MAUCKS MEATS
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WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU:
• 24-Hour storm damage repair
• Roofing repair and installation
• Siding repair and installation
• Gutter repair and installation
• Window and door installation
• Remodels
MAUCKS MEATS
MEAT BUSINESS
Writer / Natalie Platt Photographer / John BolingerYou could say it all started in 2021, when Trey and Kayla Mauck were raising one bottle calf to provide meat just for themselves. The next year, the couple decided to raise a few more calves to sell quarters, halves and whole beef.
But that would be jumping ahead, because the couple’s history in farming
“We both grew up in farming families,”
Trey says. “I help with the family farms both in Tipton and Frankton, and my wife, Kayla, was raised in Kempton on the family farm. While at some point both farms had livestock, the farms are mainly corn and soybean operations. We have both been blessed to have participated in 4-H and FFA growing up.”
locally grown meat in smaller portions.
“We realized in today’s economy it is hard for people to purchase that quantity of meat at one time and have a place to store it,” Trey says. “By providing smaller boxes of meat and individual cuts, we can provide to more families locally.”
So, the Mauck family took to their biggest challenge yet - starting Maucks Meats and building everything from scratch. A pole barn was built in 2023, and then came the addition of a storefront and office space for their existing welding and powder-coating business. On top of that, they had to build more pasture for the cattle.
“We’ve tried to do a lot of the work ourselves, which can definitely be challenging and stressful,” Kayla says. “While it’s only Trey and I working the storefront, we have had so much help from friends and family. From doing the drywall to cleaning the windows, we are blessed with some great family and friends.”
The family ties run deep on the business side. Trey’s brother, Chad Mauck, and his fiancée, Janelle Mitzner, have a successful show-pig operation. Maucks Meats is able to source all of their pigs from Chad and Janelle’s farm.
So, with the support of friends and family, Maucks Meats held their grand opening on May 3, and currently offers individual cuts of beef, pork and goat in stock in their freezer. Eventually they will offer a monthly subscription for their meat boxes.
“Our rib eyes and pork chops have definitely been our top sellers,” Kayla says. “When we offer a subscription box, you’ll be able to choose from a beef box, pork box or a mix of both.”
Each month subscribers will receive a variety of cuts, depending on the season. While Maucks Meats doesn’t currently deliver, it may be an option in the future. The shop will offer different deals for holidays and weekly specials, which will be posted on their Facebook page. The store will offer more than just meats as well.
“Kayla has grown and sold pumpkins and gourds since 2009, so we will continue to have our self-serve stand in the fall,” Trey says. “We also have farm-fresh eggs in our store. She has started making her own goatmilk soap from her goats.”
Kayla has been raising boer goats since 2013, mainly for show purposes. Opening the store has allowed her a place to market what the breed was truly raised for, and the health benefits that come with eating goat.
“The most rewarding part of opening Maucks Meats is being able to provide quality local meat to our community,” Trey says. “I’m most proud that everything we have in the freezer is born and raised in Tipton county. In the future, if we are unable to keep up with demand, we would like to keep our purchases of livestock for our store in Tipton County, or from farmers we know surrounding us. It’s important to us to support small family farms.”
In the future the couple hopes to continue growing their business by expanding the days the store is open, and helping Maucks Meats become an integral part of the Tipton community - because for Trey and Kayla, they’ve never seen themselves living anywhere else.
“We are born and raised here and love supporting Tipton,” Kayla says.
Maucks Meats is located at 4756 West State Road 28 in Tipton. You can follow the store for updates on Facebook.
COME CHECK OUT THE STORE!
We are excited to provide you with Tipton born and raised beef and pork!
WE NOW HAVE GOAT MILK SOAP IN STOCK! They are great for gifts, we can also customize them for party favors for baby showers and bridal showers!
Captain Ray Sheppard, jail commander at the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, said improvements at the jail have made things better at the department.
“The first and most obvious improvement is a new facility,” Sheppard said. “Moving from an antiquated sheriff’s office and jail to a brand-new, state-of-the-art building was a change in the right direction for progression. We currently not only house local inmates, but due to the capacity of our new facility, we are able to house out-of-county inmates, which generates additional funds for Tipton County and assists other sheriff’s offices that are at or beyond capacity. We are thankful the decision was made to build a new facility, as well as being thankful for our corrections officers who have dealt with the influx of additional inmates for the betterment of our community and taxpayers.”
