MICHIANA PREMIER
Summer & Outdoors JULY JUNE2026 2026 MICHIANAPREMIER.COM MICHIANAPREMIER.COM
BOGG BAGS
& ACCESSORIES Thinking About Upgrading or Replacing Your Winter Cover? If your winter cover is showing its age, don’t wait. Now is a great time to secure your new cover and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your pool is protected all winter long.
Order by August 2nd!
POOL TOYS, FLOATS,
Signs you need a sand change: •
Your water is cloudy despite being balanced chemically.
•
You’re struggling with algae growth.
•
You’re backwashing more often and still see debris floating in the water.
•
The pressure is starting to rise and does not lower with backwashing.
Call us today to get on the schedule! 1915 TOLEDO RD. ELKHART, IN, 46516 45616 WWW.BACKYARDPOOLS.NET
& GOGGLES
(574)293-1126
JULY, 2026
P U BL I SH ER ' S N OTE
Summer has Always... been my favorite time of year. There is something about the sunshine, warm temperatures, and longer days that just seems to make life a little better. In fact, sunlight helps our bodies produce vitamin D, which supports everything from bone health to our immune system. Sometimes a little sunshine does more for us than we realize. One of my favorite summer memories is wake surfing on Lake Carter in Colorado. There is nothing quite like spending the day on the water, jumping off cliffs, and sharing good times with great people. For some reason, a Subway sandwich and a bag of Bold Chex Mix taste ten times better when you're sitting on a boat surrounded by sunshine and fresh air. What many people don't know is that I don't actually own a boat. The opportunities I've had to enjoy experiences like that came because I was willing to put myself out there, start conversations, and build relationships. Not every connection turned into a friendship, but some did. That has been a reminder to me that the worst thing that can happen is ending up exactly where you are today. The best thing that can happen is opening doors you never expected. As you enjoy this issue, grab a cup of coffee, step outside for a few minutes, and soak up some sunshine. I hope this season reminds you to appreciate the simple things and encourages you to go after what you want.
PUBLISHER Cody Sturma Cody.Sturma@gmail.com Phone # 574.361.2797
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR Cheyenne Ketcham Michiana.mag@gmail.com
MAGAZINE LAYOUT Jacob Torres
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Rudy Rodriguez
STAFF WRITERS Michelle Parnell
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kelsea Reust
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Sean Caplinger
Until next month,
Cody Sturma, Founder / Publisher Website
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Bible Verse Galatians 6:9 "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
This Michiana Issue JULY 2026
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Featured
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Making a Splash With Backyard Pools
27 On the Cover
Departments
Backyard Pool
6 Publisher’s Note 10 Social Spotlight 18 Making a Splash
with Backyard Pool
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Hit The Links This Summer With South Bend Country Club!
23 Hit the Links this
Summer with South Bend Country Club!
27 Elevating the Outdoor Experience
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31 Grilled Whiskey BBQ Steak
Elevating the Outdoor Experience
Tips with Sweet Corn Salsa
36 Events
Social Spotlight The social heartbeat of our community
More than 1,500 participants came together for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County's Colors for Kids Family Fun Run & Walk 2026, creating a day filled with energy, color, and community spirit. Supported by dedicated volunteers, staff, and sponsors, the annual event brought families together while raising awareness and support for local youth programs.
Photo credit: Big Perm and Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County
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Social Spotlight The social heartbeat of our community
Mac & Cheese lovers gathered at Four Winds Field for the Indiana Mac & Cheese Festival, where local restaurants and vendors served up their best takes on the comfort-food classic. With live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and plenty of cheesy creations to sample, the event brought the community together for a fun-filled day at the ballpark.
Photo Credit: Cheyenne Ketcham
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Making A Splash Creating Memories and Staying Cool During Summers with Backyard Pools Written by Michelle Parnell
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Photos by Rudy Rodriguez
Since 1979, Backyard Pools has been helping Michiana families stay cool and enjoy summer months with the perfect in-ground pool for their outdoor spaces. In 2021, when Donald and Jamie Schaner purchased the company from Jamie’s parents, it was a meaningful milestone and transition for the family.
“It’s special to us because it’s a family business we grew up around and now get to continue,” shares Jamie. “I’ve spent most of my life around pools and summers at the store, and Donald worked for my dad for seven years before we bought the business. So, taking it over felt full circle. We’ve worked hard to grow it while keeping that family-oriented feel our customers know and love.”
