The Lakes East Magazine July 2026

Blooming Success

Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender Inspires Growing Enterprise

Tiffany’s Restaurant Serves Great Food & Lasting Traditions

A BETTER LAWN

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Avian Influenza: Staying Safe

Avian influenza, known as bird flu, is a virus that can infect birds, other animals, and sometimes humans. The risk of humans becoming infected with avian influenza is low. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) and the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) are working together to monitor for avian influenza and the overall risk to the public.

How Avian Influenza Spreads

People can become infected when the avian influenza virus is inhaled or gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth. People who have close contact with sick birds have the highest risk of becoming infected with an avian influenza virus.

Steps to Protect Yourself:

• Avoid Contact with Wild Birds

·Do not touch sick or dead waterfowl

·Observe wild birds and other animals from a distance. Avoid touching or feeding wild birds, even if they don’t look sick

·Avoid coming into contact with bird droppings or surfaces that may contain bird droppings

·If you keep birdfeeders and birdbaths on your property, clean them regularly with a 10% bleach and hot water solution, rinse thoroughly, and then allow them to completely dry before refilling. Clean up birdseed that has fallen below birdfeeders.

·Do not feed wild birds, especially waterfowl, near domestic flocks. If you come in contact with any bird that appears unhealthy, wash your hands with soap and water and change clothing and shoes before coming in contact with a domestic flock or captive birds.

• Backyard Flock Guidance

·Hobby poultry owners are encouraged to be aware of the signs of avian influenza and report illness and/or death to the USDA Healthy Birds Hotline: 866-536-7593. Callers will be routed to a state or federal veterinarian in Indiana for a case assessment. Dead birds should be double-bagged and refrigerated for possible testing. Keep dedicated boots/ footwear in the chicken coop and don't wear them other places.

• Report Sick or Dead Birds

·Report any cases of sick or dead wild birds to the DNR at on.in.gov/avian-flu.

• Practice Good Hygiene

·Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after any contact with birds or their droppings

·Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands

·If wild birds must be handled, protective equipment such as safety goggles, disposable gloves, and an N95 mask should be worn

• Keep Pets Away

·Keep domestic animals, especially poultry and cats, away from wild birds and areas where wild birds congregate

• Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk

·Cooked poultry and eggs and pasteurized dairy products are safe to eat. Pasteurization and cooking kills avian flu viruses.

If You Develop Symptoms:

If you experience u-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or conjunctivitis after handling birds, contact your healthcare provider for guidance and inform them about your contact with birds.

Online Resources:

• Indiana Department of Health - Avian Influenza: https://www.in.gov/health/idepd/respiratory-disease/influen za/avian-influenza/#How_are_avian_influenza_viruses_spread_

• DNR - Avian Flu (Bird Flu): https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/wildlife-resources/wildlife-diseases-in-indiana/avian-flu-bird-flu/

• Updates are available from BOAH at: https://www.in.gov/boah/species-information/avianbirds/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza/

AGAPE CONSTRUCTION

REDEFINING CUSTOM QUALITY WORK

For Lamar Yoder, owner of Agape Construction, his dream started with a vision and a rusty old pickup that refused to leave his driveway.

Today, the Shipshewana-based construction company is one of the fastest-growing builders in the region, specializing in custom homes, barndominiums, pole barns, renovations and concrete work. A few years ago, Yoder stood at a crossroads, wondering whether he could turn a lifelong passion into a company of his own.

“I always wanted my own construction company,” Yoder says.

Growing up, Yoder spent summers working alongside his father on construction sites. He learned valuable techniques and developed an appreciation for the details that separate average work from exceptional craftsmanship. After his father’s business closed during the recession, Yoder continued building his experience, eventually serving as a foreman for another construction company. Later, he stepped away from construction altogether, pursuing automotive work and custom fabrication.

Still, the idea of owning a construction company never disappeared. Then came the moment he now looks back on as a turning point. Trying to generate cash, Yoder attempted to sell an old truck. The deal fell through, and the vehicle came back. Instead of seeing disappointment, he saw opportunity.

“It felt like a sign from God,” Yoder says.

With limited tools, no trailer and little startup capital, Yoder launched Agape Construction. He designed the company’s logo himself, filed the paperwork and began spreading the word. Thanks to years of experience and a strong reputation, projects began pouring in. Three years later, that momentum shows no signs of slowing.

