Kokomo Magazine February 2025 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

ROCK SOLID

PUBLISHER KIM SENKUS kim@townepost.com (317) 501-1743

KEY CONTRIBUTORS JOHN BOLINGER ASHLEE BORUFF NATALIE PLATT JULIE YATES

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK

CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL SERVICES DEVON DEAN COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011

CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion

Electronically

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2025

FEBRUARY

Feb. 1

TEN PESO VERSION: LIVE AT THE COTERIE

107 W. Sycamore St.

Doors 8PM; show 9PM

$5 cover. Reserve your table when you buy a pre-show ticket at kokomocoterie.com/events.

Feb. 7

FIRST FRIDAY

DOWNTOWN KOKOMO

114 S. Buckeye St. 5:30 - 8PM

Visitors to the downtown area during the event will find discounts and activities at shops and restaurants, and live music, public art, familyfriendly activities and more. The fun of First Friday continues with First Friday After Hours. Dive into the downtown vibe with bars, pubs, live music and a myriad of entertainment options for grown-up visitors.

THE WARRIOR KINGSTRIBUTE TO LED ZEPPELIN: LIVE AT THE COTERIE!

107 W. Sycamore St.

Doors 8PM; show 9PM

$5 cover. Reserve your table when you buy a pre-show ticket at kokomocoterie.com/events.

Feb. 8

FEBRUARY 8 SHOW!

Outhouse Records, 109 East Sycamore Street

A night filled with music, laughter and good vibes you won’t want to miss! eventbrite.com

ROADS HOTEL FEBRUARY 8

PUBLIC INVESTIGATION

Roads Hotel, 150 E. Main St. 6PM - 2AM

Experience a paranormal investigation of the historic Roads Hotel in Atlanta, Indiana. eventbrite.com

Feb. 9

TIPTON FARM TOY SHOW

Tipton County 4-H Fairgrounds 9AM - 3PM

The 4-H building will be packed with toy vendors! Food will be provided by Barkers B&K Root Beer (Kokomo, IN); admission is $4. Door prizes! Contact Jan Garrison for additional information at 317-385-7094, or Tiffany Lovell (on Facebook); these are the only contacts for this event!

Feb. 13

GALENTINE’S DAY SHOP HOP IN DOWNTOWN TIPTON 5 - 8PM

Participating businesses are staying open late to celebrate YOU and your squad. Enjoy special treats, giveaways, and a night of shopping, laughter, and fun. Celebrate friendship and make it a night to remember! Don’t miss this downtown Tipton tradition!

CONNECTHER

11AM - 2PM

We are excited to announce the relaunch of the ConnectHER series: Empowering Women in Business! members.tiptonchamber.org

Feb. 14

TIPTON COUNTY FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET: VALENTINE’S NIGHT EDITION

Tipton County 4-H Fairgrounds 5:30 - 9PM

Join us for a special Valentine’s night market! We’re mixing things up a bit for our night owls, love birds and market friends, and we’d love to see you!

Feb. 21-23

TIPTON COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS

DISNEY’S “MOANA JR.”

Disney’s “Moana JR.” is a 60-minute musical based on the 2016 Disney animated movie “Moana”, about an adventurous teenager who embarks on a daring mission across the Pacific Ocean to save her people. This is our youth production for ages 6 to 18. Visit tiptontheatre.com for showtimes and tickets.

Feb. 23

ELITE BRIDAL GALA

2820 S.Lafountain St. 1 PM

This exciting event is the perfect opportunity for brides-to-be to gather inspiration and connect with top wedding vendors. You’ll have the chance to explore a wide range of wedding services, including stunning venues, beautiful floral arrangements, exquisite wedding gowns and more. Don’t miss out on this incredible event that will help you plan your dream wedding!

Feb. 28

ARMCHAIR BOOGIE: LIVE AT THE COTERIE!

107 W. Sycamore St.

Doors 8PM; show 9PM $10 pre-sale tickets; $15 day of show Reserve your table when you buy pre-show tickets at kokomocoterie.com/events.

ROSE OF THE MONTH CLUB

Enroll now to receive 1 rose per month at a discounted rate of only $85.

