The Lakes of Kosciusko Magazine June 2021

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FREE MONTHLY PRINT MAGAZINE WITH CORRESPONDING MOBILE APP AND SOCIAL MEDIA FEATURING THE PEOPLE, BUSINESSES, AND EVENTS IN AND AROUND KOSCIUSKO, ELKHART, NOBLE & LAGRANGE COUNTY

JUNE 2021

MAGAZINE

BUILT ON RELIABILITY A L P H A B U I L D I N G C E N T E R C E L E B R AT E S 36 YEARS IN BUSINESS

BEACHY KEEN

Dockside Apparel & Gifts/DK Promotions Has Your Lake Needs Covered

FABRICATING SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS Hilltop Machine Shop Makes Custom Metal Builds & Parts

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Midwest Farm & Pet, LLC A DIFFERENCE YOU CAN SEE Trusted & Proven Performance

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Jerad (574)536-5418 • 6223 8th Road | Plymouth 2 / THE LAKES / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


Auto • Home • Life • Business

State Farm’s mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. (574) 457-4807 • 1101 S Huntington St Ste 2, PO Box 65 • Syracuse www.dan4insurance.com • dan@dan4insurance.com TownePost.com / JUNE 2021 / THE LAKES / 3


FLORIDA SCHEDULE

Tickets (One Way and Round Trip) Adults (Ages 13-61): $160, $290 Seniors (Ages 62-74): $140, $250 Seniors (Ages 75-89): $125, $230 Children (Ages 3-12): $115, $190

May 1 IKEA SHOPPING TRIP MAY 8 HOLLAND TULIP FESTIVAL JUNE 4-5 ARK ENCOUNTER JUNE 18 -19 KALAHARI JULY 2 - HORSE PROGRESS DAYS JULY 3 – HORSE PROGRESS DAYS JULY JU 10 DAYTON AIR SHOW JULY 24 PERU CIRCUS JULY 31 MICHIGAN ADVENTURE AMUSEMENT & WATER PARK AUG 6-7-8 BRANSON MO AUG 14 INDIANAPOLIS ZOO AUG 28 CHILDRENS MUSEUM SEPT 4 HENRY FORD MUSEUM SEPT SE 18 ENTERTRAINMENT JUNCTION

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JON S HOU LD ER S JE NNY E L I G REAL-TIME ANALYTICS

7 14 22 29 35 39 44 48 51 57 63 69 75 80 85

JU NE 2021

B e achy Ke e n : Docksid e Ap p are l & G ifts/D K Promotion s H as You r Lake Ne e d s Cove red Mad e From S cratch : O swalt Family B ake ry & Cafe S e r ve s De liciou s H ome -B ake d G oods S p otlig h t on Sy racu se : Th is Lake Town Has A Lot to O ffe r Dre ssin g for S u cce ss: Tre at ’s Ce le b rate s 5 5 Ye ar s in Ply mou th B rewe d to a Te a: Five Tip s for Makin g an E xce p tion al Cu p of Te a B u ilt on Re liab ility : Alp h a B u ild in g Ce n ter Ce le b rate s 36 Ye ar s in B u sin e ss Fab r icatin g S olu tion s to Prob le ms: H illtop Mach in e S h op Make s Cu stom Me tal B u ilds & Par ts Th e Lake s Mag azin e B u rg e r B attle Fin d in g S h e lte r : Cr u sh e d B u t Not B roken O ffe r s H e lp for Dome stic Viole n ce S u r v i vors Mich ian a B u ild e r s: LaG ran g e Con str u cti on Comp any Ad h e re s to Stron g Core Valu es Diffe re n t Dad s, Diffe re n t G ifts: Fath e r ’s Day G iftin g Doe sn ’ t H ave to B e a Ch allenge Le t ’s Fish : Ye O ld e Tackle B ox H e lp s Lo cal s Stay Eq u ip p e d for th e Wate r Stay in g Afloat: Th e Dix ie Ste r nwh e e le r E xcu r sion B oat Re main s a Pop u lar Nor th We b ste r Fixtu re K n ack for Natu re : Camp Alexan d e r Mack Has a Ce n tu r y-Lon g H istor y Wh at ’s H ap p e n in g at Th e Lake s K E Y CO N TRI BU TO RS ANGELA CORNELL JUBILEE EDGELL / MATT KEATING LOIS TOMASZEWSKI / TIMOTHY HARE

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B E AC H Y KEEN DOCKSIDE APPAREL & GIFT S/DK PR OMOTIONS HAS YOUR LAKE NEEDS COVERED Writer and Photographer / Angela Cornell

Want to look like the cool kids? Wear merch. No, not merchandise — merch. Whether it’s T-shirts, hoodies, hats, or something else, customized apparel is the best way to not only look fashionable but also to commemorate fun experiences. That goes for concerts, vacations, and even spending time on your favorite lake. Patrick Tranter, the owner of Tranter Graphics, opened a new shop this spring to provide lake-themed products for lake lovers: Dockside Apparel and Gifts, an all-things beach storefront in Syracuse. Initially, Tranter started the business in his pole barn as a way to make local lakes apparel. “I saw a need for the lake type of stuff because of Wawasee, Syracuse, Tippecanoe — that sort of thing — because there’s really no place that they

can go to get apparel or gift items in one shop,” he explains. “There are very few places you can go and have this kind of variety.”

wasn’t hard to shift his focus to creating apparel. However, now with a new storefront, he has been able to expand his services to include many other products.

As someone with more than 30 years’ experience as a graphics designer, it

This bright and cheery shop feels like it belongs on the beach itself. Part of that

TownePost.com / JUNE 2021 / THE LAKES / 7


is because it feels so open, bright, and cheery. But mostly, it’s because it’s a one-stop shop for every lake living need, from necessities, like sunscreen and sunglasses, to apparel and accessories, and even includes fun décor and kitchenware. He also is a dealer for niche brands like BrüMate and Salt Life. Not only is Dockside a fantastic place to get everything you need for your lakeside excursion and memorabilia, but the other half of the business — DK Promotions Graphics and Design — is a good option for getting customized screen printing and embroidery, whether for business promotional items or for personal use. Unlike many graphics design companies, there are many parts of the custom design process for which Tranter doesn’t charge extra, like printing additional colors. “You can put about anything on there as

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you want, as many colors as you want. It doesn’t matter if it’s one color or five colors,” he says. “I don’t charge for design work. I don’t charge a set-up fee … and you’re going to get a better product. That goes with anything he prints, which goes far beyond T-shirts, hoodies, and hats. Decals, both for cars and for boats, are a popular item. He also offers signs, keychains, plates and cups, window graphics, banners, and magnets, and so much more. “Anything that you can think of, we can get it printed with your logo,” Tranter explains. When it comes to apparel, customers aren’t limited to having a screen-printed design. He also offers embroidery, decals, transfers, sublimination, and even digital options. “When it comes to putting a logo on a product, I can pretty much do it all.” Tranter has literally thousands of design options available for any customer who walks through the front door. When they come to him with a project in mind, he wants to help them create an excellent design on high quality products. “I always,

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always get approval from the customer,” he says. “I always ask myself, ‘Would I buy that?’ If I would not buy it, I wouldn’t do it. I appeal to what I would think as far as quality, and I’ve been on quality control pretty much my whole life.” Depending on the quantity and the amount of design work, it can take anywhere from one day to two weeks for Tranter to complete an order. “I always try to get everything done in two weeks. The design work is the lengthiest part. Once we nail it down, it’s good to go,” he says. Dockside Apparel & Gifts is located at 1100 S. Huntington St., Syracuse. You can give them a call at (574) 457-0217 or visit their Facebook page at facebook. com/docksideapparel11. You can find additional information about DK Promotions at Dockside Apparel & Gifts or at their website, www.dk-promotions.com

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Owners Leon and Dorinda Oswalt

M A D E F R O M S C R AT C H

O swalt Fam i l y B a ker y & C a fe S e rve s D e lic io u s H o me - Ba ke d G oods café. The goal was to add more variety and make the business have a more year-round and broader appeal to customers.

Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photographer / Timothy Hare

Walking into Oswalt Family Bakery and Café is a lot like walking into Grandma’s house on any holiday. There’s the fragrance of home-baked goods in the air, sounds of food preparation in the kitchen and someone to greet you with a friendly and welcoming smile. Owners Leon and Dorinda Oswalt purchased the business in September 2019. The donut shop had been for sale for a couple of years before the Oswalts, who were frequent visitors to the area, bought it. They were looking for a business Dorinda could run while Leon was on the road as a truck driver.

The bakery cabinet features a variety of baked goods, from cupcakes to donuts to caramel rolls. The café features weekday specials and has become well-known for its pork tenderloin, hamburgers and breakfasts, such as the giant caramel rolls, made-from-scratch biscuits and sausage gravy and the big breakfast bowl. According to business partner and marketing manager Kris Underwood, the fresh ingredients and lack of frozen foods makes a difference in the guest experience.

