JOHN & MANDI LEWANDOWSKI
john@townepost.com
(574) 249-9217
RENEE LARR
TERRY MULLINS
KELSEY MUSICK
DARCIE DODDS SCHOTT
PHYLLIS WILLE
(317) 496-3599
BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
(317) 810-0011
HEARTLAND POLYMER CABINETS
A DREAM WITH ROOM TO GROW
Writer / Juli Knutson
Steven Eash had a dream to own his own business someday. He had a good job working in a factory like many of his neighbors, but his creativity and ambition were pushing him in another direction.
That’s when he discovered polymer.
Steven owns Heartland Polymer Cabinets of Topeka, Indiana, where he and his employees create handcrafted cabinets that are versatile, durable and stylish. These cabinets defy
the elements outside while also providing attractive and sturdy storage inside.
As a young adult, Steven became fascinated with polymer and ordered material to create some wagons as an experiment. He purchased
three steel frames to build three different wagons with removable racks on the sides. He sold one and kept the others for use on his property, including one that was designed to be pulled by a pony.
Through that experience, he realized the applications of the material seemed endless, and he began researching uses for it. Then, when he learned that Heartland Polymer Cabinets was for sale about 18 months ago, it seemed like the perfect fit.
The company was an established business when Steven bought it, but he is making it his own, with adjustments to increase efficiency and provide additional options for customers. He is always looking for fresh solutions to improve the product, including invisible welds and color options for cabinet interiors.
He wanted a business of his own for two important reasons: to offer high-quality products at fair prices and to provide a good working environment and fair wages for
people in area communities. So far, so good. Even Steven’s young children are involved, helping out in small ways already. He hopes they will want to stay engaged in the business when they are a bit older.
The polymer material is a nonporous recycled plastic that is water-, UV-, mold- and scratchresistant, making the cabinets a great fit for exterior spaces such as decks, garages and poolside settings. But Steven emphasizes that they can also fit seamlessly in interior settings, like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, family rooms, basements, offices and industrial spaces. Commercial applications can include healthcare settings, schools and fabrication facilities, among others.
Eash said, “This is an ‘anywhere cabinet.’ Between the strength of the material and the way they are produced, they will hold up outdoors or indoors and still look attractive years later.” With a standard line of cabinets as well as custom solutions, customers have 12 colors and 12 wood grain choices to choose
Bill’s Long Reach Services
• Long Reach Excavator and Dozer Service
• 60 ft Reach
• Digging or Cleaning of Ponds, Small Lakes, and Ditches
• Landscape Prep Around Waterways
• We have Mats to use Across Difficult Terrain
Designing custom solutions is where Steven shines. He loves the challenge of bringing a vision to life, collaborating along the way. Once he discusses the idea and sees the project space, he will suggest a creative solution for the type of space and functionality needed. He said, “The product still fascinates me … there are unlimited possibilities for what to do with it.”
A customer recently asked him to design and create rolling desks for use in a warehouse. The result was standing desks on wheels, complete with space for an office phone, drawers, doors and a raised shelf for more workspace. Other recent custom projects include a bookcase with a cabinet base and a portable grill cabinet.
Steven’s goals are clear. He said, “Our number one priority is to build a quality cabinet that meets customer needs and functions well for years to come. We work hard to connect
with people and provide a good experience working with and for Heartland.”
Heartland’s reputation for quality and reliability in the area is growing, as well as with distributors outside of Indiana. One customer said, “The quality of the product attracted me, and the price was great. Heartland was easy to work with to make our custom piece.”
Looking to the future, Steven plans to grow Heartland Polymer Cabinets beyond the local area, particularly by working with more building contractors. He hopes to introduce the many benefits of polymer cabinets to a wider audience, highlighting their versatility and practicality for both outdoor and indoor use. And as the company grows, he will also be able to employ more people in the community.
Steven’s dream is well on its way, and the potential for the future? Unlimited.
Heartland Polymer Cabinets is located at
8200 W. 700 S., Topeka. You can call the company at 260-593-3101 or visit online at heartlandpolymercabinets.com.
THE NET EFFECT
ONE OFFICER’S QUIET MISSION TO MEND THE GAPS
Writer / Meredith Baker
When Officer Joseph Cole pulls up to a South Bend neighborhood basketball court, he doesn’t lead with questions. He doesn’t start with citations. Instead, he pops the trunk.
Inside, there’s no riot gear. Just a box of basketball nets and a few fresh basketballs. It’s an unusual inventory for a cruiser, but Cole isn’t interested in writing tickets. He’s here to change the game.
What began as a casual observation during patrol of kids playing basketball with missing nets has evolved into a personal mission. A former collegiate basketball player, Officer Cole understands the quiet poetic sounds of a perfect swish, where
the game becomes something more than a sport; it’s a language of belonging.
“I’d just see kids playing,” he says. “And I’d stop and shoot around with them. It was natural. No agenda. It’s just me, them, and the game.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person interaction dramatically declined. But for Cole, the drive to stay connected never left. That’s when he began bringing Kobe Bryant books to the parks, all of which he purchased out of pocket. In each, he scribbled a personal message: “People take care of people. —Officer J. Cole.”
Soon, books became nets. Nets became conversations. Conversations became moments.
“There’s just something about putting up a new net,” Cole says. “It gives a kid purpose. Something to show up for. That ‘swish,’ it hits different.”
For years, Cole had done this on his dime and between calls. His body camera, which activates during all interactions, began capturing snippets of the impact: laughter on a court, hesitant kids turned into teammates, and neighboring parents offering nods instead of nervous glances.
Yet for all the physical gestures, the nets, the books, the balls, it’s the invisible ones that matter more.
“I don’t say, ‘If you see something, say something.’ I’m just there. They can sense that I’m not coming across as a cop. I’m showing up as Joe.”
When asked what he’d tell his 12-year-old self on one of those courts, Cole responds with, “Keep caring about others and everything else takes care of itself.”
It’s a mantra that’s carried him through many years of law enforcement, a field that often revolves around worst-case scenarios.
hometown Kubota dealer of choice.
For Cole, community isn’t something you visit; it’s a place of belonging.
“To me, community means doing something for someone else without expecting anything in return,” he explains. “If we all did that, things would naturally come full circle.”
Cole’s approach has shifted perceptions, especially among teens who admit they’ve had negative experiences with police in the past. “But then they meet Joe on the court,” he says. “And the next time they talk to an officer, they’re a little more open and willing to listen.” This transformation is a testament to the power of connection.
It’s not a formal program or initiative. It’s just who Officer Cole is, and it’s genuine.
Still, his movement has rippled outward. Residents have begun donating nets, hoops, and even complete basketball sets. One sent an Amazon package to the department.
Others drop by with words of support.
Music also plays a role. When the vibe’s right, Cole cranks up his car stereo to J. Cole, the artist, not himself. The name overlap is just the icebreaker.
“It’s funny. When they realize my name’s Joe Cole, the conversation shifts,” says Cole. “Suddenly, we’re not strangers anymore. We’re just people, on the same level, speaking the same language.”
Cole doesn’t claim to have all the answers. He knows violence won’t vanish overnight, and every court visit won’t transform lives. But he keeps showing up anyway.
“You can’t worry about the results,” Cole says. “If you’re doing it for an outcome, that’s not the point. You show up because it’s the right thing to do. The rest will come.”
In South Bend, one officer is rewriting the playbook with presence. And in the process,
C U STOM C NC
he’s reminding a city that community isn’t built by rank or role, but by being a human first.
To support Officer Cole’s basketball movement, drop off donations of new nets, basketballs, or portable hoops at the South Bend Police Department, 701 W. Sample Street, South Bend, IN.
ATTN: Officer Joe Cole. For questions, email jacole@southbendin.gov.
enclosures
Gazebos, Patios & Walkout basements.
DEPENDABLE, LOCAL, INFORMED
THE FARMERS INSURANCE EXPERIENCE WITH DANIEL LOCKETT
When Daniel Lockett opened his Farmers Insurance agency in Goshen, Indiana, he stepped into a new chapter — one that matched his values: dependability, honest communication, and a commitment to doing what’s right. After years managing logistics and account services in the outdoor gear industry, he stepped away from the corporate world and
posted his résumé online. Farmers Insurance reached out.
“Insurance wasn’t something I had considered,” Daniel said. “But once I learned more about the support, training and flexibility they offer, I realized it was a great fit.” He appreciated that Farmers provided a
proven framework — without limiting his independence.
“They really want you to succeed,” he said. “I felt I’d be equipped but still have the freedom to create something I believed in.”
