The Lakes East Magazine July 2024

The Fest Turns 40

Culver Gets Ready for Lakefest’s 40th Anniversary

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

D & L METAL SALES HANDLES ROOFING, SIDING, HEAVY EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND MORE

Poly Pros

Polyfusion Designs Keeps Customers Satisfied

Lend

Refinery

john@townepost.com mandi@townepost.com (574) 249-9217

Puppy Connection Helps in Your Search for the Perfect Dog

Sisters Find Inspiration to Launch Abideaway Vacation Rental Design

tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599

jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011

HEALTHCARE

Functional Medicine + Joint & Spine

Our unique approach leverages both MP Health Functional Medicine and Schneider Clinic Headache & Back Pain Center together to provide a multifaceted, natural healing experience for our patients. Same

Patient-Centered Disease Prevention Health-Oriented Root Cause Solutions

IV THERAPY

Nutritional Vitamins & Minerals

Pain & Inflammation Chelation

Ozone & UBI EBOO

BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT

• Autoimmunity

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Lyme Disease

• Cancer

• Chronic Fatigue

• Thyroid Issues

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

Stem Cell

Platelet Rich Plasma Trigger Point Injections Shockwave

WEIGHT LOSS

Trust Your Gut Program Semaglutide Injections

• Hot Flashes

• Sleeping Issues

• Heavy Metal Toxicity

• Neuropathy

• Unwanted Weight Loss or Gain

CHIROPRACTIC

Disc Rehydration Therapy

Cold Laser Therapy

Endonasal Balloon Therapy

Pregnancy Adjustments

Pediatric Adjustments Customized Orthotics

• Vertigo

• Headaches/Migraines

• Neck/Back/Joint Pain

• Bulging Discs

• Degenerative Disc Disease

CANCER SUPPORT

• Disc Herniation

• Failed Surgeries

• Sinus Problems

• Ear Infections

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Bone Spurs

POLY PROS

POLYFUSION DESIGNS KEEPS CUSTOMERS SATISFIED

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Dale Kuhns, co-owner of Shipshewanabased Polyfusion Designs, said his business started as the result of a desire to keep himself occupied after working hours at his previous job.

“I was working at Grand Design RV and wanted something to do in the afternoons,” Kuhns said. “This opportunity became available. Plus, I could work full time. It was a great opportunity. I knew I could make it work.”

Kuhns noted that he saw an advertisement to buy a division of Wingard’s Custom

Plastics. “They needed more room to put in another [computer numerical control machine],” he said. “So Wingard’s decided to sell this division.”

Kuhns is glad he took it over. He has thoroughly enjoyed co-owning the business with his wife, Kaylene. Kuhns says he gets business from a lot of different people.

“We have a lot of individuals, plus contractors, that get a discount if they get a job for us,” Kuhns said.

Polyfusion Designs does various work on doors. “We have the trim that goes around the door,” Kuhns said. “I can get hold

of poly interior doors if someone wants that.”

Polyfusion Designs also offers baseboards. “The standard is three-andthree-fourths, but we’ll make any custom size requested,” Kuhns said. Lately, a lot of people want the B base.”

Chair rail trim and poly materials are also available.

“We have OSC for the outside corner and ISC for the inside corner,” Kuhns said.

Polyfusion Designs has a lot of different colors available.

“Our poly won’t fade or rot,” Kuhns said. “It will always be the same color. It’s great for bathrooms, garages, wash bays, shops, or any place with dampness present. We have 20-some different colors, with some having a wood-grain look.”

Kuhns said he is excited about his window boxes and planters. “They are a new addition to the business and I like the trim,” he said. “They are also very durable and weather resistant. We do a lot of black-and-white window boxes, but other colors are also available.”

Polyfusion Designs also offers measuring, delivery and installation.

“We do like to see the project they want trimmed,” Kuhns said. “We then measure and deliver within three to four weeks. Installation is also available if so desired.”

Kuhns noted that it makes him very happy when his customers are extremely

pleased with their measuring, delivery and installation.

Kuhns said their window inserts come welded together.

“It’s the do-it-yourself homeowner,’” Kuhns said. “It’s really nice. You just square it to the window and pin nail it to the wall.”

Kuhns noted that it makes him very

happy when his customers are very satisfied with their work.

“We do have positive feedback from the projects we have done,” he said. “We are always striving for customer satisfaction.

Most of our work is windows. We don’t do cabinets. We focus on doing as great of a job as we can, and it’s always great to hear from people who are thrilled with the work that we have done. It always helps when you have customer satisfaction, and then the satisfied customer tells their family and friends about us. We recently had a customer with woodgrain windows who was very satisfied and pleased with his windows. He raved about the work we did, and that’s a great feeling. I’m very pleased when you do a job right and you make the customer thrilled with the results. That’s why we do the best we possibly can.”

For more information on Polyfusion Designs, call 260-350-8599 or email polyfusiondesigns@ibyfax.com.

Showcase Shipping makes it easy to transport loads such as machinery, parts or equipment from one location to another, within the lower 48 states. The company began in July 2022 as an offshoot of Showcase Equipment in Wolcottville. A licensed and insured broker, Showcase Shipping runs smoothly due to the efforts of Benny Eash and Jerry Yoder.

Its parent company, Showcase Equipment, has been involved with the sawmill and lumber industry for decades. As a buyer and seller of a multitude of large equipment such as rotary driers, conveyers, chippers, de-barkers and boilers as well as parts, it relied on another source for logistics for much of its past. After years of having a third party arrange the deliveries

Writer / Julie Yates

Photography Provided

headed either for them or their customers, the idea of becoming a shipping broker was explored.

