The Kaufman and Dale families (from left): Devin and Kelli Dale, Gary and Jodee Dale, Gene and Joby Kaufman, Dayna Dale
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IN THIS ISSUE 4
From the Office of Grow Wabash County: The New Normal
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Cover Story: A Family Affair, Kaufman Family Marks 60 Years at Etna Acres
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News and Notes
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Small Business Spotlight: Clearview Windows & More
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COVID-19 Hits Many Industries, Ag Included
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Eye on North Manchester: MPS Egg Farm Expands
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Refurbished: Eagles Theatre and The Sanctuary
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Pizza Fridays
The Business Journal is a joint effort between The Paper of Wabash County and Grow Wabash County.
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This quarterly publication is designed for businesses in Wabash County to share their news with other businesses in and around Northeast Indiana. It is our goal to share information on promotions, awards, new products or other items that may be of interest to business people and industrialists in the area. We also hope to bring feature stories highlighting local business and industry, looking at their history, products, employees and more. We welcome you to submit items for publication or suggest story ideas to business@thepaperofwabash.com. Don Hurd Hometown Media President Published by / The Paper of Wabash County A Hometown Media, Inc. Publication Publisher / Don Hurd Editor / Joseph Slacian, Jr. Reporters / Mandy Underwood, Eric Christiansen Sales Representatives / Julie Loehmer, Arlene Long
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Photographers / Harold V. Chatlosh, Eric Christiansen, Joseph Slacian, Jr., Mandy Underwood Editorial Office 606 N. State Road 13, Wabash, IN 46992 (260) 563-8326 business@thepaperofwabash.com https://issuu.com/thepaperofwabashcounty
FROM THE OFFICE OF GROW WABASH COUNTY
The New Normal
BY KEITH GILLENWATER President and CEO Grow Wabash County
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he unprecedented changes brought on by COVID-19 these past few months bring to mind a great many clichés about “best laid plans” and “when it rains it pours.” Wabash County, like most of the country was all but blindsided by the coronavirus and the resulting restrictions that found us withdrawing to our homes, canceling large get togethers, reducing business hours or even closing all together. But, true to form, Wabash County did not stop. We adapted overnight to what has been labeled “the new normal.” Restaurants transitioned their staff over to curbside pick-up and even delivery service at a moment’s notice to keep their customers fed and healthy. Stores that specialize in the in-store experience found ways to bring that appeal to the internet, building a whole new network of customers along the way. Business owners and volunteers made masks for our front-line workers, never letting those essential employees forget that they are the heroes of this story. Employers that may have had the difficult decision to reduce staff have stepped up to care for their employees in other ways, paying for groceries or extending benefits packages for laid-off workers, with a hopeful understanding that this is not permanent. While our business community stood resolute in the face of the challenge, proving that not even a pandemic was going to shut them down, Grow Wabash County has been working double-time behind the scenes to make sure that those
businesses were supported and prep red for whatever comes next. Right from the beginning, Grow Wabash County sprang into action, sending out surveys and compiling data about how hard this pandemic would and did hit our businesses and what we could do to help. Within days, Grow Wabash County had launched its Rapid Response loan program to help businesses bridge the gap during this slowto-no revenue time. We connected with partners like Duke Energy, the City of Wabash, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) to score hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant or low-interest loan funding for Wabash County that was distributed out to businesses in record time to help them retain jobs, expand their marketing reach or just keep their doors open until they could operate at full capacity again. We are not out of this fight yet, Wabash County, but I leave with you with this final cliché: This too shall pass. We will still be feeling the reverberations of this pandemic long after the quarantine has lifted, but the muscle memory of what we used to do is already coming back to us. We will hit our stride and once again be the resilient, vibrant county that we all have been proud to call home. And of course, Grow Wabash County will still proudly uphold our commitments to our investors and the business community by providing them with the tools and resources that they need to succeed. Stay safe and stay strong, Wabash County. We’re all rooting for you.
WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
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BY JOSEPH SLACIAN
Cover Story: A Family Affair
KAUFMAN FAMILY MARKS
60 YEARS AT ETNA ACRES
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ene Kaufman had an idea in 1959 that he broached one day with his father, Burlin, about 40 acres of land his father owned near the Wabash and Huntington county line. Gene and his wife, Joby, were living in Plymouth at the time, where he was an assistant golf professional at the local course. “I was really interested in putting a golf course in, so I called my Dad late one night and I said, “Would you like to put nine holes on that 40 acres?’” he recalled. “I could see him sitting there, chewing on his cigar. I could hear my mother in the background saying, ‘No, no, no.’ “But, he said, ‘Yeah, I want to do that.’” And that, in a nutshell, was the start of what today is Etna Acres Golf Course. The course, which opened on July 4, 1960, will mark its 60th anniversary this summer. The plan was somewhat risky, as golf courses dotted the countryside at several spots in Wabash, Huntington and Grant counties. But this course was going to be different, as it was going to be a public course. “Huntington had nine holes … private,” Gene said, sitting at a table in the Etna Acres clubhouse, family members looking on and listening. “Wabash had the Wabash Country Club … nine holes, private. Grant County had Meshingomesia … nine holes, private.” The closest public courses, he recalled, were in Fort Wayne and Peru. “We both loved golf at the time,” he said, a small grin forming on his face. “As I look back on it now … we were pretty dumb. Pretty dumb.”
