The Lakes West Magazine June 2025

Quilts of Valor

Healing Through Handmade Appreciation

DRIVE-IN DELIGHT MELODY DRIVE-IN THEATRE OPEN FOR THE SUMMER

RV Repair Experts Pierceton Peddler Saves the Camping Season

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MINT FESTIVAL FUN

North Judson Celebrates the 48th Annual Mint Festival

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DRIVE-IN DELIGHT

Melody Drive-In Theatre Open for the Summer

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TREE PLANTING TRIUMPH

MDS Forestry Plants Seeds for a Blooming Future

QUILTS OF VALOR

Healing Through Handmade Appreciation

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HOW INDIANA SAVED OUR FOOD

The Scientists Who Led the National Crusade Against Deadly Food Abuses

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MIDWEST DIVING EXPERTS Tri-State Scuba Diving Services

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PUBLISHERS JOHN & MANDI LEWANDOWSKI john@townepost.com mandi@townepost.com (574) 249-9217 KEY CONTRIBUTORS AMY BEAUCHAM JUBILEE EDGELL MELISSA GIBSON DANNY GRABER BAILEY GOLDSTEIN JEFF KENNEY DARCIE DODDS SCHOTT TONY STRAW PHYLLIS WILLE JESSICA WHITEHEAD

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makes North Judson special.”

MINT FESTIVAL FUN

NORTH JUDSON CELEBRATES THE 48TH ANNUAL MINT FESTIVAL Writer / Amy Beaucham

On a warm June afternoon, as you drive toward North Judson, you might roll down your windows and catch it — that unmistakable scent of mint drifting on the breeze. It’s fresh and bright, like the start of something good. For this Indiana town, that fragrance is more than just pleasant — it’s a symbol of tradition, community and pride.

From June 13–15, the 48th annual North

Judson Mint Festival invites families, farmers and visitors from across the region to celebrate that heritage with a weekend full of music, food, laughter and learning.

“It’s all about bringing people together,” said Christina Alexander, a dedicated committee member whose creativity and energy have helped the festival grow. “We want families to come out, relax and really experience the small-town charm that

The festival began in 1977 as a way to honor the town’s role in mint farming.

Thanks to North Judson’s high water table, loose soil and northern latitude, the area has long been ideal for growing peppermint and spearmint. Farmers here grow mint primarily for the oil that’s steam-distilled from both the leaves and stems — a product known for its purity and quality. That mint oil finds its way into chewing gum, toothpaste, lotions and confections around the world. Some leaves may also be used in teas or culinary products, but oil remains the region’s major output and economic driver.

“This region produces some of the highestquality mint oil in the country,” Alexander said. “Experts even test it like wine, checking for scent, clarity and quality.”

Today, processing still takes place locally, and this year’s festival offers a chance to see mint fields up close during the guided Mint Farm Tour hosted by Wappel Farms.

One of the newest events, Family Friday,

TownePost.com | June 2025 | 7

kicks off the festival on June 13 from noon to 4 p.m. The afternoon is filled with activities designed to delight kids and make parents smile. Sidewalk chalk contests, bounce houses, pony rides and discounted food set the tone, alongside a “Touch a Truck” experience featuring more than 40 emergency and service vehicles. A live helicopter landing adds an extra layer of excitement.

“We want to offer experiences that families don’t have to spend money on,” Alexander said. “Kids can climb inside fire trucks, talk to first responders and explore tractors and tow trucks — some even brought in from neighboring counties.”

Another Family Friday favorite is the Kids Craft Corner, which stays open all weekend. Sponsored by local groups, it offers a rotating lineup of free activities to keep little hands busy and young minds engaged.

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“They can come back again and again,” Alexander said. “Every visit brings something new.”

Local vendors embrace the theme, offering creative dishes and drinks with a minty twist.

While the festival continues to evolve, longtime traditions remain at its heart.

The Cooking with Mint Contest draws young chefs and seasoned pros alike. Frogjumping competitions, a 5K run, a pedal tractor pull and the beloved pet parade keep families coming back year after year.

“My daughter is making steak tacos with mint sauce for the contest this year,” Alexander shared.

The annual festival pageant and the Father/Grandfather of the Year writing contest add a heartfelt, hometown touch.

The Sunday parade includes a new sensory-friendly zone — a quieter space without sirens or strobe lights, with dye-free candy available for kids with sensitivities.

“We love honoring local families,” Alexander said. “It’s about celebrating the people who make this community what it is.”

The classic car cruise-in draws enthusiasts from across the region, showcasing polished vintage vehicles and lovingly restored rides.

You’ll also find Lebanese mint lemonade, pierogies drizzled with mint cream sauce and other unexpected delights.

“It’s about being inclusive,” Alexander said.

“One mom told us she usually swaps her child’s candy at home. This year, he’ll be able to enjoy what everyone else does.”

Live music fills the air throughout the weekend from the Norwayne Field stage, including a performance by Indiana rock

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legend Henry Lee Summer, known for his 1980s hit “I Wish I Had a Girl.” A portion of the terraced seating serves as the beer garden, raising funds for Toys for Kids.

This year’s parade grand marshals are the North Judson High School football team, celebrating a proud runner-up finish at state. Other highlights include antique tractor and farm toy shows, and a dunk tank fundraiser supporting local nonprofits and student groups.

For Alexander, who also runs a boarding farm filled with miniature donkeys, ducks, chickens and horses, the Mint Festival means more than good food and family fun.

“It’s a reflection of the spirit that makes this town home,” she said. “There’s something about seeing your neighbors, your kids and even your animals all part of this shared experience. It makes you proud to be from here.”

Whether it’s the colorful crafts, the spirited parade, the lively music or the refreshing mint lemonade, this celebration of North Judson’s agricultural heritage offers joy and connection. All who attend fall in love with the town and its welcoming sense of community again and again.

The North Judson Mint Festival runs June 13–15, 2025. A full schedule is available on Facebook at North Judson Mint Festival Official. From tractor pulls to mint oil demos, it’s a weekend full of hands-on fun, community pride and rich memories.

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DRIVE-IN DELIGHT MELODY DRIVE-IN THEATRE OPEN FOR THE SUMMER

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Writer / Darcie Dodds Schott Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

In an era dominated by smartphones, streaming platforms and instant content, the Melody Drive-In Theatre near Bass Lake offers a refreshing escape into simpler pleasures. With the charm of classic cinema under the stars, Melody provides a nostalgic yet modern moviegoing experience that invites families, couples and friends to slow down and enjoy a summer evening together.

Located on U.S. 35 in Knox, Indiana, the Melody Drive-In has been a part of the community since it first opened in 1949.

A dozen years later, the Heise family took ownership, and they have operated the theater ever since. Today, Fred Heise Jr. is among those continuing the family legacy and overseeing day-to-day operations.

schedule, the drive-in primarily focuses to digital projection, we’ve embraced innovations while keeping the heart of the on current Hollywood blockbusters and popular releases. Recent titles have drive-in alive.” included family-friendly favorites like *Lilo & Stitch* and action-packed thrillers The theater is open on weekends in the such as *F1* and *Mission: Impossible – spring and transitions to five nights a The Final Reckoning*. week by the end of May. While classic “We’ve seen a lot of changes over the years,” Heise said. “From FM stereo sound films make occasional appearances on the

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But the Melody is more than just a movie destination. It’s a community hub, a culinary hotspot and a space where memories are made. One of the standout features of the drive-in is its extensive concession menu, which has expanded far beyond the standard theater fare.

“Our menu draws people in even if they aren’t planning to stay for a movie,” Heise said. “We put a family twist on many items, and that makes them really special.”

Guests can enjoy hot sandwiches like Italian beef, tenderloin and chicken filet, or opt for combo meals that include a burger, hot dog or sandwich with fries.

Traditional snacks like popcorn and nachos are complemented by soft pretzels and locally loved breadsticks. For those with a sweet tooth, options include candy apple slices, cotton candy, and state fair donuts. Beverage choices range from smoothies to refreshing lemon shake-ups.

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Mobile ordering adds convenience to the experience. By scanning a QR code on their ticket stub, guests can place their orders from the comfort of their vehicle and receive a text notification when their food is ready at the concession stand.

That mix of modern convenience and retro ambiance is part of what keeps people coming back.

“Being at the drive-in lets you unplug if you want—or share the experience with others without bothering anyone else,” Heise said. “You can take a call or text from your car without disturbing your neighbors, which isn’t possible at an indoor theater.”

Melody Drive-In also builds community in unique and lasting ways. The theater frequently partners with local organizations, schools and businesses for special events. One recent occasion celebrated a couple’s golden wedding

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Indiana,” Heise said. “We’ve been lucky to share this experience with generations of guests, and we plan to continue offering this slice of Americana for years to come.”

anniversary with a private gathering under the stars.

