Wyatt turns his passion into a profession

Growing up in the country outside Rochester, Jake Wyatt’s passion for the outdoors started at a very young age. In fact, he was just 6 years old when he killed his first white-tailed deer. These days the former backwoods guide is the co-owner of Tippy River Dog and Hunt Supply, and continues to find ways to combine his passion with his profession.

“If I could be outside, that was what I was doing,” said Wyatt of his love of hunting and fishing growing up. When not outside, he often watched hunting and fishing shows on TV and wondered what it took to be a “pro.”

After graduation, Wyatt quickly discovered college was not for him, and after doing some research online he enrolled at Elm Outfitters and Guide Training School of Corvallis, MT., with the goal of becoming a big game hunting guide.

The course had a home study section, which included tree and animal identification as well as a number of situational questions. This was followed by the “hands-on training,” during which he was also introduced to five different outfitting companies.

Upon graduation, Wyatt was hired by Hobartin Outfitters in Wyoming and went straight to work leading hunting and fishing expeditions in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. For two years, he was spending up to 6.5 days per week in the mountains hunting bear, moose, elk, mule deer, as well as fly fishing. Elk hunting was a particular favorite. “It’s like turkey hunting with the call and response, and they are hard to hunt.”

One high point was when he guided Tom Nelson, one of those pros from the Outdoor Channel, on a moose hunt, and appeared in the resulting program. “It was a childhood dream being on the Outdoor Channel.”

However, after two years in the bush, Wyatt realized, “I’d like to have a family one day.” So he headed back to Rochester, where after working at Craig’s Welding for a time, he opened Tipper River Dog and Hunting Supply with coon hunting buddy Johnny Wadkins. The pair opened their store in the old Belle Chasse Building at 430 Main St.

Wyatt also got married and started a family. He and his wife, Carly, have a son, River, both of whom seem to be nearly as enamored of hunting, fishing — and the outdoors in general — as he is. “That’s our lifestyle.”

Since returning to Indiana, Wyatt has also reconnected with coon hunting and has had success at hunts and events around the country. “My wife and son travel to the hunts with me. It’s a great way to experience the country.”

Coon hunting, said Wyatt, is a niche market. And as far as the hunting goes: “You’ve got to have lucky breaks. And you have to have a good dog.”

Wyatt’s dog, a Treeing Walker named “Crazy Train,” is one of the top 64 coon hounds in the country. And just a few of the accolades the pair have received in recent years include: Professional Kennel Club champion, three-time United Kennel Club Grand Nite Champion, 36th Annual Lee Crawford Invitational Champion, 2021 UKC Black and Tan Days Friday night high scoring dog and overall champion Friday and Saturday night, three-time UKC World Qualifier. Recently, they finished 12th in the Indiana PKC state race.

These events are also opportunities for Wyatt’s business. During the day, he sets up his vending and sells supplies. At night he and Crazy Train are on the hunt.

In 2022, Wyatt joined forces with another coon hunting buddy, Mike Rich, who opened Richie’s Men’s Wear next to Tippy River. “Richie’s is a good addition,” said Wyatt. “We’re a more well-rounded store.

For more information, visit tippyriversupply.com

Good Neighbors is a column in which readers share friendly advice. To ask or answer questions, write the Shopping Guide News, Good Neighbors, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542; fax 800-886-3796; or e-mail abias@the-papers.com. Please no phone calls.

Editor’s Note: The Good Neighbors column is for people looking for hard-to-find or old items or for people seeking advice, not for items you can find in a local store or sell through the help of a classified ad. —o—

Egg cartons

Good neighbors: We have over 50 clean egg cartons free to you when you pick them up in New Paris. Call (574) 831-4677.

We have egg cartons for free, around 100 of them. Verlin Lehman, 65545 SR 13, Millersburg, (574) 6420657.

We have good, clean egg cartons. Please pick up at Rochester Bagel and Coffee House, 231 E. 9th St., Rochester. Ask for Pia.

Eyeglasses

Good neighbors: I would very much like to have the eyeglasses you have. I am part of a group that takes them abroad to people who do not have the luxury of vision. I live in Warsaw and will be glad to pick them up. My phone number is (574) 268-2667 (landline) or (574) 306-6286 (cell). — Ellen

Found girls boots

Good neighbors: We found a pair of girls boots on Jan. 2 on 1350, just west of CR 7 on the north side of the road in the ditch. If you think these are yours, please call (574) 354-2060.

Cryptogram books

Good neighbors: I have about a dozen brand new cryptogram books. Does a good neighbor do this type of thing that would want them? I would be glad to give them away. Reply through this column. — A reader

New questions

LeapPad learning system — Does anyone have a 15- to 20- year-old LeapFrog LeapPad learning system they no longer use and want to get rid of? We have the book and cartridges, but no player to go with them. Call (574) 831-4677.