ROCK SOLID

UNIQUE CREATIONS BY JOE OFFERS CUSTOM ROCK PIECES, RESIN, JEWELRY AND MORE

Writer / Natalie Platt Photographer / John Bolinger

Just over a decade ago, grief left Joe Petzold withdrawing from the things he loved the most. Petzold loved making candles with his daughters and wife, and loved hunting - two hobbies he stopped when Jessica, his daughter, became sick in 2014 and passed away.

As Petzold began channeling his grief through therapy and creative activities like sanding rocks, he realized he found a new hobby. He graduated to a palm sander, then

to a belt sander, and eventually to the large CabKing 8-inch cabbing machine he has today in his new store, Unique Creations by Joe inside the Markland Mall.

Finding calm and patience in the process helped Petzold move forward after losing his daughter, and ultimately opened the door to a new career.

“Rocks saved my life and gave me patience,” he says. “I’m not in a hurry anymore. Before

this I had zero patience in life, and owe that to the therapy that turned into a hobby.”

He originally began working out of his garage making custom pieces for people who heard about what he was doing solely by word of mouth. Then, in September of last year, Petzold and his wife, Lisa, decided it was time to go big or go home - one of their favorite sayings - and they signed a lease for a storefront at the Markland Mall and opened Unique Creations.

Now a full-fledged business with two fulltime employees in addition to Petzold and his wife, the store offers a unique blend of handcrafted items like candles and wax melts, resin art, fossils, and jewelry, all made by Petzold right in the store. He accepts custom orders for jewelry and cuts his own stones, and he also does wire wrap jewelry.

“Unique Creations is really geared toward visual and learning experiences,” he says. “You walk in and it’s totally different than anything you’ve seen before. We have candles and candle warmers on one wall with over 90 different fragrances to choose from, and 60 different air diffuser scents. Then we have gems, minerals, resin art and an indoor mining sluice - a device that separates gems from dirt and gravel - on another.”

For $6 per bag, visitors can purchase a bag of dirt and sift through it using an in-store water source to discover fossils, gems and minerals.

The mining sluice has been fun for kids, Petzold says. A few kids used the device to find gems they made into jewelry for their mothers as gifts. The store has also been approved by the mall to be used as a destination for field trips - a unique opportunity for elementary students to participate in a hands-on gem mining experience.

“I want to leave this store for my grandchildren,” Petzold says. “I want to leave a legacy. I want my family to know I wanted to take care of them, and that I did.”

Petzold takes pride in his store, and puts in long hours to ensure the success they’ve seen in the last four and a half months continues. Supported by his two full-time employees who have been with him since the beginning, along with his wife and brother, the store is aiming for growth in the coming year - something Petzold wishes could happen quickly, while he remembers to slow down and just be patient.

“I’m here every single day, but my name is on that sign,” he says. “You have to have passion and if I’m not here hand-making our items, we won’t be here either.”

Petzold wants the Kokomo community to know that everyone is welcome in his store, and he hopes to meet more and more customers as Unique Creations works on getting the official store website up and running, showcasing their products - and unique creations.

Unique Creations by Joe is located inside the Markland Mall at 1114 South Seventeenth Street in Kokomo.

INTRODUCING THE

FORTITUDE SCHOLARSHIP CANDIDATES

SCAN TO VOTE SCAN TO DONATE

Scan the code or visit the website to donate toward a contestant’s scholarship fund.

*Please indicate student’s name in “Additional Info”

*Checks can be mailed (please email Kim@Townepost.com for information) or dropped off at any Community First Bank for no additional fees. Mention

Kim Senkus/Fortitude Scholarship (Acct ...7377) and include student’s name in the Memo line.

*Additional fees may apply through Autobooks for all other payment options.

EACH SHOWING FIRMNESS OF SPIRIT WHILE FACING ADVERSITY

Writer / Julie Yates

This month, Kokomo/Tipton Magazine is introducing the first three candidates for Spring Semester’s Fortitude Scholarship contest. Each student has a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) or above, and plans to attend college/military/trade school upon graduation in 2025. Most importantly, all have shown fortitude in some way while in school. Despite working through challenges, these students have been able to maintain attendance, grades and involvement in school activities. Their struggles did not go unnoticed; each was nominated by the teachers and administrators of their high school. Please only one vote per student.