The theater also serves as an unconventional place of worship. For over 20 years, it has hosted weekly Lutheran church services on Sunday mornings from late May through Labor Day. These services draw crowds of up to 150 people, and a different pastor leads each week. Many attendees are also regular patrons at weekend movie showings.

Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or introducing the next generation to a timeless summer tradition, the Melody Drive-In Theatre offers an evening of fun, flavor and film—all under a sky full of stars.

With affordable ticket prices and the option to bring your own chairs, blankets and picnic baskets (glass containers are not allowed), Melody Drive-In makes an ideal setting for birthday parties, family reunions and casual hangouts. The drive-in even offers double features for the price of one, making the outing even more memorable.

For a complete list of current and upcoming films, concession items, ticket prices and drive-in guidelines, visit melodydrivein.com.

Melody Drive-In Theatre is located at 7055 U.S. 35 in Knox, Indiana. For more information, call 574-772-2042.

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TREE PLANTING TRIUMPH MDS FORESTRY PLANTS SEEDS FOR A BLOOMING FUTURE Writer / Bailey Goldstein

With a tractor, a planter and a piece of land, Marlon Dean Schrock launched his own small business in 2023. The name MDS Forestry has two meanings: Schrock’s initials and the company slogan — Miscanthus and Trees, Development and Stewardship.

It all started when Schrock planted miscanthus and switchgrass on his property to phenomenal results. With encouragement from friends at the

hunting property management company TagOut Technique LLC, Schrock dove into his newfound work as northern Indiana’s only large-scale tree-planting operation.

“I started picking up small jobs here and there by myself,” Schrock said. “And then I ended up making it an LLC, starting a business name, and that way everything’s legal.”

Schrock sold land and used the money to buy MDS Forestry equipment, expanding the types of jobs he could take. Equipped with a Genesis 5 no-till drill, Schrock could plant corn, soybeans and grasses in a fraction of the time it would otherwise take. With a little advertising, business began rolling in.

“It just exploded. Last year was amazing,” he said. “I probably did triple what I expected to do.”

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Schrock runs the business part-time while maintaining a full-time position at Renegade RV’s factory in Elkhart County.

MDS Forestry planted more than 5,000 trees this spring, beginning in March and April. From mid-April through the end of June, Schrock plants miscanthus hard and heavy. In addition to herbicide application, he preps the ground for soybeans, corn and switchgrass throughout May.

“April, May, June — those are my three heaviest months, and then it tapers off in July,” Schrock said. “July, a lot of the time, is just maintenance work. Another thing I’m doing right now is pulling ground samples for custom fertilizer blends.”

varieties the company plants.

Schrock said the best time to plant trees is in autumn, followed by spring.

MDS Forestry planted 2,000 trees last fall. White pine, Norway spruce, apple trees, pear trees, swamp oak, white oak and hazelnut are just a few of the many

By summer, the tree planting season winds down. July and August are prime times for fall food plot planting. Deadly Dozen seeds are staples of the season, containing cereal grains, beets, radishes, purple top turnips and more.

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“Most of the time, everything that we plant is seedlings,” Schrock said. “Except the fruit trees — they’re all at least 4 to 6 feet.”

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Sales of miscanthus and trees this season have doubled Schrock’s initial expectations.

“I’m not that much into the big bucks myself,” Schrock said. “What I like to do is plant something and see it flourish.”

Customers can purchase trees to plant themselves, or MDS Forestry can plant trees customers have sourced elsewhere.

The business also works with patrons who are part of the Conservation

Reserve Program and Wetlands Reserve Easements Program — initiatives by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that encourage landowners to plant native grasses and trees on environmentally sensitive land.

As a wildlife habitat manager, Schrock is an expert seed planter and seller. He is certified by the Office of Indiana State Chemist as an agricultural pest control applicator. He also holds certifications in forest pest management, ornamental

pest management and agricultural fertilizer application. With his 30-foot boom sprayer and arsenal of pesticides and herbicides, he’s well equipped for the task.

MDS Forestry offers a tree and brush removal service. Schrock uses a tree puller capable of uprooting trees up to 6 inches in diameter. He frequently receives requests to remove invasive species like tree of heaven, mulberry trees and Osage orange shrubs. The company does not yet

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offer service for removing larger trees.

“I get a lot of calls from people who say, ‘Hey, I got a big tree in my backyard.

Could you come get it?’” Schrock said.

“That is not something I do at this point.”

Schrock is open to expanding the tree and brush removal service if he acquires the proper equipment.

As a dealer of Mike’s Mighty Micros, Schrock sells spray formulas that help problem plants produce with enriching micronutrients. MDS Forestry also sells a biochar soil booster from the Illinoisbased company.

For now, Schrock said the best way to reach him is by phone or email at mdsforestry@gmail.com.

MDS Forestry is at 6143 W. 1300 N. in Nappanee. For more information, call 574-678-0435 or visit mdsforestry.com.

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CUSTOM CANVAS EXPERTS HOW ONE COMPANY IS PROVIDING EXPERT BOAT PROTECTION Writer / Melissa Gibson

Willis Miller purchased the canvas shop in Milford in 2007. Though he didn’t have a background in the industry, his entrepreneurial spirit drove him to pursue a new opportunity.

Many customers want the cover to match the seats in the boat or even the siding on their home. Some homeowners’ associations or apartment complexes even have a specific color requirement for the boat and lift cover.”

Nearly two decades later, Miller, owner of Miller’s Custom Canvas Shop, is an expert After spending several thousand in what boat owners need to protect and dollars for days on the lake, fishing and maintain their investments. swimming, protecting that investment is key.

“We use name-brand materials made in the U.S., and they are custom-fitted to The biggest difference between a custom your specific boat,” Miller said. “There canvas and a store-bought boat cover or are probably 30 different color options. tarp is the product’s durability and level

of protection.

Cheaper, ill-fitting covers tear easily, fade in color and often shred on the highway before reaching the water.

“It’s going to fit properly. We make a trip out to the lake to measure a canopy or boat lift to ensure it’s a custom fit.

The material is designed to shed water properly, so you won’t have pooling,” Miller said.

Much of the business comes from customers traveling from Chicago,

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It’s the largest natural lake in Indiana and has long been a go-to summer destination, drawing visitors such as Al Capone and Eli Lilly.

“Several years ago, someone said there were around 6,000 boats registered on that lake alone, and we, at Miller’s Custom Canvas Shop, only touch a fraction of them,” Miller said. “I’m not a lake person myself, but when you go out there, you can see there’s an entire community that you might not be aware of if you didn’t visit. People love it out there.”

For Miller, success is about finding the right product for each customer who walks through the door. Many come through referrals from neighbors, friends or family. Some return after a decade to replace a cover; others are drawn by the sleek, tailored look.

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It’s the relationships that bring customers back.

“We enjoy seeing a finished, well-fitted, custom-colored boat cover go down the road. I hope it means the customer is satisfied and it’s another job well done,” Miller said.

For those not heading to the lake this summer, Miller’s business also includes

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other offerings.

The company provides commercial sewing for factories across the state and beyond, and it offers custom window treatments for the home.

Even customers who come in for canvas work often pause to browse the display of window products.

2127 N Oak Dr. Plymouth, IN 46563

“The roller shades come in different fabrics, and we offer custom blinds and shades for your windows,” Miller said.

There are three primary styles: solar, which allows visibility through the shade while reducing sunlight; light filtering, which lets light in while maintaining privacy; and blackout, which blocks all light.

Custom Blinds by Hunter Douglas and Custom Window Treatments by Carole Fabrics

Call for a Custom Consultation Today!

24 | June 2025 | TownePost.com

Call Marilyn Banfich 219-629-0256

Free Delivery

Whether on or off the water, this season, Miller aims to provide products that protect customers’ investments at reasonable prices.

Miller’s Custom Canvas is located at 12711 N. 400 West in Milford. For more information, call 574-658-4976.

P.J. Gilsinger & Co.

When Quality Counts the Most est. 2008

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

• New Construction • Remodeling • Additions • Plumbing PC12100104

• Heating / Cooling • Electrical

Museum Hours: May-October Friday & Sunday 1:00pm - 6:00pm

November-April

by Appointment Only

Contact Brenda Gilsinger for Inquiries or Appointments (574)595-7851 5641 S. Main St. Winamac, Indiana

www.montgomeryconstructiongc.com TownePost.com | June 2025 | 25

• Shoes Country Road Fabrics And Shoes •• Fabric Apparel • Books • Games • Toys Follow us on Facebook!

