The Lakes East Magazine October 2024 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

Business Is Booming at TD TACK in Syracuse

DRAKE’S WILDLIFE SERVICES HUMANELY RELOCATES NATURE’S INTRUDERS

We Specialize In Y OUR

HALF-MILE LANE! LOTS OF PRIVACY!

REAL ESTATE AUCTION

PROPERTY LOCATED: 3½ miles west of Shipshewana, IN on 250N to 1150W, north 1½ miles

ADDRESS: 3820N 1150W, Shipshewana, IN 46565

Auction to be held at the Chupp Auction Center, 890 S Van Buren St, Shipshewana, IN

WED, NOVEMBER 6, 2024

• 38.12 ACRES • 2 PARCELS •

HOUSE • BARN • OUTBUILDINGS • POND • WOODS

PARCEL #1: 18.4 ACRES &

BUILDINGS

HOUSE: 2-story SIP-built house with approx. 4,486 sq.ft. Main part of the house is 30’x32’ with a 40’x32’ family room that has a 17’x32’ open timber loft! This home features 3 timber-built open porches, 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, wood or coal furnace in-floor heat, solar hot water heat and a Kinetico water softener.

Built-in outdoor fire pit BARN: 30’x60’ MINI BARN: 16’x10’

(2) HORSE SHELTERS: 10’x12’ CHICKEN HOUSE: 10’x6’x8’

(5) No-freeze underground water tanks

Horse fence throughout the property with fiberglass fence posts

PARCEL #2: 19.7 ACRES

Come to the open house for details on a SpecialRebate Offer! Beginning at 6:00 PM

This parcel is a beautiful potential building site with a stocked pond and approximately 7 acres of woods with lots of wildlife! A 2-person tree stand with ladder (like new), Deluxe Corral System with head gate and a no-freeze underground water tank are included in this property!

Parcels may be purchased separately or as a combination.

Public welcome to inspect this real estate Thursdays in October from 3:00-5:00 PM or by appointment with the auctioneers. Come to the open house for details on a Special Rebate Offer!

TERMS: 5% down (non-refundable) evening of the auction with balance due at closing. Closing approximately 60 days after the auction with possession given January 7, 2025. Buyer is responsible for 2025 taxes due in 2026. Survey, if needed, to be provided by the Seller. Seller has the right to reject any or all bids. Any announcements made by the auctioneers take precedence over printed matter.

Owners: ORVIN & VIOLA BONTRAGER

JOHN & MANDI LEWANDOWSKI john@townepost.com mandi@townepost.com (574) 249-9217

WILLE

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

JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011

SAFE SOLUTION

DRAKE’S WILDLIFE SERVICES HUMANELY RELOCATES NATURE’S INTRUDERS

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger

Photographer / Kari Lipscomb

Most of us can agree on this much - nature is a magnificent and wondrous thing. The sight of the littlest creatures scampering and skittering about in fields, flowers and trees can make even the most hardened cynic coo in delight.

However, when a critter somehow finds its way into a situation where it’s trapped indoors, they need a boost to get back to the opposite side of the walls.

That’s where Drake’s Wildlife Services comes in.

It’s been nearly two years since Owner Jared Drake decided to take a gamble and pursue his business full time. With his co-worker, Seth Detwiler, this dynamic team works to capture animals that have somehow managed to sneak into homes and businesses. They are not only skilled trappers, but they also specialize in the humane release of animals in peril.

The men have been summoned to assist with the safe departure of such creatures as squirrels, raccoons, groundhogs, rabbits and, yes, sometimes snakes. As of late, Drake says, the most common service call they receive is for the removal of bats. Just recently, they visited a historic barn that is about to be converted into office space. That site called for the relocation of more than 200 bats, Drake said. Now they are about to embark on an equally ambitious project in Steuben County, where they’re expecting to clear the historic courthouse premises

Owner Jared Drake

So what should a potential customer expect when enlisting the assistance of Drake’s Wildlife Services? After they receive the initial call, the men will schedule an inspection within 48 hours, and once they’ve surveyed the property and pinpointed the issue, they will provide a free estimate for the cost of removal. They will also give recommendations on preventative measures

Drake’s Wildlife Services has a broad service area, stretching from the northern

tier of Indiana into southern Michigan, approximately one hour in any direction. They provide a warranty for their work, and they’ve been on the receiving end of more than 30 five-star reviews. They are cautious throughout the process of relocating the creatures, outfitted in full

protective gear and equipped to clean the residual waste left behind.

Drake also founded his business on a strong spiritual foundation of Christian principles, with the highest regard for his customers by upholding family values and maintaining a strong work ethic. The company is, quite possibly, one of the only establishments in the region to accept bitcoin as a form of payment.

Aside from possibly adding another full-time employee within the next year or so, Drake is rather content with the flow of business he’s experienced, which he notes has “grown exponentially.” As long as there are wayward animals around, Drake’s Wildlife Services will be poised and ready to help them find their way home.

Drake’s Wildlife Services can be reached via email at info@drakeswildlife.com, or you can call them at 260-215-5367. More information can be obtained by visiting their website at drakeswildlife.com.

WATER WORKS

PROTECH WATER DELIVERS QUALITY SOLUTIONS

There are many things we can live without in life. Water is not one of them. In fact, our bodies are made up of approximately 60% of water. However, all water is not created equally. It may sound silly, but it is true. And no one knows that better than ProTech Water, LLC.

Located in Topeka, ProTech Water is dedicated to fulfilling all your water needs. Founded in 2019 by Lavern Hostetler, he and his local team decided to come together to create an industryleading business. Fast-forward to today, and they have done exactly that.

ProTech Water offers an extensive line of services. One of their most popular services is a comprehensive water analysis. This allows them to gain knowledge of the water’s iron and hardness, among other properties. From here, the team will inform the customer on what they recommend for the highest-quality water.

ProTech Water will get to work by means of enhanced filtration, softening and purification. They are devoted to detail at every step in installing the customer’s treatment system. All of their installation equipment is made right here in the U.S.A., which is an important aspect of the business according to Hostetler.

There is virtually no water issue that ProTech cannot address. Whether it is a brand-new home looking for their first installation, or an older home that needs a new treatment

Writer / Ali Schneider Photographer / Kari Lipscomb

after a warm shower or washing your hands throughout the day. It also helps to eliminate any foul smells and even provide a clearer appearance in your water.

