The Lakes West Magazine February 2023

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KEY CONTRIBUTORS #SPOTLIGHTINGLOCAL

FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT franchising.townepost.com

Compost: The ability to return to nature that which was borrowed from nature.

Some refer to the soil as “Mother Earth.” Fertile soil is the source of what feeds us, clothes us, and shelters us. In so doing, we are borrowing that which makes the soil full of life; in the grains which takes its nourishment; in the forage which feeds our livestock; in the timber which provides our shelter.

Composting manures improves the fluidity of the manures by taking on the role of soil bacteria in breaking down the manure components (preconditioning) into molecular structures necessary for soil chelation and plant root absorption.

What we borrow we must replace.

If we continue to “take” and never return in equal share; if we borrow and never repay, we steal from the earth, from that which makes the soil fertile and able to nourish all things that grow from it.

If in greed we coerce the earth to give more through the overuse of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides without replenishing the organic structure, the soil ceases to provide.

The application of Boost™ preconditioned manures greatly increases the volume of beneficial soil bacteria

SPRINGING INTO ACTION

WINAMAC COIL SPRING CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF INNOVATION

Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Three-quarters of a century is a strong testament to the spirit of entrepreneurship that was sparked by Walter Pesaresi in 1948. Four generations later and the business he started, Winamac Coil Spring (WCS), is still going strong, and this year the staff members are recognizing the 75th anniversary of its founding.

Today Walter’s grandchildren are the owners of WCS, including Gene Huber Jr., Dan Pesaresi Jr., Chad Huber, Anthony Pesaresi and Andrew Pesaresi. Each takes on a different role within the business.

Walter was employed at Muehlhausen Spring Company in Logansport, and wanted to move up within the company. Seeing no path there, he joined with several partners to establish WCS.

“Ironically, two of Walter’s brothers did not choose to follow in his vision and finished out their careers at their existing employer,” Anthony Pesaresi says.

While WCS is thriving today, in the early years that was not the case. Growth was slow to come. It wasn’t until the 1960s that the company began to grow and thrive. One reason for this

spurt is attributed to Dan Pesaresi Sr., Walter’s oldest son. Dan Sr. brought his business education into the business to complement Walter’s coil-making skills.

“Other pivotal family members joined the organization within the same decade,” Pesaresi says. “Vic Montz, Gene Huber Sr., Barb Huber and Joe Pesaresi each came in to fill needed roles within the growing organization.”

That growth was focused on serving the needs of customers in several varied industries including the military, railroad, appliance and agriculture. This required out-of-the-box thinking to accommodate the needs of customers. Pesaresi says the ingenuity of family and non-family team members helped solve customer problems with engineering, manufacturing and timely delivery of parts. Customer satisfaction was established with this approach, he says.

Growth also meant expansion. By 1957 the original small shop operation in Winamac was not meeting the manufacturing needs of WCS.

As Pesaresi tells it, Walter began looking for options and was approached by the Kewanna Progressive Association about moving the entire business to a vacant building in Kewanna.

“They offered the labor and equipment to repair the building, as well as move all of Walt’s equipment,” Pesaresi says.

The company remained in that location for several years before acquiring property back in Winamac. At that time the wireform equipment and personnel were relocated from Kewanna to Winamac, creating a separate division. All spring types continue to be manufactured at the Kewanna facility.

Innovation is one of the reasons that the business has survived through decades of change. One example Pesaresi shares is how Walter figured out how to manufacture a spring with a longer length than what machines were able to produce.

“Walt physically cut the machine in half, and built the framework to stretch it out to satisfy the customers’ needs,” he says.

“This mindset has continued today with application of custom machinery, robotics and innovative spring design. Partnering right along with the mechanical innovation is the attention to customer service and the customers’ ever-evolving needs.

Communications and responsiveness are trademarks of growth of WCS within our industry.”

When multiple generations are involved in the same business, interacting on a

Quality Care, Closer To Home

The sta of Pulaski Memorial Hospital Medical and Surgical Group works diligently to provide groundbreaking services and compassionate care throughout our local communities. Operating clinics in ve convenient locations, our team is dedicated to providing “Quality Care, Closer To Home.”

We are excited to announce that we have opened our sixth Medical Clinic in Culver, Indiana.

Sta ed by Dr. Tim Day, a Culver native, and Alexa Good, FNP-C, our caring, and dedicated team is excited to meet the community’s healthcare needs.

The Clinic is open Monday through Friday, and both providers are accepting new patients.

Day, MD

day-to-day basis, there can be challenges. Sometimes personalities do not blend well. Pesaresi says the WCS team learned early to stress the value of each person, recognizing that everyone brings specific skills that adapt to different functions.

“Every company has a need to fill essential roles,” he says. “Coupling this with family passion brings advantages of sense of responsibility, integrity, hard work and community commitment.”

The founders of the business, Walter and Theresa Pesaresi, were both firstgeneration U.S. citizens whose parents immigrated from Italy. The family lived in the Logansport and Peru area while working for a railroad company. Multiple generations of the Pesaresi family continue to live in and support the surrounding communities of Winamac, Plymouth, Kewanna and Rochester.

