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A&B Lawn and Landscaping 574-238-6457 63 Alpha Building Center 260-768-4410 20 Anchor Insurance 269-506-2057 58 Aqua Dance 260-214-0518 59
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269-659-8588 78,79 Bright Star Auctions 574-825-0704 50-52 Iron Ring December 11 50
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DECEMBER ARTICLES
Book Reviews & Stories
P.O. Box 307 Osceola, IN 46561 574-674-5197 • Fax: 574-674-7200 Email: michianashowcase@gmail.com
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No reproduction of Michiana Showcase is allowed without express written consent.
Fred D. Bradley | PUBLISHER
the epiphany
Fellow Traveler Finds Auction Chanting A Little Odd
Oh, Montana! Wherefore art thou so distant to Indiana?
California is still higher on my favorite states list, but one could make a solid case for the big skies, rolling green plains, and rugged mountain beauty of Montana.
A driver hauls the eight of us from St. Ignatius to the train station in Whitefish. We’ll be traveling east from here on out.
Mark Twain once said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. Many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.”
I imagine some of the strangers we’ve met on this 17-day trek would wholeheartedly agree with that.
Throughout this entire trip, we eight, well, the four boys at least, have enjoyed catching people who don’t know us off guard with unorthodox pronunciations and generally acting ignorant. It’s while boarding the train in Whitefish that a stranger catches me unaware. Let me explain.
Many people, when happy, will show it by whistling, humming a tune or singing a song. I am just as apt to exhibit my happiness to those around me by breaking into an auction chant. My friends are used to it. My siblings are annoyed by it. Strangers are confused by it.
I bring up the rear as our eight climb the stairs inside the train car just after boarding. Another man is behind me.
Absentmindedly, I launch into an auction chant while filing down the aisle.
The man behind me gets my attention and reassures me. “Just keep taking your medication,” he says without a hint of a smile. “It will be all right.”
I’ve heard that line 81 times since then from my siblings.
We enjoy God’s scenery in Montana from the train today. As usual, we spend quite a bit of time in the lounge car playing games. We play more chess and schnicklefritz the rest of the way and less Settlers of Catan.
We have played between 40 and 50 Settlers games on this trip already. Mike Lambright has sewn up the Settlers’ title, garnering 13 wins. My nine is good for – oops. “Your majesty,” they said. “there is no second place.”
Schnickelfritz is a relatively new game, much like a two-on-two checkers match. I play Watson to Calvin’s Sherlock Holmes and we stay undefeated on this jaunt, winning all six of our games.
Another train traveler, also named Mike, joins us for some chess. The man plays above our level and wins every time, except once. Sherlock pulls a quick four-move checkmate on him. Mike is not satisfied until he has played Calvin again and settled the score.
Our train runs behind schedule and we are hours late getting into Chicago. Amtrak feeds us a complimentary supper on the train.
Upon arriving in the Windy city, instead of having a three-hour layover, our eastbound train is ready for us. We board that one directly and are soon on the last leg of our excursion.
We are going home.
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.
FramedforMurder
BookReviewby ArcturusBooks 2396BeechRd,NappaneeIN46550|P:260-383-1303|F:574-221-8474
Ifthereeverwassuchathingasabornantiquedealer, LavonYoderwasit.Hisfatherhadgottenhimstarted ataveryyoungages,andwhateveritwas—theunique antiques,orthethrillofthehunt—grabbedhimand refusedtoletgo.Itcoursedthroughhisveins;itbecame apartofhim.
Asalwaysthough,noteverythinggoesasexpected. Inlate2020,whenLavontravelseastinsearchofrare artifacts,hestumblesuponsomethingevenmore unusual:amurdercase,likesomethingstraightoutofa novel.
Andheisoneofthemaincharacters. ***
Lavonwasdisappointed.Hehadcomeallthewayto NewJersey—fornothing.Theantiquesdealer’ssigns wereallfake.
Notonetogiveupeasily,hecalledMike,oneofhis antiquedealerfriends,someoneheknewhadallsortsof connections.
Mikecamethroughwithflyingcolors.“Lee PederseninLongIsland,NewYork,”hesaid.“Hehas somesignsyoumightbeinterestedin.”