Today, Daniel leads a growing office on
Writer / Amy Beaucham Photographer / Jessica Whitehead
Goshen’s south side, where every client is met with an honest and nurturing approach.
“You’re not talking to a 1-800 number,” he said. “You’re getting someone who knows your name — and wants to help.”
That personal attention is what sets him apart.
“They get me,” he said with a smile — meaning his clients know they’re not just getting a policy. They’re getting Daniel’s full attention, commitment and care.
Daniel’s office currently includes licensed producer Micah Raber. He eventually hopes to grow to a five-person team, with each staff member specializing in a particular area, such as life, business or Medicare-related products. While Farmers offers a wide portfolio, Daniel is also appointed through a brokerage, Kraft Lake, giving him the flexibility to meet a broad range of needs.
“I want to be able to meet people’s needs, no
matter the circumstances,” he said.
The Goshen office provides home, auto, renters, umbrella, life, business and pet insurance, as well as specialty lines like motorcycle, RV, boat and golf cart coverage.
“There are more options than people realize,” Daniel said. “We even do vacant properties or seasonal homes, and take the time to walk people through what each policy actually covers.”
Clarity is at the core of how Daniel operates.
“We take time to explain things,” he said. “I’ve had clients say, ‘I finally understand my policy after talking to you.’ That means a lot to me.”
He recalled a recent example that reinforced why those conversations matter.
“We had a client who had the state minimum for auto liability. We sat down and reviewed everything. Not long after that, she was in
a multi-car accident. The total liability was over $50,000 — but her policy only covered $25,000. Fortunately, we had just increased her coverage. Otherwise, she would have been on the hook for $25,000 out of pocket.”
Another client, a financially stable couple who could afford a high premium, came in with an $800 monthly bill.
“We took a look at their coverage and were able to get them the same — or better — for $400,” Daniel said. “That was a big win. We want people to feel confident that what they’re paying for is both smart and fair.”
Helping clients make informed, confident choices is what drives him.
“I don’t ever want people to feel rushed,” he said. “This isn’t just a numbers game to me — it’s about building long-term relationships.”
That philosophy is especially clear when Daniel talks about life insurance.
“A lot of people think of life insurance as something that only comes into play when someone passes, but there’s so much more to it,” he said.
“Besides offering term life, we look at policies that build cash value — whole life and indexed universal life — that can become part of a financial strategy for the future and even retirement.”
One option he highly recommends for families is juvenile life insurance.
“You lock in a very low rate while they’re young and healthy, a rate that never increases,” Daniel explained. “By the time they’re grown, they’ve got something built up. It can be used for college, a down payment, retirement — it’s a head start.”
Daniel, a grandfather himself, is in the process of setting up policies for his grandchildren.
“In my eyes, it really has little to do with
preparing for the unexpected, but rather preparing for the future by laying down a foundation of success for our young ones.”
While life coverage is a focus, he encourages every client to consider bundling different types of insurance for substantial discounts.
“When you combine home, auto and life, you save money — and it simplifies your life. One agency, one phone call,” Daniel said.
Farmers policies also include replacement cost coverage that’s automatically updated with inflation, which helps protect homeowners in an evolving market.
“A lot of people haven’t looked at their coverage in years,” he said. “With the way building materials and labor costs have fluctuated, it’s important to make sure your policy reflects what it would actually cost to rebuild.”
Daniel also works with clients navigating
EQUIPMENT RENTAL LumberJack
Advantage and
“It’s an area a lot of people have questions about,” he said. “I want to be a resource, especially for seniors who are making these decisions for the first time.”
His appreciation for the Goshen community has grown since opening his doors.
“It’s got this great balance — small-town feel, but a lot of activity,” Daniel said. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know people from all walks of life. And I love the historical aspect of Goshen — there’s such a rich cultural heritage here.”
He’s also built strong relationships with members of the Amish community.
“I really admire their work ethic and their values,” he said. “There’s a mutual trust.”
Clients regularly express appreciation for Daniel’s responsiveness and care.
“We had someone recently leave a review that just said, ‘I trust him,’” Daniel said. “That’s the highest compliment I could get.”
Other reviews echo the same message. Evan Garner shared, “Great owners! Very personable and respected in the community! Dan will do his best for you every time!” Craig Greene added, “Great company. They went the extra mile to make sure I have a good and comprehensive policy that’s very affordable.”
While the office is still modest in size, Daniel is already planning ahead.
“We’re focused on growth,” he said. “I want to bring in more specialists so we can offer even more personalized services and make it even easier for people to find what fits their lives best.”
For anyone shopping for insurance or simply reviewing old policies, Daniel encourages openness and questions.
“A lot of people don’t know where to start, and that’s OK,” Daniel said. “I’m here to answer questions and help people understand what they’re signing up for.”
In a field often marked by fine print and impersonal service, Daniel Lockett is building something different — a business grounded in trust, backed by expertise and supported by the strength of Farmers Insurance.
For more information, contact the office at (574) 574-5774 or visit agents.farmers.com/ in/goshen/daniel-lockett.
CARRYING ON A LEGACY
MELODY
BARKER
After tragedy struck, Melody Barker chose to carry on her family’s legacy—expanding Barker Keep-Safe Storage and Barker Archives into thriving Warsaw businesses. With grit, grace, and a deep commitment to her community, she turned heartbreak into growth and purpose.
Melody Barker owns and operates Barker Keep-Safe Storage and Barker Archives, both in Warsaw. However, it all began with DeWayne Barker in 1988, who self-started
BUILDS BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY
Writer / Kelsey Musick Photographer / Tony Straw
one of the first self-storage facilities in the area.
Melody met DeWayne Barker in 1997, and together they started building more storage units. Melody and DeWayne married in 1999, and the size of the business doubled from then until DeWayne’s passing in 2015. Since 2015, Melody has doubled the volume of business yet again by constructing numerous additional buildings and focusing on customer service.
“I wanted to do something that made sense to me with this area being the Orthopedic Capital of the world,” said Melody. “I wanted a document center for storing documents. We built that together in 2004, and it has grown.”
Tragically, DeWayne passed away in 2015 while boating in Florida.
Melody Barker- Owner Dr. Gregory Haase
Steve Lane Kevin McKeever Ollie Powers
Christina Powers Lindsey Vargo
“It was a shock to all of us, and the question was, do I sell the business or go on?” said Melody. “I decided to continue, and it has been a journey. Now my daughter and five part-time employees help run Barker Keep-Safe Storage. So many things have gone on since then, with more building and buying of properties.”
According to Melody, the most difficult thing she ever faced was the loss of DeWayne and having to suddenly run the family business without his leadership, organization, and business acumen.
“During the stressful and emotional months that followed trying to run the business for the first time without [DeWayne], the Lord sustained [me] through the support and encouragement of friends, family, and business colleagues,” said Melody.
About two years after DeWayne’s passing, Melody was set up on a blind date with
Dr. Gregory Haase, who had also lost his spouse the year before.
“On [our] very first encounter, Greg was so smitten and confident that he boldly proclaimed he would fall in love and marry me,” said Melody.
Greg’s prediction came true, and a few months later, Greg and Melody were wed in Chicago.
Barker Keep-Safe Storage is the self-store side of Melody’s business and provides convenient access for area residents with five locations in Warsaw and Winona Lake. Barker Archives was founded in 2003, born from Melody’s desire to build a more diversified business.
“I saw an opportunity to meet the needs of local corporations that generate large volumes of physical documents, which need to be kept safe and accessible for decades,” said Melody.
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Melody lives on Chapman Lake and loves the water and boating. Now it is a pontoon on the lake, but for many years, it was a 55foot Fairline that she and DeWayne would navigate from the Calumet River to the Gulf Coast.
In addition to her daily involvement in running both businesses, Melody is a vocalist and keyboard player. She has written and performed her own songs and played at small clubs throughout the Midwest during the 1990s.
“It is tempting to look at business owners as having it easy,” said Barker. “But what most people don’t see are the years of sacrificing time with family and friends, countless hours of hard work, financial risk, and uncertainty that were invested before they ever made it to that prosperous stage.”
Barker said she feels blessed to live in a country where individuals at least have the opportunity to turn their dreams into reality if they are willing to put in the time and energy it takes to achieve them.
“[My] advice for those who want to pursue the building of a business: always conduct yourself with integrity,” Barker said. “Your words should be true and consistent with your actions. Be more than fair to your customers and employees. Be willing to serve in any capacity, no matter how lowly it feels. Keep a humble and grateful attitude no matter how much success you find.”