(260) 768-7804 1205 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, IN

MICHIANA Buyers of Fine Quality HARDWARE Hardwood Timber

Hours: M-F 8-5 | Sat 8-3:30

SALES | SERVICE | PARTS WYLANDSMARINE.COM • PONTOONS • DECKBOATS • FISHING BOATS • OUTBOARDS • BOAT LIFTS & DOCKS

SPECIALIZING IN WALNUT & WHITE OAK

Call Glendon Yoder (Timber Buyer)

at 260-336-1424.

LICENSED & BONDED 26 | June 2025 | TownePost.com

MISHAWAKA LOCATION 13100 JEFFERSON BLVD. MISHAWAKA, INDIANA 46545 (574) 259-1510

ELKHART LOCATION 3931-A EAST JACKSON BLVD. ELKHART, INDIANA 46516 (574) 295-7632

RV REPAIR EXPERTS PIERCETON PEDDLER SAVES THE CAMPING SEASON Writer / Bailey Goldstein Photographer / Jessica Whitehead

The Pierceton Peddler repair shop keeps the RV capital of the world running smoothly, as the hero of camping season.

Lifelong friends and RV industry veterans Dale Hochstetler and Joel Miller took over the Pierceton Peddler in October 2023. Previous owners Josh Sommers and Leonard Miller sold the business five years after its 2018 opening.

“Through the grapevine, we heard they wanted to sell. We came here and looked at it, and what we saw was exactly what we had imagined,” says Dale Hochstetler.

“It was a smaller business but very well established in the industry.”

The Pierceton Peddler offers full-service RV repairs on any make or model, including cargo trailers and park models.

The shop’s 8,000-square-foot building ensures there is no big rig too large to accommodate. The shop’s services include replacing slide-out floors, vinyl flooring, rubber roofs, TPO roofs and more. In addition to RV maintenance, customers can request frame repairs and adjustments to plumbing, wiring and tires. The business also takes on appliance repairs, from water heaters and furnaces to ACs and refrigerators.

JP’s Paint and Auto Body, a third-party Michigan-based company, takes care of any bodywork and paint jobs that customers request.

Pierceton Peddler takes mobile service calls within a 30-mile radius for $145, with an additional $1 for every extra mile to the site. Mobile calls have taken the crew to campgrounds like Jellystone Park, themed after the Hanna-Barbera cartoon and picnic basket kleptomaniac Yogi Bear.

574.209.6405 Estate Management

Opening/Closing Off Season Walk-through Arrival/Departure Weekly Cleaning Checklist Monthly Tasks Lists Maintenance & Vendor Management House Managers Book

Concierge Services

Provisioning Project Management Renovation Managements Event Planning Catering - Limited Staff Coaching/Training Custom Requests

“Buying time to do what is important to you.” • michael@fractionalestatemanagement.com • fractionalestatemanagement.com TownePost.com | June 2025 | 27

“Usually, the RV campgrounds open somewhere around April 15 — seems like it goes with tax season,” says Hochstetler.

Pierceton Peddler de-winterizes RVs in early spring to ensure that outdoorsy Hoosiers have their homes on wheels ready for happy camping.

No surprise here, but the number one culprit of RV trouble is H2O. “We do a lot of water damage repair.

That’s probably our biggest enemy in the RV industry,” says Hochstetler. “When water gets in, it ruins things.”

Under the new owners, Hochstetler and

RV REPAIR & MOBILE SERVICE

BUY DUNLOP® TIRES,

Here at Pierceton Peddler, we can perform routine maintenance and customization as well as major structural repairs including sidewall repairs and sidewall changes, complete floor changes, complete roof changes, paint repair, & More.

202 Wastewater Drive | Millersburg, IN 46543 574-642-3365 www.piercetonpeddler.com 28 | June 2025 | TownePost.com

GET UP TO $100 BACK IN AGET PRE-PAID UP TOVISA $100CARD BACK IN BUY DUNLOP TIRES, ®

®

*

2 TIRES = $100 1 TIRE = $50

* KERSTING’S HARLEY-DAVISON®® CYCLE CENTER

A PRE-PAID VISA CARD

Time for new rubber for the road? Purchase an eligible tire and receive a Dunlop ® Motorcycle Tires Visa ® Prepaid Card. Offer valid through May 31, 2025.

4 MI. S. OF NORTH JUDSON ON HWY. 39

2 TIRES = $100 | 1 TIRE •= kerstingscycle.com $50 (574) 896-2974

*Purchase at least one eligible Dunlop® tire and get a mail-in rebate in the form of a $50 Dunlop® Motorcycle Tires Visa® Prepaid card. Purchase two eligible Dunlop® tires and get a mail-in rebate

® ® ® *Purchase at least one eligible tireTires and get mail-in rebate in theapplies form oftoaindividual $50 Dunlop Motorcycle Tiresmade Visa®atPrepaid card. Purchase two eligible and April get a15, mail-in ® Dunlop ® 2025 rebate in the form of a $100 Dunlop®Dunlop Motorcycle Visaa® Prepaid card. Offer consumer purchases a participating Harley-Davidson dealership tires between ® May 31, mail-in rebate copy of the tiresto invoice must consumer be postmarked

by June 30, at 2025.

Offer valid on select Dunlop® ®tire sizes thatbetween fit Harley-Davidson in and the form of a2025. $100Completed Dunlop® Motorcycle Tiresforms Visa®together Prepaidwith card.

Offer applies individual purchases made a participating Harley-Davidson dealership April 15, 2025 ® ® details. Not valid in conjunction – seeCompleted dealer for amail-in complete list of eligible tires. Additional apply. your participating dealership for Dunlop complete andmotorcycles May 31, 2025. rebate forms together of theand tiresconditions invoice must beSee postmarked

by June Harley-Davidson 30, 2025. Offer valid on select tire sizes that fit Harley-Davidson® ® with copyterms with any other offer or promotion. ® motorcycles – see dealer for a complete list of eligible tires. Additional terms and conditions apply. See your participating Harley-Davidson dealership for complete details. Not valid in conjunction © ©2025 H-D or its affiliates.

H-D, Harley, andH-D, the Harley, Bar & Shield Logo are among the Bar trademarks Harley-Davidson Motor Company. with any other offer or promotion.

2025 Harley-Davidson H-D or its affiliates.

Harley-Davidson and the & ShieldofLogo are among the trademarks of Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

Time for new rubber for the road? Purchase an eligible tire and receive a Dunlop Motorcycle Tires Visa Prepaid Card. Offer valid through May 31, 2025.

2 TIRES = $100 | 1 TIRE = $50 *Purchase at least one eligible Dunlop® tire and get a mail-in rebate in the form of a $50 Dunlop® Motorcycle Tires Visa® Prepaid card. Purchase two eligible Dunlop® tires and get a mail-in rebate in the form of a $100 Dunlop® Motorcycle Tires Visa® Prepaid card. Offer applies to individual consumer purchases made at a participating Harley-Davidson® dealership between April 15, 2025 and May 31, 2025. Completed mail-in rebate forms together with copy of the tires invoice must be postmarked by June 30, 2025. Offer valid on select Dunlop® tire sizes that fit Harley-Davidson® motorcycles – see dealer for a complete list of eligible tires. Additional terms and conditions apply. See your participating Harley-Davidson® dealership for complete details. Not valid in conjunction

Miller have taken a step back from selling RVs to focus exclusively on repairs for the foreseeable future. With a steady stream of customers, the pair agreed that this was the best path.

“It’s been cool to see this very dedicated client base I’ve discovered,” says Hochstetler. “We have customers from all over so far; our customers are treating us

BRINGING QUALITY AND VALUE TO THE TABLE

Shop for quality food at low prices in the heart of Amish country.

(260) 768-4736 • www.eandssales.net 1265 N SR 5, Shipshewana, IN 46565

Hours:

Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5:00

Saturday 7:30 am - 3:30 pm Closed Sunday TownePost.com | June 2025 | 29

right and have a lot of good things to say about the business.”

Pierceton Peddler is located at 202 Waste Water Drive in Millersburg. To schedule an appointment, call 574-642-3365 or visit piercetonpeddler.com for more information.

YOUR DREAM HOME STARTS HERE UPDATE & SAVE! GIVE YOUR KITCHEN A FRESH, NEW LOOK TODAY. FOR LESS!

THE NU WAY TO REMODEL Exclusive Offers!

Interior Painting Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinet Painting Epoxy Flooring and Garage Floor Coatings Light Carpentry Work Vinyl Plank and Laminate Flooring Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinet Refacing with Nu Doors Gutter Cleaning Seamless Gutter Installation Gutter Repairs Gutter Guards and Leaf Protection Buried Downspouts Pressure Washing Driveway, Patio, Decks, Sidewalks Deck Staining

Why Choose Five Star Painting?

Five Star Painting has painted thousands of homes and businesses over the years. You can feel confident knowing that we have more industry knowledge than the majority of our competitors.

Locally Owned and Operated!