The Thin Blue Line Captain Ray Sheppard
Additionally, Sheppard said the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office is constantly evaluating their wants and needs to better serve the community.
“Not only do we have multiple instructors in both the jail and patrol side able to complete in-house training, we also actively seek the ability to host training from outside sources for the betterment of our department, which typically allows for our staff to attend free of charge,” Sheppard said. “We pride ourselves in being well-trained in all areas, including current legislation and also in the new changes Indiana has recently implemented regarding mandatory statewide policies regarding pursuits and use of force.”
Changes with technology in the last five years have also helped the department.
“There have been multiple technological advances within the Sheriff’s Office,” Sheppard said. “The Jail Division had
updated the management software that controls nearly all aspects of the day-to-day operations, welcomed a new format for remote and video visitation, as well as added additional new tools to assist in operations.”
The Tipton County Sheriff’s Office implemented body-worn cameras years ago, as well as in-car computers known as mobile data terminals (MDTs).
“The MDTs connect directly to Tipton County Communications CAD system, which allows our deputies to see calls for service as well as updates as they respond to incidents,” Sheppard said. “We also use Caliber Public Safety to be able to check the status of driver’s licenses, license plates, etcetera, while on scenes without tasking [Tipton Community Corrections] with things we can handle ourselves inside our patrol vehicles. Thankfully we have been able to actively keep up with technology in this ever-changing profession.”
Sheppard noted that people in the Tipton community help police officers keep the community safe.
“The biggest thing we can stress as a law enforcement entity is that we can’t be everywhere all the time,” Sheppard said. “Typically we have two to three deputies covering the 260 square miles of Tipton County. Without the eyes and ears of our alert citizens reporting to us, a lot more crime would go undetected and unsolved. For those that hesitate to call, the view of the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office is that we would rather respond to a reported incident and it be nothing, than it not be reported and it was something. We appreciate and love the watchful eyes of our community.”
Sheppard said there are many ways people can keep their homes and offices safe.
“First and foremost, lock your doors,” he said. “Conduct nightly checks of your homes, outbuildings and vehicles before going to bed to protect yourself and your property. We also suggest the installation of a camera system and/or an alarm system. They can be an instantaneous and visual deterrent in homeowners becoming a victim of a property crime. We also offer extra patrols to businesses or homeowners who report suspicious activity or are simply on vacation and make us aware that they would like their property checked from time to time.”
Sheppard appreciates the positive support
from the Tipton community.
“Thankfully, we as a department feel that we are respected and have been for decades due to our continued dedication and commitment to our community,” Sheppard said. “Tipton County is a great place to live and work in all facets of life, and we are not only thankful, but grateful to be able to work and live in a community that we feel respects us and supports us. We are all in this together. The Tipton County Sheriff’s Office is thankful to be able to serve those who chose to make this county their home. We strive to provide our community with highly trained, highly motivated, professional staff members who will perform their job to the best of their abilities.”
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MEN IN BUSINESS Q&A
BRAD WHITMAN, WHITMAN ROOFING
WAS YOUR BUSINESS PART OF YOUR FAMILY OR DID YOU START IT? WAS ANYONE IN YOUR FAMILY PART OF THIS FIELD? DO ANY OF YOUR RELATIVES WORK FOR YOU NOW?
Yes. I started working for my uncle Rick when I was 15 and always loved working on homes. I continued doing construction my whole life.
WHAT GROUPS/EVENTS DOES THE BUSINESS SUPPORT (LOCAL SPORT TEAMS, PARADES, CHARITIES, ETCETERA)? HOW DO YOU GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?
I have donated a lot of time and materials to Tipton animal shelter, Elwood athletics (since I’m from Elwood), Tipton football booster, and I also have donated money to Cicero Township Fire Department. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS THAT THEY MIGHT NOT ALREADY KNOW?
We’re family owned and operated. I am a retired firefighter and my sales rep, Blake, is a Navy veteran. We care about the best for our community.
WHAT’S A HIGHLIGHT IN THE TIME YOU’VE OWNED YOUR BUSINESS? WERE YOU FEATURED ON THE NEWS? IN A MAGAZINE OR A LARGE NEWSPAPER?
A free roof giveaway in 2021 was featured on Fox 59, and helped a homeowner in Indianapolis with a free roof due to a contractor ripping her off.
WHAT AWARDS, ACCREDITATIONS OR HONORS HAVE YOU OR YOUR BUSINESS RECEIVED?