Good, FNP-C

232 S. Main St., Suite A, Culver, IN., 46511 · (574) 842-2476 · www.pmhnet.com

The company’s longevity is due to the 180 employees who work there today, as well as those working side by side with the founders and family.

“Too numerous to mention are those that applied ideas, and brought passion with them that has maintained the company’s longevity - customers have come and gone over the years, but the realization that WCS partners with its customers to sustain a relationship of trust that breeds success,” Pesaresi says.

For more info, visit winamaccoilspring.com.

Tim

Alexa

THAT’S HER BUSINESS

KNOX NATIVE ACHIEVES LONGTIME DREAM BY OPENING IRELYND ALEXIS BOUTIQUE

culmination of many years of working hard and saving money.

Flooring, waitressed at Harbour House at Bass Lake, coached middle school cheer, did personal training, dog sat, and did many other side jobs.”

Fornelli says she first thought about opening a boutique when she was in the ninth grade at Knox High School, but did not think it was something she could accomplish. That’s when she started doing research, and studied how to begin the process and establish a business. It wasn’t until she was 20 that her business came to fruition.

At 24, Knox native Irelynd Fornelli is already following her dream. She is the owner of Irelynd Alexis Boutique in her hometown, which represents the

“I worked several jobs to save to start my boutique,” Fornelli says. “I worked at Knox High School as a paraprofessional, helped out at my grandparents’ store, Preferred

Like many small-business owners, Fornelli started selling online, testing market appeal through Facebook Live, and progressing to setting up a website and relying on social

Irelynd Fornelli

“The true dream was always a storefront though, and when the opportunity came in my hometown, I jumped at it,” she says. “There is no shop like mine, to my knowledge, within 40 minutes of Knox. I knew locals would love the convenience.”

Setting up shop in Knox comes with geographic challenges, but Fornelli says she wouldn’t have wanted to do it anywhere else.

“Being in a rural area definitely makes my storefront a little slower than I’d like it to be at times, but the website does help,” she says. “I wanted this store to be something locals talk about, and I wanted the support to come from the community that I have been a part of for 24 years now.”

Irelynd Alexis Boutique offers clothing and accessories for women, ranging in size from small to XL, and a plus-size section. She

has a small men’s section with sizes ranging from small to 2XL.

A section of the boutique is also set aside for babies, with blankets, bibs, toys, beanies, pacifier straps and other items. She is

offering customers a preorder arrangement for children’s clothes online, to evaluate the market before incorporating this niche into the store.

Brands such as Kancan jeans, VERVET

by Flying Monkey, Risen Jeans, Blowfish shoes, Candy Club, Duke Cannon, and Itzy Ritzy are also part of the boutique’s inventory.

“I personally have a more boho or western-

style taste myself,” Fornelli says. “I know not everyone is into that. I offer several different styles, and sell several different brands of jeans, shoes, and lots of accessories that range from western to more basic. I definitely try to stick to the more trendy styles.”

In October, Fornelli entered the 2022 Starke Tank Countywide Business Pitch Competition and was named the overall winner. In addition to a cash prize, it also helped get her recognition in the community and brought in customers from the community.

“I am super outgoing and I feel like presenting the pitch the way I did definitely showed that,” she says. “I also took the time to break down individual costs, and how certain things I would want to potentially add to the boutique would benefit the community.”

Opening a business comes with challenges.

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It takes time and dedication, and relies on the ability to plan and strategize to get through slower times.

“One challenge that I still face today is trying to keep up with the market,” she says. “Everything is going up in price in today’s society but I try to keep my boutique as affordable as I can.”

Fornelli, who worked a number of jobs to raise the money to start her business, works only at her boutique now. She is pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in business marketing, with her graduation expected to occur in May.

“My boutique is kind of a hidden gem, but when people from out of town do stumble upon me or find me on social media, it is very exciting to know that they took the time to drive to my little shop,” she says. Irelynd Alexis Boutique is located at 7 North Main Street in Knox. For more information, visit irelyndalexisboutique. com, or visit their Facebook page @ irelyndalexisboutique.

Homespun Charm

PRIMITIVE STAR QUILT SHOP EVOKES DAYS GONE BY

Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photographer / Tony Straw

Home, it is said, is where the heart is. At Primitive Star Quilt Shop, Owner Jacki Alcorn offers her customers a little homespun charm for their decor, no matter what their style may be.

“I love unique things, and pieces that look like they could have been treasured in a home a long time ago,” Alcorn says. “It gives a hint to days gone by.”

Her store offers a line of quilts, curtains, kitchen decor, reclaimed wood items, and other primitive home decor products that evoke a sense of grandma’s house.

“The textures are cozy with rich, warm colors and long-lasting quality,” Alcorn says. “They fall into the primitive or rustic country niche, but can easily blend into any interior style.”

