 3, pretended to steer a tractor Monday during a 10-wagon hayride from Ferdinand to Bristow. The hayride is a tradition that started 15 years ago when Ferdinand resident Bob Demuth's family was having a party that ended in a hayride. Since, it has grown to about 70 friends and family members riding to different destinations each year, mostly within Dubois and Perry counties.

FEATURE: Dale Fall Festival Queen Pageant

2011-09-06T15:36:00.003-04:00

Annastacia Sumbles of Gingerville, 16, waited backstage as she sat on the ground in the music room with her dress sprawled across the floor Sunday night during the Dale Fall Festival Queen Pageant at the Heritage Hills High School auditorium.

Mallori Hirt of Santa Claus, 16, left, Alex Hamilton of Dale, 17, Taylor Sigler of Santa Claus, 17, Annastacia Sumbles of Gingerville, 16, Kara Huff of Dale, 16, Morgan Lowry of Santa Claus, 17, and Shelby Krutz of Evanston, 16, threw their hands into a cheer along with the other four contestants and the previous queen Sunday night before the Dale Fall Festival Queen Pageant at the Heritage Hills High School auditorium. Winners of the pageant included: Mallori Hirt of Santa Claus, 16, 2011 Dale Fall Festival Queen and Miss Photogenic; Taylor Sigler of Santa Claus, 17, first runner-up; Lydia Gentry of Lamar, 16, second runner-up; Jolene Gogel of Lamar, 16, third runner-up; and Alyssa Begle of Mariah Hill, 17, fourth runner-up and Miss Congeniality.

Taylor Sigler of Santa Claus, 17, carefully applied lip gloss Sunday night backstage before the Dale Fall Festival Queen Pageant at the Heritage Hills High School auditorium.

Alyssa Begle of Mariah Hill, 17, right, closed her eyes as she tried to gather focus before taking the stage while Kara Huff of Dale, 16, showed signs of stress and being nervous Sunday night during the Dale Fall Festival Queen Pageant at the Heritage Hills High School auditorium.

Shelby Krutz of Evanston, 16, checked her text messages in the dressing room backstage Sunday night during the Dale Fall Festival Queen Pageant at the Heritage Hills High School auditorium.

Left: Jolene Gogel of Lamar, 16, stood in the doorway as she tried to keep her calm backstage before taking the stage for the first time individually Sunday night during the Dale Fall Festival Queen Pageant at the Heritage Hills High School auditorium. Gogel was named third runner-up in the pageant. Right: Annastacia Sumbles of Gingerville, 16, stood on-stage smiling while waiting to answer a question for the judges and audience during the evening gown competition Sunday night during the Dale Fall Festival Queen Pageant at the Heritage Hills High School auditorium.

While the judges' deliberation period, Annastacia Sumbles of Gingerville, 16, smiled as she hugged her mother Shannon Dean of Dale on Sunday night during the Dale Fall Festival Queen Pageant at Heritage Hills High School. "It's all about her. I didn't push her into this, she had the drive to do it all herself," Shannon Dean said. "I'm so proud of her. She's my little beauty queen."