Better Business Bureau A+ for five years now; best contractor of Noblesville in 2021, 2022 and 2023; top-five best of Tipton County for home improvement.
WHO DO YOU WANT TO THANK FOR YOUR SUCCESS IN YOUR BUSINESS?
All my customers. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be in business.
MIKE
RUTLEDGE, RUTLEDGE WELL DRILLING AND PUMP SERVICE WAS YOUR BUSINESS PART OF YOUR FAMILY OR DID YOU START IT?
My father, Shortie Rutledge, was a well-known plumber in the area for years. However, I decided to deviate from that and start a new business as a well driller and pump installer.
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WAS ANYONE IN YOUR FAMILY PART OF THIS FIELD? DO ANY OF YOUR RELATIVES WORK FOR YOU NOW?
We are so lucky to have two of our sons, Nathan and Levi, working for us full time.
WHAT/WHO INFLUENCED YOU TO START THE COMPANY/TAKE IT OVER?
Upon returning from the Army, I worked in a plumbing warehouse in Indianapolis. This company had a well drilling division. I got quite an education on what it all entailed. An older gentleman, Harold McCubbins, frequented the supply house and asked me to come see him in action. Harold had an old hammer well rig (pounds steel pipe into the ground). He was near retirement and was willing to sell us his business. We were just married and had a baby on the way, but took the leap of faith and became a bona fide well driller.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED YOUR BUSINESS? HAS IT BEEN WHAT YOU THOUGHT OR IS IT COMPLETELY DIFFERENT? HOW?
My wife, Beth, and I started Rutledge Well Drilling and Pump Service, Inc. in 1979. I am the president and she is the secretary/treasurer. It is questionable who the boss is. I guess it depends on the day. There are now a total of five employees. This includes myself, Beth, our oldest son, Nathan, and youngest son, Levi, working full time for the business. Our middle son, Brock, is part time when needed. My oldest grandson, Braden, is showing an interest in the business as well. I consider this a family affair.
WHAT GROUPS/EVENTS DOES THE BUSINESS SUPPORT (LOCAL SPORT TEAMS, PARADES, CHARITIES, ETCETERA)? HOW DO YOU GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?
Our family continues to be avid wrestling supporters, whether it is the Tipton or the Hamilton Heights programs. Although we are unable to attend all the sporting events, we try to sponsor several throughout the year, along with the Tipton County 4-H. We support breast cancer awareness and certainly our home church, East Union Christian Church.
STEVE SWAN, THE FLOOR STORE
WAS YOUR BUSINESS PART OF YOUR FAMILY OR DID YOU START IT? WAS ANYONE IN YOUR FAMILY PART OF THIS FIELD?
DO ANY OF YOUR RELATIVES WORK FOR YOU NOW?
My uncle, who was working for a flooring store, helped me get a job at the store after I had been laid off from a factory in 1974. Our kids and grandkids have worked with us off and on over the years. None of them have stayed on full time.
WHAT/WHO INFLUENCED YOU TO START THE COMPANY/TAKE IT OVER?
My wife, Carolyn, and I decided together on that.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO SEE HAPPEN WITH YOUR BUSINESS ONCE YOU RETIRE?
We hope to sell it to someone who has the desire and will to continue to take care of our customers, and service them as we have.
WHAT GROUPS/EVENTS DOES THE BUSINESS SUPPORT (LOCAL SPORT TEAMS, PARADES, CHARITIES, ETCETERA)? HOW DO YOU GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?
We support the local sports teams from Little League to high school, including band and other activities at the schools. Also various charities and organizations such as Lions Club, Clothes Closet, churches, etcetera.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS THAT THEY MIGHT NOT ALREADY KNOW?
We are truly a family-owned business and are blessed with great installers. We have a great selection of flooring products at competitive pricing.
WHAT’S A HIGHLIGHT IN THE TIME YOU’VE OWNED YOUR BUSINESS? WERE YOU FEATURED ON THE NEWS? IN A MAGAZINE OR A LARGE NEWSPAPER?
A big highlight of having the business is meeting and getting to know a lot of people that we would never have met otherwise.
WHO DO YOU WANT TO THANK FOR YOUR SUCCESS IN YOUR BUSINESS?
Of Course God first, and then this great community and all the friends we have met through the years and their support.
PATRICK RICE, THE TIN PLATE - FINE FOOD & SPIRITS
HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN THIS LINE OF WORK?
I have two main interests in life: music and food. Besides being a professional in the restaurant industry, I am also a professional trumpet
player. I have been honored to be chosen to play “Taps” at over 300 military funerals.