The primitive star from which the shop gets its name is an asymmetrical, elongated fivepointed star often seen in primitive design. Alcorn designed a custom quilt collection that features the unique primitive star, but the store has a variety of quilt designs.

There’s a variety of home decor and accessories that blends well with the primitive-star style, as well as the downtown Argos building in which Alcorn has opened her shop.

The storefront is an addition to a thriving online business. Alcorn started an online store in 2008, offering home decorations. In 2010, to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary, she wanted to find a quilt that reminded her of the ones her grandma made. Being a quilter herself, Alcorn did some searching and found a quilt manufacturer with several patterns she liked.

“I fell in love with the quilt we chose and I knew I wanted to offer those quilts to my customers,” she says.

Primitive Star Quilt Shop was born, absorbing her previous store and greatly expanding. As the business grew she added other home decor items, and more bedding including her custom line of quilts, throws

Hoosier Bait Co. has a long and succesful history in the artificial bait business. The “Stutzie” has been made for over 35 years and has been catching lots of fish ever since. Each worm is hand poured and rigged with a hand tied 12 LB test stren leader with mustad hooks. These are available in 2 hook sizes - The Original Series with a #8 hook or The Tournament Series with a #6 hook. Both sizes come with 12 worms per card.

THE STUTZIE HAS LOTS OF HISTORY & LOTS OF FISHING SUCCESS

NEW DEALERS

and curtains called Cheston.

In 2022 Alcorn had been operating Primitive Star Quilt Shop out of her home for several years, but had grown to the point where a change was needed.

“We were trying to store all of our product and do all of our shipping out of our home, and we were running out of space,” she says. The answer was a building on South Michigan Street in Argos. Alcorn and her husband, Jon, purchased it in June and jumped right into the renovation, doing much of the work themselves. They moved Primitive Star Quilt Shop in and opened in October.

The move into the building has provided the much-needed space for order processing and shipping. There are also plenty of shelves to store inventory, and a spacious workspace for her employees.

Renovations to the building were thoughtfully done, Alcorn says, to fit the aesthetic of her products. Reclaimed wood was used on the walls, corrugated tin was repurposed, and beadboard was installed for a rustic look. Heirloom pieces from Alcorn’s family were brought in to be used as home decor display items.

Six employees work alongside Alcorn, putting together orders and keeping track of the inventory. They help answer the phone, manage the website and handle customer service.

Quality customer service is one of the most important aspects of the business, Alcorn says. “We want to serve our customers well,” she says. “They can call us for any questions.”

Her customers tend to be “family oriented, and not just people who like quilts,” Alcorn says. “Some are simply looking for things that make their home cozier, to make it feel lived in.” That coziness might come from the quilts, candles, decorative garlands, mason jars or rustic wood vessels she stocks in the store.

The venture into a home-goods business has been a lifelong journey for Alcorn. Her parents and grandparents were always involved in business ventures and she followed their lead.

“Both sides of my family were artistic,” Alcorn says.

As a youngster, she crafted macramé necklaces and her father encouraged her to sell them. She had a business in the 1980s selling a variety of homemade items and enjoyed traveling to craft shows to sell her

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work. With four children at home, Alcorn took a pause from craft shows until, in 2005, she started painting on salvaged slate shingles, which she sold to friends, family and co-workers.

With more than 4,000 items available in the online store, there really is something for everyone at Primitive Star Quilt Shop. Having a physical store gives local customers a chance to see the quality of the products firsthand, Alcorn says. Some of

her online customers have already been in to see products in the Argos store.

The physical location also brings more life into downtown Argos, the town that Alcorn and her husband have called home for years.

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

There’s just something about the look of weathered wood that evokes a sense of nostalgia.

Perhaps it’s due in part to the sense of craftsmanship that goes into the creation,

a skill that is equal parts artisanal and practical. The materials harvested from the surroundings of nature tell tales of their own, through every ripple and ridge branded by time. Once the wood is carefully turned and tended, the finished products reveal fresh designs destined to carry on a new kind of story.

This sentiment has found its way into the realm of construction, most significantly in the niche of woodworking.

At EtchWood, located in the rolling, rustic countryside of Shipshewana, the staff appreciates and understands this principle quite well. They have found a way to add a different and unique dimension to

Although hand-hewn beams are visually and aesthetically desirable, they are often cumbersome and exceptionally heavy to maneuver and work with. The EtchWood solution is to replicate the look and feel

of authentic markings in the wood, done in a meticulously executed manner so as not to compromise the wood fibers. The dimension is literally ingrained through a specialized machine that uses heat embossing to create the finish. The result is wood with the character of intricate grooves, but with a smoother exterior and texture, using new wood products - more specifically, as the business tagline reads, “vintage textures on modern materials.” The manufacturing aspect of the EtchWood inventory comes from Valley Line Wood Products.

Customers can select from a variety of woods for their chosen project, ranging from solid woods to plywood panels, and they also have the option of polymers.