Donald and Jamie also enjoy that the next generation is growing up around the business as well. Customers are often greeted by the couple’s children, Colton and Kynslee, who enjoy hanging out and lending a helping hand. Colton, especially, hopes to one day join his dad on the construction crew. In addition to in-ground pool construction, Backyard Pools offers in-ground vinyl liner replacements, equipment installation, as well as regular pool maintenance and repair services. The team also provides seasonal pool openings and closings and installation of automatic covers. The retail side of the business offers support with water analysis, pool and spa chemicals, and has a large inventory of parts for repair along with fun offerings such as pool toys and floats. July 2026 | michianapremier.com 17
One of the things Donald and Jamie love about building pools for customers is that pools serve as a gathering place to bring people together. “We’re helping create spaces where families make memories, host parties, enjoy summer nights, and watch their kids learn to swim,” says Jamie.
“My favorite projects are ones where you can see how excited the family is, and watching kids jump into their new pool for the first time never gets old.”
At Backyard Pools, Donald and Jamie prioritize creating a supportive, family-oriented environment built on teamwork and communication. “Our team is the backbone of everything we do, and we operate like a family,” says Jamie.
“Everyone works hard, but we also really value helping each other and appreciating the people who make the business run. Pool season gets crazy, especially in the Midwest, but everyone works incredibly hard and truly cares about our customers.”
Giving back to the community is an important part of the company’s culture. Each year, the store serves as a Toys for Tots drop off location and the team adopts a family from a local school to ensure the family has a great and memorable Christmas. “We love supporting our community by sponsoring local teams and helping out in different ways,” says Jamie.
“We’re also thankful for the support we get from the community. Small businesses truly depend on loyal customers, and we never take that for granted. We’re incredibly appreciative of the people who continue to choose us year after year.” Backyard Pools is excited to share that they now build pools in Michigan as well as Indiana. For more information on products and services, visit www.backyardpools.net or call 574-293-1126. Stop by the retail store, located at 1915 Toledo Road in Elkhart, which is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., and follow Backyard Pools on social media for updates and seasonal promotions.
July 2026 | michianapremier.com 19
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Hit The Links This Summer With South Bend Country Club! Written by Kelsea Reust
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Photos by Rudy Rodriguez
When thinking about top-tier golf courses, Indiana may not immediately come to mind, but did you know that we have one of the most pristine, historical, and elite golf courses in the state right here in our own backyard? Business partners Kyle Johnson and Grant Sassaman own the South Bend Country Club, Black Squirrel Golf Club, Bent Oak Golf Club, and Old Bristol Golf Club. Each course offers an incredible golfing experience to players of every skill level and budget. Kyle and Grant work tirelessly to make their courses the cornerstone of the sport in each community the courses occupy.
Kyle has been in business and marketing since 2009. He was never the “sports guy” in his family, but he got into golf in 2018 thanks to his father-in-law. Kyle liked it so much that he was inspired to combine golfing and business. Then Grant became the catalyst for buying Black Squirrel Golf Club in 2023. They got a lot of positive feedback from the community; it seemed as though everyone was saying, “Finally, someone is going to take care of this!” People started talking, and this led to the acquisition of the other courses. The golfers of our community would finally be able to dust off their clubs! Kyle handles the business side of things—marketing, finances, and “leading those leaders,” as Kyle puts it—while Grant’s focus is more on the courses themselves; think maintenance, irrigation, repairs, and leading the superintendents of those teams.
The South Bend Country Club, a 110-year-old private course that came into their ownership in October of 2025, delivers an exceptional, rarefied member experience. The course itself is one of breathtaking natural beauty, with plenty of majestic trees, rolling hills, and glittering lakes. While the fairway is impeccable, some parts of the course are unmanicured in order to offer variety in the landscape. Players will have a gorgeous view at every hole, making this course a perfect blend of challenge, fun, and beauty.
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The course delivers such a stellar experience that the South Bend Country Club has often played host to prestigious LPGA tournaments. They are even equipped with a simulator so members can still enjoy the game during the off-season. The clubhouse offers a bar, a pool, a kiddie pool complete with games, event spaces, and member-only events. At the end of the day, though, Kyle and Grant want the South Bend Country Club to be all about the golfer and the golfing experience. This course is for the golfer who needs the grounds and the green to be absolutely unrivaled.