JAELEY SHUCK

KOKOMO HIGH SCHOOL

Jaeley Shuck, a senior at Kokomo High School, is living proof that a person can’t help being good at something they love.

From middle school on, her favorite subject has been math, but with a GPA of 4.4, it might not be a surprise that she enjoys all learning, especially in her Advanced Placement classes. Through her four-year involvement with the marching band’s color guard and winter guard, she has cultivated a community that feels like family. Her closest biological family member is her great-grandmother, Maggie Hart.

Since she was 2 years old, Shuck has lived with her great-grandmother. Hart is now 94 years old and in November was put on hospice care. Shuck shares that although it’s difficult to see her great-grandmother’s health decline, it is a joy and privilege to be the main caregiver to the person who raised her.

“My great-grandma is well-known in the community for being kind and sweet,” she says. “She is a lovely person with a mindset that allowed her to give her life to her family. She helped me to be down-to-earth and patient. She and my great-grandfather, Mickey Hart, who died in 2020, took me in. Now it’s my responsibility to take care of her.”

“Without a doubt, color guard and winter guard is the spark that that brings me joy,” she adds. “It’s a big help for getting me through the hard parts in my life. It has taught me the importance of respect. I had to prove myself, but when I did, more opportunities opened. I got to take on a leadership role. I realized how much I loved it.”

During band season, the color guard members must attend practices. As flag captain during both her junior and senior year, Shuck has additional duties. Winter guard practices many days during winter break and color guard has camps throughout the year. The days can be eight to nine hours long.

Besides color guard and winter guard, Shuck also participates in environmental club. She tries to find the time to hang out with friends at least once a week. They may go out to eat or go shopping. She especially likes spending time with her best friend she has known since fourth grade. Shuck admits that she often stays up late just to carve out a couple hours of downtime for herself.

“I’d like to live an adulthood without stress,” she says. “I plan on going to Purdue University Fort Wayne and majoring in actuarial science

and minoring in political science. I enjoy numbers and statistics, and I’d like to work for a company that focuses on environmental issues. I want to do something to help the community, but after two years of psychology class, I realized that being a therapist is not the route for me. Thanks to a lot of teachers who had patience with me, I’m good at math. Being good at something takes the stress off. When I get older, maybe I’ll go back and get a law degree.”

Shuck feels the hardest part of her life right now is watching the woman who raised her struggle with health problems. As the family member who lives with her grandmother, she is free of any resentment and unconditionally wants to help her. What helps is keeping her eye on the future and mapping out a path.

“If I set my mind to something, I will achieve it,” she says. “My great-grandma will sacrifice her own health if she thinks she is asking too much of me, and I don’t want that to happen. I know I will come out a better person for taking care of her.”

JAXSEN MUNCIE

TIPTON HIGH SCHOOL

Tipton High School senior Jaxsen Muncie enjoys hands-on work, being in the great outdoors, and running cross-country and track. He admits he has a soft spot for “SpongeBob Square Pants”. During vacations with his parents and three sisters, he was the one who suggested historical sites to visit along the way. Some of his best memories are going hunting and fishing with his dad.

Unfortunately his father, Scott Muncie, passed away on December 6, 2023. In 2019 his father was diagnosed with colon cancer. Although chemotherapy, multiple surgeries and other treatments bought the family more time, it was rough period. Throughout it all, Muncie excelled in track, earning first-place finishes and MVP honors at meets. He also continued to maintain honor-roll status while taking Advanced College Project classes to graduate with honors.

Supporting the school community is important to Muncie, and he participates in recycling to raise funds as well as helping with concessions. As a freshman and sophomore he managed the yard work at his grandmother’s house. He has also worked for My Dad’s Sweet Corn as a corn picker and at the Carmel Farmers Market.

Muncie is a member of Spanish club, and he shares that learning the language isn’t easy unless he sits down and studies it. One of his favorite subjects is history. The other is math, which he feels he enjoys because of his dad.

“My dad was good at math and could do it in his head,” he says. “He worked in maintenance in several nursing homes in Carmel, Sheridan and Kokomo, and taught me a lot of stuff about plumbing and heating. Once I went with him, when the power at one of the facilities went out. People needed electricity for oxygen machines, and we worked all night. I ate so many frosted animal crackers that I can’t eat them anymore.”

