Wabash Valley Living April 2014

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ABASH VALLE

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APRIL 2014

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CONTENTS

Editor................................... Amy M. Orr Contributors..............Sylvia Marbach Amy M. Orr

APRIL 2014

Holly Wuebker Advertising.............. Raelene Hirschy

Vol. 6, No. 4, April 2014 © Wabash Valley Living, 2014. Published monthly since June 2009.

• COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF VANTILBURG FARMS •

Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

Editorial office: 346 U.S. Hwy. 27 North, Berne IN 46711. Call (260)849-2187 for editorial or advertising.

5

A Wealth of Farming Products

11

Cyclist Club Promotes Better Health

17

Cut Flowers, Fresh Produce & More

22

CALENDAR OF AREA EVENTS

27

Landscaping & Small Engine Sales

31

Site of Family-Friendly Activities

37

Technology Advances Aid Farmers

41

Ohio Family Farming Operation

46

FIND FRIEDRICH CONTEST

47

COUPON PAGE

Wabash Valley Living is printed by:

169 S. Jefferson Street, Berne, IN 46711 (877)589-2145 • www.EPGraphics.com

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Adams Memorial Hosp 48

Karen’s Treasures

Amy's Photography

7

4

Kindred Nursing & Reh 29

12

M.C. Hilty Construction 30

Backyard Family Furn

4

Merlin’s Martin Houses 35

Berne Antique Mall

30

Anytime Fitness

Miller's Variety

45

Berne Chamber of Com 33

Mr Planners

Biggs Property Manage 14

New Look Exteriors

Bluhm & Reber

Niswonger Performing 18

20

Brad Alberson Agency 39 Century 21 Advance

19

Chain Reaction

40

Christner’s Pizza King

25

Classics Plus Auto

9

Colllier’s Heating & Air 11 Crafty Corner

7

Decatur Music & More 21 Decatur Self-Storage

43

DL Schwartz Company

6

E & R Seed

43

Earthen Treasures

11

Outdoor Concepts Rebecca Cochran CPA River Terrace Schnitz Accounting

8 35 28 2 33 45

Schwartz Shoe Store

44

Shaka Shack

40

Simon's Manufactur

20

Sportsmans Lodge

13

Standard Auto Rental

25

State Farm Steve Rich

14 4

Swissland Cheese

36

Troxel Equipment

36

TW Fable Restaurant

42

Van Wert CVB

19

Velocity Motors

30

Gersh’s Carpet Cleaning 38

Villa Lanes / Molly's

13

GM Plants & Produce

32

Willow Creek Store

44

Habegger Furniture

29

Willshire Home Furnish 21

8

Wilmen’s Country Store 44

Honegger, Ringger & Co 2

Ya Ya’s Mid-Century to 40

Joe’s Lighting

Zurcher’s Best-One Auto 47

East of Chicago

9

Edelweiss Floral & Gifts 20 Engine House Quilt

34

Geels Backhoe

34

Helen Woodard’s Yager

45

Blazing Saddles Bicycle Club – Decatur, IN

Something from the Garden – Van Wert, OH

Outdoor Concepts – Bluffton, IN

Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve – Bryant, IN

Troxel Equipment – Bluffton, IN

Cooper Farms – St. Henry, OH

2

Schwartz Manufactur

Swiss Village

VanTilburg Farms, Inc. – Celina, OH

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VanTilburg Farms A WEALTH OF FARMING PRODUCTS, SERVICES & KNOWLEDGE IN OHIO Article by Holly Wuebker

I

they are always incorporating new technology and converging on increased yields, friendly environmental practices, and above all, feeding the world.

VanTilburg Farms focuses on its customers, providing a number of useful products and services. Consistently advancing agricultural practices is at the helm of the organization, as

Primarily established by Boyd VanTilburg in the early 1900s, the organization was then incorporated by his son, Harold, daughter-inlaw, Helen, and their sons, Jim and Mark, in 1977. At that time, VanTilburg Farms began

nnovative, caring, focused, intrinsic – these are just a few of the main qualities that describe VanTilburg Farms, Inc. This local family-owned agricultural organization is based out of Celina, Ohio.

WVL April 2014 / 5

D. L. Schwartz Co. Farm & Home Suppl 2188 S. US Hwy. 27 ▪ Union forks, shovels & hoes selling a number of retail agricultural products, by passing the farming business off to their Repair handles ▪ Stovepipe ▪ M Berne, IN 46711 including chemicals, fertilizers, seed, lyme, children: Matt, Kyle and Luke VanTilburg – the gypsum and more.

Grinders current managing partners.

& parts ▪ Horseshoe supplies ▪ Horse training head Sixteen years later, after working with both This makes the fourth generation of ▪ Anvils ▪ Oil lamps ▪ Colema See our assortment of LED Harold, his father, and Boyd, his grandfather, VanTilburgs to have the privilege of being repair parts ▪ Pressure cookers batterywith lamps and headlights.

Jim took over the operation his wife American farmers. After being passed from Brenda. Jim and Brenda had high hopes for generation to generation, VanTilburg Farmsfencers still parts ▪ Parmak ▪ and m the company, and after making a few more maintains many of themore….. same qualities it did in advances through the years, they followed in the footsteps of Jim’s parents and grandparents

the beginning, but with even more capabilities in the modern world. While the most recent

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generation of VanTilburgs still farm and raise crops privately, their company offers a growing list of ag products and services.

VanTilburg Farms’ grain division conducts purchasing and sales of grains with area farmers. Its storage facilities have the capacity to house 672,000 bushels.

Markets are monitored daily in the grain division, so customers may receive the highest price for their corn, beans, wheat or other commodities, based on the current market price. Recently, a Dickey-John Grain Analysis Computer was purchased for grain testing, and it “automatically calculates moisture content, temperature, and test weight (bulk density) of the sample.”