Golfers swap stories while enjoying food at the Etna Acres Golf Course
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WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
From Farm to Golf Course: Etna Acres
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here was a barn there,” Gene said, pointing in one direction on the 40 acre site, then pointing another way he added, “There was a log cabin back there. They raised chickens in the barn and Dad rented out the farm to my uncle. He had beans on it.” Gene had the course design in mind, and both he and his father relied on various business ties they had to help make the dream become a reality. “My Dad had connections with bulldozers, dump trucks,” he said. “He could move it all around. I knew what I wanted to build, where I could get the grass seed and the idea of how we wanted to lay it out, so we laid it out.” It was in late August 1959 that work began in earnest at the site. Gene enlisted the help of some Southwood High School students to help build the course. “We worked through the fall,” he said. “We had a good fall. We seeded it. Some of it came up; some of it we reseeded.” After taking the winter off, work started back up as soon as possible the following spring. “We seeded some more,” Gene said. “The boys came back out and helped me finish up some plots where the grass didn’t come up. “They enjoyed it. I paid them and fed them. They helped us move soil and do the greens. They helped us out a lot. It was kind of a big project. We worked hard.” The course, as noted earlier, opened on July 4. “When we opened, we didn’t even have the water lines buried,” Gene said. “It wasn’t ready, but people accepted it. They accepted it and they came out. It was what Wabash, WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
Huntington and even Grant County needed. “They came out and they put up with what we had, and they enjoyed what we had.”
The golf course grows
When the course opened, it was a Par 34 course. “It wasn’t 36,” Gene said, “because it was shorter. It was a little condensed. Forty acres is tight for nine holes.” The course remained virtually unchanged for several years. One thing the Kaufmans added was a clubhouse and then added on to the facility in 1967. The clubhouse, Joby noted, was laid out similar to a house. That was done, just in case the golf course didn’t make it, the structure could be used as a home. Also growing in 1967 was the course itself. “I had a chance to buy half a farm,” Gene said. “A real estate developer wanted to put in a housing development clear at the east end. He took 30 acres and we took 30 acres, so that made us 70 acres.” Again, he had the help of local youth in shaping the course. “The kids from White’s Institute came out and helped build holes five, six, seven and eight,” Gene said. “We’d work them in the morning, feed them at noon and then they’d go back to White’s. It worked out really well.” More expansion came about in 1991 when he purchased the land that would become the back nine holes. Work started in 1991 and was finished two years later. “The back nine was farmland,” he said. “That was all farmland. It was
Devin Dale, Assistant Pro at Etna Acres, helps a youngster with a set of golf clubs. Etna officials pride themselves in helping people of all ages experience the fun of golfing. two huge fields, but it was rolling. It was nice for what we wanted to do.” Joby and the couple’s daughter, JoDee Dale, helped with the design of the back nine. “JoDee and Joby helped me with the ladies’ tees and other things,” Gene said. “They had ideas of some things I needed to do.” The back nine added 90 acres to the course, bringing the total number of acres at the site to 160. “That spreads it out,” Gene said. “We’ve got a lot of room. You don’t hear the word ‘Fore,’ hardly at all. We’ve got room for spectators for high school matches. When parents come out to watch their kids in junior matches, they can spread out.
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We’ve got plenty of room.” The front nine holes have a totally different look than the back nine holes, something he takes pride in. “(The back nine) has that rolling look and you could see other things,” Gene said. “We wanted grasses out there, different color grasses. We love it in the fall when it dries up, then the fairways are real green, the tees are real green, the greens are real green, and then the browns and purples and yellows and the other colors come in to frame the holes. That’s what it’s supposed to look like. The course also has its fair share of wildlife. “We have turkeys. We have deer,” Gene said. “It has bird houses.” And of course, the golf course’s mascot, the owl, can be seen from time to time. “We have owls,” he said. “They’re in the woods back there. They come up here occasionally and sit on the sign out there. They’re all around. You can hear them in the evening.”
A FA M I LY ATMOSPHERE
The Kaufman family has run Etna Acres since it opened in 1960. Joby, who sadly passed away in April, greeted golfers as they came into the clubhouse with a smile and a down-home attitude. She also was well known for the cheeseburgers she cooked on the flat-top grill in the clubhouse. JoDee Dale helped by mowing greens and doing anything else that was needed. She still is at work there today, cleaning golf carts and anything else asked of her. Her husband, Gary, helps out, and their son, Devin, became a PGA Assistant in 2017. “We try to fit in where something needs to be done,” JoDee said. “I don’t mow the greens any more. I don’t do any of those things. But, I wash the golf carts or I’ll stock the cooler. We 8
A look at one of the tees on the back nine at Etna Acres. Joby and Gene Kaufman opened Etna Acres Golf Course on July 4, 1960. Etna Acres Pro and owner Gene Kaufman helps customers in the Pro Shop. just all try to figure out what needs to be done and we just do it.” But the Kaufmans and the Dales don’t do it on their own. “We’ve had some great employees through the years,” JoDee said. “I’d like to think that some of those guys who mowed the greens for us … that we’ve made a difference in their lives, and they’ve definitely enriched ours.” Because the golf course is family run, one thing the owners have tried to do is make it a family-friendly business. “There are a lot of people that claim to be family friendly,” Devin said. “I think if you can run (a business) as a family, it makes it even more family friendly. I think being a family, you don’t have to worry about disgruntled employees. It makes things easier; it makes things more fun. “I think a lot of people appreciate that. There’s not a lot of small businesses that are run like us. There’s nothing else that I’d rather do than this.”
