Junk in the Trunk Owner Chelisa Hooper Has the New and Gently Used Gems You Need
PUBLISHER KIM SENKUS kim@townepost.com (317) 501-1743
KEY CONTRIBUTORS JOHN BOLINGER NATALIE PLATT JULIE YATES
Whitman Roofing Handles Every Job With Care and Commitment
We ran the wrong address for Junk in the Trunk in February’s issue. The correct address is 122 W. Jefferson St., Tipton. We apologize for the error.
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CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?
WHY CHOOSE RUOFF ?
Electronically
Milestone
Know
MARCH CROSSWORD PUZZLE
1. Pharaoh’s nickname
Luau handouts
Press
Antipollution grp.
Inauguration recital
“I’m ___ you!”
Petition
Busboy’s load
17. Teen ___ 18. Oil supporter
20. Like a winter scene
21. When doubled, on the double
23. Finger or toe
25. Any port in a storm
27. Lowlife
28. Stretch, with “out”
31. Joan’s “Dynasty” role
33. Faultfinder
35. Part of a price
36. Coral islet
38. Smoldering remnant
39. “Against the Wind” rocker
41. Swabs
42. Selfish sort
45. Symbols of industry
47. Bane of youth
DOWN
1. Brewer’s product
2. Kind of truck
3. Assume control
4. Realtor’s offering
5. Lop-___ rabbit
6. Right-leaning type?
7. Like wallflowers
8. Show the way
9. Loosen
10. Put on board
11. Sacred
19. Height
20. Crab-like move
21. Crack, in a way
22. Robust
24. Chitchat
26. Comparatively considerate
28. Raised in relief
29. Castle’s stronghold
30. Blunders
32. Problem of the middle ages?
34. BBs, e.g.
37. Chicken
39. Top competitors, often
40. Roulette bet
42. Memorial Day solo
43. Plot unit
44. Comprehend
46. Mardi ___
48. “Later”
50. Art, nowadays?
51. Ink holder
48. Photo mishap
49. It runs in the forest
52. Propel, as into action
53. Eastern discipline
54. Poetic palindrome
55. Attaches, as patches
56. Flock members
57. Hangout
ON THE MOVE
Writer / Natalie Platt
The Davis brothers have always stuck together, from childhood to attending Indiana University, to working alongside each other at the new StarPlus Energy battery plant - to now owning Davis Brothers Moving and Removal, LLC together.
“My brother Taylor and I both worked at the same moving company in college,” Tanner Davis says. “When we moved back home to Kokomo, we noticed it was an underserved market, and we thought it through and realized we could really offer our services to the community.”
The brothers completed 65-plus moves and removals last year, marking their first full year in business after incorporating in the fall of 2023. When Davis moved home from Bloomington, he realized that Kokomo residents were likely getting price-gauged from companies based in areas like Indianapolis or Lafayette, and wanted to provide an approachable price and service for the community.
The spring and summer months are prime for renovations and general decluttering, as the warmer weather encourages those of us who hibernated all winter to finally tackle those pesky household projects. Moving and junk removal services become essential during
this time, offering a convenient way to either get rid of especially large items or have them moved to a new home or storage unit.
The number-one tip Davis recommends for anyone moving or needing removal services this spring is to over-communicate. “People walk past items in their house every day and never quite realize how much they have,” he says. “We really recommend taking inventory and being meticulous, and communicating the amount of items you have to us so we can be prepared with the right amount of boxes and staff. We run into surprises a lot, which is fine and we will always figure it out, but communication is king for moves.”
Though many people love the idea of spring cleaning and a fresh start, they don’t love the actual moving, organizing and decluttering that comes with it. The Davis brothers are here to serve you as you enter the spring months. As we approach the warmer months, popular for yard improvement projects and construction, the Davis brothers will provide their junk removal services for construction debris, yard waste and outdated household items, allowing space for new beginnings.
