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PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK
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TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011
FAMILY, FLOWERS & FARM FUN FLOURISH AT PLYMOUTH’S LANE OF BLOOMS
BLOOMING BONDS
Writer / Darcie Dodds Schott
Photographer / Tony Straw
When you hear the term “family business,” no operation fits the description better than Lane of Blooms in Plymouth. Leading the charge of this thriving outdoor experience is owner Meghan Schmucker, alongside her husband, Earl, and their four children, who all play a role in the success of this unique and charming farm.
Lane of Blooms stretches across more than two acres of flowering fields, is home to more than a dozen animals wandering the grounds like a mini 4-H fair, and hosts a quaint craft show each Saturday.
“Our farm is every girl’s dream, and we’ve been blessed with the property and the sheer willpower to manage the beautiful farm,” Schmucker says.
With more than 400 dahlias blooming now as just one example of the expanse of the farm, Schmucker relies on her husband and children to help ensure that every customer has a memorable experience. She acknowledges the valuable life lessons her kids are learning through helping to run the family business.
Twelve-year-old son Colt plays a critical role in managing the horse and pony rides and does the Facebook Live posts for the business — the sole source of advertising. Colt and 9-year-old daughter Gentry take turns doing chores around the farm, and Gentry draws on her keen knowledge of flowers to create artistic arrangements for customers.
Five-year-old daughter Macklyn is a veritable “welcome wagon,” greeting visitors with a friendly smile as they arrive. Even 3-yearold daughter DeLaney gets into the action, providing spirited company to her older siblings and parents amid the bustling work tasks, deliveries and weekend activities.
This season, customers might need a dictionary to learn about the variety of florals on the farm. Expect to see snapdragons, sunflowers, scabiosa scattered throughout the fields along with lisianthus, giant marigolds, zinnias, celosia, amaranth, yarrow and herbs — used as greenery or just for scent.
At Lane of Blooms, there are several ways to take flowers home. Customers can walk the fields and pick their own flowers, or point to the desired blooms and have a $5 mini bouquet or $20 “cup” bouquet made to carry home and place in a personal vase. Additional options include a $40 tin that holds 75–80 stems and a $100 bucket that holds enough stems to make what would equate to fifteen $20 arrangements.
These flowering fields come at the price of months of hard work. Schmucker pokes fun at herself, admitting that people refer to her as the “crazy flower lady” who plants in January through snow and sleet, tills and plants in June, and weeds and waters “24/6 because Sundays are God’s day in our house.” Lane of Blooms holds a place in Schmucker’s heart that she describes as “like another baby,” inspiring her to pour her heart, soul, sweat and tears into the operation, clocking over 90 hours of work each week — all so that customers come to the farm and feel like family, and as a result, share in the family’s
sense of accomplishment and triumph. The menu of activities at Lane of Blooms includes an up-close encounter with a tortoise, sheep, goats, rabbits, pigs, joining a carriage ride, or taking a turn at the bounce house, horse or pony rides.
savory and sweet treats such as tacos, wraps, pies and cheesecake.
Adding to the one-of-a-kind summertime memories at Lane of Blooms is the mouth-watering food provided by Tasteful Traditions — owned by, of course, extended family — Schmucker’s Amish sister-in-law, who travels from Shipshewana with her
Opening day is July 12, which begins busy weekends at Lane of Blooms with customers clamoring for the season’s best blooms and spending the day playing with animals, visiting the bounce house and strolling the mini craft show for creations from different local vendors throughout the season. The u-pick flowers might be the main
attraction that brings customers in, but it’s the animals, rides and activities that bring squeals and giggles.
“One of my favorite things is when a customer sends me a message saying how excited they are to come back again,” Schmucker admits.
Throughout the summer and into the non-growing season, Lane of Blooms hosts community events such as the recent Mother’s Day Brunch & Bouquet Bar. On summer evenings, there is sunset picking to music. And during the holidays, come to the farm for a cozy carriage ride with hot cocoa. Find more information about Lane of Blooms events on their Facebook page.