Avon representative — Is there an Avon representative in the Nappanee or surrounding area? I am desperate for some Avon items. Reply through this column. — A reader

Bunk bed/wooden swing set — Looking for a bunk bed, also a nice wooden swing set. Call (574) 248-2557 and leave a message.

Quilt blocks — I need quilt blocks to finish a quilt. They are flower bouquet with a cross stitch heart around each, eight hearts and bouquets on one block. Does anyone have some they don’t need or want? Reply through this column. — A reader this “increased demand against the fixed supply of airplanes” has resulting rising costs. A new Cessna airplane from the factory is roughly $390,000.

Used greeting cards — Is there a “good neighbor” who has used greeting cards to get rid of? I would take any cards. Call (574) 773-7603.

Old fabric — Wanted: Yellow fabric you no longer want, also gray and/or black. Could be old sheets or blankets or fabric that someone doesn’t want anymore. Does not have to be solid colors. Call (574) 248-0753.

Foam packaging — Does anyone have large amounts of the foam packaging that comes with UPS or FedEx boxes? Call (574) 248-0753.

Serger — Wanted: A serger that still works good, in good condition, that you no longer want. Call (574) 248-0753.

Calendula salve — Does anyone have a recipe for calendula salve? I would like to make my own. Call (574) 248-0753.

Continued from page 1 flight time with a certified instructor.

One of the oldest flying clubs in the country, Mentone Flying Club is a nonprofit organization designed to facilitate members’ flying aspirations. Among the benefits of membership is access to the club’s planes, currently two Cessnas. “There have been as many as three or four. The number changes,” said Morrison. The club also owns a Redbird simulator.

The club has grown to around 70 members from the original nine in 1957. Over 500 people have received their pilot’s licenses while being club members. After 24 years based in Mentone, the club moved to Fulton County Airport in 1981.

“There is a social aspect as well,” Morrison explained. While there are a few professionals and active or retired military pilots, members come from all walks of life and levels of flying experience, and they meet regularly for meetings, outings and a wide range of events, including flight competitions.

The club also offers Discovery Flights, which include 30 minutes of

For more information on pilot ground school, visit mentoneflying- club.org/free-ground-school. Additional information is available at facebook.com/mentoneflyingclub. org.

Jason Michael Coffing Self-Employed Truck Driver

Jason Michael Coffing, 46, Rochester, passed away Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, in his residence.

He was born Nov. 8, 1976, in Minot, N.D., to George E. and Victoria L. Coffing.

Jason graduated from Caston High School in 1995. He helped on the family farm and was also a self-employed truck driver. He was a member of the Fulton Community Church, same as his late mother. Jason enjoyed spending time with his family and always making people laugh. He was a loving father and a great friend.

Jason is survived by his children, Jesse, Ryan, Izabella and Abbagail Coffing; his granddaughter, Oakley Coffing; his father, George Coffing; his three sisters, Georjeta (Michael) Shook, Samantha (Kyle) Schanlaub and Jessica Coffing-Fort; his brother, Joshua (LeAnn) Coffing; and several nieces and nephews.

Jason was preceded in death by his mother, Victoria L. Coffing.

A funeral service was held for Jason at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Gundrum Funeral Home, Logansport, with Pastor Roger Knebel officiating. Burial was in Fulton Cemetery, Fulton. Visitation was held from 3-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, also at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fulton Community Church.

You may sign Jason’s guestbook and leave condolences for his family at gundrumcares.com.

Michael L. Grable

Owner Of Grable Burial Vault

Michael “Mike” L. Grable, 67, Logansport, passed away at 6 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, at Vernon Health and Rehabilitation, Wabash.

He was born Oct. 11, 1955, in Rochester, the son of Leonard L. and Betty Jean (Metz) Grable. He graduated from Caston High School, Fulton.

Mike was the owner and operator of Grable Burial Vault, Logansport, for over 30 years. He had also operated a Taekwondo Academy in Logansport. He attended Metea Baptist Church and was an avid sports fan, especially following the Indianapolis Colts, where he had been longtime season ticket holder.

Survivors include his children, Sarah K. Grable, Indianapolis, and Brady Grable, Logansport; father, Leonard (Alberta) Grable, Star City; sister, Bonnie Morrow, Marion; nephew, Adam (Patty) Morrow, Logansport; one great-niece; and one great-nephew.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Friends visited from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, and one hour prior to service Monday at the funeral home. Burial was in Metea Baptist Cemetery, Cass County.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be expressed at zimmermanbrosfh.com.