Such new beginnings - and moving - can often lead to the challenge of sorting through years of accumulated belongings. Many items that no longer serve a purpose,
like old furniture and broken appliances, can add stress to the moving process and overall lifestyle. That’s where professional moving and junk removal services come in and make you feel at ease.
“There are so many unknowns that go into moving, and keeping an open mind when we walk through that person’s door and going in with a servant’s perspective is how we lead our business,” Davis says. “We are here to serve you and our community the best that we can.”
To schedule a move or removal services, call Tanner Davis at 765-513-5201.
HTTPS://POLL.FM/15011651
INTRODUCING THE
FORTITUDE SCHOLARSHIP CANDIDATES
APP.AUTOBOOKS.CO/PAY/ FORTITUDE-SCHOLARSHIP
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
Introducing the final three contestants for the spring semester’s Fortitude Scholarship contest. Each student is from Howard or Tipton county, has a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or above, and plans to attend college/military/ trade school upon graduation this spring. Most importantly, all have shown fortitude in some way while in school. They have used their experiences to grow, and the knowledge gained in their journey has given them a pathway to their future.The following are their inspirational stories. Please vote only once. Multiple votes will disqualify voter.
Writer / Julie Yates
ROSE CANNON
MACONAQUAH HIGH SCHOOL
Maconaquah High School senior Rose Cannon understands how important it is to stay positive. She strives to maintain a good attitude even if life has given her adverse circumstances. She finds joy in music and singing.
Cannon is not above revealing that she switched out her childhood hobby of collecting rocks with an obsession over Squishmallows and other stuffed animals. Cannon also enjoys spending time with friends, and being in situations where she doesn’t know anyone because it forces her to engage in conversation. Both scenarios give her opportunities to help people around her.
When Cannon was in elementary school, her mom, Christina Cannon, was diagnosed with cervical cancer. After going through months of treatment, the family thought the cancer was beat. Sadly it reoccurred in 2017, and in May 2018, when Cannon was in fifth grade, her mother passed away.
“My brother and I moved in with my mom’s parents,” she says. “My dad was struggling with a drinking problem at the time. I began going to Maconaquah schools in Bunker Hill. Since I moved schools, no one knew me and I didn’t open up to them. No one knew what I was going through. My mother’s mom, my grandma, was affected by my mom’s death. We didn’t talk about it. I lived there until September of my freshman year, but things were strained and not good.”
“Then I began living with my dad’s father, Rick Cannon,” she continues. “His wife, my other grandma, had passed on a few months earlier than my mom. It’s working out well; he’s funny. My dad is now doing better and
lives with his wife and stepson. Even though I moved to Kokomo, I continued going to Maconaquah High School. A bus picks up a few students who live in Kokomo and drives us to Bunker Hill.”
English is Cannon’s favorite subject. She enjoys creative writing. Her genre of choice is poetry, and she keeps a journal. The opportunity to participate in choir and theater is another aspect of school that she has more recently become interested in.
“In middle school I never thought I’d participate in choir,” she says. “I didn’t have the courage, but Choir Teacher Michelle Lybrook saw something in me. When I was a sophomore I tried it and loved it. Then as a junior I auditioned and joined advanced girls choir. We sing and dance, and do performances at churches and nursing homes. I’m also trying theater. I’m one of the Lost Boys in the March 8 and 9 production of ‘Peter Pan’. I’m excited that my grandpa is going to come and see it.”
After graduating, Cannon will attend Indiana University Kokomo. She plans to study psychology. Although being a psychiatrist is a long-range goal, she feels that would be far in the future.
“After my mom died I tried to go to therapy, but I thought I didn’t need it,” she says. “It wasn’t until I started to go to church with my boyfriend’s family that I got any kind of closure. Although I’d like to maybe someday be a psychiatrist, I realize it takes years and years of school. For now I would be happy being any sort of counselor to help people.”
“I try to put a smile on my face and look at the positive,” she adds. “I realize that just because my mom’s life is over, mine doesn’t have to be. My life doesn’t have to end. I know it’s worth it to keep moving on. I would advise people in a similar situation that if they keep moving forward and try to help people around them, it will get better.”
