LOCATED IN THE MEC 455 E Farver St Shipshewana, IN 46565
EXPO: Ervin Miller
260.768.3033
Fax: 260.768.3133 Midwesttoolexpo@ outlook.com
AUCTION: Robert Mishler · 260.336.9750 Robert@ schraderauction.com Lic #AU8701553
LOCAL
January 23, 24 & 25, 2025
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2025
11:30 - 12:45
Dave Kauffman - How to understand yourself and others better 1:00 - 1:45 Indian Trail Tax Prep with Dennis Hershberger - Financial Statements Mini-Workshop
2:00 - 2:45 Gehman Accounting with Ken Nisly - Overhead & Payroll
3:00 - 3:45 Tyler & Associates with Don Tyler - Solutions to Common Challenges and How to Get Started
4:00 - 4:45 NucleoGenex with Laura Oblon - Gut health, DNA testing & “RED” Coffee
5:00 - 5:45 Better World Botanicals with Israel Combs - Why is the thyroid important?
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2025
9:30 - 10:45 Northern Nutrition with Jerry Christner, ND - Build your own First Aid/Health Survival Kit
11:00 - 11:45 Juice Plus with Dr. Mitra Ray (video), Orchestrated by: Velda, Mary Lou & Elnora Fuel Your Day Right & Feel the Difference
12:00 - 12:45 .... Immunity Therapy Center with Dr. Carlos Bautista - Alternative Medicine Treatments
1:00 - 1:45 Vista Life with Dr. Lebron & Corrinna Long - Find out how to help prevent open heart surgeries & heart attack
2:00 - 2:45
Better World Botanicals with Israel Combs - Parasites and their Dangers
3:00 - 4:45 The Wellness Way with Andrew Coblentz, Health Restoration Coach - Hope for Hormones! How to understand & properly test them
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2025
9:00 - 9:45 Northern Nutrition with Mark Byler, ND - A “Round Up” of Health Hazards caused by weed killers in our foods
10:00 - 10:45 Versiti Blood Center of Indiana - The Current State of Blood Supply
11:00 - 11:45 Vista Life with Dr. Lebron & Corrinna Long - Find our what happens to a pill before you get it
giveaway with $5,000 cash given away on Thursday, January 23 rd SEMINAR SCHEDULE
FEBRUARY
• 18” Dolls & Accessories
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62706 Nottawa Rd. Sturgis, MI 49091
PH. (269) 659-8588
FAX. (269) 651-2012
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HOMESTYLE FURNITURE SHOPPE
Quality Amish Craftsmanship for Every Room
At HomeStyle Furniture, we’ve been proudly serving the Nappanee and Rentown, Indiana, communities for over 20 years with premium Amish-crafted furniture built to last for generations. With two convenient locations, we offer furnishings for your entire home, from rockers and recliners to stunning dining room sets, cozy sofas, and everything in between.
Our family-run business began with a simple mission: to provide exceptional furniture at reasonable prices. Today, that mission remains at the heart of what we do. Lamar Schmucker leads our Rentown store, while Glen Schmucker oversees operations in Nappanee, ensuring that our customers receive personalized care and attention at both locations.
More Than A Furniture Store
HomeStyle Furniture is more than just a furniture store; it’s a place where quality meets tradition. Our pieces are expertly crafted by Amish artisans who combine timeless design with superior craftsmanship. Whether you’re furnishing a new home or adding a special touch to a single room, you’ll find heirloom-quality furniture that fits your style and budget.
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Our customers are the foundation of our success. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of helping families create beautiful homes, and we’re honored to see the next generation returning to us for their furniture needs. It’s your loyalty and support that inspire us to continue growing and serving our community.
We invite you to visit HomeStyle Furniture and experience the difference of shopping local and supporting a family business. We’re open six days a week: Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at either location—we’re here to help.
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1359 W. Market St., Nappanee, IN 1533 3rd Rd., Bremen, IN
February 14-15, 2025 - Great Wolf Lodge
February 22, 2025 - Travel, Deer & Water Fowl Show
March 15, 2025 - Indy Flower & Patio Show
April 19, 2025 - Shedd Aquarium
May 10, 2025 - Tulip Festival
May 24, 2025 - Fort Wayne Zoo
June 14, 2025 - Indy Zoo
June 22, 2025 - Dayton Air Show
$185.00
& Over)- $160.00
February 22 - March 2, 2025 - San Antonio, TX
April 6 - 12, 2025 - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
May 26-30, 2025 - The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum
June 9-13, 2025 - Niagara Falls & Toronto
September 21-27, 2025 - Beautiful Vermont
November 3-7, 2025 - Nashville Show Trip
December 7-12, 2025 - Charleston, South Carolina
epiphany
Amish Enjoy Time Building Relationships on Trips the
Doby Jones is an illiterate 70-something with a happy and enthusiastic disposition. I am assigned to the crew working on his place. About eight of us Amish youth clamber out of the van and begin unloading tools on this Monday morning in late December.
Soon there are four or five boys and girls tearing shingles off the roof. A few ladies begin cleaning the inside of the house. Levi and I go inspect the site of the smoke house we plan to construct behind the house.
On Saturday last, three loads of Amish youth arrived here in Mississippi and lodged at the Mashulaville Dormitory, Owner Larry Miller has lined up a dozen or so work projects for us to help poverty-stricken local residents. This morning we’ve split up and tackled the first four.
Levi Zook, my good friend and a contractor from Pennsylvania, is in charge of this job site. He inspects the existing wooden platform that we’re supposed to build the smoke house on. It’s way out of square,” he declares.
So we fix it. This involves pulling nails out of tough native lumber. I have a good Stanley hammer and expensive cat’s claw nail puller, but on some of these nails, it still feels like I’m trying to yank them out with my fingernails. At long last, we get them out and get the floor (more or less) squared to Levi’s satisfaction. Then we can begin building walls.
As the morning progresses, we see Clara, Geneva and company repeatedly coming out of the back door with arm loads of trash. They burn it. Later they tell us they cleaned a tremendous amount out of just one closet. With all the hands on the roof, the old shingles and tar paper are soon cleaned off and only the sheathing remains.
