Bend’s Newest Attraction Offers
Local Resident Creates Travel-Friendly Version of
Entertainment Options Abound at JaRisa’s Fun
The Culver Man With the Highest Basketball Score in History…Who Also Invented the ThreePointer
DEDICATION TO DETAIL
HOW CLEANRITE IS REDEFINING RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES
Writer / Amy Beaucham Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
Some businesses start with a grand vision, while others emerge from a simple desire to serve others. CleanRite Cleaning Services, founded by Dawn Gorby-Verhaeghe in 2000, is a shining example of the latter.
What began as a way to balance raising
her children with supporting her family has evolved into a thriving enterprise that serves residential and commercial clients across a 60-mile radius of Walkerton. With over 25 years in the cleaning business, she and her remarkable team have transformed spaces - and lives - one account at a time.
Gorby-Verhaeghe’s story is one of perseverance and determination. Growing up in North Liberty, she was raised by her father and two grandmothers, who instilled in her the value of cleanliness and structure. “Spring cleaning wasn’t optional,” she recalls. “It was a ritual that taught me the satisfaction of transforming a space.”
These lessons would stay with her, even as she pursued a bachelor’s degree in business from Ferris State University while managing waitressing, cleaning houses and raising her children.
Balancing the demands of running a business and managing a family is challenging on its own. Adding in the responsibilities of working alongside her husband, Jason, on their farm where they raise beef, pork and lamb, makes it even more remarkable. Her success is a testament to her organizational skills, time management, and tireless attention to the many responsibilities she juggles every day. From managing schedules and employees to ensuring the farm operates smoothly, Gorby-Verhaeghe has mastered the art of prioritization and efficiency, making it all work seamlessly.
“There are challenges of course, but staying focused and organized is the key,” she shares.
Her commitment to excellence and passion for transforming spaces has evolved into a flourishing company. “I’ve always believed that cleaning isn’t just about making a space look good; it’s about relieving stress for my clients and giving them a fresh start,” she explains.
What sets CleanRite apart is not just its longevity, but also its deep commitment to personalized service. With 15 dynamic employees, some of whom have been with the company for over a decade, CleanRite offers a level of trust and reliability rarely found in the industry. Gorby-Verhaeghe is quick to credit her team for the company’s success. “I don’t just have employees; I have a family,” she says. “They’re the heart and soul of what we do.”
This familial bond is evident in everything
from the company’s day-to-day operations to its commitment to giving back. This past year, CleanRite launched its first 12 Days of Giving Back program, where each employee was given $200 to donate to a nonprofit organization. “It’s a way for my team to give back to causes that matter to them personally,” Gorby-Verhaeghe shares. “Some have chosen to honor loved ones through scholarships, while others have supported animal shelters or food pantries. It’s always moving to see the impact they make.”
In addition to this initiative, she ensures her employees feel appreciated yearround. They receive Thanksgiving and Christmas bonuses, and every July Gorby-Verhaeghe purchases 4-H animals, providing employees with meat for their freezers. On Mother’s Day she organizes special gifts or events to celebrate the mothers on her team. “I believe in treating my team well because they go above and beyond every day,” she says. “It’s important
to take the time to appreciate my team and create opportunities for them to connect outside of work.”
CleanRite’s reputation for excellence extends beyond its cleaning services. The team is involved in local chambers of commerce, the Better Business Bureau and various nonprofit initiatives. They’ve cleaned historic properties like
the Clemens Vonnegut Jr. House in Culver, and provided pro bono cleaning services to organizations impacted by the pandemic, including the American Legion and North Liberty Church of Christ.
CleanRite handles residential cleaning, from deep cleaning to regular maintenance; commercial cleaning, where offices and businesses benefit from tailored cleaning plans that can boost productivity and impress clients; and specialized services including window washing, construction cleanup, and even fire and water damage restoration.
Gorby-Verhaeghe emphasizes the importance of customizing each service to the client’s needs. “We ask detailed questions about their home or office to create a master plan,” she says.” That way, clients know exactly what to expect, and we deliver exactly what they need.”
Gorby-Verhaeghe fondly recalls one of
her most rewarding experiences: helping a young mother overwhelmed by clutter and dirt regain control of her home. “Seeing her face light up when we finished - that’s why we do what we do,” she says.
From restoring neglected homes to preparing lake houses for summer events, CleanRite tackles every project with enthusiasm and expertise. “Whether it’s a challenging initial clean or routine maintenance, we love making a difference,” Gorby-Verhaeghe says. “It’s not just about cleaning; it’s about giving people their time and peace of mind back.”
As the CleanRite team looks ahead, Gorby-Verhaeghe is focused on continuing to serve her community while maintaining the personal touch that has defined her business from the start. “I’m proud of what we’ve
built,” she says. “At the end of the day it’s not just about the business. It’s about the relationships we’ve created along the way.”
To learn more, call 574-586-9614 or visit cleanritecleaning.com.
TRULY TIMELESS
QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP IS LIKE CLOCKWORK AT MINT CITY MILLWORK
Writer / Darcie Dodds Schott
Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
When was the last time you looked for an actual clock to check the time? With a cell phone, smartwatch or laptop nearby, there’s little need to look further for the time of day - and this could be why many
to win back the younger audience and homeowners of high-end homes.
younger adults don’t own a traditional clock. Despite this digital trend, Wayne Helmuth, owner of Mint City Millwork in Bremen, along with his wife, Erma, plans to introduce a new line of clock designs
Helmuth’s affinity for clock craftsmanship began during his high school days in shop class. He enjoyed building things with his hands, and he spent 29 years doing just that at nearby Newmar RV, honing his skills by crafting quality cabinets for highend RVs. He opened Mint City Millwork in 1992 doing part-time woodworking
jobs. In 2001 he built his first grandfather clock from scratch and was bitten by the proverbial bug for appreciating the complexities of a clock.