“Showcase Equipment buys, sells and rebuilds equipment that it gets from auctions, individuals and companies from all over the country,” says Eash. “It decided to research how to get the authority to be a shipping broker. Since the [motor carrier] number was gotten, Showcase Shipping does everything needed for the company. Plus, it is open to anyone who needs shipping done.”

Every business niche has its own vernacular. While explaining that Showcase Shipping can accommodate any load size, Eash speaks in acronyms and nicknames associated with the shipping industry, but he is patient in explaining what they stand for. Vans, trailers, big-box trucks and semis are used, but most loads are hauled by hot shots, which are one-ton pickup trucks

with 40-foot goose trailers.

There are many other phrases used in the business. A log skitter can be used to

haul loads of lumber or steel machinery. For a shipment that is too tall to go on any trailer, a low boy or RGN (removable goose neck) can be used. LTL stands for

less than load, but shipping for that can be lined up if it can be strapped on a pallet.

“There isn’t anything that is too big, but the bigger it is - overweight, over-wide, over-tall - the more expensive it will be,” says Eash. “We use a load board to contract out drivers. It gives an average rate for a particular kind of load, but the price is determined by truck drivers as well as fuel prices.”

Usually, Showcase Shipping can set up the logistics of a haul within a day, and sometimes within a couple of hours. The trick is that whether the driver is part of a dispatch company or a solo owner-operator, after a load is dropped off, another one must be close by and available to be picked up. In addition, loads 12 feet or longer need an escort with signs and flags. Although it varies by state, if the load is at least 14 feet, there usually needs to be one escort in front and one in back.

“The average cost for a load that goes between Indiana and Ohio or Pennsylvania is about $1,000 to $1,500,” says Eash. “The most expensive we’ve done is $12,000. Usually a log skitter can handle 35,000 pounds and a load that is 10- to 11-feet wide. A couple of months ago we had one that was 60,000 pounds and was over-wide besides being overweight. The equipment was bought in Elkin, North Carolina, and needed to be shipped to Oakridge, Oregon, a 40hour drive. Whoever was going to take it out there needed another load to pick up after they dropped it off. That one took three or four days to set up.”

Eash shares that one of the strangest requests the company has had involved shipping some machines from Pennsylvania to Kentucky. The company was asked to strap a ram in a cage to the back of the load. The request was turned down.

One of the largest loads the company handled was a 36-passenger bus. It was being transported from Louisiana to Pennsylvania. Since it was too tall to go on a conventional trailer, a low boy had to be used. In cases such as this, the Department of Transportation often requires permits and will provide a route that avoids hazardous overpasses.

“We ship anything for anybody, anywhere to everywhere,” says Eash. “We will get it there.”

Contact Showcase Shipping by emailing br@showcaseequipment or calling 260-599-8397.

Asolid roof above our heads, and a firm foundation beneath our feet.

These are but a few elemental tenets of a structure that is symbolically and literally powerful and enduring, representing shelter and strength.

And it’s what the folks behind D & L Metal Sales are best known for. The company, which started 15 years ago small and young in numbers and experience, now has a stellar reputation bolstered by the skills of nearly 50 individuals.

Situated in the rambling, rolling tranquility of LaGrange, Daniel Schwartz is the founder of D & L Metal Sales, and it was his motivation and inspiration that laid the groundwork, in a sense, and led him to forge a career path of his own. After having spent a spell of time working to build pole barns, Schwartz decided that he was well-educated in the trade, enough to launch a promising business venture.

Schwartz’s brother, Jake, has worked for the family institution for the past 10 years, and while he occasionally finds a moment of gentle humor in working with his sibling, he notes that he wouldn’t have spent 10 years there if his brother hadn’t given him countless reasons to stay. Schwartz reflects on those early Exit 233 from 31 to LaPaz Ready Picked, U-pick, Frozen, and Wholesale available

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7 days (weather permitting) 8-5:30 M-F | 8-3:30 Sat/Sun

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7 days (weather permitting) 10-6 M-F | 10-4 Sat/Sun Call 574-784-3331 to order or stop in.

Frozen Berries in 5lb and 10lb bags and Freezer Beef by the quarter or buy packages per pound, available year round in our store by contacting 574-292-5586

days of the business with a hint of awe in his voice.

“He had a vision that he could make his own materials and do more custom work,” Jake Schwartz says. “We started out with very little, and where we are now is mind boggling.”

Where they are now includes a broad range of accents for a number of properties and outbuildings. Among the products offered are complete pole-barn packages of materials and installations, metal roofing and siding, trusses, heavy equipment rentals, and garage doors and windows. They also have machinery that enables them to provide blown insulation for buildings both old and new. D & L Metal Sales also features reputable powertool product lines such as Milwaukee, Makita and DEWALT. They are willing and fully qualified to provide free quotes for prospective projects.

Workers prepare to build a truss

Rolls of sheet metal in storage

• 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

• Firearms

• Old Paper Money

• Old U.S. Coins

• Foreign Coins

• Gold & Silver Coins

• Gold & Silver Bullion

• Pennies - 1958 & Before

• Nickels - 1938 & Before

• Nickels - 1942-1945

Arial view of D & L Metal Sales Facility

As the company has grown, D & L Metals Sales has expanded its service area, a long way from the times when “two hours was considered a long trip,” Schwartz says. Now, he says, it’s not uncommon for them to accept jobs that take them as far south as Indianapolis, and they’ve also traveled as far as Wisconsin.