At the point of consultation, they will be advised to bring in the proportions and measurements for the style of beams they are planning to incorporate into

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

There are many folks who have long enjoyed the indulgences of a great hobby. However, a very fortunate few are ever able to parlay those hobbies into a lifelong career.

Harley Casper was one such individual. As a young man in the 1950s, Casper was a collector of coins, which he often purchased and sold to fellow enthusiasts. By the early 1980s, Casper’s wife, Betty, joined forces with her husband to create a new business venture, and in 1983 Casper’s Coin & Jewelry was unveiled in Goshen.

In the spirit of a true family enterprise, Justin Kollar, the son that the Caspers never had, formed a partnership with his uncle, David Kollar, to open a 600-square-foot storefront in Goshen. When Harley Casper passed away in 2012, Justin became the chief executor of his elder’s vision so many years prior.

9a-2p

Manager Nicole Mathews and Owner David Kollar

The Kollars hired additional employees to help maintain the business, with a total of four full-time employees at the helm. Casper’s Coin & Jewelry swiftly rose to prominence as a frontrunner in the buying and selling of gold and silver bullion, American and foreign coins, and paper currency, as well as working with collectors of military memorabilia including firearms and knives. By 2016 the store had outgrown its meager 600-square-foot space, and the Kollars purchased the former Weldy Auto Parts store on West Pike Street.

This relocation allowed the staff to expand their business into a 3,500-square-foot facility, with a 1,000-square-foot showroom. Furthermore, in an effort to reach an even greater customer base, a second location was launched at 214 North Dixie Way in South Bend.

The profile of Casper’s Coin & Jewelry has evolved significantly in the 40 years since its inception, according to David Kollar. “In today’s volatile economy, as we are in now, Casper’s is helping people find money in their treasures,” he says. “Whether it is some broken jewelry, old coins they don’t want, or a firearm they are no longer using, people can bring it in and receive cash on the spot. Once

MILLER STOVE

in a while there are those who just want to get an idea of what something is worth, or need to settle an estate. Casper’s is here to help.”

Kollar also explains how the interior of the business provides more than simply a means to transact. It’s become a special sort of gallery as well. “Casper’s is a cross between a museum and a resale shop,” he says. “They have a lot of items on display from the early 18th century to items made today. Plan to stay a little while to soak in their expansive and ever-changing inventory. Be sure to bring a dog treat for Wrigley and Winston.”

Casper’s Coin & Jewelry has recently broadened its scope of business well beyond a brick-and-mortar setting. “Casper’s has been selling on eBay for over 10 years, with over 6,700 items sold and retaining 99.8% feedback, giving them an abovestandard rating,” Kollar says. “Their eBay store currently has over 2,400 items from jewelry, coins, knives, militaria, collectibles and some very unique items.”

There are more surprises in store for this new year - a prospect Kollar is very excited about. “As 2023 opens up, Casper’s is running the race full-throttle, as we expand our internet marketing and social media by stepping back in time to the 18th and 19th centuries.”

The endeavor is to be known as Copper Cross Trading (CCT). “Copper Cross Trading provides authentic and reproduction items to serve both collectors and re-enactors interested in the 1740 to 1865 time periods,” Kollar says, adding that the inventory will include clothing, firearms, cooking utensils, fabric, coins and jewelry. “Come visit CCT in May at Five Medals at the Trace, and also at Stone’s Trace in Ligonier in September.” Both events feature depictions of Civil War-era battles and scenery.

Find Casper’s Coins & Jewelry and Copper Cross Trading on Facebook, and visit casperscoins.com for more info. Visitors can find the stores at 603 West Pike Street in Goshen, and at 214 North Dixie Way in South Bend. To contact the Goshen store, call 574-971-8619, or call 574-272-5554 to connect with the South Bend shop. Join the VIP Club by texting SILVER to 313131.

BAKE ON IT

A FEW CULINARY CONCEPTS TO ENHANCE YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY

How do you show someone that you love or care for them on Valentine’s Day? The most traditional approach during the Valentine’s holiday involves giving chocolates, a beautiful bouquet of flowers, candy and cards. Some couples like to go out to dinner and have a nice time on the town.

Then there are those who prefer to stay in. That way they’re not fighting traffic or bad weather.

If staying in is the thing for you, here’s a great way of showing that special person that you’re thinking of them by cooking, or maybe baking a beautiful red-velvet Bundt cake. At New Kitchen Store we have a

gorgeous, gold-colored, beautifully designed Nordic Ware Bundt pan. No matter what type of cake mix you use, whether homemade or from a box, you are sure to dazzle any person you have in mind with this pan.

For Valentine’s Day we decided to use red velvet for our cake mix. Once we put the

Story & Photography Provided by New Kitchen Store

mix in the pan, be sure to add a little oil and flour (so the cake doesn’t stick to the pan when it is finished), bake and cool. After that, there really isn’t much left to do. Find a pretty plate and doily to put the cake on. Then drizzle it with white icing and you can’t go wrong.

If red velvet is not the flavor for you, that’s OK. Chocolate or vanilla work just as well. To be honest, any flavor is fine. With this particular pan it will all look divine.