You can feel good knowing that when you hire Five Star Painting for your home improvement project, you are supporting a business owner within your local community.

Contact Our Team Today!

FREE Estimates!

(574) 217.0664 FiveStarPainting.com

30 | June 2025 | TownePost.com

• Many great used & new items • Estate clean out • Drop off your items or call for pick up • Online consignment auctions

574-363-1053

500 W. Center St • Bourbon, IN 46504

www.theauctionlotllc.hibid.com

“Call us we’ve got you covered “

10055 Pretty Lake Trail Plymouth, IN 46563

- UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP -

• Custom Boat Covers • Home & Business Awnings (Manual or Electric)

• Truck Farm Tarps • Pick up and delivery available

Pretty Lake Golf Club

574-540-2682

Authentic Mexican Food Steaks, Seafood, Burgers, Wings/ Chicken, Salads, Desserts, Margaritas, Cocktails Reserve YourHere s Holiday Part20ie0 peo ple Seating up up

Mark & Amy Helms • 8621 N St Rd 39 Monticello, IN 47960 • 574-278-7152 Follow us on Facebook | coverite@coverite4covers.com

MULLET’S FENCING & SUPPLIES LLC

MULLET’S FENCING & SUPPLIES LLC

Catering Trivia Every Thursday 6:30 PM Specials Posted on Facebook Closed Mondays Tue, Wed, Thurs 4 PM - 9 PM Fri & Sat 11 AM - 11 PM | Sunday 11 AM - 8 PM

SPECIALIZING IN ALL TYPES OF FENCING

Residential • Agricultural • Commercial

SPECIALIZING IN ALL TYPES OF FENCING

Residential • Agricultural • Commercial

FREE ESTIMATES 6223 8th Road, Plymouth 574.566.8330

Winter Hours: M - Thurs 6am - 4pm Friday 6am - 2:30 Closed Saturday & Sunday

FREE ESTIMATES 6223 8th Road, Plymouth 574.566.8330

Winter Hours: M - Thurs 6am - 4pm Friday 6am - 2:30 Closed Saturday & Sunday TownePost.com | June 2025 | 31

Explore a Unique Selection of Quality Antiques, Vintage, Repurposed and New Furniture, Home Decor and Gifts in a Rustic Boutique Setting Hours (Feb 17 - Dec 31): Monday 12PM -6PM Tuesday-Thursday 10AM-6PM Friday 10AM-5PM Saturday 10AM-3PM

52886 State Road 13 | Middlebury, IN 574-358-0074 | www.barndoorllc.com

11 ANNUAL th

www.michiana.bintheredumpthatusa.com

Family Owned Convenient bin sizes Precautions taken to protect driveway surface Easy loading Include dumpsters sizes 20, 15, 10, & 6 Cubic yard sizes

574-892-5554 32 | June 2025 | TownePost.com

6

JUNE CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Solutiomns

24. Send abroad in disgrace 25. Kitchen professional 26. Loose flesh 27. Not healthy 28. Iridescent gem 29. Fume DOWN

ACROSS 1. Mouth roof 5. Produces (egg) 7. Ocean mammal 8. Hoarse sound 9. Invalid

10. Bake in oven 11. Opponents 13. Part of eye 14. Sloops or ketches 18. Plan 21. Horse’s gait 22. Gold lump

1. Play the part of 2. First Greek letter 3. Washstand jugs 4. Made do 5. High-protein pulses 6. Shouting 12. Set fire to 15. Zeppelin 16. Detestable 17. Meet (requirements) 19. Australian bird 20. Significant 22. Ants’ homes 23. Social blunder

B&L WOODCRAFTS, LLC

Relaxation!

NOW SCHEDULING FOR SPRING & SUMMER PROJECTS

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CONCRETE • ADDITIONS • DECKS ROOFING • GUTTERS • NEW CONSTRUCTION INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REMODELING AND MORE

Plastic Poly Furniture

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Leon Yoder

100045W 250N | SHIPSHEWANA, IN 46565

260.463.1530

(888) 642-6016 | (574) 642-1151

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ELEGANCE Custom Metal

KITCHEN HOODS Accent your kitchen with a beautiful metal range hood. Fully customized to your specs and style.

3070 W 350 S • Topeka, IN 46571

34 | June 2025 | TownePost.com

YOU DREAM IT. WE BUILD IT!

CALL US TO GET STARTED!

(260) 463-4026

TENT RENTAL SUCCESS HOW A MIDDLEBURY TENT BUSINESS CONTINUES TO EXPAND Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Danny Graber

In early 2025, Johnathan Miller’s uncle sold his tent rental business to Miller and his business partner, Lyndon Bontrager.

What began five years ago with just three tents now boasts 34. Miller and Bontrager’s business, Intent Rental, provides outdoor shelters for weddings, auctions, graduation parties and business events in Middlebury and beyond.

Tents come in a variety of sizes, from 10-by-10 feet to 60-by-190 feet. Most are solid white, though some come in various colors. A few include see-through panes,

while others are solid.

“It’s all according to what the customer wants, and at Intent Rental, we are determined to meet the need,” Miller said.

Renting a tent isn’t always something people plan when hosting an event.

“We have people scheduling more than a year in advance, but we can usually provide something last minute. It might be a different size, depending on the large events we have going on at the time, but we do our best,” Miller said.

Quality, Parts, Sales, Service and Rental 574.862.1163 www.wakarusaag.com 905 Nelson’s Pkwy.

Wakarusa, IN 46573

• Delivery & Set up of Rental • Tents for any occasion • Max Size: 60 ft. x 190 ft.

• Tables & Chairs

11465 W 450 N Middlebury, IN 46540

TownePost.com | June 2025 | 35

When customers call, just a few important questions need to be answered to find the right fit for the event.

“We need to know if the tent will go on grass, concrete or asphalt, because we have to attach it to the ground one way

FREE

UPGRADE TO 6 INCH GUTTERS

SEAMLESS GUTTERS GUTTER GUARDS GUTTER CLEANING

your #1 E-bike sales center Bicycle Service & Repairs Bicycle tires & accessories

1001 E. Canal St., Winona Lake, IN 574-267-2223 36 | June 2025 | TownePost.com

Not valid with other offers.

Some restrictions appy.

Expires 6/30/25

Wedding Tent

or another,” Miller said. “We also provide options like solid sides or window sides.”

It’s one of those event details that is often overlooked. For a wedding, for example, there are many people behind the scenes — from someone setting up tables to someone stringing lights. The staff at Intent Rental are part of someone’s special day, providing a much-needed service for large events.

They handle all setups and teardowns, too.

“My favorite thing is customer satisfaction. When someone calls and we have exactly what they need, we put it up and take it down after the event. It’s hassle-free, and we’re leaving them with a smile,” Miller said.

Though they’ve grown the business in just a few months, Miller expects continued expansion.

“Our goal is to add another tent when we see the demand. If there’s a particular size that we use frequently, we’ll continue to add it to our inventory,” he said.

In addition to event tents, Miller and Bontrager provide other background necessities that often go unnoticed.

They also rent 6-foot and 8-foot tables and folding chairs for large events.

Ironically, the tables and tents are often not rented by the same customer.

“The tables and chairs come on carts.

We’ll bring them in and let the customer

E MATERNITY OASIS

Hey Dad, we are so excited to be on this journey to create your family.

Happy Father’s Day!

For more information please visit our website or call 574-224-1250.

TownePost.com | June 2025 | 37

set them up, or we’re happy to do it for them,” Miller said. “Often, a customer has the tables and chairs but needs the tent — and vice versa.”

Installation and removal are free for locations up to 20 miles from the shop.

Prices vary based on tent size and any added options.

For more information, call 260-293-5165.

Quality Handcrafted Aluminum Wind chimes

NEW HOMES ROOM ADDITIONS REMODELS

(260) 768-9138 lambrightchimes@ibyfax.com 8340 US-20 Unit 7, Shipshewana, IN 46565 38 | June 2025 | TownePost.com

AY

H

Construction LLC

574-453-7938

Jayh75.am@gmail.com www.jayhconstruction.com

Quality Construction At A Reasonable Price Serving the areas Since 2009

Bontrager Tractor Sales & Service 10 Year Warranty

HORSE SHELTERS GARDEN SHEDS

CHICKEN COOPS + MORE • Maintenance Free • Metal or Vinyl Buildings • Max size available 16 x 48 • Free delivery within 50 miles

We Service and Repair All Makes of Tractors and Skidsteers • Brush Hogs • Tillers • Forks • Buckets • Grapples • Graders

Call or s!

Visit U

260-336-5793 855 S. Van Buren St. Shipshewana, IN

Pickup/delivery available

Sand Storm Sales LLC. • 0700 N. 1000 W. • Shipshewana, IN 46565 • 260-215-2741 sandstormsales@upwardprint.com

Let us build your dream

wood strip canoe We can custom build your design on any wood strip canoe.