This technology will increase efficiency in the office and accuracy for the customer delivering grain. The specialized equipment purchase is another example of how the organization is advancing, while also striving to provide the customer with the highest benefits possible.

Since its inception, VanTilburg Farms has also expanded to offer trucking services.

Drivers for the company haul poultry litter, fertilizers, and more. The company provides custom spraying and spreading, as well. And, area farmers depend on VanTilburg Farms for consulting and advice on improving their methods and achieving better results.

Some farmers rely on another division of the company for security. VTF Crop Insurance, LLC, offers policies to protect area farmers in the event of crop losses.

With planting quickly approaching, everyone at VanTilburg Farms works diligently to prepare for the upcoming season, whether in the semis, fields or offices. Teamwork is a must, since the operation has expanded, and the employees are valued for what they can accomplish in a day’s time. One such employee – “Wein,” as some like to call him – is known for enjoying NASCAR and for keeping other employees in line.

the

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Maintenance technicians keep all the equipment functioning properly, and drivers are consistently putting in extended days, in order to get ahead before the rush really begins. Typically, during the first few weeks of spring, customers will begin calling with a variety of requests, whether it’s picking up seed for planting or selling beans from last year’s harvest.

Each division of VanTilburg Farms has its own methods, and while cross-training is in progress, it still takes that special someone to fill a customer’s request. For fertilizer, chemicals and seed, the main managing partner, Matt VanTilburg, focuses on ensuring customers are receiving the proper products for their fields and specialized needs.

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An avid duck enthusiast (yes, he sometimes watches Duck Dynasty), Matt is also a noted cover crop public speaker. He trains the highly-qualified and knowledgeable sales staff who assist customers, and he oversees many company assets.

Another division of the company is VTF Excavation, LLC, which was established twelve years ago. Managing member Kyle VanTilburg is in charge of monitoring crews, foremen, superintendents, and all projects to be completed.

The excavation operation is highly-qualified as a “heavy highway construction operation” that specializes in bridges, manholes, road

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repairs and extensive state, public, and private projects. Kyle seems to be the “entrepreneur of the organization” and takes on multiple projects, envisioning expansions and ensuring everything is completed accurately and on-time. He is most well-known for his “love of the water” and his easygoing personality.

The “tech guru,” or overseer the operation, is Luke VanTilburg, CFO. Luke handles technical support, customer service, employee relations, and a wide array of extended services, along with his typical everyday workload. He ensures that both companies, VanTilburg Farms, Inc., and VTF Excavation, LLC, are running succinctly, handling any issues that may arise and ensuring everyone is on the same page.

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Together, the three brothers make the corporation successful. Yes, working together is definitely “interesting,” they say, and above all, it brings everyone together for the common good of the company and its customers.

Jim VanTilburg is still partially involved with the organization and stops by from time to time to see what everyone is up to, or just to fill everyone in on the latest happenings. These days, he focuses primarily on his hobbies: horses, training hunting dogs, and assisting whenever needed, especially when it comes to the local community.

VanTilburg Farms has changed hands among family members, and its offering of products and services has expanded with time. But, the company still maintains the same family values. Their motto, “Farmers Serving Farmers,” is spot-on, as this fourth generation knows from experience.

Extra cheese and toppings may be an additional charge. Delivery charges may apply. Not valid for online ordering. Valid at participating locations. Limited time offer.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 8398 Celina-Mendon Road Celina, OH 45822

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WVL April 2014 / 9

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Blazing Saddles CYCLIST CLUB PROMOTES BETTER HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT Article & Photos by Tara Steffen

M

any people enjoy a leisurely ride through the countyside on a bicycle, now and then, but for Derek Vrablic, it’s much more than that. Riding a bicycle is a way to stay healthy, relieve stress, make new friends, and support the community.

Blazing Saddles offers weekly rides beginning as early as April 1st. Two separate groups ride on Tuesday nights. The first is known as Club 101 and is geared more for beginners. Club 101 is an extension of the spin classes that are offered at Adams Memorial Hospital.

Blazing Saddles Bicycle Club is based in Decatur, Indiana, but welcomes riders from around the county. The club is currently in its twenty-fourth year, and Derek is the current club president.

The goal of this group is to get people outside and riding. Sometimes, this can be overwhelming to cyclists. But, riding outdoors is no different – except that you are actually going somewhere.

WVL April 2014 / 11

The end goal is to help riders work up to 50 miles for the annual Flat 50 Plus Bike Tour in June by gradually adding distance to the Tuesday night ride each week.

The other group riding on Tuesday nights is for more experienced cyclists. When the two groups ride, notable gaps may develop between them as the more experienced riders may pull ahead of the Club 101 riders. This is completely normal and should not be taken personally.

Some cyclists make it a goal to complete a “century” ride. As the name suggests, the distance in a “century” ride is a full 100 miles. For cyclists who wish to work up to the 100-mile distance for the annual Flat 50 Plus tour, Blazing Saddles has created an incremental system.

First, riders conquer the six miles from Monroe, Indiana, to Berne, Indiana. Then, continuing from Berne to Geneva, Indiana, is essentially the same distance. Once a rider can complete a ride between

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Monroe and Geneva, they’ve worked up to a 12-mile ride. When a longer ride is broken down into smaller sections, long distance rides doesn’t seem quite as overwhelming.

Blazing Saddles hosts another weekly ride on Saturdays. This ride begins in Decatur.

Some weeks, the group travels to Rainbow Lake in Geneva, Indiana, and back. Other weeks, they might ride to Rockford, Ohio, and back. The club prefers to start these rides early in the morning and return to Decatur around noon, taking into consideration that many of their riders have families, and if the ride is too long, cyclists will be exhausted for the rest of the day.

Logistics of these rides must be considered carefully, and routes are not just “thrown together.” When planning for the safety of riders, heavy traffic is a concern. The Blazing Saddle Club begins planning the routes for the June Flat 50 Plus Bike Tour the previous September.

When the club first started the annual ride in June, members contemplated how they might attract riders from outside the area.