“Tenderloins, burgers and breakfast are the three big kickers for us,” he says “We’ve had people drive from Ohio, Michigan and Illinois In October 2019, the business expanded from just a donut shop to a to eat here, especially for the tenderloins. Everything is homemade 14 / THE LAKES / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


or handmade.” Tenderloins are featured as the Thursday special. Burgers are the special on Tuesday, Bacon Cheeseburgers on Wednesday and a Fish dinner or pasta special on Friday. The food at Oswalt’s is made to order, Underwood says. That means a customer who orders a tenderloin can hear it being pounded in the kitchen. It is hand-breaded and prepared fresh. The same is true of the hamburgers, which are never frozen and the chicken strips which are cut from the breast portion. Dorinda is no stranger to a kitchen. She has worked in food service for many years. “I’ve worked in the food industry since I was 16,” Dorinda says. “I like taking care of people, making them happy.” Taking care of customers and making them happy has a simple formula. The goal at

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Oswalt’s is to serve the best food possible and provide the best service a diner can get in the area, Underwood says. “This truly is a family restaurant,” he adds. That includes the cooks, servers and others of the five employees who are part of the team. “It’s the true definition of a family restaurant.” Underwood is not officially a member of the Oswalt family, but he could be considered that. He met Leon and Dorinda when they were campground neighbors to his parents for many years. This dynamic results in a team that greets customers with a friendly smile, laughs with customers and helps each other out to solve problems. It was that teamwork that got the restaurant through six months of uncertainty in 2020. Their customers are local folks and “lakers” — people who are coming in for the

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tenderloins, Underwood says. Summer is a busy time, but even during the business closures forced by COVID-19 it was the local community who kept things going for the Oswalts. Instead of in-house dining, the focus was on carry-out. The Oswalt’s offered a family deal package that offered four hamburgers, four orders of fries and four drinks for $20. Now that life for everyone is returning somewhat to the way things were preCOVID, the Oswalts and Underwood are looking to the future. The restaurant is also now offering catering. “We want to continue to grow,” Underwood says. “We are still a new business.” The Oswalt Family Bakery & Café is located at 720 S. Main Street (SR 13) in North Webster. For more information and hours call the restaurant at 574-834-7800.

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Large Inventory of Solar Panels in stock. From 10 watt to 360 watt – ready to ship. 0330 E 200S • LaGrange, IN 46761 260-499-3051 • fax 260-499-3082

WHOLESALE PREFERRED

ROLLING A RES C the farm supply store with so much more! ∙ Coal ∙ Bird Feeders & Feed ∙ Fence Supplies ∙ Big Sky Minerals By Hiland ∙ Lucky Buck Mineral ∙ Tomato Cages ∙ Tingley & Muck Boots ∙ “Yuneek” Nest Boxes ∙ Horse Feed ∙ Dog Food ∙ Lambright Aluminum Products

Crushed But Not Broken was founded to help women and children in crisis domestic violence relationships, and to provide shelter and hope to women and children in domestic violence situations.

PO Box 366 Topeka, IN 46571 Crisis Line: (260) 350-3877

Marvin Bontrager ∙ 260-463-8060 x1 1575 S 00 EW ∙ LaGrange, IN 46761

18 / THE LAKES / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


Locally Made Enclosed - Carhauler - Landscape - Dump Construction - Trailer Accessories Utility & Pontoon Trailer

511 S. Main St. Middlebury, IN 574-825-0900 www.cargo-plus.com

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Let us help you create

your OWN Unique piece...

dining tables | river tables | benches | coffee tables | end tables log furniture | counter tops | mirror frames | shelving | clocks

Transform your living space with one of our unique melody clocks. These clocks bring musical notes, nature sounds and elements of nature to life.

Our one-of-a-kind live edge furniture combines rich natural colors and textures with beautiful Amish craftsmanship. Each piece is hand crafted with care and is as unique as the customer who orders it. Unique Furniture leads the Northern Indiana market in custom designed, live edge furniture, river tables, rustic log furniture and more.

River Table

Perch Clock

Special Requests...

If you have your own unique or favorite slab, we will do our best to create a custom piece for you!

E L MAR

L uniquefurniturein@gmail.com KET| WEB customuniquefurniture.com 574-773-2846 | 11092 N 600 W Milford, INT46542 RIP| EMAIL

Mini Pontoons & Paddle Boats 511 S. Main St., Middlebury, IN 574-825-0900 | www.cargo-plus.com

Meat, Cheese, Bulk Foods Let us be your stop for all your bulk food, bulk cheese, and fresh meats needs! We Marinate Meats! Please give at least three days in advance for large orders and one week for bread orders.

120 S. Main • Topeka, IN • 260-593-3002 Reg. Hrs: M-F 8am-5pm, Sat. 7:30am - 2pm

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ZESTY SLOW COOKER BBQ CHICKEN SANDWICHES This easy slow cooker bbq pulled chicken recipe is a family favorite dinner recipe! Serve it on toasted buns with coleslaw, over nachos, on a salad or in a baked potato. It's made with simple ingredients you just throw in your crockpot: barbecue sauce, italian dressing, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. It's perfect for family meals, potlucks, game day and parties. COURSE: MAIN COURSE Servings: 8 INGREDIENTS • 4-6 chicken breasts (2-3 pounds) • 1 (12oz) bottle BBQ sauce • 3/4 cup italian dressing

• 1/4 cup brown sugar • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • Sandwich buns • Coleslaw (I buy the prepackaged stuff) INSTRUCTIONS 1. Place everthing into your slow cooker (except for the sandwich buns and coleslaw) and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or until the chicken shreds very easily. 2. Shred the chicken and mix around in the sauce. Allow it to absorb the sauce for an additional 15+ minutes. 3. Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw

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SPOTLIGHT O N SY RAC U S E THIS LAKE TOWN HAS A LOT TO OFFER Writer / Angela Cornell Provided Photography

The regions premier one stop shop for embroidery, screen printing (over 200 colors to choose from), textile laser embroidery, laser engraving, direct to garment, heat transfer, wide format printing, car, wall & window decals, vehicle wraps, yard signs, banners, and rhinestone designs.

Phone 260-463-7373 Fax 260-463-4950 4425 W US Highway 20 LaGrange, Indiana 46761 22 / THE LAKES / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


K

osciusko County has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike. But what most people think about is the dozens of lakes that grace the county, easily crowning this the kingpin of the Lakes region. Syracuse, a town in the northeastern corner of the county, borders two in particular: Syracuse Lake and Lake Wawasee, making it a choice destination town. This town is delightfully eclectic. It has the feel of a small, homey Indiana town with a downtown area full of mom-and-pop shops yet has restaurants and parks that one would expect in a much larger town. And of course, no one can forget the culture surrounding lake life, especially as this town’s population swells from 3,000 people to 25,000 people in season. Downtown Syracuse has a variety of businesses, enough to tempt anyone who enjoys antiquing. One is Yours, Ours, and More. This vendor mall is a treasure trove of items with a leaning toward vintage quality that carries everything from clothes to furniture, a wide variety of glassware, and even indoor plants. Yours, Ours, and More is located at 101 W. Main St. You can reach them at 574-3255004 and check them out online at Facebook.com/YOMLLC. A block away from Yours, Ours, and More is Moore’s Affordable Furniture, an antique and furniture gallery. Housed in a remodeled

Family Restaurant

Mon - Fri 8:00am - 4:30pm Sat 8:00am - 12:00pm

(574) 528-5000 1009 S Huntington St | Syracuse

tions Fabrics & No ems Small Gift It

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Gary & Lorene Hostetler 290-593-0448 x1 4675 W 600 S, Topeka, IN 46571


Texaco station, many of the items for sale in this shop are retro themed. However, there are options for those who are looking for other options as well, whether timeless farmhouse, modern, or hardwood. There are also other home décor items! If you’re looking to decorate your lake house, you’ll find Moore’s at 200 E. Main St. On the web, visit Facebook.com/Moores-Affordable-Furniture to see pictures of their latest featured items or call them at 574-5180204. Not many small towns in Indiana still have a movie theater. However, Syracuse does! Pickwick Theatre may only have one screen, but it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. Tickets for 2D showings are $6 each and 3D movies are $8 a ticket. For more information, call them at 574-457-4160. Pickwick Theatre is located at 108 W. Main St. Check Linwaycinema.com/pickwick-showtimes to see what’s playing. Syracuse is home to several incredible locally owned restaurants. Among the diners, cafés, and family restaurants, there are several ethnic restaurants. One is Kiyomi, a Japanese restaurant that specializes in sushi, hibachi and other authentic dishes. For the menu, check out Facebook.com/Kiyomi-Japanese-Cuisine or visit 404 S. Huntington St. for the full experience. You can call Kiyomi at 574-529-5025.