By 2016 the couple agreed it was time for him to leave his work in the RV industry and focus on running their own clock business, offering sales of grandfather, cuckoo and mantle clocks, as well as custom designs. Their three sons chose not to follow their father into the clock business, which Wayne Helmuth acknowledges as being just fine. “Our sons are not passionate about woodworking like I was at their age, so we support them in their different trades including manufacturing motorsports trailers, custom fencing, and construction,” he says.
It is this appreciation for differing interests that Helmuth translates to interactions with customers. Mint City Millwork welcomes mostly walk-in foot traffic,
• Retail Showroom
• Grandfather Clocks
• Wall Clocks
• Mantle Clocks
• Precious Melodies
• Alarm Clocks
• Weather Stations
including some visitors who are simply looking for clock repair, whom Helmuth refers to a local partner who does repairs. Helmuth says “most people don’t purchase one of our clocks on their initial visit, because a grandfather clock is a high-ticket item. But later on they remember their visit and come back to select just the right one.” Helmuth recalls one couple who came back to the shop a fourth time; in their case the fourth time was the charm, and they found the perfect clock for their home.
The grandfather clocks sold at Mint City Millwork are carefully crafted from local top-grade lumber and contain Hermle triple-chime movements to ensure superior precision. These works of craftsmanship that used to be heirloom pieces and common in family homes have dropped in popularity, even with the largest clockmakers. Possibly contributing to this decline in demand is the fewer number of furniture and arts festivals in the area. To fortify this segment of sales, Helmuth partners with a distributor who manages the marketing of clocks sold by Mint City Millwork at trade shows that attract customers from a geographical area spanning from Pennsylvania to Illinois. Locally, Helmuth identifies customers coming from South Bend, Walkerton, Culver and other surrounding areas.
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Musical clocks are also popular at Mint City Millwork. Partnering with a Canadian chip manufacturer for the past 10 years, Helmuth delivers a unique clock with changeable sound chips that chime on the hour, with tunes from train sounds
to gospel instrumentals showcasing full bands, keyboard and harmonica. The selection is called the Precious Melodies line of clocks.
Each chip contains six recordings, which play in 90-second segments on the hour. Each year five or six new melody chips are introduced, and the customer can switch out the chip on their own as often as they like. “Music is like food and everyone has different preferences, so they want choices,” Helmuth says. “That’s the beauty of these clocks.”
Mint City Millwork has a variety of clocks in stock and can accommodate custom orders as well. The musical wall clocks showcase a custom photo and wording on the face, which some choose to use as a place to honor a lost loved one. One of the crew members building clocks is someone who Helmuth says “helped out in the shop when she was 15 years old and is now a full-time employee.” This type of full-circle
ESTATE BUYOUTS
story is something Helmuth knows well, because he now lives with his family on a farm that his grandfather bought in 1927.
Helmuth recognizes that for many people who are in the market for purchasing a clock, their decision is not as much about choosing a timekeeper as it is about making a fashion statement. This is why he has plans to introduce a line of clocks that will pique the interest of discerning
homeowners and perhaps the curiosity of younger adults who have grown up in a digital era without the need for a ticking timepiece.
The new line of clocks will present innovative design elements, which Helmuth believes will invite a new segment of customers. These sophisticated styles might include hand-carved cherry wood with 24-karat inlay, and custom-
finished metals such as hammered copper or stainless steel treated with chemicals to create different colors. The strategy is to incorporate exotic veneers and metals, and, in Helmuth’s words, “do it right.”
Mint City Millwork is located at 3121 Birch Road in Bremen. Call 574-209-1351 for more info.
• Coloring
• Highlights
• Hair cuts
• Hair extensions
• Waxing
• Piercings
SHADES OF BEAUTY
• Eye Lash Extensions
• Bridal/ Prom Styles
CREATIVITY AND CONNECTION
FALCON FIRE COMMUNITY STUDIO PROVIDES WORKSHOPS, SPECIAL PROJECTS AND MORE
Writer / Darcie Dodds Schott
Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
Tapping into creative energy is what fuels Falcon Fire Community Studio in Walkerton.
This artistic space opened in early summer 2024, as the result of two generous donations from community members
Phyllis Wiley of New Kitchen Store, who gifted the studio space, and Rob Franey, husband of the late pottery artist Chris Franey, who contributed pottery equipment, a kiln, storage racks and other useful items.
The donors simply asked that the gifts be used to provide a place for people to expand their creative skills by learning new art-making techniques and gain appreciation for the works of local artists.
Managing the studio are Brendan Walter
and Angie Yelton, both of whom hold full-time jobs for John Glenn schools in Walkerton. Walter is in his fourth year of teaching art to kindergarten through sixthgrade students, and Yelton is a bus driver for the school district. When not at their school jobs, the two share their artistic expertise with the studio customers.
Walter leads 11-week workshops, including the Ceramics 1 class. The class meets once a week for three hours, and the 11-week course costs $150. Yelton teaches hand ceramics, not wheel ceramics, and leads biweekly Sunday ceramics workshops. Walter refers to the workshop as a “makeand-take craft,” inviting customers to make a unique piece of pottery, which is fired in a kiln and picked up later. Yelton has an affinity for creating fantasy animal ceramics, and she has travelled to the Starwood Festival in Ohio to show her pieces.