• Heirloom Quality • Useful and Decorative Canoes • Sizes 5 ft - 16 ft.

• Prices starting at $2500 • Mahogany, aromatic cedar, or black poplar

LAKESIDE CANOES

Lakeside

CANOES

260-350-0481 | 7650 W. 450 N. | Shipshewana, IN 46565

TownePost.com | June 2025 | 39

EXPLORE THE 2025 LINEUP

Explore the 2024 Lin

Explore the 2024 Lineup

574.342.3049

Isaac Miller CEO Mbyb@mailprint.net MichianaBackyardBuilders.com

574-842-5000 514-W. Mill St.

Culver, IN www.culversportsidemarina.com

PAINT & SANDBLAST WHEN QUALITY MATTERS

Whether it’s industrial parts & equipment, marine or agricultural. JOMAR has the experience, equipment and commitment to make your products stand out.

100% SATISFACTION Specializing in large scale abrasive blasting and industrial protective coatings.

CAPACITY

JOMAR has one of the area’s largest Sandblast & Paint Booth rooms.

Each one is 64’ L x 14’W x 20’ H. 40 | June 2025 | TownePost.com

13393 CR 22 | Middlebury, IN 46540 | www.4JOMAR.com Contact Marlin Schlabach: 574-304-4824 | marlin.schlabach@4jomar.com

QUILTS OF VALOR

HEALING THROUGH HANDMADE APPRECIATION Writer / Phyllis Wille

Normally, this is the time of year we talk about Father’s Day and the many gifts that can be purchased at New Kitchen Store with dad’s grilling and cooking skills in mind. However, this year I want to talk about Quilts of Valor. This organization was brought to my attention by Jan, one of our customers, and I never knew the program existed. Since the military holidays of Memorial Day and the Fourth

STEVE

“The Blind Guy

of July are upon us, I thought it would be a good time to honor fathers and others who have shown valor, great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle. This applies to more than just the military, so don’t forget to say thank you to them!

Erica Broecker is one of the Quilts of Valor Facebook administrators and is very involved in the South Bend area Quilts of

Valor program. Many of us remember her from her sewing store in South Bend.

She and many others organize a group that makes a quilt for someone that has been nominated for their service, to honor them. They have a quiet ceremony, drape the quilt around the soldier, and give it to them as a means of healing from the many problems that arise in war.

Cellular Shades Roller Shades Sheerview Shades Woven Shades Shutters Free In-Home Estimate - Our Installers Show Room

1101 S. Huntington St. Suite 1 Syracuse, IN Steve Williams • 574-527-2403 • Call for Appointment TownePost.com | June 2025 | 41

The national group has given approximately 40,900 quilts to date. I have pictured a couple of them just to give you an idea of how much time and effort goes into making these red, white and blue quilts. Check out a PBS special report here: wnit.org/expmichiana/s/in-thebend-quilts-of-valor.html.

The nonprofit Quilts of Valor was established in 2003 by Blue Star Mom, Catherine Roberts, after her son was deployed to Iraq, and the concept started literally with a dream. She says she was 10 seconds away from panic, 24 hours per day. She had a dream as vivid as real life. “I saw a young man sitting on the side of his bed in the middle of the night, hunched over with his head in his hands,” she says.

“The permeating feeling was one of utter hopelessness and despair. I could see his war demons clustered around, trying to drag him down to an emotional gutter.

Then, as if viewing a movie, I saw him

LANES ROOFING IS NOW EQUITY ROOFING

Building Science Technicians Providing Insulation Services for: Existing Homes | Insulation Removal New Construction | Pole Barns Commercial & Industrial Applications Specialized Projects Call: (574) 223-3626 Email: theinsulationguys@gmail.com Located at: 325 Monticello Road Rochester, IN 46975 42 | June 2025 | TownePost.com

SHINGLES METAL GUTTERS

574-207-4655

MIDDLEBURY, IN

in the next scene wrapped in a quilt. His entire demeanor changed, from one of hopelessness and despair to one of hope and well-being. The quilt had helped make this dramatic change. The message of my dream was quilts equal healing.”

Another group that honors veterans is the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Indiana chapters were introduced in the fall of 2024 to the Quilts of Valor program. DAR has long been recognized as a society honoring our past and present military people, so the program is a good fit.

There are chapters in Elkhart, St. Joseph County, Marshall County and LaPorte County that you can reach out to with questions. The Miriam Benedict Chapter of the DAR in LaPorte County has a presence on Facebook at facebook.com/ miriambenedictchapternsdar. If you are unable to contact the chapter, feel free to contact Luanne Lon, regent of the LaPorte Chapter, at 574-279-2069.

WE BUILD CUSTOM NEW ALL ALIMINUM FISHING, BOW FISHING, AND HUNTING STYLE BOATS REPAIRS & CUSTOMIZATION, LIVEWELLS/ STORAGE HATCHES WE CAN CREATE AND INSTALL CUSTOM SEA DECK FLOORING ON YOUR WATERCRAFT!

Find us on Facebook

Jaylon Harshberger 72729 CR 9 Nappanee, IN 46550 574-535-5297 TownePost.com | June 2025 | 43

We have Black Rifle Coffee, and patriotic mugs and dinnerware at the store, if you are planning events with patriotic themes.

We also have many foods for the holidays as well, to make your event special.

New Kitchen Store is located at 1100 Roosevelt Road in Walkerton, and can be reached at 574-586-2745.

More information on Quilts of Valor can be found at QOVF.org.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE WWW.CASPERSCOINS.COM WE ARE CURRENTLY BUYING / SELLING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

•Gold Jewelry •Sterling Silver Jewelry •Platinum Jewelry •Turquoise Jewelry •Dental Gold •Service Pins •Pocket Watches •Sterling Silver Flatware •Dimes - 1964 & Before •Quarters - 1964 & Before •Halves - 1970 & Before

•Dollars - 1935 & Before •Proof & Mint Sets •Old Paper Money •Old U.S. Coins •Foreign Coins •Gold & Silver Coins •Gold & Silver Bullion •Pennies - 1958 & Before •Nickels - 1938 & Before •Nickels - 1942-1945

Custom Built Vinyl Windows Custom Built Vinyl Windows

Custom Built Vinyl Windows

Casper’s Coin & Jewelry

214 North Dixieway (US933) 603 West Pike Street, Goshen, IN 46526 (574) 971-8619 | Tues-Fri. 10a-5p • Sat. 10a-2p South Bend, IN 46637 574-272-5554 Tues-Fri 10a-5p, Sat 9a-2p Caspers Coin and Jewelry Goshen Caspers Coin and Jewelry E-bay Store: caspersgoshen E-bay Store: Casper Coins 44 | June 2025 | TownePost.com

Windows • Storm Doors • Screen Doors •Sliding Glass Doors ••New Construction & Replacement Windows Windows Storm Doors • Screen Doors •Sliding Glass Doors • New Construction & Replacement Windows Windows Storm Doors • Screen Doors •Sliding Glass Call today for a free estimate Call today for825-7863 free estimate Windows (574) Doors • New Construction & Replacement

1053 Middleton Run Elkhart, IN 46516 (574) 825-7863 • 59323 CR 35, Middlebury Call today for Rd. free estimate (574) 825-7863 • 59323 CR 35, Middlebury We offer Provia Windows that have a lifetime Call today for free estimate warranty that includes glass breakage

(574) 825-7863 • 59323 CR 35, Middlebury

STRAWBERRY FREEZER/CANNING JAM DEMONSTRATION CLASS Thursday, June 12th at 1 p.m.

CALL FOR A RESERVATION HOSTED BY KAREN RICHEY AT MARSHALL CO. PURDUE EXTENSION Presto Precise 12qt Electric Pressure Canner

COST IS $10

574-586-2745 | NewKitchenStore.com | 1100 Roosevelt Rd. Walkerton, IN

• New & Repair • Boat Covers • Pontoon Covers • Custom Covers • Patio Enclosures • Patio Furniture Covers • Grill Covers

850 N. Taylor Dr., Shipshewana, IN 46565 260-768-7755 ∙ www.shipshecanvas.com

Good Quality Work at an Affordable Price Boat Covers (New & Repairs)

TownePost.com | June 2025 | 45

AgriculturAL -Equipment Storage -Equestrian Stables -Livestock Facilities -Concrete Flatwork

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Service Territory within 90 min of LaGrange

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How We Build the Community Flexible - We build what you want, no matter how many changes FAIR - Solid quality components at a very fair price on YOUR budget

Indiana Counties LaGrange Elkhart St. Joseph Noble Allen Steuben Kosciuscko DeKalb Michigan Counties St. Joseph Branch Cass

Contact us

FRIENDLY - Hardworking, helpful, efficient crew members

Michiana Builders LLC 0950 W US 20 LaGrange IN 46761 Phone: 260-463-8111 Fax: 260-463-8112

Delicious Chemical Free Healthy alternative Products • Spaghetti • Whole cell crushed rolled oats • Whole cell crushed sunflower • Crushed Wheat is safe for most people with gluten intolerance and diabetes • Dealers Welcome (Formerly our Fathers Foods)

HIS SAVING GRAINS

Contact Richard & Lois Miller 574-501-4464 66247 CR 33 Goshen, IN 46528 46 | June 2025 | TownePost.com

• Wholesale or Retail

An 1884 magazine cartoon encouraging readers to “Look before you eat,” referencing “unadulterated food,” indicative of widespread concern at the time over dangerous additives.