Writer / Julie Yates
NOMINEE
JACK SULLIVAN
WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL
Jack Sullivan, a senior at Western High School, is a lifelong Kokomo area resident. He is known to his friends for being funny, but also for being kind and concerned with the welfare of others. He enjoys competitive bowling, but also finds time to work at Crew Carwash.
For many years, Sullivan and his two brothers split their time between their mother’s and father’s houses. On Monday and Thursday plus every other weekend, the boys stayed with their mother, Abbe McCain. Tuesday and Wednesday found them at Elliot and Sara Sullivan’s home.
“It’s never a problem; we have duplicates of everything at both places, but one time I couldn’t find my headphones,” says Sullivan. “I searched the whole house and had to convince my parents to drive me over to the other house. I searched that one as well, but it ended up that they were in my locker at school.”
However, these days when Sullivan is at his stepmother’s house, his dad is not there. Elliot Sullivan passed away in August 2022 as the result of a work-related accident. The elder Sullivan was a plant manager at High Performance Alloys, Inc. when the machine he was working on malfunctioned, and massive injuries ended his life.
“It was during the first week of school and my teacher got a call to send me down to the office,” says Sullivan. “I didn’t know what was happening. Then I saw my mother there crying. At first it was very hard to get through. I didn’t want contact with anyone but my family. It was rough because my dad’s accident was all over the internet, on the television news and in news articles. Some members of my dad’s family owned the company and the
whole thing was hard on the ties we had with them. I was filled with anxiety and worry. I didn’t go back to school for a while.”
Sullivan is grateful to the school and his teachers for forgiving the assignments he missed during the time he was absent. Having a fresh start was key to his re-entry. He continued to enjoy his favorite subject, English, and also focused on activities within and outside of school.
“I saw a poster for a call-out to be a helper with the unified track team for special-needs students,” he says. “I thought it was something that would be cool, and I found that through the bonds and connections that were made, I have a real heart for it. I also volunteer a lot at my church, Judson Road Christian Church. I help the children’s pastor and teach some small groups, and volunteer with children’s workshop. It is a very significant part of my life.
I compete on the school bowling team. One of my friends got me started with it in sixth grade. At first I didn’t like it and I wasn’t very good at it. Once I started to get better, it became a lot of fun. I’m also a student athletic trainer for the football team. I work alongside my stepmom who is an athletic trainer. I help by doing things such as taping wrists.”
College is in Sullivan’s future. He hasn’t ruled out ministry, but he feels drawn to follow in his stepmom’s footsteps. He’s considering a career in health care that includes athletics.
“Therapy helped me be able to talk to friends,” he says. “It is good to open up to people and let them know what I’ve been through. The friendships I’ve made and foundations I’ve set, especially through church, have made me realize I am a lot better at controlling my anxiety. It has all helped.”
Writer / Julie Yates
LOGAN COMSTOCK
TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL
Logan Comstock has been a student in Taylor Community School Corporation ever since he was in prekindergarten. He views his teachers and connections he has made as extensions of family. This is evident in the respect and joy he has for learning; he is in the academic top 10 of his senior class. He has met the requirements for a Technical Honor Diploma, and after graduating he plans to attend Ivy Tech to pursue a journeyman electrician certification.
“I’m just average in English, but math has been my go-to all my life, like my special superpower,” he says. “Since this is my last semester, I’m trying to cram in as much knowledge as I can. However, my favorite aspect of school is the teachers. They are lovely and so sweet. They have helped me learn not just school subjects, but about life. School is my escape.”
While school is his sanctuary, living conditions at home are challenging. Due to a drug problem, his father put the family into over $70,000 in debt. In a brief span of time, his father purchased three BMW automobiles and ruined them in car accidents. They have been without heat for over three years. For a period, there was no running water in the house. Comstock loves to cook for fun, but with the gas shut off, only a small electric hot plate is available.
