Ryan And Julie Facemire Are Growing Sugar Creek Farm Market By Blending Generations Of Farming Tradition With A Commitment To Serving Local Families
Johnson County Museum Of History Launches A Two-Part Exhibit Exploring America’s 250th Anniversary Through National, State And Local History
7 ROOTED IN TRADITION
Ryan And Julie Facemire Are Growing Sugar Creek Farm Market By Blending Generations Of Farming Tradition With A Commitment To Serving Local Families 8 A TASTE OF
16 HOMETOWN HERO
Kim Roberts
18 CELEBRATING AMERICA’S 250TH Johnson County Museum Of History Launches A Two-Part Exhibit Exploring America’s 250th Anniversary Through National, State And Local History
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COCHRAN KATIE HOSEA MACKENZIE STEAGALL
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (463) 842-1488 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
Dr. Martin Turner Expands Orthopedic Services in Franklin
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Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran
“People often ask why you keep doing it. Farming is in your blood.”
For Ryan and Julie Facemire, farming isn’t simply a business — it’s a way of life rooted in generations of hard work, perseverance and a deep connection to the land.
As eighth-generation farmers, Ryan and Julie understand both the challenges and rewards that come with agriculture. Long days, unpredictable weather and fluctuating markets are all part of the job, yet their passion for farming remains as strong as ever. That dedication is evident in every aspect of Sugar Creek Farm Market, the family-run operation that
has quickly become a trusted source for locally raised meat, eggs and produce.
The market began in 2015 under the ownership of Jeff and Amanda Tennell, who spent years building a loyal customer base. When the opportunity arose to purchase the business two years ago, Ryan and Julie saw a natural fit. With Sugar Creek running through their property, the name felt especially meaningful, and they had already spent years raising cattle of their own. Acquiring the market allowed them to take the next step — bringing products directly from their farm to local families.
Today, Sugar Creek Farm Market reflects
the diversity that has become essential in modern agriculture. The Facemires raise feeder calves, laying hens, meat chickens and Berkshire hogs sourced from neighboring farms while also farming approximately 2,000 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and hay. Seasonal crops such as pickling cucumbers add another layer to the operation, and previous years have included potatoes and popcorn as well.
Diversification has become increasingly important in an industry marked by high input costs and volatile markets. Rather than relying on a single commodity, the Facemires have built an operation that can adapt and continue serving
customers throughout the year. The work is demanding. From April through October, 15- to 18-hour days are not uncommon. Farming means constantly racing against the weather, balancing livestock care with crop production and making decisions that can impact an entire season.
Yet when asked why he continues to do it, Ryan’s answer reflects something deeper than economics.
A great-uncle once told him he was “born with the disease” and that “farming is in your blood.” Ryan says that’s probably the best way to explain it.
There is a unique satisfaction in planting a seed in the spring and watching it grow. For Ryan and Julie, farming is about providing for their family, their livestock, their neighbors and the customers who trust them to put
food on the table. It’s a responsibility they take seriously and one they are proud to carry forward.
That connection between farmer and consumer is one of the principles that drives Sugar Creek Farm Market. Ryan believes people should know where their food comes from and have confidence in how it is raised. Customers who visit the farm can see firsthand the livestock, the fields and the care that goes into every product sold through the market.
“We take pride in raising it and putting our name on it,” Ryan said.
That commitment has resonated with the community. In just two years under Ryan and Julie’s ownership, the business has tripled in size. The market recently expanded its walk-in freezer to 36 feet, significantly increasing
storage capacity and allowing the farm to better serve both longtime customers and newcomers discovering Sugar Creek Farm Market for the first time.
Customer feedback has also helped shape the market’s growth, influencing everything from inventory decisions to future offerings.
Julie is especially excited about the next chapter. The couple is in the process of purchasing a commercial greenhouse that will be relocated to the property, allowing them to offer vegetable plants, flowers and expanded greenhouse selections. The addition will complement the meats, eggs and produce customers already enjoy while creating new opportunities for growth.
Looking ahead, Ryan and Julie hope to continue expanding their offerings and eventually establish a larger storefront. Their goal is simple: continue providing fresh, locally raised products while strengthening the connection between the community and local agriculture.
For the Facemire family, Sugar Creek Farm Market is about more than selling food. It’s about preserving a farming heritage, helping customers understand where their food comes from and sharing the rewards of a life spent working the land. As the business continues to grow, those values remain firmly planted at the heart of everything they do.