“We went fishing together every weekend and no less than three times a week,” Muncie adds. “A couple was selling a jon boat for $500 with all the amenities. After calling my mom for the OK, we paid them in cash. We didn’t have a hitch, so they kept it for us until we could get it home. Dad came to all my cross-country and track meets, and after I got my learner’s permit, he sometimes surprised me by coming to practices and letting me drive home. He lived longer than what was predicted, so he was prepared and left cards and notes.”

Muncie discovered his love for running when his older sister, A.J., challenged him to participate in Mighty Miler, a program for elementary students. He found the sport was a good fit for him. After attending Tri-Central Middle School, he came to Tipton High School to run on its teams. This fall he will attend Indiana University Kokomo, and be a member of the cross-country and track teams there.

“After my dad died, things weren’t harder, but having the motivation to do them was,” he says. “I wasn’t eating much. Within five years my family lost an uncle, my grandfather, my dad and an aunt. I felt I had to stay strong for my mom. My teammates were there for me; they would do random stuff with me to cheer me up. Other family members and my mom’s friends would send me messages. I finally reached out to a pastor my dad had been close to. He helped me believe there was life after death. I know there are many kids that go through something like this. I would tell them it’s not easy, but you must keep pushing on. It’s also OK to cry and ask for help if you need it.”

LILLIAN STEWART

TRI-CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Lillian Stewart attends Tri-Central High School and lives in Sharpsville with her mom, Sondra Stewart, and younger sister, Isabella. Although she tries to avoid spreading herself too thin, she prefers to stay very busy and enjoys meeting people. Stewart is involved in student government, sports, Future Farmers of America (FFA), National Honor Society and 4-H. Her mother and teachers are proud of the leadership roles she has taken on and all she has accomplished.

Although her father, Andrew Stewart, is not here to witness her successes, she knows he would also be proud. Regrettably, he passed away when she was 11 years old. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer before her fourth-grade school year began. Around Christmas time his health took a sharp decline, and he passed on February 22, 2017.

Stewart has participated in student government throughout her time at Tri-Central. She was class president during her freshman and sophomore years. Now as student body president, she oversees activities and events that involve all four grades at the high school. Right before Thanksgiving she spearheaded the canned food drive associated with the annual Pilgrim Cup, a basketball matchup between the TriCentral Trojans and the Tipton Blue Devils.

A lover of sports, Stewart is a member of varsity soccer, varsity basketball and varsity track. She has competed in track since the sixth grade. Her mother held school track records, which Stewart broke

NOMINEE

as a sophomore.

“My mom became a track-and-field throwing-event coach at the high school after she lost her job during COVID; my events are shot put and discus, and I was happy to break my mom’s records while she was my coach,” Stewart says with a laugh.

Stewart is interested in agriculture. As a 4-H member she has raised and shown pigs, as well as being involved in foods and garden horticulture. She has been an officer in Tri-Central’s FFA chapter for three years. Besides working on the organization’s scrapbook, she has enjoyed being part of the Agricultural Sales Career Development Event.

During this nationwide competition, groups of four students learn about a product and then convince the judges to buy it. This year the product Stewart’s group elected to sell was Pioneer Seeds. Stewart’s father had been a senior research associate for DuPont Pioneer, so it was gratifying when Tri-Central’s team placed fourth at state.

“My favorite academic subject is science,” she says. My teachers make it interesting. That helps me to understand it better. I interned at an agricultural company in sales. I liked talking to people and being in an office.”

Stewart’s father received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University. She would like to follow in his footsteps and major in agricultural economics while earning an additional degree in communications. Her goal is a job in agricultural sales or marketing.

“When I lost my dad, I dealt with a lot of grief,” she says. “It was a dark time and I wasn’t happy. I contemplated on whether I wanted to continue living. My fourth-grade class helped me throughout that year, and I still have the card they gave me. Everyone grieves in their own way. I shoved it down for years, didn’t process it and told everyone I was doing great. I thought I would be letting my family down if I didn’t act that way. But everyone has struggles. Finally, I turned to family and friends. So, reach out. Talk about how you feel. I learned not to take myself so seriously and I’m grateful for the time I did have with my dad. Now, I feel joy in seeing and talking to everyone in my classes and at school.”