Beyond just serving customers’ homes, ProTech Water is able to work with rental properties, apartment complexes, and businesses. One way they do this is through their water delivery service. They will bring out a water cooler and five-gallon jug, and install it for you on the spot. This makes it ideal for an office setting for employees to fill up their bottles during the day. It could even entice them to drink more water if they know how healthy it is. Water coolers are also ideal for lower-income properties and those who do not have a water dispenser in their homes. If the customer does not want to purchase a permanent water cooler, ProTech offers a rental program, which is a unique service compared to other water companies.

•

Walter filtration systems

One of the perks of the water delivery program is…just that. They will deliver right to you and swap out your empty jugs with new ones so the customer does not have to do the heavy lifting.

For Hostetler, the most rewarding part of working at ProTech Water is the pride he and his team take in every step of the process. They are highly dedicated to quality and meeting the customers’ standards. Another aspect that Hostetler values is the relationships he makes with people in the community. Each client becomes more than just another customer, but rather a friend.

To learn more about ProTech Water, visit their website at protechwaterin. com. They can be reached by phone at 260-768-7228.

LumberJack Jim Tree Service

wedding sample books (10% off wedding orders), children’s books, sewing supplies, kitchenware, clocks, Sisel, prized soaps, Millertech fans, headlights, & mixers, baby clothing, men’s and boy’s straw hats, 50+ kinds of fabric, 24 hr self-serve ice

WEAPONS OF CHOICE

BUSINESS IS BOOMING AT TD TACK IN SYRACUSE

Writer / Natalie Platt Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Tim Bowling Sr,

Donna Bowling, Tim Bowling Jr., Karly Bowling & Family

Tim Bowling Jr. says that a small-town business can either boom or bust, and from the five-star reviews TD TACK keeps receiving, the gun shop that has been in business for just over a year is booming.

Bowling Jr. is appreciative of his solid customer base, as a newcomer in the gun space. Together with his father, Tim Bowling Sr., the father-son duo opened TD TACK in May of 2023. The

•

“We try to always have some of the newer models when they are released, and we have a great stock of ammo, from the common ones to some of the harderto-find rounds. Carrying a great ammo selection is something we feel is very critical and important to the success of the shop.”

Within the next year, TD TACK plans to add some more items to what they typically stock. They would like to get into KRATE Tactical knives. They also plan to carry Burris and X-Vision optics.

“X-Vision is a newer company in the thermal sight market, and have some really cool thermal options,” he says. “We

also pride ourselves on being able to try and special order just about anything our customers want.”

For Bowling Jr., the most important part of being a small-business owner is the time it’s allowed him to give back to his family and community.

“My current business platform has grown and allowed us to promote local events and teams via our two businesses, from sponsoring our Pee Wee football program to fishing tournaments to Relay for Life,” he says. “My favorite thing about having a small, family-owned and -operated business is now having some time to give back. I’ve gotten to coach Pee Wee football for the last six years, and it is a wonderful thing to be able to pass on some of my values to the young men of the upcoming generations.”

You can visit TD TACK and 420 South Sycamore Street in Syracuse. The store can be contacted at 574-518-1167, by email at tdtack2022@gmail.com, or on Facebook.

BORN IN A BARN

KNOX-BASED SHOP GIVES PATRONS AN

ASSORTMENT TO CHOOSE FROM

Vicki and Jerry Cooley met while bidding for treasures, and at Born in a Barn, they have treasures waiting to meet you.

Their shop offers a diverse assortment of antiques, collectibles, furniture, handmade decor, and tasty treats, making it a place where there is something for everyone. They have a trove of prized

inventory, but they consider their customers their greatest treasure. Vicki and Jerry thoroughly enjoy engaging with all visitors from near and far.

Peachy Keen Coffee is conveniently located for shoppers and guests on the property of Born in a Barn, run by the Cooleys’ daughter, Melissa, and son-in-

law, Chad Keen. This popular wagon venue is open on Saturday mornings and serves a variety of coffee beverages and cookies. One almond-flavored drink is called the Vicki Lee, which Melissa describes on the menu as “named after my mama because that’s her favorite.”

Coming up on October 19 is the Born

Writer / Amy Beaucham Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

in a Barn Bean Blast. As a gesture of customer appreciation, there will be free ham and beans (cooked over an open fire in a big kettle) along with chili, cornbread and apple cider for all guests to enjoy. Vicki and Jerry encourage you to come early and stay late. This annual event is not only a way of saying thank you to customers, but also a significant day for community support. Almost everything in the store will be 20% off. Bins for clothing donations will be available, and your patronage as a customer and contributions of items are greatly appreciated. Born in a Barn and Peachy Keen Coffee have become well-known for their many charitable and fundraising endeavors. One can understand why Vicki, Jerry, Melissa and Chad are cherished community members.

The name of Vicki and Jerry’s shop originates from Jerry’s handiwork with remnants from a barn. In 1976, Jerry used his share of lumber from an old family

TRIANGLE

farm building to begin making barnwood cabinets to sell at festivals. He then added antiques to his selection of merchandise and often found himself bidding against Vicki, who also sold at festivals. “One of the reasons we got married was so we would quit bidding against each other,” Jerry says jokingly.

After their joyous union in marriage, they continued as a business team at antique malls, flea markets, and estate sales before deciding to open a shop of their own. When a rental property they owned became vacant, they united again to remodel it into a storefront home for Born in a Barn. Their current advertisement reads, “Not only do we have antiques…we have old stuff, new stuff, barn stars, candles, costume jewelry, furniture, collectibles, vintage toys, Fannie May candy, jellies, fresh honey, and don’t forget some plain-old, downright ugly stuff too!”

This popular business is in its 19th year of operation. It is also an honored member of the Indiana Antique Trail. Along with the main store in Knox, the Cooleys have three booths at Twice Treasured in Plymouth. They carry an assortment of chocolates including Fannie May candies during the holiday seasons. Vicki shares that she once had a late visitor to the store craving the special Fannie May chocolates. The mother-to-be was thrilled to be allowed to make an after-hours purchase to satisfy her longing. Among other sought-after delicacies that Born in a Barn carries are Dutch Country Kettles homemade jams. Pickled beets are a special item available as well.

Many friends will be assisting with the upcoming October 19 Bean Blast, and they join the community in looking forward to this fun, endearing show of customer appreciation and contribution to a worthy cause. Vicki and Jerry share that they strive to leave a good impression

Chad & Melissa Keen - Owners of Peachy Keen Coffee. Peachy Keen Coffee is owned by the daughter of Vicki Cooley and is located on the property of Born in a Barn.

on each person who visits their store and their little community, which they so love, with its beautiful parks and lakes. When asked what they value most about Born in a Barn, they quickly agree that it’s the people they meet. All customers are greeted with the warmth of friendship, and if you have not visited yet, Vicki and Jerry, along with their treasures, hope to meet you soon.