Sugar Creek Farm Market
4240 South 700 East Franklin, 46131
Writer / Katie Hosea
In the heart of Franklin, one local family is bringing the warm flavors and hospitality of Louisiana to Johnson County, one fresh-made beignet at a time.
Owned and operated by Franklin residents Christina and Todd Cochran, Cafe du Bayou is more than just a food truck. It’s a family-centered business rooted in connection, community and a shared love of authentic Southern cuisine. Whether serving customers at the Franklin Farmers Market or preparing for a busy pop-up event, the Cochrans focus on creating food that feels both comforting and memorable.
“For us, this isn’t just food — it’s family, it’s connection, and it’s something we’re proud to share,” Christina Cochran said.
The idea for Cafe du Bayou grew from the couple’s passion for Louisianainspired cooking and their desire to build something meaningful together. As parents of Oliver, 13, and Benjamin,
9, Christina and Todd wanted to create a business that not only serves the community they love but also allows them to spend quality time together as a family.
“We started Cafe du Bayou not only because we love sharing great food, but because we wanted to build something together as a family,” Christina said. “Our hope is that our boys grow up learning the value of hard work, serving others and taking pride in creating something meaningful for their community.”
That family-first philosophy can be felt in every part of the business. From early mornings preparing dough to working side by side at community events, the Cochrans see Cafe du Bayou as an opportunity to teach their sons responsibility, teamwork and entrepreneurship firsthand.
At the center of Cafe du Bayou’s menu are made-from-scratch beignets, a classic New Orleans treat served hot and fresh alongside authentic Cafe Du Monde chicory coffee,
available hot or as cold brew. Customers can also enjoy refreshing peach iced tea and a variety of house-made dipping sauces that add a unique twist to the traditional pastry.
The Cochrans are also expanding their menu with savory cheese-and-herb beignets served with Old Bay butter sauce, as well as homemade gumbo and flavorful jambalaya, bringing even more of the rich flavors of Louisiana to Franklin.
Throughout the summer and fall, Cafe du Bayou can be found at local farmers markets and community pop-up events in its classic New Orleans-inspired food truck. Customers can also follow the business on social media for weekly locations, featured menu items and catering information.
In a fast-paced world, Cafe du Bayou serves as a reminder that small businesses are often built on something much bigger than sales — they’re built on family, passion and community.
Community Health Network is expanding the Stones Crossing family medicine team.
Community is excited to broaden access to exceptional primary care at our Stones Crossing Pavilion by expanding our space in the pavilion and adding additional providers to our team. And now, all of our primary care services are together on the third oor of the pavilion, making it even more convenient to get the care you and your family need.
Whether you’re looking for annual checkups, pediatric care, management of chronic conditions or comprehensive healthcare services, our experts provide it all — in one convenient location. With more primary care physicians in your neighborhood, receiving exceptional care just got easier.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about our team at the Stones Crossing Pavilion, call 317-497-2400 or visit eCommunity.com/StonesCrossing.
Writer / Mackenzie Steagall
It’s early on a Saturday morning, and Emma Brown is setting up her Franklin Farmers Market booth, which is full of mushrooms that might just help you think better and feel better.
Brown — scientist, nature lover and mushroom farmer at Forage & Cultivate — is an expert on finding better health through mushrooms. She’s also one of the market’s newest vendors this year.
Named the Best Farmers Market in Indiana last year, the Franklin Farmers Market features more than 80 vendors each week offering local foods such as organic produce, crusty sourdough, golden jars of honey and now, mushrooms.
Supermarket mushrooms are often limited in both variety and quantity and typically lack flavor and nutritional value. The real power of a mushroom is rooted in how and where it is grown.
Many mushroom farmers, including Brown, believe in the Chinese concept of Di Tao, which emphasizes the connection between the soil in which something is grown and the medicinal and nutritional potency it develops as a result.
“I believe if you’re eating something grown locally, it’s actually benefiting your immune system more than something from across the country because what that plant has encountered during its growing season is similar to what you’ve also encountered,” Brown said.
The mushrooms and other products Brown creates are tangible examples of her business’s slogan: “Crafted for Consciousness.”
reishi, chestnut, maitake and others are among the farm’s offerings. Brown also grows medicinal mushrooms used to create a line of nonsynthetic topical skin care products and tinctures.
While mushrooms are unassuming nutritional powerhouses that cultures around the world have relied on for centuries, their therapeutic properties are just as impressive when harvested properly.
To ensure high quality, maximum nutrition and purity, Brown cultivates a wide variety of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms in a temperature-controlled barn rather than foraging for them in the wild. As a result, the mushrooms offer better flavor and, most importantly, are grown using organic production methods and are completely toxinfree.