At the end of the day, what matters is what comes from your heart. The Bundt cake is just one idea to give you a start. What we are all looking for is somewhat the same. We want to be loved, and that’s more important than money or fame.

If baking cakes is not for you, there’s something else with this pan you can do. Find some red jello and whipped cream for a start. Put it in this pan and set it in the refrigerator. When it is set, put it on a plate

like the cake. Your family will be impressed and say, “Wow, what did you make?”

Cake, jello - whatever you choose, what you’re really saying is, “You’re special in so many ways. I bake to show you I love you. I bake to show you I care. With all the many people in this world, you are the one who is there.”

So, you don’t have to be a great cook to bake from the heart. We at New Kitchen Store are here to encourage and give you a start. Yes, Valentine’s Day can be fun and dreamy - come by our store and you’ll catch our meaning. Bundt cakes, muffin pans and pie plates too - there’s so much to look at, you will have fun just walking through. To the husband searching for a gift for his wife, we have lots to choose from - items she’ll find nice. Ladies, there are things for the man. Cast-iron knives and barbecue items too. There will be someone there to help you make a choice. If browsing is for you, that’s great too.

Now back to the Bundt cake for our Valentine’s plan - it will sure look pretty when it is put on a cake stand. Maybe add some ice cream garnished with a flower or two. Whatever you add, that’s totally up to you. What is important is that you

baked it with care.

New Kitchen Store is located at 330 Liberty Street in Walkerton. For more info, call 574-586-2745 or visit newkitchenstore.com.

DRINK IT IN

SUN KING IS MAKING ITS MARK ON MISHAWAKA

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Since its origins as a city, Mishawaka has long been regarded as a place of innovation.

Over the course of nearly 200 years, commanding strides led to progress in various fields including transportation and manufacturing, each with a wealth of pioneers and community leaders blazing their trails.

Just as noteworthy in the historic annals of the Princess City and its environs is the rich and intriguing legacy of breweries, many of which were long-established near and along the banks of the storied St. Joseph River. Now, a new establishment is poised to take its rightful place within the long and illustrious line of visionaries who were powerfully inspired by this city of prosperity.

In the summer of 2022, Sun King Brewery welcomed guests to cross the threshold of a brand-new tap room, situated at The Mill at Ironworks Plaza. Sun King was based in Indianapolis

Jordy Rush - Mishawaka General Manager

more than a decade ago, and now has five facilities in the greater Indianapolis area. The movement to launch an ancillary location in northern Indiana was due to the efforts of Co-owners Dave Colt and Clay Robinson, both distinguished professional brewers.

The Mill at Ironworks Plaza is a mixed-

use residential development adjacent to the legendary Beutter Park backdrop, and in its entirety strikes an avant-garde and sophisticated profile across the riverfront skyline.

Since Sun King introduced its expertise with independent craft beers to the Hoosier populace, the company has

tallied more than 50 national and international awards honoring their unique creations. Colt, for his part, is beyond enthusiastic to bring this breadth of experience to the region he once called home, and where his familial ties run deep.

“We are excited to celebrate the opening

contribute to the great community of Mishawaka, near where I grew up in neighboring South Bend,” Colt says.

of specialty beers is a fascinating lesson, as is the limitless array of ingredients the brewers use. Within the 5,000-square-foot taproom there are 24 beers on tap, which include a variety of seasonal, barrelaged, sour, and dessert-inspired options. Among the favorites of patrons are the Cherry Busey, Shadow Proof imperial stout and Caramel Apple Tripel. There is seemingly nothing to be ruled out as to what could potentially be incorporated into a brew. Take, for example, the dozens of frosted cupcakes that were, as Colt describes, “lovingly sacrificed” for an experimental formula that yielded a drink well-suited for those with a sweet tooth.

The addition of Sun King spirits in 2018, which offer a twist on traditional cocktails and slushies, has also been well received in the taproom. The entire atmosphere, with the exception of the bar area, is designed to be family friendly. For guests on the run, carry-out cans, growlers and kegs can be purchased in advance. Tacos

Call 574-223-2020 for your appointment today.

Earning the right to care for you, your family, and our community.

and burgers are offered by a new local restaurant concept called Smash & Trash, and groups can unwind with board games indoors or in the outdoor seating area. Sun King also oversees and operates the nearby Ball Band Biergarten, christened in reverence to the former Mishawaka factory site.

“I’m kind of over the moon,” Colt says. “We have a production release calendar for our 2023 IPAs, and we’re hoping to develop a social cantina this year. We’re really looking forward to diving deep into this city, and we want to get out there and make an investment in our community.” Through the years Sun King has aligned with a number of locally based organizations to raise awareness and capture funds for charitable causes, through product donations, gift baskets and other civic affiliations.

Colt is effusive in his praise for the Mishawaka city leaders who have proven a beneficial and guiding alliance in bringing Sun King to Mishawaka, and also extends tremendous gratitude to the Mishawaka Parks and Recreation department for their direction and guidance.