To discover more about the potential that awaits from a consultation with D & L Metal Sales, call 260-463-6425, or send an email to retaildlmetal@outlook.com. The business is located at 100 North 250 West in LaGrange.

TRIANGLE

An insulation trailer that is available to rent. A standing seam trailer available for rent.

JULY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

6. Eventuated

Was obliged to pay

Ship’s spine

Lump of turf 13. Water 14. Door handle 15. Muslim temple 16. Dance nightclubs 17. Painters’ tripods

18. Stick (to)

19. Loved excessively, ... on 20. Prejudiced person

IT’S A WRAP

GREAT LAKES PLASTICS IN GOSHEN IS ENJOYING GROWTH

Writer / Matt Keating

Photography Provided

Owner Nevin Zimmerman

Nevin Zimmerman, owner of Great Lakes Plastics, is fortunate because he enjoys the work he does.

Zimmerman’s positive attitude about his work has also helped his business grow. The story of Zimmerman’s involvement in Great Lakes Plastics began when he moved to Goshen.

“I grew up in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, and in 2019 I married my wife, Kaitlyn, who was from Goshen, Indiana,” Zimmerman said. “Kaitlyn moved to Minnesota, and in March of 2020 I started working at Blue Lake Plastics in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. In the few short years I was there, I learned a lot and really enjoyed the work and talking to different people. We moved to Goshen in December 2022. The following summer, the owner of Blue Lake Plastics reached out and wondered if I would be interested in starting my own business, selling his products in this area, and thus Great Lakes Plastics was born.”

Zimmerman said he likes working with Kaitlyn at Great Lakes Plastics.

“I am the owner of the business, although Kaitlyn is involved and hopes she can be more as the business grows,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman also enjoys working with different manufacturers.

“Since Great Lakes is still fairly new, the success is still a work in progress, but one thing I can say is that Blue Lake Plastics has been in business for over 15 years and has developed good relationships with some of the top manufacturers in the world,” he said. “Everybody loves the product, and we guarantee everything we sell. Good customer service is top priority, and taking good care of the people that do business with me is important.”

Zimmerman noted that Great Lakes Plastics sells a wide variety of products.

“We sell net wrap, which is used for round [hay] bales,” Zimmerman said. “It is what holds the bale together, and the net wrap helps shed water.”

Great Lakes Plastics also sells baler twine, which is a net-like material used to wrap and secure bales of hay among other products.

“Baler twine is also used for round bales as well as square bales, and there are many different sizes depending on the application,” Zimmerman said. “Poly and sisal twine are also available. We also have bale wrap, which is used for wrapping wet hay bales. It can either be done as individual bales or tube wrapping.”

Zimmerman said bale tubes are like wrapping. “They are similar, but a bale tube is a tube that requires a different machine for the application,” he said. “Silage/grain bags are used for storing forage and grain. Again, different sizes are available. Bunker covers are a large sheet of plastic used

to cover piles of forage. There are many different sizes available to meet the needs of the farmer.”

Zimmerman said the products at Great Lakes Plastics help farmers.

“These products are necessary for good, quality hay and forages,” he said. “These products are made from high-quality resins and are very durable to withstand the elements. Another way we can help farmers is by having products readily available to meet their needs.”

Great Lakes Plastics also handles hay preservatives and forage inoculants.

“Boat shrink film has also been a growing market, which I am excited about,” Zimmerman said. “Many boats get wrapped every year and we have different sizes/ colors available.”

Great Lakes Plastics also offers shipping.

“Shipping is available on all our products,” Zimmerman said. “It doesn’t matter where you are located. Getting product to you is the easy part. If customers have any questions about any of the products, please call. I am happy to assist in any way I can. I look forward to establishing good relationships with producers in the area.

I am still learning a lot every day, and am happy to grow with my customers.”

For more information on Great Lakes Plastics, located at 60726 County Road 11 in Goshen, call 574-301-5608, or email greatlakesplastics@outlook.com.

IMPRESSIVE IMPACT

Writer / Matt Keating

Photography Provided

Wayne Beechy, co-owner of Natural Impact Pads, said his business was started by helping a friend.

“We have a good friend named Verlin Yoder who is with Yoder Stone Racing, and he is a horse trainer in Kentucky who needed help,” Beechy said. “His horses had sore feet, so to help them, he invented these pads to help the horses. They were great for the horses and they really work well.”

Beechy said Yoder later needed help as he was so busy because of his hectic schedule.

“My brother, Lester, and I agreed to help Verlin, and we said we would make the horseshoe cushions for him that are used to help pad and correct issues during the horseshoeing process,” Beechy said. “We deal with the same thing he does, so we made a deal to make more of the impact pads. It worked out well for everyone. A lot of horse owners need the pads and we have been able to get a lot of orders.”

Beechy said the pads have been popular with horse owners.

“A problem a lot of people have is you always had to scrape the excess stuff off your pads,” he said. “We found a product that is more durable. There is a part on the horseshoe called a frog that is a tad bit spongy, and these pads have helped the horses a lot. When a horse is barefoot, every step they take pumps the blood up their legs. Our impact pads increase their circulation, and the biggest thing our pads do is help their hooves.”

Beechy noted that Natural Impact Pads has many different sizes to choose from.