Excitedatthisnewprospect,Lavonmadethetrip onouttoNewYorkCity.Hewasnotdisappointed.Lee Pedersenprovedtobeatrusting,congenialfellow,with lotsofantiqueshewaswilingtosell.
Jackpot,Lavonthought,elated.
Unbeknownsttohim,someoneelsewasthinking thesamething;someonewithmurderousintentions. ***
Aweeklater,Lavonwassprawledoutonthecouch, miserable.Hehadneverfeltsosickinhislife.
Hadhedraggedtheinfamouscoronavirushome fromNewYorkCity?
WhentheunfamiliarcallerIDappearedonhis phoneforthethirdtime,hefinallymusteredupthe strengthtoanswer.“Hello,”thevoiceontheotherend began,“I’mFrankSchroeder,theassistantdistrict attorneyofSuffolkCounty,NewYork.Doyouknowa LeePedersen?”
“Yes.”Lavontriedtogethisbrainfogtoleave.“I wasjusttherelastweek.”
“Didyouknowhewasmurdered?”
Ittookasecondforittosinkin,then,“What?!”
“LeePedersenwasmurdered,”thevoicerepeated. “Anditappearsasifyouwerethelastonethere.”
Forawholeyearandahalf,Lavondidnothear anythingmorefromNewYorkCityaboutLeePedersen’s death.
ThenFrankSchroedercalledagain.
“We’vegotatrialcomingup,”hetoldLavon.“Don’t worry—you’renolongerasuspect,butweneedyouhere towitness.”
Reluctantly,Lavonflew,byhimself,toNewYork City,Frankmethim,andtoldhimthewholestoryofhow themurderesshadcarriedouthercold-bloodedactand triedtopinitonhim.
Whenhetoldhimhowshehadgottenhertwenty-
one-year-oldson,amemberofoneofthemost notoriousgangsintheworld,toforgeLeePedersen’swill, anewfeargrippedLavon.Hewasgoingagainstthe motherofagangmember!“Weneedyourhelpto convincethejudgeandjurythatshe’sguilty,”Franktold him.“Everythinghastomatchup.Don’tmessup.”
Aloneandafraid,withthethought,“innocent peoplegotoprisonallthetime”racingthroughhismind, LavonpleadedtoGodforHishelp.
Godisalwaysthere,andthistimewasnodifferent; Lavongotthroughtheordealandreturnedhome, relievedthateverythingwasfinallyover. ***
“Amistrial?”Lavonrepeated,whenFrankcalled himaweeklater.“Whatdoyoumean,‘Therewasa mistrial’?”
Thewholetrialhastoberedone,”Frankexplained. “Weneedyououthereagain.”
Thethoughtofdoingthewholethingoverfilledhis mindwithdread.
Onethingforsure:hiswife,Esther,wouldbegoing withhimthistime.Nowaywashegoingthroughallof thataloneagain.
Wouldthisnightmareeverend.
Releasedate:Dec.11,2024 (BookswillnotshipbeforeDec.11)
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PHONE BID REAL ESTATE AUCTION
6.24 ACRES • HOUSE • BARN • SHOP
HOUSE: Single story on basement, 1440 sq. ft., 2 bedroom, 1 bath with attached 30' x 24' lined & insulated garage, most of the house has been remodeled in the last 3 years, 12' x 14' open patio, new windows & roof, nice home.
BARN: 28' x 18', 1 box stall, 2 tie stalls.
SHOP: 30' x 58' insulated & lined, new roof.
NOTES: New battery pack, natural gas appliances & lights, Easy Glo Heat will stay, nice, updated, clean starter home.
CANDY FOR THE KIDS!
SUPER FRIDAY, JAN. 24
WINTER PONY AUCTION
To be held at the Topeka Livestock Auction Barn in Topeka, IN 601 E. Lake St., Topeka, IN 46571
FRI. & SAT., JAN. 31 & FEB. 1, 2025
We are taking 175 head of ponies. Looking for good quality ponies from buggy size to miniatures. We will also be taking carts, wagons and harnesses.