Born in a Barn is located at 302 North Heaton Street in Knox, and is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

GUNS & GOLD - BOUGHT & SOLD

WE ARE CURRENTLY BUYING / SELLING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

• Gold Jewelry

• Sterling Silver Jewelry

• Platinum Jewelry

• Turquoise Jewelry

• Dental Gold

• Service Pins

• Pocket Watches

• Sterling Silver Flatware

• Dimes - 1964 & Before

• Quarters - 1964 & Before

• Halves - 1970 & Before

• Dollars - 1935 & Before

• Proof & Mint Sets

• Old Paper Money

• Old U.S. Coins

• Foreign Coins

• Gold & Silver Coins

• Gold & Silver Bullion

• Pennies - 1958 & Before

• Nickels - 1938 & Before

• Nickels - 1942-1945

DOWN TO BUSINESS

Nate Nisley Brings Entrepreneurial Operating System to Shipshewana

A ride through the Shipshewana countryside paints a peaceful picture. Clusters of modest houses and stately barns are situated along farmland and pastures.

Nate Nisley’s farmstead is nestled within this rolling rural scenery. It is a vibrant and active agricultural operation, where his family recently relocated just this past spring. One particular building draws intrigue and attention: a small, tidy structure that seems to resemble both a schoolhouse and a bookstore. In many ways, both descriptions would be correct.

Nisley greets visitors with an easy and friendly smile, excited to share the details of his home-based enterprise, E.O.S. This is an acronym for Entrepreneurial Operating System. E.O.S. is a globally recognized initiative designed to educate people on how best to utilize their strengths and ideas to enhance their business skills and goals. Nisley is a franchisee, an ambassador of the movement if you will. His home office features an aweinspiring inventory of reading materials that align with E.O.S. principles. One particular aspect of the E.O.S. community is that many of the prospective students of this ideology are members of the conservative sector, including Amish and Mennonite families. Nisley describes the concept of what E.O.S. espouses. “It’s about getting the leaders on the same page and having a vision of where you’re going - having your people on the same team,” he says.

More specifically, the mission statement reads, “Our mission

Helping organizations clarify, simplify, and achieve their vision

We help teams of entrepreneurial organizations

• Get on the same page and crystallize their VISION

• Gain more TRACTION and execute on that vision

• Become a more HEALTHY and cohesive team

Simple, practical approach

• A unique combination of teaching, facilitating, and coaching

• No theory, no magic pills, no flavor of the month, just timeless principles that make organizations great

• Over 175,000 full-day sessions with leadership teams

• 25,000 companies running on EOS

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger

Photography / Jessica Whitehead

There are opportunities to take part in free seminars to further discover the tools that can be applied to one’s business model. There is also a network known as Symbiz, which gathers a group of businessmen with shared interests to meet occasionally, perhaps trading suggestions and strategies along

is to provide resources for personal, financial, and business growth in the Plain communities.” There are a number of ways to become introduced and integrated into the E.O.S. manner of thinking. There are frequent workshops that take place that serve as a means to learn more about the programs and what they entail. That includes the variety of books that can be found or ordered through Boon Books, the company that supplies the volumes to Nisley and others.

Another

people focused. There are workshops available to learn more about what DISC entails as well, from two to four hours in duration, at whatever location is chosen.

Locally, there is a special event coming soon, designed to be an enlightening and introductory course to become familiarized with the E.O.S. style of management and team building. Business owners, leaders and fellow employees are welcome to attend the forum “Inspire, Motivate, and Lead” at Clinton Frame Church, located at 63846 County Road 35 in Goshen. The date is set for October 8, and the doors will open at 7:30 a.m. Lunch is included and the activities will conclude at 2 p.m. This workshop is sponsored by Boon Books and Eagle Coaching. Admission is $147 per person, and $97 for each additional guest from the same company. Call either 574-821-2000 or 330-763-0799 to register.

To contact Nisley directly, call 260-299-3472. His Boon Books store is located at 1635 South 1000 West in Shipshewana.

have a lifetime

includes glass breakage

P.J. Gilsinger family museum will explain the history of the oldest John Deere Dealer in the world at it’s original store location. Since 1899 The Gilsinger family has served farmers in our area. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE ADMISSION

• Farm Equipment

• Local School Memorabilia

• WWII Artifacts

• Early Household and Farming Tools

• Several Unusual Exhibits

FALL-ING FOR IT Doing Autumn the Right Way

Writer / Phyllis Wille

Summer is winding down. Kids are back in school, and Labor Day has come and gone. Time to get ready to feast our eyes on all the beautiful fall colors!

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the wonderful orange, red and yellow leaves. I love the smell of bonfires. I love snuggling

up with a good book and a warm throw. The coolness of the air is just so exhilarating to me! You can spend time outdoors and not roast. Speaking of roasting - hot dogs and marshmallows roasted on those fall bonfires sure taste good. So yummy!

Seems like there’s always something to do: festivals, fun fairs,

rendezvous! Every weekend is packed with entertainment and food galore, and from traditional festive treats to something new, there is something for everyone at these events.

Living right smack in the middle of the woods, as you can imagine, there are lots and lots of leaves that fall. Raking leaves seems like fun for a while. Then reality sets in and it can become drudgery. We always try to make the best of it, making leave piles and letting the kids jump and play in the leaves before finally disposing of them. I am glad I don’t have to rakes leaves all year long though.

With fall, the end of gardening season is always bittersweet. I love playing in the dirt, but I’m much relieved that it’s over for another year. All that free time I have now gives me time to do other things like attend those aforementioned fun fall festivals and events with friends and family.

My church always has a big fall party. People camp out and stay the whole weekend. Everyone brings food and we just enjoy each other’s company. Some years we make fresh apple butter. Anyone who wants to can take part, and it’s always great time. The kids all get a chance to hang out together. Of course, with too much togetherness there can be conflict too. Usually someone gets mad because they don’t get their turn on the gator vehicle!

If you want to start thinking about fall and the harvest of herbs,

we are starting our classes at New Kitchen Store, and one of the first classes is going to be on the healing power of herbs and teas.

Having parents from the south, we had customs that I never understood as a child, like taking a teaspoon of castor oil or black draught. But purifying the body and blood has a long history. Following these old-time customs and remedies did things that we are just starting to research and understand. You got sick for a day or two, and tried at-home remedies - everyone did. It would be fun to share the stories and remedies that you, your parents, or even grandparents used to treat everyday ailments. Send them to The Lakes Magazine mandi@ townepost.com, and we can possibly do a follow-up piece on some of your herbal remedies.