Visit Sun King Mishawaka at 235 Ironworks Avenue, Suite C, and enjoy not only the view, but also an unforgettable dining experience. For additional info, visit sunkingbrewing.com or call 574406-8623. To stay informed on changes and updates, visit any one of Sun King’s social media outlets on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

HOW SWEET

Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Opportunity doesn’t always knock on a door. Sometimes it is found by a for-sale sign on an ice cream food truck. At least that’s how it manifested for Craig and Christy Coon of Winamac, the owners of

Round Barn Creamery.

“Craig has always been an entrepreneur, so when he saw a for-sale sign in the food trailer’s window, he made a phone call,” Christy says. “We wanted an opportunity that would allow us to be with our four kids,

and allow them to work alongside us and eventually earn money for college.”

The couple purchased the food truck in 2017, inheriting some equipment and recipes from the previous owner. It is named after a round barn on the couple’s property.

Writer / Lois Tomaszewski

The barn is 100 years old.

“Christy would love to restore it, but it is in bad shape,” Craig says. “At least it can live on through our business name.”

Round Barn Creamery is like a traditional creamery, which takes milk and turns it into butter or cheese.

“We just expand on that, and take milk and turn it into ice cream,” Craig says. This foray into the ice cream business required a new level of learning for the Coons. It is safe to say that this was not on their radar, and neither one knew very much about making ice cream. The product line came with the purchase of the food truck, and several trials and errors later, Round Barn Creamery is up and running.

“Ice cream is what the original business was, and since we both work jobs outside

our ice cream business as well as homeschool our children, a storefront wasn’t really a path we were wanting to explore,” Craig says.

The Coons modified the recipes that came with the truck. They wanted to make the product their own, improving it and putting their own spin on flavors.

“We both had made ice cream with our parents when we were younger,” Craig says. “Christy grew up on a dairy farm and used fresh milk.”

It wasn’t easy to perfect the techniques needed to make this business successful, especially with creating their own flavors and twists on traditional ones.

“We’ve learned what inclusions work, and what adds too much water or just doesn’t freeze well,” Craig says. “Someone may say there is no bad ice cream. I can say I’ve made one really bad one, but I learned what

not to do.”

The original ice cream churn that came with the truck was an old-fashioned model that used buckets, ice and salts. That one makes five gallons at a time but takes a while to finish. According to the Coons, modern churns produce 1.5 gallons within a couple of minutes.

For Round Barn Creamery, it’s quality over quantity. The ice cream that the Coons make is different from the ice cream manufactured in many commercial kitchens.

“It’s small-batch,” Craig says. “It’s a passion for good food, and promoting dairy products and agriculture. It is also a family affair. The kids might find something and ask to make it into an ice cream flavor. Sometimes we give it a shot.”

Popular flavors include black raspberry, butter pecan, peanut butter brownie, and

Oreo. Pumpkin is one seasonal flavor.

“Sunflower crunch is one we made especially for a sunflower festival, but is increasing in popularity,” Craig says.

On occasion, Round Barn Creamery can whip up special flavors for special events or celebrations. They have made special flavors for weddings, graduation parties, business celebrations and the annual Purdue Ag Fish Fry.

“Doing custom work is Christy’s favorite part,” Craig says. “Sometimes people have an exact idea in their mind. Sometimes it’s just figuring out what they want or like, and adding a twist to it, or they have a name or one ingredient they want to use, and we just build an ice cream flavor around that.”

The couple met as students at Purdue University. Both were majoring in animal sciences and were active in the Dairy Club. They have been married for 18 years.

While owning an ice cream food truck was not necessarily on the Coons’ list for successful businesses, it has become a favorite endeavor.

“Who doesn’t like ice cream?” Craig says. “Have a rough day? Ice cream makes you smile. Have a great day? A birthday? Celebrate with ice cream.”

Round Barn Creamery is a seasonal business and can be found at area events. Check out their Facebook page to stay updated on where they will be set up at facebook.com/ roundbarncreamery.

Strawberry Champagne Cookies

Strawberry champagne cookies are such a pretty Valentine’s Day cookie recipe. Coated in pink sugar with a champagne flavor, these cookies are so good. Servings: 24 servings

Prep: 10 mins Cook: 12 mins

Chilling Time: 1 hr Total: 1 hr 22 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 1 C unsalted sweet cream butter softened

• 1 1/2 C powdered sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 tsp strawberry extract

• 2 tsp Champagne extract

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 2 3/4 C flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• pink gel food coloring

• pink sugar sprinkles

• 1 cookie sheet fitted with parchment paper

• 1 cookie dough scooper

INSTRUCTIONS

• Using a standing mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy

• Beat in the egg, strawberry extract, champagne extract and vanilla extract until combined

• Using a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt

• Gradually mix in the dry ingredients into the wet until combined

• Mix in a few drops of pink food dye until combined

• Cover the dough with plastic wrap and place into the fridge for one hour

• Once the hour is up, preheat the oven to 350 degrees

• Using the cookie scooper, scoop out some dough and roll into the pink sprinkles

• Place onto the cookie sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes

• Allow to cool completely before enjoying!

