Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 134, Number 3, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 19 January 2012 — Page 9

Whiter weather only recently truly unleashed

By Angel Pekkins EDrroß NAPPANEE Mother Nature unleashed weather conditions more appropriate to the season Thursday after teasing area residents with spring-like temperatures in the 50s earlier in the week. From 3 p.m. Jan. 12 to Jan. 16 the National Weather Service reported a total accumulation for the area as 10 indies and a snowfall of 8 inches for the Wa-Nee area. Representatives from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) say tney've been working 12-hour shifts to keep the major highways dear across the state and that the Fort Wayne district which indudes 4,600 of state roads and 525 lane lies of interstate and Elkhart as well as 17 other counties— maintains roughly 5,600 miles and uses more than 177 plows to do so. The following are tips offered from various depart-

Extension Homemakers offers workshops

GOSHEN The Heritage Skills Workshop provides classes to learn and appreriate family heritage and heirloom skills. In an effort to teach these skills, the Elkhart County Extension Homemakers are hosting their annual Heritage Skills Workshop Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Elkhart County Purdue Extension Office. The office is located on the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds at 17746 County Road 34 in Goshen. Full-day classes will be from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Morning classes are from 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. and afternoon dasses from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Lunch is provided for all dasses and will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fees will vary depending on the workshop. Classes are limited so early registration is encouraged. Registration forms with more detailed informa-

Bremen residents host friendly feathered visitor

Bv Angel Perkins Editor BREMEN day that a wild woodpecker drops in for a visit and ifs even more unnatural that a feral animal would take to a human it was unfamiliar with. Jan. 3 was that day for Peni and Lawrence Lippert who found a feathered friend at their Ist Road home. "I had been working from my computer and I heard a sound like a tree branch hitting the window; when I looked out, I saw a woodpecker laying there," Peni explained. "1 told my husband and we decided if we left him there in the cold, he would probably die, so I crawled out on the roof and kind-of nudged him with my foot and men scooped him up."

Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver to host Indiana’s j national qualifying ice fishing tournament

CULVER Culver, Ind. will hold Indiana’s first NAIFC (North American Ice Fishing Circuit) Tournament Series National Qualifying Tournament on Lake Maxinkuckee, Jan. 27 through Jan. 29. Teams finishing in the top 10 at the Culver Qualifier will automatically advance to the Dec 14 through Dec. 16, NAIFC Championship, culminating in a 2012 North American Champion. The Culver Qualifying Tournament is open to the first 150 two- person teams that enter. NAIFC touma-

ments for tilings to do to prepare for leaving home, if only for a few hours: • Before traveling, check the forecast and let someone know your travel route. • Keep your gas tank at least half-full. • Carry a winter driving kit that should indude blankets, a flashlight, extra batteries, a brightly colored doth, sand (or cat litter), a shovel, a candle, matches, non-perishable high calorie food, a first aid kit, and jumper cables. • Have a cell phone and charger cord available. • Allow extra time to arrive at your destination. Collectively, local, county and state agendes strongly suggest using caution when driving in winter weather. They offer the following tips: • Accelerate gradually on ice or snow to avoid slipping and sliding. • Drive slowly and carefully to avoid rear-end collisions and sliding on curves.

tion and sample photos are available on our website at www.ag.purdue.edu/counties/elkhart. In addition to our website, you may also obtain a form by visiting the Purdue Extension Elldiart County Office. Pre-paid registration is required by Feb. 3. Qasses must have a minimum number of five persons enrolled. Classes that are canceled will refund deposits. FUU.-DAY CLASSES: • "Beginning Hand Piecing by Barbara Jewett" costs S3O. Partidpants interested in learning how fabric color choices make a quilt block look totally different will also learn about choosing fabrics, colors, prerise cutting, measuring, handstitching, pressing and trimming. Bring neutral thread, small ruler, scissors and if you have them, a rotary cutter and mat; all other supplies provided.