At the classes, some of the information will be on different types of teas, and we will include a book called “Cancer hates Tea” to take home. Over the years of being in business, we have heard so many testimonials on how tea has affected different diseases. Recently a lad who was going into stage 4 renal failure, and was starting using milk thistle tea, is now down to the end of stage 2. We realize that not everybody has the same results, but thought it would be helpful to educate on some of the current beneficial impacts different teas and herbs have on the body.

Whatever your interests are, you’ll find lots of local fall fun. Enjoy an apple dumpling or two, grab a warm sweater, some hot tea or chocolate, and wait for the snow to fly!

Visit New Kitchen Store at 1100 Roosevelt Road in Walkerton. Call 574-586-2745 or go to newkitchenstore.com for more info.

OCTOBER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

DOWN

1. Chinese gemstone 2. Aware of

Least shaky 4. Pie baker’s utensil 5. Went nowhere

Poetic contraction 7. Took the tiller 8. Tough

9. “That’s it!”

10. “___ so fast!”

11. Anil or woad

19. Bit of sweat

21. Doze

24. It may be heightened 25. Advanced

26. Understands

27. Radar screen image

28. Liturgy

29. Seek a seat

32. Strikes out

33. Better half

35. “___ rang?”

36. Sidetrack

38. Butler at Tara

39. Cuban singer Cruz

42. Like some grins

43. Disavow

44. Flight delayer, perhaps

45. Jointly owned, maybe

46. Industrial injury

48. Babysitter’s handful

IT WAS A GAS

THE RISE AND FALL OF NATURAL GAS DOMINATION IN INDIANA

Writer / Jeff Kenney

Indiana may not be the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of pockets of natural resources leading someone to “strike it rich,” or in relation to phrases like “boom town,” but it might surprise some to learn that, just a short trip down the road from lakes country in northern Indiana, such prospects were quite real and quite lucrative.

In this case, the natural resource in question wasn’t oil or coal - though both have definitely been found and harvested in the Hoosier state - but rather natural gas, discovered 138 years ago this month in nearby Howard County.

As far back as the 1600s, Europeans coming to America were aware of the presence of oil in isolated streams or springs, sometimes referred to as slippery streams. Jesuit missionaries in the Great Lakes region wrote in the 1650s of “heavy and thick water, which ignites like brandy, and boils up in bubbles of flame when fire is applied to it.” They went on to note that, so oily was the substance, that Native Americans utilized it to grease or anoint their heads or bodies.

In the ensuing centuries, oil veins discovered in Pennsylvania were exploited to produce cure-all medicinal products, as people digging wells or seeking underground salt water to harvest for the salt content ran into foul smelling pockets of air or liquid.

As techniques developed to produce kerosene from petroleum, intentional oil digging followed in the 1850s, and oil wells were soon being tapped for their salability as “black gold,” becoming the economic backbone of John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Company.

For many years, natural gas was thought to be a rather useless byproduct - and potentially a danger - surrounding the process of digging for the much more lucrative coal. Such was the thought during the summer of 1876 when coal miners outside of Eaton, Indiana (today just 20 minutes’ drive north of Muncie), drilling some 600 feet into the earth, heard a loud explosion and smelled a putrid odor. The frightened miners, thinking they had dug into hell itself, scrambled away from the site, some later returning only to cap

An 1889 magazine advertisement depicting a natural gas exhibition in Indiana. PHOTO/Public Domain.

A historical marker in Pulaski County references the 1867 natural gas well discovered near Francesville

the hole and opting to relocate their efforts elsewhere.

Unbeknownst to them, attempts had been made as far back as the 1600s to tap for natural gas, which was understood by some as having energy potential. The first intentionally dug natural gas well in the U.S. was located in New York state and was the work of William Hart, who attempted to transport the gas in hollow logs, with little success. But few recognized the widespread potential, or existence, of natural gas until later in the 19th century, following on the heels of oil digging and production.

There’s some debate surrounding a closer-to-home (for readers of this publication) claim that the state’s first natural gas well was dug in Pulaski County near Francesville in 1867. As written on a state historic marker on State Road 421 in Pulaski County: “One mile southwest of this marker gas was discovered in 1867 by G. Bates while drilling for oil at a depth of 500 feet. Gas wells were drilled in 1887-1888; gas piped into Francesville lasted only four years.”

The Indiana Historical Bureau’s marker text review online at secure. in.gov calls into question the validity of the claim, but regardless, the game-changing period in Indiana history with regards to natural gas was still yet to come in 1867.

The aforementioned “hell mouth” at Eaton, Indiana, lay dormant for the next 10 years following its discovery, until January 1886, when national headlines reported on a phenomenon in Ohio known as “Karg Well,” which was producing 12 million cubic feet of

A sign marks the site of the discovery of the Trenton Gas Field, the largest in the world, in Eaton, Indiana

Part of an 1888 Indiana map marking the location of Indiana gas and oil wells at the time

A vintage postcard depicts a mural in Gas City, Indiana

W 600 S

natural gas per day. Tapped and lit on fire, it produced a flame more than 75 feet high, drawing hundreds to gaze upon it.

One such spectator to the Karg site was Hoosier George Carter, owner of the Eaton mine property that had struck such fear a decade earlier. Carter recognized the odor surrounding the Karg Well as the same as the “hellish” vapors on his own property, and he recognized what he had on his hands.

Carter secured investors and equipment to begin digging for the natural gas vein even as, in March of that same year, some 25 miles northeast of Eaton in Portland, Indiana, Henry Sees hit natural gas around 700 feet into the earth. An 8-foot-high flame ensued and attracted much attention, pressing Carter to speed up his own efforts in Eaton.

Carter needn’t have worried. When his digging operation surpassed 900 feet under the ground, such a rush of natural gas poured forth that it knocked the digging crew back from the derrick. The gas was lit on September 15, 1886, and a 100-foot-tall gust of fire followed.

What also followed was a gas boom that defined the area, eventually recognized as the largest natural gas reservoir in the world, covering over 5,000 thousand square miles and dubbed the Trenton Gas Field.

In the natural gas frenzy that followed, the Ball Brothers Manufacturing Company, famous for their canning jars, relocated

A late 19th century engraving of one of the Muncie area’s natural gas wells.

from New York to seven acres of land in the midst of the gas fields given to them by the town of Muncie, Indiana, in a deal that included a free gas well for the company, $5,000 cash, and a railroad spur connecting them to outgoing rail lines.