Doby has provided burgers and hot dogs for lunch along with sweet potatoes cooked in the skin, which are remarkably tasty. The ladies prepare the food and we break for lunch. It has been drizzly all day and Levi wants to get the tar paper on the roof (the better to waterproof it, my dear) before we leave this afternoon. He changes the sheathing in some weak spots and Jerre, Ivan and I plaster the black tar paper on.
On our way back to the dorm, driver Rich stops in at one of the job sites. Here friend Eli is heading up a crew
working on changing a steep roof. This house retains hints of former beauty and elegance but it is in a sad, bedraggled state at the moment. Eli and company aim to improve that. Levi stays to help get it “in the dry.” The rest of us go back to the dormitory to take showers in preparation for our jaunt to the Choctaw Reservation tonight.
Yesterday, we Amish attended worship services with a black congregation. Today we get to play volleyball with American Indians.
Our three van loads arrive at this 70-acre reservation and take bleacher seats on one side of the gymnasium.
We are obliged to wait awhile as the residents finish playing their set schedule. We are champing at the bit to participate. Sadie Ruth and Gina chat with a young Choctaw girl named Lacey. She lets us taste a stick of a substance she calls something like “wood.” It is a fibrous, white material that looks a lot like, well, wood, but it is soft enough at one end to bite off and eat. It is sweet. Lacey says they grow it at home.
Finally, we’re allowed to play. My Amish team is spanked soundly by a collection of Choctaw. A few of our other teams fare better.
The evening caps off with a unique sight. A team of six Choctaw ladies play against another team of five Amish girls and one Choctaw woman. How many times has that happened in history? The Amish/Choctaw team wins both games.
We thank the Choctaws for letting us play and drive back through the rain to the dormitory.
Loren Beachy is an auctioneer and real estate broker with Bright Star Realty and Auctions in Middlebury. He was formerly an elementary school teacher at a local parochial school teacher for eight years. Some of his stories were written a few years ago while teaching. He enjoys fast horses, hot peppers, and strong coffee.
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Custom-build your Pontoon with many different lengths of pontoon tubes to choose from. Ask about our gently used or scratch and dent specials.
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PHONE BID REAL ESTATE AUCTION
PROPERTY LOCATED: approx. 3 miles west of the US 20 & SR 13 junction in Middlebury, IN on US 20 to CR 35, north ¾ mile
ADDRESS: 56217 CR 35, Middlebury, IN 46540
3 ACRES • HOUSE • PARTIALLY WOODED
HOUSE: 24’x48’ double-wide with full basement and 24’x24’ attached garage, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, central air & heat, new roof 1 year ago 10’x12’ Utility barn Toro zero-turn 48” lawn mower & Ariens 24” snow blower both sell with the property
Public welcome to inspect this real estate Dec. 23 & Jan. 7 from 3:00-5:00 PM or by appointment with the auctioneers.
Phone bids will be accepted by Chupp Auctions until 4:30 PM on Monday, January 20, 2025. Starting bid is $175,000. For bidding updates or to place a bid, contact Chupp Auctions at 260-499-0216 or 260-499-0093.
TERMS: 10% down (non-refundable) upon accepted offer on January 20, 2025 with balance due at closing. Closing approx. 45 days after the auction with possession given at closing. Taxes will be pro-rated. Sellers have the right to reject any or all bids. Any announcements made by the auctioneers take precedence over printed matter.
Owners: RANDY & CINDY MOCKLER
PHONE BID REAL ESTATE AUCTION
Both parcels approved for conventional septic system. Parcels may be purchased separately or as a combination.
Public welcome to inspect this real estate anytime during daylight hours.
Phone bids will be accepted by Chupp Auctions until 4:30 PM on Monday, January 27, 2025. Starting bid is $75,000 for each parcel. For bidding updates or to place a bid, contact Chupp Auctions at 260-499-0216 or 260-499-0093.
TERMS: 10% down (non-refundable) upon accepted offer on January 27, 2025 with balance due at closing. Closing approx. 45 days after the auction with possession at closing. Taxes will be pro-rated. Survey, if needed, to be provided by the Sellers. Sellers have the right to reject any or all bids. Any announcements made by the auctioneers take precedence over printed matter.
Owners: AARON & LIZ MILLER
We Specialize In Y OUR Auction
PHONE BID
REAL ESTATE AUCTION
PROPERTY LOCATED: 1½ miles south of Shipshewana, IN on SR 5 to US 20, west 2 miles to 1000W, south ½ mile ADDRESS: 0635 N 1000 W, Shipshewana, IN 46565
5 ACRES • HOUSE • BARN • GARDEN SHED
Phone bids accepted until 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 21, 2025
HOUSE: 32’x30’ 1½ story home with a 16’x12’ living room bump-out, 20’x14’ wash house, 12’x11’ entrance, full basement with can room area, 2 possible 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, natural gas heating stove, 2 NG lights, main floor completely remodeled in 2022 48V battery pack system with (8) L-16 batteries, 6000W inverter and (6) 455W solar panels - new in 2022
HIP ROOF BARN: 24’x40’ with a 16’x40’ lean/shop area, 1 box stall, 4 tie stalls, 110V lights GARDEN SHED: 10’x16’
Spinning washline
Newer orchard with apple, peach and plum trees Strawberries and rhubarb
Public welcome to inspect this real estate Tuesdays from 4:00-6:00 PM or by appointment with the auctioneers.
Phone bids will be accepted by Chupp Auctions until 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Starting bid is $325,000. For bidding updates or to place a bid, contact Chupp Auctions at 260499-0216 or 260499-0093.
TERMS: 10% down (non-refundable) upon accepted offer on January 21, 2025 with balance due at closing. Closing approximately 45 days after the auction with possession given at closing. Taxes will be pro-rated. Sellers have the right to reject any or all bids. Any announcements made by the auctioneers take precedence over printed matter.