“We have many different sizes from zero through five that are very good for the horse,” he said. “We also have different features on different pads that our customers have liked. We also have different styles. It depends on the horse’s needs and the support they need. We have different options on the pads that we can talk to customers about. We have been very fortunate to get a lot of repeat business from satisfied customers who tell their family and friends about us. We are happy that we have

been able to help a lot of people out. It’s been great.”

Beechy said Natural Impact Pads also offers 3D printing, which has been popular with customers.

“We can do custom 3D printing, and we are very creative when we are coming up with something for our customers,” he said. “We started offering that in late 2022.”

Beechy loves working with the 3D printer.

“I can create anything with the 3D printer,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to use your imagination and create something your customers can really enjoy. It’s amazing what we can do.”

Beechy noted that several other products are also available.

“We have waterline brackets available, as well as game boards,” he said. “We also make parts for sewing machines, which are called treadles. We also have insulators for the shocking fences to keep animals on a property. We also have shrink-wrap dispensers, light brackets and plastic drinking glasses. We also make pleaters, which are for the caps that Amish women wear. We have a nice group of regular customers.”

Beechy said he loves living in Wolcottville with his family.

“We are very happy here,” he said. “It’s very calm and peaceful. It’s a great place to live.”

For more information, call 260-499-5273, ext. 1, or email Beechy at lwwwood@yahoo.com.

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

Museum Hours:

May-October Friday & Sunday 1:00pm - 6:00pm November-April by Appointment Only

Contact Brenda Gilsinger for Inquiries or Appointments (574)595-7851

5641 S. Main St. Winamac, Indiana

Kernel of Truth

LEND AN EAR TO SOME CORN HISTORY - AND A FEW A-MAIZE-ING COOKING IDEAS

Story & Photography Provided by New Kitchen Store

Who doesn’t love corn? Be it on the cob, in bisque or as a side dish, the sweet golden kernels are among the most loved of all vegetables.

These is a story I heard at New Kitchen Store: “I can remember the first time I went to a neighbor’s house and we were having grilled corn. I wanted butter for mine and saw her dump the melted butter into water. She had a hard time of convincing me to dunk my corn in the water. I knew I was going to have wet soggy corn, but not so - I had lots of butter.”

When my youngest was in first grade, his teacher was going to show popcorn popping without a lid, and she picked a pan that was too small. It went all over the classroom. My son and the other kids thought it was great.

Let us know if you have a funny corn story!

Corn has been around for 10,000 years. The Mayans, an ancient Meso-American civilization, were pioneers in corn cultivation. They developed sophisticated agricultural techniques including the construction of terraced fields and the use of irrigation systems, to maximize corn production. Mayans recognized the importance of corn in their society, and it held deep religious and symbolic significance for them. They believed that humans were created from corn, and corn deities played a central role in their mythology and rituals. Humans created from corn? Well, to each his own.

According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Indiana field office, the state of Indiana consumed 1.08 billion bushels of corn in 2023. That’s a lot of corn!

Corn is the world’s most productive and dominate crop. It’s involved in everything from fueling vehicles and feeding our barnyard animals, to sipping on a bourbon cocktail and finally making its way into almost everyone’s kitchen, as it can be boiled, steamed, baked, microwaved, grilled and of course popped.

One of our favorite recipes for grilled cream corn is a family favorite. It’s delicious with anything barbecued.

This is what you’ll need to make this dish:

8 large ears of grilled, charred, softened, cooled corn

2 tbsp. unsalted butter

2 tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 ¼ cup milk (any kind will do)

3 tbsp. cream cheese

1 tbsp. sugar

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. ground black pepper

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (or a little more for a kick!)

Remove the kernels from the cob. Scrape the cob to get all of that sweet, pulpy corn milk. In a cast-iron skillet, melt the butter and whisk in the flour until combined and foaming. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream cheese, whisking constantly until that sauce is smooth and thick. This should take about two to three minutes. Then add the remaining ingredients: sugar, charred corn kernels, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Cook all of that together until it’s nice and heated through. Serve it right away! Follow the instructions and you’ll have a family favorite.

Here at New Kitchen Store, we carry everything you need for a big bowl of delicious popcorn. We have popping oil, hull-less white tender popcorn, several different microwave poppers, and the original Whirley Pop popcorn popper. We also have the following:

Terra Spice nacho blend for sprinkling on popcorn

Frontier Soups Red Pepper Corn Chowder

Anderson House Foods Nonna’s Cheesy Baked Polenta Mix

OXO Good Grips Corn Prep Peeler, and eight-piece corn holder set Dreamfarm Brizzle. Put it in a bowl of melted butter and spread on a corn cob.

Thanks for reading - you’re a-maize-ing!

New Kitchen Store is located at 1100 Roosevelt Road in Walkerton. For more info, call 574-586-2745 or visit newkitchenstore.com.

NORTHWEST INDIANA’S APOCALYPSE

THE WHITING OIL REFINERY

DISASTER OF 1955

Writer / Jeff Kenney

Photography Provided

North American Safe North Safe

“THE

SAFEST PLACE IN TOWN”

The Hammond Times newspaper of Aug. 28, 1955 covers the catastrophic explosion of that morning at the Whiting oil refinery.

Many residents of Whiting, Indiana, thought a nuclear bomb had exploded in or near their town - perceived as a real and present threat in 1955, when the Standard Oil Company’s Whiting refinery was destroyed after a massive explosion and fire 69 years ago next month, on August 27, 1955.