They found out later that the stunned bird was a she, and tried to warm her up and get her left eye open (it had been closed for about an hour). The bird remained calm all the while Lawrence held and talked to her and made no real attempts to get away from him. Peni explained that when the bird later became conscious enough or recuperated enough to open its eye, the couple wondered if Lawrence's prayers had been at work. About an hour-and-a-half after the incident (which began at around 9:15 a.m.) the Lipperts took her outside to see if she could fly. In its natural habitat the bird "didn't want much to do" with Peni, seeming afraid of her presence, but Lawrence had apparently earlier proved to be a safe companion because the

ments are competitive in nature, operating much like a Bassmaster or FLW event. Fishing boundaries are set: teams drill their own holes to locate fish, portable fish shelters are allowed with walking, ATVs and snowmobiles the modes of transportation. Tournament's fishing hours are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday Jan. 29 and the spedes will be BluegiUs and Perch. Local fishermen should take note that it has been "locals” not traveling teams winning 10 out of die last 11 NAIFC Qualifying

Community

File photo Mother Nature brought cooler conditions last week after offering us balmy temperatures in the 50s.

• Allow greater distance behind the car ahead than you would usually allow for because it takes more time to stop on snow and ice. • Brake early and slowly. Never slam on the brakes. With anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and

• "Beginner's Knitting by Linda Weltz" costs S4O. Basic knitting skills are helpful but not required for this class. Attendees will be knitting a small pouch with magnetic closure. All supplies will be provided. •"Counted CanvasWork Bookmark by Jan Harshberger" costs $35. Learn different stitch techniques including Waffle, Alternating Scotch, Rhodes Heart, Brick, Slanted Gobelin, and Continental all on this 6-1/2" by 2-1/2" bookmark. Participants must bring needlework scissors, a small ruler and needle threader; all other supplies included. • "English Paper Piecing by Cheryl Baker" costs $35. This dass teaches the English Paper Piecing technique are for making quilts or small project blocks. Participants must have a basic knowledge of hand-sewing and bring fabric cutting scissors; all other supplies are pro-

Red-Bellied Woodpecker leisurely climb-hopped up him, clinging to nis body from his ankle to his ear, in an attempt to avoid Peni. The Lipperts made sure their Jack Russell Terrier Princess avoided the woodpecker too. "I held her while Lawrence looked for a cage," Peni said. Lawrence put food and water in a rabbit cage for her and they left her to mend, checking on her periodically, in hopes that with a little more time "she could get back to normal." Around 2 p.m. the bird, sitting in the cage next to the window, "held her head high looking outside." "We thought it might be a good time to try and release her again so about 2:15 p.m. we carried the cage outside opened the door and out she flew, up into the tree,"

tournaments. Accompanying the NAIFC to the Culver this year will be the ICE MEN Reality TV program. Camera crews will be on Lake Maxinkuckee prior to and during die tournament as they film the Ice Men reality teams preparing for and competing in the Culver Qualifying Tournament. The first two days of the NAIFC "Culver” Qualifying Tournament focus on education for both kids and adults. A Friday Night Seminar (FNS) Jan. 27, is free to everyone and

hold it; without, gently pump the pedal. • Don't use cruise control and avoid using abrupt steering maneuvers. • Maintain good visibility by clearing all windows, the roof, mirrors and lights. • Stay alert. Do not use

vided. i • "Needle Tatting Bookmark and Wreath by Sue Martin" costs $45. Learn the art of needle tatting create a bookmark and wreath. Participants must bring scissors to dip thread and if needed, extra lighting and magnification. All supplies provided in kit. MORNING CLASSES: • "Basic Weaving by Kris Peterson" costs S2O. After completing this dass, participants will have made a small woven pouch suitable for carrying items such as glasses or a cell phone. Participants must bring a variety of coordinating scrap yam and scissors. Textured or thicker yam will assist in completing the project. • "Felted Wool Penny Rug by Caroline North" costs S2B. Participants will be making a penny rug with a black wool background. The pennies are in various

Peni said. She added that a little bit of each of the Lipperts hearts may have "gone out the window with her." Neither Peni nor Lawrence are animal specialists she works for Maverick Promotions out of Leesburg and he works for Coleman Cable in Bremen but they do believe there are four or five different species of woodpecker that frequent their bird feeders. "We have hummingbirds in the summer and they are some of our favorites too," Peni explained. "I wouldn't call us bird watchers, but we do enjoy seeing the colorful ones." And, at least one feathered friend indicated by showing her relaxed state that she was grateful for not only their offering of food and the comfort of their trees to enjoy, but as

features a nationally-known speaker. After the keynote speaker is finished everyone attending is invited to split into small groups with the ICE MEN and other NAIFC Pro-staff to discuss fishing techniques in detail. There is no faster way for any fishermen experienced or not to learn and share the successful details of ice fishing than these free seminars. Saturday, Jan. 28 a "free" Ice Camp for Kids will be held first in a classroom setting then the kids and parents will go out on fire