FEBRUARY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. Buzzkill

5. Buggy for Brits

9. Furbys, once

12. Dog tag info

13. Pro ___

14. Pitching star

15. Chowhounds have big ones

17. Virtual citizen of PC gaming

18. It’s tapped

19. Better or best

21. Bakery supply

24. Marathon

26. Dominate, in sports lingo

27. Printer’s amount

29. Unrespected writer

33. “The best is ___ to come!”

34. Campaign creators

36. Freight weight

37. Metallurgist’s materials

39. Jets or Sharks, e.g.

40. Be outstanding?

41. Is worthwhile

43. Enough, and then some

45. Bridges in Hollywood

48. Itinerary part

49. Cause of inflation?

DOWN

1. Chain letters?

2. Sound at the door

3. Hi-fi component

4. Nerdy types

5. Goody two-shoes

6. Snitch

7. Did lunch, say

8. Stone worker

9. Allegro, in music

10. Battery fluid

11. Showroom model

16. Aquarium beauty

20. “That’s disgusting!”

21. It has its ups and downs

22. Still-life piece

23. Add to the pot

24. Buddhist priests

25. A comet, to the superstitious

28. Wired

30. Straddling, maybe

31. Hooded garment

32. Baby bouncer?

35. Dame Marsh of mystery

38. Cloak-and-dagger sort

42. Masterful

44. Stake drivers

45. Delicate, in a way

46. Board game or magazine

47. Bicolor sea predator

48. Beneath contempt

51. Dissenter’s word

52. Big shot

53. Canine command

54. “Malcolm X” director

55. Music to the cook’s ears

50. Covetously

56. Ozone hazard, for short

57. Jack and Jill’s burden

58. Stead

59. Congressional vote

60. Pound the keys

61. Check

Hoosiers know how to support local restaurants, shops and music venues all over the state. It’s time to support the arts as well. Welcome to Hoodox.

The Hoodox website is a place to watch and support Hoosier documentaries. This streaming service is 100% Indiana focused, with films being made in Indiana or about Indiana. The Hoosier state is at the forefront on this streaming site.

Entrepreneurs and filmmakers Rocky Walls and Zach Downs founded Hoodox in 2021 because they saw a need for a place storytellers could showcase their work and build an audience. The website started with 20 nonfiction titles and now boasts over 100 movies to choose from.

“Hoodox is a nonprofit organization with a mission to support and promote Indiana storytelling that helps Hoosiers stay connected, spark conversations and create positive change,” Walls said.

The site brings together local storytellers and gives back to the community to create positive change. Every subscription goes back to the artists who are putting the stories in your hands. Like the big-name streaming companies, Hoodox has a small subscription price of $10 per month or $100 per year. This subscription gets you instant streaming access to hard-to-find local content all in one place. “When I tell people about Hoodox, they are often surprised at how many incredible films are being made right here in Indiana,” Walls said. “I have to admit that I am still amazed by the breadth of stories represented on Hoodox. With over 100 titles available to our supporters for streaming, there are

THROUGH A LOCAL LENS

HOODOX STREAMING

PLATFORM FEATURES

Writer / Ashlee Boruff

feature-length films, short films, student films, historical documentaries, stories about art and nature, and even stories about people and places from outside of Indiana told by Hoosier filmmakers.”

Not only can movie fans binge on films at watchhoodox.com, but local producers can also apply to have their own work on the site. Content on Hoodox is carefully curated, with all submissions going through an approval process through the programming committee. Hoodox welcomes applications from any nonfiction storytelling films or series.

“Hoodox had no seed funding, and we asked all of the filmmakers who licensed their films for streaming at the very beginning to allow us to license them at no cost, trusting that we would stay true to our mission and that financial support would come soon,” Walls said. “Since our founding, we’ve now given over $50,000 to filmmakers across Indiana and we’re aiming to grow that support even more in the coming years with the help of donors who support our mission.”

As Hoodox grows, the team has also partnered with several Indianapolis theaters, specifically Kan-Kan Cinema and Restaurant along with Heartland International Film Festival, to host their now-annual PitchDox documentary film competition.