Gary Keaffaber—with fountained ponds and more challenging terrain; this course is so popular that a pre-booked tee time is required for weekends. Both of these courses also feature a simulator. Though there are other area courses in Elkhart and Goshen, Black Squirrel Golf Club and Bent Oak Golf Club are the premier golf destinations for the entire county. The Old Bristol Golf Club is for the golfer looking for a more relaxed experience; perhaps for the golfer who can only play a couple times a month. Do not let it’s casual vibe fool you: this course has deep local roots, a fiercely loyal following, and is a permanent fixture in local golf culture. Old Bristol has no frills or fancy simulator; it is truly approachable and accessible to every golfer. 24
Bent Oak Golf Club, located in west Elkhart, and Black Squirrel Golf Club, located in the south of Goshen, are public courses for the recreational weekly golfer, though they have their place among serious league golfers as well. If you like to enjoy a round of golf a few times a week after work, these are the courses for you. Black Squirrel is known for being a course that is played by both the everyday public golfer and championship players. It has lovely tree-lined fairways and holds events that brings golfers together all year-round. Bent Oak Golf Club boasts a course of championship design—that of
Want to become a member? You—and even the kids—have a few options. The South Bend Country Club is a private course, while Bent Oak, Black Squirrel, and Old Bristol Golf Clubs are public courses. The Global Membership at the South Bend Country Club grants access to only the public courses. The Club offers one step up from a Global Membership, and this is the Elite Membership. The Elite Membership offers access to all four of the courses and everything each course offers: access to the simulators during wintertime, covers the cart fees, plus other perks and exclusive events. The Club holds an event called “9 and Dine,” where golfers gather up some buddies to play nine holes of golf and then enjoy a dinner together. The Club also, of course, holds leagues and tournaments for its members. Each course has a place in their respective communities, and play a vital role in introducing the game of golf to local youth.
Between the three public courses, there are seven local school teams (six high school and one middle school) that play their matches at whichever course that resides in their community. The South Bend Country Club works with the PGA to offer First Tee, a week-long camp where kids are taught the game of golf, golf etiquette, and respect for the game and other players. The South Bend Country Club also offers our youth a “mini-membership,” called Youth On Course,where they pay a heavily discounted membership fee, then only pay $5 to play at each of the three public courses. Kyle is teaching his own young daughter how to play golf, and so understands the huge role that the sport can play in the lives of children. He and Grant want their courses to continue playing the large role that they do in Michiana’s communities and families, and to make the game of golf accessible to everyone.
To learn more about the South Bend Country Club, their memberships, and each of the public courses, visit www.southbendcc.com, and check them out on all the socials @southbendcc.
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Rodriguez Production began with a moment that changed everything-the day my daughter was born. That spark pushed me to walk away from a job that no longer fulfilled me and bet completely on my passion for photography and videography. I went all in, fueled by purpose, vision, and a belief that hard work and faith would guide every step. What started as one camera and a dream has grown into a full creative studio in downtown South Bend at **815 Lincoln Way West**. Today, Rodriguez Production is proudly nominated as the **#1 video agency in South Bend on Google**, backed by over **100 five-star reviews**-each one representing a story, a moment, and a client who trusted me to bring their vision to life. With 8+ years in the industry, I bring infectious energy and genuine joy to every shoot. I specialize in weddings, events, corporate headshots, branding visuals, and more. I've been blessed to work with corporations like Notre Dame, Paramount, and ESPN -opportunities that continue to elevate my craft and expand my creative reach. Every project is personal. Every moment matters. Contact: **574-315-2765** | **rodriguezproduction.com**
July 2026 | michianapremier.com 27
Elevating the Outdoor Experience Designing the perfect outdoor space with Creative Designs Landscaping Written by Michelle Parnell
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Photos by Rudy Rodriguez
For Mike Troyer, a few outdoor living upgrades in his own backyard sparked a passion that ultimately became a new profession. “I did a couple of projects at home and enjoyed it,” he shares. “Then I took some pictures, decided to run an ad with it, and it took off from there.” At first, Mike began doing projects part-time as he held down another full-time job at a local RV factory. Then, during COVID when the factory shut down for a few months, Mike was able to spend more time on projects and eventually transitioned to doing projects full time under his business Creative Designs Landscaping.
Over the last few years, Mike and his team have slowly transitioned to focus primarily on hardscape designs and builds. They specialize in outdoor kitchens, paver patios and walkways, retaining walls, fire pits, and elements that elevate the overall appearance and enjoyment of outdoor spaces such as pillars and seat walls. Recently, the team added timber frame pavilions to the company's growing portfolio of completed work.
Each project begins with clients sharing their ideas with Mike and a conversation about how to bring those ideas together to create an amazing outdoor space. “Usually, if the client gives me an idea of what they want, I can envision what they're after,” explains Mike.
“Then, we use a 3D software to lay out a design. If they want to change something, we can make that change using the software and they can see what the final product will look like before we even get started.” July 2026 | michianapremier.com 29
Working with clients on projects allows Mike to see firsthand why outdoor spaces are so important to people and their families. “We recently finished a project where a client got a hot tub and big space in the backyard,” says Mike. “The client wanted a space where family and friends could come over and enjoy life instead of all the hustle and bustle. It gives them a place to take time with the family and enjoy time together.” Some of Mike’s favorite projects include patios, which provides a nice place for people to spend time outside, and retaining walls that add curb appeal to a home. “We've done retaining walls where they come up to the front entrance,” says Mike. “We add pillars and steps that give an overall welcoming and inviting feeling going into the home.”
Interacting with clients and their families during the planning and building process is one of Mike’s favorite parts of his job. He also enjoys the creative challenge of seeing a project develop and come to fruition. “I really enjoy starting out with a blank slate and going from that to a finished product,” says Mike.
