Tipton Magazine August 2021

MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2021

NEW OWNERSHIP, BIG DREAMS,

SAME SMALL-TOWN VALUES ACE HARDWARE CELEBRATES ONE YEAR WITH NEW OWNERS

NEW QB IN TOWN GETTING TO KNOW INDIANAPOLIS COLTS QUARTERBACK CARSON WENTZ

TownePost.com

TIPTON EVENTS FOOD TRUCK CONCERT SERIES TIPTON MAIN STREET ASSOCIATION August 19 Tipton County Courthouse Lawn Tiptonmainstreet.org

LEGENDS MUSIC ACADEMY AT TIPTON PARK GAZEBO

Our commitment to farmers runs as deep as their connection to their land.

From vehicles to farm equipment, we have been serving customers for over 35 years. We are excited to welcome R&T Tire to our Best-One of Indy family.

Same great people. Same great service. New name.

Lowest Automotive Tire Prices. Guaranteed.

Oil Changes, Batteries, Brakes, Alignments, Shocks / Struts, AC & Coolant & More!

550 Tipton Park Rd 8/21

LEGENDS ALL STUDENT CONCERT AT TIPTON PARK PAVILLION 9/25 Legendsmusicacademy.com 765-408-0537

TIPTON COUNTY PORK FESTIVAL

Sept 9-11 11am-10pm 120 S Main St Tiptoncountyporkfestival.com

HORTON’S FALL MARKET “Our customers just know they are going to be taken care of.” - Chris Hale, your Farm Tire & Service Expert Serving Kokomo & Surrounding Areas

September 24 & 25 9-5 & 9-3 112 S Main St 765-675-2013 Hortonhomeandgarden.com

HIPPIE FEST

9/25 12-7pm Tipton County Fairgrounds 1200 S Main St

302 E. Jefferson, St. 765-675-2910

bestoneindy.com

NEW OWNERSHIP, BIG DREAMS, SAME SMALL-TOWN VALUES ACE HARDWARE CELEBRATES ONE YEAR WITH NEW OWNERS Writer / Megan Arszman Photographer / Jason Graves

When it was time for the Tipton Ace Hardware to transition to a new owner, the perfect person was already there and already passionate about the community. It was the original mission of the first owner of the Ace Hardware to continue the small town, hometown spirit that has surrounded the store for many years.

Growing up in Tipton, Kent Clouser married his wife, Angela, and made their home more permanent. Because of this, Clouser has strong ties to the community and a large sense of hometown pride. This is why he chose to make the leap from manager to owner of the Ace Hardware.

“It was actually a natural extension to go

from manager to take over as the owner,” Clouser says. “Bruce wanted to keep the business locally-owned, and that was important to me as well.”

The move from manager to owner wasn’t too big of a leap for Clouser. The former general contractor owned his own construction business before coming to work at Ace Hardware, and it’s that past life experience that he feels helps the store and its customers.

“Being able to apply some of my past life experiences to the business has helped our customers solve their problems, and that’s turned out to be a good fit for me,” he says. “I already knew the day-to-day operations of the store and had been coming here as a customer for years before I signed on to work.”

Horton’s Home & Garden

Autumn Market Market Days September 24-25

Friday, Sept. 24, 9:00am–5:00pm / Saturday, Sept. 25, 9:00am–3:00pm

Artisan, Vintage, Antiques, Garden, Clothing and Jewelry 112 S. Main St., Tipton / 765∙675∙2013 TownePost.com / AUGUST 2021 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / 3

POWER IN FAMILY Clouser believes that the staying power of the Tipton Ace Hardware can be attributed to the people of Tipton and their passion for their hometown. His employees are all longtime residents of the county, and most have spent a good portion of their lives in the store. From high schoolers looking for their first job, to college students needing money between classes and older employees staying on for the family aspect, each person is important to the success of the store, as well as the growth of the community economy.