In addition to the Lane of Bloomshosted events is a thriving wedding schedule, providing florals for 12 celebrations over the past year and another three already booked for 2026. For the past three years, throughout the summer, there have been home and business floral deliveries to surrounding communities. Should your group or company have an upcoming special event that includes centerpieces or other floral needs, consider supporting the family business of Lane of Blooms with an order.
Lane of Blooms has something for everyone, so plan a visit to pick a beautiful bouquet yourself, enjoy the family-friendly activities and, of course, say hello to the many animal friends wandering the farm.
Lane of Blooms is located at 9227 Union Road in Plymouth. Beginning July 12, business hours are Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. For questions or more information, call Meghan Schmucker at 574-341-3077.
Here When You Need Us
HOURS & LOCATION
Here When You Need Us
New Location
HOURS & LOCATION
Effective 9-7-2021! 115 E. 7th Street
Here When You Need Us
New Location
Effective 9-7-2021! 115 E. 7th Street
Rochester, IN 46975 evansagencyrochester.com
HOURS & LOCATION
New Location
Effective 9-7-2021!
Rochester, IN 46975 evansagencyrochester.com
Tel: 574-224-6988
115 E. 7th Street
Fax: 574-224-6925
Rochester, IN 46975 evansagencyrochester.com
Hours
Tel: 574-224-6988
Monday-Friday
Fax: 574-224-6925
Tel: 574-224-6988
Hours
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fax: 574-224-6925
Monday-Friday
Hours
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Monday-Friday
Saturday By Appointment Evenings By Appointment evansagencyllc.com
Saturday By Appointment Evenings By Appointment
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Saturday By Appointment Evenings By Appointment
HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE
CARING HANDS CLINIC OFFERS CARE BEYOND INSURANCE BOUNDARIES
Writer / Melissa Gibson
After years of working as a midwife and earning her nurse practitioner’s license, Jana Schenkel, N.P., made many connections in the healthcare industry. One thing was clear.
“Several of us wanted to have a clinic that allowed those with no insurance or those who didn’t want to use their insurance an
alternative or holistic healthcare practice, versus following their insurance plan,” Schenkel said.
Caring Hands Clinic opened in April 2024 and offers a variety of services in addition to primary care.
“In every way, we are a medical care office, but we also do massage, medical foot care, and we connect with other offices for alternative practices,” Schenkel said. “We do it all.”
Walk through the door and a number of services are at your fingertips — perhaps
Photographer / Jessica Whitehead
some that might come as a surprise.
“Our medical foot care is something some might not know we offer. You think pedicure, but this is more about getting the nails cut properly, working with ingrown nails, fungal issues and more,” Schenkel said. “We also do restorative medicine with infertility. We try to heal the body first and the pregnancy will follow.”
In addition, Caring Hands Clinic offers DOT physicals, youth athlete physicals, mental health services and obstetrics through Schenkel’s Happy Stork midwifery business.
It’s something more people are seeking: instead of treating one symptom, they want providers to look at the whole body and aim for long-term healing.
As a clinic not dictated by insurance companies, Schenkel said, the options are endless.
Medial Foot Care Services
Too often, she added, people avoid the doctor for fear of being admonished for declining a specific vaccine or medication.
Perhaps the individual’s belief system supports alternative healthcare, or they’re simply uncomfortable with certain practices.
That doesn’t mean the clinic staff are opposed to conventional medicine — just that they don’t require everyone to follow the same regiment.
“Patients want to be responsible for their own autonomy. I think it’s a form of medical harassment to say if you don’t do A, B and C, we won’t take care of you. You have the right to make the choice,” Schenkel said. “My job is to provide the opportunities, and it’s your right to say what you want and don’t want without feeling like you’re getting in trouble. Some people are so used to it, they don’t want to go to the doctor anymore.”