Major Mike's Military Surplus & Camping Supplies

“SUMMERTIME SAVINGS”

5% OFF THESE FEATURED PUBLICATIONS IN THE MONTH OF JUNE SHIPPING AVAILABLE

Veterans, Collectors, Hunters, Campers, Hikers, Paint Ball Enthusiasts, Survivalists, and those looking to enhance their lifestyle are all welcome! New and previously issued military gear from WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and contemporary theatres. We are an authorized Dealer of new military spec gear from Rothco, including boots, camping, and survival items.

Come out and see us! Open Thur. & Fri. 9 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 12983 SR 17 (that’s the castle on the corner of SRs 8 and 17) Culver IN 46511 • (574) 216-8672

HERITAGE BOOKSTORE

Many new books & Bibles in stock plus gift items, stickers & wall decor

1430 S 100 W | LaGrange, IN 46761 Levi & Mary Miller | 260-350-5972

24 / THE LAKES / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


Another interesting restaurant is Down Under. If you think this is an Australian-themed restaurant, guess again. This bar and grill serves American favorites like burgers, pizza, steak, sandwiches, and fried chicken. What makes it so special, then? It literally is under the ground. The door to the restaurant is inside a gazebo-like structure in the center of town. From there, head down the stairs to enjoy a cold beer and delicious food. The Down Under is located at 801 N. Huntington St., Suite 12. Give them a call at 574-457-3920 and visit them online at Facebook.com/TheDownUnder Syracuse has several wonderful parks, many of which have draws for all ages. Those who enjoy wilder spaces, Wawasee Area Conservation Foundation (WACF) and Conklin Bay Boardwalk on the south side of town is the place to go. Enjoy views of nature and the lake in this 40-acre park for free! The head of the trail is located at the WACF Education Center, 11586 N SR 13. To sign up for a WACF conservation program or to read more about this park, check them out online at wacf.com and www.syracusewawaseetrails. com/conklin-bay-boardwalk. Throughout the summer, Syracuse has several festivals and celebrations that you won’t want to miss. The Independence Day activities include a 5K, a flotilla boat parade, Tour de Lakes Bike Ride, and of course, fireworks. To find a full list of activities this summer, check out swchamber.com/community-events.

Stop

i! h y a s d by an

BR EWED WITH IMAGINATION American Fusion Menu Craft, Domestic Beer & Fine Spirits Carryout & Delivery Open Wed- Sunday

www.hoplore.com 574-453-0496 100 South Old St Rd 15, Leesburg, IN 46538 307 W Market Street, Warsaw, IN 46580

2825 W 350S • LaGrange, IN 46761 PH: 260-463-7469 • Fax: 260-463-4184

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• Soft Serve Ice Cream • Traditional & Flavored Fresh Ground • Roasted Hot & Iced Coffee & Espresso

Committed to Quality & Customer Service • New Sales • Custom Builds • Restorations • Product & Parts Sales Nate & Sara Miller

(260)-768-8055 7040 W 200 S Topeka, IN 46571

1pm to 8pm Monday through Saturday

260-336-8346

2125 W. 200 S. Lagrange, IN 46761

Come check out out our Selection of unique gifts and decor for All Occasions.

Contractor Supply Shop

www.simpleestatedgifts.com | Simpleestatedgifts@yahoo.com

Choose from Over 1000 different frame options!

WHOLE INTERIOR HOUSE PACKAGES HUGE VARIETY OF HARDWOOD FLOORING MOLDING • TRIM • INTERIOR DOORS

Let us help you frame your memories... For all inquiries contact Sandy Saenz. Open Tue - Fri 9:00am to 5:30pm | Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm (574)936-5259 | 100 W. Garro St. • Plymouth Frameshoppe@yahoo.com

All manufacturing and Finishing done In-House *Better Quote Contractors

574-773-9442 • 106 3B RD | NAPPANEE

26 / THE LAKES / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


Versa - Grab Grapple attachment

Brute Force Firewood Processor Rentals & Sales

1 Day $350 2 Day $650 Week $1550

Also Available: Vermeer SC362 Stump Grinder 28-ton Vertical/ Horizontal Log Splitter

Clean machine, all fluids full upon return Delivery available, price per mile

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Honeyville Concrete, LLC For Flat Work Contact: Darin Yoder 574 - 903 - 9711

102 S. Main St, Middlebury, IN 46540 574-849-6955

Great New Baby Items from ITZY RITZY in stock.

Garages ∙ Pole Barns Barnyard ∙ Sidewalk Patio ∙ Driveways Shops Owners: Harley & Inez Yoder 8770 W 400 S ∙ Topeka, IN 46571 260 - 593 - 3769

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Timothy Schlabach

elitekitchens.tim@gmail.com | 574-825-9724 28 / THE LAKES / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


DRESSING FOR SUCCESS

Treat’s Celebrates 55 Years in Plymouth Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Owner Gary Treat

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


A

nyone walking into Treat’s Squire and Bridal Shoppe can be assured of two things excellent customer service and quality clothes. “My dad harped on that you treat people the way you want to be treated,” says Owner Gary Treat. “Our customer is more important than we are.” His father, Budd Treat, grew up in Plymouth and graduated from Lincoln High School. He went into the Navy, earned an accounting degree and worked in a corporate environment. Budd got tired of that work climate, and wanted to come back to his hometown and start a business. That was 55 years ago. “Dad always enjoyed dressing nicely,” Treat says. Budd passed away in 2016.

Running a men’s clothing store and bridal boutique in Plymouth has its challenges, Treat says. It is important to keep your customer in mind when selecting fashions and accessories. There is competition from online retailers, as well as box stores and department store chains. “Our customers travel and are trendy, but they are not going to wear the extreme

fashions stuff you see in the big cities such as the extreme slim-fit pants, for example,” Treat says. Treat says he and his staff work very hard to keep their customers satisfied and coming back to shop. Although the box stores and department stores carry some of the same styles and brands, customers appreciate the personal attention and quality selections.

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


Treat’s has been the place to go for locals to get a quality tailored suit. Through the years it was the place to go where men could find hats and dress shoes. While that is still true, customers can also find a line of everyday attire, from jeans and knitwear to hats and designer underwear.

and groom to bridesmaids and groomsmen, and even the mother of the bride, can coordinate and acquire what they need for that special day, Treat says.

In-house tailoring is fairly uncommon. At Treat’s, however, it is still important. Treat says the heart of the tailoring department has been with the store for 40 years.

“Dress is more casual today,” Treat says. “Customers really haven’t changed. They are still a customer who appreciates quality and personal service.” In 1966, the establishment’s customers came from within Marshall County. It was the go-to spot for business attire, formal wear and other haberdashery items. Today, the business draws customers from a 75-mile radius of Plymouth. The addition of the bridal shop, acquired in 1993 and moved upstairs from the men’s store in 1997, offers an opportunity for an entire wedding party to shop for their attire at the same time. Everyone from the bride

assistance offered to customers. Clothes are “custom tailored to fit you,” Treat explains. “That has always been the big deal to our store.”

“It is a unique service,” Treat says. Among the brand names Treat’s carries are designers that specialize in premier tailored clothing, such as Hart Schaffner Marx.

Whether it is a wedding, prom or some other occasion, the shop has served generations of customers with quality, classic and trendy selections, and personalized service. One hallmark of Treat’s through the years has been the in-house tailoring and sizing

There is also a selection of Tommy Bahama and a Nike Golf concept shop within the Treat’s downtown retail space. Another popular brand is the 34 Heritage jean line, and SAXX men’s underwear. There is also a selection of men’s shoes, from Johnston & Murphy to Florsheim among others. The shop also features a men’s hat selection, and a selection of knitwear from St. Croix Shop,

Live the outdoor life Create an outdoor space to entertain — find endless possibilities at our design center and outdoor showroom filled with samples for you to explore with your contractor or on your own. LANDSCAPE TOOLS & SUPPLIES | DECORATIVE CONCRETE PAVERS, PATIO KITS & RETAINING WALLS | FIRE FEATURES OUTDOOR KITCHENS | GRILLS & ACCESSORIES AND MORE!

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made in the United States and distributed from Minnesota.

Experience that heals. Care that surpasses. Our board certified OB/ GYN Physicians and Nurse Practitioners at Warsaw Women’s Center are here to care for women's health care needs for every stage in a woman's life.

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“You get exactly what you pay for,” Treat says. He adds that the clothes customers purchase from his store are “cut from a better cloth. There is an art form to take pieces of cloth and fit it to shape. It takes a long time for under-pressing and procedures to finish a garment. There are 150 steps from start to finish.” This delivers a garment that can hold up to repeated wear, and maintain its quality and fit. He says if something isn’t made right to these standards, it shows. The challenge of running a business outside of a more populated area, Treat says, is to keep customers satisfied and loyal. This includes reaching out with a friendly greeting when they walk in, and being able to talk to them to find out what they need or want. “People are easy to help if you know what they want,” he says. The reasons customers shop at Treat’s vary. Perhaps the customer has an interview for a job, or they are going on a trip or attending a convention - or simply updating their wardrobe. They may also be planning for a special occasion such as a wedding or prom.