Call in Date: MONDAY, November 4, 2024 at 4:00 pm. Call Topeka Livestock Auction at (260) 5932522, Glendon Yoder at (260) 5854030, or Loren Lambright at (260) 350-4564 (Do not leave a message). If you get a consignment number, information will be sent to you. Send that information back, along with $25 per pony to Topeka Livestock Auction no later than December 16, 2024. No consignment limit per family. Also no number given at office as walk ups. You must call.
Friday, Jan. 31 Schedule 5:00 pm Benefit Supper 6:00 pm Stallion Presentation Other Breeds Welcome Selling 1 service fee per stallion. Benefit supper & stallion presentation proceeds go to a local family in need. Followed by more horse related activities.
Saturday, Feb. 1 Schedule
8:45 am Carts & Wagons 9:00 am... Pony Auction, lots 1–175
LABOR DAY HIGHLIGHTS
If you want your stallion in the presentation, send info and picture along with $50 to TLA by December 16, 2024. That will get you in the catalog and also a box stall.
** Top 3 selling in these sizes win free consignor number in our Memorial Day Auction. Up to 38", 38" - 50", 51" and Up So get them looking good and good broke! Thank you!
For contact with the auctioneers on the day of the sale, call Glendon Yoder 260-585-4030
A veterinarian will be on the grounds.
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Christmas Truce
by Caleb Bontrager
Darkness seemed to be a long time coming, but come it did— slowly spreading its welcome blanket over the harsh realities of the battlefield. The continuous rattle of machine guns and the explosions of hand grenades dwindled to sporadic outbursts and then stopped altogether. The pallor of the snow-covered No-Mans’-Land revealed dark shapes sprawled here and there–the victims of today’s battle. A few stars began to glitter in the night sky, seemingly oblivious to the destruction below.
It was Christmas Eve, 1914.
* * *
In the shadows of the trenches, men began to gather at makeshift tables and benches to eat their rations and talk.
Lieutenant Franz watched and marveled at the Christmas spirit that was apparent despite the miserable conditions. The men laughed and joked and exchanged pleasantries much more than on the average night in the trenches. But Franz also felt an underlying sadness in some of the men as they thought of home, and their families spending Christmas without them. He himself thought home to Berlin and his former life as a singer at the Opera. Tonight, especially, there would have been hundreds of people there to listen to him and the others sing the ageless Christmas classics. They would be watching, listening, applauding; yet now they scarcely knew he existed. He and his men were fighting in a war they did not ask for, for a prize they cared nothing about.
His thoughts were interrupted by two men carrying a heavy package into their midst. One man spoke. “Der General hat uns geschickt.” They set the package on the ground. The men crowded around as Franz opened it. Inside were small, decorative lights, a couple of diminutive Christmas trees, and chocolate bars—enough to afford each man in the company at least one. Franz found a small accompanying note. It read:
Von dem Dorf Riedlingen: Fröhliche Weinachten!
A wry smile crossed his lips. Maybe people knew they existed after all! He passed out the chocolate while two other men set up the humble decorations. Then they all settled down once more. One man spoke: “Herr Franz, kannst du singen?” Franz started to protest, but the men urged him on. One even pulled a harmonica out of his pocket and offered to help. Finally, he gave in.
“Stille Nacht?”
The men nodded their approval. Franz began to sing, with the harmonica joining in.
“Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!”
One by one the men joined. They sang one verse, then started on another. Their voices rang loud and clear in the frosty air. They sang of joy, of peace, of love, in the midst of sorrow and suffering. The last notes echoed and died away. A deep silence prevailed as the men sat and reflected, some with bowed heads. Suddenly the silence was broken by a raucous cheer. Franz hurried to the wall of the trench, stepped up and looked over. On the far side of No-Mans’-Land, a group of British soldiers stood or sat on the walls, shouting and clapping. One of them, clearly a leader, held up both hands and stepped cautiously toward Franz. This was a dangerous move, for anyone seen in No-Mans’-Land was liable to get shot, even after dark. No gun sounded, however, and the man continued walking toward
him. Franz found himself swinging over the wall and going to meet him without quite realizing what he was doing. They stopped about five feet from each other in the middle of NoMans’-Land.
“Merry Christmas!” said the British soldier, and held out a hand.
Franz knew enough English to understand it but not enough to speak it. “Frohe Weihnachten!” he replied, grasping the hand. The soldier visibly relaxed.