Their family friendly plan is evident through one of their main goals. “We love putting clubs in kids’ hands,” JoDee said. “If a kid comes out and he doesn’t have a club, we try to put one in their hand and encourage them to go out and get a few shots in.” Kids aren’t the only people she encourages to try golf, her father noted. “She gets on the ladies, too,” Gene said. “When their boyfriends or husbands come around and they just want to ride about and watch them play, she says, “Ladies can play golf too, you know.’ “Maybe she’ll put a club in their hand and tells them, ‘Oh, you’ll have fun while you’re out there.’” When the time comes for Gene to hang up the golf clubs for good, he knows the course will be in the good hands of JoDee, Gary and Devin. “It’s amazing the way it’s working out that way,” he said. “If it didn’t, I’d be at a dead end. This is the way it should be. I want them to go on with it. They’ll do a better job.” WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
BY JOSEPH SLACIAN
J
oby Kaufman was by her husband Gene’s side when he broached the idea with his father of building Etna Acres Golf Course. She was by his side as the original course took shape and opened in July 1960. She was by his side when it expanded in 1967 and again in 1991. Sadly, Joby passed away on April 16, 2020, at her Andrews home. She was 82. Joby touched the lives of many people – golfers and non-golfers, alike. The impact she had on people could be seen through the fitting tributes to her on the McDonald Funeral Home webpage. “What an absolutely delightful woman she was to be around,” Nancy Winter wrote. “Always full of joy and laughter.” Julie Wall wrote, “I will always remember meeting Joby when I started driving her mail route. It was like I became a part of their family, which I loved. Always so nice, friendly and loving. Always made you feel like you belonged to something bigger.” Tami Holley recalled that she only met Joby once while her grandson was taking golf lessons at Etna Acres. “We talked a large portion of the time he was practicing,” Holley wrote. “She told me how Etna Acres was built. She was really one of a kind.” Kent and Alice Williams called Joby “a sweet lady as well as a gracious host at Etna Acres,” while Jill Denman wrote, “she always treated our family warmly and made us feel welcomed and comfortable even though we aren’t the best golfers.” Walt Harrell wrote, “I was always treated like a member of the family when I visited Etna Acres, especially
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Remembering Joby
Joby Kaufman was well known for the cheeseburgers she served at the Etna Acres clubhouse. Joby passed away on April 16, 2020. when I lived out of state. Joby was always kind and took time to talk to all who entered the door.” Robert Deal said “the clubhouse wasn’t just the place where we went to sign-in for a round. It was more like going to Gene and Joby’s home. She always made me feel welcome. She made this world a better place.” “Ms. Joby was a sweetheart and I consider a true friend,” Ben Corn wrote. “Always had a great remark for me and took time to talk to me. As I walk thru this life it was a great honor that I knew her.” One of Joby’s favorite things to do was to sit outside at the golf course and watch the birds. “I will always remember our conversations about watching the birds there,” Debbie Reahard wrote. “We would even go peek inside the bird houses to see the eggs or babies sometimes. Joby was always so welcoming to the golf course. She was a spunky lady and loved by so many.”
Joby could often be found in the Etna Acres clubhouse, much of the times cooking one of her famous cheeseburgers on the flat-top grill, something many remembered in their tributes. “She made the best cheeseburgers around,” Eric Pike said. “I was just talking about her famous cheeseburgers yesterday,” Teresa Mills said. “She was a one of a kind, beautiful and caring and freespirited lady and her smile, laughter and sense of humor will be missed terribly.” Perhaps the type of person Joby was is best summed up by Dan Wingert. “I always felt like Joby was a second mom due to the extensive amount of time my brother and I spent there and her loving concern to make sure we were okay to golf,” he wrote. “She was a very special person.”
WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
NEWS AND NOTES
Edward Jones Adds Financial Advisor Edward Jones Financial Advisor Steve Weir announced today that a second financial advisor, Tyler Olson, has joined his office in Wabash on Feb. 18. “I am really looking forward to working with Steve,” said Tyler. “I’ll have all the advantages of working with an experienced investment professional while getting to know local investors. This will be a tremendous opportunity to increase my investment knowledge and hone my customer service skills.” Olson will work alongside Steve Weir for several months then will continue serving investors throughout the area from his branch office.
The branch office is located at 615 Manchester Ave., Wabash. Call them at 260-563-5951. Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in St. Louis, provides financial services in the U.S. and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm’s business, from the investments its financial advisors offer to the location of its branch offices, caters to individual investors. The firm’s 18,000-plus financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients and care for $1 trillion in assets under management. Visit edwardjones.com and recruiting website at careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.
MU to Honor Ford with Honorary Degree Manchester University will honor Steve Ford, president and chief executive officer of Ford Meter Box Co. of Wabash during commencement exercises. He will be awarded an honorary doctorate at the afternoon undergraduate ceremony. In his professional position, Ford reflects the best of corporate and servant leadership. “Steve Ford is an advocate for the Wabash community – supporting education, arts and culture, youth development and economic development,” said Dave McFadden, Manchester University President. Ford is a past president of the Wabash Area Chamber of Commerce, the Honeywell Foundation, Wabash County United Fund, Wabash Community Service and the Wabash Kiwanis Club. He is a past director of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, the Community Foundation of Wabash County and ARC of Wabash County. He was named the Wabash Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen in 2011.
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Ford served eight years as a Manchester University trustee, and his wife, Lisa, is currently on the Board of Trustees. They live in Wabash with their sons, Rob, Dave, and Grant. A lifelong resident of Wabash, Ford graduated from Wabash High School before earning a degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University. After graduate studies at the University of Illinois, he returned to his hometown to work in the family business, Ford Meter Box Company Inc. The company is a leading manufacturer of water meter setting and testing equipment, service line valves and fittings, as well as pipeline repair and restraint products for the waterworks industry. Produced in Indiana and Alabama, these products help deliver the clean water critical to public health and economic development across North America and around the globe.
WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
NEWS AND NOTES
Two Agents Join Lundquist Appraisals and Real Estate Lundquist Appraisals & Real Estate would like to welcome Joe Grizzle to their sales team. Grizzle grew up on a small farm in Wabash County. He attended the Beer School of Real Estate to attain his broker’s license. He also has an engineering degree from Purdue University and an MBA from Indiana University. Grizzle has worked in various capacities in industries including mining, metals, automotive, and is currently also a senior engineer practicing risk management for a major medical device company in addition to being a licensed Realtor. He said he looks forward to bringing a diverse background and sense of dedication to assist clients that are looking to buy & sell real estate.
Also joining the Lundquist & Appraisal Real Estate sales team is Leah Blocher. She is a 2016 Manchester High School graduate as well as Heartland Career Center graduate where she received her CNA License through their Health Science Program. Blocher is a North Manchester native where she was born and raised; her family farms in the area. She is also involved in her church and has been on many missions trips with them. She studied real estate at Troyer School of Real Estate, Fort Wayne. She received her broker’s license in January 2020.