1275 Provident Dr. Warsaw, Indiana 46580 574-269-4026 | warsawwomenscenter.com THE LAKES MAGAZINE / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com

“Our challenge is to keep that customer engaged and focused on our store,” Treat says.


He stays in touch with his customers with a personal touch, communicating with a phone call, an email or a text message.

generations, including sons who purchased their first suit there and later brought in their sons for a new suit.

still holds true.

“This is not the experience you are going to get with chain stores,” Treat says.

“People will say to us, ‘Why don’t you move to be in a bigger town?’” Treat says. In the 1970s the store launched a marketing slogan that claimed a visit to Treat’s was “Worth the Trip.” According to Treat, that

Treat’s is located in downtown Plymouth, at 308 North Michigan Street. For more information, call 574-936-3669 or visit treatssquireshop.com.

These gestures do not go unnoticed by the regulars. Treat’s customers often span

“We really mean it,” he says.

Quality, Parts, Sales, Service and Rental

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Contact us Today 574-223-8900 Spiderbeware.com

• Kovaco

(Worlds First Electric Skid Loader)

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574.862.1163 www.wakarusaag.com 711 East Waterford Street Wakarusa, IN 46573


Division II National Champions 2006 - 2007 - 2014 - 2016 Shows at 6:30pm Every Sunday and Tuesday Memorial Day thru Labor Day

www.lakecityskiers.org @lakecityskiers THE LAKES MAGAZINE / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


574-586-2745 | NewKitchenStore.com | 330 Liberty Street Walkerton, IN 46574

Come in and Check out Our Wide Variety of Teas and Tea Accessories!

BREWED TO A TEA

FIVE TIPS FOR MAKING AN EXCEPTIONAL CUP OF TEA Story and Photography Provided

1. Use a high-quality tea. Tea of poor quality reflects how the tea leaves have been handled and processed. A quality tea is handpicked so as not to damage the leaves. Quality tea is most often grown organically without use of pesticides and Maybe you are one of those people who say, fertilizers. All of these factors affect the “I don’t like tea,” but maybe you have simply taste. Quality tea just tastes better. We been brewing your tea the wrong way. Here carry Republic of Tea, Elmwood Inn, are five tips to help you brew the perfect cup VAHDAM, Oliver Pluff & Company, and of tea - maybe if you follow these tips you’ll TeaSource teas. become a person who says, “I like tea!” Most everyone has probably brewed a cup of tea in their life, and many people have their own method of doing so. Did you know that there actually is a right and a wrong way to brew tea?

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


2. Use correct water temperature. Heat the water to a boil and then let it sit for at least one minute to cool down a little. Adding boiling water to tea will scald the leaves, and will affect the flavor and overall outcome. The perfect water temperature depends on the kind of tea you are brewing. Water for white and

green teas should be between 170 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Oolong should be brewed between 180 and 190 degrees, and black and herbal teas should be brewed between 208 and 212 degrees. We carry tea kettles that will control the temperature.

3. The most common mistake in brewing tea is brewing it for too long. The longer you let the tea leaves sit in hot water, the more tannin is released. Too much tannin creates a bitter tea. Even if you like your tea a little bitter, there is a limit, and an overly steeped tea will become very bitter and unpalatable. As with water temperature,

P.J. Gilsinger & Co. A Place to Visit! Adam K. Lukenbill

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.

Estate Planning Medicaid/Nursing Home Planning Asset Protection Trust & Wills Business Law Farm Planning

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE ADMISSION

Jill D. Bell Manges

• Farm equipment • Local school memorabilia • WWII artifacts • Early household and farming tools • Several unusual exhibits

Attorney, Registered Nurse

Medical Malpractice

Museum Hours:

Personal Injury

May-October Friday & Sunday 1:00pm to 6:00pm

Wrongful Death

(574) 936-2007 | general@lukenbill-law.com 501 East Jefferson Street P.O. Box 1508 | Plymouth THE LAKES MAGAZINE / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com

November-April Sunday’s 1:00-6:00pm

Contact Brenda Gilsinger for Inquiries or Appointments (574)595-7851 5641 S. Main St. Winamac, Indiana


brewing time varies with tea variety. Usually the packaging will tell you how long you should brew the tea. Don’t overlook this step, as it makes a difference. We carry tea timers that take out the guesswork, allowing the user to push a button for each kind of tea. 4. Use quality water. Sometimes the quality of the water being used can make a huge difference. You can of course use tap water, but if your tap dispenses “hard” water

or has a sulfur smell, or if you live in a town with chlorinated water, consider spring or filtered water. 5. Store your tea properly. If your tea is not stored properly, away from strong odors, it can absorb odors that will adversely affect the taste. To keep your tea fresh, it should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight - preferably a dark cabinet. You should also store your tea in an airtight container to protect it from

becoming contaminated by odors. The quality tea in bagged and loose form sold at New Kitchen Store, along with the above tips, will ensure that your next tea drinking experience will be brew-ti-ful! New Kitchen Store, the largest gourmet kitchen supply store in Michiana, is located at 330 Liberty Street in Walkerton. For more information, call 574-586-2745 or visit NewKitchenStore.com.

BEECHY EXCAVATING LLC COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL Insured - I.O.W.P.A Certified - Over 40 years Experience

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574-646-2067 | BEECHYEXC@IBYFAX.COM THE LAKES MAGAZINE / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


www.kerlintractors.com (260) 352-2490 9910 IN-15, Silver Lake, IN 46982

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M A I N E NT R A N C E I S B E H I N D S P E E D WAY G A S S TAT I O N

W E B U Y: • CATALYTIC CONVERTERS • BATTERIES • ROTORS • ALUMINUM • BRASS • COPPER WIRE

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Gazebos | Screen House Cupolas | Decks Pergolas | Sunrooms All Custom Crafted

CORE BUYERS OF NORTHERN INDIANA TOP $$$ FOR YOUR CORES!

(574) 342-3049 Bourbon, IN THE LAKES MAGAZINE / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


Writer / Angela Cornell Photography Provided

A L P H A B U I L D I N G C E N T E R C E L E B R AT E S 36 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Just south of the corner of U.S. Highway 20 and State Road 5 in Shipshewana is Alpha Building Center. Most people know the business as a lumberyard that carries quality wood. However, what fewer people realize is that Alpha is a one-stop shop for almost any home or property improvement project. “We’re a lot more than a lumberyard,” explains General Manager Kyle Ulrich. “That is our primary good that we sell, but we also sell an entire experience.” Alpha Building Center got its start in 1985. Henry Hershberger, a born-and-bred local, started it as a business for doors, windows and siding. “It was kind of a father-son team,” Ulrich says. “In the early years they worked out of a barn and had one pickup truck doing deliveries.” The business quickly expanded its products and services to include hardware, EtchWood and trusses, according to customer needs. As their product lines and reputation grew, they started looking to other towns, eventually opening two other locations in Nappanee and in Michigan. At their Shipshewana storefront, they have several different departments to help fulfill every improvement project need, from exteriors like garage door installation, trim and roofing - both tin and shingle - to fencing, additions and interior projects. This includes replacing hardwood floors, painting walls, updating plumbing, modernizing sinks, showers or toilets, improving lighting, and more. Some of their most popular services are handled through their vinyl division. Not only can they manage the finer details of exterior home improvement like decks, railings, shutters and the like, but they can also get custom independent structures like pergolas or garden arbors. Experts in the vinyl department can custom design these projects in-house. After the

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


materials are built, they are shipped and assembled on-site. That goes for even larger, more complicated projects like decks. “We would definitely be able to estimate the material needs and gather all the elements,” Ulrich says. “We’d even have a plan that would show how to assemble that deck.” They also have an installation crew that can assemble decks on location. Of course they still offer doors, windows and siding. They even offer a project planning service. Customers can begin a basic plan on Alpha’s website before speaking to a specialist. However, it’s best to schedule an appointment with their design experts to fully visualize and estimate the cost of the project before it begins. “We can also do 3D rendering, so they can get a good idea of what the house will look like ahead of time,” Ulrich says. “From there, it trickles down to the rest of our departments. They can go into the retail center and choose siding and roofing colors. Our vinyl decking division will help them out with building their deck. Our metal division will help them with the metal siding, trim, and things they would want to put on their house. Even the woodworking division can refer customers to cabinet makers to help them build their kitchen.” For those who live in rural settings, Alpha has supplies and materials necessary for barns, commercial agriculture buildings, fencing and more. THE LAKES MAGAZINE / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


“As far as building a pole barn or anything like that, we have everything that you need,” Ulrich says. This includes trusses, metal siding and insulation. From the moment a customer starts with Alpha, the experts in the different divisions are interested in making it the best experience possible. Part of the way they do this is by working with the contractor as well as the homeowner. “We want to make sure that everyone’s on the same page,” Ulrich says. “We’re not leaving anything out, and we’re not forgetting anything. We want to do everything right the first time and make sure the customer’s going to be happy with it, even 50 years from now.” Even DIYers can find what they need at Alpha Building Center.