Barker Keep-Safe Storage and Barker Archives are located at 1501 W. Center St. in Warsaw. For more information, reach out to Melody at 574-269-1074 or melody@ barkerarchives.com.
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• Our borders are extruded with a steel cable reinforcement as “one solid” continuous piece of concrete
• Gives your landscape beds an attractive and durable edge
• Provides an effective root barrier that prevents grass from growing into your beds
• The height of concrete borders helps to keep mulch/stone in your beds and out of your lawn
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Concrete Borders make the perfect compliment to any landscape design that adds value to your home by providing a beautiful and durable landscape edge. These continuous borders are extruded on site to create a custom-made look as they follow the curves and contours of any architectural or landscape design (without splices, breaks and individual pieces). Concrete Borders are more durable than any other edging material and are very easy to maintain. We offer multiple profiles to choose from as well as dozens of patterns, stamps, and colors to compliment any architectural scheme.
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Landscape Borders
Our “on-site” extrusion process allows for gentle flowing curves, straight lines and radiuses as tight as 36” around your landscape beds and gardens.
DOING IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME
JAYH CONSTRUCTION BUILDS NEW HOMES AND CREATES QUALITY RENOVATIONS
On more than one occasion after Aaron Jay Miller and Elmer H. Miller, owners of Jayh Construction, have finished building a home for one of their clients, the homeowners have invited the brothers to spend a day or weekend with their families at their new abode to show their appreciation for a beautiful job well done.
“Those are such kind gestures. They don’t need to do that, but they are so happy with the finished product,” says Aaron. “Plus,
throughout the construction process, we have developed such great relationships with our clients. That’s the best part of the job — the people we get to meet.”
Aaron Jay and Elmer H. launched Jayh (pronounced JH) Construction in 2009, deriving the name by combining their middle initials. The brothers, who grew up on a small, rural farm, worked in the RV industry for a number of years. But during the recession in
2007 and 2008, they did some construction work on the side to make extra money. They had such a passion for building that they decided to dive into it full time in 2009 and start their own company.
Aaron handles all office responsibilities, takes customer calls, provides the quotes, and estimates and supplies the material lists and orders. Elmer, the project manager, meets with the customers to learn their needs, takes
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Jessica Whitehead
measurements, and follows up to review plans and create a schedule.
“What sets us apart from some of the smaller construction companies is that we have someone working in the office as well as project managers serving our customers,” Aaron says. “It’s not one guy trying to wear the hat of managing everything.”
They employ 18 people full time, have a couple of part-time employees, and a full set of subcontractors, giving them a great deal of combined experience from seasoned, competent professionals.
“We have good employees and subs that are not standing around and joking but rather working hard because they are dedicated to their job and care about what
P.J. Gilsinger & Co. A Place
to Visit!
P.J. Gilsinger family museum will explain the history of the oldest John Deere Dealer in the world at it’s original store location. Since 1899 The Gilsinger family has served farmers in our area.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE ADMISSION
• Farm Equipment
• Local School Memorabilia
• WWII Artifacts
• Early Household and Farming Tools
• Several Unusual Exhibits
Museum Hours:
they are doing,” Aaron says.
Since they began, their goal has always been delivering quality construction at a fair and reasonable price for homeowners. In addition, they strive to get things done on time while maintaining constant communication with the homeowner throughout the process. This is important from the start, as the cost of building can be
5641 S. Main St. Winamac, Indiana May-October Friday & Sunday 1:00pm - 6:00pm November-April by Appointment Only
Contact Brenda Gilsinger for Inquiries or Appointments (574)595-7851
startling to some who haven’t built in a while.
“The cost of things has increased astronomically over the last decade,” Aaron says. “That’s been a challenge — educating homeowners on the cost of things compared to 10 years ago because their expectations of price are so different.”
While Jayh Construction started out doing all sorts of jobs, including agricultural projects and pole barns, in the last five years, they have transitioned to focusing primarily on residential jobs. They do new homes, major renovations, remodels, and room additions. They also do a lot of decking and railing work and have completed several gorgeous lake homes in the last several years. Serving Warsaw, Syracuse, North Webster, Nappanee, Pierceton, South Bend, Elkhart, Plymouth, Goshen, Rochester and Culver, they put on roofs, siding, decks and install exterior windows and doors.
The brothers thoroughly enjoy working as
Exquisite ELEGANCE
general contractors and proving to people that building can be a fun, enjoyable process rather than an aggravating, difficult one.
“A lot of people are of the opinion that construction is absolutely frustrating,” Aaron says. “I enjoy alleviating some of that frustration and coaching homeowners along so it doesn’t have to be a negative experience. We are not a perfect company, but the goal is to always improve and be the best we can be.”
The Millers, who build all sizes — from 1,300-square-foot homes to 6,000-squarefoot homes — are open to whatever projects a client envisions. If they have an idea for something they would like to try, Aaron says his team is game to do it.
“I don’t think there is anything residential that we aren’t willing to tackle or take on,” Aaron says, who notes that they have undertaken some major remodels that many contractors might have instead suggested leveling and starting over. By the same token, if a
homeowner requests something that doesn’t make sense monetarily or pragmatically, the Millers will try to keep them from doing it.
Not surprisingly, they get a lot of repeat customers and referrals due to their integrity, expertise and strong work ethic.
Through the years, the brothers have seen changing design trends and fads such as the desire for a room to become multiuse (e.g., making a room a home office or in-law suite). Another thing people ask for is a master suite that’s separated — not necessarily in another building but off to the side of everything else to provide increased privacy. It’s also not unusual for a homeowner to request two separate master suites — one downstairs and one upstairs — particularly at a lake home. And of course, the desire for spacious outdoor living space is a constant.
This award-winning company, based in Etna Green, offers workmanship that will meet or exceed current standards set forth in the
Indiana Quality Assurance Builder Standards. A company warranty plus a manufacturer’s warranty comes with all completed projects.
The brothers’ short-term goal is to continue providing the best service possible to their clients. Their long-term goal is to eventually pass the baton onto their sons. Aaron has three sons in their 20s and Elmer has a teenage son. While they all currently work in some capacity in the business, one day they will take the reins.
“We all look forward to continuing to serve our customers and connect with our communities,” says Aaron. “To God be the glory.”
The passion lives on.
Jayh Construction is located at 7717 N. 800 W., Etna Green, IN 46524. For more information, call 574-453-7938 or visit jayhconstruction.com.
A TEAM EFFORT
Writer / Kelsey Musick
By day, John Bontrager, 32, assembles RVs on a factory floor. By night, he handcrafts canoes, just like his father before him.
“My dad built his first canoe when he was a kid—nineteen, I think,” Bontrager said.
“He used that same canoe up until 2010 when he built another one. After 2010, he started building one every year.”
Like his father, Bontrager is dedicated to building canoes whenever he has the free
time to do it.
“It was a hobby for him,” Bontrager said. “He would work on them when he had the time. He couldn’t just sit inside the house or hold still; he always had to be doing
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something. He always loved canoeing and anything to do with the water. I believe, at one point, he saw a canoe, and from there he just decided to try making one.”
Before marrying, Bontrager helped his dad build canoes and manage the family pet kennel. However, Bontrager admits that the pet kennel “just wasn’t [his] thing.”
Bontrager grew up in Shipshewana, Indiana, with his three brothers and four sisters. Today, he lives on the same property with his wife of 12 years and their five kids.
“My dad kept all the canoes he’s ever built, so we technically don’t need any more,” Bontrager said. “We use them about once a year when we go to our local river. Sometimes, we’ll even use them on the lake near our home.”
Bontrager began selling canoes in 2021 after discovering one of his father’s
unfinished projects.
“My dad had started [building a canoe], but didn’t finish it. So, I decided to finish it,” Bontrager said. “I liked it. So, I built another one after that—and that’s really where the passion for it began for me.”
Bontrager’s main reason for selling his canoes is that his workshop has become too full lately, housing both his and his father’s canoes.
“I want to build more [canoes], but I have to get rid of some to be able to do that,” Bontrager said. “So, I decided to see if I could sell some. It’s more the fact that I have extra canoes, and not really that it’s a full-blown business.”
To craft a canoe, Bontrager starts with a plank of wood, which he then cuts into strips. From there, he glues the strips together on a jig—a wooden framework that provides a stable and precise
foundation for shaping and assembling the canoe’s hull.
“The canoes are built upside down,” Bontrager said. “After getting all the strips glued on, I sand it down so that everything is smooth. Then, it gets coated with clearcoat fiberglass. That’s what seals the canoe and gives it its strength.”