Even more unique — the staff at Caring Hands Clinic will come to you.
“If someone doesn’t want to come to the office, or if you have six children and two are sick, we’ll come to your house. I think it brings things back to the way family medicine was done a long time ago,” Schenkel said. “For us, it’s a natural extension of what we do, but it surprises people that we’ll come to you for all of our services.”
The clinic continues to grow.
This summer, they’ll begin offering CT scans and MRIs in the office — at significantly lower costs than what’s typical with insurance.
“A lot of times, when a provider recommends an MRI, insurance requires you to first do an X-ray, then a CAT scan and then, maybe, we’ll do the MRI. There’s no reason to go through so many other
services to get to the end result,” Schenkel said. “You might think an MRI costs several thousand dollars, but without insurance, we can offer it for a few hundred dollars. We don’t have the overhead, and it’s just the pure cost of the MRI itself. It provides faster and more efficient results.”
The clinic’s team of professionals, all with like-minded healthcare goals, bring their own specialties. One might concentrate on men’s health and emergency medicine, another on pediatrics and family practice, and yet another on elderly care or hard-to-
find specialties.
It’s a dream come true for Schenkel.
“God truly put me in the position of doing this. It was not done out of my own ability. I don’t know how everything keeps coming together, but I know it is by God’s own will and grace, and it was through Him this has become a reality,” Schenkel said.
For more information, visit caringhandsclinicin.com.
Lakeshore Concierge Services
Lakeshore Concierge Service has been pleased to supply Concierge services to all of Marshall, Starke, and Fulton counties in Indiana. Our mission is to connect the current service providers with prospective customers.
Our job is to make sure your time is more enjoyable and stress free. Let us help solve the issues you may be having in locating or hiring a contractor or service. There is no cost for this service until you hire us for the job. So, let us help with your project needs.
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BOURBON OUTDOORS
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.
“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
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625 Main Street in Rochester, Indiana
574-224-4759
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
Open: TuesdayFriday: 10-6 Saturday: 10-3
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 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
Your Journey to Overcoming Cancer Starts Here
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“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.
Kalid Adab, MD
Shannon Tingle, FNP-C
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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
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.
KEEPING TRADITION ALIVE
NEWBURY CARRIAGE KEEPS BUGGIES ROLLING IN SHIPSHEWANA
Writer / Ashley Watters Photographer / Kari Lipscomb
Nate and Sara Miller opened Newbury Carriage in 2016 with the goal of serving their community and providing high-quality buggies for families. It became apparent that keeping carriages on the road went far beyond simply selling new, custom versions. That’s why Newbury Carriage now offers a variety of services to help customers find the
right carriage option for their families.
Nate’s goal of working closer to home was made real with the launch of Newbury Carriage, and he envisioned a business where families could feel confident in the services and carriage options they were receiving. Today, he holds fast to those values and has worked to make Newbury Carriage the go-to maker and service provider for every buggy need.
“We ensure quality in every step of our build, making sure the buggy is protected from the elements. Not everything we have is the cheapest, but we want all our customers to have something that is high quality and that will last,” Nate said.
Initially, Newbury Carriage focused on selling new, custom-made buggies. These new options are tailored to the specifications required in different communities, complete with fiberglass
boxes, custom lighting, tailored door track systems and interior and exterior coatings to prevent rot and protect against various weather conditions. Each new buggy uses the highest-quality materials for a longlasting, sturdy transportation option, with careful attention paid to every detail and component.
This meticulous eye has even earned Newbury Carriage business from outside Indiana, with custom orders coming in from Kentucky, Wisconsin and even Ontario. New purchases generally operate on a six- to 12-week timeline from order to delivery.