“My mom, Sarah Comstock, has tried hard to pay off the debt,” he says. “She worked for Chrysler for 12 years but got laid off. She substitutes and collects unemployment but makes too much to qualify for most assistance. One of the biggest tolls of this is our car situation. Right now my mom is using her friend’s car, but we must return it soon. I need transportation to get to the Kokomo
permit, but not a car to use to learn how to drive.”
“My dad is in and out of prison,” he adds. “My older siblings say he was a good person until the drug abuse took over; heroin, cocaine and meth changed him. You could see it more in his eyes than anything. To me he was either neglectful or abusive. I have memories of my older brother fist fighting with him about every other night. Then my older brother would black out and ask me what happened.”
Comstock shares that he survives by surrounding himself with a good group of people, so he isn’t isolated. He found a safe space in marching band as percussionist captain. He credits Max Johnson and the percussionist staff as role models for how to lead. Comstock strives to follow their example by realizing that everyone learns differently and is special in their own way.
“Having the chance to lead percussion made me mature,” says Comstock. “Mr. Johnson is a blessing. I’ve known him since I was 9
years old. He has paid me to do odd jobs at his house. I can’t imagine where I would be without him as a role model.”
Currently, Comstock is in the electrical program at the Kokomo Area Career Center, and he plans to be an electrician. However, his dream job would be opening a lunch spot and market across from the high school. He got the idea from history, government and economics teacher Dan Bennett.
“I’d decorate it with posters like the ones in Mr. Bennett’s room,” he says. “I’d have my family run it with me. We could call it Comstock’s and change the reputation of the name.”
“I got my work ethic from my mom,” he continues. “I can’t thank her enough. She is the most supportive mother. My advice is don’t blindly trust people; understand who they are before you hang out with them. Stick close to people that are competent, have faced adversity, and know what they are doing and that you completely trust. These are the people that helped me.”
Career Center which is across town. I have a learner’s
STOUT SELECTION
STOUT FLOORING & HOME FURNISHINGS HAS BEEN KEEPING CUSTOMERS WELL-APPOINTED FOR 135 YEARS
Writer / Julie Yates
Springtime inspires many people to refresh their home. More light, longer days and warmer temperatures may reveal tired or wornout furniture pieces or flooring. The urge for a home to reflect the newness of the season is not uncommon.
“Spring is a good time to make changes in the home,” says Sandi Coleman, sales associate at Stout Flooring & Home Furnishings. “Christmas and winter decorations have been put away. People want a fresh look - something that’s new and different.”
Located at 200 East Main Street in Russiaville, Stout is the oldest locally owned furniture store in Howard County. Still operated by the Stout family who began it 135 years ago, it is known for offering high-quality, American-made products. It has kept up with the times, and loyal customers who purchased from them 25 or 30 years ago return when they want to add another piece or update their home.
“Stout & Son Flooring and Furniture began in 1890 in Russiaville when Albert Stout began building furniture for the surrounding area,” says Owner Marty Stout. “Eventually Wallace, Albert’s son, began purchasing quality furniture to provide to customers in Howard, Clinton and Tipton counties, and added a line of rugs and other household items in 1940. It was at this time that a furniture
selection room was added to assist customers in choosing furniture for their homes.”
“Kennard Stout and his brother, AB, expanded the offerings in the furniture store, and added wall-to-wall carpeting and linoleum as housing construction began to expand in 1950,” Stout adds. “After a tornado struck Russiaville in 1965, once again the store expanded the selection for furniture and flooring by building a new, larger building to assist customers in decorating their home. At that time interior design services were added as well, and continue today with two trained interior designers on staff to assist.”
During the 1980s, Jeff Stout introduced hardwood and tile as well as luxury vinyl plank flooring. Today the store offers the most upto-date flooring from Mannington. Coleman shares that while many older customers love carpet, younger generations tend to prefer hard surfaces. For busy families with pets and dripping sippy cups, ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean.