One of Bontrager’s favorite parts about building canoes is the different types of designs he gets to implement.
“The designs we put in are different kinds of wood,” Bontrager said. “Each wood has its own unique color. One time, I used a diamond mahogany inlay, and I loved it. I really like to try different designs and see what I can come up with.”
Bontrager first learned about inlays from his father.
“[My father] built plain canoes in the
beginning, but eventually he started to put in inlays and designs because he didn’t want all of them to be the same,” Bontrager said. “That way, they all have their own unique differences.”
When it comes to building and selling canoes, Bontrager said there is nothing that satisfies him more than seeing someone’s expression of excitement when they come to pick up their canoe.
For now, building and selling canoes remains a hobby for Bontrager. But, in the future, he’s hopeful that his hobby can turn into something more.
“My dad still helps me [with the business] a little bit,” Bontrager said. “Hopefully, at some point, my boys will be old enough to help me more with it all. And hopefully one day I can sell enough canoes for my dad to stay home and not have to work, since he’s getting older. It would be nice for him to be able to stay home and only
work if he wants to.”
If you’re interested in buying one of Bontrager’s already-made canoes or
commissioning a customizable canoe, reach out to Lakeside Canoes at 260-350-0481.
Barndominium
CRAFTING TIMELESS STRUCTURES
MICHIANA BACKYARD BUILDERS CONTINUES A LEGACY OF CUSTOM PAVILIONS, PERGOLAS AND DECKS
Writer / Renée Larr
For Isaac Miller, owner of Michiana Backyard Builders, the creation of durable, handcrafted outdoor structures is more than just a job—it’s a legacy. The company specializes in custom timber frame pavilions, pergolas, and decks that blend timeless craftsmanship with lasting beauty. Using mortise and tenon joinery, a traditional woodworking technique dating back centuries, Miller and his team construct backyard structures that are not only visually stunning but
also built to last, ensuring the security and confidence of their clients.
“I bought the business in 2023 from my brother-in-law’s dad, who started it back in 1995,” Miller says. “We’ve carried on the tradition of using solid cedar timbers and the same mortise and tenon methods that made these structures so reliable to begin with.”
That commitment to traditional building methods sets Michiana
Backyard Builders apart. Mortise and tenon joinery involves interlocking wood components and fastening them with wooden pegs, resulting in a strong and long-lasting bond that relies on natural materials rather than metal hardware. Though this process is more labor-intensive, Miller says it’s worth the investment. “It’s definitely a better, longer-lasting way of doing it,” he says. “It makes for a much more solid structure.”
The company also offers alternatives for clients seeking more budgetconscious options, such as pavilion kits assembled with Simpson brackets. “Some people are surprised by the cost,” Miller says. “We use solid cedar timber, which is a premium material, and that, combined with the mortise and tenon work, can push the price up. But those who want quality, lasting craftsmanship understand the value.”
Although Michiana Backyard Builders once served a wider variety of commercial clients, including churches, zoos, and park departments, the business now focuses primarily on custom residential work. “We used to do more commercial jobs,” Miller says. “But now we’re more in the retail side, working directly with homeowners. We also partner with some local contractors, cutting out custom pavilion kits for them to install.”
Despite the shift in clientele, Michiana Backyard Builders remains
unwavering in the quality and character of their work. Each project begins with a conversation, a testament to the company’s adaptability. “Most customers come in with a good idea of what they want because they’ve seen what we specialize in,” Miller says. “Others are looking for inspiration, and we help design something unique for them. Once we have the design, I get them a price and we go from there.” This adaptability reassures potential clients that their unique needs will be met.
While decks and pergolas are popular, pavilions make up the largest share of the company’s current projects. Gazebos, once a staple of backyard design, have all but fallen out of fashion. “Gazebos just aren’t in demand anymore,” Miller says. “Even our dealers have stopped carrying them. Everyone’s switching to pavilions and pergolas.”
Summer is the company’s busiest season, with crews working steadily through the fall and even into the winter months, weather permitting. “We slow down a little in the winter, but we’re usually in production most of the year,” Miller says. “We just took a short break over the Fourth of July, but otherwise we’re going strong.”
Despite changing trends, Miller remains steadfast in the company’s core values of quality and integrity, which have built its reputation over the past three decades. “We’re not doing the full outdoor living spaces—just the structures themselves,” he says. “We take care of the pavilion or pergola and the concrete base it sits on. We leave the
hardscaping and patios to others.” This commitment to quality and integrity reassures potential clients that they are in good hands. With craftsmanship at its core and a growing number of satisfied homeowners throughout the region, Michiana Backyard Builders continues to carve its legacy into the Midwest landscape—one solid beam at a time. This dedication to the craft not only ensures the highest quality but also inspires and excites potential clients about the possibilities for their outdoor spaces. Their structures are not just enhancements—they are centerpieces built to stand the test of time. Michiana Backyard Builders ensures that creating your dream backyard is more accessible than ever.
For more information, visit michianabackyardbuilders.com.
AUGUST CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Solutions
ACROSS
1. Gulf war missile
5. Like an enthusiastic fan 9. Boxing maneuver
Cut down to size 13. Antler’s point
Flamenco shout
Divorce alternative
Outfield surface
Business orgs.
Smooths
Fizzle, with “out”
House adjunct
26. Poetic paean
27. Card game start
Small amounts
Grazing ground
Gratifies
Break
Nothing but
Doctor’s directive
Age of Aquarius, for one
Needs treatment
European viper
Extinguishes
Kind of flour
Half and half
50. Highflying industry
Dawn discovery
During
Australian export
Mouse catcher
Die
Duration of office
Aromatherapy site
Is up to the task
Coffee holder
4. Two-spots
5. Bill producers
6. C’est la ___ 7. Hostel
8. Block or dissuade
9. Incense stick
10. Soothing plant
11. Flower plots
16. Christmas song leapers 20. Elaborate
21. Equestrian contest 22. Heaven on earth
23. Pond swimmer
24. “Bullitt” director
Pub pints 28. British noble
Became mellow
Plain 32. Practice in the ring 35. Doesn’t go
Bark
42. Biblical patriarch
Stop 45. Extinction exemplar 46. Again, in different form 47. Whimper 48. Was a passenger
Flightless bird
Barbecue offering
Make like
Game show giveaway
Glade shade
TO SHARPEN OR NOT TO SHARPEN THE DOWNLOAD ON KNIFE SHARPENING
Writer / Phyllis Wille
It may seem like a silly question, but more people get cut with dull knives than with sharp ones. Good knives need to be sharpened only once a year, but they should be honed almost every time you use them. Honing involves using the steel that comes with your set to keep the edge straight. When you hit a bone, sometimes the knife will bend slightly, and that bend needs to be straightened to prevent problems later on.
Our annual knife sharpening event is coming up Aug. 16, and it’s a good time to ask questions about sharpening and honing. The brands we carry are sharpened
for free; other brands cost $3 each, and all proceeds are donated to charity. This year’s beneficiary is Operation Quiet Comfort, a veterans program. No appointment is necessary. Factory representatives sharpen knives on-site that day only, once a year at our store.
In the past, we carried just one knife brand — Wüsthof — which made demonstrations and sharpening easier than with the many brands we stock today. We’ve added several Japanese brands to accommodate changes in cooking and cutting styles. We’ve been educated on these brands and techniques.
Our inventory includes Wüsthof, Zwilling, Miyabi, Shun, Kikuichi and Cangshan — all excellent brands ready for you to test.
We also carry a variety of knife sharpening tools, including electric sharpeners, handheld devices and whetstones. Each requires a different technique, some more advanced than others.
When purchasing a knife, consider these questions: Do you prepare mostly vegetables or debone meat? Do you filet fish? How does the knife feel in your hand — is it too heavy? Do you use a pinch grip,
2024 knife sharpening event at New Kitchen Store
or would you benefit from a bolster to prevent
If you ask a mechanic whether they need all their tools to make a repair, the answer is almost always yes. But in the kitchen, most cooks and chefs say just an 8-inch chef’s knife will do. That may be true, but cutting salmon is easier with a thin knife, and filleting fish is smoother with the correct blade. Then there’s peeling, slicing bread and more. You need only the tools that make your life easier without compromising the end result.
Not everyone needs a drawer full of knives, but if you bake bread daily, consider a double-serrated bread knife. If you peel large items like zucchini, an oversized peeler may be your solution. Come in and let us show you the choices selected just for you.