Shiitake, comb tooth, lion’s mane, a variety of oyster mushrooms,
“We use an ultrasonicator, which is a piece of equipment that breaks down mushroom cell walls with sound waves to extract all the medicinal benefits at the exact temperature a particular compound requires,” Brown said. “Then we make our tinctures and mushroominfused honey.”
Lion’s mane, a white mushroom with hair-like tendrils, contains two compounds — hericenones and erinacines — that support
the development of new neural pathways and are being studied for their potential role in supporting brain health and memory function. Brown cultivates lion’s mane to sell fresh and incorporates it into an easy-to-digest tincture.
Cordyceps is a type of parasitic fungus that grows naturally in the wild. This cylindrical orange fungus contains a diverse amino acid profile and has become an increasingly popular supplement among athletes. Brown has also formulated cordyceps into a tincture.
The chaga mushroom, which resembles a charred piece of wood, grows on birch trees and cannot be commercially cultivated in the same way as many other mushroom varieties. It has long been used in traditional wellness practices and is often associated with supporting overall health.
“Locally grown produce develops natural immune defenses and builds complex nutritional profiles from the same soil conditions we experience ourselves,” Brown said.
Forage & Cultivate can be found at the Franklin Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Sept. 12.
To learn more about the business or purchase skin care products and honey, visit forageandcultivate.com.
When an athlete rolls an ankle during a Friday night football game or a parent twists a knee during a weekend project, finding the right care quickly can make all the difference. Johnson Memorial Health is helping bridge that gap with the launch of a new orthopedic walk-in clinic led by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Martin Turner.
The clinic offers patients a convenient alternative for recent orthopedic injuries, providing specialized care close to home without the long waits often associated with emergency departments or urgent care centers.
“Patients today are looking for quick and
Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran
reliable answers for their health needs,” Turner said. “We’re trying to provide convenient access to quality care that is local here in Franklin.”
The new walk-in clinic was created to address a growing need within the community. As Johnson Memorial Health’s orthopedic practice continues to expand, Turner said adding a walk-in option was a natural next step.
“Orthopedic walk-in clinics
have become more common in orthopedic practice settings,” he said. “As our practice has continued to grow, it only made sense to move in this direction.”
The clinic focuses on acute orthopedic injuries that have occurred within the previous week and have not yet been evaluated elsewhere. Common conditions include sprains, strains and minor fractures resulting from sports activities, playground accidents, exercise routines and everyday mishaps.
Turner often refers to these patients as everyone from competitive athletes to “weekend warriors” — active individuals who find themselves injured while enjoying recreational activities.
While the clinic can address many orthopedic concerns, Turner emphasizes that some injuries still require emergency care.
“More severe injuries such as deformity
fractures, dislocations, infections, open wounds or injuries with uncontrollable pain should be evaluated in the emergency department,” he said.
Patients visiting the clinic can expect a streamlined experience designed to get them answers quickly. Self-check-in is available, and on-site X-ray services allow providers to diagnose injuries without requiring additional appointments or referrals. Splinting, casting and bracing services are also available when needed.
Most importantly, patients are evaluated by orthopedic specialists who can provide accurate diagnoses, immediate treatment recommendations and guidance for follow-up care.
Current walk-in clinic hours are 8:30 to 10
a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, with plans to expand availability as community demand grows.
For Turner, providing orthopedic care has been a lifelong calling rooted in both his hometown and his love of sports.
Born and raised in Warsaw, Indiana — often known as the “Orthopedic Capital of the World” because of its concentration of orthopedic device manufacturers — Turner grew up immersed in athletics and developed an early interest in sports medicine.
“I wanted to find something that blended sports and health care,” he said.
That passion led him to Anderson University, where he majored in athletic training. After
graduation, he spent two years working as an athletic trainer within an orthopedic practice before pursuing medical school.
His path continued through five years of orthopedic surgery residency training before he completed a sports medicine fellowship in Detroit.
That fellowship provided experiences few sports fans ever get to enjoy.
During his training, Turner worked alongside some of Detroit’s top team physicians and helped provide medical coverage for three major professional sports franchises: the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings.
The experience advanced his specialized training in sports medicine while creating memories that remain highlights of his career.
“It provided many once-in-a-lifetime memories as a sports fan,” Turner said.
Today, Turner is entering his 15th year of practice at Johnson Memorial Health. His specialty focuses on sports medicine and orthopedic surgery, with shoulder and knee conditions representing much of his practice. He also treats general orthopedic injuries involving all extremities and performs arthroscopic procedures on the shoulder, knee, elbow and ankle.