Described later as northwest Indiana’s 9/11 and by others who thought the sun had exploded or the world was coming to an end, the disaster left two dead (a surprisingly low number given the scope and magnitude of the situation) and 26 with serious injuries. The entire Stiglitz Park neighborhood was so damaged that it was eventually demolished and completely eradicated. A grocery store was crushed by nearly 200 tons of steel, train cars melted, cars were turned over, and every window within a three-mile radius was destroyed. More than 700 residents were evacuated in the wake of the event and many were left homeless in the $10 million-plus disaster.

In the early morning hours of August 27, night workers at the refinery had been trying to restart a fluid hydroformer; instead, an explosion destroyed the 26-story “cracking” unit (believed to be the largest in the world at the time), creating an 8,000-foot mushroom cloud that obscured the sun, and smoke visible over 60 miles away. The resulting fire burned some four million gallons of high octane gasoline over the next several days, destroying a significant portion of the plant area. Inside the refinery, more than 3,000 workers initially fought to contain the fire.

This widely-circulated aerial photo of the aftermath of the Whiting refinery explosion only hints at the extent of the damage wrought by the disaster.

One worker, 61-year-old Foreman Walter Rhea, was one of the two who perished, dying of a heart attack as he arrived at the disaster scene, according to the Hammond Times newspaper.

Worker Al Plant, who had served 21 years with Standard Oil, was less than 20 feet away from the unit when it exploded, somehow escaping with only a few scratches to his face. The Times wrote that Plant, speaking with the paper from his home the night of the explosion, was reflective, noting that his own father was killed in a similar explosion at the refinery 33 years earlier.

The other death was that of 3-year-old Richard Plewniak, who died just after 6:14 a.m., when the explosion sent a 10-foot steel pipe through the roof of his family’s home on Schrage Avenue in Whiting. Richard’s 8-year-old brother, Ronald Plewniak, had one leg severed off by the pipe.

Young Ron took months to recover sufficiently to return to school, though his recovery was aided by his young cousins, who lived in the neighborhood, according to the Times. Ron’s parents opted to

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stay in the Whiting house despite the tragedy, with Ron later noting that his mother, though obviously deeply pained by the loss of her son, remained a cheerful and steadfast person for the rest of her life. The Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society’s website, wrhistoricalsociety.com, includes a detailed story on Ron and his family, including his father Frank, who served in the invasion of Normandy during World War II. Ron died at age 72 in 2020, having lived a life, despite the tragedy, that he said “went very well.”

Not surprisingly, hundreds were injured as a result of the explosion, including a number of residents with feet cut by the broken glass from their windows, since most were awakened from sleep by the blast and hurried to investigate while still barefoot.

In the days following the explosion, the Standard Oil Company sent some 700 firefighters to battle the ongoing blaze, relieving firemen from Whiting and a number of surrounding communities. Among other incidents during the course of the firefight, a threemillion-gallon tank exploded, though luckily it gave enough visual warning of the impending explosion to allow the firefighters time to escape. Fires burned at the site for more than eight days following the initial explosion.

Two hundred National Guardsmen were sent to the area to quell looting of local homes that had already begun by August 29, and the equivalent of martial law was declared. Temporary aid shelters were set up to accommodate the many refugees from the

community while widespread support from across the region came in the form of volunteers and donated goods and services. Chicago Mayor Richard Daley sent the city’s fire boat amid fears that the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal would catch fire.

Fears also persisted for a time that the fuel spilling into Whiting’s sewers would lead to underground fires or even explosions (with manhole covers projected skyward like shrapnel), though nothing of the sort took place.

At the time of the explosion, Whiting was home to some 10,000 residents, many employees of the refinery, though today its population (as of the 2020 census) is listed at 4,559. The town’s oil refinery, which today is still the sixth-largest in the U.S. (producing more than 400,000 barrels per day) dates to 1889, when the Standard Oil Company, recognizing the area’s proximity to Chicago and an ever-growing number of rail lines, “along with large parcels of cheap, ‘unusable’ land,” according to the WhitingRobertsdale Historical Society, concluded Whiting was “an ideal location for John D. Rockefeller’s ‘world’s greatest refinery’” (by 1890 it was the largest refinery in the world).

The website, noting that the refinery even had its own fleet of boats, reports that “in the first 10-and-one-half months of 1919 the Whiting refinery shipped more gasoline by boat than was exported in 12 months from the customs district of New York, and half as much as was exported from the entire United States during the same 12-month period.”

Part of the 1910s boom in the oil refining industry could be traced to the technical innovations of the Whiting plant, which by then was connected by pipeline not only to eastern plants, but those in Kansas and Oklahoma as well, though by the latter half of the 20th century Texas, Louisiana and California became the leaders in the industry. Standard Oil changed its name to Amoco in 1985 and merged with BP, under whose name the refinery operates, in the late 1990s.

Not surprisingly, for those who remember the 1955 explosion, it stands in their memory as something akin to the assassination of President Kennedy or the September 11, 2001 attacks.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the event in 2015, the Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society produced a 30-minute documentary about the disaster, “One Minute After Sunrise: The

Story of the Standard Oil Refinery Fire of 1955,” which includes interviews with 80 people, including many who remember the incident firsthand. Author John Hmurovic published a book of the same title, which is available online.