HOW INDIANA SAVED OUR FOOD THE SCIENTISTS WHO LED THE NATIONAL CRUSADE AGAINST DEADLY FOOD ABUSES Writer / Jeff Kenney

There is no shortage of debate today about the safest and healthiest approach to food growth, production, preservation and distribution, though few may realize just how bad things had gotten by the end of the 19th century — and even fewer are aware of the leading role the state of Indiana, and a few of its reformers, played in national efforts to rectify the hazards of food across the United States.

Those efforts came to fruition on June 30, 1906, when President Theodore

Roosevelt signed into law the Pure Food and Drug Act. So prominent was Indiana’s role that the law was also known as the Wiley Act, named for Jefferson Countyborn Dr. Harvey Washington Wiley, who began his work while a chemist at Purdue University.

While many history students rightly cite the cultural impact of Upton Sinclair’s 1905 novel, “The Jungle,” which described in nauseating detail the food industry’s abuses, the hard data from

Wiley’s “hygienic table trials,” whose participants were known as the Poison Squad, played a significant role in the act’s passage.

In the article “The 19th-Century Fight Against Bacteria-Ridden Milk Preserved With Embalming Fluid,” Smithsonian Magazine noted, “At the turn of the 20th century, Indiana was widely hailed as a national leader in public health issues.

This was almost entirely due to the work of two unusually outspoken scientists,”

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Wiley among them.

As the article notes, growing urbanization in the United States necessitated more processed food, since fewer Americans could grow their own. But food mass production was unregulated, leading to widespread abuses.

Dr. Wiley and the Poison Squads Wiley, born in 1844 on a farm near the Hoosier town of Kent, served in the Civil War and attended Hanover College. He taught at Butler University while earning a doctorate from the Medical College of Indiana. By 1874, he was a chemist at Purdue, later appointed chief chemist of the Bureau of Chemistry in the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1883. He began testing food and beverages in 1902.

At the time, the greatest danger was impure food and the equally harmful adulteration of food with preservatives or chemicals. Wiley focused on the latter.

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Harvard microbiologist Theobald Smith demonstrated its effectiveness against tough milk pathogens.

Still, it took more than 30 years before pasteurization became common in the United States. The American Pediatric Society’s mistaken belief that heated milk caused scurvy didn’t help.

In the meantime, many dairies added

formaldehyde liberally to milk. Wiley’s Poison Squads — 12 young clerks who lived in the Agriculture Department’s basement in Washington, D.C., beginning in late 1902 — were formed to investigate.

Over two-week intervals, six men ate unadulterated food and six ate food with borax, formaldehyde, salicylic acid, copper salts, saccharin and sodium

A 1915 advertisement for Carnation milk references the ongoing concern over “the dangers lurking in milk which is not properly handled.”

His methods of human experimentation might appear extreme today, though at the time, skepticism existed about the harms of preservatives.

These included formaldehyde — used to embalm corpses — borax, salicylic acid (an aspirin ingredient), arsenic (which gave chocolate a sheen) and lead, used in coloring candies and cheeses. Newspaper headlines for years referenced the “embalmed milk scandals,” widespread poisonings from formaldehyde in milk.

Formaldehyde, to be fair, was the dairy industry’s answer to microorganisms in milk that carried diseases such as bovine tuberculosis, typhoid and diphtheria. It wasn’t until the 1850s that Louis Pasteur proved heating liquids killed bacteria — later called pasteurization. German chemist Franz von Soxhlet first suggested using it on milk in the 1870s, and in 1899 TownePost.com | June 2025 | 49

It also addressed harmful ingredients in bread, including chalk, alum, sawdust, clay and plaster, which were used to cut costs at the consumer’s expense.

Hurty Attacks Sanitation Horrors Another Indiana scientist, John Newell Hurty, complemented Wiley’s efforts. A pharmacist who studied at the Medical College of Indiana, Hurty was hired in 1873 as chief chemist by Col. Eli Lilly. He later taught pharmacy at Purdue.

benzoate. The groups switched diets biweekly.

Media coverage of the trials spurred satire in songs and poems, but the trials’ findings were undeniable and

helped support the Pure Food and Drug Act. The law aimed to prevent the “manufacture, sale, or transportation of adulterated or misbranded or poisonous or deleterious foods, drugs, medicines, and liquors.”

As secretary of the State Board of Health and state health commissioner starting in 1896, Hurty authored the first comprehensive pure food and drug law enacted by any U.S. government. Passed in 1899, it regulated food, drink, medicine, cleaning agents and cosmetics — predating the federal act by seven years.

Hurty aimed to eradicate disease in Indiana.

He addressed poor sanitation as the root of

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typhoid and dysentery and focused on unsanitary milk production, already a national concern.

A New Jersey analysis in the 1880s found bacterial colonies in milk too numerous to count. Indiana dairymen were found thinning milk with dirty pond water or recoloring gray milk with chalk, plaster dust or dye.

One milk bottle analyzed by the state health department reportedly contained worms from stagnant water.

The department documented “sticks, hairs, insects, blood and pus in milk,” and estimated Indianapolis residents consumed more than 2,000 pounds of manure annually in dairy products.

To fake the appearance of cream, dairymen used pureed calf brains — which curdled in coffee.

These abuses, Hurty said, sickened

and killed children. Though he initially supported minimal formaldehyde use in milk as a last resort, dairies ignored his limits. By 1899, he condemned its use outright. Thirty children had died from formaldehyde the prior year, and three more died the next summer in an Indianapolis orphanage. He later cited more than 400 deaths from contaminated milk.

Thanks to the work of Hurty and Wiley, alongside the support of Indiana lawmaker, the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act began curbing food production abuses.

Though modern food systems are far from flawless, we owe much to these two visionary Hoosier scientists whose efforts saved countless lives.

Upton Sinclair’s bestselling novel, “The Jungle,” also played a considerable role in bringing attention to abuses and failings in the food production industry.

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MIDWEST DIVING EXPERTS TRI-STATE SCUBA DIVING SERVICES Writer / Darcie Dodds Schott

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he words “scuba diving” are more often associated with the Florida Keys or the Caribbean than the Midwest. But with the motto of, “You lose it, we recover it,” the reason TriState Scuba Diving Services is based in

the Midwest becomes clear very quickly.

Owned and run by the father-son duo of Michael King and his son, Riley King, the business is built on a foundation of expertise, experience and execution.

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An epic day on the lake can take a heartwrenching turn when a treasured piece of jewelry is lost. However, the story doesn’t have to end with a broken heart, with TriState Scuba Diving Services as a resource.

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training and the latest scuba, camera and metal-detecting equipment. Solving underwater challenges is the commitment that has been bringing peace of mind to clients since opening in 2024.

“We are everyday people trying to build a business based in something my son loves to do,” Michael King says. “We all know the saying, ‘Find something you love to do and you’ll never work a day in your life.’” The Kings acknowledge that there are plenty of dive companies, but Tri-State Scuba Diving Services separates itself from the others by focusing on specialized underwater recovery and documentation services.

Tri-State Scuba Diving Services had its beginning thousands of miles away from the Midwest, while the family vacationed on Saint Martin in the Caribbean. A day of snorkeling grew into a passion for underwater activities for the then-8-year-old Riley.

Back in Indiana, the younger King began taking snorkeling and dive courses.

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Stress and Rescue.

With this impressive list of training and proficiency, it’s no surprise that TriState Scuba Diving Services is a trusted source for underwater recovery in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. In fact, the younger King points out that with his training in CPR, AED and Oxygen, “this can be very valuable for just being out on the water recreationally.”

Tri-State Scuba Diving Services took shape after a call from a campground in need of help to release obstacle-course equipment grounded underwater in a pond. The campground owners knew generations of the King family and they knew Riley had been diving for years, which made the Kings the campground owners’ first call.

That project enlightened the Kings to a void in the tri-state area for specialized diving services. The commitment to

creating a quality and safe diving service is impressive when considering one-half of the partnership is still in high school.