The studio also holds classes for oil
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painting, metal jewelry making, and print art. Yelton says the connection to schools through her and Walter’s day jobs is an encouragement to kids, some as young as 3 or 4 years old, to come into the studio and learn to create.
The studio also holds days for anyone who wants to come in and work on their own project using the supplies in the studio.
One especially unique and welcoming project at the studio is the bead blanket. Yelton says that with a donation of beads from community members, “a strand of beads is started and then people come in and add a few beads from their own supply or the studio’s. It’s a great start for newcomers to art, and there is no pattern or age requirement - just an open project for all to enjoy.”
The two rely on a Facebook presence as well as Instagram to post new promotions, workshops and events - search for Falcon
Fire Community Studio and Falcon Fire Ceramics, which is Yelton’s specific company Facebook page. Social media also offers a platform for showcasing the finished artwork for sale at the studio. The studio also serves as an art pantry, a spot where anyone can bring in their old art supplies, peruse the studio’s materials and take what they can use.
Walter and Yelton have launched a new initiative called the Walkerton Area Creative Collaborative (WACC), which meets regularly, aimed at bringing together artists and creatives from the community. “We work better together, whether it’s setting up a booth at an art fair or doing community service to foster awareness of the arts here in Walkerton,” says Walter.
Walter and Yelton are passionate about pooling local artists to participate in art festivals and fairs, including the Rebel Art Fest and Art Beat in South Bend, and ARTS in the Street in Plymouth. This
is one way for artists to come together and show their work to surrounding communities representing the creative culture in Walkerton.
One idea that the WACC has considered involves painting one mural each summer around Walkerton to enrich the community. Walter would also like to
explore partnering with local businesses, restaurants, the library, and coffee shops to showcase the works of artists, as a way to drive foot traffic and perhaps stir up interest from art enthusiasts from surrounding communities.
Falcon Fire Community Studio is located at 330 Liberty Street in Walkerton.
SWING TIME
LOCAL PORCH SWING BUSINESS HAS CUSTOMERS COMFY AND CONTENT
Writer / Melissa Gibson
It’s a dream for some. The idea of a big front porch, sitting out on a swing with a glass of lemonade, watching the children play in the yard or visiting with neighbors.
There’s something about a porch swing that feels nostalgic, yet is still very modern and common today.
Larry Yoder is bringing that dream to fruition for many in Shipshewana and beyond. He has a history of woodworking, and when a friend of his wife created a porch swing, it got Yoder thinking about his own design and how much he enjoys working in his shop.
“I made one and then the neighbor wanted one, and then my wife’s family asked for a
couple and it just went from there,” Yoder said.
In late 2023 he created Swing Time, a porch swing business, and though it’s a side gig for the time being, Yoder hopes to make the business full time in the future.
“I work at a factory and when things slow
down there, I needed something to keep me going,” Yoder said. “In winter things seem to slow down a bit as far as making swings, but I made a bunch of them over the summer and a lot of people want
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• 4 Stain Color Options
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them for Christmas gifts or wedding gifts.”
Yoder takes great care in creating comfortable, oversized porch swings.
He currently offers slightly larger swings than you might find at a big-box store. The 5-foot and 6-foot swings are 2-feet deep, and the 7-foot swing is 3-feet deep.
• Boat Covers
• Boat Enclosures
• Boat Lift Covers
• Custom Trucker Tie Down Straps
• Rollease Shade Systems
• Overhead Door Screens
• Trampoline Mats
• Bimini Tops
“The 7 foot is more of a daybed swing and the others are a little oversized,” Yoder said. “I want to make them comfortable so you can sit and relax - stretch out.”
He’s open to custom orders and new ideas as the inventory list and offerings continue to grow.
“I’d like to make a one-person chair that hangs on ropes too,” he said. “In fact, the reason I offer the 5-footer is because someone requested it.”
Shipping is also an option.
Though Yoder hasn’t done a lot of shipments yet, he says the way he constructs each swing would make it easy to ship effectively.
“It can fold together and create four different pieces,” he said. “I think every house probably has a little screw gun and you’d just have to screw those four pieces
Exquisite ELEGANCE
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together.”
He plans to attend local shows to spread the word. Ultimately, Yoder hopes to create a business focusing on what he loves.
“I want to be home and out in the shop,” he said. “My dad is here and sometimes comes over, and it’s a family thing. I like working with family and like to take my time, and make something people will enjoy.”
For more information about Swing Time, contact Yoder at 260-333-6891.
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.
Exhibits
MARCH CROSSWORD PUZZLE
47. Mah-jongg piece
49. Time to look ahead
50. Bump from office
51. Abu Dhabi leader
52. Fall from grace
53. Pluck
54. To-do
55. Snaky DOWN
1. Chinese gemstone
2. Aware of
3. Least shaky
4. Pie baker’s utensil
5. Went nowhere
ACROSS
1. Menu word
4. Cavities
8. Full house, e.g.
12. Well-put
13. Rephrase 14. Call from the bridge 15. Anonymous name 16. “Anything ___?”
17. Be judgmental
18. Capacitate
20. Book’s last word 22. Closing document
23. Castle dwellers
27. Pipe type
29. Clearly embarrassed
30. Kind of hour
31. Wasn’t straight
32. Palindromic turkey
33. Feature of some lions
34. Part of T.G.I.F.
35. Japanese bread?
36. Game played standing
37. Gas, to a Brit
39. Mention
40. Shade
41. Tied up
44. Bad driver’s shout
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
6. 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
UNEARTHING ADVENTURE
SOUTH BEND’S NEWEST ATTRACTION OFFERS A ROARING GOOD TIME FOR ALL AGES
What began as a paleontology trip to Montana to dig up rare dinosaur remains has evolved into the Indiana Dinosaur Museum in South Bend.