“Current flooring trends involve mixing materials and using bold colors,” says Sharon Stevenson, sales associate. “Wide plank flooring is popular. Many people choose luxury vinyl flooring because it’s durable, water resistant and it looks like real wood. It’s also easy to clean and budget friendly. Laminate flooring is well-liked for its
Marty Stout, Jeff Stout and Jake Stout
quick and simple installation. It’s easy to clean and has a waterproof finish. You can drop water on it and you won’t kill it, plus it’s scratch resistant. Our carpet and flooring installation is the best you can find anywhere.”
The furniture offered includes sofas from Lancer Furniture in North Carolina and Recliners from Ort Furniture in Ohio. Dining tables and chairs are made in a small Amish workshop in northern Ohio. All the furniture can be customized for cushion firmness, choice of legs and pedestal design. Delivery is free, and service and repair are available.
“The furniture is such excellent quality that it lasts for years and years,” says Coleman. “Sometimes after 25 years a customer will need a spring changed out. As far as color trends, things are changing. Gray has had its heyday; it hung on much longer than expected. The hot new color is greige, a mix between gray and beige. However, people are embracing color again.”
Sectional sofas are still a favorite option. Customers can choose how dense they would like the feel of the cushions. Seniors tend to prefer a firmer feel that enables them to sit upright. While classic design is always in, legs can be customized to reflect various styles. Books of fabric and color samples allow for a multitude of alternative looks. American Lamp Company is the shop’s supplier of quality, stylish lamps. The store offers a selection of gifts. When a Bridgewater candle is purchased, the manufacture donates money to feed an orphaned child three meals.
“Stout and Son has remained committed to sourcing only quality furniture manufactured in the U.S.A., standing firmly in the belief that local is always better,” says Stout. “This commitment continues today as we continue to offer quality furniture and flooring in a comfortable, low-pressure atmosphere. We believe that customers are more than capable of making their own choices.”
“We work hard to provide options that the customer can choose from - fabrics, density and style,” Stout continues. “Our goal is to work with a customer and assist them in making choices that fit their budget, with pieces that are statement pieces that will last for generations to come. We value our customers. We value their right to be informed and to choose what they want - not what we want them to buy. We appreciate that our customers work hard for their money and want to spend it wisely.”
The store is located at 200 East Main Street in Russiaville. Call 765-883-7172 for more info, and also view them on Facebook.
TIPS TO HELP SAVE ON PLUMBING REPAIRS
With a few simple DIY maintenance steps, you can prevent common plumbing issues, saving you time, money and frustration.
DRAINS ARE THE LIFELINE OF YOUR HOME
KEEP DRAINS FLOWING SMOOTHLY:
• Dispose of grease and oil in the trash, not down the drain.
• Use strainers in sinks and tubs to catch hair, food, and debris.
• Flush only toilet paper and human waste. Other items can clog and damage plumbing. Avoid flushing ALL wipes, even if the packaging indicates they’re “flushable.”
DIY DRAIN CLEARING
CLEAR SECONDARY DRAINS, TUBS, SHOWERS AND SINKS:
• Ensure the drain is free of hair. Pull the stopper and remove any accumulated hair.
• If it’s a clog caused by soap scum or soft substances, you may be able to use baking soda and vinegar. (This often won’t work on more involved clogs.)
• Avoid chemical drain cleaners. While they may clear some clogs, the damage they cause can outweigh the benefits. Chemicals can splash causing skin irritations or burns and damage fixtures. Prolonged use can corrode pipes, requiring replacement, and some
chemicals can generate heat, damaging toilets or melting plastic drains.
• Use the right plunger when attempting to clear a clogged drain.
• Ball plunger for the toilet.
• Flange plunger for sinks. For kitchen sinks, use two plungers, one for each side.
MAINLINE BACKUPSCALL A PROFESSIONAL
WHILE YOU’RE WAITING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT:
• Stop running water immediately. Avoid flushing toilets, using any sinks and taking baths/showers. Use as little water as possible (or no water) until the issue is resolved.