With other rides in Michigan or southern Indiana, riders are drawn by the rolling hills or beautiful orchards dotting the countryside.

Adams County’s scenery includes quite a bit of flat farmland. Thus, the club settled on the “Flat 50 Plus Bike Tour.” The Flat 50 Plus features not only 50- and 100-mile rides, but also 20-, 30-, and 62-mile routes, as well as an 18-mile family ride.

The Flat 50 Plus is the Blazing Saddle Club’s biggest event each year. It was named “Best Country Tour in America” by the League of American Bicyclists in 1999. Participants include about 400 riders from across the State of Indiana and the Midwest. This year’s Flat 50 Plus is planned for Saturday, June 21st.

During the ride, there will be several SAG (support and gear) stops along the way, usually every 20 miles. These stops provide energizing food and equipment maintenance to riders. It is very important to provide good snacks to the riders as they stop, many of them are in great shape and want nutritious, healthy food.

Since a portion of the money raised is donated to the Adams County Heart Club

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and Decatur Optimist Club, members from these organizations come out to volunteer and serve the participants.

New this year will be the option for cyclists to be timed for participation in Strava Segments. Strava is an online community that enables cyclists to track performance, as well as challenge other members.

The Segments feature allows riders to specify portions of a ride, upload timed results for an individual, and see how each rider ranked in comparison to other cyclists on that segment of the ride. Strava also gives its members kudos to as they achieve personal goals.

As in the past, riders will have the option of overnight camping Friday, June 20th at the Bellmont pond area in Decatur. This year’s ride coincides with the annual Motor Sports Festival in downtown Decatur, as well as the Fleetwood RV Rally held annually at Bellmont High School.

Want to become a member of Blazing Saddles and participate in the Flat 50 Plus this year, but don’t have a bike? The average cost of a road bike is around two to three thousand dollars. However, says Derek, most could buy a bike at a local big box store for around two hundred dollars and be just fine.

Those who are more serious about riding will find it worth the money to spend a little extra and get a better bike. Each kind of bike is different. Some offer different levels of comfort, while some ride differently.

A good entry level road bike will cost somewhere between seven hundred and fifty and one thousand dollars.

To learn more about Blazing Saddles, visit their website at www. Flat50plus.com, or “like” them on Facebook. Riders may register for the Flat 50 Plus on the website through June 1st. The cost for online registration is $22. Or, register by mail or in person the day of the ride for $25.

CONTACT INFORMATION: info@decaturblazingsaddles.com www.decaturblazingsaddles.com

14 / WVL April 2014

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Juli Hamilton’s SOMETHING FROM THE GARDEN: CUT FLOWERS, FRESH PRODUCE & MORE Article by Amy M. Orr

J

uli Hamilton’s passion for plants and flowers isn’t something she discovered recently. As a child, her interest led her to raise livestock and complete horticultural projects as a participant in the local 4-H program.

Juli’s love for horticulture was partly inherited.

“My family always had a very large garden that I helped with. My mom grew beautiful flowers

that were a showcase on the corner of their property for years.”

As an adult, the Van Wert, Ohio, resident says she knew she wanted a career involving food and flower production. So, she attended a school in Colorado and studied horticulture formally.

“I really enjoy working with plants and the soil,” Juli explains. “I love seeing how making small

WVL April 2014 / 17

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changes in the way plants are grown can change the end result dramatically.”

hard work...diversity – they are all involved in planning and maintaining a garden.

For the past 12 years, Juli has been raising flowers, herbs and produce and selling them at area farmer’s markets. In 2012, she established a permanent shop, known as Something from the Garden, at her home in rural Van Wert.

“If people can just get a taste of what’s in a garden, they might plant one themselves. I try to offer those things so they might get a sense of ‘Something from the Garden.’

“Gardens can be so diverse,” Juli says. “Colors, tastes, nourishment for the mind and body...

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SOUTHERN GOSPEL EXPO Juli works hard to ensure customers have a good variety to choose from. Her floral varieties include peonies, gladiolas, zinnias, sunflowers and more. Juli offers fresh herbs and produce and says, “I work with other local growers to fill some of the gaps in my production line. I try to have a wide range of produce available for customers all the time.”

In fact, Juli’s shop also carries local eggs, along with Amish retail lines, including Walnut Creek Foods and Troyer’s Amish Wedding Foods. She adds, “I also work with individuals locally to carry a variety of crafts, noodles, grass-fed beef, and dōTERRA essential oils product line.”

Something from the Garden carries Ohio maple syrup and local honey, as well.

Juli also enjoys growing a wide range of flower types for weddings and other special events. She offers special order wedding favors and wedding party gifts, which may include herbs and pantry items, such as chocolates, candies and jams. Juli can create special order gift baskets, too, with her pantry items and/or fresh floral arrangments.

Something from the Garden opened for the season in March with Saturday hours. In April, Juli will open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, leaving time for her to work in the fields each morning. In May, hours will extend further on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Since spring is vital to a farm market,” says Juli, “I cherish this time of year! The new spring smells, the sun on your back again, the new seeds poking their heads out of the ground – it makes someone who works the ground just giddy when the temperatures start to creep up.

“I love growing the plants, caring for them and watching them produce edible and visible results. I love working with people and finding ways to get good, healthy foods onto their dinner tables.”

April 3-6, 2014

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“I also really enjoy working with the people that I meet through the store and at farmer’s markets,” Juli adds. “I get to hear their stories.

A Step in the Right Direction!

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7315 US Hwy 27 S - Just south of Berne

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(260)589-3223

206 W. Main Street Berne, Indiana

(260)589-2125

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(260)565-3469 or (260)409-5408 Cell 3663 N 600 W, Decatur

“They tell about their favorite varieties of vegetables and which types they use for particular recipes. I get to hear about what flowers their grandparents used to raise and how the flowers bring back such nice memories.”