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FLEXIBLE - We build what you want, no matter how many changes FAIR - Solid quality components at a very fair price on YOUR budget FRIENDLY - Hardworking, helpful, efficient crew members

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Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Marlin Yoder, owner of Country Wood in Topeka, started his birdhouse and bird feeder business as a side job to make additional money. He says he’s glad he did because he enjoys working at two

different jobs where he can apply his skills.

“I opened this business in April of 2014 after taking it over from two previous owners,” Yoder says. “It’s been a good side income for me, and it’s something I really like doing. The two jobs are very

different, but I’m making something at both jobs, which is great. It gives me a lot of satisfaction.”

Yoder works full-time at Grey Wolf Forest River in Topeka, Indiana, where he works on the shilling for RV roofs. He says he likes working with his hands to build

It gives him a good feeling to build items that other people will enjoy.

“I’ve had people tell me they like the quality of my birdhouses and bird feeders,” Yoder says. “Most of my products are made of cedar wood, which my customers appreciate. The wonderful thing about cedar wood is that it’s a very sturdy and durable hardwood. It holds up well in both cold and warm weather, and insects don’t damage it either. Cedar wood also looks good. It looks great with other things in a yard, too.”

Country Wood offers bluebird birdhouses, which have proven to be popular with customers.

“The bluebird bird houses are great,” Yoder says. “They don’t decay, and they have a longer life span. We also have wren bird houses, and people really like the three different types of Wren birdhouses we offer. The birdhouses are made of pine, and they come in six different colors

for the roofs of the birdhouses. I’ve had a nice response from customers who love them. That makes me feel good.”

Country Wood also has a variety of bird feeders.

“We also have barn feeders and gazebo bird feeders, which have rooms on the inside and birds love them,” Yoder says. “They look good because they are handmade. I make sure all of the birdhouses are very high quality.”

Yoder added that he also has suet bird feeders and two different types of oriole feeders.

“I make the suet feeders so that birds can really peck at bigger pieces of food,” Yoder says. “I make them so birds can really perch on the feeder. The oriole feeders are all really nice, and my customers have responded

well to those. There are a lot of bird watchers in this area, and the birdhouses and bird feeders have made people very happy.”

Country Wood offers classic feeders as well.

“We have winter type bird feeders that have been popular,” Yoder says. “I’m hoping to do some outdoor cedar crafts in the future.”

Yoder adds that he also ships his birdhouses and bird feeders out through Fed Ex and says that most of his business is wholesale.

“I have customers who buy my birdhouses and bird feeders to sell in their own stores or businesses,” he says, “I do sell retail here as well. I’ve been lucky to have regular customers.”

Yoder also makes sewing boxes and mailboxes.

“I have three different types of mailboxes,” he says. “I have house mailboxes, barn mailboxes, and barn boxes with a newspaper box attached. They all look very nice, and they are very sturdy. I also make feeders at the bottom of the bird feeders, and I’m hoping to make cedar chests in the future. I think those would be great for customers. There are a lot of people who really enjoy those, and I think I could make those to be sturdy and look good too.”

Yoder says he enjoys living in Topeka, Indiana, and likes the peace and quiet.

“I’ve lived here my whole life, and I love the people here,” he says. “It’s a great place to live and grow up. People are nice and it’s very pretty here. I’ve met some great people here over the years.”

To find out more about Country Wood, located at 8075 W. 750 S., Topeka, Indiana, call Yoder at (260) 593-0065.

TIPS TO HELP FIND A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Writer / Michael Durr Photographer / Jessica Strickland

Many brides and grooms might find it daunting when tasked with finding a wedding photographer. Having captured many weddings myself and having the experience of finding a wedding photographer to capture our own wedding, I wanted to provide some tips on what to look for when you begin your search.

TIP 1: CHOOSE A STYLE

One of the most important things when looking for a wedding photographer is finding a style that you like. All photographers bring a certain look to their work, and you want to be sure that your expectation matches the style of your photographer. You can look at a photographer’s Instagram account, but I would advise going a step further and browsing their website to really get a sense of the style of photography they provide. A word-ofmouth referral also goes a long way. If you know someone that hired that photographer, don’t be shy about asking how their experience was.

TIP 2: PLAN AN INITIAL MEETING

If possible, I recommend meeting your photographer in person or via FaceTime if in person is not possible. It is likely that the person you will spend the most time with on your wedding day will be your lead photographer - even more so than your future spouse. They will be at your side from the makeup chair to the sendoff and you want to be sure you enjoy their presence and that they are someone with whom you’re comfortable. During this meeting you should get a clear understanding of costs and

what is included with the fees. You will also want to ask if there will be a second photographer. A second photographer will cost more but it offers an incredible value. If you are someone that likes creative angles, candid moments and incredible portraits, a second photographer is well worth it. Some look at it as an added insurance policy, so no moments are missed. There is no doubt that wedding budgets can be tight but investing in a good photographer will pay dividends for years to come. After the day is over, the images will tell the story of your wedding forever.