“What would you say to a ceasefire for Christmas Eve? Surely our superiors would understand that we too wish to celebrate Christmas in some way. I have talked to the captain of the French regiment and he is okay with it. What do you think?”
The man smiled hopefully.
Franz nodded his head slowly. “Das ist gut.” He turned and gestured with his hand to the curious onlookers peering over the trenches. Hesitantly they began climbing over the embankments and slowly started toward them. The British captain did the same with his soldiers. Slowly, carefully, like children who do not know each other, they gathered at the center.
The French soldiers came clambering over their embankment as well. One of them stepped into a hole and fell. A German stepped forward and helped him rise. This seemed to break the ice, and soldiers everywhere stared conversing the best they could in their various dialects and languages. They traded commodities, food, and drinks. Music, laughter, and voices could be heard throughout No-Mans’-Land. Someone even produced a soccer ball, and a game was started.
Franz watched it all in silence. He saw a young Frenchman share a bottle of wine with three Germans. He saw British, German, and French soldiers deep in conversations, showing each other pictures of loved ones at home, sharing memories and lifestyles. A powerful sensation swept over him, and he suddenly realized that he had never before felt the Christmas Spirit as he did now, in the midst of this battlefield. He also realized that the Meaning of Christmas could not be explained or rationalized; it could only be seen, heard, or felt.
One of his men came up beside him and playfully punched his arm. “Nicht ganz Berlin, Lieutenant Franz, ist es?” Franz saw a German soldier pull his precious chocolate bar out of his pocket and give it to a Frenchman. “Nein.” He struggled to keep the emotion from his voice, “Das ist besser als Berlin.”
Caleb Bontrager likes children, nature, and good books— in that order. Sometimes if he feels like writing but lacks inspiration, he has to do something off the wall to get him back on track—usually something to do with God’s beautiful world.
This story was originally published in Ardent Youth, a bimonthly youth magazine. Subscription rates are $30.00 for one year and $55.00 for two years. To subscribe call 260-383-1303 or send address and payment to 2396 Beech Rd, Nappanee IN 46550. Call for a free sample copy of the latest issue.
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December 6th - Kirkham Hardwoods Terre Haute, IN
December 10th - Samuel B. Kauffman Sawmill Newburg, PA/Online & Phone Bidding Only
December 10th - Pingleton Enterprises Poland, IN/Online & Phone Bidding Only
December 11th - IronRing Online & Phone Bidding Only
December 13th - Lancaster County Equipment Auction Holtwood, PA
December 14th - Bortner Family Farm Auction Bristol, IN
December 18th - CSA Towing Lake Station, IN
December 20th - Tri-State Veneer & Lumber Millersburg, OH
December 30th - Michiana Equipment Auction Middlebury, IN
December 31st - IronRing Online & Phone Bidding Only
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Byrer Real Estate Auction
Property Location: 4 miles east of Bremen, Ind. on US 6 OR 4 miles west of Nappanee, Ind. on US 6 (across from Pla-Mor Campground)
Auction Location: 1 mile east of downtown Nappanee, Ind. on Market St. (US 6) to Oakland Avenue, then south 1 block at the Hahn Auction Facility - 401 S. Oakland Avenue, Nappanee, IN 46550
There is approx. 32 acres tillable on the south side of the Marberger Ditch and approx. 4 tillable on the north side of Marberger Ditch.
The soils type is Brookston Silt Loam and Crosier Loam. The access to this property is an easement through the State of Indiana on the east end.
PROCEDURE: The property will be offered in 1 parcel. 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: Successful bidder will be required to enter into purchase agreements at the auction site immediately following the close of the auction. Final bid price is subject to approval by the Sellers.
EASEMENTS: Sale of the property is subject to any and all easements of record.
DEED: Sellers shall provide Warranty Deed(s).