“The response (since I’ve been owner) has been really good,” Clouser adds. “We have people whom I’ve known all my life doing their shopping here, as well as new residents who are moving here from Indianapolis

ACE HARDWARE OF TIPTON COUNTY

844 E Jefferson St 765-675-6740

who are just now discovering what Ace Hardware really is.”

The Clouser family has been a big support in their patriarch’s new ownership venture. Justin and Jordan, Clouser’s sons, are attorneys in neighboring counties, and Clouser’s daughter-in-law, Caroline, helps with the company’s social media outreach. It’s something that Clouser and his wife of 40 years, Angela, share extreme pride.

“The whole family has pitched in, which means I have someone I can ask just about any question to within my family and get an objective opinion about for managing my business,” Clouser says.

GROWING AND EVOLVING While the pandemic might have stunted some of the immediate growth Clouser was expecting to see with his new reign, it also opened a lot more doors for the Tipton business. “Like the saying goes, ‘disruption breeds opportunities,’” he says.

A wonderful selection of high quality decor, furniture and unique gifts.

NOW SERVING WINE, BEER AND SELTZERS FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THIRSTY THURSDAY EVENTS

114 E. JEFFERSON ST, TIPTON | 765-675-4424 URBANHOMESTEADLLC.COM 4 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2021 / TownePost.com

The Ace Hardware corporation expanded their offerings online, which encouraged Clouser to get his shop updated and plugged in for online shopping. The influx of people searching online for home improvement tools and ideas meant that AceHardware.com was a busy site. Many customers would purchase online and visit the Tipton store for the very first time during the pandemic as they picked up their orders.

“That introduced more people to Ace Hardware in Tipton than you would think,” Clouser says.

With 2020 in the rearview mirror, Clouser is looking at blue sky opportunities for his small-town business, as well as the community it serves.

“I would love to double the size of our store, which would give us a footprint to hit super status, inventory-wise,” he says. “I would like to be able to achieve that goal at some point so we can cover more of the needs of the people and what they’re looking for, so they don’t have to drive elsewhere to get it.”

SAME AGENTS * NEW NAME BETTER WAY TO SERVE YOU

This ultimate goal would help drive more customers to downtown Tipton, thus helping to grow the lure of shopping to the county seat, rather than sending residents to neighboring Kokomo or Noblesville. And, with that growth, comes the ability to support more of the community through local sports leagues, Tri-Central and Tipton schools and other smaller businesses.

“It’s easier for me to pull the trigger on sponsoring things around here because I’m from here, I’ve grown up here, and I’ve probably benefitted from that at some point in my life,” Clouser says. “I know all of these kids and their families, and I want to see them grow and succeed just like my business.”

BECOMING A HOUSE “SOLD” NAME

Tipton Ace Hardware is located at 844 E Jefferson St in Tipton. For more information, give them a call at 765-675-6740.

221 S. Main St | 765-675-3100 anewrealtyhomes.com TownePost.com / AUGUST 2021 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / 5

TIPTON

Men in Business

KEVIN MUENCH, QUALITY HOUSE FURNITURE

STEVE SWAN, THE FLOOR STORE

My favorite part of Tipton is the outstanding people who live here.

People always help each other out and keep our business going.

It’s always been like that. We have low overhead, excellent customer service and everyday low prices that keep people coming back. We offer great brands such as La-Z-Boy, Saly, Simmons and other high-quality furniture brands that are made in the United States.

I love the positive relationships I have been able to consistently build here. Knowing that my customers are satisfied with their flooring feels like an accomplishment. We have made a lot of friends over the years. We really listen to what customers want. The business has worked because we are very resultsoriented. We always make sure people are happy with what they have chosen. A huge selection of flooring has also helped. We have gained a solid reputation as the place to go for excellent flooring. Our number one priority is to make sure people are satisfied with their selection.

JOHN MOSER, MOSER JEWELERS The best part of this job is meeting customers and getting to know them. I really enjoy working with people to create, or re-create, a piece of jewelry they love. The success we have had is all due to the positive relationships we have built through the years. Emerson, my father, started the business and knew how to treat customers right.