Although building new, custom carriages remains a core focus, the Millers realized purchasing a brand-new buggy wasn’t a feasible option for every family. Sometimes, families need a new-to-them option or maintenance on their current buggy to help keep them on the road. To help accommodate all these various needs, Newbury Carriage began a trade-in program
and
Nate strives to make every purchase at Newbury Carriage a memorable and quality experience. That’s why all pre-owned buggies undergo an initial inspection before trade-in, along with a test drive to ensure all necessary repairs are made before reselling. Buyers can expect used carriages to adhere to the same high-quality standards Nate applies to every product and service.
“We really want to focus on customer service. It’s important that our customers leave happy, and we’re looking to build longterm relationships. That’s the ultimate goal,” Nate said.
The Millers also recognize that some families may be limited in their ability to service their buggy since they may own only a single carriage. To help accommodate those customers, Newbury Carriage began a loaner carriage service, with free access to the loaner buggy for the duration of service
so that families never have to go without transportation.
Additionally, they now offer pickup and onsite maintenance options where an employee will come directly to the site of any maintenance needs. Nate encourages customers to notify him of emergency needs that make it impossible to bring a carriage to the shop.
Nate also credits much of his success to the
shop’s expansion and their knowledgeable and steadfast employees. Most of the employees hired over the years are still with Newbury Carriage today.
“Most of our employees stay with us for the long term, so they’re experienced and have solid knowledge of how to help families with all their buggy needs,” Nate said.
Mostly, he retains a strong sense of appreciation for everyone who trusts
Newbury Carriage to make sure their buggies stay safe and sound.
“Our customers really are the lifeblood of our business. We wouldn’t be here without them, and we are so grateful to be able to serve our surrounding communities, both near and far.”
Located between Topeka and Shipshewana, you can contact Newbury Carriage at 260768-8055 for all your buggy needs.
MACHINING, WELDING AND SOLVING PROBLEMS
NCS GETS IT DONE
Writer / Amy Beaucham
Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
It started with an old Trans Am, a rented building and a belief that a welding shop could be something different — clean, bright and downright welcoming. That belief turned out to be right. Twentyfive years later, Mike Maddox is hard at work each day at the same location just past the town park in Winamac, Indiana. Only now, NCS Welding — an acronym for “Nice Clean Shop” — is known throughout the region as the place to go when steel and aluminum tanks, pontoons, RVs, metal components or even cast iron keepsakes have a break, bend, leak or need expert repair and modification.
After graduating from Winamac Community High School, Maddox worked several hands-on jobs, including truck driving, lumber yard work and mechanical contracting. A position at a local welding shop introduced him to the field he’d eventually make his own. Through experience, reading and a lot of trial and error, he began mastering the art of welding and machining.
With encouragement from family and funds raised by selling that treasured Trans Am — along with purchasing equipment from his friend Jim Patrick — Maddox took a leap and opened his own shop. He began by renting a building that had become available, and later his parents purchased the property, helping him secure a permanent base for what he officially launched in 2000 as NCS Welding.
Step into the shop today and you’ll find it as clean and orderly as the name suggests. The floors are painted, the walls are bright and the air is refreshingly clear. That attention to detail carries over into the work itself.
NCS Welding specializes in machining and aluminum welding — with a strong focus on aluminum and steel fuel tank repair. “I do a lot of diesel fuel tank repair for a lot of trucking companies,” Maddox said. Trucking clients from all over Indiana bring in damaged tanks for strap repairs, full wraps, leak checks and customization. He can shorten, lengthen or modify tanks and convert them to include hydraulic fluid fittings for wet kits.
Another core service is pontoon boat repair. “Especially in the springtime,” Maddox said. “People want to be out on the lake by Memorial Day.” Whether a customer scraped a hole on a pier or wore through the bottom from road travel, Maddox can patch it. “Sometimes the leak is obvious. Sometimes I have to pressurize the
tank and spray it down with soapy water to find the crack,” he said.
Among his more specialized services is drill-less broken bolt removal. Whether it’s an engine block or a manifold, Maddox can usually weld out a bolt — even if it’s flush — and leave the piece intact.