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 January 23, 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. 1% BUYER'S PREMIUM
Public Auction
2020 GMC Sierra ½-Ton Gas Truck, Standard Cab, 147,000 miles, 8’ Bed w/Fiberglass Cap
2008 Chevy 2500 Gas Pickup, Standard Cab, 4x4, Auto Trans, Contractor Ladder Rack On 8’ Bed, 138,700 Miles
2006 Ford F-450 6.0 Diesel Stake Bed Dually Pick-Up, 16’ x 7’ Stake Bed w/Sides, 359,306 Miles, 2WD
2001 Chevy ¾-Ton 2500 HD Pickup, Standard Cab, 8’ Bed, Auto Trans, Gas 6.0, 4x4, Includes 8’ Boss Snow Blade Boss 7.5’ Snow Blade
Caterpillar Model 246C Diesel Skid Loader, 2,117 Hours, 2 Spd. Trans, Enclosed Heat/ AC Cab, 72” Cat Material Bucket Caterpillar 48” Quick-Tach Forks Clark Model GPX15E 3000# LP Forklift, 2-Stage Mast, Solid Cushion Tires, 4,715 Hours
2008 ¾-Ton GMC Express Panel Van, 488,000 miles, Some Rust Kaufman 22’ Tilt-Bed Low Profile Utility Trailer, Tandem Axle, 16k #, 82” Wide w/12v Cable Winch (Title Available)
10’ Single Axle Tilting Utility Trailer, 60” Wide (Title Available)
12’ x 6’ Single Axle Utility Trailer w/Tilt (Title Available)
AMP Triplex 9200 Generator/Compressor/ Welder, Gas, Like New
Heavy Duty Power Systems HDD 7000 EDA Generator, Diesel, Like New
Kohler AKAC120 Portable Air Compressor, Gas
Heavy Duty Power Systems 5510 TH Portable Air Compressor, Honda Gas Engine
DeWalt D25980 Pavement Breaker, Electric, On Cart w/Extra Cords & Bits
Hilti GX 3 Gas Nailer, NIB
Hilti GX 3 Gas Nailer, NIB
Hilti DX 6 Powder-Actuated Nailer Kit, NIB
Hilti DX 6 Powder-Actuated Nailer Kit, NIB
Enormous Amount Bil-Jax Scaffolding Systems, Outriggers, Casters, Planks
Various Aluminum Scaffolding Stages, Up To 24'
Several Material/Work Carts
Like New Justrite Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinet
Lincoln Bench Model Handy Mig Wire Welder
Kohler Gas 3” Trash Pump, New Hobart Stick Welder
Electric Floor Scraper, Model 462
(4) Hilti, Stihl Gas-Powered Masonry Saws w/Diamond Blades, Up To 16" & Other Masonry Saws
Enormous Amount of Contractor Tools & Hilti Fasteners, Other Fasteners, Hardware & Misc.
Compound Mitre Saws & Stands
Gas-Powered Post Hole Digger
Gas-Powered Pressure Washers
(7) Contractor Toolboxes, Some on Casters
Dimensional Lumber, 4x8 Sheets of OSB
Large Amount of Owens Corning Therma
Fiber Commercial
Grade 6" Insulation
Various Commercial Grade Paint Pumps, Tools & Paint
Kobalt 80-Gallon Vertical Air Compressor, High Flow, Single Stage
Many More Tools – Too Many To Mention!
Auction Note: Complete liquidation of a major General Contractor. There’s items for everyone from the handyman to the builder contractor. Trucks Trailers, Skid loader and large items sell at noon.
Santa Claus
by Stephen Schwartz
December 25 is one day out of the year when most of the country shuts down––all but a few gas stations in most towns, and a few stores and restaurants here and there.
Most of us recognize Christmas as a celebration of our Lord’s birth, but the popular culture in America celebrates something different. Something with a jolly fat man in a red suit as its central figure and vague platitudes of love, joy, and giving. It is often called the “Holidays”, because they prefer not to recognize the Christ in Christ-mass.
Around A.D. 326, Christianity was recognized as an official religion in Rome by the proselyte emperor, Constantine. It was about this time that the legend of Saint Nicholas was born. Saint Nicholas was the bishop of Myra in Lycia, on the coast of Asia Minor.
According to the legend, there was a poor old nobleman with three daughters who didn’t have the money to pay for his daughters’ dowry to the man who might agree to marry them. Taking pity on the old man and his daughters, Saint Nicholas threw three bags of money, one for each daughter, into an open window (or placed them into their shoes at night), so the daughters could get married.
This made Saint Nicholas the symbol of gift giving. A feast was celebrated in his honor on December 6, the day he is believed to have died.