Home schooling through the state of Indiana allows the younger King a flexible schedule, and pertinent coursework in principles of entrepreneurship and business operations.

When most high school kids are anticipating graduation and college, the Kings will embrace the end of high school as it will allow more time dedicated to their dive business. College classrooms will be replaced by real-life scenarios of marketing, sales and service.

Innovation joins that list of qualities after King worked with Deep Blue Divers in Fort Wayne, where his dive training began, to build a sea-life camera. He took existing photography equipment and redesigned the parts to better adapt to underwater imaging. One job incorporated the specialized photography to pinpoint

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the error in an underwater fountain structure. The Kings offer their services to communities without underwater resources for insurance and other documentation.

And the business doesn’t stop when the temperatures cool; it presents a new set of needs for underwater recovery, such as a current project to retrieve an ice fisherman’s snowmobile that sunk into the frigid waters. The Kings point out that in addition to property recovery, removing a vehicle like a snowmobile using lift pocket techniques also helps to repair the damage done to the underwater environment from leaking fuel and machine oils.

In the short time since opening, the Tri-State Scuba Diving Services team has enjoyed local news coverage in a segment on the Fox News station in Fort Wayne last November. A local couple saw the news segment and contacted Tri-State to help them recover a lost item in their

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retrieval, Tri-State is eager to grow the business in the area of personalized underwater photography, which can include documentation of property, as well as photography to capture personal adventures or keepsake moments.

pond. Another job arose after a customer saw Tri-State in a magazine and reached out about retrieving a lost wedding ring using the diving service’s high-tech underwater metal detector. Tri-State uses a metal detector that performs to depths of 200 feet, and it is the number-one rated detector by the Department of Homeland Security.

Tri-State Scuba Diving Services is licensed, insured and equipped with the latest technology. For more information, contact Michael and Riley King at 260444-8905.

The Kings hope to host a booth at the annual DeKalb County Free Fall Fair, where an estimated 170,000 attendees stroll for blocks learning about new and established businesses. Outdoor gear stores and dive shops carry flyers about Tri-State Scuba Diving Services, including Deep Blue Divers, where King’s training began.

Partnering with individuals, companies and organizations to solve their underwater needs, Tri-State offers recovery, exploratory and photography services. In addition to lost item

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CONSERVING WHAT WE LOVE

A WALK WITH BRUCE WAKELAND THROUGH STARKE FOREST Writer / Amy Beaucham Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

On a spring morning filled with birdsong and crisp air, Bruce Wakeland stands beside a bench he built by hand and gazes across the land and waters he cherishes.

Red-winged blackbirds flit through the cattails, frogs call from the shallows of the marsh, and wind stirs the willows like a soft lullaby.

“This,” he says, gesturing across the 129acre Starke County Forest, “was once soybeans. Now it’s something better.”

What Bruce Wakeland has created — and given away — is a living classroom, a sanctuary for wildlife and a gift to the future. With deep knowledge and quiet humility, Wakeland has dedicated decades to transforming once-degraded farmland into a thriving hardwood forest. He’s done it with his own hands, guided by a philosophy of long-term stewardship.

The forest, now owned by Starke County and open to the public, continues to grow under his watchful eye.

A professional forester with a degree from Purdue University, Wakeland has

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spent more than 50 years managing Indiana woodlands, starting in 1972 for a consulting forester.

“In those days,” he recalls, “we didn’t always think in terms of wildlife habitat.

But I started to notice what the animals needed. That changed the way I worked.”

Today, his understanding of ecosystems — how soil, water, light and life intertwine — guides every decision he makes.

Wakeland officially manages the forest and oversees the implementation of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Forest Management Plan. Amie Flora, Starke County Parks superintendent, assists in coordinating the work and helps carry out his agenda with dedication and care.

Walking the trails with Wakeland is like stepping into a storybook where every tree has a tale and every bend in the path holds a lesson.

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“Forestry is not logging,” he explains.

“Logging is an act. Forestry is a process. A long one. It’s about knowing when to step in and when to let the forest do the work.”

He points out a stand of swamp white oaks, now 20 feet tall, that he planted nearly two decades ago.

“They’re just getting started,” he says with a smile.

The forest isn’t just a patch of trees — it’s a patchwork of ecosystems. Upland and lowland hardwoods stretch across gentle ridges. Vernal ponds, meadows and a shallow marsh provide habitat for amphibians, deer, turkeys, waterfowl, pollinators and migratory birds. Wakeland has created corridors between habitat zones to help wildlife travel safely. He uses controlled burns to manage invasive species and encourage native growth.

“We’re not trying to make it pretty,” he says. “We’re trying to make it right.”

Visitors enter from a gravel parking area just off Division Road in Starke County.

The main trail leads through a hardwood grove with trees in every stage of life: some newly planted, others decades old.

A modest wooden tower offers a peaceful view across the forest. Farther along the trail are the marsh, a sunny meadow and a pond where frogs sing from lily pads and dragonflies hover.

Whether you come to birdwatch, spot wildflowers, take a peaceful walk or simply breathe fresh air, the Starke County Forest welcomes you. Start your journey from the parking lot, follow the trail through groves of saplings and mature trees, climb the low observation tower, rest by the pond or stretch out in the meadow while birds sing overhead.

“This is about teaching,” Wakeland says.

“We have to teach people what a healthy forest looks like, what it needs. Because if we don’t, we’ll lose it.”

He often hosts school groups, scouts

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“People think it’s about planting trees,” he says. “But really, it’s about planting ideas.

Ideas that take root and grow.”

As we end our walk, Wakeland gestures toward a row of newly planted trees.

“These won’t mature for another 80 years,” he says. “I won’t be here. But someone will. And they’ll have shade.

And birdsong. And beauty. That’s the point.”

and community members, answering questions with the patience of a grandfather and the precision of a scientist. His mission is clear: not just to preserve the forest, but to pass on the knowledge that made it possible.

more they’ll care.”

Flora shares that vision.

Wakeland is also a writer, sharing stories and environmental insights in essays he sometimes reads aloud at local venues like Wild Rose Moon. His words, like his woods, are shaped by time, care and a deep respect for the land.

“Bruce has made something extraordinary here,” she says. “And now we want more people to experience it.

Especially kids. The more they learn, the

Plans are underway to expand educational programming, add new signage and improve accessibility, so the forest can inspire generations to come.

He often quotes Senegalese forest ecologist Baba Dioum: “In the end we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. And we will understand only what we are taught.”

Thanks to Bruce Wakeland — and the Starke County Forest he so lovingly tends — there is much to learn, much to love and much worth conserving.

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BEAUTY WITH HEART SHADES OF BEAUTY EXPANDS IN CULVER Writer / Amy Beaucham Photographer / Tony Straw

If you step into the new home of Shades of Beauty at 110 S. Main St. in Culver, Indiana, you’ll likely hear laughter before you even sit down. Cheerful voices singing along to a song might also fill the air. Most of all, you’ll be greeted like family.

Owners Ashley Parlett and Elizabeth Vilchiz have always envisioned their salons as more than just spaces for hair and beauty, where people feel truly seen, cared for and empowered. With established salons in Logansport and

Kewanna, the Culver location became their third.

Ashley and Elizabeth first met in 2016 while working at a SmartStyle inside Walmart. Ashley, already a seasoned stylist and educator, hired Elizabeth right out of beauty school. Within two years, they opened the first Shades of Beauty in Logansport, followed by their Kewanna location.

“From the beginning, we knew we were building something beyond just a salon,”

Ashley says. “We shared a vision of community and creativity—and we knew we could grow it together.”

Culver has always been special to Ashley.

Some of her favorite memories are the summer days with family at Lake Maxinkuckee. “There’s something about the lake, the people and the pace of life here,” she says. “It’s been a dream to live and work in this town.” Elizabeth agreed: “The charm of Culver is undeniable.

And when a friend who owns The Hub Barbershop next door encouraged us to

Celebrating 101 Years!

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Family, Senior and Business Portraits Real Estate | Pets | Nature & More

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(574) 936-2323 www.plychamber.org 120 N Michigan St • Plymouth

Connect • Community • Business • Growth Join the Chamber Today!

open here, we knew the timing was right.”

Shades of Beauty originally opened temporarily beside The Hub at 110 N. Main St. As their clientele quickly grew, the team relocated to a thoughtfully designed space at 110 S. Main St., offering more room and amenities to reflect their expanding services and welcoming spirit.

Today, the full-service salon offers treatments including balayage, highlights, perms, hair extensions, eyebrow lamination, eyelash extensions, waxing, teeth whitening and bridal styling. They also offer Botox, facials and hydro facials through trusted local partners, and welcome clients of all ages, including children.