Sage Meadows The Sage Meadows Barn in Culver Indiana is the perfect venue to host your wedding or special event. For information and availability Call or Text (231)220-6133

Drop off every Thursday at Sara’s Attic in Topeka and Eash Sales in Shipshewana Sewing Parts | Notions Sewing Cabinets Service All Makes and Models

Janome 740 DC

Juki Industrial Sewing Machines in Stock. Janome 4120

0485 W 200 S LaGrange, IN 46761 Ph: 260-499-3136 | Fax: 260-499-3125 THE LAKES MAGAZINE / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


“In the community that we’re in, many people are DIY-focused,” Ulrich says. “It would be nothing for a homeowner to tackle an entire barn project on their own. We deal with DIY homeowners and contractors alike.” Contractors, business owners and hobbyists all appreciate the services and products at Alpha. One of their most popular departments is the woodworking supply department at the Shipshewana location, servicing a 50-mile radius. “It services local cabinet furniture makers,” Ulrich says. “We have three trucks running four days a week. It’s kind of like a milk route. It’s preordered items and we also sell items directly off the truck.” Alpha provides almost all the supplies necessary for woodworkers, including sandpaper, screws, nails, wood fillers and tools, delivered right to their door.

Sales & Installation of Stoves • Inserts • Fireplaces Grills • BBQ Supplies & Seasonings

Custom Built Vinyl Windows Custom Built Vinyl Windows

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Another service they offer that contractors and DIYers appreciate is the tool repair division. “The tool repair division repairs any kind of tool you could ever think of,” Ulrich says. When all is said and done, the Alpha Building Center staff members are focused on providing building materials for customer needs, but also interested in building up their community.

“We thrive and survive on our services we provide for our customers and being a community-based organization,” Ulrich says. “That’s what we pride ourselves on - taking care of those customers. Even though we have grown to be a very large company for Shipshewana, we have small roots.” Explore all Alpha Building Center has to offer online at alphabuildingcenter.com, or visit in person in Shipshewana at 0855

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com

North State Road 5. Call them at 260-768-4410. In Nappanee, visit them at 8720 West 1350 North. Call them at 574-773-7787. They are also located in Michigan at 26250 State Road 86 in Sturgis. Call them at 269467-4800. All locations are open Mon. through Fri. 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. 7 p.m. to 12 p.m.


FA B R I C AT I N G S O L U T I O N S TO PROBLEMS HILLTOP MACHINE SHOP MAKES CUSTOM METAL BUILDS & PARTS Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photography Provided

Necessity is said to be the mother of invention, as the saying goes. For David Yoder, learning to repair damaged metal farm implements on his family’s farm as a teenager led to him becoming the owner of Hilltop Machine Shop. “We used to do our own repairs and it just expanded out from there,” Yoder says. He has been working in metal fabrication for 27 years, beginning in 1994 in his father, Sam’s shop. At 15 ½ years old, he worked outside the family at an implement repair shop in the Lagrange area. The family then moved to Shipshewana. The shop started small and later expanded into a bigger building to meet the needs of the community. Metal fabrication is the process of taking steel and making a product, Yoder explains. It can be a piece from a larger farm implement or a customized truck bed, gear or other metal part to a machine or tool. Sometimes this process involves reading engineered plans and sometimes it involves problem solving by homing in on what the customer needs and how to manipulate metal to meet that need. Today, the shop specializes in custom steel fabrication and machining, machine rebuilding, implement part replacement and repairs, as well as retail parts and equipment sales. Services provided to customers include hydraulic repair, welding, painting, trailer repairs, sand blasting and media blasting.

CUSTOM TRUCK BEDS STEEL AND ALUMINUM STAIRS • RAILINGS • AND OTHER ITEMS CUSTOM FABRICATION OR PRODUCTION RUNS

In the early days of Yoder’s experience, it was fabricating replacement for damaged parts on spreaders and hay mowers. While the shop still does some of that, the overall volume has decreased from nearly 100% to about 20% of the total sales for Hilltop.

260-768-9196 • FAX 260-768-9197 10515 US 20 WEST SHIPSHEWANA, IN 46565

“What I enjoy most is being able to provide a product that is unique and different, specific to a customer’s needs that we can supply,” Yoder says. “When a customer comes to you

Now the focus is on new fabrications using steel and aluminum and other metals. If a customer needs toolboxes built onto a flatbed of a truck, Yoder’s crew has done that.

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


with a problem and you figure out a solution, that makes this business enjoyable.” It’s not always easy to solve the customer’s problems. Yoder says some of these are ones that make you “scratch your head” and look for inspiration. At the Hilltop Machine Shop retail portion of the business,

customers can find replacement parts, such as bearings, spokes or springs. Farm gates, new wagon gears, cattle handling equipment, hay feeder wagons and combine header carts are also for sale at the Hilltop. In the shop, the five-person crew — comprised of two brothers, one son, a nephew and a business manager who is not family — builds hay racks, pallet forks and tilling spears, among other

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agricultural needs. The shop also manufactures self-feeders for calves and steers, a direct tie to the tools and products the local farming community needs.

Yoder says he would also like to focus on obtaining additional contract production work for area manufacturers, in which his shop would build parts needed in the building of their products.

Hilltop also fabricates custom hydraulic hoses, which are made to order. Also available are carts, railings, flatforms, stairs and mezzanines.

Most of Yoder’s customers come from LaGrange, Elkhart and Noble counties, but he has done work for customers in Warsaw and other surrounding areas. The business also ships orders out as needed.

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“One thing we stress here is to do quality work,” Yoder said. “We like to have the best price, but it’s when we look back at our own work and it is the best that could be done for the project, cosmetically and structurally, that’s our goal.” That goal is not inexpensive. Yoder says he knows everyone is conscious of the cost of a product. But for him, it is more important

that the part has been sanded to look clean and that sharp edges are rounded. That concern for quality is something that Yoder and his crew can be proud of. Hilltop Machine Shop is located at 10515 US 20 West in Shipshewana. You can reach the shop by calling 260-768-9196 or visiting www.hilltopmachineshop.com.

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


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IF YOUR ESTABLISHMENT HAS A BURGER ON THE MENU WORTH BRAGGING ABOUT THIS EVENT IS FOR YOU! A MAXIMUM OF 15 BUSINESSES WILL BE ENTERED TO COMPETE IN A FUN FREE EVENT ON FRIDAY JUNE 25 TH AT 3 PM EST./2 PM CST. WINNER AND RUNNER-UP WILL RECEIVE AWARDS. WINNER AND RUNNER UP WILL BE FEATURED ON A FREE FULL PAGE AD IN OUR AUGUST 2021 THE LAKES MAGAZINE EAST AND WEST EDITIONS. ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL GET MENTIONED. REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW AND ENDS WHEN 15 QUALIFIED ENTRIES ARE ACCEPTED OR ON JUNE 21ST AT 8PM EST. TO BE A QUALIFIED ENTRY YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR BUSINESS INSURANCE DECLARATION PAGE AND SERVE SAFE CERTIFICATE.

JOHN@TOWNEPOST.COM 574-249-9217 YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION THAT YOUR ENTRY WAS ACCEPTED.

It MUST be a burger that you serve at Your Establishment! You Must agree to bring or make 4 of the same burgers ready to be judged at 3 PM est. Burgers can be prepared at your own establishment and brought prepared or can be cooked on an open flame grill provided at the event. Burgers must be fully prepared by 3 PM est. judging time. The Lakes Magazine will provide a LP open flame flat top style grill for ALL to share if you cannot bring any cooking elements of your own.


JUNE WORDSEARCH PUZZLE Theme: BERRIES BARBERRY BLACKBERRY BLUEBERRY CRANBERRY ELDERBERRY GOOSEBERRY GRAPE LOGANBERRY MAY APPLE MULBERRY RASPBERRY STRAWBERRY THIMBLEBERRY WOLFBERRY Solutions

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advocate but had to leave her job to prepare for her third back surgery. Her doctors advised her that she should not continue to work. That was life-changing for her, she recalls. She found her calling again in December of 2016, upon hearing a report that the state had turned away more than 1,000 women and children escaping abuse during the holiday season that year. The reason was that there were not enough shelters for these domestic violence survivors. “I felt God telling me then that there was more I could do,” she says. “Maybe I couldn’t help a thousand, but I could help a few.”