“What they thought was hopeless,” he said, “I can usually fix.” Other technical skills, such as TIG welding and shaft repair, round out a broad range of capabilities that keep customers returning.
Maddox handles most of the welding and repair work on his own
but occasionally receives assistance from his longtime friend Bryan Vancoutren, who helps with CNC programming and computerbased setups. “When people come here, they know I’m the one doing the welding work,” Maddox said. “There’s no one else to blame or credit.” That consistency and accountability keep people coming back. Most of his business comes through word-of-mouth and referrals from local factories and shops.
That reputation extends far beyond Pulaski County. Full-time RVer Bill Ziegler wrote, “I really hoped just to get my tow bracket straight enough to slide back in … It worked like new, straight as an arrow. Mike saved me about three times what he charged me.” Other reviewers describe his work as “meticulous,” “fast,” “excellent” and “reasonably priced.”
These days, machining makes up the bulk of Maddox’s work — making shafts, collars, plates and factory components with exacting precision. His shop houses numerous lathes, mills and a CNC machine. “I’ve got a lot of machines down here,” he said. “Most people ask, ‘Why so many?’ But I don’t like to change my setups. I can just move from one machine to the next.”
He also uses a welding positioner for automated welds that require perfect consistency. His TIG welding skills — especially on aluminum and stainless — are a standout. “It’s like holding a pencil in one hand and feeding wire with the other,” he explained. “TIG welding takes skill and coordination, but you can do some beautiful things with it.”
Maddox’s wife, Monica, has played an essential role in his success. A nurse by training, she has spent the past eight years homeschooling their son, Colton. “She really got me organized,” Maddox said. “She found unnecessary costs, got me set up on QuickBooks and made a huge difference.” Colton has even started showing interest in the shop. “He was a little hesitant at first — it’s loud in here — but now he likes to visit and see what I’m working on.”
While much of Maddox’s work is mechanical, some repairs are
deeply personal. “Sometimes someone brings me a cast iron piece that belonged to their grandmother,” he said. “It might be broken, rusted and they think it’s gone. But if I can fix it, it means a lot. That’s a good feeling.”
Maddox also supports the community in quiet, steady ways — donating to 4-H, helping with school projects and sponsoring youth sports teams. “I treat people the way I’d want to be treated,” he said. “That’s how I run my business.”
Whether he’s restoring a factory shaft or patching a pontoon, Maddox keeps the same mindset that launched NCS Welding — a commitment to clean work, high standards and solving problems. He often finds answers to needs that others view as impossible to solve. He’s not looking to expand or relocate. “I’m pretty established now,” Maddox said.
“I’ve built the shop the way I want it.” A few new tools may be in his future — but the foundation of NCS Welding is already solid. Just like the repairs Maddox makes, the shop he’s built is meant to last.
To learn more, visit NCS Welding 827 E. County Road 25 S., Winamac, IN 46996 or call the shop at (574) 946-7485.
CALL IT A WASH
REDISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF YOUR PROPERTY WITH EXCEL SOFT WASH
Writer / Amy Beaucham
With spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to refresh your property and restore its original shine. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, an exterior cleaning does more than enhance appearances; it protects the value and integrity of your property. That’s where Excel Soft Wash comes in.
Founded in 2023 by John Miller, Excel Soft Wash specializes in a revolutionary cleaning method that goes beyond traditional pressure washing. His soft-washing process uses 100% biodegradable solutions and low-pressure water to remove dirt, algae, mildew, oxidation, rust oil, grease and other contaminants, delivering results without damaging surfaces. Miller has tested a lot of different soaps and surfactants, techniques, and combinations of cleaning products, perfecting the methods he’s found to be most effective for restoring homes to their original beauty.
“In my busy schedule it became clear that I was struggling to keep my property up to standards,” he says. “That’s when I told myself there has to be a better way than pressure washing alone. I threw myself into a lot of research as well as trial and error to create the right soap solution. This has allowed me to kill fungi and remove them instead of just using water. This creates a much more significant cleaning as well as a longer-lasting result.”