Owners: JOEL & KAYLENE YODER
PHONE BID
REAL ESTATE AUCTION
PROPERTY LOCATED: 1 mile south of Rome City, IN on SR 9 to 900N, east ¾ mile to 850N/Limberlost Rd, continue northeast 4 miles to Angling Rd, north to first place on left
ADDRESS: 8555 N Angling Rd, Kendallville, IN 46755
4 ACRES • HOUSE • POLE BARNS • UTILITY SHEDS
Phone bids accepted until 4:30 PM on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
HOUSE: 32’x32’ 2-story with a 23’x20’ single story addition, partial basement, 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath with new floor, toilet & vanity, central air, (2) gun safes, updates include kitchen appliances in 2022, furnace in 2023, heat pump in 2024, water softener in 2023, roof in 2017
POLE BARN: 30’x40’ with concrete floor, lined and insulated, propane furnace, car lift, new metal roof in 2021
POLE BARN: 24’x30’ with concrete floor, insulated, electric & water, new metal roof in 2021
UTILITY SHED: 12’x30’
UTILITY SHED: 10’x12’
Screened in gazebo with benches, new in 2021
New divertor box for septic
Public welcome to inspect this real estate Tuesdays from 3:30-5:30 PM or by appointment with the auctioneers.
Phone bids will be accepted by Chupp Auctions until 4:30 PM on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Starting bid is $250,000. For bidding updates or to place a bid, contact Chupp Auctions at 260-499-0216 or 260-499-0093.
TERMS: 10% down (non-refundable) upon accepted offer on January 21, 2025 with balance due at closing. Closing approximately 45 days after the auction with possession given 2 weeks after closing. Taxes will be pro-rated. Sellers have the right to reject any or all bids. Any announcements made by the auctioneers take precedence over printed matter.
Owners: JAMES & TANYA LITTLEFIELD
We Specialize In Y OUR Auction
PHONE BID
REAL ESTATE AUCTION
PROPERTY LOCATED: 5 miles east of LaGrange, IN on US 20 to 500E, south 1 mile to 100S, east to first house on left ADDRESS: 5265 E 100 S, LaGrange, IN 46761
2.99 ACRES • HOUSE • POLE BARN
Phone bids accepted until 4:00 PM on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
HOUSE : partial 2-story with approx. 2,718 sq.ft., 12’x30’ rear open deck, 6’x8’ front deck, 7’x8’ entrance, partial Michigan-style basement, 5 bedrooms, 2½ baths, central air, wood stove
ATTACHED GARAGE: 28’x32’
POLE BARN : 30’x40’ with a 15’x30’ lean
UTILITY SHED: 10’x15’ with 6’x8’ overhead door
New septic in 2020 • 4” Well
Small wooded area with some low land that is bordered by woods on 2 sides and has good hunting!
Public welcome to inspect this real estate Thursdays from 3:30-5:30 PM or by appointment with the auctioneers.
Phone bids will be accepted by Chupp Auctions until 4:00 PM on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Starting bid is $235,000. For bidding updates or to place a bid, contact Chupp Auctions at 260-499-0216 or 260-499-0093.
TERMS: 10% down (non-refundable) upon accepted offer on January 22, 2025 with balance due at closing. Closing approximately 45 days after the auction with possession given at closing. Taxes will be pro-rated. Sellers have the right to reject any or all bids. Any announcements made by the auctioneers take precedence over printed matter.
Owners: GLENN TERRY
PHONE BID
REAL ESTATE AUCTION
PROPERTY LOCATED: 4 miles north of Topeka, IN on 600W ADDRESS: 3085 S 600 W, Topeka, IN 46571
13.5 ACRES • 2 PARCELS • HOUSE • BARN
PARCEL #1: 5 Acres
HOUSE : 32’x44’ 2-story with a 12’x16’ enclosed porch, 16’x24’ entrance, full walk-out basement, 5 bedrooms, room in attic, 1½ baths, LP lights on main level & basement, 2 Caddy wood burning stoves, Sunrise windows with manufacturer warranty, 220V water system, water softener
ATTACHED GARAGE: 30’x40’ fully lined and insulated BARN: 20’x30’ with 3 box stalls and new metal roof
HOOP BUILDING: 13’x20’
MOTOR ROOM/UTILITY SHED: 8’x16’ with 8kw Kubota generator
LP tank • 275-gallon fuel tank • Close to Emma Lake
PARCEL #2: 8.5 Acres Bare Land
Parcel #2 will be soil tested. Parcels may be purchased separately or as a combination.
Public welcome to inspect this real estate Tuesdays from 3:30-5:30 PM or by appointment with the auctioneers.
Phone bids will be accepted by Chupp Auctions until 4 PM on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. Starting bid on Parcel #1 is $475,000, on Parcel #2 it is $100,000. For bidding updates or to place a bid, contact Chupp Auctions at 260-499-0216 or 260-499-0093.
TERMS: 10% down (non-refundable) upon accepted offer on January 27, 2025 with balance due at closing. Closing approximately 45 days after the auction with possession given August 1, 2025. Taxes will be pro-rated. Survey to be provided by the Sellers. Sellers have the right to reject any or all bids. Any announcements made by the auctioneers take precedence over printed matter.
We Specialize In Y OUR Auction
PHONE BID
REAL ESTATE AUCTION
PROPERTY LOCATED: 3½ miles north of Shipshewana, IN on SR 5 to SR 120, west 3½ miles to 1150W, north 2¼ miles ADDRESS: 8090N 1150W, Shipshewana, IN 46565
2 ACRES • HOUSE • BARN • GARAGE
Phone bids accepted until 4:30 PM on Tuesday, January 28, 2025
HOUSE: 1-story with 1650 sq.ft., 8’x16’ open front porch, full basement, 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, family room with fireplace and cathedral ceiling, interior is completely remodeled
DETACHED GARAGE : 16’x24’
HIP ROOF BARN: 36’x80’ with 8 box stalls, mostly new including concrete floor
Grand Design only 2½ miles away!
Fish Lake only ¼ mile away! Stone Lake only 1 mile away!
Public welcome to inspect this real estate Tuesdays from 3:00-5:00 PM beginning December 24 or by appointment with the auctioneers.
Phone bids will be accepted by Chupp Auctions until 4:30 PM on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Starting bid is $250,000. For bidding updates or to place a bid, contact Chupp Auctions at 260-499-0216 or 260-499-0093.
TERMS: 10% down (non-refundable) upon accepted offer on January 28, 2025 with balance due at closing. Closing approximately 45 days after the auction with possession given at closing. Taxes will be pro-rated. Sellers have the right to reject any or all bids. Any announcements made by the auctioneers take precedence over printed matter.