CRUSHED BUT NOT BROKEN OFFERS HELP FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photography Provided

Crushed But Not Broken may be the name of a nonprofit domestic violence organization in LaGrange County, but it also represents founder Sheli Emenhiser’s faith and story of survival. “The name comes from my favorite Bible verse in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9,” Emenhiser says. “I came across that verse a long time ago after I had been struggling with the brokenness that abuse leaves you with. I felt like God was speaking directly to me

Crushed But Not Broken was formally recognized as an organization in October of 2017 when articles of incorporation were submitted to the state of Indiana. Two years later, the organization opened its first shelter.

“Having a safe place to stay is everything for a woman and child fleeing a domestic through this verse and it has been close to violence relationship,” Emenhiser says. “I my heart since.” had a wonderful family that took me and my children in, but not everyone has that. Nineteen years ago, on the day before After being in such a dangerous situation Thanksgiving at 8:37 p.m., Emenhiser was you need to be able to feel safe. It takes a being assaulted by her partner in a violent lot of courage to make that first step and relationship. The abuser inflicted so much leave.” physical harm on her that three back surgeries were required to fix the damage. Emenhiser does not receive support from the state or any government “It took years to get to be able to talk or agency, instead relying on fundraisers share my experience with anyone,” she and donations to keep the organization says. operating. She found work as a domestic violence THE LAKES MAGAZINE / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


The fourth annual all-you-can-eat fish and chicken fry and bake sale is scheduled for 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 19 at the Topeka Volunteer Fire Department, located at 180 Crossfire Drive in Topeka. Dinners include chicken or fish, two sides and

dessert, with water or lemonade to drink. All proceeds benefit Crushed But Not Broken. Crushed But Not Broken operates a shelter in LaGrange County. The location

is not identified, in order to protect the survivors who find refuge there. Women and children are accepted from all counties and states if there is room, Emenhiser says.

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Since opening in 2019, more than 40 domestic violence survivors have found a place to stay, or resources to help make the transition out of a traumatic relationship. “Feeling safe again does not happen overnight,” Emenhiser says. “Domestic violence is a trauma that often causes PTSD in women and children. It takes time and counseling to get to the point that you can trust and feel safe again.” From the original two-bedroom shelter, Crushed But Not Broken has a new opportunity to expand. The organization has been gifted with a new house that is twice the size of the original shelter, which means more survivors can find a safe place. “So many people believe domestic violence only happens to certain people,” Emenhiser says. “It can happen to the wealthy, poor, white, Hispanic, black, English, Amish, and to the young and old. It does not discriminate.” BANNERS, YARD SiGNS, DECALS POSTERS, MAGNETS, T-SHiRTS VEHiCLE & WiNDOW GRAPHiCS RETAiL DiSPLAYS, LOGOS BUSiNESS SiGNAGE, WINDOW FILM

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Emenhiser is not shy about sharing her story, in the hopes that it will resonate with someone who is trapped in an abusive relationship. “The issue is close to my heart, because I know the pain of abuse - not just physical, but emotional, verbal and financial abuse,” she says. “I have seen firsthand the effects that domestic violence has left on my own children, the brokenness that affects the entire family. I know the feelings of worthlessness, brokenness, low self-esteem, humiliation and fear. No one should ever feel this way. I understand where the clients are coming from because I have been there.” For help, contact Crushed But Not Broken’s crisis line at 260-350-3877. For more information on helping the organization, call 260-350-4131 or visit crushedbutnotbroken.org.

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MICHIANA BUILDERS LAGRANGE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY ADHERES TO STRONG CORE VALUES order to start the initial drawings.

Writer / Angela Cornell Photography Provided

Harley Mast, the owner of Michiana Builders in LaGrange, got into construction six years ago. At first he installed fiberglass hoop barns. Then, a client asked him to build a pole barn. “I told him, ‘I only build hoop barns,’” Mast recalls. “He looked at me and said, ‘You can build a pole barn.’ I said, ‘I’ll try to figure it out.’ When I got started, I enjoyed it and loved the challenge, so I’ve been doing it ever since.” That success was the first of many. Today, Mast and his crew build a wide variety of custom-made structures in a one-hour radius around LaGrange, including equestrian facilities and livestock barns, as well as residential houses, commercial buildings, and even steel-frame buildings and apartment complexes. When a new customer calls for a quote, the Michiana Builders team follows a four-step process to bring a project to completion. The first step is to meet the customer face-to-face and discuss the project, in

“Basically, we take it from the napkin-type drawing,” Mast says. “We pull all the answers out of them and figure out what they want.” The second step is to work out a blueprint and develop a bid for the project, and the third phase is the customer’s approval of the bid. “If they like the numbers, and they like who they’re working with, we move on to the building phase where we perform the work,” Mast says. Mast’s goal is to be flexible, fair and friendly with each customer. “We accommodate every change, no matter how many there are,” Mast says. “We’ll build whatever the customer wants. We’re fair, which means that we bring quality building components at a fair price at their budget. The fair part means that we’re a hardworking, helpful, efficient crew. We never charge more than our proposals and change orders. The number they get is the

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


number they’re going to pay for.”

responsible living,” Mast explains.

In recent years Mast’s business has grown exponentially, which has enabled him to sponsor several local organizations like Elkhart-based Five Star Life. He feels the expansion is due to the culture inside the company.

They accomplish this through five core values. The first is to be open, honest and transparent, not only with customers, but also within the company. The second is to be committed to growth and improvement. “Basically, that means that we’re always trying to get better - we’re always trying to improve somewhere,” Mast explains. “We’re never satisfied to stay the same.”

“We try to create an environment that promotes good, solid,

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The third core value is to be dependable and hard-working.

employees and their abilities.

“Everyone needs to pull their share of the load plus one,” Mast says. “Take responsibility and blame no one. Take ownership of your roles, metrics and priorities.”

“We see each other’s potential as being ‘half full’ versus ‘half empty,’ ” Mast explains. “We try our best and learn from our mistakes. We try to believe in others so that they can believe in themselves.”

The fourth core value is to remain grateful and respectful. Last but not least, Michiana Builders is dedicated to seeing the best of their

As a growing business, they are always looking to hire people who would fit in with the company’s goals and core values. Once hired,

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employees are given roles that suit their individual talents and abilities. “We try to keep everyone working in their own unique abilities,” Mast says. “Not everybody can do the same thing, so we try to make sure that everyone is in the right seat for their abilities.” Michiana Builders is located at 105 East 200 North in LaGrange. To schedule a time to discuss your building project, call them at 260463-8111. Those interested in working for the company can call for details.

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DIFFERENT DADS, DIFFERENT GIFTS FATHER’S DAY GIFTING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A CHALLENGE Writer / Abigail Hake Photography Provided

That’s right, Father’s Day is right around the corner. Are you ready? Men can be so hard to buy for — is there anything he hasn’t gotten for himself already? And it’s hard to find something that will make him feel loved, appreciated, and surprised on his special day. But because those dads and grandpas out there do so much for us, we must try to nail it! So, here’s a few ideas of ways to spoil all those different dudes in your life!

THE GOLF LOVER DAD

Whether this is the man who can’t leave the golf course himself, or the one who always has the golf channel on the TV, it’s time to tee up a perfect Father’s Day for him. If you want to spend time playing golf with him, surprise him with a Father’s Day tee time at your favorite golf course or at a place like TopGolf. You might also consider getting him some fun golf socks and/or personalized golf balls.

THE OUTDOORSY DAD

This is the dad who loves being outside doing things like camping, fishing, hiking, etc. He probably has just about everything he needs but consider a gift card to his favorite shop like Cabella’s or a new cooler filled with his favorite brew. If gifting isn’t your thing, maybe go on a hike with your dad and spend some quality time doing what he likes. It could be spending an entire day fishing, but whatever it is, just make sure you have an agenda of which he approves.

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THE GRILL MASTER DAD

This dad loves to be outside by the grill with a beer in his hand and tongs or a spatula in the other. If you want to get him something special, consider personalized grill tools, an apron, and an order of some good steaks. The grill master dad probably has a lot of grill tools already, but ask a few questions: Does he need a new grill? Or maybe some new accessories? Or does he want to try something new? Feel him out a few weeks before Father’s Day and you’ll find something that’ll make him smile. And then enjoy a backyard cookout celebrating him with your family and friends!

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THE ‘HAS IT ALL DAD’

This is the dad who has it all. If he wants something, he buys it. They are the hardest to shop for and they are difficult to surprise. For this dad, you might need coordination amongst family members to keep him from buying things or to know what the latest must-have is that’s on his list. There are three routes to go with this guy. You can try tried and true treats you know he loves that are edible like candy, dinners, etc. You can try to buy something that is completely different but unique like a cool bottle opener, a personalized etched growler, or maybe customized art. Or in the end, these guys always like gift cards for their next impromptu purchase.