I learned from him that you make sure the customer is completely satisfied with their piece of jewelry. We also have an outstanding staff that has been with us for many years. Angie Murray has been with Moser Jewelers for 40 years. Angie is a sales manager with us, and is one of many employees who has built solid relationships with our customers. They have been so valuable to us.

MIKE RUTLEDGE, RUTLEDGE WELL DRILLING AND PUMP SERVICE

NATHAN RUTLEDGE, RUTLEDGE WELL DRILLING AND PUMP SERVICE

I am the owner/operator of Rutledge Well Drilling and Pump Service. My wife and I started our own business in 1979. I enjoy every day of work. It is a gratifying feeling knowing that it was a job well done and you have helped someone who otherwise could not take care of the issue themselves. We pride ourselves on customer service, quality products and honesty.

I am a licensed well driller and have worked in our family business since 2005. Technology is credited to making a big difference in the success of the company. A lot of technology has changed over the years. I enjoy incorporating some of those new materials and ideas into today’s industry. I love living here. It’s a small community where you know your customers personally and we are happy to help when needed.

Pump Sales & Service Water Conditioning • Trenching Mike • rutledgewelldrilling.com • Nathan 765-292-2315

6 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2021 / TownePost.com

MAURICE “FERGIE” FERGUSON, COUNTRY LAWN AND GARDEN I’m in the lawn and garden equipment repair business and I really enjoy what I do. I work on everything from engine rebuilds to tune-ups, oil changes and other things like that. I like going to work every day. The best part of my job is being self-employed and working with loyal customers. What makes the business stand out from the competition is attention to detail. It’s the honesty and workmanship.

BOB NICHOLS, YOUNGNICHOLS FUNERAL HOME

BRAD NICHOLS, YOUNG-NICHOLS FUNERAL HOME Young-Nichols has been a trusted funeral home in the Tipton community since 1852. I believe the benefit of being the fourth generation of the Nichols family is to provide care and service to the community. We have garnered a large amount of trust. The fact that the business is very involved in the community solidifies that feeling.

Not only do we provide financial support to many organizations in the county, the staff and our families also enjoy being active. We participate with the organizations on several levels. Paying attention to details is an important aspect of providing quality service in the funeral industry. The relationships we have fostered over the years creates an environment that allows families to feel comfortable trusting their loved ones’ final arrangements to Young-Nichols. Growing up in Tipton has allowed us to know the families we serve, and that feeling of helping a neighbor is ingrained in the way we conduct our business.

Phillip E. Nichols

Robert F. Nichols

Philip V. Nichols

Young-Nichols has been such an important part of the community because our professional staff is dedicated to working with families in the Tipton community for so long. What sets us apart is our experience and compassion for other people. We have had the honor of working with so many different generations over the years. People have placed a lot of trust in us, and we have not let them down.

Phillip Robert E. Nichols L. Nichols Robert Philip B. Nichols Philip V. N F. Nichols

EXPERIENCE…...

EXPERIENCE…...

Our family has been serving your families since Phillip E. Nichols Our family has been serving your families since Phillip E Phillip E. Nichols Philip V. Nichols Robert L. Nichols Philip B. Nichols Robert F. Nichols started working for William & Seneca Young back in the 1890’s. started working for William & Seneca Young back in th As fourth generation licensed funeral directors with a combined 75 As fourth generation licensed funeral directors with a com EXPERIENCE…... years experience, Bob & Brad Nichols have the background and years experience, Bob & Brad Nichols have the backgro family has been serving your families since Phillip E. Nichols knowledge to help you through some of the hardest t knowledge to help Our you through some of the hardest times started working for William & Seneca Young back in the 1890’s. you will face – the loss of a loved one. you will face – the loss of licensed a lovedfuneral one. directors with a combined 75 As fourth generation years experience, Bob & Brad Nichols have the background and

Young-Nichols Funeral knowledge Home – to Experience whensome it counts.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home – Experience when it c help you through of the hardest times you will face – the loss of a loved one.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home – Experience when it counts.