By 1100, Christmas was the most important holiday in Christianity. But in the 1500 and 1600s, during the Reformation, many Protestants rejected Christmas because they believed it to be a pagan celebration. It was even outlawed in England and in parts of the American colonies. In some European countries, Saint Nicholas was replaced with non-religious characters, and December 25 became the day of gift giving.
The Puritan Pilgrims rejected Christmas. However, when some of the people at Plymouth wanted the day off on Christmas, William Bradford famously allowed this, but he and his Puritans went about their work anyway. But when Bradford returned from the fields and found the people playing in the streets, he broke their toys and sent them back to their homes. Taking the day off from work was one thing, but playing while others worked was another.
The legend of Saint Nicholas was retained by the Dutch, in the Netherlands. They told their children that he would visit their homes and leave them gifts on Saint Nicholas eve. When the Dutch came to America, they brought the tradition with them. English settlers adopted the legend, and their English-speaking children said the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas, Sinterklaas, quickly and excitedly, so that it came out as Santa Claus
Christmas was hardly ever celebrated in America before the 1800s, but as it became popular, so did Santa.
People always pictured Saint Nicholas as a tall, thin, stately man in bishop’s garb, but in the 1800s his image began to transform––he was now Santa Clause. The transformation began with Washington Irving’s Knickerbocker’s History of New York. Irving described Santa as a stout, jolly man who wore a broad brimmed hat, large breeches, smoked a long pipe, and flew over the tree tops in a wagon, filling children’s stockings with presents.
In the poem known as “The Night Before Christmas”, published in 1823, Santa is portrayed as a stout, jolly man with a red nose and a twinkle in his eye. He wears a suit trimmed in white and rides a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer, and visits homes on Christmas eve.
Cartoonist Thomas Nast completed Santa’s image in his series of drawings published in the magazine Harper’s Weekly between 1863 and 1886. Santa was portrayed with a white beard, working in his workshop, driving a sleigh, and placing toys in stockings hung over fire places.
Today, as many Americans have moved away from Christianity, they have taken the Christmas tradition with them––only now Santa Clause is their symbol in place of Jesus Christ. They talk about love, joy, peace, thanksgiving, and hope, while denying the very Source of all of it. Without Jesus, there is no real love, joy, or peace––and certainly no hope. While Easter is our highest and holiest holiday, remembering the true reason for Christmas is also important. Without the birth of Jesus, there is no death nor resurrection.
Stephan, 27, lives at home with his parents. He, as well as his brother and sister, enjoys life from a wheelchair. He spends most of his time reading, writing, or working in his woodworking shop.
This story was originally published in Ardent Youth, a bi-monthly youth magazine. Subscription rates are $30.00 for one year and $55.00 for two years. To subscribe call 260-383-1303 or send address and payment to 2396 Beech Rd, Nappanee IN 46550. Call for a free sample copy of the latest issue.
StoSources:
“Christmas.” World Book Encyclopedia. A Scott Fetzer company Chicago, 2008
“Santa Claus.” Ibid
“Nicholas, Saint.” Ibid
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INDIANA DEALERS
Ag Plus
Columbia City, IN 260-244-5189
Heartland Farm & Pet Topeka, IN 260-593-0546
Imperial Enterprises 3573 N SR 75, Camden, IN
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
The Country Barn Middlebury, IN 574-825-4480
MICHIGAN DEALERS
Elk Park Feed Store Vandalia, MI 269-476-1775
Hillcrest Harness Shop Charlotte, MI 517-543-8449
Hilltop Harness Shop 1291 28 Mile Rd., Homer, MI
Ora Petersheim 12800 Bird Lake Rd., Osseo, MI
SO, YOUR NEIGHBOR WANTS YOUR HOUSE...
Every so often, a buyer shows up at your door before your home is even for sale, or the local grapevine finds the right buyer for that plot of land you own, or maybe someone saw the “For Sale by Owner” sign you had out front. Whatever the case, here at RES, there’s a type of deal we call a “transaction only”. This less-common option is for folks who privately agree on a purchase price and then ask us to carry out the paperwork. But how does this transaction come together?