“PitchDox is a documentary film competition that invites Hoosier filmmakers to submit their unfinished documentary projects - at any stage, from concept to post-production - for a chance to win a $10,000 financial award to support the production of their film,” Walls said. “The PitchDox main event is held during Heartland International Film Festival

at the Kan-Kan Cinema and Restaurant. We’re fortunate to have both organizations as partners to help fulfill our mission.”

INDIANA-FOCUSED CONTENT

The 2024 PitchDox winner was the film “Bloom” produced by Malakai Tyne Bisel, Victoria Britton, and Derek Hockemeyer. “Bloom” tells the story of super gardener Alex Babich and his quest to grow America’s tallest sunflower, all while balancing the needs of his family and the challenges of nature.

“Making films isn’t easy, and Hoodox gives Indiana filmmakers a platform to showcase their hard work,” Britton said. “There are endless stories waiting to be discovered and shared with audiences. Having a destination for these narratives, and an audience ready to support you, is a filmmaker’s dream come true.”

There are a lot of creative Hoosier filmmakers who have partnered with Hoodox to bring their films to you. Hoodox has bridged the gap between artists and viewers so films are now easily accessed and supported. Film supporters can subscribe monthly or simply donate to keep Hoodox growing and giving back to the film community.

“I want to continue being a champion of Hoosier documentaries through Hoodox and our programs, and through our own films we produce at 12 Stars Media,” Walls said. “The past few years have been by far the most exciting in my nearly 20-year career, and I have a feeling this is just the beginning.”

Stay up to date on new films and events by following @watchhoodox on social media. Be on the lookout for 2025 PitchDox details as well. Most importantly, sign up and stream on any device at watchhoodox.com.

A DAY OUT IN TIPTON

QUICK CUP

302 E. Jefferson St.

765-675-2910

Quick Cup is a distinguished coffee shop situated on the corner of Jefferson Street and East Street, in beautiful downtown Tipton, near an array of quaint local shops. Quick Cup is notable for its exceptional customer service and impressive selection of specialty drinks and food options. The shop is a double drive-through, with a walk-up window and patio seating (weather permitting). The extensive menu includes a variety of coffee and espresso options with a long list of flavorings to go with their house brew, lattes, frappes, iced coffees, Coca-Cola products, Pepsi products and, last but not least, an exceptionally good sweet tea! There’s something for everyone at Quick Cup. The local’s food favorites include biscuits with homemade sausage gravy, pulled-pork sandwiches, chicken salad on a croissant, and many more options that are sure to please. Gift cards, reusable drink tumblers and straws are also very popular options. Find them on Facebook @QuickCupTipton where you will find their daily specials, holiday drink offerings and so much more!

URBAN HOMESTEAD

114 E. Jefferson St.

765-675-4424

Urban Homestead has carved a niche for itself in home decor. Urban Homestead is known for its curated selection of home furnishings and its welcoming interior. Urban Homestead offers a wide array of products from furniture to lighting, textiles, decorative accents and unique gifts. The shop is also a supporter of the arts; Urban Homestead offers hands-on assistance in making selections for your home, from something as small as a candle to a fabric for a custom piece of furniture. It has proudly become a go-to destination for those looking to create timeless spaces or bring a friend and enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail. Urban Homestead offers a unique twist for a boutique - a liquor license. Founded with the goal of creating more than just a retail space, the decision to incorporate a liquor license into the shop was born from a desire to provide customers with a relaxed, social shopping experience. Urban Homestead opened in 2019 after the owner purchased a downtown building and renovated to create a unique interior. Its priority is the people, and how they feel walking in and out of the door. Plan a shopping day to Tipton and bring a friend. urbanhomesteadllc.com

SIDE STREET MALL

125 W. Jefferson St. 513-335-9123

TIKI’S FURNITURE AND MORE, LLC

125 W. Jefferson St., Suite 3

Bring your furniture back to life with the expert touch of Tiki’s Furniture and More! Whether it’s refinishing, painting or light upholstery work, we specialize in restoring furniture with precision and care. From heirlooms to modern pieces, our team is equipped to handle a wide range of restoration projects, ensuring your furniture looks as good as new. We also offer an extensive selection of inhouse and off-site inventory, or we can help restyle your cherished heirlooms to match your vision. In addition to our furniture services, we have a curated collection of Bibles, Christian books and infant/children’s stylish clothing. Looking for a meaningful gift? We offer a range of gifts to fit any budget. We specialize in crafting memory items (bears, animals, pillows, ornaments and more), perfect for any occasion and any budget. Customization is our specialty. Visit us today at Tiki’s Furniture and More, LLC, where quality craftsmanship meets thoughtful gifts!