Y765-675-4780 oung-Nichols Funeral Home www.young-nichols.com

ServingYToiupntogn -NiCcohuonlstyFSuinnecreal1H 8o 5m 2e

Young-Nichols Funeral Home

Serving Tipton County Since 1852

TownePost.com / AUGUST 2021 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / 7

Ser

NEW QB IN TOWN

GETTING TO KNOW INDIANAPOLIS COLTS QUARTERBACK CARSON WENTZ Writer / Seth Johnson Photography Provided by the Indianapolis Colts

with a laugh. “I hate to break it to some people, but nope.”

Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Carson Wentz has heard the rumors and can confirm - he and Prince Harry are two different people despite their similar looks.

Traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Indianapolis Colts in March of 2021, Wentz follows in the footsteps of the nowretired Phillip Rivers, who took the Colts to the playoffs in his lone year with the team.

Drafted at number two by Philadelphia in

“We’re not the same person,” Wentz says

8 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2021 / TownePost.com

the 2016 NFL Draft, Wentz won a Super Bowl with the Eagles in 2017, where he first played under current Colts Head Coach Frank Reich, who served as Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator.

Although born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Wentz spent most of his upbringing in North Dakota - a state he still has many ties

to today.

“Both of my parents are there, and I have a bunch of friends and stuff back there,” Wentz says. “I grew up there, went to high school there and went to college there.

North Dakota is definitely home. I love that place and love those people back there.”

While Indianapolis may be completely new terrain for him and his family, Wentz at least has a familiar face here in town with Reich.

“I loved playing for him as my coach and loved working together with him as my

offensive coordinator,” Wentz says. “We just really got along well off the field and really connected on a deeper level spiritually. I just thought we had a really good thing in Philly working together, so I think we were both mutually excited to get back and work together again.”

embraced has just been really cool, both football-wise from the organization but also in the community,” Wentz says. “It just seems like such a family-friendly environment. Everyone’s rooting for you, pulling for you and wants you to succeed.”

While Carson, his wife Madison, and their 1-year-old daughter Hadley have been busy settling in, the Indianapolis community has made sure to welcome them with open arms.

When he’s not out on the gridiron, Wentz also stays busy with a nonprofit he started called the Audience of One (AO1) Foundation. A devout Christian, Wentz has tried to use his platform for good since entering the NFL.

“The way we’ve been welcomed and

“When I was a rookie, I knew that my

$0 MORE PLANS AVAILABLE FOR $0 The Affordable Care Act Federal Special Enrollment Period Ends August 15, 2021.

DANNA GREEN

Licensed Insurance Agent

(317) 430-7094 Walk-ins welcome!

*Premium subsidies vary by address and subject to eligibility. Cost sharing (deductible and coinsurance) may be higher.

TownePost.com / AUGUST 2021 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / 9

purpose was so much bigger than throwing touchdowns on Sunday,” he says. “Coming to my faith when I was in college, I knew there was a platform that was different. Lord knows how long I’ll have that platform, so as a rookie I said, ‘Let’s start the foundation.

I don’t know how many years I’ll be in this position to have a voice, have eyes on me and make a difference, so while we’ve got it, let’s make the most of it.’ ” The AO1 Foundation consists of three separate ministries according to Wentz. The first of these is called Thy Kingdom Crumb.

“That goes around and gives out free food to anybody and everybody, and also talks with people on the streets, shares the gospel and prays with people,” Wentz says of Thy Kingdom Crumb. “Anybody and everybody is welcome. We look forward to that continuing in Philly, but potentially seeing how we can get involved in a similar fashion out here in the Indianapolis area.”