• Cookies • Pies • Breads • Sweet Rolls • Cakes Hours: Tuesday - Friday 5am-4pm Saturday 5am-2pm Ph: 574-825-7918 | Fax: 574-825-0209 59162 CR 43 Middlebury, IN 46540 TownePost.com / JUNE 2021 / THE LAKES / 65


THE ‘ALL WORK/ NO PLAY DAD’

It might sound silly, but these hard-working dads need some “me” time just like moms do. Check with him first, but he might appreciate a spa day! There’s nothing wrong with a day spent relaxing and enjoying a little bit of pampering on top of it. Or, if he’s not into those things, consider a nice beverage — maybe a top-notch whiskey and you can even get whiskey glasses and whiskey balls to go with it! It’s another way to relax that he’ll appreciate.

Here’s to all the dads out there who help change the diapers, tie the shoes, drive the kids to school, make dinners, play in the backyard, and so much more. There are so many great things you can do with your dad and it’s not always about the gifting. Spending good quality time with them is even more special. Whether it’s fishing all afternoon, having a movie marathon, or spending an afternoon on the porch catching up, your father will love the memories made and the bonding time.

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YE OLDE TACKLE BOX HELPS LOCALS STAY EQUIPPED FOR THE WATER Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Joe Denton, Owner

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oe Denton, the sole owner of Ye Olde Tackle Box in North Webster, credits his longtime loyal customers for keeping his business flourishing. Denton says he and his staff have gotten to know their customers and what products they like. They also offer sound advice on the best fishing equipment. “We have a very knowledgeable staff, and we listen to what our customers would like to see in the store,” Denton says. “We are always trying to bring in the newest product available.” Ye Olde Tackle Shop houses a large selection of musky and bass tackle. Denton believes going the extra mile to find out what his customers need for their next fishing excursion has also helped the business thrive.

“I believe that our customer service and new products are what is making our business grow,” Denton says. “In the last year, my customer base has grown. I think that is due to the number of new people that have picked up fishing.” The large number of lakes and streams nearby has also helped Ye Olde Tackle Box grow through the years. The business has been around for more than 70 years. Denton’s store carries a wide range of fishing tackle.

“In 2019, approximately 44 million people purchased fishing licenses in the United States,” Denton says. “In 2020, approximately 62 million people purchased fishing licenses, as of November of 2020. This information was given to me by one of the bigger rep groups that I purchase my products from.” Denton purchased Ye Olde Tackle Box from a friend when he was looking to make a change in his life. His love for fishing led him to take over the popular business.

Kosciusko County is also known as one of the top five fishing destinations for musky Denton has received high praise from his loyal customer base by updating the in the Midwest. store and staying with the times, while “It really helps having so many lakes in the still maintaining what made the business special in the first place. area,” Denton says. “Fishing tackle stores as a whole are a dying breed.” Denton believes customers at Ye Olde He says interest in fishing, however, is still Tackle Box have consistently relied on the high-quality equipment. The shop very high throughout the country. has a great selection of rods, reels and

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accessories. “This year we’ve brought in 6th Sense, a larger line of Googan baits, and a larger line of Dobyns fishing rods,” Denton says. “We also have Fitzgerald fishing rods, along with their fishing line and jigs. I also signed with Daiwa and a few other companies.” Denton likes having customers come in to browse the shop, and seeing what they are buying. “A large amount of my customers like to have the product in hand, and touch and feel it,” Denton says. “Most of the customers thank me for keeping the shop open.” They also enjoy the hometown feel of the store, and being able to talk to a staff that knows a great deal about the importance of having proper fishing equipment.

3515 W US 20 Lagrange IN TownePost.com / JUNE 2021 / THE LAKES / 71


Because pan fishing in the area is still popular, Ye Olde Tackle Box has gained a solid reputation for carrying Zoom and Yamamoto soft plastic baits, and several other brand-name soft plastic baits. Denton has also kept up with the times, and says he does a lot of business online. “As of last year, we are all computerized and have a website,” Denton says. “Due to the issues with getting product, I decided to shut my website down to local pickup only. My local customers are my bread and butter. I wanted them to have the first chance at the products I carry. So far this year, it looks like it’s going to be the same way. I decided to keep the online store to local pickup only.” Ye Olde Tackle Box is located at 708 South Main Street in North Webster. For more info including product details, call 574-8342011 or visit yeoldetacklebox.net.

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(574)404-8900 - 3698 S. County Road 210 - Bass Lake (Knox) 46534 72 / THE LAKES / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


The Largest and Best Musky Shop within 600 miles of North Webster.

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As of APRIL 1ST Four Woods Shades & Blinds has moved to the new location!

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Captain Bob Barnes and President Karilyn Metcalf.

STAYING AFLOAT

were shut down during the entire 2020 season, but we hope to run again in 2021.”

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Metcalf is hopeful the Dixie will also be able to serve private charter tours. “In order to book a private charter, I tell people to just call me at 574-8342385, and we can arrange a time when the Dixie is not busy with regular cruises,” Metcalf says.

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Webster-based Dixie will sail again this summer.

Karilyn Metcalf, president of Dixie Sternwheeler, Inc., is hopeful the North

“The Dixie tours the entire area of Webster Lake,” Metcalf says. “Our tours

Custom made wood pens made in our shop $30 & up Many hand turned bowls in stock & other turned items Native woods custom orders available

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Metcalf is also optimistic about the usual roster of summer events. “We always celebrate the Dixie’s birthday with special cruises in July,” Metcalf says. “We do weddings, anniversaries and any other special occasions that are brought to us. We do extra cruises during Dixie Days in North Webster, and we have a fireworks cruise. We are willing to accommodate other special occasions as they are brought to us.” Metcalf says many people who missed out last year have expressed interest in riding on the Dixie again. “We are in the process of figuring out the best way to deal with it for 2021,” she says. “If we can find that out, we can run again.” Metcalf adds that the North Webster community has been overwhelmingly supportive during the pandemic. “The community knows that the Dixie organization puts the health and safety of its passengers first,” she says. “We will not run the boat until we can put in place a safe way for them to ride the Dixie.”

Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm Saturday 8:00am-1:00pm 260-593-2769 5995 W. 200 S Topeka, IN 46571 At the 4-way stop in Emma

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Metcalf says North Webster residents, people from around the state and Midwest, and supporters from other states across the U.S. have kept the Dixie afloat. “When I’m on an airplane for a trip and I tell someone I’m from North Webster, they automatically bring up the Dixie,” Metcalf says. “That makes me feel great.


It’s been that way for a long time. The Dixie was built in 1929, and is Indiana’s oldest sternwheel excursion boat. The Dixie started with a young packet steamboat pilot, Joseph Breeck, who spent a lot of summers with his family at Webster Lake. Joseph eventually built three boats during the 1920s. Breeck built the very first Dixie in 1914. It was eventually replaced by the present Dixie in 1929. It’s still the one used today.” Metcalf, a former music teacher at North Webster Elementary School for 38 years, says the special memories she has of the Dixie always revolve around the many families that have visited over the years. “Every year seems new and different,” she says. “The history of the Dixie is filled with people who keep coming back. That’s the history that is important to me. Many families have

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told me they make it an annual tradition to take a ride on the Dixie. That makes me feel great. We really try to make it affordable fun for people.” Metcalf notes that the prices for

refreshments have remained the same for many years. “Our famous delicious popcorn is still $1, and our drinks are still $1,” Metcalf says. “You can’t beat that. We keep things

78 / THE LAKES / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com

affordable. We also have a historical book about the Dixie that we sell. A lot of people have told us they really enjoy that. People who come into North Webster to take a ride on the Dixie stick around and eat at the restaurants, and


spend money at the shops. It’s a great tradition.” During the typical season, the boat runs at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday. Adjustments may be necessary depending on COVID restrictions. To take a ride on the Dixie, located at 401 South Dixie Drive in North Webster, call 574-834-1080. You can also check out their website at ridethedixie.com.

Captains Dave Tranter outside of wheelhouse and Bob Dailey inside of the wheelhouse driving

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Writer / Angela Cornell Photographer / Timothy Hare

CAMP ALEXANDER M AC K H A S A C E N T U R YLO N G H I S T O R Y

Many people have fond memories of going to camp as kids. The prospect of seeing old friends and making new ones was exciting, and to call the outdoor activities “fun” would have been an understatement, especially the thrilling ones like tubing and bonfires. For those who went to religious camps, there was an added anticipation of faith-based activities that not only strengthened relationships between campers, but also brought them nearer to God. In Milford, Camp Alexander Mack has been providing all of these opportunities and more to families for 96 years. Located on Lake Waubee, Camp Alexander Mack offers residential

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summer camps as well as year-round retreats and events for all ages. “We’re a sanctuary, a space where people can connect with God, experience nature and build Christian community,” explains Deanna Beckner, guest services director. Thanks to the 200-plus acres that make up Camp Mack, there are many outdoor activities available to guests, including a low and high rope course, trails, lake activities and much more. The staff members are all eager to make the camp experience as wonderful as possible. “A lot of what we focus on is that sanctuary experience, and our staff is definitely a part of that,” Beckner says. “We focus on being involved with our guests, developing that personal relationship, providing them with a personal experience and being there if they need something. It’s definitely something that we pride ourselves on.”