• If you have an exterior cleanout, carefully remove the cap to relieve pressure. This won’t fix the problem, but it can offer temporary relief while you wait for a plumber.
FLUSHING YOUR WATER HEATER FOR LONGEVITY
FLUSHING YOUR WATER HEATER ONCE A YEAR REMOVES SEDIMENT AND EXTENDS ITS LIFESPAN.
1. Turn off the water supply to the water heater.
2. Open a hot water tap to release pressure.
3. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
4. Open the drain valve and let the water drain until it runs clear of sediment.
5. Close the drain valve.
6. Refill the tank.
UNJAM A GARBAGE DISPOSAL
1. Turn off the power to the disposal (plug, wall switch or breaker).
2. Locate the reset button on the bottom of the unit.
3. Use a flashlight to inspect and remove any visible obstructions (use tongs, pliers or a wooden spoon handle).
4. Manually turn the impellers using an Allen wrench or similar tool.
5. Reset the disposal by pressing the reset button on the bottom of the disposal.
6. Run cold water and test to flush remaining debris.
GARBAGE DISPOSAL PRO TIPS
• Run cold water before, during, and for 30 seconds after use.
• Avoid putting grease, bones, eggshells, or large amounts of starchy or fibrous foods down the disposal.
These simple steps can keep your plumbing running smoothly and prevent common issues. For major problems, or if it’s just something more than you want to tackle, call the experts at All-Pro Plumbing at 765868-2094. With almost 30 years of serving Kokomo, we’ve got you covered!
BUY...
The choice between buying and renting a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Home prices are just one factor to consider, so it’s important to seek qualified assistance. Your local real estate agent and Ruoff Mortgage loan officer have the experience to help you find and purchase the home of your dreams.
Below is a list of factors to keep in mind when debating between renting or buying:
Advantages: Drawbacks:
BUYING
RENTING
+ Build equity, which can be borrowed against for improvements
+ Stable payments over life of the loan
+ Tax advantages for homeowners
+ Personalized and pet-friendly
+ Less than cost of renting over time
+ Not responsible for maintenance
+ Shorter time-frame commitment
+ Flexibility to relocate
+ Credit scores are less of an issue
+ Cost of utilities often included
+ Access to complex amenities
– Maintenance must be self-funded
– Can be more expensive in larger, metropolitan areas
– Requires a regular, stable income
– Down payment and closing costs can be substantial
– Never builds equity/value
– Landlord controls the contract
– No tax benefits
– Not customizable or pet-friendly
– Regular rent increases
– Often in close proximity to neighbors
HELPFUL HINTS AND HACKS FOR GRILLING
1. Clean your grill with an onion. After you preheat to your desired temperature, halve an onion and rub grates with the flat side. (We recommend you use a long-tonged fork. Please - not your hand!) The acid eats right through the old stuff and cleans those grates right up.
2. Always preheat your grill. Start hot, end hot.
3. Keep a spray bottle of apple juice next to the grill to keep your food moist.
4. Place charcoal in an egg grate and skip the lighter fluid.
5. Try grilling your alcohol fruit garnish to give it a kick!
6. Once you’re done grilling, wad up the aluminum foil and get to scrubbing. It works as well as steel wool and expensive brushes.
7. Clean out that drip tray and grill veggies in it. Put those drippings to use. You’ll thank us when your mushrooms pack a flavorful punch!
8. Grill some lemons during the preheat, discard and enjoy the hint of citrus in your food.
9. Always make sure the lid is open when lighting your grill.
10. Use spaghetti to light the pilot.
11. Not sure how much propane is left? Poor hot water over the side of the tank. Feel down the side of the tank until it gets cool. That’s propane right there!