TIP 3: BOOK AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Not all couples want to have an engagement session, but if you are considering it, I would give you two thumbs up on making that happen. This will give you the opportunity to tryout your photographer. It provides a firsthand experience of how they work and how they interact with you and your fiancé. It is a great way spot any red flags and at the same time, provides you with some great images that can be used for a save the date, signature album or prints. It is also that first step in really creating a relationship with your photographer.

TIP 4: PLAN AHEAD

Once you have officially booked your photographer you will want to schedule a follow up meeting or conversation about the wedding day itself. The flow of the day can be challenging to plan, but your photographer’s opinions and recommendations are crucial. They will know how long certain things will take, like family photos or couples’ portraits. They will be able to spot any unrealistic time constraints and will be able to help alleviate some

of that pressure that can build up on the wedding day. Having a photographer that is flexible and understanding is important and by this point, you know they have your best interest at heart.

TIP 5: ENJOY THE DAY

When the day finally arrives, your photographer will be the one to be sure you have the memories that will last a lifetime. The day goes fast and trusting your photographer to deliver on the expectations you set should make you feel at ease. Power down that cell phone and let the pros handle it. Your main objective on your wedding day is to slow down and enjoy it.

Remember not to sweat the images. Your first inclination will be to see the images immediately, but I encourage you to take the honeymoon, relax and enjoy your first weeks of marriage. The photos will come, and it is likely your wedding photographer captured thousands of images. Trust them to curate and process those images for you. Remember, that’s what they do, and you paid them for their style and their vision. They will deliver, and even if it takes some time to get the digital album, it will absolutely be worth it. My wife and I made a pact that we would not look at the images until we were sitting together. We even hooked up the laptop to the TV, popped a bottle of champagne and scrolled though all the images together. It was a special

evening seeing them all for the first time.

Finally, print your images! These days we may not think of print as important but taking the time to either work with your photographer in creating a printed album or taking the time to create your own is worth it. Having a tangible asset to keep on the shelf and pass down to the next generation is something your children and grandchildren will love to hold and thumb through someday.

All the images captured in this article were taken by Jessica Strickland. Being a professional photographer myself, I knew exactly what I was looking for and my now-wife had been following Jessica’s work for years (truthfully, we based our wedding date around her availability because we were so excited to work with her). Jessica delivered on every level, even going far above our expectations. She and her assistant were an absolute pleasure to be around, and we have remained friends to this day.

You can check out Jessica’s work at jessicastrickland.com, on Instagram at @jessicastricklandphotography or you can email her at info@jessicastrickland.com for more information and availability.

KOONTZ LAKE/WALKERTON

ALL Times listed are Central Time.

EVERY MONDAY – Bingo – Doors open at 5p, Early Bird starts at 6p, and regular games start at 6:30p at the Koontz Lake Association Community building. The KLA Clubhouse is COVID Friendly, face masks & social distancing is your choice.

KLA Board Meeting at the KLA Clubhouse are the second Tuesday of the month. Meeting are open to the public and community support is needed! Come to a board meeting to see if you might be interested in helping!

FEBRUARY 16TH - 6p - Koontz Lake Conservancy District Annual Board Meeting. At this meeting, the board will be filling the position of Director - Area 1, electing officers, and holding an open forum for all interested parties to ask questions and offer feedback. The meeting will be held at the Sewer Districtbuilding located at 10625 E Prairie Ave in Koontz

Lake. Interested parties may join remotely by calling (240) 591-0378 and entering the code 385729# when prompted.

Rent the Koontz Lake Clubhouse for your next party! The rental fee is $50.00. If interested, please contact Cathy at 219-2294424. The facility holds up to 100 people and has a fully equipped kitchen. Like us on Facebook! – Koontz Lake Association

MARSHALL COUNTY

ALL Times listed are Eastern Time.

FEBRUARY 18TH - 5pm - Quentin Flagg celebrates his 25 Years in Entertainment with The Indiana Blues Brothers and The Sandra Lee Stuido of Dance Dancers. Doors open at 5, show starts at 6 at the Argos High School Auditorium. Tickets are $10, call Q at 574-952-0307 to get yours today!

FEBRUARY 25TH - 1pm - Quentin Flagg celebrates his 25 Years in Entertainment with The Indiana Blues Brothers and The Sandra Lee Stuido of Dance Dancers. Doors open at 1, show starts at 2 at the

Argos High School Auditorium. Tickets are $10, call Q at 574-952-0307 to get yours today!

BREMEN/LAKE OF THE WOODS

ALL Times listed are Eastern Time.

FEBRUARY 11TH - BBC ice fishing derby alternative date

FEBRUARY 18TH – 9am – Bremen Conservation Club Meeting. This meeting will be held at the Bremen Conservation Club building on North Shore Drive. February 25th - LOWPOA Chili Cookoff at BBC Building.