Juli says she still enjoys setting up at area farmer’s markets. Something from the Garden has booths at Market on Main in downtown Van Wert and at Woodbridge Campground between Van Wert and Paulding. Both markets will open for the new season in May. “I am at Market on Main in Van Wert every week with other small businesses – mostly home-based – to support and be a part of the growth and community development of Van Wert. Small towns need to support small businesses to grow and thrive, so it’s encouraging to see people milling about in front of the courthouse, joining together to support that sector of the community.

“Small communities don’t grow overnight. They grow, small business by small business, with a few big businesses sprinkled into the mix. I would really like my customers to know just how much I appreciate their support and encouragement.”

As a new small business owner, Juli understands some of the challenges facing local entrepreneurs. She explains, “There are so many aspects to starting and operating a small business. You don’t have experience for some of the choices you make, so you learn on the fly from your mistakes and turn them around for good.

“You are away from your family more than you really want to be. It takes long hours and dedication to make a new business thrive and grow, so you either put the effort into it, or you may as well

20 / WVL April 2014

CONTACT INFORMATION:

833 N. 13th Street

13492 U.S. Route 224 Van Wert, OH 45891

Decatur, IN

(419) 203-6797 Feel free to call or text!

PROUDLY SUPPORTING OUR MILITARY MEN & WOMEN

318 State Street, Willshire, OH 419.495.2833 Bill & Aleta Weiss, Owners

Home Furnishings

SMALL-TOWN FRIENDLY & EXCEPTIONAL PRICES

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Something from the Garden has something in the works, so keep an eye on the business’ Facebook page in the coming weeks. “I have some ideas for a new avenue I want to pursue for the market side of the business,” Juli says, “but that is still in the planning process, so I won’t say more!”

ILLSHIRE

Juli is also active with the Evergreen Garden Club in Van Wert, and she participated in the Quarter Auction fundraiser for the Van Wert Peony Festival. “I plan on participating in several more community fundraisers throughout the year for other great causes,” she says.

“I enjoy being able to give back to the community.”

Items may be picked up beginning Friday, May 30th.

“During the down time in the winter, I’m busy planning out the next season and making decisions about the focus of the upcoming year. I’m also busy doing the all-important, yet highly-avoided, book work.”

BRING YOUR MILITARY UNIFORMS AND MEMORABILIA TO OUR STORE BETWEEN APRIL 1ST & MAY 21ST.

In her rare moments of free time, Juli helps out at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, where she teaches the Awesome Attitudes youth group. She says she learns more from this “great group” of second through fifth grade kids “every week.”

THE STORE WILL BE CLOSED FOR BUSINESS SO WE MIGHT HONOR OUR VETERANS, PAST & PRESENT, WITH AN ARRAY OF MILITARY DISPLAYS.

“It is hard work, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

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“It’s a long day and tiresome job.

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STORE HOURS:

WVL April 2014 / 21

Monday thru Thursday 1-7:30; Friday 1-6:30; Saturday 10-2

AREA EVENTS CALENDAR

1st Blood Pressure Checks 8:15 a.m.

McDonald’s Restaurant Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2327

Senior BINGO

8:30 a.m.

McDonald’s Restaurant Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2327

AARP Income Tax Prep Continues 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Blood Pressure Checks Noon - 2:00 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

Boys Book Club

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

SLR Camera Workshop 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

City Hall Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

PJ Story Hour

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

2nd Needles, Hooks & Pins 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Viking Knit Jewelry Class 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

City Hall Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Crafts & Conversation 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

22 / WVL April 2014

Laurie McClain in Concert 6:00 p.m.

The Java Bean Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

3rd

Viking Knit Jewelry Class 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

City Hall Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

LEGO Club

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

LEGO Club

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Weight Watchers Meeting 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Southern Gospel Expo 7:00 p.m.

Trinity Friends Church Van Wert, Ohio www.trinityvw.com

4th Artists in Action

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Arts Commerce Visitors Ctr Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

Honorary Kathy Bauman Craft Sale 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Southern Gospel Expo 5:00 p.m.

Trinity Friends Church Van Wert, Ohio www.trinityvw.com

Nana's Naughty Knickers Continues 6:30 p.m.

Van Wert Senior Center Van Wert, Ohio (419) 605-6708

5th Pancake & Sausage Breakfast 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Ossian Fire Station Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4625

Honorary Kathy Bauman Craft Sale 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

LEGO Club

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

Jungle Jack Hanna

3:00 p.m.

Niswonger Perf. Arts Center Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6722

Southern Gospel Expo 4:00 p.m.

Trinity Friends Church Van Wert, Ohio www.trinityvw.com

Lisa Biales & EG Kight in Concert 7:30 p.m.

Arts Place Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4809

Indoor Bull-Riding 7:30 p.m.

Hat Creek Arena Van Wert, Ohio (419) 232-2855

6th Decatur Flea Market 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Riverside Center Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2520

Southern Gospel Expo 6:30 p.m.

Trinity Friends Church Van Wert, Ohio www.trinityvw.com

7th Cozy Christian Readers Book Discussion 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Tax Assistance for Seniors 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Wells County Public Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

Moms Support Group 1:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Musical Monday

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wells County Public Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

8th

Blood Pressure Clinic 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

McDonald’s Restaurant Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Get Jazzed Up with Jamie (by appointment) 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Blood Pressure Checks Noon - 2:00 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

Computer Club

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

iPad Club

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

Boys Book Club

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

Cookbook Club

Pushing the Limits

9th

Footloose

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

Networking Breakfast 7:30 a.m.

Elks Lodge Dunkirk, Indiana (260) 726-4481

Needles, Hooks & Pins 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

AARP Income Tax Prep Assistance 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

Crafts & Conversation 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

10th

Beauty in Small Places II Conference 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Arts Place Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4809

JL Trekkers

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Planning for Retirement 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

Weight Watchers Meeting 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Who Picked This Book, Anyway?

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

7:00 p.m.