Howard County saw the discovery of a natural gas vein some 900 feet below A.F. Armstrong’s cornfield on October 6, 1886.

Drilling efforts in the area were not, however, universally welcomed. The Kokomo Gazette-Tribune published concerns as to “who’s going to pay for spoiling all our good drinking water, and ruining our olfactory organs with a continual smell of coal oil?”

Nonetheless, the gas vein brought an economic boon to Kokomo. The city’s population more than doubled and numerous manufacturing interests followed including several glass factories whose work, like that of the Ball company, was made possible by the steady and intense heat of the natural gas. One of these, the Kokomo Opalescent Glass Company, continues to operate at the same site today, and has produced stained glass for churches and cathedrals in Europe and the U.S., among many other prominent buildings - one of two major stained glass manufacturers today in the entire U.S.

A number of other manufacturing interests capitalized on the gas boom, including iron works entities like the Whiteley Malleable Iron Works, Indiana Iron Works, and Midland Steel Companies, besides wheel, rubber and engine companies scattered throughout nearby towns like Kokomo, Marion, and the former Harrisburg, Indiana (as of 1867 when it was founded), which changed its name in 1892 to Gas City, after the Gas City Land Company was founded there.

One of the longest pipelines of the era was run, in 1891, to what was becoming a massive industrial area in northwest Indiana and surrounding the Chicago area: the Calumet region, where oil refining (as discussed in this magazine earlier this year with a focus on Whiting, Indiana) and

steel production, among other endeavors, became the central economic drivers for decades.

As the natural gas boom continued in north-central Indiana, numerous Hoosier towns and cities utilized the stuff to light their streets (Fort Wayne was technically the first city to use gaslight in such a manner, dating to the 1850s, but that gas was artificially produced), and the use of natural gas became ubiquitous in the region.

Estimated gas production in 1890 reached nearly 40 billion cubic feet, according to the American Oil & Gas Historical Society’s (AOGHS) website, which points out the increasing waste of what few realized was such a limited natural resource.

“It became fashionable to erect arches of perforated iron pipe and let them burn brightly day and night for month after month,” notes the site. “There were calls

for conservation, but they went largely unheeded.”

By 1893, the state inspector of natural gas wrote that the waste in the industry had been “criminal” and that a “day of repentance is fast approaching,” though possibly delayed slightly by conservation efforts.

As early as 1902, the majority of Indiana’s gas wells saw reductions in pressure and resulting intrusion by salt water. More and more wells stopped producing altogether and manufacturers relying on natural gas in the region began to close or relocate, with glass producers hit especially hard. By 1913, writes the AOGHS site, Indiana resorted to importing natural gas from Virginia in order to maintain supplies. By the 1920s the Hoosier state was no longer a producer, but instead a consumer of natural gas.

According to Indiana University’s Indiana Geological and Water Survey website, as

gas and oil production rapidly diminished in the northern part of the state, the southwestern section of Indiana began to utilize smaller fields at different depths in what’s known as the Illinois Basin, which produces more oil than gas. Oil production, notes the site, peaked in 1956 at over 12 million barrels, though since then numbers have declined.

And so the natural gas “boom” of the 19th century remains largely a historical footnote, though not without longstanding indirect results in such ongoing endeavors as the aforementioned glass company in Kokomo and, of course, the enduring legacy of the Ball Brothers’ company and namesake university in Muncie, to name a few.

Jeff Kenney serves as museum and archives manager for Culver Academies and is a board member of the Culver Historical Society.

PUMPKIN SPICE PRETZELS

Ingredients

• 4 Cups of Mini Pretzel Twists

• 1-2 Tablespoons of Pumpkin Spice - to taste

• 1/3 Cup Honey

• 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350º. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

2. In a large bowl, mix your honey and pumpkin spice together. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds in the microwave on high.

3. Add in your mini pretzels twists to the bowl and toss to coat the pretzels evenly.

4. Spread out the pretzels over your baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes in the oven.

5. Immediately toss in your granulated sugar coating - coat evenly so every single pretzel has a nice touch of sugar.

Let cool and enjoy a delicious fall treat!

SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING

MEET THE WOMEN BEHIND TOWNE POST NETWORK

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.” -Dolly Parton

One of the most inspiring aspects of being part of the Towne Post family is witnessing the remarkable contributions of our exceptional female publishers and leaders. This month, we’re sitting down with these dynamic women to get a closer look at what drives their success.

JEANNE BRITT, TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. CO-OWNER AND PRESIDENT

Jeanne Britt and her husband, Tom, recognized the need to showcase the uplifting things happening in the community. In 2004 they started Britt Interactive, LLC, with the atgeist.com Community Newsletter, which eventually became Geist Magazine and led to Towne Post Network coming to life. Twenty years and 19 publications later, it still remains a labor of love.

Barndominium

“Connecting people and businesses in the community is a source of pride for us,” Britt says. “We hope to bring a publication to readers’ coffee tables that is as enjoyable to read as it is filled with positive

Kim Senkus, Kokomo/Tipton, Jeanne Britt, Towne Post Network, Inc. Co-Owner and President, Alison Gatz, Fishers, Lyndsey Brown, Carmel and Mandi Lewandowski, The Lakes East and West

information showcasing all that makes each community great.”

The Britts initially operated their business out of a spare bedroom, with Tom focusing on sales, Jeanne managing the finances, and their small children folding and sealing the newsletters as they were back then - just six pages. As the company started to grow, the pair saw the potential for this model to work in other communities. Therefore, in 2015 they converted Towne Post Network, Inc. to a franchise system. “It has been so rewarding to bring the love for showcasing our community to our franchisees and see them grow in bringing the Towne Post Network mission of advocating for local businesses, being a positive voice, and a champion for the nonprofits in their communities,” Britt says.

Being part of the Towne Post Network family, she has been involved with many community events such as co-founding Vines for Life to benefit local cancer charities in Geist, and working with the Geist Half Marathon organizers in its early days.

Through the years, Britt has taken part in women-owned business groups and has found that the primary challenge most women express is finding a healthy work-life balance. “I love being a part of a community of women supporting one another in that endeavor,” she says.