12. Applying a layer of cooking oil to the grates after each use will create a barrier against rust.
NEW TO TOWN
MARCH 2025
ANY LAB TEST NOW
2198 EAST MARKLAND AVE., KOKOMO, IN
The easiest test you’ll ever take! Access to over 8,000 tests including general health, drug and alcohol, DNA, STD, hormone and more. No doctor order required. Walk-ins welcome (test drawn within 15 minutes). Cheaper than commercial insurance. Completely confidential.
Open Mon. through Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit us on Facebook or at anylabtestnow.com.
URGENTCHOICE CARE
2004 WEST SYCAMORE ST., KOKOMO, IN
Whether it’s preventative health care or treating illnesses and injuries, our dedicated team of professionals at URGENTCHOICE Care is here for you every step of the way. As a tight-knit group with years of training and real-life experience, we find immense joy in serving our community. After all, making a positive impact on the lives of those we share this community with is what truly drives us.
Visit us at urgentchoicecare.com or on Facebook. Call us at 765-865-0135.
Open Mon. though Fri. 8 a.m. 6 p.m.
WHEELIE’S BAR
210 EAST JEFFERSON ST., TIPTON, IN
We’re wheelie awesome! Enjoy cold craft and domestic beer, seasonal and signature cocktails, and Wheelie’s weenies at our historical downtown Tipton location. Follow us on Facebook for specials and event information, including hosting your own event at Wheelie’s!
Open Thurs. 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri. 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Sat. 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
WANT TO BE FEATURED?
Contact Kim Senkus, Publisher kim@townepost.com / (317) 501-1743
Fashionable FINDS
JUNK IN THE TRUNK OWNER CHELISA HOOPER HAS THE NEW AND GENTLY USED GEMS YOU NEED
Writer / Natalie Platt Photographer / John Bolinger
No, not that junk in the trunk. The namesake of Chelisa Hooper’s Tipton-based store is derived from how she got her start - by selling the best thrifted items she discovered from garage and estate sales out of the trunk of her car to her coworkers.
Junk in the Trunk, now in a new location at 122 W. Jefferson St., offers fashionable new and gently used clothing, jewelry, shoes, bags, furniture and home decor, all at an affordable price.
Retail comes naturally to Hooper, though it wasn’t her first career. Her father owned a clothing store in Tipton and her mother was the assistant manager at Horton’s for 19 years.
When Hooper began buying entire garage and estate sales, she was working in human resources at a business in Frankfort. With her two-car garage overflowing with thrifted furniture and unique pieces, and coworkers always asking to see her latest finds, she found herself with a trunk full of thrifted items that were eagerly bought. She originally set up a small stand in Kempton and then moved her store to Tipton. After just six months, she found a larger space down the block that would allow plenty of room for furniture and additional home decor.
You can hear the passion in Hooper’s voice when she talks about her store, and she’s full of appreciation and excitement to be part of Tipton’s booming retail scene.
“The Tipton community has been so amazing in the support I have received,” she says. “There is such a strong presence of women business owners here who are so kind and loyal. I am overwhelmed with it and just blown away by how welcoming everyone has been.”
The community, including her customers, are equally excited about Junk in the Trunk. Customers are loving the high-end, antique furniture that Hooper finds at estate sales. She says most of them
comment that it’s tough to find sturdy, well-made pieces anymore. Hooper will occasionally upcycle the pieces and make them shabby chic with chipped paint, or will add new knobs and repurpose the pieces.
Outside of sourcing items for the store from estate sales, many pieces are sourced from locals in the community who have dropped their pieces off at the store for either store credit or payment.
Hooper hosts popular Facebook Live events once a week that last anywhere from one to three hours. Shoppers can join these events (either on Sundays or Wednesdays), when Hooper walks viewers through current items. She gives each item a number and the first viewer to comment on the piece with the associated number is the buyer of the piece. Hooper sends the customer an invoice and they have 48 hours to pay it and claim their piece, providing a convenient way for locals and non-locals alike to shop her unique finds.
Hooper says the most rewarding part of owning her business is how it helps people.