MU to Launch Population Health Major The rising demand for professionals who can understand health issues affecting communities of people has led to Manchester University’s creation of a new major to help meet that need. In population health, which begins in fall 2020, students will learn how to gather, interpret and use health information to empower people and organizations to prevent disease and advocate for a better quality of life for all. They will learn how to understand community, state, national and global health issues in order to bring about positive societal change through disease prevention and health interventions. Population health integrates interdisciplinary concepts and skills from the social and natural sciences to address societal health in ways that are both equitable and cost-effective. It combines elements from several related majors: health communication, global health and health promotion. The population health major directly aligns with Manchester’s mission to WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
“graduate persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.” The major explores how culture influences health and how health relates to education, poverty and equity. A hands-on internship or an immersive practicum in the health sciences is an important requirement of the new major. Population health majors can build skills that lead to such careers as chronic disease health educator, clinical research coordinator, clinical researcher, crisis intake specialist, disaster relief support technician, environmental health specialist, health communication specialist, health department administrator, health finance manager, health professional, health services manager, nutritionist, patient navigator, public policy analyst and worksite wellness coordinator. Faculty members Jeff Osborne and Jeff Beer are leading this new major.
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NEWS AND NOTES
SHS Senior Receives Local Law Firm’s Scholarship Grant Whitham, a 2020 senior of Southwood Jr. Sr. High School, has earned a $500 scholarship from Hunter Estate & Elder Law that will aid in his tuition this fall while attending Trine University as he studies mechanical engineering. In his Rockstar Scholarship application, Whitham stated that he would have liked to meet and converse with the 16th President of the United States. “I would like to ask him [Abraham Lincoln] how he found the motivation to not only read, write, and perform arithmetic, but also how he was able to continually push himself to learn more and more as he continued throughout his life,” Whitham wrote. The guidance counselor at Southwood Jr. Sr. High School made Whitham aware
of the scholarship and encouraged him to apply. Following his receipt of the scholarship, Whitham had a message for hopeful 2021 scholarship applicants in Wabash County. “Answer the required questions honestly while putting forth one’s accomplishments in the most favorable light,” he said. “Don’t be turned away just because you would have to write an essay. This is because the 600-word requirement might sound daunting, but it only adds up to about a page and a half with double spacing and can easily be accomplished by putting forth reasonable effort.” Applications for the 2021 Hunter Estate and Elder Law scholarship can be found at hunterlawoffice.net/scholarship/. The deadline is March 31, 2021.
Bailey Receives Designation Trisha Bailey has earned her Seller Representative Specialist Designation. This designation is the premier credential in seller representation. It is designed to elevate professional standards and enhance personal performance.
The designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate Business Institute (REBI) who meet specific educational and practical experience criteria. She is employed by Lundquist Appraisals & Real Estate.
Wabash Airport Receives $30,000 Grant
Indiana will receive $96,523,889 in funding to assist 65 Hoosier airports, including Wabash Municipal Airport. This funding was made available by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Wabash airport is slated to receive $30,000. Under the CARES Act, $10 billion was awarded as economic relief to eligible airports across the U.S. affected by the prevention of, preparation for, and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “This $10 billion in emergency resources will help fund the continued operations of our nation’s airports during this crisis and save workers’ jobs,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said in a news release. This funding will support continuing operations and replace lost revenue resulting from the sharp decline in passenger traffic and other airport business due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The funds are available for airport capital expenditures, airport operating expenses including payroll and utilities, and airport debt payments, according to the release.
WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
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NEWS AND NOTES
White’s Receives $50,000 Grant
White’s Residential & Family Services has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the NBA AllStar 2021 Legacy Project to help advance its workforce development program, Growing Teens for Life. White’s will utilize the grant money to purchase 70 aeroponic towers to help it establish a system to grow fresh produce year-round. This grant also will enable White’s to provide additional student work internships and STEM educational learning opportunities. The NBA All-Star 2021 Host Committee awarded 21 organizations with an All-Star Legacy Grant. This $1 million initiative focuses on youth-serving nonprofit organizations across Indiana. In connection with NBA All-Star 2021 in Indianapolis next February, the initiative provides grants up to $50,000 for each of the selected 21 brick-and-mortar projects focused on health and wellness or education. The 21 projects will impact an estimated 90,000 youth statewide. The NBA All-Star 2021 Legacy Committee was tasked to create a meaningful grant opportunity to leave a legacy long after the game is played. The Committee, led by NBA All-Star 2021 Host Committee Board Co-Chairs Tamika Catchings and Rafael Sanchez, launched the initiative in October 2019. The 21 grantees, representing 18 counties, were chosen from 182 applicants from across Indiana.
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“We had an overwhelmingly positive response statewide to the grant applications,” said Rick Fuson, Founding Chairman, All-Star Board of Directors and President and Chief Operating Officer, Pacers Sports & Entertainment. “Narrowing the list to 21 grant recipients involved considerable review and discussion by our Legacy Committee. They had to make tough choices amongst a pool of incredibly strong and impactful grant requests.” The 70th NBA All-Star Game will take place at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on February 14, 2021. For general information about NBA All-Star 2021, visit pacers.com/allstar2021.
Gebhart Holdings Makes Donation to YMCA
Gebhart Holdings Inc., recently made a donation to the Wabash County YMCA (pictured below) to go towards future capital improvements to the wellness center as well as the enhancement of youth sports played both at the Field of Dreams and the Cass Street location. “Our goal is to strengthen our community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” said Dean Gogolewski, Wabash County YMCA CEO. “The support that Gebhart Holdings, Inc. has provided will further this cause. We are thankful for their generosity to not only the YMCA, but the youth of Wabash County.” The Wabash County YMCA relies on community advocates for continued program enhancements. “Gebhart Holdings is committed to enriching the community around us and the YMCA is the perfect avenue to do just that. We are honored to be able to give in order to help support their mission,” said Ben Gebhart, CEO, Gebhart Holdings, Inc.
WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
NEWS AND NOTES
Indiana American Acquires Riley Wastewater System
Indiana American Water has acquired the Town of Riley’s wastewater system in western Indiana. The purchase of the system adds approximately 460 wastewater customers to the company’s customer base, which represents a population of more than 1,240 residents. Indiana American Water also serves the City of Wabash, as well as the community of Somerset. “The acquisition of this system will help hold rates down for Riley customers over the long term as needed investments are made and also provide access to operations and capital management water professionals and a number of customer service options and payment methods,” President Matt Prine said. “Indiana American Water already provides water service to Riley and several nearby communities, so this allows us to bring greater efficiencies to customers in Riley and across Indiana.”
“In a time when communities are looking for new and innovative ways to deal with challenges they’re facing and hold the bottom-line on expenses, this acquisition is a great solution for the town and its customers,” Prine continued. The acquisition of the Riley wastewater systems for $1,545,000 was approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in March and closed by Indiana American Water and the Town of Riley on Wednesday, April 29. The Riley system will be incorporated into the company’s Terre Haute district, which currently serves approximately 72,000 residents. Indiana American serves the City of Wabash and the community of Somerset.
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NEWS AND NOTES
Rolling Meadows Receives Five-Star Rating
Rolling Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center has earned an overall five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare Services (CMS). The designation gives Rolling Meadows Health and Rehab the highest star rating that is possible for it to achieve. CMS created the Five-Star Quality Rating System to help consumers, their families and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily. Nursing homes with five stars are considered to be above average quality when compared to other nursing homes in the state. “We are very proud that we’ve achieved five-star status,” said Brad Needler, HFA, administrator for Rolling Meadows. “Our staff truly care about our residents and they’ve earned this recognition. This achievement is a direct reflection of their efforts.” Rolling Meadows is a skilled nursing facility located in LaFontaine. The facility has 115 licensed beds and serves the community through rehabilitation services, memory care, out-patient physical therapy and long-term skilled nursing care. To learn more, go to rollingmeadowshealthandrehab.com or call 765-981-2081.
Heartland REMC Cancels Annual Meeting
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Heartland REMC 2020 Annual Member Meeting has been canceled. The meeting, originally scheduled for June 27, 2020, draws an average of 4,000 people. To keep the members and employees safe and to comply with social distancing guidelines during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, the Heartland REMC board of directors decided to cancel the in-person meeting. In accordance with the Heartland REMC by-laws, an election for directors will still take place. To meet this requirement, Heartland REMC has set up voting in the offices. Members can come in, register, and cast their ballot in the election. Each member that registers will receive a $15 bill credit on their July billing. Voting will be available, in the lobbies, during business hours from May 4 to June 25. The results of the election will be available at heartlandremc.com on June 29. Heartland REMC wants to continue to support our local students through our yearly scholarship program. Each year at the annual meeting 20 full-time college students are awarded $500 scholarships. This is a highly anticipated part of our annual meeting and we are proud to support our local student community. This year, we will be doing a Facebook Live event (date and time to be determined) to draw the 20 winners. Make sure to “Like” Heartland REMC on Facebook to watch the drawing! Entry into the scholarship drawing can be done at heartlandremc.com/youth-programs. The deadline is June 1. As we continue to work through this unprecedented situation, Heartland REMC is doing everything we can to keep our members and employees safe while still providing reliable electricity.
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Small Business Spotlight
Leffel Growing As Clearview Windows & More Owner
K
yle Leffel takes satisfaction in taking something dirty and making it clean – in the case of his business, it’s glass. The North Manchester native started working for Dennis Unger at Clearview Windows & More in 2010 and took over the business in January 2019. “I saw it as a great opportunity to continue an already successful business that so many people in the area count on year after year,” Leffel said. Leffel and Unger have been family for over a decade as Leffel and Unger’s daughter, Amy, live in North Manchester with their children Ayla, 8, and Lennon, 2. Dennis Unger was a custodian at Thomas Marshall Elementary School from 1978 to 1988 before he got into the glass cleaning business. “When Manchester Elementary School opened in August (1988) I knew I would be placed on second shift,” he said. Unger bought Sunshine Cleaning, a maid service in the North Manchester area, when the previous owner was set to retire. Unger kept the existing clients who asked if
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he would wash their windows, leading him to expand into residential and commercial window cleaning. He sold the maid service in 1988 to focus solely on window cleaning. “In the early days I would do one house a day solo,” Unger said. As the business grew he would hire three to four employees, mostly local high school and college students during the busiest windowcleaning season from April to September, according to Unger. Enter Leffel. A 2007 Manchester High School and 2012 Manchester College (University) graduate, Leffel jumped on board at Clearview Windows & More in 2010 while he finished his education but had his eye on a career in the restaurant business. “I would work with Dennis each summer as much as I could while also working in area restaurants,” Leffel said. “I worked at Main View (North Manchester), Cerulean (Winona Lake), Joseph Ducuis (Roanoke), and The Golden (Fort Wayne). I decided to come on fulltime as a window cleaner after leaving The Golden in spring of 2017.” Leffel said after working two
seasons full-time alongside Unger, learning the finer points of running the business, he was ready to take over ownership of Clearview Windows & More. Leffel comes from a line of small business on both sides of his family. His grandmother and uncle own Manchester Floor Covering and his great-great grandfather owned Lautzenhizer Meat Market. “I figured it is in my blood to own and operate [a business] of my own,” he said. “Of course, I thought it would be a restaurant, but as of right now, the window cleaning business is a perfect fit for me and my family. “Owning a business is hard work and I have learned a lot so far,” Leffel added. “The flexibility of the seasonal schedule is what I enjoy most. Having some downtime in the harder winter months is great for spending more time with my family.” Clearview Windows & More is more than just a North Manchester business, with clients in Warsaw, Syracuse, Fort Wayne, Rochester, Wabash and around the lakes of Kosciusko County. While residential and commercial window cleaning is the main focus of the business, Leffel said they also
WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
offer gutter cleaning, some pressure washing and vinyl siding wash. Additional interior cleaning work often includes light fixtures, ceiling fans, and mirrors. “If its glass, we’ll clean it,” Leffel said. Business this spring has been slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic but Leffel said he’s seeing light at the end of the tunnel. “We’ve decreased with monthly commercial accounts, which is understandable,” he said. “Residentially, March and April were slower than normal but now that the weather is getting warmer, our clients have started scheduling for window cleaning. “I am very grateful for all of my clients – returning and new – that have been flexible during this time,”
WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
Leffel continued. “In April I decided to only do work outside of homes in order to effectively social distance. Now, when we go into homes, we wear masks and take any other social distancing measures that the client prefers.” Leffel said his biggest focus is satisfying his clients after each finished job. “I have a love and satisfaction for cleaning glass,” he said. “…taking something dirty, giving it a little TLC, and ending up with something that looks close to brand new. Clean windows really do make a house feel extra clean. That is immediate satisfaction, and when a client is happy, I am happy.” Clearview Windows & More prices vary according to window style and condition of windows. Call Kyle Leffel at 574-268-8607 for information and a free quote.