Small-town shopping at its finest. The Side Street Mall offers 400 feet of indoor storefronts in Tipton for restaurants, retail and office space. Currently, eight small businesses call the Side Street Mall home. Rain or shine, come visit the 11,000-squarefoot mall for indoor shopping, dining, and more. Retail space available.

HOPE JEWELERS

135 E. Jefferson St.

765-675-9720

Established in 2022, Hope Randall is carrying on the legacy of the prior longtime Owners John and Beth Moser of Moser Jewelers. Hope Jewelers continues jewelry sales and repair services in Tipton. The goal is to be part of special milestones, memories and moments by providing you with all your fine jewelry needs. Stop in, say hi, and see our full inventory of fine jewelry and watches. You can also take advantage of our in-house repair service. We are maintaining the Moser guiding principal: “We do it right in the store.” As Tipton’s best hidden gem, we’re here for all your jewelry needs.

TIM’S 1

123 S. Independence St.

765-635-5403

Known as a little store with a big heart, Tim’s 1 specializes in indoor and outdoor seasonal items, plus so much more. We’re known for our large selection of Amish-grown flowers, pumpkins and mums. Our inventory is constantly changing, offering a wide variety of anything from gardening accessories to holiday decor. We also have a huge selection of candy to curb any sweet tooth. Come visit us at Tim’s 1, where community, friends and family matter!

TINKERHOUSE

138 S. Main St.

765-675-2407

Located on the square at the corner of Main and Madison in downtown Tipton, Tinkerhouse is a whimsical, one-of-a-kind boutique that offers a unique variety of items, centered around her, home and child. Whether it is a gift for a newborn or something to pamper yourself, Tinkerhouse aims to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Cozy spa, lotion and bath-oriented items, luxurious sleepwear, jewelry, accessories, and clothing are only a few of the items to be found for “her”. Delightfully scented candles in a wide array of aromas, fun and inspiring home decor and lovely essential kitchen linens can be found in the “home” area of the shoppe. The children’s area is filled with a variety of soft and adorably sweet plush friends and companion books, beautiful organic clothing, baby bath care items, and cozy blankets. Children and adults alike enjoy the variety of art supplies and craft kits. Tinkerhouse has delicious sweet treats that are not to be missed! Chocolate and other sweets are available. Bagged coffee, as well as loose and bagged teas, are also available. Tinkerhouse looks forward to visiting with you!

JUNK IN THE TRUNK

122 W. Jefferson St.

765-461-9923

Come check out our new location! Featuring new and gently used clothing, shoes, jewelry and bags at affordable prices. We have added more home decor, featuring furniture and everything you need for your home! Stop by and see us and our ever-changing great selections.

THE FEEL GOODS

114 W. Jefferson St.

The Feel Goods is a quirky and unique boutique and print shop located in historic downtown Tipton. Our focus is on comfort, style, nostalgia and the good old days! We carry a beautiful selection of quality gifts and boutique clothing, and lean heavily toward maker-made goods - from school spirit wear designed and printed inhouse, to locally handmade accessories, one-of-a-kind apparel and everything in between. In our cozy shop, you’ll find an ever-changing variety of on-trend clothing, denim, jewelry, fragrance, candles, graphic tees, local and surrounding school spirit wear, upcycled and reimagined pieces, and the most magical mood lighting around! We think it is pretty special. Come as you are - we would love to see you!

THE MAD TAP AND THE TIPTONIAN

134 E. Madison St. 765-675-0024

The Mad Tap is a cozy eatery/ bar, and brings together the best of both tradition and modern fun. Featuring a unique self-pour experience with 20 craft and domestic beers on tap, handcrafted cocktails, and delicious smoked meats including brisket, pork and chicken. Families are welcome and a special menu is available for the little ones. The fun doesn’t stop at food and drinks. Live music, trivia, music bingo, open-mic nights, craft classes, and tap takeovers are only a few of the fun Mad Tap offerings. Upstairs you will find five beautifully designed rooms available for nightly or extended stays. Each room offers modern amenities while maintaining a connection to the building’s history. The Tiptonian is a perfect place to unwind after exploring everything our charming downtown has to offer.