Niswonger Perf. Arts Center Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6722

11th Beauty in Small Places II Conference 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Arts Place Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4809

Artists in Action

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Arts Commerce Visitors Ctr Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

Healthy Cooking Class 10:00 a.m.

South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

12th Swiss Village 5K Lauf/ Spaziergang

9 a.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

Movie at the Branch

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Wells County Public Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

Jay County Business Expo & Home Show 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Jay Community Center Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4481

Museum Open House

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Jay County Historical Museum Portland, Indiana (260) 726-7168

WVL April 2014 / 23

Saturday Afternoon at the Movies 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

Saturday Night at the Village 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Swiss Village Auditorium Berne, Indiana (260) 589-3173

Indoor Bull-Riding 7:30 p.m.

Hat Creek Arena Van Wert, Ohio (419) 232-2855

14

th

Tax Assistance for Seniors 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Wells County Public Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

Moms Support Group 1:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Brown Bag Book Club 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

Marshmallow Madness 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

Easter Egg Decorating 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

15th

Senior BINGO

8:30 a.m.

McDonald’s Restaurant Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2327

Business Women's Breakfast 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Chalet Village Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8080

24 / WVL April 2014

Blood Pressure Checks

Make Your Own Easter Eggs

Fizz, Boom Science

Poetry Jam

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Java Bean Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Kids’ Club

LEGO Club

Noon - 2:00 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

16

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

th

Life Line Screening

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Needles, Hooks & Pins 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Crafts & Conversation 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

Regional Student Art Exhibit Opening Reception 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Arts Place Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4809

Cooking with Chef Hector Minon 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Arts Commerce Visitors Ctr Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

17th Seniors Theater Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

LEGO Club

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Weight Watchers Meeting

Eggstravaganza

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

LEGO Club

6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Wells County Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

18th Artists in Action

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Arts Commerce Visitors Ctr Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

19th Run Over Violence 5K 9:00 a.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 728-9800

Grandpa's Tree Book Signing 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

LEGO Club

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

Golden Easter Egg Hunt 11:00 a.m.

Limberlost State Site Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7428

(260)728-2151 310 E. Monroe Decatur, IN

Easter Egg Hunt

12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Roush Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Dog Bone Hunt

12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Roush Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Named Business of the Year by the Decatur Chamber of Commerce!

Peeps Eating Contest 1:00 p.m.

Roush Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Indoor Bull-Riding 7:30 p.m.

Hat Creek Arena Van Wert, Ohio (419) 232-2855

20th Easter Brunch

10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Lighted Gardens Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4023

21st Blood Pressure Checks 12:30 p.m.

South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Free Senior BINGO

1:00 p.m.

South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Moms Support Group 1:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

SMORGASBORD LUNCH: Mon. thru Fri. 11a.m. - 1p.m. | Sun. 11a.m. - 1:30p.m.

SMORGASBORD DINNER: Tues., Thurs., & Sat. 5p.m. - 9p.m.

15% OFF TOTAL BILL –when you present the coupon on page 47–

Standard Auto Rentals 330 E. Monroe Street Decatur, IN 46733

1-800-699-5308 260-724-2516

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All Books Considered Book Discussion 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

WVL April 2014 / 25

Kids' Club

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wells County Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

22nd Blood Pressure Clinic 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

McDonald’s Restaurant Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Blood Pressure Checks Noon - 2:00 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

Super Hero Bash 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wells County Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

23

rd

Needles, Hooks & Pins 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Senior Luncheon

Noon South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Crafts & Conversation 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

24th Earth Day Recycling Craft 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Thursday Night CruiseIn 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Arby's Restaurant Portland, Indiana (260) 726-3366

26 / WVL April 2014

Weight Watchers Meeting 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Card Making Class 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

City Hall Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Ladies' Night Out

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

NCGLNAC Academic Conference

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

John Jay Center for Learning Portland, Indiana (513) 874-8037

Voices of Unity Youth Choir in Concert

7:30 p.m.

Niswonger Perf. Arts Center Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6722

Indoor Bull-Riding

25th

7:30 p.m.

Hat Creek Arena Van Wert, Ohio (419) 232-2855

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Lighted Gardens Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4702

Jewelry Making Class

Artists in Action

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Arts Commerce Visitors Ctr Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

Card Making Class

12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Senior Euchre Tournament 2:00 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

Mom 2 Mom Sale

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

West Missionary Church Berne, Indiana (260) 525-0989

Creatures of the Night 8:30 p.m.

Loblolly Marsh Pavilion Bryant, Indiana (260) 368-7428

26th

Mom 2 Mom Sale

8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

West Missionary Church Berne, Indiana (260) 525-0989

Spring Extravaganza

28th Mom's Support Group 1:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

K123 Club

3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Teen Book Club

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

29th

Blood Pressure Checks Noon - 2:00 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

30th Crafts & Conversation 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

Outdoor Concepts LANDSCAPING SERVICES AND SMALL ENGINE SALES AND SERVICE Article & Photos by Tara Steffen

S

ometimes when we least expect it, opportunity knocks, and we only need to open the door. This is what happened to Steve Gerber. It’s an amazing thing to watch God orchestrate circumstances, whether in business or relationships.

services. One day, after Steve was newly-married, he was doing a landscaping job at Hardee’s® Restaurant in Bluffton. He asked the manager who was caring for the lawn. The manager told Steve he was going to have to hire someone and asked if Steve was interested.

Steve had been working for his father in the landscaping business throughout high school.

This was a thriving business, but at that time, the company did not offer lawn mowing as part of its

Steve agreed, and after a rate was negotiated, he bought a small push mower. He loaded it in the trunk of his car and, once every week after work, he hauled it to Hardee’s® and mowed the lawn. As

WVL April 2014 / 27

Steve took care of the grass, the manager began to ask him to do other small landscaping jobs, as well, such as planting flowers.

Since the restaurant is located at a busy intersection, other people started to notice Steve as he worked on the lawn and landscaping at Hardee’s®. Mick Cupp saw Steve there one day and later contacted him by phone. Mick asked Steve to mow the lawns at his business and his home. Mick provided Steve with a mower and small trailer.