SUMMER CONCERTS AT BLACKHAWK WINERY Fridays at 6:30 pm 7/30 Pastime 8/6 Second Chance 8/13 Nucklehead 8/20 Acoustic Catfish 8/27 Sax Pistols

Tuesday-Friday 9:30 to 5:30 / Saturday 9:30 to 2:00 765-675-9720 / moserjewelers.com 135 E. Jefferson Street / Downtown Tipton / Next to the Diana Theatre

Details and complimentary tickets at www.blackhawkwinery.com

10 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2021 / TownePost.com

The AO1 Foundation also facilitates an Outdoor Ministry, which aims to serve children with life-threatening illnesses or other life-altering medical situations in order to foster a passion for outdoor activities and bring people closer to God through discipleship. Last but not least, the AO1 Foundation is involved in a sports complex in the country of Haiti.

“It’s just been really cool to see God working through it and for us to be obedient to where he calls us to go,” says Wentz of the AO1 Foundation and its three ministries.

“It’s been fun to really see lives being bigger city that has everything you need impacted and changed, not only on this from restaurants to family activities. earth but also for eternity, and that’s really There are so many things to do. I think the where the greatest reward has been.” culture around here and the community atmosphere really fits me and my family Currently living on Indy’s northside, Wentz perfectly, and we’re excited about it.” says he and his family have already grown to love Indianapolis.

As for his inner outdoorsman, Wentz says he looks forward to exploring all of the “We love it out here,” he says. “It’s got nature Indiana has to offer as well. that small-town feel, but it’s definitely a

“The hunting, fishing and everything around in the countryside out here seems really exciting for me to dabble with, get out there and enjoy,” Wentz says.

The Indianapolis Colts kick off their regular season on September 12 against the Seattle Seahawks at Lucas Oil Stadium. To view the entire Colts schedule, visit Colts.com/ Schedule.

COUNTRY LAWN & GARDEN REPAIR

FULL SERVICE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS Residential & Commercial Outdoor Power Equipment Small & Large Tractor ∙ Small & Large Zero Turns

2275 N. State Rd., Tipton 765-675-6770

506 N. Main Street

Hours: M-F 8:00-5:00 Seasonal Sat hours 8:00-Noon

A Vintage and Artisan Market • Local Artisans • ‘One of a kind’ treasures • Impressive ‘Man Cave’ selection

Tipton’s Best Kept Secret!

Wed - Sat 10am - 5pm

Home is where the “Heart and Soul” Live

Our Services: Grooming & hygiene, prompiting of

medications, private sitting, light housekeeping, running errands.

We provide companionship and care for our clients and their families.

Contact us for a free consultation Lisa Ferguson: 765-860-2375

• • • •

120 N. Main St - 765-675-3004

License Personal Service Agency Accredited with the Better Business Bureau serving Central Indiana Custom Care Packages to meet each Client’s specific needs Minimum of four hour shifts up to 24/7 shifts available with personally trained Caregiver’s to meet the needs of our Client’s

Website: www.heartandsoulcaring.com

TownePost.com / AUGUST 2021 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / 11

The Perfect Home Deserves The Perfect Floor

Carpet ∙ Hardwood Laminate ∙ Tile ∙ Lvt

Driving Range Practice Putting Green Chipping Green Full-Service Clubhouse Golf Cart & Pull-Cart Rentals

Snack Bar Private Golf Lessons Junior Golf Clinics Ladies Golf Clinics Outings/Tournaments/Leagues

2211 South 200 West • 765-675-6687 • 7am-7pm

THE FLOOR STORE Steve & Carolyn Swan

1003 E. Jefferson St. Tipton, IN 46072 765-675-3230

Lowest Price eed Guarent

FREE Delivery

We’ll Beat Any Competitor’s Price

Large In-Store Selection of La-Z-Boy and Beauty Rest!

113 N. Main St., Tipton | 765-675-2554

Monday-Friday 10:00-5:30 Saturday 10:00-2:00 Closed Sunday 12 / TIPTON MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2021 / TownePost.com

Free In-Town Delivery!