Agape Construction handles everything from custom homes and additions to roofing, siding, renovations and commercial projects. Through its sister company, it has also expanded into decorative concrete and flatwork, keeping more services under one roof.

For Yoder, bringing more work in-house isn’t simply a business decision. It’s about maintaining quality. Many homeowners know the frustration of coordinating multiple contractors. One delay affects another trade. One mistake becomes someone else’s problem. Yoder wanted a different approach.

“We care about what it’s going to look like when it’s finished,” he says.

That attention to detail appears in places many clients never notice: proper flashing, water management, precision trim work and carefully aligned finishes. Small details can quietly protect a

home for years after construction is complete. The goal isn’t simply creating a beautiful home. It’s building one that lasts. While some builders chase every industry trend, Yoder is more interested in what serves the homeowner. Quality construction still requires quality materials, skilled labor and careful planning. Rather than competing to be the lowest bidder, Agape Construction focuses on delivering value.

“We’re worth what we price,” Yoder says. That philosophy hasn’t won every project. Some customers choose lower-cost options, but many return later. Word-of-mouth referrals have become one of the company’s strongest growth drivers, helping fuel an expansion that has seen Agape Construction grow more than 100% over the past year and a half. That growth reflects both steady demand and a reputation built on quality and service.

The company was recently recognized among the top contractors in Elkhart County and earned recognition for its continued growth and customer satisfaction. Those honors underscore the momentum behind Agape Construction’s recent expansion.

The company’s name wasn’t chosen by accident. “Agape” refers to selfless, unconditional love, a concept that has shaped Yoder’s vision from the beginning. His goal extends beyond constructing homes. He wants to create opportunities to serve customers well

Prioritize Comfort

and build a company known for integrity as much as craftsmanship.

Looking ahead, Yoder sees opportunities in larger custom homes, lake properties and high-end projects that allow his team to showcase its creativity and attention to detail. Yet even as the company grows, the mission remains unchanged.

“Our goal is to do the best that we can for people,” he says.

Perhaps that’s why Agape Construction’s motto feels less like a marketing slogan and more like a philosophy: “Your imagination is evidence of things unseen.”

For more information on Agape Construction and its services, call 574-524-6583, email agapeconstruction23@gmail.com, or visit

BLOOMING SUCCESS

BLOOMFIELD SCHOOLHOUSE LAVENDER INSPIRES GROWING ENTERPRISE

Writer / Darcie Dodds Schott

Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender is, well, exactly what the name says — a historic schoolhouse located among fields of lavender. And this is only part of the success story of the charming business presence in LaGrange.

After a career move brought owner Marion Wiggins to Indiana from Texas, the possibilities were endless for a new chapter in life for the mother of three. With her husband, Greg, relocating to LaGrange for work as a nurse anesthetist, the couple put down roots in the close-knit community. During daily drives with their twins, Annie and George, to explore the area, Wiggins found herself drawn to what she refers to as “an eyesore on the side of a well-traveled highway that all travelers see.”

When the property came on the market, the couple made the purchase that would build a new path as entrepreneurs and business owners.

The first addition for the new owners was a garden. They considered goji berries, saffron and lavender. But lavender was the winner and became the star of the garden. After three years of navigating early entrepreneurship, Wiggins found her farming groove selling at farmers markets. Her children helped in the booth in return for funding their new backyard playhouse. Anyone in sales knows that

incentives drive activity, and this one worked for Wiggins.

The bundles and wreaths sold out in the first hour, and Wiggins set her sights on expanding the lavender product line. She started making handcrafted soaps, and things quickly grew from there. At the Shipshewana Farmers Market, she introduced culinary items, a men’s skin care line, products for children and pet care items.

She researched varieties of lavender and how to cultivate them to provide just the right cycles of bloom to support her robust business and joined the U.S. Lavender Growers Association.

and updating, which introduced challenges at nearly every turn. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management required a new well to replace the one installed in 2021. The Indiana Department of Transportation didn’t approve of the driveway, and the list went on.

process to ensure all the work was done properly to create a healthy, long future for her family and the community.

The schoolhouse desperately needed repairs

But Wiggins was determined to do the restoration right, and she respected the

The fields at the schoolhouse and the offsite field were full of 3,000 lavender plants when another opportunity arose. Wiggins’ husband found another historic building in downtown LaGrange that was for sale, and the couple had a new entrepreneurial idea for a robust apothecary. They purchased the stately brick building in August 2024, and by November

they opened the doors of Bloomfield Lavender Apothecary and Retail Shop. They curated a line of gift items and, of course, a variety of lavender products. The business was profitable from day one, and Wiggins cites the success due in no small part to the community.