Owners: EZRA & KATY BORKHOLDER
We Specialize In Y OUR Auction
PHONE BID
REAL ESTATE AUCTION
PROPERTY LOCATED: 2 miles east of Millersburg, IN on CR 42 to 1200W / E Co. Line Rd, south to 2nd property on right ADDRESS: 67181 E County Line Rd, Ligonier, IN 46767
3 ACRES • HOUSE • BARN • SHED • WOODS
HOUSE: 28’x46’ 1½-story with a 20’x36’ addition that was new in 2020, 20’x21’ wash house, 12’x36’ rear wraparound open porch, 4’ concrete crawl space, 4 possible 6 bedrooms, 2½ baths, LP lights on main level, partially remodeled in 2020 including new roof and water lines
BARN/SHOP: 32’x52’ with an 8’ overhang, 1 box stall, 4 tie stalls, part is used for buggy storage/ shop area
STORAGE SHED/WOOD STORAGE: 10’x22’
Motor room with Honda 6500W auto-start generator
Small chicken coop • Mostly wooded 500-gallon LP tank
Public welcome to inspect this real estate Monday, December 23 from 3:30-5:30 PM. After Dec.23, inspections are Tuesdays from 3:30-5:30 PM or by appointment with the auctioneers.
Phone bids will be accepted by Chupp Auctions until 4:00 PM on Wed, January 29, 2025. Starting bid is $375,000. For bidding updates or to place a bid, contact Chupp Auctions at 260-499-0216 or 260-499-0093.
TERMS: 10% down (non-refundable) upon accepted offer on January 29, 2025 with balance due at closing. Closing approximately 45 days after the auction with possession at closing. Taxes will be pro-rated. Sellers have the right to reject any or all bids. Any announcements made by the auctioneers take precedence over printed matter.
Owners: KENNETH & LEONA MILLER
We Specialize In Y OUR Auction
PHONE BID
REAL ESTATE AUCTION
PROPERTY
ADDRESS:
5.07 ACRES • HOUSE • GARAGE • BARN
HOUSE: 1½ story with 1256 sq.ft., 10’x20’ open deck, partial basement, 3 bedrooms, 1¾ baths, natural gas furnace, central air, dishwasher, microwave, house was updated and completely remodeled in 2024
DETACHED GARAGE: 20’x22’
BARN: 32’x55’ with new foundation
This is a unique property close to town with woods, low land and lots of wildlife!
Public welcome to inspect this real estate Thurs, December 26 and Tues, January 7 from 3:00-5:00 PM or by appointment with the auctioneers.
Phone bids will be accepted by Chupp Auctions until 4:30 PM on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Starting bid is $300,000. For bidding updates or to place a bid, contact Chupp Auctions at 260-499-0216 or 260-499-0093.
TERMS: 10% down (non-refundable) upon accepted offer on January 29, 2025 with balance due at closing. Closing approximately 45 days after the auction with possession at closing. Taxes will be pro-rated. Sellers have the right to reject any or all bids. Any announcements made by the auctioneers take precedence over printed matter.
We Specialize In Y OUR Auction
PHONE BID
REAL ESTATE AUCTION
PROPERTY LOCATED: 3½ miles north of Shipshewana, IN on SR 5 to SR 120, east 3½ miles to 450W, north ¾ mile
ADDRESS: 6560 N 450 W, Shipshewana, IN 46565
4.82 ACRES • HOUSE • SHOP/BARN
Phone bids accepted until 4:00 PM on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
HOUSE: 28’x66’ manufactured home with full finished basement, 8’x36’ open front deck, 16’x20’ rear open deck, 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths, fully wired, central air, LP furnace, new metal roof in 2023 ATTACHED GARAGE: 28’x24’
SHOP/BARN: 30’x55’ with 8’x36’ open lean, barn area has 3 tie stalls & 1 box stall, shop area is insulated and heated, water and electric
GARDEN SHED: 10’x14’ 3-Sided shelter
Spinning washline • Tar driveway
Nice property sitting in the woods with a creek running through!
Public welcome to inspect this real estate Tuesdays from 3:30-5:30 PM or by appointment with the auctioneers.
Phone bids will be accepted by Chupp Auctions until 4:00 PM on Thursday, January 30, 2025. Starting bid is $435,000. For bidding updates or to place a bid, contact Chupp Auctions at 260-499-0216 or 260-499-0093.
TERMS: 10% down (non-refundable) upon accepted offer on January 30, 2025 with balance due at closing. Closing approximately 45 days after the auction with possession at closing. Taxes will be pro-rated. Sellers have the right to reject any or all bids. Any announcements made by the auctioneers take precedence over printed matter.
Owners: JOHN & SUSAN BONTRAGER
We Specialize In Y OUR Auction
PHONE BID
REAL ESTATE AUCTION
PROPERTY LOCATED: approx. 3 miles north of Middlebury, IN on SR 13 to SR 120, west 3 miles to CR 35, north 2 miles ADDRESS: 51120 CR 35, Bristol, IN 46507
3.18 ACRES • HOUSE • GARAGE
Phone bids accepted until 4:30 PM on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
HOUSE : 27’x68’ double-wide with full finished basement, 30’x44’ attached garage with infloor heat (new in 2024), 4 bedrooms possible 6, 3 full baths, newer windows, new metal roof, fully wired SHOP/BARN: 30’x40’ shop with 16’x40’ attached lean which has 3 box stalls and 2 tie stalls
Phone bids will be accepted by Chupp Auctions until 4:30 PM on Thursday, January 30, 2025. Starting bid is $350,000. For bidding updates or to place a bid, contact Chupp Auctions at 260-499-0216 or 260-499-0093.
TERMS: 10% down (non-refundable) upon accepted offer on January 30, 2025 with balance due at closing. Closing approximately 45 days after the auction with possession given June 1, 2025 or sooner. Sellers to pay $1000 rent per month from day of closing to date of possession. Taxes will be pro-rated. Sellers have the right to reject any or all bids. Any announcements made by the auctioneers take precedence over printed matter. This property is selling contingent upon the sellers purchasing another property.