Another fun knife project is creating decorative flowers and animals from fruits and vegetables. We’ve seen some impressive
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Jessica showing off her skills at the Knife Sharpening Event
creations at our knife event — apple swans, radish mice and more. For less experienced chefs, we offer cookie cutters in unique shapes like hearts, stars and maple leaves. Feel free to share your pictures with us when you visit the store.
Some companies now offer a Jr. Chef series designed for young chefs in training. We hope you can attend the knife sharpening event, but we’re always happy to show you the many brands we carry and help determine what fits your needs.
We’ll also have a signup sheet for a knife skills class scheduled for September. We can arrange a private session for you and your friends to ask questions and explore the world of knives. It’s a great opportunity for neighbors to say hi.
The knife event will be held Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1100 Roosevelt Road, Walkerton, IN 46574. For more information, call 574-586-2745.
A BRIDGE NOT TOO FAR
THE REMARKABLE COVERED BRIDGE HERITAGE OF NEARBY PARKE COUNTY
Writer / Jeff Kenney
Not far down the road from Lakes Country is another of Indiana’s historic distinctions—possibly at an international level—whose history is intertwined with the life and work of J.J. Daniels, who died 109 years ago this month, on Aug. 1, 1916.
Daniels, one of Indiana’s most prolific bridge builders, was instrumental in the prevalence of covered bridges in Parke County, which lays claim to the title of “Covered Bridge Capital of the World.” That recognition led to what became Indiana’s largest festival, starting in 1957: the Covered Bridge Festival, held over 10 days each October (this year from Oct. 10 to 19) across 10 towns hosting official celebrations, each highlighting special foods or attractions.
So what’s special about covered bridges? Or perhaps first: what are they? Wikipedia defines a covered bridge as “a timber-truss bridge with a roof, decking, and siding, which in most covered bridges creates an almost complete enclosure.”
The covering was necessary because the bridges were made of wood, which was vulnerable to the elements—especially sun and rain—limiting their lifespan to about 20 years. Covered bridges, however, could easily last 100 years or more. The U.S. built approximately 14,000 of them, mostly between 1825 and 1875. The first documented covered bridge in the U.S. was the Permanent Bridge, completed in 1805 over the Schuylkill River
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Barbara Hardesty noted in a 1977 article in The Indianapolis Star that the older generation in Indiana remembered the bridges as “courting bridges—kissing bridges.” When a young man took his date on a Sunday buggy ride, the first place they
were out of sight of prying eyes was inside a covered bridge.
But by the mid-1800s, new materials—wrought iron, cast iron and later steel—were more reliable. Covered bridges began to disappear, especially in high-traffic areas. They generally only accommodated one lane and couldn’t handle the weight or
height of modern vehicles.
Enter J.J. Daniels and Parke County. The area’s many streams and rivers made it ripe for bridge-building, and its ample timber provided the materials. At one point, Parke County had at least
53 covered bridges; today, 31 remain.
Daniels built around 50 bridges in western Indiana, though not all in Parke County. Born in 1826 in Marietta, Ohio, to a bridge-building father, he started carpentry and bridge-building
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as a teen and executed his first bridge contract at age 19 in 1845. Five years later, he built a bridge for the town of Rising Sun, Indiana, then returned to Ohio and married Clarissa J. Blessing in 1851.
In 1853, Daniels built a massive wooden railroad bridge over the White River for the Evansville and Crawfordsville Railroad. Designed to carry 20-ton locomotives, the bridge was so successful the company offered him a superintendent job. He resigned shortly after to build two more bridges for the
southern Parke County.
In 1861—the same year he moved permanently to Rockville in Parke County—Daniels built the Jackson Bridge over Sugar Creek. The 207-foot, single-span bridge with double trusses was his crowning achievement and the only one to feature a cornerstone.
Many of Daniels’ bridges were multi-span and lengthy, including the four-span, 458-foot bridge at Medora in Jackson County. He was innovative, using iron tie rods with cast iron seats for bracing, minimizing carpentry at the top chord bracing.
One story from Hardesty’s article recounts the 1880 flood. Two Rockville men were operating a locomotive through nearsubmerged tracks between Big and Little Raccoon creeks. They received an order: “Do not cross Big Raccoon bridge without examination.” When they saw the bridge, the engineer opened the throttle. “Don’t you intend to stop?” asked the fireman. “No,” the engineer said. “Daniels built that bridge. It’s safer than this roadbed!”
Daniels maintained a work yard in Rockville to cut much of his timber. He built his last covered bridge—the Neet Bridge—in 1904 at age 78. He died in 1916 at 90. Many of his bridges are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Daniels wasn’t the
only notable bridge builder in Parke County. Henry Wolf designed the Ramp Creek Bridge, the only double-lane and oldest covered bridge in Indiana. Parke County native J.A. Britton built more than a dozen bridges that still stand.
As early as 1947, preservation interest emerged when the American Covered Bridge Historical Society held its first annual convention with a tour of 62 bridges. By the 1950s, Parke County officials began preservation efforts, recognizing the bridges as cultural heritage.
Today, the website coveredbridgesguide.com serves as a “userfriendly guidebook” to Parke County’s bridges, calling them “living testimonies to the ingenuity and skills of the 19th and early 20th century American craftsmen who built them.”
“Let’s journey together from bridge to bridge, past the farm fields, woodlands, hills, valleys, streams and waterways,” the site says, urging visitors to “pause along the way to meet the many wonderful people who live here, as you are truly in the heartland of America.”
Jeff Kenney is the museum and archives manager for Culver Academies and serves on the board of the Culver Historical Society. He is a frequent speaker and writer on topics of local and regional history.
TRAVEL THAT CONNECTS
DASH GETAWAYS CRAFTS EXPERIENCES BEYOND THE DESTINATION
Writer / Darcie Dodds Schott
When you think of packing your bags and heading out of town, where does your imagination take you? Magnificent Mount Rushmore? Historic Civil War reenactments? Ancient pyramids of Egypt? Every one of these destinations is on the upcoming adventure schedule for Dash Getaways Travel in Plymouth.
Owned and run by longtime businesswoman Lana Ball, the concept behind her business is to offer experiences that transport travelers while also bringing them together through travel to meet and connect with other people.
Ball’s drive for entrepreneurship and running her own business is born out of more than 20 years of working for her own family’s business, Ball Auction & Realty, based in Bourbon and serving communities since 1969. Among other recognitions, patriarch of the family business Daryl Ball received the Half Century Award in 2021, presented by Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Rep. Jack Jordan to honor Ball Auction & Realty for more than 50 years of longevity and contributions to the community.
This impressive work ethic became the foundation of Dash Getaways Travel. Ball had always dreamed of running her own business like her father, so after earning a degree from Purdue University in retail management, she drew on her formal education and years of personal travel experience to launch Dash Getaways Travel Tours & Gift Shoppe.
In her new venture, Ball cultivated her creative side into the Gift Shoppe products such as custom florals and home accents carried on her website, and she combined her deep commitment to being a customerservice-driven business that she learned from her father with her love of exploration and introducing others to new locations and experiences.
Ball believes strongly in the personal growth that travel can develop, and she set out to procure travel packages that go beyond the expected to the truly memorable. Much of her travel tours involve journeying on motorcoach buses to locations throughout
the U.S., which serves as a way for people to connect with others. “Whether folks are traveling together or on their own, there is a tendency to form a bond with others. As humans, we are designed to be together.” Taking the adventure beyond mere mileage to a memory-filled destination is what drives Ball’s inventive approach to her travel packages. In early 2026, Dash Getaways will lead a journey to overnight stays in both Louisville, Kentucky, and the historic Civil War town of Bardstown, Kentucky, with ghost walks in places that have been ranked in the United States and the world as the most haunted.
In Louisville, the stops will include a notorious sanitorium that took in tuberculosis patients. Timing of the tour? Midnight to 6 a.m., of course, when all things haunted seem to come alive. In Bardstown, travelers will visit the fourthlargest Civil War museum and lodge at the historic Talbott Inn, adding their names to the guest book alongside notable figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Jesse James.
A Civil War re-enactment tops off this memorable journey back in time.