“We’re helping families liquidate their estates and helping women feel better about themselves,” she says. “We’re empowering them and helping them pick out the right pieces at an affordable price, from prom dresses to furniture.”
GETTING YOU COVERED
WHITMAN ROOFING HANDLES EVERY JOB WITH CARE AND COMMITMENT
Writer / Natalie Platt
The solution for all your roofing and home restoration needs starts with quality - and a team - you can trust. Whitman Roofing is proud to offer a wide variety of home improvement services to address the varying needs of homeowners. Whether clients are seeking budgetconscious replacement windows or a brand-new roof, their team of professionals can handle any job.
Home repairs are inevitable. From wood rot to storm damage, repairs need to be handled in such a way that they do not cover up related problems. The team at Whitman Roofing prides itself on extreme attention to detail on every project to ensure things are done right.
Roofs are the first line of defense in protecting your home from the elements. Whether replacing due to age or repairing after a storm, the team at Whitman will provide a free quote for the project scope.
“Check your roof at least once a year,” says Brad Whitman, owner of
Whitman Roofing. “Look for things like missing shingles or damage from rodents. Some will chew through roofing to get into homes during the winter.”
Whitman says most roofs should last 25 to 30 years if installed correctly, and suggests a professional inspection once every five years. He and his team only install hail-resistant roofs; many businesses will charge extra for that, but Whitman Roofing does not.
“We focus on quality over quantity,”Whitman says. “We automatically install hail-resistant roofs with every roofing project.”
He also recommends having your gutters cleaned twice a yearonce in the early fall and once in late fall. Homeowners can avoid expensive foundation repairs, landscape refurbishments, flooded basements and more with professionally installed, high-quality gutters.
“It’s important to make sure gutters are cleaned before winter,” Whitman says. “If they haven’t been, they will retain water and won’t drain and then will likely freeze with the potential to back up into your home,” he says.
If you have smoke or water damage from a fire or flood, Whitman and his team can also provide complete restoration services, along with offering complete interior remodels including window replacement. Replacing windows improves energy efficiency and can provide an uplift to the exterior of your home when properly fitted.
For any project large or small, Whitman Roofing will work with you to meet your deadlines and coordinate with any other ongoing projects. Open communication is their top priority and they ensure clients are always aware of the status of the job being done.
Whitman and his team combine their industry knowledge and dedication to deliver exceptional service. The contractors also use quality supplies and equipment on every project; it’s important to them that the job is done right the first time, and that starts with using the best resources available.
To get a free quote, or if you have questions or special requests, give the store a call at 765-432-5912. You can also reach them at whitmanroofinginc@gmail.com. Visit their website for more information at whitmanroofing.com.
Pawpular Pets
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU:
• 24-Hour storm damage repair
• Roofing repair and installation
• Siding repair and installation
• Gutter repair and installation
• Window and door installation
• Remodels
AGGIE SUE LOU CARSON & BEAU ELLA ELLIE
EMMA FRISCO GENERAL GOLDIE
LILLY BELL
LUCY & GUNNER
ODEN
TUCKER & COPPER
Coming
Directory and Relocation Guide
TARGET YOUR MOST SOUGHT-AFTER LOCAL CONSUMERS EXISTING AND NEW MOVERS TO YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
Back by popular demand, our Annual Directory & Relocation Guide for will feature all sorts of local extras to make it a keepsake reference for the entire year. In addition to our regular distribution in April, we will be mailing copies throughout the year to the following people:
New movers: We purchase a list of new homeowners each month and mail them a complimentary copy via First Class USPS.
Relocation requests: Through TownePost.com, people looking to relocate can request a FREE copy.
TARGETED DISTRIBUTION
• Direct mailed to all local residents in April
• Online requests from new movers
• Mailed out to new movers monthly
• Realtors, relocation companies, and real estate developers
• Home builders and new home communities
IF YOU ADVERTISE JUST ONE TIME PER YEAR, THIS IS YOUR ISSUE!