“My oldest daughter has a passion for paleontology,” says Museum Founder Mark Tarner. “I wanted to bring that sense of adventure here for everyone to enjoy. In a state known for many famous firsts, this business represents entrepreneurship, hard
work, and innovation—values I would say are true to the Midwest. The story we’ve unearthed to display is written in stone. There is no other story.”
From over 2,000 real dinosaur bones to one of the few Mayan chocolate pots worldwide to the world’s largest wall of caramel corn, the museum bridges the past with a captivating modern-day experience.
Bringing Prehistoric Innovation to Life
Starting at the Adventure Atrium, the museum is specifically tailored to guide visitors through a timeline dating back millions of years. The exhibits unfold like a detailed map of the Earth’s evolution. The museum presents an extraordinary collection of dinosaur replicas and artifacts, meticulously curated to bridge the past and present. A life-size
Writer / Meredith Dunnington Photographer / Jessica Whitehead
Camarasaurus leg stands alongside a striking display of animal femurs, inviting visitors to measure up and marvel at evolutionary connections.
The Plants section of the museum
underscores the flora that sustained ancient ecosystems. The Aquatic Dinosaur area serves as a reminder that dinosaurs ruled both land and sea, complete with a 17-foot wide Archelon skeleton. The Avian Dinosaur exhibit bridges the gap
• Turquoise Jewelry
• Dental Gold
• Service Pins
• Pocket Watches
between these giant lizards and their avian descendants.
Interactive exhibits encourage hands-on exploration, from sensory stations to Q&A sessions near the working paleontology
• 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
lab. Film buffs will appreciate the rare collection of props and replicas from the Jurassic Park franchise, bringing Hollywood’s depiction of dinosaurs into real-world focus.
A TASTE OF HISTORY AND CHOCOLATE
Next door, the South Bend Chocolate Factory offers a journey of indulgence and tradition. The sweet aroma of cocoa lingers as visitors watch artisans craft confections, sampling treats along the way. Dinoshaped chocolates and seasonal specialties provide the perfect souvenir to cap off the experience.
EXPANDING THE ADVENTURE OUTDOORS
Beyond the museum’s walls, the Continental Divide Park and its surrounding grounds transform the visit
into a full-day adventure. Walking trails wind through scenic landscapes, leading to observation points where bison roam—a glimpse into a time when prehistoric creatures ruled the land. Picnic areas invite moments of rest, while colder months bring the thrill of sledding, cross-country skiing, and snow-covered trails.
In its mission to connect communities with nature and discovery, the museum
is set to expand its programming, with upcoming events like an Easter egg hunt in April—details to come.
MORE THAN A MUSEUM
For Tarner, the Indiana Dinosaur Museum is more than a collection of fossils; it’s an evolving experience. “We are laying the foundation for something bigger,”
he says. “It’s an experience that promises to continue to awe inspire and make anyone feel like a kid again – time after time.” Whether you’re a lifelong dinosaur enthusiast or simply looking for a new family getaway, this South Bend attraction is worth the visit.
For more information, visit indianadinosaurmuseum.org.
SPROUTING SOLUTIONS
Writer / Karen McCormick
With Groundhog Day behind us, it’s time to start to consider plotting out your garden and ordering your seeds to get the ball rolling.
At New Kitchen Store, we have the Baker Creek catalog on the shelf just waiting for you to look through. You can stay at the store and make your order, or you can check the catalog out overnight so you can study longer.
We are placing orders every Monday until the first week of May.
Here are a few reasons why we choose to sell Baker Creek seeds at our store.
The founder, Jere Gettle, started Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company in 1998 as a hobby, and though it has since grown into North America’s largest heirloom seed company, he’s never lost the passion for growing and sharing heirloom varieties. The company also gives back; charitable giving is fundamental to their business. Working with nonprofit organizations, a significant portion of the annual profits goes toward providing food, emergency aid, sustainable development, and education to people in the U.S. and abroad. They also provide free seeds to hundreds of community and educational groups each year, because they believe that everyone should have access to nutrient-dense, delicious food, season after season.
All their seeds are non-hybrid, non-GMO, non-treated and non-patented. They source their seeds from a network of growers and trusted companies. They also adhere strictly to the Federal Seed Act. Lastly, Baker Creek grows all the offered seed varieties in their own gardens and greenhouses so they can assess the qualities of their seeds.
Baker Creek also sells the plants and herbs you would need to make your own teas and the most amazing variety of flowers! If you don’t want to have a vegetable garden, consider a flower garden.
Here at New Kitchen Store we also offer a variety of books that will help you with your gardening venture. We have a planner book that will help you to organize your food growing techniques with helpful worksheets and weekly task information. We have “The Urban Farm Handbook” - a perfect book for the city slickers out there.
Never attempted gardening? Take a look at “The Madefrom-Scratch Life”. This can help you with getting started on homesteading. We carry countless recipe books to get your homegrown products to the table in an appealing fashion. Please come in and browse through our selection. I even found a book on city goats on the shelf. What does goat life have to do with
gardening? Well, I’ll tell you…if you don’t make your own stock with your peelings and scraps, that is where these amazing creatures come in. Never feel bad about throwing food out. The goats will take care of that for you. They love scraps!
Can’t wait until summer for the delicious, nutritious quality of homegrown items? Try sprouting seeds! Food to Live sprouting seeds are our newest items in the store. Try them for a healthy and nutritious, grown-in-your-home option. The process takes five to six days. It’s really fun to watch them grow too! We also carry the GEFU Sprouting Jar that makes it especially easy. Sprouts go great in salads, stir-fry dishes and sandwiches. It’s delicious on grilled cheese, and I’ve been known to take two slices of pizza, cover them with sprouts and make that as a sandwich! Try it; you’ll get hooked on it.