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PAW PAIRINGS

PUPPY CONNECTION HELPS IN YOUR SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT DOG

Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Puppy Connection

Puppy Connection is dedicated to helping people find a puppy that is a perfect fit for their family. It partners with a select group of small-scale, northern Indiana breeders to ensure that the dogs offered on puppyconnection.com are of the highest quality. Owned by Amber and Luke Blakeslee, the online business allows individuals seeking a new furry family member access to puppies they would never know were available.

“We have a lot of customers across the United States,” says Amber Blakeslee. “Our goal is to make the process of getting a new puppy as easy and stress-free as possible. The dog breeders we work with are families with children. We step in and take care of

photos, advertisements, and put our fingers out on the internet. The breeders can focus on their families and raising puppies. We provide information about each puppy and can set up video calls with the prospective buyer and the breeder.”

Blakeslee has been a dog lover for most of her life, and has been directly involved with dogs since she was 7 years old. She currently has an Irish wolfhound named Ritter and a Brussels griffon American Kennel Club champion, Gidgett, who has had two litters of her own. Blakeslee has strict criteria when deciding which breeders Puppy Connection works with, and not every breeder makes the cut.

“There is an art to it doing it the right way; it’s very special,” she says. “We work with breeders as far north as Shipshewana and as south as Rochester. Most specialize in only one or two breeds. People can learn about the characteristics of a breed and read breeders profiles on our website. We look for breeders that provide tons of socialization for the puppies. We offer about 20 breeds at any given time. We encourage the breeders to do genetic testing so dogs can enjoy a long lifespan with little health issues. No family wants to go through the heartache of problems with a 3-year-old dog. We want to provide a family member that is happy, healthy and well-rounded.”

Blakeslee shares that the breeders trust the photography and videos that Puppy Connection produces. To help people see the personality of the puppies as much as possible, the Blakeslees bring their four children along with them on the shoots when the animals are roughly four weeks old. Seeing the kids interacting with the dogs helps individuals make decisions on the best fit for their family.

Puppy Connection has evolved since it began in 2012. After the Blakeslees were married, the couple worked together to revamp the business into what it is today. Two years ago they acquired a transportation company, which was a decision they feel positive about.

“Furry Freight is the safest way to get a puppy to its new home,” says Blakeslee. “We can stand behind it and know dog is getting the best care possible. There are drivers for both the east and west coasts. In our specialized vans, the crates are never nose to nose, and each one has a plush puppy with a heartbeat in it. We make sure the puppies are in good hands.”

Typically, Puppy Connection assists between 70 and 100 families each month. Puppies are ready to be placed in homes when they are eight to 10 weeks old. Talking with a puppy matchmaker is available through the live chat feature on the website or through texts and calls. Guidance is given on which breeds need a lot of exercise, or which type of dogs do well in an apartment setting. Families with younger children might be surprised to learn that

Bernese mountain dogs are good with youngsters, as are golden retrievers and goldendoodles.

“There is such pressure these days to get a rescue dog, but there is joy in having a puppy that is well-suited to your family,” says Blakeslee. “It’s OK to get a dog from a breeder. When you get a dog from one of these small breeders, you are supporting another family. With rescues you don’t know what they have been through. As a mom, having healthy dogs with great personalities is important to me.”

“We really enjoy this business,” she adds. “It’s so special to us because we love every aspect of dogs. Several families have reached out to thank us. Our kids have grown up with it. It has been such a blessing.”

For more info, visit puppy-connection. com, call or text 574-221-0326, or email info@puppy-connection.com. Also view them on Facebook and Instagram.

Polycraf

Plus

• 100% resistant to water

• No splintering, cracking or warping

• Product has the same endurance as poly but can be nished in your choice of color

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• Per fect for outdoor cabinetry, bathrooms, or in high moisture areas

• Takes stain & paint without primer

Ernie & Velma Mishler • 7580 W 050 S Shipshewana IN 46565 Formerly Heartland Polymer Cabinets

CONNECTING AND CREATING

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger

Beautiful. It’s a word that seemingly eludes a succinct definition.

For some, it’s a vision, it’s a feeling, or it’s a movement - something that’s been immortalized in everything from music to movies.

Yet how extraordinary it is, indeed, to come upon those individuals who view the world differently, who see great potential where some see merely spaces and voids.

Welcome to the partnership of Olivia and Ashlyn Feller, two sisters who are both artists. Together, they have discovered a unique niche through which to channel their energies and gifts. They are the founders of a business they’ve christened Abideaway, which assists clients in the most vibrant and vital ways to maximize their vacation rental properties.

The women are both happy to discuss what it is that the Abideaway experience

encompasses. They create a collaboration with customers who are embarking on new hospitality ventures, most notably the fast-rising Airbnb market. Through careful consideration and consultation, the twosome will offer suggestions on interior design and staging, customized murals, and enhancing their marketing profile. The services also extend to social media platforms and advertising, with slogans, logos, upscale photography and websites.

The Feller fusion team brings a diverse palette of talents, as it were, to their fledgling business, first launched in the spring of 2023. Each brings a full slate of skills to the union, all of which are designed to complement one another.

Olivia is a Purdue graduate, specializing in marketing, interior design and entrepreneurship. Her breezy personality

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manifests perfectly with her fondness for traveling, and her expeditions have helped her become more attuned to the accents and touches of hospitality that set a destination apart.

Ashlyn is about to embark on her senior year of college in South Carolina, has an adventurous streak and embodies a free spirit, which suits her well in her affinity for painting, designing murals and creating logos.