In addition, he performs shoulder replacement surgeries and cares for patients ranging from children to older adults.
Beyond the operating room and clinic, Turner has become a familiar presence on sidelines throughout Johnson County.
He currently serves as team physician for Franklin College, Franklin Community High School, Indian Creek High School and Edinburgh High School. Through those roles, he works closely with student-athletes, coaches and athletic trainers to help young competitors recover from injuries and safely return to their sports.
One of the most rewarding aspects of his career, Turner said, is watching those athletes grow beyond the injuries that first brought them into his office.
“I enjoy helping student-athletes get back to sports,” he said. “But I also truly enjoy seeing these young athletes progress in life.”
Years after treatment, Turner often receives updates about former athletes who have
gone on to achieve success in college, careers and their communities. Those connections remind him that orthopedic care is about more than repairing injuries — it’s about helping people continue pursuing the activities and goals that matter most to them.
Turner also serves as medical director of the athletic training program at Franklin College, where he mentors future health care professionals.
“It’s rewarding to give back and teach students,” he said.
As Johnson Memorial Health continues investing in orthopedic services, Turner believes the future is bright.
He anticipates continued growth over the coming years, including the potential addition of more orthopedic surgeons and providers to meet increasing demand throughout the region.
For now, the new orthopedic walk-in clinic represents another step toward making specialized care more accessible for local residents.
Whether it’s a student-athlete with a sports injury, a child hurt on the playground or an adult sidelined by an unexpected accident, Turner and the orthopedic team are working to ensure expert care is available when it’s needed most — right here in Franklin.
Kim Roberts
Writer / Teena Catt
Each July, the Johnson County 4-H and Agricultural Fair arrives during one of the summer’s hottest weeks. Rain and muggy weather are common, but volunteers work long hours to keep the fair running smoothly. This year’s fair will be held July 19-25 at the fairgrounds in Franklin, where Kim Roberts of rural Franklin will be among those helping out.
This year marks Roberts’ 47th year of involvement with the fair. She began as a 10-year-old member of the Hopewell Boys and Girls 4-H Club. Since then, she has served as a Creekside 4-H Club leader for 33 years and spent a total of 26 years on the fair board. Growing up in 4-H gave Roberts a broad understanding of the fair, especially its livestock programs. As a youth, she participated in projects such as clothing, foods, ceramics and showing pigs. She understands the hard work behind caring for and showing livestock.
Roberts said one of the most rewarding parts of her involvement is seeing children she once
supervised in 4-H return with children of their own. Watching multiple generations learn the same life lessons, build lasting friendships and share meaningful experiences speaks to the strength of the 4-H program.
The fair is the joyful result of that challenging work — a time to showcase projects, compete, support one another and have fun. Roberts said she loves the fair parade because it gives fair board members a rare chance to relax and socialize. Once fair week begins, each board member is busy with assigned duties and often sees the others only in passing.
Her favorite part of the fair is the livestock auction. Roberts oversees the livestock auction, where local buyers and businesses support 4-H members by purchasing their steers, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens or rabbits. Technology has made the auction run more smoothly. Roberts remembers when organizers used one typewriter and carbon copies for buyers. Today, computers and printers help keep the sales moving.
“It’s a night of chaos, but it works because so many good people help,” Roberts said. Roberts credits the dedicated volunteers who have helped make the Johnson County fair one of the state’s best. She said much of the preparation and hard work happens behind the scenes.
Generations of county families enjoy looking back on their days at the fair. Roberts said watching those generations return year after year and seeing how the fair has changed has been amazing.
Fair week is typically a time for people to discuss their favorite fair treats and foods.
Roberts cites pineapple Dole Whip and snow cones among her favorites.
While not busy with 4-H and the fair, Roberts enjoys flower gardening and admits she really loves to mow her lawn. She also enjoys listening to live music, and seeing George Strait in concert was a highlight.
If you are an auctiongoer, you may know Roberts as the cashier at Findley Auctioneer events. Her “real job” is with Northwestern Mutual, where she has been employed for 32 years.
Roberts said she is forever grateful to the volunteers who shaped her life and showed her that volunteering is one of the most rewarding jobs there is. Roberts cites Ed Pruitt as a mentor and friend who helped her and her family through the years.
“4-H and the fair have made me who I am. Being involved and being part of the traditions is my thing,” Roberts said.