ALFALFA PELLETS

• HAY PELLETED FOR BETTER DIGESTIBILITY

• RESEARCH PROVEN & TESTED

• PELLETING INCREASES DIGESTIBILITY BY UP TO 80% AND AN INCREASE IN WEIGHT GAIN OF 10% TO 30%

• LESS WASTE

• BETTER ABSORPTION

• LESS HAY USAGE

West 300 South

260-593-2713

ALISON GATZ, FISHERS

Fishers has been home to me longer than any other place. Even though we have seen a lot of growth, I believe we can still have that smalltown feeling when we feel connected. Local publishing is the perfect platform to bring residents, businesses and nonprofits together, so when the opportunity came available, I jumped at the chance! I have never worked in publishing before so there’s quite a bit of learning left to do, but our team and awesome advertisers make it so much easier.

My favorite part of the job is storytelling! I love telling the stories of the local businesses that have been around forever, the mom who finally expanded her garage business to a brick-and-mortar, the resident who spends all their free time supporting our first responders, nonprofits working endless hours to bridge the gap in services for residents, and the history of our growing city for newcomers to join in setting their roots. It’s a pretty cool gig!

FREDDA KOVACS, CENTER GROVE

I received the Towne Post Network community magazine for years and loved it. I always looked forward to a new monthly issue, as did my husband. It was the one publication that we fought over who would get to read it first. I’d always learn something new and interesting, whether it was a new restaurant or shopping spot, an interesting hidden-gem story about someone in the community, local organizations that positively impact our lives, things happening in and around town, and school-related information. The content was, and is, always local, relevant and timely.

My career is rooted in the media, dating back to my time in radio sales. I wasn’t actively seeking a change, but I found I wanted to be closer to the community I live in. Our hyper-local publications are a perfect platform to inform, engage, entertain, and have a positive impact on the community. It has allowed me to have more personal connections and interact one-on-one with advertisers while doing good in the community.

LYNDSEY BROWN, CARMEL

As an extremely curious person, I’ve always been intrigued by the stories behind success. Questions such as: Who’s idea sparked an invention, and how did they use that idea to increase productivity or produce something for the greater good? What chain of events took place that brought someone from a position of seemingly impossible circumstances to a place of victory? How did these ideas grow and develop in the minds and efforts of passionate individuals? You might say I enjoy an underdog tale.

As publisher of Carmel Magazine, I have a unique opportunity to share these stories of our local leaders and business owners with the community. Celebrating the success of those who have taken up the challenges of owning and operating a business, supporting a valiant cause, or investing in a community is one of my greatest pleasures.

KIM SENKUS, KOKOMO/TIPTON

I just want to tell everyone’s story. I want Kokomo to know the people behind the businesses, in the classrooms and in the community. Kokomo Magazine was launched to remind us how and why Kokomo truly is a great city! I loved growing up here. Marsh’s fresh donuts, Fred’s smooth voice, Hill’s fireworks, birthdays at Happy Joe’s, and the Russiaville ballpark made my childhood! I went to Purdue with many of these classmates and remain friends.

There is so much tradition in Kokomo. It’s a small enough town where people know who Hope is, but a large enough city to sustain a revitalization that now includes concerts in the park, farmer markets, bike paths, First Fridays, and festivals galore!

MANDI LEWANDOWSKI, THE LAKES EAST AND WEST

My husband, John, and I started The Lakes Magazine, a division of Towne Post Network, in 2019. When John first suggested starting our magazine, I thought he was crazy! We had just had a baby, were in the middle of building our dream home, and both had comfortable jobs, John in marketing and me as a registered nurse. However, owning The Lakes Magazine has allowed me to step away from the demanding hours of nursing and create my own schedule. The biggest reward has been spending more time at home with our son before he started kindergarten, and during the summers now that he’s in school.

The past five years as a magazine owner have brought me more joy than I ever imagined. We’ve been able to expand and now cover

eight counties with The Lakes Magazine East and West editions. As an owner, my favorite part is featuring local businesses, organizations and individuals each month. I love getting a glimpse into their world, learning about their journeys from where they started to where they are today, and sometimes even hearing about their plans for the future. It’s incredible to see their dreams come to life.

Personally, the most rewarding experience is handing someone a copy of the magazine in which they’re featured. Seeing their excitement and the feeling of being a local celebrity is hard to put into words. The magazine has given me the opportunity to meet and develop working relationships with many wonderful people, all while learning about their new products, businesses and organizations. It’s an honor to help share their goods and services with our local communities and sometimes beyond.

Now Available

EMBRACING THE FUTURE

THE BENEFITS OF MOVING TO A LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY

As we age, planning for future needs becomes paramount, not just for peace of mind, but also for maintaining quality of life. Imagine a place where every phase of later life is anticipated and celebrated with care and purpose. A life plan community offers a dynamic solution, providing a comprehensive range of lifestyle and health care options all on one campus. Discovering the benefits of moving to such a community, like Timbercrest Senior Living Community, can help you make informed decisions about this innovative living arrangement.

Understanding Life Plan Communities

Life plan communities, previously known as continuing care retirement communities, cater to older adults who wish to plan for long-term care but still enjoy an active and independent lifestyle. These communities offer various residential options - independent living units, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities - all within the same campus. This unique model ensures that as residents’ needs change, they can

transition seamlessly to different levels of care without the stress of relocating.

BENEFITS OF CHOOSING A LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY

One of the primary advantages of a life plan community is the continuum of care

it provides. Residents have the peace of mind of knowing they can remain within the same community as their health care needs evolve. Moreover, these communities emphasize active living with a variety of recreational and social activities, from fitness classes and

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art workshops to community outings, fostering a vibrant social environment.

Financial peace of mind is another notable benefit of many life plan communities like Timbercrest. For example, these communities can provide predictable health care costs, regardless of the level of care a resident may require in the future. This consistency helps with long-term financial planning and protects residents from the fluctuating costs of health care services. Additionally, this assurance enables residents and their families to concentrate on enjoying life, free from concerns about unforeseen health care expenses, promoting a peaceful and rewarding retirement.

INTRODUCING TIMBERCREST

At Timbercrest Senior Living Community, residents enjoy more than just a place to live; they experience a thriving, supportive community designed to enrich their lifestyle at every stage.

Nestled within 117 acres of serene woods and open fields, Timbercrest offers many amenities including fitness routines, educational offerings and spiritual enrichment, ensuring that residents lead full and active lives.

Residents of Timbercrest often speak about the seamless transition between care levels and the community’s commitment to personal well-being. Joan, a current resident, says “Moving to Timbercrest was the best decision I made. The staff’s dedication and the variety of activities keep me engaged and active every day.”