Public welcome to inspect this real estate Wednesdays from 3:00-5:00 PM or by appointment with the auctioneers.
JANUARY 8
Phone bidding ends 4:00 PM
Bagged Ice Business Shipshewana, IN
JANUARY 9
Phone bidding ends 4:00 PM
Mrs Ada Beachy Hooley Trust
1.78 Acres, House, Shop 3465 W 050 N, LaGrange, IN
JANUARY 10
Stallion Benefit Auction MEC, Shipshewana
JANUARY 14-15
Pennsylvania Draft Horse & Harness Horse Auction Harrisburg, PA
JANUARY 17-18
Top 30 Whitetail Deer Auction MEC, Shipshewana, IN
JANUARY 20
Phone bidding ends 4:00 PM
Earl & Lauren Chupp
4 Acres, House, Barn 9362 W 750 N, Etna Green
JANUARY 20
Phone bidding ends 4:30 PM
Randy & Cindy Mockler
3 Acres, House, Woods 56217 CR 35, Middlebury
JANUARY 21
Phone bidding ends 4:00 PM
Joel & Kaylene Yoder
5 Acres, House, Barn, Shed 0635 N 1000 W, Shipshewana
JANUARY 21
Phone bidding ends 4:30 PM
James & Tanya Littlefield
4 Acres, House, Pole Barns, Sheds 8555 N Angling Rd, Kendallville
JANUARY 22
Phone bidding ends 4:00 PM
Glenn Terry
2.99 Acres, House, Pole Barn 5265 E 100 S, LaGrange
JANUARY 25
Shipshe Standardbred Auction Shipshewana Auction Barn Shipshewana, IN
JANUARY 27
Phone bidding ends 4:00 PM
Alvin & Joanna Hochstetler
13.5 Acres, 2 Parcels, House, Barn 3085 S 600 W, Topeka, IN
JANUARY 27
Phone bidding ends 4:30 PM
Aaron & Liz Miller
5.25 Acres Bare Land, 2 Parcels CR 24, Middlebury, IN
3 Acres, House, Barn, Woods 67181 E Co. Line Rd, Ligonier
JANUARY 29
Phone bidding ends 4:30 PM
JK Heritage
5.07 Acres, House, Barn S County Line Rd, Syracuse, IN
JANUARY 30
Phone bidding ends 4:00 PM
John & Susan Bontrager
4.82 Acres, House, Shop/Barn 6560 N 450 W, Shipshewana
JANUARY 30
Phone bidding ends 4:30 PM
Larry L & Sheila Yoder
3.18 Acres, House, Garage 51120 CR 35, Bristol
Dream big and dare to fail. ~ Norman Vaughan
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If you dream of building your perfect home, barn, or workshop, the first step happens long before the snow melts — and it’s more than sketching out floor plans. While spring might feel like the natural time to dive into a project, the winter months offer key advantages that could save you time, money, and frustration when it comes time to break ground.
At first, it might feel counterintuitive to buy land when you can’t see it through the frost and snow. In reality, as the snow falls, melts, ices over, and sludges, key features can be revealed where those same features may go unnoticed in the warm optimism of spring. Winter observations like drainage patterns, land sloping, and sun exposure are of great value when planning for solar heating, water management, and energy efficiency. (It’s also a surefire time to spot game trails without all the mud and bugs.) Seeing how the snow piles up or melts can reveal how water naturally flows across the property, helping you figure out the best spots for things like your foundation and drainage. You’ll also be able to see how surrounding roads and access points are plowed and how exposed areas handle wind and snow drift, both important factors in your building strategy.
As a buyer, you have strong advantages in the “off-season” of land purchasing. Sellers with properties still on the market during winter are often more motivated to close, leading to better pricing or faster negotiations. Spring and summer are the busiest times of the year for land surveyors and local zoning boards, and if you ask anyone who has built, waiting for results and approvals can be a long, stressful process. Starting your plans in winter means you’re likely to experience quicker turnaround times, getting you in line for permits sooner — putting you in a position to start construction soon after the ground thaws.
While the snow might still be falling, buying land in the off-season gives you a head start in planning your build and sets you up for a smoother, faster construction process as the weather warms. As we always say... the best time to buy anything is when it’s for sale! If it’s truly something you want, don’t wait until the opportunity disappears. Taking advantage of the months ahead might just be the head start you need to make your dream a reality. With less buying competition, more motivated sellers, and more time to make decisions that are right for your family, your dream property might just be waiting for you to make the first move.
via BankRate.com as of December 19, 2024
What are the odds of leaving money on the table in a private sale? What are the pros and cons of selling privately versus with an agent? ”
We understand that private sales will happen, but generally discourage them when one or both parties feel like they are out of their depth. If you have last month’s issue of the Showcase handy, give our article a read. To quote ourselves: “ In [a] private negotiation, both parties have the privilege to set their price, just as they share the challenge of doing so without scaring the other off. Ideally, a purchase price feels fair to both parties, but sometimes emotions or the fear of losing the deal can tip the scales, leading a Seller to discount the true value of their property or the Buyer to overpay for it... A professional can bring local market knowledge to consult and negotiate on your behalf while keeping the high-stakes negotiation grounded in reality, not emotion... In a situation where you have doubts or feel like you’re negotiating blindly, it’s worth contacting a professional who can help you explore your options. After all, this transaction could be one of the few you’re a part of in your lifetime, whereas we handle them daily. If you needed a tooth pulled, would you try it yourself or call a dentist?”
Every situation is different; give us a call for more tailored advice. We’ll help you either way.
Thanks for writing in; your $100 VISA gift card is on its way to you!
or
Why couldn’t the pony sing? It was a little horse.
PHONE BID AUCTION
With almost a decade of proven success in the events and hosting industry, the owners are looking to pass along their secrets to success. Included in this sale is a scenic property, the furnishings and decor that help create clients’ dream weddings or events, and the behind-thescenes systems and assets.