“If it’s glass, we clean it.”
Kyle Leffel cleans the windows of one of his many customers.
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BY MANDY UNDERWOOD
COVID-19 Hits Many Industries, Ag Included
W
ith many b u s i n e s s e s, schools and organizations closed down and seeing the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the agriculture industry is no exception. Many meat packing plants have halted operations, such as Smithfield Foods plants in South Dakota, Wisconsin and Missouri; JBS USA in Minnesota; and closer to home, Tyson Fresh Meats packing plant in Logansport, and Indiana Packers Corp. of Delphi. With these closures comes struggles for livestock farmers who planned to butcher, package and sell the meat of their herds. The closures have caused farmers to have to do the unspeakable and euthanize some animals that were causing overcrowding due to not being able to follow the original business methods. Recently, Indiana’s Congressional delegation sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Peter T. Gaynor in support of the state of Indiana’s request for FEMA assistance for depopulation activities resulting from COVID-19 disruptions. The letter requests eligibility for existing resources under FEMA as livestock and poultry producers WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
struggle to combat severe supply chain issues due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Most affected is the pork industry, which includes 2,800 Hoosier farms marketing $1 billion worth of hogs every year. “Livestock and poultry production is a vital part of Indiana’s economy with a $3.9 billion market value. Over 14,000 Hoosiers are employed by the pork industry, and another 7,000 are employed by the poultry industry. The impact of the coronavirus has been detrimental to supply chains as meat processing facilities cease operations to combat the spread of the virus. Livestock and poultry production is entirely dependent on exact timing, and disruptions due to temporary closures are extremely challenging for producers deeply concerned about animal welfare and economic stability,” the delegation wrote. “Further, the use of proper depopulation and mortality management is necessary to protect the environmental health of the communities affected by this disaster. As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes, during depopulation events, safeguards must be taken to prevent the transmission of livestock disease and to protect air and water quality. While the State of Indiana has committed resources to assist in this process, FEMA assistance is
critical to ensure disposal events are conducted in a manner that best protects public health,” they added. Also, during this unprecedented time, many organizations, such as Wabash County Purdue Extension are providing information and tips for farmers on how to go about these trying times. According to an article found on the Wabash County Purdue Extension webpage: “Now is the time to determine the best methods for you to find and connect you’re your customers during a time of confusion and challenge. You can play an important role in improving this connectivity along the supply chain and ensuring continued access to fresh produce and products in local economies, and it is imperative to establish and implement plans before any additional drastic measure occurs that could affect your bottom line. Farmers markets across Indiana are considered “essential” under the executive order issued by Governor Eric J. Holcomb. However, they are subject to changes in infrastructure and best practices. Additionally, many of your businesses may derive income from sales to Indiana restaurants — which shifted to takeout or delivery orders only by government mandate in the early stages of the pandemic. In line with criteria posted at Indiana’s Back 23
“One thing Wabash County farmers do really well is farm.” on Track website, some of these restaurants may begin to open with reduced-capacity seating and other restrictions. Any further restrictions, cancellations, closings and/or policy changes related to COVID-19 also could have a major impact on demand for your products. This means you must become proactive in connecting with your customers. People will still want to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, animal proteins such as meat, eggs, and dairy, and value-added food products, and they will still want to purchase flowers and vegetable seedlings.” The article goes on to encourage farmers to change business models, meet the needs of the market, find ways to reach customer base without increasing potential exposure to COVID-19 and to continue to generate income.
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Some of the methods suggested throughout the article include online or phone sales, delivery systems that promote safety, using social media, managing inventory, and adjusting scheduling with crops and livestock. Geoff Schortgen, the extension educator, discussed how Wabash County specifically is dealing with the changes induced by the COVID-19 pandemic and how these changes might cause long term effects to farmers and the community. “One thing Wabash County farmers do really well is farm. So they are getting their seeds in the ground and we are chugging along,” he said. “But we will have to wait and see for long term effects.” With the ever-changing situation, he also said that it is hard to know what this will mean long term for the
community, but at this point, things are doing alright when it comes to getting food to the community. Manchester and Wabash Farmers markets are currently running while practicing social distancing, Schortgen noted. In regards to the meat packing plants, many of the smaller ones are going full speed ahead while other larger ones are working hard to reopen. “They are trying to get those plants open and trying to get information out to farmers, as far as the pork industry, to either slow the growth of their pigs or limit the amount of litters they are having,” he said. For more information or help with issues arising in the agricultural fields, call Wabash County Purdue Extension at 260-563-0661, visit extension.purdue.edu/Wabash, or email gschortg@purdue.edu.
WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
MPS EGG FARMS Expands Into Texas Market
Eye on North Manchester
MPS Egg Farms has purchased Feather Crest Farms, a Texas-based egg producer with two farms in Kurten, Texas, and Center, Texas. The acquisition allows MPS Egg Farms to add approximately 1 million hens to its operation, for a total of 11 million hens – producing approximately 9.35 million eggs a day. The acquisition significantly enhances MPS Egg Farms’ geographic footprint, enabling the company to better serve existing and potential customers in Texas and beyond. “We knew of Feather Crest Farms by reputation – they are solid and well-respected within the industry,” said Sam Krouse, Vice President of Business Development for MPS Egg Farms. “MPS Egg Farms is a sixthgeneration family-owned and operated company, so it was important that Feather Crest Farms share the same values and commitment to customer service and quality that we hold important.” The Barrett family has been involved with Feather Crest since the 1950s, starting with Delvin Barrett, who began working there while a student at Texas A&M. The company was eventually purchased by the Barrett family in the 1970s, who has continually improved and expanded the operations. Following his death in 2001, his sons continued operation of the company until the MPS Egg Farms acquisition. While there are no immediate expansion plans for the 70-year-old Texasbased farms, Dan Krouse, Vice President of Operations for MPS Egg Farms, said that remodeling existing facilities and expanding production are part of the long-term plan. For now, it’s business as usual. “We hired everyone that was employed at Feather Crest Farms, a total of 96 people, which brings our total to about 630 employees nationally. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, transition of the farms is occurring electronically. Thankfully, no one from Indiana was planning to spend extended time in Texas because the expertise and strength of the Feather Crest team is already strong,” said Dan Krouse. The farms will retain their local names – Feather Crest Farms (Kurten, Texas) and Pineywoods (Center Texas) – with the addition of MPS Egg Farms signs. The products produced are private label.
THE KROUSES (from left): Dan Krouse, VP of Operations; Bob Krouse, CEO; and Sam Krouse, VP of Business Development.
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WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
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Wabash’s own Crystal Gayle opened the newly renovated Eagles Theatre. The new marquee lights up the street at night. Each suite has a view of the stage. North Manchester artist Penny French Deal worked on the ceiling of the ballroom.
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WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
BY JOSEPH SLACIAN
REFURBISHED
EAGLES THEATRE OPENS WITH CRYSTAL GAYLE
T
he newly renovated Eagles Theatre opened on Feb. 29, 2020, with a sold out performance by former Wabash resident Crystal Gayle. The theatre has been closed since 2017 to update and modernize the building, originally opened in 1906. The changes have been amazing to include an updated sound system in the theatre, the creation of a smaller, second theatre in the basement, the creation of suites for private parties during movies and concerts, the creation of meeting rooms and classrooms, the creation of a recording studio and the full restoration of the ballroom on the fourth floor. Theatergoers enter the building to an expanded Ford Meter Box Lobby featuring an accessibility ramp, expanded concession area and offerings, a donor wall and more. The theater will seat 560 people, including the aforementioned suites – the Forrester Landing and the Forrester Roost. Each suite can accommodate up to 14 guests and provides additional food and beverage options. The movie screen is 30 feet wide by 18 feet tall, larger than the former screen. It also can be easily moved up for performances on the theatre stage. WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
The Sweetwater backstage area, located in the fully renovated basement, has been totally renovated to include a large, cast dressing room, a green room and a star dressing room. There also is an elevator to the stage. The Ferguson Theatre is located beneath the lobby. It has 49 seats and will offer, among other things, first run films and classroom space for the Media Arts Program. The theater can accommodate films that have been shown in the main theatre but are required to be screened for several weeks. In addition, the Honeywell Foundation received a grant from the AWS Foundation in Fort Wayne to make the Ferguson Theatre a sensory theater. “That means for folks with autism, we can keep the lights up a little more, make the sound a little softer,” Corporate Relations Manager Ellen Mock said. “They also can get up and move around. We were thrilled to do that. AWS suggested that to us, and we said, ‘Why not? Let’s do it.” The Genita Speicher Music Rooms also are available for those who wish to practice musical instruments. Classes will launch in conjunction with the 2020-21 school year. The Media Arts program, which takes place in conjunction with the Heartland Career Center, is located
on the second floor. High school students who complete the program can earn dual credits. The floor features the Inguard Editing Room, a soundproof recording studio and a video production studio that includes a green screen. The third floor features conference rooms that can be used for a variety of events. They can be rented separately or together. There also is access to the suite level balcony. The top floor is the newly restored Parkview Ballroom, as well as the Parkview Physicians’ Group Conference Room and the Parkview Conference Room. The conference rooms can be rented separately or in conjunction with the ballroom. The ballroom is designed to host weddings, receptions, corporate meetings and other special events. Honeywell officials had a series of events planned in the first few weeks of the opening. However, Gov. Eric Holcomb issued the stay-athome orders about three weeks after the opening, bringing a halt to any shows at the Eagles Theatre and the Honeywell Center’s Ford Theater for weeks. During the closure, workers were able to put into place the theatre’s new, high-tech marquee.
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BY JOSEPH SLACIAN
THE SANCTUARY
U
nder construction for nearly 3 years, The Sanctuary of Wabash opened for business on Friday, May 1. The Sanctuary of Wabash, 492 N. Wabash St., is an overnight event hub that was once the Wabash Street Methodist Church. It is owned by Ben and Jennifer Bailey. The couple, who also own Bailey Construction, began making improvements to the façade in 2017 before working on a massive renovation of the building’s interior. “Like us, I’m sure everyone in the community looked at this church and thought, ‘What a shame.’ How could such a stately building be in such disrepair?” Jennifer told The Paper of Wabash County. “One day my husband came home and said, ‘I want to buy that church.’ I thought to myself, ‘What are you going to do with a church?’” Ben reasoned that “anyone can flip a house; I want the challenge of flipping this church,” she continued. “I thought to myself, why not? I’ve casually observed this property for my entire life. I never in my wildest dreams thought it would one day be mine.”