In his first year, Steve ended up caring for five lawns on a regular basis. As new customers called, Steve had to seek some help, and he hired teenagers to help with mowing. His young crew picked up the trailer at his dad’s house after school.

Once Steve was done at work, he would meet his crew at the job site.

In 1987, Steve’s dad was ready to retire from the landscaping business, which he passed onto his sons. Steve had envisioned a lawn and garden

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center, but his brothers were not interested in that sort of expansion. So, Steve made the decision to establish a separate business and mow full-time, while his brothers concentrated on the landscaping business.

Steve operated his mowing business from his home near Vera Cruz. As Steve would mow for his clients, most would eventually ask him to replace a shrub or landscape a section of the property. This really was not part of Steve’s business vision, but he could not turn his customers down.

In the spring and summer, Steve sold mulch on Tuesday nights and Saturday mornings.

He says customers would line up all the way down the road, waiting their turn to get a load of mulch.

Steve put his young boys to work watering stock shrubs that were for sale. One day, someone called the house, and one of the boys intercepted the call. Taking his dad’s business seriously, the younger Gerber immediately asked the caller if he’d like to buy some mulch!

Steve always loved tinkering on small engines, and when a small engine shop in Bluffton came up for sale, Steve jumped at the opportunity to purchase it. In 1990, in addition to the mowing and landscaping services, he began selling and repairing small engines and mowers.

In time, a much bigger building was needed to house this growing business, so Steve began searching for a new location. Steve found an old lumber building on Wabash Street. The building had been empty for a number of years, and Steve’s wife Gaila was less than enthusiastic about the property because it needed so much work.

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But, Steve cleaned up all the overgrowth, slapped a few gallons of paint on the building, and operated Steve’s Landscape from that location for about six years. Then in 1996, Steve purchased seven acres of land along State Road 124 for another expansion.

This location was very close to the Wabash River, and during heavy rains when the river would overflow its banks, Steve and Gaila sometimes spent the night in the building to make sure it didn’t flood. Water came to about an inch from the back door, at one point, but the building was spared.

SHORT-TERM • Rehab to Home Program • Physical & Occupational Therapy

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WVL April 2014 / 29

Bluffton, Indiana

260-824-4320

TREASURES

from the past!

Berne

Antique Mall

105 W. Water, Berne 260.589.8050 10-5 Mon. thru Sat.

M.C. HILTY CONSTRUCTION

NEW CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING

ROOFING • SIDING • WINDOWS BASEMENTS • CONCRETE 2575 W 250 S, Berne

(260)768-8154

Mervin C. Hilty - In Business Since 1991

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In 2008, Nesco offered to purchase the building were Steve was located. He had moved so many times that he really wasn’t interested in relocating again. But, he remembered wise words spoken by his grandfather: “The time to sell is when you have a buyer.” Steve agreed to sell his land along the river.

Fortunately, Gaila’s father owned some land just north of Bluffton, and a deal was made to relocate the business there. A yearand-a-half later, Outdoor Concepts was established on North Main Street, where it stands today.

Landscaping is more of a seasonal occupation, but Steve has several fulltime employees who work year-round. The small engine repair shop is always open for business, and Steve also offers snow removal service to help provide work during the long winter months.

Outdoor Concepts carries a large line of Grasshopper mowers, and Steve refurbishes used models in the off-season. Steve also established a website, and with his online presence, he sells things from old mower manuals to used mower parts.

During the summer, Steve hires a number of young people to help out. He recalls one kid that was not working very hard for him one summer. Steve sat down with the young man and had a heart-to-heart talk. Things improved after that.

This former employee still remembers what Steve told him and brings it up as one of those profound moments in life. Steve simply asked him, “If you worked this poorly for your coach, would your coach let you play on the team?”

“Well, no,” answered this young man.

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Loblolly Marsh RESTORED WETLANDS SITE OF FAMILYFRIENDLY ACTIVITIES Article by Sylvia Marbach

T

he Loblolly Marsh, part of a natural formation known as the Limberlost, is a local treasure, full of rich history. The Limberlost State Historic Site presents opportunities for children, families, and people of all ages and interests to bond, make memories, and learn new things.

Ken Brunswick, former East Central Regional Ecologist, played a major role in the restoration of this historically significant marshy area. The Loblolly, located in parts of

Adams and Jay counties, had been drained for farming purposes during a ditching project from 1888 to 1910.

“The Loblolly Marsh restoration began in mid-1992, when several people from DNR – Division of Nature Preserves – met with employees of the Limberlost State Historic Site, ACRES Land Trust, and me, in Geneva, Indiana.” Ken describes his part in the restoration. “At the meeting, I presented maps and information that I had created and

WVL April 2014 / 31

collected over a ten-year period prior to that meeting."

Ken adds, “Forest Clark of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was also vital for surveying the Loblolly Marsh area and offering advice about its restoration.” Recounting the sequence of events, Ken says, “By June 1993, the Limberlost Swamp Remembered project began, and by June 1996, we purchased one hundred eighty-eight acres of the Loblolly

Marsh from willing farmers. We added an additional two hundred forty acres in 1997, and after several more small purchases, we own the current four hundred sixty-nine acres in Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve.

“The larger Limberlost Territory wetland restoration areas are under the management of the DNR. Much of it has not reached nature preserve status yet."

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The total area under DNR restoration in the Limberlost is approximately seventeen hundred acres.

“An additional one thousand acres is being restored by private landowners.

Much of this twenty-seven hundred acres is in the Wetland Reserve Program of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.”

“The much smaller Loblolly Marsh area is known as ‘Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve.’ In July 2012, Governor Daniels dedicated this area as Indiana’s 250th nature preserve.”

Randy Lehman, site manager at Limberlost State Historic Site in Geneva, Indiana, expresses appreciation for everything Ken has done for the marsh.