Surprise, surprise: you’ll need to talk money. Even further, you’ll need to agree on money. In this 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. (There are exceptions where a price is intentionally favorable to one party who may be family or otherwise deserving.) 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. Local market knowledge isn’t just about knowing recent sales — it’s also understanding what gives a property its value, from neighborhood trends to unique features or current buyer demand. 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?
If you feel confident negotiating on your own, remember that it’s not always just about the price. Agreeing on terms like repairs, moving the closing date, or even adding specific appliances or niceties can help balance out a purchase price that’s slightly off the mark. Small adjustments like these can make the deal feel fairer to both sides without a large price shift.
Once all agreements are made, one party — typically the Seller — reaches out to our office or one of our agents to make the transaction a reality. First, we have each party sign a purchase agreement and the buyer submits any earnest money that serves as a deposit towards their purchase. Then, our team communicates with the title company and any banks, lenders, or surveyors involved while monitoring the transaction and tackling any obstacles all the way to closing day. By letting us handle the details, you can focus on the excitement of what’s next.
know who to ask... How important is it to leave electrical wiring in a home, and what are the chances my Amish home will sell to someone who’s English? ”
Your home is your home, and you should feel comfortable in it. After all, it’s impossible to put a price tag on the enjoyment your family can have with certain modifications or improvements to the home. Still, when a sale is in the near future, resale value is important to consider. We generally recommend keeping all electrical wiring in place. Not only is it costly to have it removed, but it’s an even higher cost to a potential buyer to diagnose, repair partial wiring, or entirely rewire the home. For things like light switches or outlets not in use, consider removing those elements and simply installing a box cover over the area and painting it to match your walls.
Because more and more people are looking for acreage, we are seeing an increase in properties converting back and forth between Amish and non-Amish homes. Church districts, closeness to family, and work commutes are key factors for Amish buyers, while school district is a key factor for non-Amish buyers. Simply put, no matter the buyer, it’s about “location, location, location”.
From a selling perspective, unless you are looking to retire at a property, it’s in your best interest to avoid making changes that could limit your buyer pool. Thanks for writing in; your $100 VISA gift card is on its way to you!
LIVE AUCTION
Parcels to be sold individually or together to the
PARCEL 1
• 27.5± acres
• STEEL BUILDING (56’ x 198’)
• Partially open, contained sawmill
• Large portion of property with gravel
• Retention pond
• Multiple smaller buildings
• OFFICE BUILDING
• 5 offices, reception area, 1 bath
• HVAC electric with AC
• Well and septic
PARCEL 2
• 2.4± acres (access by easement)
• LARGE SHOP (64’ x 80’)
• Multiple parts rooms
• Office area with mini-split AC
• Fully insulated & heated (natural gas)
• Floor drains throughout
• Full bath with shower
• City water & septic field
• Large 5-ton hoist
• 3-phase and single-phase electric
LIVE & ONLINE AUCTION
PREVIEWS
AUCTION DAY 7:30am til 9am
LOADOUT
AUCTION DAY til 3pm DECEMBER 9-10 8am til 2pm
• JFK 25th anniversary half-dollar coin collection
• Morgan dollars
• Silver Eagles
• 900+ United States proof sets
• Ike dollars
• Kennedy halves
• Walking Liberty halves
• Special mint sets
• Silver mint proof sets
• Prestige mint sets
• Presidential gold dollars
• Statehood quarter coll. books
• Uncirculated United States coin mint set books
• Commemorative coins
• Silver certificates
• $2 bills
• Memorial cents
• Wheat cents
• Steel cents
• Mercury dimes
Borkholder
VINYL & CONSTRUCTION
62706 Nottawa Rd. Sturgis, MI 49091
PH. (269) 659-8588
FAX. (269) 651-2012
Are you wanting to make a statement with your deck?