Together they work to create connections with their prospective clients, allowing themselves to linger over the accommodations, taking in the appeal of the place and honing in on the styles and wishes of the owners. As the Fellers both explain, the full Abideaway experience is always an option, but there are endless possibilities and options for those who would like, as Olivia Feller says, the “à la carte” approach.

They understand how that method has its

advantages. “It’s been very interesting to see how we’ve had a lot more experience doing things very piecemeal,” Feller says. “It makes things more personal, very custom designed. We’ve had really happy clients and we’ve been doing a lot of networking.”

That being said, the sisters are always willing to explore beyond the familiar northern Indiana tier and the southern Michigan territories that they’ve previously worked with. “Remote projects are always a possibility, and we’re actually looking to work on a project in South Carolina this year,” Feller notes.

That mission that will coincide with the completion of Ashlyn’s studies. They have both kept themselves quite busy perfecting their abilities in various freelance endeavors. Recently, Ashlyn created a stunning mural in downtown Wakarusa, and Olivia is a frequent writer as well.

Yet it’s Abideaway that truly lights their

souls. “That’s where our passion is,” Feller says. “We’re always looking for ways to get our faces in front of someone, to have a real conversation, to build that trust. We want to create something that we’d be proud to put our names on.”

Something beautiful, for sure.

To learn more, visit abideaway.com. They can also be reached via email at sisters@ abideaway.com.

•

AMERICAN FLAG LAYERED TACO DIP

Ingredients

• 32 ounces refried beans

• 1 packet taco seasoning (1.5 oz.)

• 2 cups guacamole

• 2 cups sour cream

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)

• 3 cups tomatoes diced

• 2.25 ounces black olives (sliced)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the refried beans and taco seasoning. Stir until smooth.

2. Spread the refried beans in the bottom of a 13 x 9 baking dish.

3. Top with a layer of guacamole.

4. Spread a layer of sour cream over the guacamole.

5. Using the diced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and black olives, create a flag pattern.

6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

THE FEST TURNS 40

CULVER GETS READY FOR LAKEFEST’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Writer / Darcie Dodds Schott

Four decades ago this summer, Lakefest began in the town of Culver, along the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee. In a town that enjoys celebrating tradition, Lakefest is indeed a pillar of summertime in Culver. To recognize the significance of 40 years of Lakefest, one only needs to turn back time to 1984, when the simplicity of an idea came full-circle into a town-wide event and the deep roots of Lakefest were planted.

The brainchild of a small group of determined and entrepreneurial residents serving on the Culver Economic Development committee, Lakefest began as a concept among local leaders who sought to bring awareness and visitors to Culver in support of local business during a time of economic downturn. Original members of the committee included Bob Tanguey and Roy Shepard, who also served as Lakefest’s first chairmen. The idea came out of the committee’s weekly Saturday meeting with about 20 people in attendance, and everyone offered their ideas on how to create a successful event.

A focal point of the first festival included more than 40 food vendor stations, managed by Clara Hamson. Other activities included two-on-two basketball competitions, an arts and crafts show, the Miss Maxinkuckee and Miss Junior Maxinkuckee contests, and an antique car show that doubled as a fundraiser from the entry fees collected, thanks to the strategic thinking of Mike Maddox. According to Shepard, one other early activity was a “Burnout” contest, where participant drivers would disconnect their rear brakes, drive up to the grandstand and spin out their tires. That might not pass today’s environmental guidelines.

Like many small-town celebrations, a parade was a signature part of Lakefest from the beginning, under the leadership of Connie Van Horn, and participants included the Culver Woodcraft and Upper Camp Bands, Culver Troop and other student marching groups. Fireworks were also a part of early Lakefests, managed by the fire department, until it was agreed that certified fireworks operators would take over the activities. To advertise Lakefest in the early years, Shepard and others went on local television and approached other community festival organizers to learn their best practices.

Most of the original festival activities remain part of the program today, led by Lakefest President Andrea Canacci, events coordinator with the Culver Visitor Center. Canacci graduated from Culver Girls

Academy in 2011, and went on to study Hospitality at St. Mary’s in South Bend and later at the University of Central Florida, with additional training in the Disney College Program, culminating in a keen understanding of guest services and experience. Canacci’s education and innovative approach to community service through models of organizations such as Teen Serve fostered her talent for helping Lakefest volunteers feel that their roles, whether big or small, all matter the same in putting together a great festival experience.

Today the mission of Lakefest points to the people who are the reason this community event is uniquely successful. The Culver Lakefest team is an all-volunteer, nonprofit group committed to giving back to the Culver community by raising funds to plan and host a weekend of family-friendly activities and entertainment, and by offering opportunities for community groups, civic organizations and businesses to raise funds to help them achieve their goals.

In addition to timely help from individuals, many organizations and groups have stepped in over the years. One example is when Canacci needed volunteers for Lakefest trash pickup, so she invited Culver Community Schools (CCS) football players to volunteer and have the funds raised by Lakefest go back to the football program. Another example is when the CCS girls volleyball team volunteered as shuttle drivers, again having the funds raised return to the volleyball program. This year the local boys basketball team will help with the hotdog eating contest during Lakefest. Canacci looks to local schools to get involved as volunteers, so that Lakefest visitors from surrounding communities can learn about Culver’s local schools and might find the Culver community a supportive and attractive place to live.

“Without these valued volunteers, the festival couldn’t happen,” Canacci says. “Whether the task at hand is trash pickup, event setup or breakdown, we are grateful to the many

COUNTRY

individuals and groups who show up for a few hours or a few months.” For the past two years Canacci has worked to attract visitors by appearing on WSBT’s “HomeTown Living” segment, and with posts on social media.