“Ken did it, almost single-handedly.

There are acres of restored wetlands and protected uplands, and none of that would have happened had that not been for Ken. “He was a farmer who happened to think, There must be a better use for the land than trying to farm it. This land floods and ruins crops.

“So, he started learning about what the land was, and he came across the history of the Loblolly ditching project, and the Limberlost that Gene StrattonPorter used to describe in her books.”

Along with several hikes through the Loblolly Marsh, the Limberlost State Historic site hosts a number of events for children and families. Some of these include the Bluegrass Jamborees, Geneva’s Geneva, Creatures of the Night, and the recently-added New Year’s Eve event.

Curt Burnett, Naturalist and Program Specialist at the Limberlost State Historic Site, works with Randy to make these events special and suitable for the intended audience One of the most popular events the site hosts is an Easter egg hunt that is so much more than just candy and plastic

WVL April 2014 / 33

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eggs. Curt explains, “It’s a family event. We have an Easter egg hunt, and we have a petting zoo.

“I also teach a little class for kids about either eggs or bunnies – we switch it each year,” explains Curt.

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Curt and Randy ensure that no child will walk away empty-handed. They have plenty of eggs hidden, and sometimes, even additional opportunities to win candy during games. “It’s a sugar high for the kids,” Randy says.

The Golden Easter Egg Hunt is traditionally held the Saturday before Easter. This year, the hunt is April 19th at 11 a.m.

Another especially popular event is the tri-annual Bluegrass Jamboree, which takes place this year on July 20th, August 17th, and September 21st.

“It is a local Americana thing,” Curt explains. “Volunteer musicians get together. You never know who’s going to show up or what songs they’ll choose.

“They each get a turn to perform, and people just come and gather and listen.

It’s one of the most American events.

It’s just a Sunday jam session with local people.”

Geneva’s Geneva, which will take place August 15th, is an event geared toward adults. The evening includes wine tasting and an examination of the history and lifestyle during Gene Stratton-Porter’s life.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Curt says. “Some of us dress up in costumes from the time period. We have a timeline that people can walk along and see things that happened in history around here. It’s kind of a signature event for us, too.”

As far as nature activities, Curt offers, “We have three night events, and we try to theme each one differently. These are family events that focus on animals

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“In the spring, our nighttime event is Creatures of the Night. We focus on animals of the night – frogs calling at night, and owls. Sometimes, the migratory birds make some noise.

He adds, “We put out plywood cut-outs of animals with glowing eyes, and we lead a hike, and you have to shine your light and see their eyes glowing. It helps teach kids about animals that live in the dark, and it’s fun.”

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The third nighttime event is the Twilight Adventure, which includes a hike as the sun sets. Curt says, “The last one is in cooler weather. It’s campfire-focused.

“We tell stories. We let the kids sing and tell poems, if they want to perform.

So, it’s more of a social campfire thing.”

This summer, a short series of runs is planned at the Loblolly, culminating in the Limberlost Trailblazer 4K on June 26th. Each run includes a half-kilometer fun run for children. Runners must participate in at least two of the three races in order to qualify for awards to be presented following the final race.

Thanks to the staff of the Limberlost State Historic Site, there are a wide variety of activities at the site in Geneva, as well as at the Loblolly Marsh. A complete list of this year’s Limberlost and Loblolly events is available online.

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Troxel Equipment TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES AID AREA FARMERS LIKE NEVER BEFORE Article & Photos by Tara Steffen

I

n 1960, Ralph Troxel launched his business, Troxel Bin and Dryer Sales, specializing in grain handling and storage. A farmer himself, this was a way to fill downtime and also serve the needs of other area farmers. Ralph had two sons, Dave and Richard, who helped farm and also worked alongside their father in the grain storage business.

In 1975, Ralph was ready to retire. Dave and Richard purchased Troxel Bin and Dryer Sales

from their father. They continued to farm while selling Brock Manufacturing equipment on the side.

Then in about 1986, the Troxel brothers purchased a Ford New Holland store. They agreed it was time to change the business name and settled on Troxel Equipment Company.

This store was located on State Road 1 for about a year. Seeing the need for expansion, Dave and

WVL April 2014 / 37

Richard decided to construct a new facility on the family farmstead.

both Ford New Holland and John Deere products for about three years.

Using the existing home, they renovated and expanded to create a mechanical shop and showroom. Dave’s current office was once the garage. There are still many rooms left intact, like the kitchen, which is used by Troxel’s staff.

After that, Ford New Holland decided to pull out, and the business went strictly to John Deere. During this time, Dave and Richard were farming and selling farm equipment, grain bins, and pole buildings. This quickly became overwhelming, and they both decided it was too much to handle. They trimmed the sales business back to the John Deere equipment and the grain bins, and they gave up farming altogether.

In 1990, John Deere officials came into the area, looking for a new dealer to sell their products.

The Troxels decided to pursue this and offered

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Troxel Equipment Company continued its growth over the next several years.

In 2002, the brothers decided to begin an employee stock ownership of the company. All the employees now own a small part of the company. This really creates a sense of pride within the work force.

In 2004, a new form of technology was presented by John Deere – self-propelled sprayers. Troxel Equipment and five other John Deere dealers in northern Indiana joined forces in order to sell this type of implement. The multi-dealer partnership is known as the Indiana Spray Center.

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The self-propelled John Deere sprayers are fully integrated with the latest software and technology available.

They have capabilities of self-navigation and self-chemical mixing, with precise application of these chemicals. They are now sold at over 24 locations in Indiana, including Troxel Equipment.

Still growing the business, Dave and Richard purchased a John Deere retail location in Huntington, Indiana. Then in 2007, they purchased another dealership in Wabash, Indiana. Today, operating in three locations, Troxel Equipment offers both new and used John Deere agricultural, commercial, consumer, and skid steer equipment, as well as grain storage, drying, and handling equipment.