Unlike pressure washing, which relies on high-pressure water that can damage delicate surfaces, soft washing can be a safer and more effective approach.
Owner John Miller
“When water is forced behind siding, it can lead to mold growth inside the walls,” Miller explains. “In many cases this creates not only structural damage, but also health risks, as mold can make people sick. Once mold becomes an issue, homeowners often face the added expense of installing mold ventilation systems to address the problem.”
Soft washing uses soaps and surfactants to kill fungus, stains, mildew, oxidation and more, to prevent it from coming back. The surfaces are rinsed off with low-pressure water. Miller emphasizes that water cleans but does not kill the fungus or remove oxidation, rust, oil or grease. He also shares that the north sides of properties never get optimal sun and are always more shaded, and that living in a wooded area or around water, or in corn or bean fields, can cause property owners to have more algae bacteria in the air than in other locations. “Killing the fungus will give your home a much longer shine and exterior cleaning,” he says.
He further explains that oxidation is what builds up on gutters and soffits over time, making them look dirty, faded and discolored. His surfactants can make gutters and soffits look new again if oxidation hasn’t been present for too long. Soft washing eliminates these risks by using environmentally friendly cleaning solutions to kill mold, algae and other contaminants at their roots - without forcing water into hidden areas.
Excel Soft Wash offers a wide array of services tailored to residential and commercial properties. Whether it’s your home’s roof, a business’s parking lot, or an RV that needs cleaning, Excel Soft Wash has you covered.
RESIDENTIAL CLEANING
Roof Cleaning: Black streaks caused by algae don’t just look bad; they can weaken your roof over time. “Algae roots grow deeper the longer they’re left untreated,” Miller explains. “Eventually the roots can cause moisture to seep under shingles, leading to rot and structural damage. Excel Soft Wash uses a biodegradable cleaning solution that penetrates shingles to kill algae at its roots. Even after a few months of sun and rain, your roof’s true color will shine through. Having green algae growing on your shingle roof may not seem like a big problem, but algae has roots just like flowers, plants, trees, shrubs and other growing vegetation. The roots grow down and every time it rains, the moisture goes to the roots. The longer you wait to treat the algae fungus, the more your roots are going to start growing underneath the shingles, causing more and more moisture to get underneath. This causes rotted plywood, possibly weakening your rafters.”
Gutters and Soffits: Over time, oxidation leaves gutters and soffits looking faded and dirty. With white gutters, this causes a gray, faded appearance. Excel Soft Wash removes the buildup of oxidation, restoring the gutters and soffits to their original brightness, giving your home a fresh appearance.
Siding, Patios and Fences: Wood, vinyl and other materials are thoroughly cleaned to remove grime, mildew and years of wear, enhancing the curb appeal of your property.
COMMERCIAL CLEANING
Concrete Cleaning: Driveways, sidewalks, shop floors and stamped concrete surfaces are restored to their original brilliance, with optional sealing available to protect them for years to come.
Oil and Grease Removal: From shop floors and restaurant oil dumpster pads to gas station pumps and parking lots, Excel Soft Wash removes tough oil stains with plant-safe solutions, ensuring a clean and safe environment.
Rust Removal: Hard water contains a high iron content, which often leads to rust stains on buildings, driveways, sidewalks, pool decks, landscaping stones and curbs. Excel Soft Wash uses a special solution that safely removes rust without harming nearby landscaping.
SPECIALTY SERVICES
RV Cleaning: After a summer of being around water and under the shade of trees, RVs often develop black stains on multiple surfaces. Excel Soft Wash cleans these surfaces, leaving your RV spotless and ready for your next adventure. “I clean a lot of RVs at campgrounds using a soap solution that gets that black stain out of your metal or fiberglass, rubber roof, and slide-outs,” Miller says.