“I especially like seeing what the customer thinks about it at the end.”
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As a Christian faith-based business, there are several principles that Mike and his team prioritize including having a family-first mentality, ensuring positive interactions with clients, and having a solid work ethic. “Communication with clients is huge. If plans or timelines need to change, we make sure they know what we're doing so that we’re on the same page,” says Mike.
“We also strive to serve our customers like family and treat their property like it's our own. I really stress about making sure everything is cleaned up when we leave the project. We want it to look better than when we got there so the homeowners don't have to worry about doing a lot of clean-up when we leave.”
For more information and to see completed projects, visit creativedesignslandscaping.com and follow @ creative designs landscaping" on Facebook. The best way to connect with Mike to begin a new project is by calling 260-499-0046.
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GRILLED WHISKEY BBQ STEAK TIPS WITH SWEET CORN SALSA Ingredients: For the Steak Tips:
For the Sweet Corn Salsa:
1. 2 lbs sirloin steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
1. 3 ears sweet corn, grilled and cut from the cob
2. 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
2. 1 red bell pepper, diced
3. 2 tbsp bourbon or whiskey
3. 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
4. 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
4. Juice of 1 lime
5. 1 tbsp brown sugar
5. 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
6. 1 tsp garlic powder
6. Salt and pepper to taste
7. Salt and pepper
Instructions: 1. In a bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, whiskey, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 2. Toss steak tips in the marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 3. Grill steak tips over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until caramelized and cooked to desired doneness. 4. While the steak cooks, combine grilled corn, bell pepper, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl. 5. Serve steak tips over a generous scoop of sweet corn salsa.
Food recipe 33
July 2026
Local Events A Showcase of Local Events
JULY 2nd, 2026 (THURSDAY)
JULY 17th, 2026 (FRIDAY)
Classic Car Cruise In
Movies in the Park
Classic cars, food, and family-friendly fun. Location: Das Dutchman Essenhaus, 240 US Hwy 20 Middlebury, IN 46540
Time: 4:30PM (Every Thursday throughout July) Free to attend
Bring blankets and lawn chairs for a family-friendly outdoor movie night. Hosted by Elkhart Parks & Recreation Location: Location varies by showing
Time: Dusk Free to attend
JULY 3rd, 2026 (FRIDAY)
First Fridays: Independence Celebration Local vendors, food, live entertainment, and family activities throughout downtown. Location: Downtown South Bend
Time: 5:00PM Free to attend
JULY 4th, 2026 (SATURDAY)
Four Winds Field Rock Party & Fireworks Location: Four Winds Field, 501 W South St. South Bend, IN 46601
Time: 5:00PM Tickets start at $20 JULY 9th - JULY 11th
Bristol Homecoming Festival
Community parade, food vendors, entertainment, family activities, and fireworks. Location: Downtown Bristol, IN
JULY 18th, 2026 (SATURDAY)
Cars and Coffee
Hosted by ATC Trailers Location: 5225 E Market St. Nappanee, IN 46550
Time: 8:00AM-12:00PM Free to attend, free coffee, free donuts, family friendly JULY 19th, 2026 (SUNDAY)
Mishawaka Market
Support local farmers, makers, and small businesses. Location: Ironworks Plaza, Mishawaka, IN
Time: 10:00AM-2:00PM Free to attend JULY 24th, 2026 (FRIDAY)-AUGUST 1st, 2026 (SATURDAY)
Elkhart County 4-H Fair One of the nation's largest county fairs featuring livestock exhibits, food vendors, entertainment, rides, and family attractions. Location: 17746 County Road 34 Goshen, IN 46528
Free Admission
Admission required
JULY 12th, 2026 (SUNDAY)
JULY 26th, 2026 (SUNDAY)
Mishawaka Market
Mishawaka Market
Shop local produce, artisan goods, baked treats, and handmade products. Location: Ironworks Plaza, Mishawaka, IN
Fresh produce, local vendors, baked goods, and family-friendly activities. Location: Ironworks Plaza, Mishawaka, IN
Time: 10:00AM-2:00PM Free to attend
Time: 10:00AM-2:00PM Free to attend
JULY 11th, 2026 (SATURDAY)
JULY 27th, 2026 (MONDAY)
Linden Avenue Farmers Market & Food Security Event
Featuring local farmers, food vendors, small businesses, and family-friendly community activities. Location: MLK Dream Center, 1522 Linden Ave. South Bend, IN 46628
Time: 10:00AM-2:00PM Free to attend
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Learn to Play Pickleball @ Central Park A fun introduction to one of the area's fastest-growing sports. Location: 295 E Mishawaka Ave. Mishawaka, IN 46545
Time: 6:00PM-7:00PM Free to attend, equipment provided