Some of Dash Getaways’ travel groups are smaller in number, such as the ghost walk trip to Kentucky and Michigan wine tours of Tabor Hill and Round Barn—to sample wines that have been served at the White House. Longer trips to Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, Vermont, Savannah, Pigeon Forge and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota accommodate travelers on
Aug 1, 2025 - American Girl Store & Luncheon and Zoo Day Out - Perfect for any girl or boy who loves dolls and animals! We’ll kick off the day with a reserved lunch at the American Girl Store Café. We will have time to shop the store’s newest outfits, accessories and interactive play spaces. Next, we’ll head to the beautiful Lincoln Park Zoo, where you’ll discover exotic animals from around the world. $145.00* per person. Includes roundtrip transportation, snacks & water to and from, lunch, zoo admission, and a full day of fun! Seats are limited. Book early to make the day extra special! August 2, 2025 - Get ready to thrift in style! Join us for a one-day treasure hunt through Chicago’s best vintage and resale shops—with a foodieapproved lunch stop along the way. Just $99* per person (meal not included). SOLD OUT - Sep. 7–13, 2025 - Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard Travel Via Motorcoach. 10 meals included. $1067* 7 Days/6Nights pp/Double Occupancy. #
Sept 21–27, 2025 - Beautiful Vermont Travel Via Motorcoach. 10 meals included. $1398* 7 Days/6Nights pp/Double Occupancy. # Oct 13–17, 2025 - Pigeon Forge and Smoky Mountains Show Trip Travel Via Motorcoach. 8 meals included. $899* 5 Days/4Nights pp/Double Occupancy. # Nov 2–8, 2025 - Savannah, Jekyll Island & Beaufort, SC Travel Via Motorcoach. 10 meals included. $1050* 7 Days/6Nights pp/Double Occupancy. # Dec 8–13, 2025 - Branson Show Extravaganza (Christmas Shows) Travel Via Motorcoach. 8 meals included. $978* 6 Days/5Nights pp/Double Occupancy. # 2026
Jan 1-10, 2026 - Legends of the Pharaohs: An Immersive Egyptian Odyssey 10 Days 9 Nights (Including a 5 Day 4 Night Nile Cruise) Exploring Ancient Egypt from Cairo down to Abu Simbel. Special Access to Sites Not Open to the Public. 22 Meals and all Gratuities Included. - Internal Airfare included. International Airfare not included. $4200* pp-Double Occupancy
January 24, 2026 - Phantom of the Opera – Chicago Getaway - Join us for a spectacular afternoon in Chicago with pre-purchased premium matinee seats to Phantom of the Opera at the stunning Cadillac Palace Theatre! A delicious lunch is included before the show, making this the perfect winter escape. Seats are very limited—book today to lock in the best ones! Any additional tickets may not be in our reserved section. This also makes a thoughtful Christmas 2025 gift for friends, family, or that special someone and a delicious charcuterie snack box to enjoy on the way home! $299 pp*
March 26-April 1, 2026 - Washington DC During Cherry Blossom Time (we will be securing a tour either through the White House or Capital Building) Travel via Motorcoach - 10 Meals included. $1097* pp 7 Days/6 Nights/Double Occupancy#
April 6-10 2026 - The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum - Travel via Motorcoach - 8 Meals included. $830* pp 5 Days/4 Nights/Double Occupancy#
June 8-12 2026 | Mackinac Island (During the famous Lilac Festival) Travel via Motorcoach - 8 Meals included. $875* pp 5 Days/4 Nights/Double Occupancy#
July 10-22 2026 | Nova Scotia, Acadia National Park & Prince Edward Island Travel via Motorcoach - 23 Meals included. $2499* pp 13 Days/12 Nights/Double Occupancy#
December 6–11, 2026 | Biltmore Estate & North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains - Step into a holiday wonderland as you explore the magnificent Biltmore Estate, beautifully adorned for the Christmas season. This unforgettable getaway includes festive sights, charming stops (Great getaway for unique Christmas Shopping), and warm Southern hospitality. Travel via Motorcoach - 8 Meals included. $998* pp 6 Days/5 Nights/Double Occupancy#
All tours will be hosted by Lana Ball, Founder of Dash Getaways. For Full Itineraries or more information please visit our website www.dashgetawaystravel.com or call or visit us at Dash Getaways Travel 849 Lincolnway E. Plymouth, IN 46563
*All Gratuities Included in Price. Motorcoach Leaves from Dash Getaways Travel. # - $75.00 Due Upon Signing with Final Payment Due approx. 2 months before trip. For single occupancy rates please visit our website or give us a call. dashgetawaystravel
comfortable motorcoaches carrying groups of up to 52 people.
Ball acknowledges that not everyone enjoys air travel, so traveling on a motorcoach is an inviting alternative. “We embrace the group of travelers who enjoy this type of trip, with a preplanned itinerary. Many of these travelers don’t use a computer, so this personal approach is key to our success.”
For travel enthusiasts seeking more adventure, Dash Getaways offers a highintensity trip to the pyramids of Egypt. Having traveled to this part of the world numerous times herself, Ball has developed local connections and been granted special permission for travelers. Discussions will cover topics such as the Valley of the Kings and a second pyramid, Khafre, that has been in the news lately. Ball’s knowledge of the pyramids is impressive, introducing travelers to the fact that the Sphinx was originally only a head, before extraction, and the overall concept of the “grandfather,
father and son” being the three major pyramids.
To accentuate the literal depth of the Egypt encounter, consider the following invitation Ball has posted on the Dash Getaways Facebook page:
“Would you crawl nearly 100 feet underground into the heart of the Great Pyramid? If the answer is yes, step one is to descend through a 344-foot tunnel as narrow as a small elevator at a steep angle. Step two involves crawling through a passageway on hands and knees, arriving at a rough, silent chamber carved directly into the bedrock nearly 100 feet below ground. It’s raw, unlit, completely surreal and not part of the standard tourist route. But here’s the best part—you can do it too.”
trip happening January 2026 with Dash Getaways Travel.
Exclusive access to this one-of-a-kind journey is part of the “Legends of the Pharaohs: An Immersive Egyptian Odyssey”
Ball does the company’s marketing herself, including videos, and strives to create travel packages that address the interests of travelers. Dash Getaways advertises using Facebook ads, local events such as the Plymouth Blueberry Festival, as well as on restaurant menus, attracting travelers from Shipshewana, Logansport and surrounding communities.
Ball welcomes many diverse client groups, including businesses, churches, schools and international travelers to explore the variety of travel experiences, including singleday to multi-day trips for both public and private, domestic and international groups.
“Working with Amish families has been one of the most rewarding and enriching aspects of my journey. Building lasting relationships within the Amish through travel planning and real estate has afforded me an understanding of their values, preferences and lifestyle, which has allowed me to thoughtfully craft itineraries that align with their unique needs,” confirms Ball.
Ball’s commitment to giving back to her community is a core driving force behind her business practices. She has been appointed by the mayor of Plymouth to serve on the Redevelopment Commission. She also sits on the boards of Habitat for Humanity and the Purdue Club of Marshall County. With a ribbon-cutting ceremony in early
2025 to celebrate the opening of Dash Getaways, bookings are filling up fast. In fact, the first trip to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota is nearly sold out. Ball conceptualizes about half of the travel itineraries herself and then completes the schedule with opportunities from successful travel package purveyor Diamond Tours in Florida.
Future Dash Getaways tours include Kentucky’s Red River Gorge for cave kayaking and hiking, “Phantom of the Opera” in Chicago, foodie tours, girls getaways and, Ball hopes, dog sledding.
Other plans include exploring collaborations with colleges to offer student internships in research for historic adventures. Ball is eager to attract younger travelers who will embrace travel to build community through adventure.
Ball encourages people of all ages to consider one of the opportunities at Dash
Getaways Travel. “Life is a continuous journey of growth, and travel is one of its greatest teachers. The more you explore, the more you learn—not just about the world, but about yourself.”
Dash Getaways Travel is located at 849 Lincolnway E, Plymouth, IN 46563. For information and details about Dash Getaway packages, visit dashgetawaystravel. com, email Lana Ball at contact@dashgetawaystravel.com or call (574) 800-9202.
NO PLACE LIKE OZ
LAGRANGE MUSEUM BRINGS WIZARD OF OZ MEMORIES TO LIFE
Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Jessica Whitehead
Many children from the 1960s recall the one evening a year when the 1939 MGM film “The Wizard of Oz” was broadcast on national TV.
It was a highly anticipated event. Everyone in the household would look forward to the evening, crowded in front of their 20inch television screen, and if you were lucky, you might even get to eat dinner on TV trays in the living room.
Like many, Katie Tuttle remembers her first encounter with the
classic, an experience that never left her.
“I first watched the film when I was two, and I fell in love with it. I wanted to put the VHS tape back in and watch it over and over. Ever since then, I’ve been on the hunt for collectibles. I remember at about eight years old, I started talking about opening a museum and gift shop full of “Wizard of Oz” memorabilia,” Tuttle said.