Industrial and Municipal Cleaning: Looking ahead in 2025, Miller plans to continue expanding Excel Soft Wash. “We will be getting into more commercial washing such as city water towers, three-story buildings and more,” he says. “I am working very closely with town halls from different townships and also city water departments in different communities about some bigger cleanups next summer.” The washer Miller has currently can spray and reach 50 to 60 feet. As Excel Soft Wash grows, Miller is preparing to meet increasing demand by adding another truck and washer, which will enable him to spray to 80plus feet. “We use meters to control how heavy the soaps come out of the washer required for a job cleaning,” he says.
What sets Excel Soft Wash apart is Miller’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. Every project begins with a consultation to understand the client’s needs, and ends with a detailed walk-through to ensure complete satisfaction.
“Seeing my customers happy makes me happy,” John says. “We don’t just clean properties; we create lasting relationships with our clients.”
Miller’s commitment to growth and innovation also drives the company’s success. “Fear has killed more dreams than failure ever did,” he says. “A gentleman told me years ago, ‘If you’re worried about the cost of going after something in life, you should see the price of staying exactly where you are.’”
The company operates from mid-April to December, as long as temperatures stay above freezing. During the winter months of January, February and March, Miller heads to Florida to wash residential and commercial properties there.
Miller also uses an app that assists in giving quotes over the phone or online. “When customers call for a quote, I can use satellite technology to measure buildings, driveways and more to get the square footage, to provide my customers with a quick and very close estimate,” he says.
“Soft washing isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about ensuring your property lasts for years to come,” he adds.
To learn more about services or schedule a consultation, call 574-596-9240 or email johnmiller9240@gmail.com.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Koontz Lake/ Walkerton/ Grovertown
ALL times listed are Central Time.
Every Monday
Bingo, doors open at 5 p.m., early bird starts at 6 p.m., and regular games start at 6:30 p.m. at the Koontz Lake Association Community Building.
Every Thursday
New Kitchen Store Farmers Market, 4–6 p.m. Please visit our online store and don’t forget to like us on Facebook @ NewKitchenStore.
5
Koontz Lake Conservancy District Board Meeting at the Sewer District Building, 6 p.m. Join remotely by calling 240591-0378, code 385729#, or via web join.freeconferencecall.com/ klcdboardmeeting.
16
Knife Sharpening at the New Kitchen Store, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free for brands they carry, $3 donation for other brands.
21
KLA Board Meeting Third Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m. at the KLA Clubhouse. Meetings are open to the public. Koontz Lake Lions Club Meeting Third Thursday of the month, 6 p.m. at the Sewer District Building, 10625 E. Prairie Ave. Meetings are open to the public.
31
Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, 8 a.m.–noon, Koontz Lake Fire House
Bremen/Lake of the Woods
ALL times listed are Eastern.
2
LOWPOA Meeting at the BCC Building, 9 a.m.
9
BCC Day at the Lake at the BCC Building
16
BCC Meeting at the BCC Building, 9 a.m.
Knox/Bass Lake/Starke County
ALL times listed are Central Time.
Sept 6
Knox Fall Bash & Knox Alumni Reunion at Wythogan Park, 4 p.m.
Lake Maxinkuckee/ Culver/ Marshall County
ALL times listed are Eastern.
Every Saturday
Culver Farmers Market, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at the park.
Every Tuesday
Culver Farmers Market, 5–7 p.m. at the park.
Every Tuesday and Thursday –Yoga at the Beach Lodge, 8:30 a.m., all levels welcome. Chair yoga at 10 a.m.
2
Marshall County Humane Society Beach Pawty 10 a.m. – noon Culver Beach
Culver Youth League Family Movie Night
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Culver & Lake Maxinkuckee Visitor’s Center
9
Historical Society Fundraiser Concert 7:30 p.m.
Dave Bennett Quartet, Culver Legion Memorial Building, Heritage Room (this is a ticketed event)