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Bailey Construction worked on the project in between normal jobs for three years. “It was probably closer to one full year that Bailey Construction worked on this property from start to finish,” Jennifer said. “It truly seems like we’ve been renovating this property for decades. Just when you think you’re done, there’s always one more piece of trim to install and one more window to wash. This building goes on and on.” The couple did the interior design on their own. “When we first stepped inside the building and stood in the sanctuary we were overcome with the beauty of the stained glass windows that surrounded us,” Jennifer said. “As we renovated the church, we strived to keep the integrity and spirit that has always been with this property.” Jennifer said she spent many nights searching websites such as Houzz and Pinterest for design ideas and paint colors. “Once we meshed the ideas we had a pretty clear vision for each room, make it comfortable, make it beautiful and make it memorable,” she said. “We tried making each space unique but not fussy. Interior surroundings need to have a story and a feeling of comfort.
“I believe we’ve achieved turning a huge stone building into an inviting cozy space that can accommodate so many possibilities.” The building has seven bedrooms, three full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, two living rooms, a dressing closet and a commercial kitchen that Jennifer said, “is to die for.” In spite of all the work in renovating the property, Ben said he never had any second thoughts about the project. “No,” he said, “I never second guessed buying this property.” Jennifer, on the other hand, admits second guessing herself about “everything about this property.” “One day,” she said, “I went into the building and bats and birds were flying overhead in the main sanctuary. After I ran back outside, I thought, ‘what did we buy?’” But as worked progressed, those thoughts quickly diminished. “With every wall that was torn down and with every inch of old carpet that was thrown out, the soul of the building started to shine again, the space could breath and be stunning once more,” she said. “This building was no longer neglected but was meticulously restored and given a fresh new life.”
WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
OPPOSITE PAGE: One of the many rooms at The Sanctuary. ABOVE: Owners Ben and Jennifer Bailey sit in one of the rooms at The Sanctuary.
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The Sanctuary was once a Methodist Church. Some rooms have been turned into bedrooms for overnight accommodations. The Sanctuary can host intimate weddings, rehearsal dinners, wedding day brunches, corporate meetings, family reunions, friends’ weekends and more. The couple already has had inquiries on renting the facility for such things as weddings and graduation parties. Ideally, the couple would like to rent the entire facility, however, they realize everyone hosting an event may not need overnight accommodations. “You can rent the main sanctuary for an intimate wedding and reception, corporate meetings, family reunions, bridal showers, anything you have a need for, we can accommodate you,” Jennifer said. “The basement of The Sanctuary has many bedrooms and bathrooms. This makes traveling with a group of family or friends convenient. You can all stay together in one location rather than renting individual rooms.”
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As for food, The Sanctuary offers catering. “I am ‘Serve Safe’ certified and we have all the local permits,” Jennifer said. “The Sanctuary can accommodate any food craving you may have. “The menu will highlight simplistic seasonal foods as well as decadent options, not forgetting our vegetarians.” The menu, she said, has something that will please every palate. In addition, those leasing the facility may hire their own catering firm. Perhaps, Jennifer said, the most asked question the couple gets is about parking. “There is on-street parking available just north of the property,” she said. “We are in the process of adding an ADA parking spot, as well as a 15-minute drop off parking spot just outside of The Sanctuary.” In addition, the couple has a verbal agreement with the Honeywell Center regarding parking at the Charley Creek Gardens parking lot.
“They will allow us access to their parking lot, when available, when we are hosting events or providing overnight accommodations,” Jennifer said. In addition, the facility has a private parking lot on Manchester Avenue that the Baileys will make improvements to in the future. “We have gone above and beyond to make sure we have adequate parking,” Jennifer said. “we do not want to take advantage of private parking lots that surround The Sanctuary.” The couple plans to have an open house at the facility sometime in the near future. “We are so blessed to have the support of our community through this process,” Jennifer said. “Enough can’t be said on how lucky we are to call Wabash home. We are excited to work with local businesses to make your special event the very best it can be.”
WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
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PIZZA FRIDAYS ON THE FARM BEGINS JUNE 12
he familiar saying “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade,” provides a pattern for the new format of the 2020 season of Pizza Fridays on the Farm. The Hawkins Family Farm version is, “When life hands you necessary social restrictions, do something new and better!” Beginning Friday, June 12, 2020, Hawkins Family Farm will host “Tailgating on the Farm,” a safe and adventurous way to enjoy good food in a secure setting among appropriately spaced good neighbors on a pretty little Indiana farm. From 5-7 p.m., diners will be able to order online or by phone their all-natural, locally-sourced artisan pizzas baked in an outdoor, wood-fired brick oven at Hawkins Family Farm. Those wishing to remain on the farm may do so by parking in a numbered 32-foot-by-25-foot picnic spot, which are first come, first serve, and receive their order delivered to their spot, all while enjoying the farm’s natural beauty and remaining safely socially distant! “We knew we needed to find a way for people to get out of the house and out in the fresh air, to experience the settledness of the familiar pattern of gathering weekly on our farm with nature and other people, but to do so in
WABASH BUSINESS JOURNAL / SUMMER 2020
a way that was rigorous in safety. Giving everyone a large safe space in which to tailgate is a fun way to accomplish this!” HOPE CSA Executive Director Jeff Hawkins said. Standard pizzas range from $10 to $20, payable by credit card or Apple Pay. Weekly guest chefs craft specialty pizzas featuring seasonal ingredients in addition to the standard pizza menu that includes the traditional margherita, Hawkins Farm sausage and Hawkins Farm pepperoni. Carry out is also available for those wishing to dine at home. Fridays on the Farm is sponsored by Visit Wabash County, Light Rail Cafe and Roaster, Gunthorp Farms, Susan and Tom Haynes, Don and Becky Fry, and Steve and Erin Jungbauer in memory of David Grandstaff and in honor of Jane Grandstaff. All profits from Fridays on the Farm benefit HOPE CSA, a non-profit ecumenical teaching ministry that offers a course of experiential learning and academic study to assist pastors to become healthier and more effective leaders. To learn more about Fridays on the Farm, visit hawkinsfamilyfarm.com. For more information about HOPE CSA, visit hopecsa.org.
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