In 2020, she purchased a property on Detroit Street in LaGrange, and in August 2024, her dream officially became a reality with the
opening of the No Place Like Oz Museum and Gift Shop.
“I used to keep journals and notebooks with all of these plans. When we began looking for the property, I kept saying, ‘I’ll know it when I see it’ because I’ve been thinking about it for so long, it’s really what I’ve envisioned my whole life,” Tuttle said.
Today, visitors can stop by between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
Tuttle has found much of what one will find in the museum at various Oz festivals across the country. She said most of it comes from antiquing, garage sales, and even purchasing other collectors’ items.
“With the help of my family supporting me, I have well over 6,000 collectible pieces to view, and the gift shop is full of new items and vintage collectibles,” Tuttle said. “I don’t order very much online
because that’s part of the fun – the hunt for it and getting the story behind it.”
It’s a space Tuttle believes will speak to all ages and generations because while she enjoys the 1939 version, she embraces all of the different adaptations and stories.
“I think with new films like “Wicked”, it can spark a new discovery for the younger generations. They’re able to find their way to Oz too, so I can enjoy all of it,” Tuttle said. “We often have young adults and children stop by; grandparents come back and bring their grandchildren.”
With 6,000 unique collectible pieces, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but when pressed, Tuttle said a few stick out to her.
“Margaret Pellegrini is an original munchkin, and I have some of her personal clothing and shoes on display. I also have a children’s table and chair set from the 1940s. Very few of those survived because most of them were played on. I have a deck of 1939 playing cards from Britain when the movie was first released,” Tuttle said. “I’m really proud of the variety of pieces.”
Perhaps what visitors enjoy the most is simply the nostalgia that comes from walking through the rooms, looking at all the memorabilia, piece by piece.
“A lot of people talk about how they didn’t even realize so much memorabilia was made. There’s a lot of comments about that one time per year they got to watch “The Wizard of Oz”. A lot of people have special memories,” Tuttle said.
She’s still dreaming big and will soon
celebrate her one-year anniversary at the No Place Like Oz Museum and Gift Shop.
“Another long-term goal of mine is to start a ‘Wizard of Oz’ Festival here in LaGrange. There used to be one in Chesterton, Indiana, and we’d go every year, but it stopped a long time ago, and I think the closest one to us is about five hours away in Illinois,” Tuttle said. “It would be fun to offer something like that to the community and fans of the film.”
She’s also not done collecting. Most recently, she purchased a large collection from a previous collector.
“If I don’t have it, I add it to the museum, and if I do, it goes in the gift shop for someone else who wants to collect. There are new displays popping up all the time,” Tuttle said.
Follow the No Place Like Oz Museum and Gift Shop on Facebook for future events, sales, and holiday hours.
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FROM LOSS TO LEGACY
JOE’S HOPE SHINES ON IN ROCHESTER
Writer / Amy Beaucham
In a small town where word of mouth still carries weight and kindness spreads like wildflowers, a nonprofit called Joe’s Hope Foundation has quietly taken root and is now blossoming with purpose. What began as a small Fulton County Relay for Life team in 2011, formed after 16-year-old Joe Shidler was diagnosed with leukemia, has become a beacon for families navigating the unthinkable. Joe died in 2014 at the age of 19, but his spirit never left the community—and thanks to his older brother, Dustin, it’s still changing lives.
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“It was Joe’s hope that there would be a cure,” said Dustin Shidler, who now serves as president and marketing director of the foundation. “Even if it wasn’t in his time, maybe it would come in his nieces’ and nephews’ lifetimes.” The name, he explained, is quite literal. Joe’s Hope isn’t just about remembrance—it’s about continuing a fight Joe never stopped believing in.
When COVID shut down local Relay for Life events in 2020, Dustin and his family found
themselves at a crossroads. Attendance was dwindling, and volunteer numbers were too low to sustain momentum. But they weren’t ready to stop.
“We just weren’t done with our story,” Dustin said. With the help of longtime friend Jacki Johnson at Tidewater Executive Tax Service in Rochester, they took the leap and filed the paperwork to become a nonprofit.
“It was easy to get started—but hard to keep
going,” Dustin said. Like many grassroots groups, Joe’s Hope had heart in abundance but had to learn the rest along the way. “We leaned on advice from other nonprofit leaders, but the mission was clear from the beginning: we wanted to help families like ours.”
That mission, today, takes many forms. The foundation provides general fund checks— flexible financial assistance that recipients can use for bills, groceries, gas or anything else they need.
“A lot of the people we help don’t even know where to start,” Dustin said. “A diagnosis turns your world upside down. The last thing you should be worrying about is how you’re going to fill your gas tank to get to treatment.”
Joe’s Hope has also teamed up with other community angels, like Billie Jo Gradowski, whose organization named Bee The Reason Someone Smiles provides care packages for cancer patients filled with comforting items: soft blankets, coloring books, warm socks.
“She’s just amazing,” Dustin said. “She saw a need, just like we did, and decided to meet it.”
Stories of meaningful moments flow easily when Dustin talks about the work. One that stands out involves a woman with terminal cancer who turned down financial assistance, asking the foundation to use their resources
for someone else.
“We still wanted to do something,” Dustin said. “So we had a bouquet delivered to her from a local greenhouse. Her daughter later told us it meant the world. We couldn’t change her prognosis, but we could deliver a little joy.”
Joy is something Joe himself radiated, even during his illness. Dustin described his younger brother as a free spirit with an unconditional heart—someone who loved fishing, working in the garage with their dad, and gathering all sorts of odds and ends.
“We used to tease him about being a hoarder,” Dustin said with a laugh. “But he always said, ‘It’s not hoarding—it’s collecting!’”
Joe was also fiercely optimistic. He lived by the motto “NEGU”—Never Ever Give Up. That same motto guides the foundation that bears his name.
The foundation is entirely run by volunteers, with every member of the board personally connected to Joe. Dustin’s sister, Lacey Shidler, is treasurer and head of the resource department. His mother, Angie McNees, is the board’s vice president. Other family members including Dustin’s wife Amanda, his aunt Amy Gamble, dad Chad Shidler, and
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stepdad Keith McNees offer support and balance.
They all work full-time jobs and raise families—some fostering children—while also keeping the foundation afloat.
“It’s a juggling act,” Dustin said, “but it’s made possible by God and the people around us.”
That includes local businesses like Northern Traders, run by Sandra and Alan Bailey, who dedicate a portion of sales—and even hold special auctions—to benefit Joe’s Hope. Beacon Credit Union recently donated $1,000 and nominated the foundation for their Project Spotlight grant.
“The support from this small community is what makes it all work,” Dustin said. “Without it, we’d be nothing.”
Joe’s Hope doesn’t stop at individual support. What started as a one-time decision to pay off student lunch debt at local schools has turned
into an annual project. Thanks to help from former teacher Lisa Fellers, the foundation has paid off lunch debts in Rochester and nearby Caston schools.
“It’s just one more way we saw a need and said—we can do something about this,” Dustin said.
As the nonprofit nears its five-year anniversary, its goals are growing too.
Dustin dreams of creating a physical space downtown—a storefront that could serve as a hub for resources, group meetings, and even a resale area to raise funds and support local artisans. He’d also love to see a formal support group formed for caregivers—something his family has long recognized as a crucial but often overlooked need.
Asked what he’s most proud of, Dustin paused.
“It’s not one thing,” he said. “It’s the fact that we’re still here, helping more people every
year, and that we’ve never given up—because Joe wouldn’t have.” In their first year, they helped two families. Last year, they helped 13. This year, they’re already on track to surpass that.
Joe’s Hope Foundation may have started from heartbreak, but it now offers something extraordinary—hope with hands and feet.
“When we talk to families, we tell them, ‘We hear you. We know what you’re going through. We’ve been there too.’ And that makes all the difference.”
To learn more or to support the foundation, visit joeshopefoundation.org or email joeshopefoundation@gmail.com. You can also call 574-201-0134 or write to P.O. Box 182, Rochester, IN 46975.
From Trees to Treasures
BACK TO SCHOOL 3 INGREDIENT FRUIT ROLLS INGREDIENTS
• 3 cups strawberries frozen (thawed), or fresh
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 140 to 170 degrees F, or as low as your oven will go. Line a sheet-pan with parchment paper, and set aside.