Advance News • Thursday, January 19, 2012 •

medications that may impair driving or drink alcohol. • Give snowplows room to operate and never tailgate or try to pass them. • Use extra caution when driving across bridges, underpasses, shaded areas and intersections where ice is slow to melt. • Avoid abrupt stops and starts. Slow down gradually. Should a driver become stranded, they are advised: • Don't leave the car. It's the best protection you have. • Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna. • Roll down the window a small amount to allow fresh air in your vehicle. • Keep the exhaust pipe free of blockage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. • Don't panic. An idling car uses approximately one gallon of gas per hour. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources also wants the public to be aware that every year, someone drowns from falling through

colors to enhance any decor. The piece is entirely buttonhole stitched. Bring a pencil, fabric cutting scissors and paper cutting scissors; all other supplies provided in kit. • "Thread Crocheted Doily by Theo Outman" costs S2O. This class is for those that already understand the basics of crocheting but would like to understand how to read a pattern. Bring own skein of Knit-Cro Sheen, any color, or any size 10 cotton thread, and learn to create a doily. All other supplies included in kit. AFTERNOON: • "Felted Wool Apple Pin Cushion by Caroline North" costs $25. Attendees will be making an apple shaped pincushion witn a pocket for needles or mini scissors. This buttonhole stitched apple is embellished with a stem, leaf, and tiny pearled apple blossom. Bring a pen-

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Photo provided Lawrence Lippert made a feathered friend by nurturing the Red-Bellied Woodpecker after it “dropped in" on he and his wife Peni unexpectedly at their Ist Road home in Bremen. well for the couple's com- passionate care.

ice to use the equipment while receiving on the spot training first hand. All lads in attendance will receive a free fishing rod from HT Enterprises. In addition to the weekend of NAIFC events the United States Ice Fishing Team will conduct a first stage USA Team qualifier Saturday, Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. Team USA Qualifying is a separate event for the NAIFC Qualifier and is open to any United States citizen 18 years or older. Team USA represents a truly unique opportunity

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thin ice and suggests the following when snowmobil-, mg, ice skating, or ice fish-, ing: • Remember that no ice' is safe. • At least 4 inches of ice is recommended for safe ice fishing; 5 inches for snowmobiling. • Always wear life jackets or flotation coats. • Carry ice hooks and rope gear at all times when’ on the ice. Rivers and streams are' especially misleading and water surrounded by sand freezes inconsistently and wind, waterfowl and beavers can also randomly affect the consistency of ice. Calling the dispatch centers to ask about road conditions is strongly discourages as operators are usually very busy with dispatching emergency assistance and equipment to motorists so for up-to-date traffic information visit www.trafficwise.lN.gov online or call INDOT at 800-261-7623.

ril, fabric cutting scissors and paper cutting scissors; all other supplies provided. • 'Toothbrush Rug by Jill Cohen" costs S2O. Those interested in learning the toothbrush technique should be able to work well with their hands. Using this technique, participants will create a small trivet that can be continued at home into a full-size round rug, if desired. All supplies are included; however, contact the office if bringing fabric. Extension Homemakers planning this event are Chairperson Alice Moy, Goshen (call her at 574-533-5968); and committee members Sandy Bartoe, Ruth F. Clouse, Carol S. Kauffman, Jan Robinson all of Goshen and Advisor, Jeannine Martin, Elkhart. This program and all Purdue University programs are open to everyone. I

for local fishermen willing; to represent their country, on the World stage. For more information 1 on the NAIFC, KIDS ICECAMP, ICE MEN, TEAM,: USA or to enter an NAIFC”. qualifier go to www.naifc.« com or email jack.baker#» naifc.com. To enter a* NAIFC qualifier over the; phone call Kathy Roberts* at 320 -252-0428. For infor-; mation on Culver go to* ww.culverchamber.com or| for Marshall County www.l marshallcountytourism.org. 1