A standout team member is Dylan Lewis, affectionately known as their “righthand man.” Originally a client, Dylan quickly became an essential part of the team. Today, he manages piercings and

Walk-ins Welcome Monday & Wed 9 AM- 5 PM

• Coloring • Highlights

OVER 150 CRAFT BEERS

• Hair cuts • Hair extensions

THE BEST WINE SELECTION IN THE AREA

• Waxing • Piercings • Eye Lash Extensions • Bridal/ Prom Styles Find Us on Facebook @ 50 Shades of Beauty

CULVER

FULL SERVICE DELI Owners Elizabeth Vilchiz & Ashley Parlett

Find us on Instagram SHADESOFBEAUTY2025

110 S Main St. Culver, IN 46511 574-242-2931 Over 10 years of Experience

Other locations: 107 E. Main St. Kewanna, IN 529 E. Market St. Logansport, IN

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(574) 842-2450 1105 N LAKE SHORE DR | CULVER TownePost.com | June 2025 | 65

salon upkeep and brings a warm, upbeat presence. He is certified in every service he provides and was highly trained at ASFA Academy. “He’s like a brother to us,” Elizabeth says. “He jumps in wherever we need him, and clients adore him.”

The strong friendship between Ashley and Elizabeth continues to guide the business. “We balance each other out,” Ashley says. “We’ve weathered every high and low together and always have each other’s backs.”

Also partnering in the business is Wendy Perez, a skilled nail artist with five years of experience specializing in manicures and pedicures. Known for her precision and warm presence, she creates a pampering experience for each client and adds to the salon’s full-service appeal.

Both women come from entrepreneurial families. Elizabeth, originally from Chicago and now in Logansport, grew up helping with her family’s Mexican restaurant. Ashley, from Star City, credits her drive to her mother, a Family Dollar manager and business owner, and her father, a longtime supervisor in manufacturing.

That welcoming energy defines the Shades of Beauty experience. Ashley and Elizabeth lead a combined team of 10 across all three locations and are passionate about mentoring new stylists.

“We’re building a salon family,” Elizabeth says. “Clients become friends, and professional friends sometimes become coworkers.”

Cell:

Call or Text Paul Caudill Cell: 574-835-0387 Home: 574-223-4855 6786 N 250 W Rochester, IN 46975

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1229 MAIN ST | ROCHESTER 66 | June 2025 | TownePost.com

“We’ve been part of weddings, graduations—even gender reveals,”

Shades of Beauty is also known for its color artistry, with Matrix products at the center of their work. “Color is our specialty,” Ashley says. “We’re always training on the latest techniques, such as butterfly extensions.”

With their Culver salon now fully transitioned into its new home, the team is focused on growing sustainably. “We love what we do,” Ashley says. “But our long-term goal is to grow the team so we can spend more time with our families without stepping away from what we’ve built.”

Faith and family are foundational for both owners. Ashley has two children, and Elizabeth has two, with another on the way. They are active members of Heartland Church in Winamac, and their values—compassion, humility and

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Those roots shape the salon’s culture— lively, supportive and real. “We sing, we joke, we share stories,” Ashley says.

“Sometimes people just need a safe space to talk. We’re here for that too.”

Elizabeth adds. “It’s an honor to be trusted with those moments.”

Open: TuesdayFriday: 10-6 Saturday: 10-3

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encouragement—are woven into every client experience.

Ashley enjoys singing and spent her younger years performing in church and school theatrical productions. Elizabeth finds joy in fashion and trends. Both love music, and the salon often feels like a stage with all the humming and laughter.

Visit or book an appointment at one of their three locations in Culver at 110 S. Main St. or by calling 574-242-2931, Kewanna at 107 E. Main St. or by calling 574-230-3446 or Logansport at 529 E.

Market St. or by calling 574-516-7716.

You can also learn more by visiting their Facebook page or Instagram at 50 Shades of Beauty.

“Our mission is simple,” Elizabeth says.

“We want every person who walks through our doors to leave feeling better—inside and out.”

Dylan Lewis reflects on his experience: “I’ve been working with them for six years, and from the first salon we started, it felt like we became more of a family.

Ashley and Elizabeth are a great team to work with—they love what they do.

They love their clients. We all just come together now as a group, and we’re like family now, so I love that.”

Let’s talk about your kitchen!

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Military Surplus & Surplus & Camping Supplies Camping Supplies Veterans, Collectors, Hunters, Campers, Hikers, Paint Ball Enthusiasts, Survivalists,

and those looking to enhance their lifestyle are all welcome!

New and previously issued military gear from WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and contemporary theatres.

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ph 574-831-4935 fx 574-831-4936

We are are an an authorized We authorized Dealer Dealer of of new new military military spec spec gear gear from from Rothco, Rothco, including including boots, boots, camping, and and survival survival items. camping, items.

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OpenCome Thur. &out Fri.and 9 a.m.

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2025 City Of Knox Family Fun Day FIREWORKS SHOW AT 9:30 PM CST. ON JULY 5th

Saturday July 5th 2025 at Wythogan Park • 4th of July Parade 1 PM •

• Food Vendors Open at 2 PM • • Jolly Roger 6PM - 9PM at the Performance Stage • Enoy Rock N’ Roll - 60’s & Forward FREE WALK-IN ADMISSION: Bring lawn chairs and or blankets for seating.

PARKING: Parking in Wythogan Park will be $10.00 per vehicle. Free tram service to and from the park available beginning at 2 pm – 11 pm.

• Bounce Houses • DJ “Jam Karaoke” • Face Painting • Kids Games • Sandy’s Dance Studio Y2K – 3PM at the Performance Stage • Kalita & Master of Magic • Pro Wrestling King • Human Hamster Balls

68 | June 2025 | TownePost.com

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT Cash Prizes $15.00 entry fee Per Person

BURN OUT CONTEST Entry Fee $20.00 - Awards to Follow

YELLOW RIVER DUCK RACE Cash Prizes Entry Fee $5.00 a duck or a flock of 5 for $20.00

FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.CITYOFKNOX.NET

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JUNE

AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2025

Koontz Lake/ Walkerton/ Grovertown

Submit Your Events!

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.

3

Koontz Lake Conservancy District Monthly Board Meeting, 6 p.m. at the Sewer District Building, 10625 E. Prairie Ave. Interested parties may join remotely by calling (240) 591-0378 and entering the code 385729# or via web at join.freeconferencecall.com/ klcdboardmeeting.

12

Strawberry Freezer/Canned Jam Demonstration Class, 1 p.m. at the New Kitchen Store, 1100 Roosevelt Rd., Walkerton.

14

Payments, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. at the KLA Community Building.

21

KLA Annual Meeting and Membership/Trash Payments, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. at the KLA Community Building. Enjoy coffee, juice, donuts, and fellowship. .

Bremen/Lake of the Woods ALL times listed are Eastern.

7

LOWPOA Meeting, 9 a.m. at the BCC Building.

21

BCC Meeting, 9 a.m. at the BCC Building.

21

LOWPOA Hunt for Summer Spirits, various locations.

Knox/Bass Lake/Starke County

ALL times listed are Central Time.

Wednesdays

Free Movie in the Park, 8:30 p.m. at Wythogan Park.

4: Moana 2 11: Mufasa 18: Wild Robot

21

Battle of the Bands, 7 p.m. at Wythogan Park.

July 5

4th of July Parade, 2 p.m. followed by Family Fun Day and Fireworks Show at Wythogan Park.

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.

6

Culver Youth Club Auction, time TBA.

KLA Membership/Trash

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outdoor living space?

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We Offer

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• Complete Outdoor Kitchens • BBQ Grills & Accessories We Offer • Pizza Ovens Complete Outdoor Kitchens •• Wood & Gas Firepits BBQ Grills & Accessories •• Outdoor Wood & Gas Fireplaces • Pizza Ovens

Knox - Winamac Community Health Center

Caring for your healthcare needs since 2007

Knox-Winamac Community Health Center is a private non-profit agency providing affordable high-quality, primary care to residents of Starke and Pulaski Counties.

John Bulger , MD

Kyla Schreck, NP

We accept Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurances. We have a Sliding Fee Scale available to qualified individuals which can significantly reduce the cost of your office visit.

Services Available

Roger Farris, NP

Lesley Metts, NP

Lori Truesdell, LCSW

Primary and Preventive care • Physical Examinations Employment • Sports • School Physicals Well Child Checks • Immunizations • Chronic Disease Mangagement Laboratory Service • Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings Management Women’s Health Screenings and Annual Exams • Behavioral Healthcare Open Monday thru Friday and every Saturday until noon

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For Advertising Information, Contact: JOHN LEWANDOWSKI JOHN@TOWNEPOST.COM (574) 249-9217

THANK YOU FOR 10 YEARS OF CONTINUED SUPPORT

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