Area briefs

Fri, May 16 2008

— Sorority sponsoring party at Riverside
Sigma Phi Gamma Sorority will hold its annual Vera Bradley Bingo Party June 12 in the McHale Complex at Riverside Park.
Tickets are $20 for 20 games. Food and drinks will be available.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with games starting at 6:30 p.m.
Those desiring tickets may call (574) 722-4408; (574) 737-8237; (574) 732-2180; or (574) 722-2160.
Work day scheduledat Nickel Plate Trail
BUNKER HILL — Friends of the Nickel Plate and the Greenways Foundation will hold a work day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the future site of the Nickel Plate Trail in Bunker Hill.
Volunteers are asked to gather at the trailhead, located east of U.S. 31 on Ind. 218. Work will include clearing sections of the trail, picking up trash and debris. Old shoes, long pants, long-sleeve shirts and gloves are recommended.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Those planning to attend and eat are asked to call (765) 457-2607 or e-mail runckrr@aol.com.
Deadline extended to seek deductions
The Cass County auditor’s office would like to remind taxpayers that the filing deadline for various property tax deductions has been extended to June 10. This extension applies to 2008-pay-2009 property taxes.
The extension applies to the following deductions: mortgage, rehabilitation, standard/homestead, coal conversion, veteran’s total & partial disability, geothermal, surviving spouse of veteran, wind power, World War I veterans, hydroelectric, over 65, fertilizer/pesticide and blind or disabled.
There are specifics for each deduction. Taxpayers with questions about deductions should call the auditor’s office at (574) 753-7720. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Concert, art show scheduled at CMS
Columbia Middle School is holding a spring concert including the choir and concert band at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the school gymnasium. An art exhibit will be on display from 5 to 6:30 p.m. by the art room.
Also performing will be the jazz band from Lincoln and Columbia middle schools.
Admission is free.
Directors are Zach Crowder, sixth-grade band; Ben Griffith, seventh- and eighth-grade bands; and Fauleen Lucero, sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade concert choir.
The art exhibit is by Carollee Koekenberg.
Volleyball team plans fundraiser
ROYAL CENTER — The Panther Volleyball Club is having a bake sale and basket raffle from 5 to 8 p.m. today in front of Rural King.
The money raised goes to help with expenses for the 14 and under team who are going to the junior nationals tournament in Chicago. They are going to compete in June.
Canal boat ridesbegin Saturday
DELPHI — The Wabash and Erie Canal boat ride will open for weekend trips beginning Saturday at the Canal Interpretive Center, 1030 N. Washington St. in Delphi.
The canal boat “Delphi,” a converted pontoon boat, will run each weekend until fall. Rides will be offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Canal rides are offered for no charge but donations are accepted to help defray the cost. Some special canal trips that offer entertainment may have a nominal charge.
The current boat will be replaced with a replica period canal boat to begin operation in 2009.
Donations being taken for auction
MONTICELLO — A charity auction to benefit Lighthouse Recovery Home for the Tri County Area will be held at 10 a.m. June 21 in the Monticello Armory, 299 Armory Rd.
Donations are being accepted of goods, services, gift cards, etc.
Large items will be taken for consignment until June 13.
To make a donation, call (574) 583-6443 in Monticello or (574) 946-7128 in Winamac.
Board serving community breakfast
TWELVE MILE — The Twelve Mile Community Board is sponsoring a breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. May 17 in the Community Building.
The menu includes biscuits and gravy, pancakes, ham, eggs and sweet rolls.
Donations will be accepted and proceeds will go toward the upkeep and maintenance of the Twelve Mile Community Building. The building is used by many groups and community members for meetings, special events and family gatherings.