2. Add strawberries, honey, and lemon juice to food processor or blender, and blend until smooth.
3. Pour fruit mixture onto the lined sheet-pan and spread out to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
4. Place in the oven for 4 to 6 hours (depending on your oven temp), until the middle is no longer tacky.
5. Cool completely, and then remove from the sheet-pan.
6. With kitchen scissors or a pizza cutter, trim off edges then cut into strips. For a fun twist use cookie cutters to make fun shapes!
• CONCRETE WATERPROOFING
• PERIMETER TILING
• ACRYLIC COATINGS
• ABOVE GRADE FOUNDATION FINISHING
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PIECING IT TOGETHER
QUILT GARDENS SHOWCASE ELKHART COUNTY’S ARTISTIC SPIRIT
Public art, creative displays, and appreciation for a community’s hometown and sense of place have taken on new meaning in recent years.
In response, the Elkhart Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) came up with a unique idea that has continued for more than two decades — and best of all, it’s free.
“Back in 2007, the Elkhart CVB found the original designs and talked to different businesses about displaying them. Today, there are 16 Quilt Gardens across Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Shipshewana, Nappanee, Bristol, and Wakarusa,” said Dorian Roepel, PR manager for Visit Shipshewana/LaGrange County CVB.
HOW IT WORKS
Think of the various quilt patterns and designs, including goosetrack, eight-point star, and sunbeam. Volunteers choose a pattern and plant more than one million plants in each garden to create a beautiful piece of art.
“You won’t see the same pattern in the same location year after year. Volunteers
Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
370 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana
Located on the grounds of the Farmstead Inn & Conference Center, the garden will feature a Goose Track pattern. Made up of 4,902 flowers featuring Cocktail Vodka Begonia, Super Olympia Rose Begonia, Aloha Blue Ageratum, and Super Olympia White Begonia
pick one pattern this year and then choose a new one for the next,” Roepel said. “All sorts of people tend to them. We have community partners and business leaders who care for them. The Shipshewana Garden Club was created by a dozen women simply to oversee the two quilt gardens here.”
The question then becomes: How is this massive feat conquered each year?
More than 200 people volunteer to plant, water, weed, and maintain the gardens, and it takes an estimated 2,000 hours to create the experience.
Roepel said annuals work best because they last through the season, with popular choices including begonias and petunias.
The quilt gardens vary in size. Most are around 900 square feet, but Das Dutchman Essenhaus and Dutch Country Market in Middlebury each measure more than 2,000
7870 W. 075 N., Shipshewana
Found outside of the Amish Cottage Shop, Weaver Furniture Sales, the 9 Patch garden includes 1,767 flowers featuring Super Olympia White Begonia and Easy Wave Red Velour Petunia.
square feet. Essenhaus’ garden is the largest at 3,142 square feet.
Of the 16 gardens in 2025, six have participated every year, and the map is updated each year with new gardens and others taking a break.
EXPLORING THE GARDENS
While the gardens can be viewed from the car, visitors suggest parking and exploring the area. Some gardens even have viewing posts for a bird’s-eye view.
It doesn’t take long to drive the quilt garden itinerary. Maps are available, and a GPS-enabled tool allows visitors to follow the trail from their phones.
In addition to their beauty, the CVB has intentionally positioned many quilt gardens in areas that visitors might otherwise have missed.
Four gardens are located at historical sites:
Ruthmere in Elkhart, Krider World’s Fair Gardens in Middlebury, and the Elkhart County Courthouse and Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen.
Others are strategically placed near small businesses, shopping, and art districts.
“There’s been a huge economic impact. A lot of locations are outside of the tourist hot spots, and people enjoy that because they can stop by and meet some of the people taking care of the gardens,” Roepel said. “It really brings the community aspect, and visitors enjoy seeing that.”
VISITORS FROM NEAR AND FAR
Visitors come from all over the state, the U.S., and even from abroad. Some are drawn by their appreciation of nature, while others are avid quilters eager to visit expert quilters in the area.
In addition to the gardens, don’t miss the
quilt murals created by local artist Jeff Stilloson.
“There are 14 of them at eight different locations, and they really harken back to the heritage and culture of this region. It’s another unique way for people to experience the area,” Roepel said.
The murals are displayed on wooden boards near the quilt gardens. Their shelf life is approximately 10 years, and they are removed at the end of each season to maintain their quality. Stilloson also replaces them as needed.
WHEN TO VISIT
The Quilt Gardens are available from May 30 through Sept. 15.
Roepel said the best thing about the quilt gardens is the collaboration between six towns and the draw that visitors feel to experience everything they have to offer.
“We want people to come out to see
and experience Elkhart and LaGrange County. It’s a slower pace of life. You can dine at a nice restaurant, reserve dinner in an Amish home, and take a journey while enjoying live music, history, and our quilt gardens,” Roepel said.
For an itinerary and more information, visit visitelkhartcounty.com/things-todo/attractions/quilt-gardens.
Quality Built Furniture & Cabinets
ORLA H. & ERMA YODER
65438 SR 13 • Millersburg, IN 46543
Ph: 574.642.9940 • Fax: 574-642-3602
• CABINETRY FOR LIFE
• CUSTOM KITCHEN & BATH CABINETS
• CUSTOM FURNITURE
• BEDROOM SETS
• SEWING CABINETS
• ROLLTOP DESKS
Elkhart County
1–2
ELKHART RIVERWALK GRAND PRIX
Enjoy racing, a concert, a car show, vendors, food and more at the best free event of the summer.
2
BBQ & BREW FESTIVAL
ELKHART COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, GOSHEN
Enjoy craft beer, amazing burger creations, live music, a kid’s area and more—all for a great cause.
9
HEALTHFEST 2025
WOODLAND CROSSING, 154 W. HIVELY AVE.
There will be vendor booths, recreational activities, free hot dogs and chips, and kids’ games and prizes.
23
PEDAL FOR A PURPOSE AT RIDE-A-BIKE
OX BOW PARK, ELKHART
Come ride a bike and make lasting memories alongside your neighbors with disabilities. This year will feature bike rides, walking paths, yard games, prizes, food trucks, live music and plenty of fun for all ages. Registration required.
CAST IRON COOKOUT & SWAP MEET
BONNEYVILLE MILL, BRISTOL
Swap recipes, sample dishes and learn cast-iron cooking tips from the experts. Registration required.
Kosciusko County 2, 9
CANOE TRIP
LAKE WAWASEE
Guided canoe tour down the upper watershed of Lake Wawasee. Each trip is different, but all start at 7 a.m. and finish around noon. Advanced registration is required at wacf.com under the education tab.
PONTOON CRUISE
LAKE WAWASEE
Relax and enjoy a cruise on a pontoon to learn and experience up close how WACF is improving water quality. Bring your questions!
23
HEIRLOOM TOMATO FESTIVAL
PIERCETON
Includes an agricultural art show, a 5K run/walk, an exhibit of more than 100 heirloom tomatoes, complimentary tasting, live music, kids’ area, craft and food vendors, and more.
Noble County
1–2
ONION DAYS FESTIVAL
WOLF LAKE
Events all weekend, including a car show, pizza-eating contest, garden tractor pulls, vendor booths, live concerts and more.
29–Sept. 1 LIGONIER
MARSHMALLOW FESTIVAL
Enjoy live music, roast marshmallows and a variety of activities. Food trucks and fireworks at dusk.
7
GOOD CLEAN DIRTY FUN
BROWN BARN, SOUTH BEND
Paint with mud, make mud pies, scoop in the pond for tadpoles, blow giant bubbles and more. Free program for all.
8–11
SLIDE THE HILL
GEORGE WILSON PARK, MISHAWAKA
This splashtastic event features four commercial-grade inflatable slip-nslides down the tubing hills. Pre-registration required.
23
MICHIANA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
SOUTH BEND
Fun and educational activities for the whole family, with exclusive exhibits, shows and vendors.
Shipshewana / LaGrange County 1
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AUCTION
SHIPSHEWANA MISCELLANEOUS & AUCTION BARN
Auction of handmade furniture, quilts, antiques, an Amish buggy and more. Enjoy a haystack supper, bake sale and homemade ice cream.
7–9
NE INDIANA STEAM & GAS SHOW
LAGRANGE
Large event with antique tractors, trucks, steam engines, toy show, parade, tractor pull and more. Great family fun.
16
SHIPSHEWANA CARD FEST
THE MEC
National dealers with top modern and vintage sports cards. Concessions available. Sneak peek on Friday night.
30
WOLCOTTVILLE MILL FESTIVAL
WOLCOTTVILLE
All-day community event with food and merchant vendors and fun for everyone.