Don’t forget, if some of you are thinking, “I always grow too much in my garden,” you can always plan on selling your bounty at our farmers market. The community would love to support those who do the hard and fun work of gardening.
New Kitchen Store is located at 1100 Roosevelt Road in Walkerton. For more information, visit newkitchenstore.com.
IN THE GAME
Writer / Natalie Platt
Caleb Schmucker and his family love to play the “Double Trouble Aggravation” dice game and often travel with the set. Over time he found that toting the slightly heavy game along could be
cumbersome and, well, aggravating.
So he did what anyone with a background in manufacturing might think about; he set off to solve his own problem by
creating an “Aggravation” board that is lighter, and pieces together like a puzzle for easy carrying and travel.
“Double Trouble Aggravation” is a
variation of the classic board game “Aggravation”, which itself is similar to “Parcheesi” or “Sorry!”. It is a race-style board game where players move their pieces around the board, trying to get all of them into their home base before their opponents. Unlike traditional “Aggravation”, the “Double Trouble” version has two paths that players can choose from, adding an extra layer of strategy. Players roll dice to determine movement, using marbles as playing pieces. Players can land on spaces with stars, which help them move forward or send opponents back. And just like the classic version, players can “aggravate” opponents by landing on their marbles, sending them back to their starting area. The dual-path option allows for different strategies, making the game more dynamic and competitive. The goal is to get all of your marbles into the home area before your opponents, and the first player to move all their pieces to the finish line wins.
Tues. - Fri. 10AM - 6PM Sat. 10AM - 4PM
It’s a fun, family-friendly game that adds a little extra challenge and decisionmaking when compared to the standard “Aggravation” game.
“Our board was pretty heavy and there was never any good way to store it, especially when we traveled by train,” Schmucker says. “I’m in the RV industry full time, and utilized my relationships
with some vendors and suppliers to think through what this lighter, compact board could look like, and just went from there with it.”
Schmucker uses a very light plywood for the sets he manufactures, while the heavier sets, like the one he used to travel with, are made with melamine. The plywood and melamine sets have
Mom’s Group
When: Feb. 19, March 19, April 10, May 21, June 18 and July 16
Time: 10 AM
Where: LifePlex in Plymouth
Join us for drinks, treats, and engaging discussions designed to support moms at every stage of their journey. We warmly invite you to connect, share, and enjoy fellowship with other mothers in a welcoming and child-friendly environment. We hope to see you there!
Free Group and All are Invited to Attend
Heidi Rotering, a board-certified lactation nurse will attend to answer questions and provide lactation support for any mom attending that needs it.
different cores, which makes one lighter and one heavier. Schmucker’s set is designed like a puzzle piece in the center, and six triangle pieces snap together in the middle. The board also comes with a drawstring backpack to make traveling and storing convenient and easy.
He sold around 75 sets in his first full year of sales, and has a wholesale option so that he can start selling the boards in local stores. Currently orders are only placed through Schmucker himself, but he says store owners will occasionally reach out and special-order the game as a few customers have asked for it.
Right now, this is Schmucker’s passion project that he works on at night. He works full time for MJ Finishing, a company owned by his father that supplies hardwood RV interior components to RV manufacturers. The company sells wood components and provides wood finishing and woodworking services as well.
“I wanted the experience of starting something myself,” he says. “I think some of the best lessons are learned the hard way and they’re often the easiest to remember.”
Schmucker and his father have recently started a business together, Absolute Outdoors, which focuses on outdoor equipment like scent products for hunting and camouflage clothing. The father-son duo is also manufacturing a suspended chair for hunters. The chair can be hung from a hunting blind ceiling, or from a frame within the blind. The suspended chair will eliminate any unwanted noise during a hunting session that a swivel chair may give off.
To order a “Double Trouble Aggravation” board or discuss Absolute Outdoors products, you can call Schmucker (Yellow Tree Sales LLC) at 574-354-3943.
Dave Vogelzang
Nona Vogelzang
Jason Miller -owner
Larissa Miller- owner
Jayden Miller
GOOD TIMES ROLLING
ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS ABOUND AT JARISA’S FUN ZONE
Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Jessica Whitehead
When Larisa Miller learned of the forsale sign outside Eby’s Family Fun, her family jumped in the car to go see it for themselves. Eby’s Family Fun was the family-owned, go-to entertainment spot in Bristol for decades.
Miller would know; her father managed Eby’s for 20 years. It was where her father, a professional skater, coached her and her brothers as practice for champion skating competitions across the country.
“I immediately called my parents and said, ‘How do you feel about buying the skating rink?’” Miller said.
Her children picked a new name, JaRisa’s Fun Zone, as a mix between Miller and her husband’s names, Jason and Larisa. Her parents have shown up to work at the rink, and since late 2023, there’s been a bit of nostalgia brought back into the family and the community.
In addition to the skating rink, snack bar
and 4,000-square-foot laser-tag arena, the Millers have added some new and modern features.
“We added axe throwing with stateof-the-art technology,” Miller said. “It comes with different games like Duck Hunter and Tic-Tac-Toe,” Miller said. “You put your names in and just like at a bowling alley, it’ll keep score for you. We’re the first facility in the area to have the Axcitement system installed in our building.”
STEVE
“The Blind Guy
Every few weeks a new game is made available. The snack bar has a special feature too.