• Capacity of up to 200 guests, with serving bar and a separate dance floor
GETTING-READY SUITE
• Small, private space typically used as a bridal suite
PRIVATE SALOON
• Small, private space typically used as a groom’s suite
FURNISHINGS & DECOR INVENTORY
• 20+ tables, 200+ chairs, complete sets of china, serveware, coolers, kegerators, bins, misc. supplies, antiques and holiday decor
• Complete sets of decor, offered to clients for custom event design
• Full inventory list available ON-SITE OFFICE WITH KITCHENETTE ON-SITE PARKING LOT
CUSTOMER RATINGS
• 4.5 stars (103 reviews) on Google
• Years of reviews on TheKnot.com, WeddingWire.com, and more ACCOUNTS & SOFTWARE
• CountryStrongEvents.com website
• Social media accounts support
• Lead managing and CRM accounts Aisle Planner used as client portal LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025...
• Multiple weddings booked
• Events manager willing to stay short-term for training
Financial information available upon request.
ONLINE & PHONE BID AUCTION
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LIVE AUCTION
Making the Best of It
O.W. Yoder
The winter storm hit ferociously, checking the team and wagon with a jolt. As the three occupants turned their heads to deflect it, the tempest turned into a continuous blast of north air, thickened with hardened, blinding snow.
As the blizzard’s ferocity turned into a roar, fourteen year-old Michael Dowling could no longer hear the two old farmers on the spring seat in front as they yelled to each other. The snow particles burning his face were so intense that he could barely even see the men from his precarious perch on the shoe box in the back.
Frigid minutes ticked by as the horses plunged along, then suddenly they left the road, causing the wagon to bounce over a plowed field. A sudden jolt of the wagon caused Mike’s numb fingers to lose their grip on the box he was seated on, pitching him completely out of the wagon. Quickly he gathered himself up and shouted, but the sound reaching his own ears sounded like a man calling from a distance. He started running after the faint sound of the wagon wheels. It was hopeless.
It was so dark he could not even see the wheel tracks anymore. Alone now in the middle of a raging blizzard, he groped along, not knowing which direction to go. An acute realization hit him that his life was likely going to end that night. Minnesota blizzards were very dangerous to be lost in.
The will to survive was strong, but he was chilled to the bone and continuously brushing the ice and snow from his nose and eyes. Finding nothing, he labored hour after hour through the noisy, dark dungeon of wind and snow. He wanted to lie down and rest, but fear of perishing in his sleep brought renewed vigor.
Suddenly he saw ahead of him the sun shining on green fields! It was a summer day and there was home, with Mother and Father standing on the doorstep, waving their hands. He envisioned getting a long sleep upstairs in his little bedroom, but then the icy darkness overtook him once again. He was hallucinating about the home he had run away from.
Mike was born in Massachusetts in 1886. Through his growing up years he never liked school and, as a result, barely knew his lessons. Instead, he vainly dreamed of things such as roping steers and shooting Indians, reading all about life on the Western plains. When his mother died, he seemed to be set free, so he left home and went west. The year was 1900.
He was big and strong for his age, and at the mere age of fourteen, he was given a job as a cattle herder in the Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. At first it was great fun, riding his pony all over the great endless prairie where the horizon seemed to touch the rounded dome of the blue sky. But this herd of cattle was the only company he had, and as time passed, he became homesick.
Through this loneliness he had nothing to entertain himself with, not even having anything to read. He began exploring his mind with what he knew, making him aware of what he did not know, because of his lack of attention in school. Finally, fall came and with it a trip to Canby for his paycheck.
Now he was leaving town with these two farmers who would take him to his pony and then he would be off to whatever was next in his life. He had not expected this cruel turn of events.
In the blizzard he suddenly stumbled against a straw-stack, which offered some shelter from the storm, so he burrowed into it as far as he could. By and by he crept out of the straw and found it was daylight. A house stood barely a hundred feet away, and unable to walk, he painfully crept over to the door. His fingers and thumbs didn’t work so he pounded the back of his hand on the door. The sound was like that of stone striking timber; his hand was frozen stiff.
When the man and woman living there saw Mike’s condition, they worked on him all day with snow and cold water, trying to get the frost out of him. A few days later a doctor arrived, but it was too late to save all his limbs. Both feet, his right hand, and all the fingers on his left hand were amputated. He was left with only his left thumb and palm, but he had a brain that was awakened.
What would he do now? His dad was too poor to support him, so he gave himself over to the state for support. He told the state commissioner that if they gave him artificial limbs and one year of school, they would be free from further liability. They agreed.
He was fitted with new feet and a right hand, and then his schooling began. With fresh determination he planned to get five years’ worth of education into one year. Instead of focusing on days, he broke the year up into minutes. With this, he decided he would devote 420 minutes in bed, 50 minutes to eating, bathing, and dressing, and 940 minutes toward school studies per day. He chose to like school and make up for lost education.
With this determination he was soon ahead of his class. He was the wonder and talk of the neighborhood. He finished high school and earned his license to teach school.
He taught for seven years, the last three as head of the school in Renville, Minnesota.
Later, he was elected to State Congress. Still later, he became President McKinley’s special commissioner to the Philippines.
Michael Dowling told his story often to encourage others.
Consider what a handicapped man may accomplish in America with determination and a brain.
This story was originally printed in Ardent Youth, a bimonthly youth magazine. Subscription rates are $30.00 for one year and $55.00 for two years. Send your address and the correct amount to Ardent Youth 2396 Beech Rd, Nappanee IN 46550 or call 260-383-1303. Ask for a FREE sample copy of the latest issue!
42”
42”
80Acre Woods
Tuesday,
LaGrange County Springfield Twp.
This parcel of land is located almost directly across from the state-owned land along the Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area.
TRACT 1:
20 Acres with 440' of road frontage on 300 N
TRACT 2:
20 Acres with 440' of road frontage on 300 N
TRACT 3:
40 Acres with 440' of road frontage on 300 N
INSPECTION ANYTIME!
There are nice trails all through the woods. Tepee and outhouse included with property.
PROCEDURE: The property will be offered in 3 parcels. There will be open bidding on most tracts during the auction as determined by the Auctioneer. Bids on tracts and the total property may compete. The property will be sold in the manner resulting in the highest total sale price, subject to confirmation of the sellers. Can't make the auction in person? Call us and bid by phone!