Dave says he has seen many changes in the business over the past 20 years, especially in relation to modern technology. He remembers when he was farming years ago, and something would break while he operated the combine in the field. He’d climb out of the combine, try to figure out what had broken, and then jump into his pickup truck and drive to the store to get a replacement part.

Later, cell phones became available, and this saved a little time. Dave says he could call the store instead, and someone could bring him the part he needed.

Now, with today’s technology, combines have the capability of “talking” with the

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Amazingly, farmers can now use the same satellite technology to operate their machinery more efficiently. These towers use satellite signals to aid in GPS tracking to almost within an inch of accuracy.

John Deere’s AutoTracTM system offers hands-free guidance that reduces overlap and allows farmers to work at faster speeds and in low visibility.

Farmers are also using technology to monitor their success at harvest time.

Through a touch screen inside the combine, information about the current harvest, like moisture content and yield, is immediately available to view. The information may be shared with Troxel Equipment. The company stores this data, while analyzing it with other agronomical factors, in order to help their customers farm more efficiently.

These specialized services require constant training for staff at Troxel Equipment. A training room was added at the Bluffton location for this purpose.

A video system allows an instructor to teach from a remote location. There are interactive microphones that allow the technicians to speak to the instructor, as well, making the training room much like a real classroom.

Dave says he loves what he does. He feels blessed to work with “a great group of people.” They are like family.

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Cooper Farms OHIO FAMILY FARMING OPERATION NOW IN ITS 76TH YEAR Article by Holly Wuebker

J

ust this past year, Cooper Farms of Ohio celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Time has changed many things within the organization since its establishment by Virgil and Virginia Cooper in 1938. Their children, Jim, Dianne, and Gary, all continue to be a part of the family business, which employs more than fifteen hundred between its four locations.

In the 40s and 50s, Virgil Cooper grew a variety of hatchery animals, including turkeys, geese, ducks, and pheasants. He expanded and began raising more turkeys in the hatchery, and as the business developed, so did its need for more space.

As the organization grew, establishing the plants in Oakwood, Van Wert, St. Henry

WVL April 2014 / 41

and Ft. Recovery, was only a portion of the expansion. “We are almost always on a continual expansion program, incorporating new team members and/or family farmers who want to contract with Coopers,” says Gary Cooper, now COO of Cooper Farms.

As a young child of about 8 or 9, Gary remembers his father asking at the dinner table if he wanted to earn some extra money.

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So, for his first job, making twenty-five cents an hour, he “swept the floors of eggshells and refuse after school.”

At around 10 or 11 years old, Gary was starting to dabble in 4-H and Boy Scouts and “trying to earn money” as a young kid. He took about ten or fifteen poults (baby turkeys) and raised them to sell around Thanksgiving.

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For Gary, things started really changing during his junior year of high school.

His father gave him approximately ten thousand turkeys to raise in a “woodsy area” for the summer, and when he brought them to market, his father split the profit with him. So, in addition to working on the farm, he raised these extra turkeys. Gary says he made enough money to buy a new car.

Around this time, computers were becoming common in businesses, and at the age of 19, Gary was working fulltime for Cooper Farms. Jim Cooper had returned from California, where he had been a school-teacher, to assist with the running of the organization. Jim primarily focused on sales, while Gary focused on production. In the mid80s, their sister Dianne began working for the organization as Corporate Secretary. She also runs the Cooper Family Foundation.

As time went on, the three younger Coopers continued to expand the company, “marketing hogs, chicken eggs, and deli products, and focusing more on the company culture,” including trying to promote individual business ownership. They “encourage team members to be responsible for their own tasks in their own areas.”

Today, it’s simple for the Coopers to stay in touch with teammates through social media and e-mail. One company perk is its gain-sharing program, where employees have the opportunity to earn a monthly bonus. During some profitable years, the Coopers have been able to give “as much as an extra pay check a month,” based on the organization's success.

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At the end of the year, they also have a profit sharing bonus program that offers “additional profit over and above the gain-sharing program.” Gary says the program “funnels down to everybody and lets them excel at their own levels – in the type of position they have.”

Part of Cooper Farms’ extended family consists of three hundred family contract farmers that own barns and land but raise livestock or poultry at Cooper Farms’ expense and market risk. The company provides the servicing team, including a licensed veterinarian, and covers expenses, such as feed. It’s “like a second income” for many that normally work off the farm and provides an opportunity for farming families to “be able to stay in the livestock or poultry business without the added risk.”

Currently, Cooper Farms is focusing on promoting more hog and turkey growing barns in parts of Indiana and Ohio, especially south of Van Wert.

Adding locations away from current growers decreases the concentration and risk of potential diseases.

Currently, with the swine division, they are battling two major diseases, known as PRRS and PEDV. These deadly diseases affect the sows and cause vitality problems in the piglets.

To battle these issues, Cooper Farms increases its efforts in bio-security measures.

The company features full wash bays for vehicles and equipment, as well as showers and sanitizers for employees.

They also have a “baking building,” with room for a hauling trailer. The facility literally bakes a trailer at one

44 / WVL April 2014

Miller’s Variety

hundred-sixty degrees for fifteen minutes to kill any bacteria that could be on the equipment.

What some area residents may not realize, says Gary, is that we live in an area where it’s “an absolute excellent location to be a farmer.” He adds, “People have a great work ethic – they are good, hardworking people, and the states are friendly to our industry.”

Cooper Farms is in a prime location and “can touch half of the country’s population in an overnight delivery.”

Cooper Farms works very hard to “provide high-quality, safe, delicioustasting products for the country.” From Canada to Mexico and beyond, Cooper Farms is a “win, win for everybody” in providing jobs to local communities, as well as great products for families.

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For the past 75 years, Cooper Farms continues to grow and enrich the lives of others through its family-value based organization. The family plans to do the same for many more years to come. To learn more, or to apply for employment with Cooper Farms, visit the company’s website.

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