MAKING THE DECISION

Deciding to move to a life plan community involves several considerations. Prospective residents should evaluate the types of services provided, the quality of care and the community culture. It’s also essential to review the financial models offered, be it

contracts that guarantee lifetime care, or fee-for-service options that pay for care as needed.

Preparation for transitioning to a community like Timbercrest involves understanding what to expect and organizing personal affairs, such as arranging financial documents, estate planning, and discussing future living arrangements with family members. We encourage prospective residents to visit the community, engage with current

residents, and participate in various activities to experience the lifestyle firsthand.

PITFALLS TO AVOID

When exploring life plan community options, being aware of potential pitfalls that could impact your experience and satisfaction is crucial. Avoid communities with a lack of transparency in fees and service offerings. High turnover in staff or a record of regulatory infractions can be red flags indicating underlying

management or care quality issues. It’s also wise to steer clear of communities that do not offer a broad range of activities or health care services, as these limitations could affect your quality of life and care options. Ensuring the community has a stable financial background and a solid reputation will help safeguard your investment and provide a comfortable living environment.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Choosing a life plan community is more than a housing decision; it’s a lifestyle choice that offers security, active engagement and peace of mind for the future. For those interested in learning more about what Timbercrest offers, a visit or a call is the first step toward embracing a vibrant future.

For more information or to schedule a tour, please get in touch with Timbercrest at 260-982-2118 or visit timbercrest.org.

CREAM OF THE CROP

FLAVOR IS KING AT COFFEE & CREAM OF SOUTH MILFORD

Writer & Photographer / Ali Schneider

Every flavor tells a story, and Coffee & Cream of South Milford is a testament to that. This newly established business has made quite the impression on the South Milford community.

When Coffee & Cream opened its doors just over a year ago, the team knew it wanted to serve a greater purpose than your typical franchised coffee shops. Interestingly enough, there were not many other coffee shops in the town of South Milford, making it the ideal location to create a one-of-a-kind gathering place.

Rewind several years back, and you would find Executive Director Jeff Wolheter serving in ministry at a church in Kendallville. After years of successfully pastoring the church, Wolheter felt the calling to use his love for the lord in a new area. The only problem…he did not know what that meant.

Since his background was in studying missions and culture, Wolheter continued to pray on how he could combine the two.

Hali Bontrager serving up Creamy blackberry ice cream with swirls of tart blackberries blended with lemonade and topped with DeBrand razz berry drizzle.

He decided to move back near South Milford where he grew up, and see what opportunities there were. What he did know is that he wanted Jesus to be at the heart of whatever he decided to do.

One day he heard about an old corner

building that was up for sale. After checking it out, he somewhat jokingly said it would be the perfect spot to build a unique coffee shop. Mike Rowe, CEO of Coffee & Cream, was instantly on board. His fired-up energy was contagious not only to Wolheter, but also

the South Milford community. The issue they faced was how to turn this rugged, beaten-down old building into their vision of a beautiful spot that customers would want to visit.

As word caught on, individuals in the

community began to donate their time and money to help flip this building into something wonderful. Wolheter and Rowe began receiving financial donations, grants and hands-on labor. For example, many of the big renovation projects were undertaken out of the good of the community members’ hearts. The hickory hardwood floors were completely donated, as were the lighting and cabinets.

The vision of Coffee & Cream was beginning to be everything they imagined and more.

Since Coffee & Cream is a nonprofit business, these donations and helping hands were a key piece of making this business happen.

According to Wolheter, his main goal is to “bring the church to the people.” In other words, instead of crossing his fingers that a new person in the community give

church a try for the first time, he would rather bring the love of Jesus to them.

When someone walks in the shop, they will instantly feel loved, wanted and relaxed. Whether it is their first time or their regular meeting spot, the staff will exude grace among all patrons. Now for the hard part - what do you choose to order?

Some of the most popular drinks include their Lavender and Blackberry Lemonade, Hot and Iced Coffee, and White Mocha. While you are there, why not add a baked pastry from one of their local bakeries? Choose from options like bagels, croissants, pretzel braids, scones, and cinnamon rolls. They plan to continue adding more substantial food items later this year, such as breakfast sandwiches, soups and salads.

End your visit with a scoop or two of their delicious ice cream that is made

right in Indianapolis. The flavors will be on rotation depending on the day of the week. Some flavors to look out for include Chocolate Peanut Butter, Grasshopper made with mint, Oreo, as well as fudge, sundaes, milkshakes and toppings galore.

According to Wolheter, the most rewarding part of the whole journey has been witnessing how the community has come together for this project. Not only is he proud of everyone who has contributed, but he also finds it amazing how proud the community is. It truly is a team effort.

work, or simply want the best coffee and ice cream around, consider stopping by Coffee & Cream.

Next time you’re looking to gather with friends or family, find a quiet spot to

You can find them on Instagram and Facebook @CoffeeandCreamofSouthMilford. They can be reached by phone at 260-220-2440, and in person at 8015 East 750 South in South Milford.

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FOR FELINE FRIENDS

HERE KITTY KITTY RESCUE IS ELKHART’S HAVEN FOR CATS IN NEED OF LOVING HOMES

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger

There are certain things that a person is bound to see when visiting a homestead in the Elkhart County countryside. It’s quite likely that one will be greeted by a menagerie of goats, pigs, chickens and other assorted barnyard creatures.

But there is only one place in Elkhart County where the welcome comes courtesy of a gallery of friendly felines. Almost 50 to be exact. And they are all waiting to meet and greet folks, love on them, and quite possibly become a new member of a lucky, loving family.

The name of this fanciful facility is Here Kitty Kitty Rescue, located on the far southern fringe of Elkhart on County Road 24. It’s a place where kitties come when there is no place else to go. Some of them are rehabilitated strays. Others were relinquished by families who could no longer care for them.

But no matter how they arrive, the mission remains the same as it was when Jennifer Gillispie launched the Here Kitty Kitty project in 2014. Her business, which gives cats a dignified and safe place to live, grew from a deep desire to save cats from an unfortunate fate, and to provide a means through which families can foster and adopt their ideal companion. As Gillispie says, “cats will pick their people.”

When a cat comes to this no-kill shelter, they are lovingly tended to, regardless of the cost of their eventual medical care. They receive appropriate medications, they are microchipped and vaccinated, and they are spayed or neutered. They also undergo testing for feline leukemia and FIV, which is the feline immunodeficiency virus. The cats are also treated for any afflictions they may have, including fleas, worms or other illnesses. Gillispie and her staff do not consider costs when caring for the cats. They are a not-for-profit organization, so

Brittany Garver, Jennifer Gillispie, Kelsey FranksShetler

their financial needs are met through donations and various grants that come their way.