DOWN PAYMENT: 5% down payment on the day of the auction with the balance in cash at closing. The down payment may be made in the form of cash, cashier’s check, personal check or corporate check. Your bidding is not conditional upon financing, so be sure you have arranged financing, if needed, and are capable of paying cash at closing.
ACCEPTANCE OF BID PRICES: All successful bidders will be required to enter into purchase agreements at the auction site immediately following the close of the auction. All final bid prices are subject to approval by the Sellers.
DEED: Sellers shall provide Warranty Deed(s).
EASEMENTS: Sale of the property is subject to any and all easements of record.
EVIDENCE OF TITLE: Seller shall provide an Owner’s Title Insurance policy in the amount of the purchase price.
CLOSING: The balance of the purchase price is due at closing approximately 45 days after presentation of marketable title. Approximately March 1, 2025.
POSSESSION: At closing.
ACREAGE: All tract acreages, dimensions and proposed boundaries are approximate and have been estimated based on current legal descriptions and/or aerial photos.
SURVEY: Split 50-50 between buyer and seller, if needed, to determine new legal descriptions.
AGENCY: Hahn Auctioneers, Inc. and its representatives are Exclusive Agents of the sellers.
5% BUYER'S PREMIUM
• Point & Go Joystick or Twin Lever Steering
• Up to 72” Cut Widths
• Patented Stand-Up Deck
• ContourDTSTM (Deck Tracking System)
WHY CHOOSE SPRAY FOAM INSULATION
Bright Star Auctions: Our Journey in Heavy Equipment Auctions
Greetings, friends. Loren Beachy here, and I’d like to share with you the story of Bright Star Auctions. We’ve come a long way since our early days, and I’m grateful to Michiana Showcase for the opportunity to reintroduce our company to you.
When we started in late 2016, Eugene Hochstetler and I had a vision. We wanted to create an auction platform that would serve the heavy equipment industry with integrity, excellence and innovation. Looking back, I’m amazed at how that vision has grown and evolved.
We’re based in Middlebury, Indiana - a small town with a big heart. We find it possible to serve the entire eastern part of the United States from here in Middlebury among the cornfields and the RV factories.
Our Growing Team
As our company has grown, so has our team. I’d like to introduce you to some of the folks who make Bright Star shine:
Eugene Hochstetler, our Visionary and equipment liquidation specialist, brings a wealth of knowledge from his years in sawmills and timber operations. His warmth and professionalism have become hallmarks of our company.
Mike Langthorne joined us as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing fresh perspectives from his experience in the collector car world. His expertise has been invaluable in expanding our reach and refining our marketing strategies.
Jonathon Miller, who started as our lead cataloger, has grown into the role of Chief Sales Officer. His energy and expertise drive our sales department, overseeing equipment specialists nationwide and managing announcements on auction days.
Nathan Lehman serves as our Chief Operations Officer, focusing on streamlining our processes. His dedication to efficiency has been crucial in our rapid growth.
Mary Schmucker, our Chief Financial Officer, brings over two decades of experience in financial management and strategy to Bright Star Auctions. Her meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of financial intricacies have been key in steering our company.
We’re blessed with a team of dedicated equipment specialists across the country. Zak Bontrager covers Indiana and Michigan, bringing his outdoorsman’s spirit to his work connecting with clients. Daniel Miller and Mike Tuscano help sellers at our consignment yard in Middlefield, Ohio. Daniel Stoltzfus is our man in Pennsylvania, always eager to help customers consign equipment to auctions. Jackson Carpenter and Paul Norse take care of sellers around our location in Elkin North Carolina.
Back at our home office, we have Cherie Borg keeping things running smoothly while leading both our customer service team and our Human Resources department. Vonda Yoder serves as her executive assistant and helps many of our customers who call in on the phone. Kathy Bontrager creates our eye-catching graphics, bringing creativity and flair to our marketing materials. Mariah Miller handles our internal lead generation and manages our call campaigns, playing a crucial role in connecting us with potential clients.
Dave Schmucker handles the important job of collections from the high percentage of buyers that buy from online or from the phones.
Myron Nissley specializes in our virtual and yard equipment auctions, fielding calls from prospective sellers and guiding them through the process. His patience and expertise have been instrumental in growing this aspect of our business.
LJ White manages our logistics, ensuring everything is in the right place at the right time while handling our long-distance driving needs. LJ’s also known for keeping spirits high with his dad jokes during long auction days. Steve Yoder handles many of our cataloging, setup and loadout needs.
Myron Miller oversees our Michiana auctions, managing our Second Mile Center yard and handling setup and load out for our quarterly consignment auctions. Chris Kemp works alongside Myron, quickly learning the ins and outs of the diverse equipment we auction.
Daniel Wengerd manages our Middlefield yard, bringing his cataloging skills and equipment knowledge to our Ohio operations.
Joe Royall manages our yard in Elkin, North Carolina, bringing his attention to detail and understanding of equipment to our operations.
For our liquidation auctions, we rely on the expertise of Mose Troyer, our lead cataloger for onsite auctions. His ability to identify equipment and provide accurate descriptions is crucial to our success. Mose is capably assisted by Brandon Beachy.
Myron Schwartz handles our auction day equipment setup. His years of leadership in the RV industry have given him valuable insights into efficient operations. James Kraushaar assists Myron on auction day and maintains our equipment around the auction yard.
Lana Hochstetler, our Inventory Management specialist, ensures our auction catalogs are seamlessly available on various bidding platforms, and her attention to detail and dedication keep the online experience smooth for our valued customers.
Janice Miller is an executive assistant who is instrumental in serving our customers better. She helps Eugene with many of the tasks that come his way and answers many buyers’ questions.
Michelle White plays a crucial role in our accounting department, ensuring that our financial operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Darrin Bontrager also contributes significantly to our accounting team and is indispensable during our auctions, where he clerks with precision. Additionally, he heads up our internal IT efforts.
Beth Romero, our in-house legal expert, handles lien payoffs with professionalism and expertise. Her legal acumen ensures that all our transactions are compliant and secure, providing peace of mind to both our team and our clients.
Dave and Sharon McMillan, who handle our local logistics, are a key part of our smooth operations as well.