Planning for this year’s 40th Anniversary Lakefest is well underway, and there are

openings for all kinds of volunteers and sponsors. In addition to the summer Lakefest, other events throughout the year include Fall Fest, Winterfest and other annual events, which are detailed at the Visitor Center and at findculver.com.

“Someone might have parents who had their

own Lakefest memory from 40 years ago, and now this person is having their own experience,” Canacci says. “I’m grateful for a place like Culver that bonds us through shared stories based in multigenerational memories.”

What began in 1984 as a collaborative effort to breathe fresh ideas and fun into Culver’s summer season will take place this year July 19 through 21, carrying on many of the iconic festival events and honoring the volunteers who have been the key to Lakefest’s longevity.

For more info, go to culverlakefestival.com, and also email culverlakefest@gmail.com for questions and additional details.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Submit Your Events!

ELKHART COUNTY

July 4

FIREWORKS ON THE FAIRWAY BLACK SQUIRREL GOLF CLUB, GOSHEN

Come and enjoy food and beverages from local food trucks.

July 5

ELKHART’S INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION CENTRAL GREEN, ELKHART

Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a cozy & enjoyable experience.

July 13

KID’S DAY AT THE FARMER’S MARKET THE MILL, MIDDLEBURY

All kids who offer their own handmade items are invited to be a vendor for the day at no cost!

July 13

SUMER SWAP MEET-ROCK SOLID MOTORSPORTS, ELKHART

Free admission to this event which features memorabilia, car parts, diecast and signs.

July 13

AMERICA’S FREEDOM FEST, GOSHEN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT

A once-a-year display of aircraft and vendors at the Goshen Municipal Airport. Food will be available for purchase.

July 19

FLASHBACK FRIDAY MOVIE RIVERBEND PARK, MIDDLEBURY

Family-friendly movie, bring a chair or blanket. Snack Truck Available.

July 19-27

ELKHART COUNTY 4-H FAIR, GOSHEN

Enjoy amazing food, grandstand entertainment, animals, a rodeo, monster trucks and much more.

July 26-27

CLASSIC GREEN: 90TH BIRTHDAY SHOW & PLOW DAY, NAPPANEE

Celebrate John Deere’s 90th birthday with several demonstrations and daily parades on the grounds with food vendors.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY

July 13

DONUT DASH WAWASEE AREA CONSERVANCY FOUNDATION, SYRACUSE

Pit stops along the course will include mini donuts and drinks, with a full-sized donut at the finish line! Registration is required.

July 13

FAMOUS HOOSIERS: JOHN WOODEN THE OAKWOOD RESORT

Join Dr. Gunderman, author of the book “Hoosier” as he shares amazing tales about Indiana’s own John Wooden.

July 20

WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE THE OAKWOOD RESORT

Featuring old movies and great memories from lake families from the past and not so distant past.

July 26

MENTONE MAKER’S MARKET & ANTIQUE FAIR

Fresh sweets and homegrown produce, unique handmade crafts by local artisans, antique treasures and so much more at this great event.

NOBLE COUNTY

July 3

ALBION FIREWORKS 2024

Attend this great free event at the Central Noble School campus in Albion at dusk.

July 4

YPN GIVES A POP BIXLER LAKE, KENDALLVILLE Trucks, a bounce house and live music will be available, with Patriotic Pops and fireworks immediately following.

July 13-20

NOBLE COUNTY COMMUNITY 4-H FAIR, KENDALLVILLE

The Carnival will be back this year at the request of the community! Free pavilion events include senior Euchre and Bingo, a cornhole tournament, pedal pulls and more. Great family entertainment.

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY

July 5, 12, 19 & 26

FRIDAYS BY THE FOUNTAIN, SOUTH BEND

There will be tables & chairs set up on the plaza, and you can bring your own chair or blanket to spread out on the lawn to enjoy all kinds of music from blues and Irish folk to classic rock, and food trucks.

July 13

COLOR RUN, CENTRAL PARK, MISHAWAKA

Dress in your best 80s’ attire and head to Central Park for the Color Run! Prizes given for the best dressed 80s’ look. Registration comes with t-shirt, sunglasses and packet of color.

July

20

KID’S TRIATHLON, RILEY HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH BEND

A fun and challenging triathlon for your little ones to compete in! Open to children ages 5-14, kids will swim, bike and run their way to the finish line.

July 27

SPLISH, SPLASH, MISH! MERRIFIELD PARK, MISHAWAKA

Merrifield Park will be turned into a Water Park for the day with inflatables, sprinklers, water attractions and more! Bring a swimsuit or clothes that can get wet. Registration is the day-of and must be exact-change cash.

SHIPSHEWANA/LAGRANGE COUNTY

July 6-13

LAGRANGE COUNTY 4-H FAIR, LAGRANGE

Bring the family to the county 4-H fair to enjoy food, entertainment, horse shows, carnival rides and much more.

July

12-13

RANCH RODEO THE MEC, SHIPSHEWANA

Enjoy family fun and kid-friendly activities with lots of laughs and excitement.

July

22

LAGRANGE COUNTY PARKS CONSERVATION CAMP PINE KNOB PARK, HOWE

Conservation Camp for explorers ages 12-15. Come along for a wild week of learning the hunter’s ways, fishing, exploring nature on foot and more!