“Chicago’s in downtown Bristol was closing and they gave their brick oven to us, so the brick-oven pizzas are popular,” Miller said. “We also received our beer and wine license in 2024, and we’ve added that in for axe-throwing patrons.”
Perhaps the main feature at JaRisa’s Fun Zone is the skating rink.
While some might think it’s a thing of the past, Miller said if anything, they are coming back in style, and her family knows what it takes to make the rink successful.
Not only are popular shows featuring artistic skaters and competitions making their way to living rooms across the country, but Grammy Award-winner
Barndominium
Usher wore custom roller skates during the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show, piquing interest everywhere.
“A lot of rinks close because they are family owned and have been around for years,” Miller said. “It’s really a lifestyle. Most people who own a skating rink live right next door or have a place above it and they live on-site. You’re there constantly. The weekends are a nonstop marathon. It’s not for everybody but I enjoy it. I am a skater and I enjoy teaching the younger kids. Roller skating is one of the most affordable things families can do right now.”
Part of that marathon schedule includes the special events and options offered at the rink. For example, holidays always come with a special event, from a Valentine Skate to Skate with Santa. Purchase a wristband and receive options to skate or play laser tag.
PAINT & SANDBLAST
Once per month, they offer Sip and Skate for those 21 and over, and through the holidays they support Toys for Tots to give back to the community. Bring in a toy or donate funds and skate for free.
There are beginner skate lessons available, skating parties, glow parties, laser-tag parties, axe-throwing parties, and the list goes on.
“Companies like to rent out the entire facility for their staff event, and our party pricing is done in sections because not everyone wants the entire facility; they just want the skating party or the axe throwing, etcetera,” Miller said.
At JaRisa’s Fun Zone customers can bring their own skates, rent traditional skates or rent in-line skates. They don’t do skate trainers for new skaters, but they do tighten the wheels until you get your balance. They’re also willing to teach you.
“My brothers still skate and my dad still skates,” Miller said. “He and my daughter are going out a lot and skating. They work on footwork and things like that. We have people pay to come in and just watch them. Our goal is for everyone to find something fun to donot just for the kids, but for the entire family.”
Watch for lesson registration to open this spring, and visit jarisasfunzone.com for more information.
HARDWOOD HERO
THE CULVER MAN WITH THE HIGHEST BASKETBALL SCORE IN HISTORY…WHO ALSO INVENTED THE THREE-POINTER
Writer / Jeff Kenney
Last year, a bronze historical marker was erected outside the presentday Culver Elementary School commemorating two significant moments in the life of what had been the Culver High School prior to 1967. One was the presence of one of the earliest integrated basketball teams (1922) in Indiana at that school, as described in the pages of this magazine last February. The other was the remarkable legacy of a record-breaking event that took place this month - March 8, 1913 - also in the world of basketball.
That’s when Culver player Herman Sayger scored a still-unbeaten, individual record 113 points in a game against Winamac (Sayger’s contribution made up the majority of Culver’s 154 point lead against Winamac’s 10 points that night).
As if that weren’t enough, Sayger, among his other contributions to the world of sport, was also the inventor of the three-point shot in basketball. But more on that later.
Born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, in 1895, Sayger lost his parents, Larry and Emma, and brother, Gene, within a week of one another while he was a young child. Emma Green Sayger’s sister, Mary, had married Tom Medbourn of Culver, and the couple took young Herman in, bringing him to Culver around 1901 to be raised alongside their own children, Charlie and Myrtle, more or less as a brother. Culver resident Sherrill
interviewed in The Culver Citizen newspaper in 2009, noted that her mother, Donna (Medbourn) Edgington, always called Herman Sayger “Uncle Herman,” a name Fujimura herself adopted for him as well.
Sayger attended school in Culver as a member of the Culver High School class of 1914. That team - the one with which he played that record-making game - consisted of only five players and no reserves (besides Sayger, the team also included Rex Mawhorter, Charles Cowan and Tone Shaw), and won 25 out of 27 games that season, amassing over 1,300 points and making it to state semifinals. There, the team won their first nine games and lost by just one point.
In his senior season, Sayger played other games with 79, 55, and 52 points, and scored 56% of his team’s points for the season. That year he was also named first-team all-state as he averaged 29.5 points per game,
Fujimura,
compared to 16 points per game for Culver’s opponents.
Interestingly, those early home games in Culver weren’t actually played at the school, which had not yet built its gymnasium (that would come to fruition in 1924). Instead, one floor of a building on today’s Pearl Street, built from what had once been a floating dance pavilion called The White Swan, served as the home of early basketball games in the town. By 1913 the structure was called Captain Crook’s Hall, named for the boat pilot who launched the White Swan and relocated it to serve as a hotel and hall.
Sayger also played a year for Culver Military Academy (CMA) on a scholarship, becoming a football, basketball, baseball and track star there, and graduating as a member of CMA’s class of 1915.
After graduation he entered Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, participating in a host of sports there and making all-Ohio in
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Inventor of the Three-Point Shot
While serving as coach at Heidelberg, Sayger earned credit as the first to suggest the three-point rule in basketball. The rule was intended to eliminate the center jump and establish a new scoring system, and eventually was adopted permanently on the professional level following its 1945 testing in the NCAA. An article in the Indianapolis Star quoted another article from the Tiffin Advertiser in March 1932, documenting an exhibition game between Tiffin Junior Home and Tiffin Columbian high school basketball teams, which included Sayger’s rules that “a shot from beyond 25 feet was worth three points and a shot inside of 15 feet worth one point. Anything in between counted for the traditional two points.” The Star also also notes Sayger eliminated the jump ball after each basket, hoping to reduce the extent to which the game leaned towards height instead of skill as its determining factor.