Auctioneer Elmer Yoder of Millersburg Ohio, purveyor of one of the finest auction chants I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing, handles the gavel at many of our auctions while many times assisted by Keith Beachy, a fine ringman and auctioneer from the same area.
And me: I am the president of Bright Star and as such serve and support our four department leaders. I enjoy hot peppers, strong coffee and thick books. My wife Gina and our three children reside with me here in Middlebury Indiana.
Each member of our team brings something unique to the table, and we’re grateful for their dedication and hard work.
Our Approach
One thing that sets us apart is our commitment to transparency. We don’t use reserves in our equipment auctions (except for the IronRing platform, where we do work with some reserves). It can be a tough sell to consignors sometimes, but we’ve found selling absolutely leads to better results and more satisfied clients in the long run. We believe in letting the market determine the true value of each piece of equipment. This has the added benefit of giving buyers and sellers an assured selling date.
Our marketing approach is comprehensive. We use everything from traditional print ads to cutting-edge digital campaigns. Our BidBook, a detailed catalog we send out to thousands of potential buyers, has become prized by many in the industry. It contains high-quality photos and comprehensive descriptions of every item, allowing potential buyers to make informed decisions even if they can’t inspect the equipment in person.
Article continued on page 74
The Birth of IronRing
One of the biggest powerful changes for our clients has been the development of our IronRing platform. IronRing is more than just an online auction site – allow me to tell you about it.
Here’s how it works:
1. Sellers consign an item with one of our specialists.
2. The seller gets us detailed information or one of our team members visits the seller’s location to get it. We need lots of pictures and a video of the machine running to share with our buyers.
3. We market it via our IronRing auction which employs all our proven marketing methods. This means the equipment is in an auction with dozens of other quality pieces located around the country.
4. We conduct the auction, syncing bids from four online platforms, our phone-bidding platform (where buyers can listen to the auction and bid in), and any absentee bids to find the new owner of the piece.
5. We collect payment.
6. The buyer picks up the piece at the seller’s location.
7. We pay the seller, usually within several weeks of the auction.
The idea for IronRing came from our experiences in the field. We saw a need for a platform that could bridge the gap between in-person auctions and the global reach of the internet. We wanted to create something that would maintain the excitement and community feel of a live auction while providing the convenience and accessibility of online and phone bidding.
IronRing allows items to stay at the sellers’ locations, eliminating the need for trucking and reducing logistical headaches. This approach not only saves time and money but also keeps the equipment in a familiar environment for potential buyers.
IronRing is also unique in that it is the only auction at Bright Star where reserves are accepted.
Looking to the Future
Over the years, we’ve made some significant changes. We’ve narrowed our focus to heavy equipment auctions, which has allowed us to really hone our expertise in this area. We’ve also implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), which has helped us streamline our operations and serve our clients better.
The EOS system has been a game-changer for us. It’s helped us clarify our vision, get the right people in the right seats, and maintain discipline and accountability throughout the organization. We have regular meetings to ensure everyone is aligned with our goals and that we’re making consistent progress. This systematic approach we hope will help us to scale rapidly while maintaining our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
We’re humbled to have been ranked on the Inc 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in 2024. This recognition isn’t just about growth - it’s a testament to the trust our clients place in us, and the hard work of our incredible team. We’re grateful for this acknowledgment, but we know there’s always room for improvement.
Whether you’re a seasoned equipment dealer or someone looking to sell a single piece of machinery, we’re here to help. Our goal is to connect sellers with the right buyers, efficiently and effectively. We understand every piece of equipment has a story, and we’re honored to be part of that story, helping it find its next chapter.
We’re grateful for the trust our clients place in us, and we work hard every day to earn that trust. If you’re interested in learning more about Bright Star Auctions or our IronRing platform, I invite you to visit our website at brightstarauctions.com or call us at 574.825.0704. We’re always happy to answer questions or provide more information about our services.
In the coming months, I hope to share with you the stories of sellers who built, grew, and then liquidated entire operations as well as those of the sellers who needed to liquidate just a few pieces of equipment. In the process hopefully you’ll get a better feel for the auction industry, and I’ll get to know some of you better through meeting you at trade shows and auctions.
Thank you for allowing me to share our story with you. In this business, every day brings new challenges and opportunities. We’re excited to see what the future holds, and we hope you’ll be a part of it. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about the world of heavy equipment auctions, we’d love to hear from you.
Until next time, may your bids be high, and your equipment run smoothly!
By Loren Beachy
Captions of pictures
1. A full house at the Tarter Gate equipment and inventory reduction Auction, August 2024 Dunnville KY. 2. Standing room only at the Greentree Sawmill liquidation in Marion, Michigan May 2024. 3. Michiana Equipment Auction, Middlebury Indiana August 2024. 4. Fred Cain Mfg. Liquidation September 2024.
We mail copies to the 21 area zip codes shown on the map. In addition, we deliver magazines to area grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants and miscellaneous businesses in Elkhart, Goshen, Syracuse, North Webster, Mishawaka, Granger, and Niles.
46504
46528
46746
46761
46767
46540
46543
46542
46550
46553
46565 Topeka
46571
46573
46795
GRAVDAL
Studded
Studded Tires
Tingley Waterproof Gear
Nutrition to Bring Home More Bacon
Premium Swine Feed
Swine-specific enzymes for improved herd health
100% organic trace minerals
Non-GMO grains | Non-medicated
Pig Grower
• Feed from 50-150 lb.
• Contains 17% protein
• Enhanced flavor for increased consumption
Hog Finisher
• Feed from 150 lb. to market
• Contains 13% protein
Trusted nutritional excellence
Ag Plus
Columbia City, IN 260-244-5189
Heartland Farm & Pet
Topeka, IN 260-593-0546
Imperial Enterprises 3573 N SR75, Camden IN
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Michiana Farm Supply LaGrange, IN 260-463-8113
Midwest Farm & Pet Bremen, IN 574-646-2509
Miller’s Feed Service LLC Topeka, IN 260-593-9136
Millersburg Feeds Millersburg, IN 574-642-9925
Shipshe Farm Supply Shipshewana, IN 260-768-7271
Starlight Harness & Feed Bristol, IN 574-238-0657
Swiss Acres Harness Shop LaGrange, IN 260-463-3559