MAUCKS MEATS

4756 W. Old State Road 28 765-635-4747

Looking for a trusted source to buy high-quality meats from? Come check out Maucks Meats! From mouthwatering briskets to smoked pork chops, we are sure to have something you will love! We pride ourselves on raising beef, pork, goat and lamb that are all born in Tipton county and raised humanely without hormones or antibiotics. We have our freezer stocked up with individual cuts of meats, and if you’re looking for quarters or halves, we can fill your freezer. While you’re here, try out our delicious jellies, salsas and barbecues. Be sure to stop and smell our homemade goat milk soap, goat milk lotions and whipped tallow.

SPECIAL SELECTION

TINKERHOUSE PROPRIETOR TALKS SECRETS TO SUCCESS

Tinkerhouse Owner Sydney TragesserTina is quick to acknowledge what makes her small shop successful: her faithful customers, and the numerous other shops and boutiques in the Tipton area that are making the small town a destination instead of a pass-through spot.

“In recent years we’ve had a lot more customers from out of town - people saying, ‘We heard we had to check out Tipton,’” she says. “There are so many amazing boutiques and shops in Tipton. We have awesome businesses here, and we all work in our own way of being unique and having something special to offer, which is really important in a small town.

When you enter Tinkerhouse, you’ll first notice the selection of candles and the baby section, driven by the popular Bunnies By The Bay children’s brand, as well as the brands Pebblechild and Tiny Human. The whimsical shop also offers clothes, home decor, and something newer in the areapermanent jewelry.

“I love our permanent jewelry selection and giving customers this option,” TragesserTina says. I have a matching bracelet with my mom, sisters and grandma, and it’s very

special that I can be connected to them even if we aren’t always together. It’s a great gift to give someone special and we have tons of different charms. It’s really unique.”

She finds joy in seeing her customers discover unique items in her store.

“When I order items for the store that I’m excited about, whether it be a sweater or a baby item, and then I see those items lighting up the face of my customers, I just love it,” she says. “I love seeing someone enjoy something I do and witnessing their excitement.”

The boutique owner, just 18 when she started working at Tinkerhouse and 21 when she became the owner, relies on the boutique’s former owner, Donna Jenkins, and her family and friends for support - and it all started because she wandered into the shop one day and left her phone number.

“I came into Tinkerhouse one day just browsing around and Donna was working that day, which was unusual for her at that time,” she says. “We really hit it off and I just left my number saying to give me a call if she was ever hiring.”

Writer / Natalie Platt

Tragesser-Tina had just graduated from high school and was entering her freshman year of college when she started working at Tinkerhouse in 2020, undecided regarding whether she wanted to go into graphic design. She wanted her own studio space to show her own work, and says she’s always wanted to work for herself. Jenkins mentored her through working together, and helped her feel comfortable with taking the next step of ownership. The two women have an uncanny way of being on the same wavelength creatively, and the newest owner has put her own spin on the store, but keeps the majority of it similar to what is was before - it’s Tragesser-Tina’s way of honoring Jenkins and the client base she’s built throughout the years.

“I was definitely a little nervous that the timing happened so quickly, but I have such a great support system helping me, whether it’s my family, Donna or my friends,” she says. “They just kept telling me ‘You can do this. You love what you do and you’ve been

doing this for years already.’”

Looking forward, Tragesser-Tina wants to hold events in the back room, perhaps for birthday parties, bridal or baby showers, or women’s shopping event nights, and she wants to continue being involved in the community.

“For 90% of the events that are going on in Tipton, we are ready to take part in them and support what’s going on,” she says. “Being part of the community is really important to us. I was born here, grew up here and went to Tipton High School. Being in Tipton is part of who I am, and I love being part of what’s going on in town because I want to be a part of this community and help it grow.”

Tinkerhouse is located at 138 South Main Street in Tipton and can be reached at 765-675-2407.