Sports headlines of the day recognized the change as indicative of a new style of basketball, which the Coshocton (Ohio) Tribune described as working “to help out the midgets and reduce the power of giraffes.” Sayger continued to employ the new scoring scheme in years following, with a 1935 game in Columbus, Ohio, showcasing it to its
widest audience yet, apparently effectively, as a number of coaches were encouraged to jot down their opinions of the scoring system.
In the mid-1930s Sayger made another change to the game of basketball, which would be adapted more quickly, advocating for elimination of the center jump after
each basket. This was included in Sayger’s exhibition games in 1935, and as early as 1938 the rules were officially changed.
The aforementioned Indianapolis Star article, from March 24, 2015 (“Is Indiana man inventor of the 3 point shot?”), called Sayger “likely far ahead of his time in this regard,”
noting he also attempted to eliminate stalling tactics in the game during a 1936 endeavor. That idea, however, didn’t take off. And the three-point line didn’t arrive until years later in basketball. The American Basketball Association did popularize the three-point shot in 1967 and it was formally adopted by the NBA in 1979. It was adopted into college basketball in 1986, and in high schools in 1987. By then, most had forgotten Sayger’s initiation of the rule.
Football and Other Legacies
Sayger’s name belongs in the annals of college football as well. In 1917 he was captain of Heidelberg’s football team, and since the school’s coach was otherwise occupied serving in World War I, Sayger coached basketball, football and baseball for the school, making him possibly one of the only men to serve as quarterback, team captain and coach of the same football team.
He also launched the school’s intramural sports program, serving as athletics director and head football coach there. Sayger’s coaching was on hiatus as he served in the Army during America’s involvement in World War I, from May of 1918 to January 1919. Though he didn’t see overseas action, he did play football and basketball at Camp Dodge. He also coached for a handful of years in Culver Military Academy’s summer programs.
Sayger also went into sports writing, radio announcing, photography, drawing and publication. He published an annual booklet illustrating the first football hand signals, established by Sayger himself, and also published some 24 books on athletics. He assisted Red Barber in broadcasting college football games, was a member of the American Football Coaches Association most of his coaching life, and was a charter member of the National Football Hall of Fame, in addition to starting a sports syndicate of his own.
He was associated with sports legends such as Knute Rockne, Red Grange, Jim Thorpe and others.
Sayger launched Sayger Enterprises, Inc., which combined his camera store, studio, printing shop, publishing business and other endeavors. Sayger was also a beloved member of his Tiffin, Ohio, community, contributing locally in many capacities there up to his death in 1970.
The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame honored Herman Sayger among others in its 54th class of inductees on March 25, 2015, during ceremonies held in Indianapolis. On hand at the event was Culver’s Sherrill Fujimura to accept the award on behalf of her remarkable “Uncle Herman.”
Jeff Kenney serves as museum and archives manager for Culver Academies and on the board of the Culver Historical Society.
I & B AUTOMOTIVE
Writer / Amy Beaucham
Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
BUILT ON TRUST, DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE
Located in Plymouth, I & B Automotive is a family-run business owned by Isaias and Riley Baca. Since opening in 2014 as a promising two-bay shop, the company has grown into a state-of-the-art facility with 10 service bays, and plans for further expansion are underway.
Known for its expertise in diesel and light-
duty vehicle repair, I & B Automotive has built a reputation for delivering quality workmanship, transparency and exceptional customer service. As Riley puts it, “we stand behind our work.”
For Isaias, pride comes from the business’s continued growth and evolution into a reputable name and brand in the community. Reflecting on the journey, he said “after over a decade in business, it’s incredibly rewarding to see how far we’ve
come and how much trust we’ve earned from our customers.” His philosophy is straightforward: “We don’t aim for one-time customers; we want lifetime customers.” This commitment to long-term relationships drives every interaction at I & B Automotive.
The Bacas’ dedication to providing honest, affordable and courteous care draws clients not only from their treasured local community, but also from surrounding
Back row: Isaias Baca, Riley Baca. Front row: Cashton Baca, Kinsley Baca.
areas and beyond. In fact, some customers travel significant distances, even crossing state lines, to take advantage of the shop’s unmatched expertise and exceptional service. Isaias and Riley credit their success to their shared work ethic and commitment to their customers.
A longtime GMC owner had been struggling with persistent air-conditioning problems for years. Despite visiting multiple repair shops, the issue remained unresolved until the vehicle was brought to I & B Automotive. Isaias and his team diagnosed the problem within hours and had the system fully repaired the next day.
Vintage car enthusiasts also sing the praises of the shop. One owner of a classic vehicle had spent months dealing with electrical issues. At I & B Automotive, Isaias and his crew quickly pinpointed the problem and completed the repair efficiently.
During one particularly busy week, a camper owner preparing for a big trip
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discovered his brakes needed immediate attention. Despite their packed schedule, the team at I & B Automotive made room for the urgent repair, completing the work the same day. Relieved and impressed, the customer vowed to return for all future needs. The team’s honesty and meticulous attention to detail frequently save customers both time and money. For example, a truck owner initially believed their vehicle needed an expensive transmission repair. However, the skilled technicians at I & B Automotive identified the true issue as a wiring problem. By addressing the actual cause, they provided a quick and cost-effective fix, leaving the customer impressed and relieved.
When a driver’s vehicle broke down during a long trip, he had it towed to I & B Automotive. Although it was near closing time, Riley, as office manager, immediately stepped in to assist by helping the stranded customer arrange transportation home and ensuring the vehicle was in good hands. The team supplied clear communication and
worked diligently to diagnose and repair the issues as quickly as possible.