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In the summer, Camp Mack offers a variety of overnight camps. These vary in length from two-night, three-day stays for first and second graders to a week-long option for teenagers. “We do a lot of fun stuff too - swimming, boating, crafts, Bible studies - it depends on the camp and who the leaders are as to what opportunities and activities they choose to do,” Beckner says.

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There are also specialty adventure camps for middle schoolers. This summer they’re offering an outdoor survival camp, archery camp, and water-oriented splash camp with activities like sailing, water exploration and a shrimp boil. “They just have fun with different aspects of water,” Beckner says. Not all retreats happen in the summer, nor are they all for youth. Some focus on a specific family relationship, like Grand Camp for children and their grandparents, which happens in June and August. Others are interest-focused, like the quilting retreat or scrapbooking retreat. For those who aren’t into crafts, there’s also a birdwatchers’ retreat, and even some that focus on niche interests like drum building. The camp also offers events like the Camp Mack Festival scheduled for the first Saturday of October. This daylong event offers a Camp Mack experience in miniature. “Parking is free, entrance is free and there’s awesome food,” Beckner says. Beyond that, there are several fun activities including crafts, family pursuits and an auction. Camp Mack is also a great place for independent rental groups. “We have three lodges, three sets of cabins, and one set of yurts, which are round cabins,” Beckner says. “It equates to about 400 beds.”

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The lodges are equipped for year-round use. The facilities are also available for shorter events like weddings, reunions and teambuilding activities.

was jealous that I got to eat camp food all the time,” Beckner says with a chuckle. Of all that Camp Mack has to offer, Beckner believes the best part is the community.

In many ways, Camp Mack leaders try to break out of the stereotypical camp mold. Beyond their facilities and the variety of activities available, their kitchen is also wellknown.

“We get to work with some wonderful people, and you get to spend time with those people in some special places,” Beckner says. “We have a little chapel, Shultz Chapel, and the views of the lake are wonderful. Just being able to get to know each other and worshiping together

“My cousin once mentioned to me that she

- coming to God in this sanctuary is very special.” Camp Alexander Mack is located at 1113 East Camp Mack Road in Milford. For more information on camps offered this summer and COVID policy, visit campmack.org. Reach out to Deanna Beckner by calling 574-658-4831 or emailing info@campmack.org.

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7705 W 450 N | SHIPSHEWANA 84 / THE LAKES / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


KOSCIUSKO COUNTY

12

ELKHART COUNTY

OAKWOOD FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

JUNE 1-SEPT 15

QUILT GARDENS ALONG THE HERITAGE TRAIL See 16 giant gardens planted in the shape of quilt patterns PLUS 14 hand painted quilt murals in 6 cities and towns along the Heritage Trail. Free, self-guided, open daily during all daylight hours. www.QuiltGardens.com 1.800.262.8161

3

NAPPANEE PUBLIC LIBRARY HOMES OF THE KITCHEN INDUSTRY GUIDED WALKING TOUR Tour around of Houses built for and by the Men of the Kitchen Industry! Have you ever driven through Nappanee and noticed some of the beautiful homes that are speckled along US 6 in the historic east district? Ever wonder what their stories are and who built them? Homes of the Kitchen Industry takes you through this historic area where you’ll learn about the Mutschler, Coppes and Zook family homes, the history behind them and the men who built them. Learn what home in Nappanee was designed by well-known architect E. Hill Turnock and find out what home used to be three floors but now only has two. Discover how one home was relocated to make way for Nappanee’s post office and find out which house in Nappanee was the “house the depression” built You will also learn about how Nappanee was once the “kitchen capital of the world.”

https://nappanee.librarycalendar.com/events/homes-kitchenindustry-walking-tour 574-773-7812

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The outdoor setting provides a family-friendly environment. Food vendors are onsite for snacks and lunch, with outside seating available. https://www.chautauquawawasee.org/ 574-377-7543

26-AUG 7

NORTH WEBSTER COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY SMITHSONIAN WATERWAYS EXHIBIT North Webster Community Public Library, in partnership with The Watershed Foundation, will host a traveling Smithsonian exhibit entitled Water/Ways. This exhibit examines water’s impact on landscapes, communities, and culture. It also includes a local companion exhibit exploring our unique water story and resources as well as a series of public programs. 574-834-324 | Shipshewana/LaGrange County

EVERY TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY THRU SEPTEMBER SHIPSHEWANA FLEA MARKET The open air market is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8 am - 4 pm, May through September. https://shipshewanatradingplace.com/ | 260-768-4129

VISIT NAPPANEE’S FRIDAY FEST—TRACTORS & CRAFTSMEN

17

Featuring a tractor show, woodworking and crafts plus live entertainment with his 50’s/60’s rock covers, and visitors can enjoy a variety of meals and treats from food trucks and local food vendors. www.Visitnappanee.com (574) 333-6201

5:30 p.m. Topeka Branch http://www.lagrange.lib.in.us/board.html

19-20

ELKHART JAZZ FESTIVAL Since 1988, jazz legends and fans have gathered each summer for a memorable weekend at the Elkhart Jazz Festival. Combining warm, intimate, small-town hospitality with the excitement of big city jazz, the Elkhart Jazz Festival has become an internationally acclaimed event.

https://elkhartjazzfestival.com/

26

LAGRANGE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

23-25

SHIPSHEWANA QUILT FESTIVAL Special Exhibit & Vendor Mall, Quilt Lectures, Quilt Academy, Workshops, Quilt Shop Hop https://www.shipshewanaquiltfest.com/

25-26

MIDWEST CLASSIC DRAFT HORSE SHOW & PULL

ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR Self-guided Home Garden Tour at 7 locations in Bristol, Indiana including unique garden art & plant sale at the Hospitality Center. $10 pre-sale tickets at ticket outlets or $11 pre-sale online, $13 onsite day of tour. http://www.michianamastergardeners.com/news-and-events.html

574.533.0554

Michiana Event Center One of North America’s premier draft horse events! https://www.michianaevents.com/ 260-768-3300

NOBLE COUNTY

25-26

WARSAW

EVERY SUN

AVILLA FREEDOM FESTIVAL

JR. ROLLER DERBY PRACTICE

Every Sunday - 10am-Noon - K-county Jr. Roller derby practice at The Eastlake Skating Rink.

BBQ cook off, talent show, car show, horseshoes, entertainment stages and the best firework show ever https://www.avillafreedomfestival.com/

TownePost.com / JUNE 2021 / THE LAKES / 85


UPCOMING EVENTS T E A M C A M A R I L LO JUNE 3-6 MORGAN GOLD CUP REGIONALS JUNE 9TH-12TH NORTH AMERICAN H ACKNEY SALE JUNE18, 2021

4 5 5 E FA R V E R S T R E E T SHIPSHEWANA, IN 46565 W W W. M I C H I A N A E V E N T S . C O M 260-768-3300

DRIVING HORSE SALE JUNE 19, 2021 MIDWEST CLASSIC DRAFT HORSE SHOW & PULL JUNE 25, 2021 – JUN 26, 2021

Huge Selection of

Local Goods & Foods! Local Honey • Maple Syrup • Eggs Cinnamon Rolls • Cookies • Bread Pickles • Beets 30 Flavors of Jams & Jellies Local Meats • Milk & Dairy 28 Varieties of Salsa

AND MUCH MORE!

VISIT TODAY! Home of Katie’s Homemade Noodles & Dutch Country Honey 11351 County Rd 16, Middlebury, IN • 574-825-3594 • Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30, Sat 8:30-5 86 / THE LAKES / JUNE 2021 / TownePost.com


Complete Marine Sales • Service • Storage Boston Whaler • Starcraft • Mercury

9171 E. Ross Dr. Syracuse, IN 46567 TownePost.com / JUNE 2021 / THE LAKES / 87


SPECIALIZING IN HIGH QUALITY STEEL ROOFING

PREMIERROOFINGINDIANA.COM (574) 354-1533 | Mattpremierroofing@gmail.com

AWARD WINNING CONTRACTOR Discount Merchandise • Kitchenware • Outdoor Decor • Bedding • Decor • Toys

574.642.0494

10097 CR 38 Millersburg, IN 46543 Hours: Tues-Fri 8:00-4:30 Sat 8:00-1:00

• Handbags • Backpacks • Area Rugs And MUCH MORE!


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