They can house up to 50 cats, using the maximum space of a renovated horse barn to give the cats room to roam. No cats are caged, and they are free to explore the many nooks and crannies of the building. Here Kitty Kitty Rescue also serves as a sanctuary for cats that are nearing the end-of-life stage. Gillispie notes that there are a couple of cats on-site that are permanent residents, and guests of Hello Kitty Kitty Rescue have taken a shine to them, to the extent that the felines have become official mascots. There’s Harley, a kitty with cerebellar hyperplasia, which is a condition that makes cats appear to wobble when they walk. And there’s Simba, a magnificently maned creature with Persian features, who also knows how to charm visitors.

Here Kitty Kitty Rescue holds various fundraising endeavors throughout the

year, including the popular garage sale. The organization often works with Holy Smokes BBQ to host events, with the proceeds coming back to the rescue.

Gillispie and her dedicated volunteers are always looking for foster families to take in the cats. Of course, families are also encouraged to visit in search of a prospective pet. There are a few conditions that must be met, including a promise that the cats will remain indoor pets. To fully adopt an adult cat, the cost is $40, and kittens are priced at $60. Sometimes, Gillispie notes, folks will come around just to have a chance to play with the cats. It can be therapeutic and calming to spend time with animals. Kelsey Franks-Shetler can attest to that, as one of the regular volunteers. “I get to love on cats, and that makes me happy,” she says, all while surrounded by kitties clamoring for attention.

With cooler weather approaching, the

need for homes will be greater, so people are invited to visit the website regularly to stay apprised on events and ways to help the shelter, or to view special cats seeking fur-ever families.

Check out the Here Kitty Kitty Rescue website at herekittykittyrescue.com, or take a peek at their Facebook page. To reach Gillispie, call 574-276-7173, or contact Franks-Shetler via call or text at 574-849-1944. Special visiting hours can be scheduled, and the facility is located at 25138 County Road 24 in Elkhart.

THE LAKES MAGAZINE EAST & WEST EDITIONS ARE MAILED FREE WITHOUT SUBSCRIPTION MONTHLY/ 12 TIMES A YEAR, TO VALUED HOMEOWNERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS WITHIN EACH TERRITORY AS MAPPED OUT BELOW. MAGAZINES CAN ALSO BE FOUND MONTHLY ON RACKS AND SHELVES AT OVER 150 LOCAL LOCATIONS. WE ALSO PROMOTE THE LAKES MAGAZINE AND OUR ADVERTISERS DIGITALLY ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES AND WEBSITE.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

OCTOBER

ELKHART COUNTY

October 4-5

GARDEN OF VILLAINS - WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS, ELKHART

Walk the main promenade, enjoy live performances from all your favorite heroes and snap a picture with your favorite.

October 5

FALL FESTIVAL 2024 - THE LIFE CENTER, GOSHEN

FREE fall fun for the whole family! Includes hayride, carnival games, free food, giveaway drawings and more!

October 11

FREE MOVIE: “THE LION KING”, GOSHEN

Enjoy a free screening of the 1994 film with concessions available for purchase.

October 12

MIDDLEBURY PUMPKIN RACE, DOWNTOWN MIDDLEBURY

Grab your family and friends for some fun watching real pumpkins race down the street for prizes. Food trucks will be available.

October 12

SOUTHGATE CROSSING FALL FESTIVAL, ELKHART

There will be arts and crafts, antiques, activities, food and more!

October 16

HOLIDAY HOME & FASHION SHOWESSENHAUS, MIDDLEBURY

Enjoy abundant door prizes, fun skits provided by staff, a fashion show, a delightful meal and more! Tickets required.

October 18

HOMETOWN HARVEST - AMERICAN LEGION POST 210, MIDDLEBURY

Enjoy a hayride, campfire, food, live music, crafts and fun for the entire family. Bring a chair or blanket.

October 26

MIDDLEBURY LIONS FALL CRAFT BAZAARMEADOW VALLEY GOLF CLUB

Craft vendors, small local businesses, raffles and a bake sale, all benefiting the Middlebury Lions Club.

COUNTY

October 5

SYRACUSE FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL - LAKESIDE PARK, SYRACUSE

This family-friendly event features hay rides, pumpkin decorating, bounce-house obstacle course, games, animals, food vendors and more!

October 12

COMMUNITY INDOOR GARAGE SALE - SYRACUSE COMMUNITY CENTER

Over 30 vendors at this popular community indoor garage sale. Look through a large variety of items for some great deals!

October 12

HEARTLINE DONUT DASH 5K WALK/RUN FOR LIFEHEALTH SERVICES PAVILION, WARSAW

This event is for families, friends and neighbors to eat some doughnuts, get a little exercise and raise money for a great cause. Registration includes shirt, chip-timed service and doughnuts.

NOBLE COUNTY

October 1-30

FASHION FARM PUMPKIN FANTASYLAND, LIGONIER

Plan your visit for hay wagon rides, straw maze, corn pit, family activity center, super mega ride-n-slide and more!

October 26

HALLOWEEN LANTERN PARADE, DOWNTOWN KENDALLVILLE

This community light parade will come alive as individuals, families and other groups participate in costume.

October 26

TRUNK OR TREAT, LIGONIER

Dress up in your costume, bring your bag to fill with goodies and enjoy the fun!

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY

October 4

HOWARD PARK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, SOUTH BEND

Grab carry-out from one of the local restaurants, and bring some chairs and your friends!

October 13

SOUTH BEND RECORD SHOW - GILLESPIE CONFERENCE CENTER AT HILTON GARDEN INN

Explore 100 tables filled with a selection of 40,000-plus music items. A must for music lovers.

October 18

ZOO BOO - POTAWATOMI ZOO, SOUTH BEND

Trick-or-treat with vendor partners and enjoy seeing the animals, pumpkins, lights and decorations.

SHIPSHEWANA/LAGRANGE COUNTY

October 3-5

FALL CRAFTERS FAIR - THE MEC, SHIPSHEWANA

Vintage sellers, handmade items, personalized gifts, food and more! Great for early Christmas shopping.

October 12

SEVENTH ANNUAL FALL FEST - TRADING POST OUTFITTERS, MONGO

Live music, delicious food and drinks, a cornhole tournament and much more!

October 26

SHIP-CHIC FALL MARKET, SHIPSHEWANA AUCTION BARN

Vintage items, home decor, crafts, clothing and much more! Parking is free, with snacks and drinks available.

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