I & B Automotive provides a wide range of services, making it a one-stop shop for vehicle maintenance and repair. Their use of cuttingedge diagnostic tools ensures every repair is performed with accuracy. Whether your car requires routine maintenance or your diesel truck needs major repairs, Isaias and Riley’s team is equipped to handle it all. Their services include diesel maintenance and repair, engine and transmission repair, brake services and tune-ups, air conditioning repair and service, tire sales and installation, steering and suspension repair, custom and general trailer repairs, and preventative maintenance.
The shop specializes in Ford Super Duty trucks, with Isaias explaining that “we specifically specialize in Ford Super Duties, whether it’s rebuilding the engine, fixing an AC leak or anything in between.”
As office manager, Riley is the face of I &
B Automotive, making sure customers are welcomed warmly and kept informed throughout their service experience. Customers consistently praise her professionalism, communication skills, attention to detail and friendly demeanor.
Isaias, meanwhile, focuses on the technical and operational aspects of the shop, making sure every repair reflects the highest standards of quality and reliability. The success of I & B Automotive is a result of the strong collaborative efforts of all those involved. Isaias and Riley are thankful for their team, each of whom bring their own unique skills and dedication, contributing to the precision and care that define every repair. The Bacas are proud of each day’s collective hard work, which allows I & B Automotive to consistently provide the exceptional service their customers rely on.
“Looking back at how we started, where we started - we built this place from the ground up,” Riley said. “It hasn’t always been easy.
There’s been blood, sweat and a lot of tears, but watching my husband and I stick together, along with our team, and push through, has been incredibly rewarding.”
I & B Automotive is also proud to support the local community, sponsoring sports programs at John Glenn High School and helping students achieve their goals. This commitment to their community reflects Isaias and Riley’s dedication to giving back and supporting local growth.
Since its opening, I & B Automotive has expanded multiple times and now operates with 10 service bays, with plans to add even more bays to meet the needs of its growing customer base.
If you’re seeking expert automotive care from a team known for their integrity and dedication, contact I & B Automotive today. Call 574935-3858, visit their shop at 5549 Union Road in Plymouth, and learn more at iandbautomotive.com. For updates, tips and customer stories, follow them on Facebook.
With over a decade of experience and a passion for serving customers locally and beyond, Isaias and Riley invite you to experience the difference at I & B Automotive. As a dependable, cutting-edge one-stop shop, it’s a place where trust is earned, one repair at a time, and honesty, quality and exceptional service take the driver’s seat.
BOURBON OUTDOORS
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MARCH
KOONTZ LAKE/WALKERTON/ GROVERTOWN
ALL Times Listed Are Central Time
Every Monday BINGO
Doors open at 5p, early bird starts at 6p, and regular games start at 6:30p at the Koontz Lake Association Community building.
Every Thursday
FARMERS MARKET
4p - 6p, New Kitchen Store Farmers Market. Please visit our online store and don’t forget to like us on Facebook! @NewKitchenStore
KLA Board Meeting at the KLA Clubhouse is the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Meetings are open to the public and start at 6:30pm. Come and join us and find out how you can volunteer in the community. You can also find out what is going on around Koontz Lake.
Koontz Lake Lions Monthly Meeting is the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6p at the KLSD building located at 10625 Prairie Ave.
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KOONTZ LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT MONTHLY BOARD MEETING
6p - Koontz Lake Conservancy District monthly board meeting. The meeting will be held at the Sewer District building located at 10625 East Prairie Avenue in Koontz Lake. Interested parties may join remotely by calling 240-591-0378 and entering the code 385729# when prompted.
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3:30p to 6p or until sold out - Tyner Odd Fellows Dine-in and Carry-Out Fish Fry at St. Patrick’s School, located at 811 Tyler Street in Walkerton.
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6p - Koontz Lake Lions monthly meeting at the KLSD building, located at 10625 Prairie Avenue.
BREMEN/LAKE OF THE WOODS
ALL times listed are Eastern Time
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BCC MONTHLY MEETING
9a - BCC Monthly meeting at the BCC Building.
LAKE MAXINKUCKEE/CULVER/ MARSHALL COUNTY
ALL Times Listed Are Eastern Time
Every Saturday
CULVER FARMERS MARKET
10a – 1p – Culver Farmers Market. The farmers market is held in the Culver Union Township Public Library through the end of April.
Every Tuesday and Thursday
YOGA AT THE BEACH LODGE
8:30a - Yoga at the Beach Lodge; all levels are welcome. Chair yoga is at 10a.
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TYNER ODD FELLOWS DINE-IN AND CARRY-OUT FISH FRY
4p to 7p or until sold out - Tyner Odd Fellows Dinein and Carry-Out Fish Fry at St. Dominic’s Church, located at 803 West Bike Street in Bremen.
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CULVER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SPORTS SPECTACULAR
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TYNER ODD FELLOWS DINE-IN AND CARRY-OUT FISH FRY
3:30p to 7p or until sold out - Tyner Odd Fellows Dine-in and Carry-Out Fish Fry at Sacred Hearth Church, located on U.S Highway 31, north of New Road.
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TYNER ODD FELLOWS DINE-IN AND CARRY-OUT FISH FRY
4:30p to 7p or until sold out - Tyner Odd Fellows Dine-in and Carry-Out Fish Fry at Knights of Columbus, located at 901 East Jefferson Street in Plymouth. Date is tentative.
Knox - Winamac Community Health Center
Roger Farris, NP
John Bulger , MD
Lesley Metts, NP Lori Truesdell, LCSW
Kyla Schreck, NP