JOHNSON COUNTY MUSEUM OF HISTORY LAUNCHES A TWO-PART EXHIBIT EXPLORING AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY THROUGH NATIONAL, STATE AND LOCAL HISTORY
Writer / Teena Catt
On June 18, the Johnson County Museum of History in Franklin opened the first phase of its exhibit commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Festivities included a commissioned state lantern created for the anniversary and a giant birthday cake photo scene.
As celebrations across the original colonies highlight key dates and events that shaped America, museum director David Pfiefer said the exhibit will focus on what was happening in Indiana, and especially in Johnson County, during that era.
During the Revolutionary War, the
area now known as Indiana was still a remote wilderness. It became the setting for a crucial frontier campaign led by George Rogers Clark, who worked to capture British forts, disrupt BritishNative American alliances and secure the Northwest Territory for the emerging United States.
The exhibit emphasizes Indiana’s role in American history, as well as Johnson County’s local contributions. It includes pioneer artifacts and displays exploring the area’s history.
Pfiefer said the museum staff “loves a good anniversary” and worked hard to create an engaging display for the public.
The exhibit unfolds in two parts. The first, which opened in June, covers the period from 1776 to the beginning of the Civil War. The second, focusing on the Civil War, is scheduled to open this fall.
The museum also features a gift shop with a variety of commemorative items for sale.
Johnson County Museum of History
135 N. Main St. Franklin, IN 46131
johnsoncountymuseum.org
Hours:
Tuesday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Admission: Free
Every so often, a book comes along that reminds us what literature can do. For me, that book is James by Percival Everett, our July Franklin Magazine Book Club selection.
A brilliant reimagining of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, James retells the classic story through the eyes of Jim, the enslaved man who accompanies Huck down the Mississippi River. While readers may recognize the framework of
Writer / Christina Cochran
the original novel, Everett transforms it into something entirely new — sharper, deeper and far more profound.
What makes James extraordinary is not simply its premise, but its execution. Everett’s writing is masterful, weaving together humor, suspense, social commentary and emotional depth with remarkable precision. The novel examines language, identity, power and survival in ways that feel both timeless and urgently relevant. Every chapter reveals another layer of meaning, inviting readers to reconsider a story they may have thought they already knew.
It has been a long time since a novel impacted me this deeply. Long after I finished the final page, I found myself returning to its ideas, its characters and the sheer brilliance of its construction. Everett accomplishes something rare: He creates a book that is intellectually ambitious while remaining completely engrossing. It is a novel that rewards close reading, yet never loses sight of the power of storytelling. At the heart of James is a voice that is unforgettable — witty, perceptive and profoundly human. Through that voice,
Everett challenges readers to confront difficult truths while delivering a story that is impossible to put down.
Whether you’re an avid reader or looking for a book that will spark meaningful discussion, James is a remarkable choice. Winner of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, it stands as one of the most celebrated novels of recent years. More importantly, it is one of the finest books I’ve read in a very long time — a powerful reminder that great literature doesn’t just entertain; it changes the way we see the world.
237 W. Monroe St. Franklin Franklin, IN
5 p.m.
EVENT DESCRIPTION Come to downtown Franklin for food vendors, entertainment, fireworks and more. The festival kicks off with food trucks and a beer garden starting at 5 p.m. The opening concert is from 5 to 6:30 p.m. by 38th Infantry Division Band, the main act (Blue River Band) is from 7 to 10 p.m. and fireworks begin at 10:10 p.m.
237 W. Monroe St. Franklin Franklin, IN 7 p.m.
EVENT DESCRIPTION Enjoy live music by this four-part harmony gospel group.
Franklin, IN 7-8:15 p.m.
Enjoy these summer concerts brought to you by Franklin Symphonic Council. All concerts are Wednesdays from 7:008:15pm from June to August. Please check the flyer to see the location of each concert. Free and open to the public! Questions? Please email fscindiana@gmail.com
1800 East King Street Franklin, IN 11 a.m.
EVENT DESCRIPTION Enjoy a
golf outing to raise money for KIC-IT so they can combat youth homelessness. Lunch is at 11 a.m. and the shotgun start is at noon. The cost is $400 per foursome. Click the link to register.
51 W. Monroe St. Franklin Franklin, IN 10 a.m.
EVENT DESCRIPTION Enjoy a camp-inspired time at The Bloom Collective, where you will build a bouquet based upon the cover art of your favorite book. Peruse the cover art choices, then pick your time slot and your cover art theme. Click the link for tickets. This event is happening as part of Wild Geese Bookshop’s Summer Camp for Grown-ups, but all are welcome to attend.