WHAT GROUPS/EVENTS DOES THE BUSINESS SUPPORT?
We focus a lot of our support on the youth, so we support various clubs and sports teams. I have personally supported the Elwood band since I was a member. School band is where I met my wife!
WHAT AWARDS, ACCREDITATIONS OR HONORS HAVE YOU OR YOUR BUSINESS RECEIVED?
We have been honored the past two years to be voted the top tenderloin in Madison County. In 2017 I was named as one of Indiana’s top chefs. We were also voted Elwood‘s business of the year in 2017.
WHO DO YOU WANT TO THANK FOR YOUR SUCCESS AND YOUR BUSINESS?
This is a family business. My wife has been an amazing support. I could not have started the Tin Plate without the help of my father and my daughter, and I have other family members that work for me.
Our family has been serving your families since Phillip E. Nichols started working for William & Seneca Young back in the 1890’s. As fourth generation licensed funeral directors with a combined 75 years experience, Bob & Brad Nichols have the background and knowledge to help you through some of the hardest times you will face – the loss of a loved one.
Our family has been serving your families since Phillip E. Nichols started working for William & Seneca Young back in the 1890’s. As fourth generation licensed funeral directors with a combined 75 years experience, Bob & Brad Nichols have the background and knowledge to help you through some of the hardest times you will face – the loss of a loved one.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home – Experience when it counts.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home – Experience when it counts.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home Serving
Young-Nichols Funeral Home Serving Tipton County Since 1852
Our family has been serving your families since Phillip E. Nichols started working for William & Seneca Young back in the 1890’s. As fourth generation licensed funeral directors with a combined 75 years experience, Bob & Brad Nichols have the background and knowledge to help you through some of the hardest times you will face – the loss of a loved one.
face – the loss of a loved one.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home – Experience when it counts.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home – Experience when it counts.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
KOKOMO EVENTS
1-18
RECREATION ADVENTURE PROGRAM
Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. at Highland Park, Mohr Park and Bon Air Park. Crafts, games, storytelling, special events, sports and physical fitness will be offered. All crafts $1 each. Children are free to come and go on their own. Call Kokomo Parks & Recreation at 765-456-7275.
4
HOWARD COUNTY MUSEUM
Celebrating Veterans with free museum admission for veterans. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Howard County Museum inside the Seiberling Mansion. Call 765-452-4314 or visit howardcountymuseum.org.
5
FIRST FRIDAY/ FREEDOM FRIDAY
Celebrate Independence Day with patriotic-themed activities. Downtown Kokomo, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visit firstfridaykokomo.com.
8-13
HOWARD COUNTY FAIR
Howard County Fairgrounds in Greentown. For full schedule of activities, visit howardcofair.com.
13
KOKOMO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Firefighter’s Jeep Jam featuring Check Your Head: A Beastie Boys Tribute with opener Action Jackson DJ. Music starts at 6 p.m. Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion in Foster Park. Free admission; Visit kokomosummerseries.com.
26-27
MR. KINGSTON’S HISTORIC CAR SHOW
Free event on the lawn of the Seiberling Mansion. Friday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 765-452-4314 or visit howardcountymuseum.org.
27
RHUMFEST
Enjoy a day of live music highlighting the talented students and instructors from the Rhum Academy of Music. Kokomo Arts Pavilion in Foster Park. Free admission. Visit rhummusic.com.
27
BREWS ON BUCKEYE
Buckeye Street in Downtown Depot District. 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
TIPTON EVENTS
4
THIRD ANNUAL PORKY’S REVENGE CAR, TRUCK AND BIKE SHOW
Tipton City Park. Open to all years, makes and models! Classes will be broken up by years, with one more class for motorcycles. Registration: $15 day-of only. Registration open at 8 a.m.
5
FIRST FRIDAY
Downtown Tipton from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Grab your friends and enjoy a night out in downtown Tipton with promotions, giveaways and extended shopping hours at all your favorite spots.
10-14
TIPTON COUNTY 4-H FAIR
9 a.m. to 10p.m.
12-13
FRENCH MARKET
Horton’s Home & Garden at 112 South Main Street. 9a.m. to 4 p.m.
19
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOD TRUCK, CONCERT & CAR CRUISE-IN Tipton Courthouse lawn. Visit tiptonmainstreet.com for concert information and show times.
All events subject to change. For a complete calendar of events, go to vistitkokomo.org.