We can help you with:
• Vinyl Railing (cut to custom length)
• Aluminum Railing
• Clubhouse Decking
• Structural Columns
• Millboard Decking
• All Kinds of Colors & Styles
• Low Voltage & Solar Lighting
•
10 ACRES • HOUSE • BARN
HOUSE: 20’x34’ 2-story with a 10’x24’ enclosed front porch, 10’x18’ enclosed porch, 8’x20’ entrance, partial Michigan-style basement, 4 bedrooms, 1 full bath, Empire LP heating stove, water heater, some new windows, metal roof, some new linoleum & paneling 500-gallon LP tank • Newer 4” well
BARN: 24’x54’ with 4 tie stalls, tramp shed area, metal roof
SHOP: 18’x28’ with mostly new siding
Approximately 7 acres of woods
SHOP
WOODS
Phone bids will be accepted by Chupp Auctions until 4:00 PM on Monday, December 23, 2024. 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 December 23, 2024 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.
We Specialize In Y OUR Auction
PHONE BID
REAL ESTATE AUCTION
PROPERTY LOCATED: 7 miles south of Nappanee, IN on SR 19 (SR 19 turns into 800W), to 750N, west 1½ miles ADDRESS: 9362 W 750 N, Etna Green, IN 46524
4 ACRES • HOUSE • BARN
Phone bids accepted until 4:00 PM on Monday, January 20, 2025
HOUSE: 1½ story with full basement, 2-car attached garage, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, newer hickory kitchen cabinets, house is fully wired, 4” well, Kinetico water softener
BARN: 30’x50’ hip roof, 1 Stori box stall, 2 Stori tie stalls, full hay loft, small shop area, buggy storage area
Public welcome to inspect this real estate December 2, 9 & 16 from 3:00-5:00 PM or by appointment with the auctioneers.
Phone bids will be accepted by Chupp Auctions until 4:00 PM on Monday, January 20, 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 20, 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.
DECEMBER 3
Wana Night Out
Chupp Auction Center, Shipshe
DECEMBER 4
Phone bidding ends 4:00 PM
Joe & Ida Miller
3 Acres, House, Barn/Shop
1225 S 700 W, Topeka
DECEMBER 5
Nappanee Christmas Auction Claywood Center, Nappanee
DECEMBER 6-7
Michiana Showcase Horse Auction MEC, Shipshewana
DECEMBER 11
Phone bidding ends 4:00 PM
Jared & Vonda Troyer
9.73 Acres, 2 Parcels, House, Bldgs 4755 N 450 W, Shipshewana
DECEMBER 19-21
Chupp 3-Day Antique & Advertising Auction
Chupp Auction Center, Shipshe
DECEMBER 20-21
Breeders Cup Horse Auction Springfield, OH
DECEMBER 23
Phone bidding ends at 4:00 PM
Eli S & Ruby Schrock
10 Acres, House, Barn, Shop, Woods
1350 N 400 W, LaGrange
DECEMBER 27-28
Mid-America Trotting Horse Sale
Rantoul, IL
DECEMBER 30
Coin, Pocket Watch & Toy Auction
Chupp Auction Center, Shipshe
JANUARY 2
Winterfest Standardbred Auction MEC, Shipshewana, IN
JANUARY 3
Chupp Pony Auction MEC, Shipshewana
JANUARY 8
Phone bidding ends 4:00 PM
Bagged Ice Business Shipshewana, 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
890 S Van Buren St (SR 5) Shipshewana, IN 46565
WANA NIGHT OUT
SPECIALS
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Lifetime Tables & Chairs
Lifetime Kayaks • Bike Carts
Pressure Washers
Shovels & Rakes • Garden Hoses
Spinning Combo Fishing Rods
Child’s Trike & Trailer Sets
Folding Camp Chairs & Rockers
Zero Gravity Loungers
Pit Boss Flat Top Grills
Blackstone Flat Top Grills
JANUARY 20
Phone bidding ends 4:00 PM
Earl & Lauren Chupp 4 Acres, House, Barn 9362 W 750 N, Etna Green
Office Chairs • Queen Air Mattress
Coffee Butlers • Child’s Wheelbarrow
42”
48”
brand new, powder coated, pallet racking from the factory. These sizes are currently stocked in our Middlebury, IN warehouse.
Ticket Prices
Round Trip
(3-59)- $318.00
(60 & Over)- $293
One Way
(3-59)- $185.00
(60 & Over)- $160.00
January 18, 2025 - Hard Rock Casino
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
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
• Eliminate your electric bill
• Lower your environmental footprint
• Locally and family owned since 2006
• Free site visits and estimates
• Custom system designed to fit your needs