“The community support has been amazing. Local bakers, candle makers, potters for custom mugs, master herbalists, a local winery

— all of these collaborations have brought a sense of connectedness to the business.”

Like the schoolhouse, the downtown storefront needed careful restoration, and once again Wiggins did not take the process lightly. She describes their role as “stewards of the buildings, restoring them so their life can be extended. Restoration, renovation and preservation for future generations to appreciate and create more history.”

Fine Custom Cabinetry for Your Kitchen, Bath or Office

This thoughtful approach to business hasn’t gone unnoticed. Wiggins received a $250,000 USDA grant — only three are awarded in the entire state of Indiana in 2025 — for a three-pronged project. The grant is directed to fund robust marketing, packaging design and the expansion of staff by two additional employees in 2027 and 2028.

The business is poised to optimize the grant funding based on its existing track record. In late 2025, on the one-year anniversary of the shop, people lined up at 8:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. opening. A wine collaboration with Acres Away Winery produced 48 cases, all of which were sold by the end of the month.

Wiggins has developed a seasonal line of carefully crafted products that sell yearround. These include Lavender Pear and Green Tea, Strawberry and Marshmallow shampoo and conditioner, body spray, lotion and candles created by a local candlemaker. The town’s dog boarding facility carries the Bloomfield line of pet products. The neighbor across the street has done some of the business’s millwork.

Multiple coffee shops and restaurants use its culinary products. Items can also be found in more than 12 boutiques and spas. Wiggins says what drives her focus in finding new ways to grow the lavender line of products is intentional inclusion.

“I embrace diversity and collaboration, keeping production as close as possible, so that we bring economic advantages to our community.”

The schoolhouse will begin its last phase of restoration in June. Summer will also find Wiggins hosting agricultural tours as a working farm, educating visitors about the different plant varieties, their uses and their history, and concluding the tour at the apothecary for lavender snacks and crafts.

By the fall, the business will have 9,000 lavender plants. With restoration complete and the fields literally blossoming, the schoolhouse will serve as a historic,

unique multipurpose venue.

The building’s primary function will be lavender drying and oil distillation, with expanding uses including classes, yoga, and availability for fall festivals, a Christmas open house and community meetings. Wiggins already has a schoolhouse wedding booked for one lucky couple.

Wiggins has deepened her community involvement by mentoring a high school senior and guest-teaching a math class at LaGrange High School, weaving in her experience as an entrepreneur and business owner. She hopes to add high school and college internships to the ways the business contributes to the community.

Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender invites visitors with a billboard on the toll road leading into LaGrange and with ads in The Lakes magazine, the LaGrange Visitors

Center Guide and, in the coming months, on another billboard in Angola. Find Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender news and event details on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Their tiered customer incentive program allows customers to earn “petals” for purchases to redeem for credit and other perks, planting the seed for visitors to follow the tagline of Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender and “Come Bloom With Us!”

Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender is located at 107 W. Spring St. (Apothecary) and 3020 U.S. 20 (Schoolhouse) in LaGrange.

The Schoolhouse is open for tours by appointment only.

Bloomfield Lavender Apothecary is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CRAFTED TO LAST MILLER’S

Writer / Meredith Baker

Where furniture flakes and factory-made interiors fade faster than they should, there is something grounding about a place that still believes in getting it right the first time. Tucked along the northern Indiana area, Miller’s Upholstery Inc. is the kind of shop where time slows down for craftsmanship to take the lead.

Once you step inside, you won’t find mass assembly lines or shortcuts. Instead, you’ll find patterns draped over seats, rolls of leather and someone who knows exactly what they’re doing.

BUILT ON FAMILY

This story starts in 1969 under the steady hands of a grandfather. Decades later, that legacy continues through Joel Lambright, a third-generation craftsman who grew up learning by watching and eventually stepping into ownership himself just a couple of years ago.

Like many in the area, Lambright worked in a factory after getting married. But the pull of the family trade, and the potential he saw in it, remained. When the opportunity to take over the business from his uncle arose, he took it.

STORIES IN EVERY STITCH

At its core, Miller’s Upholstery specializes in

custom upholstery for classic cars and trucks. But that’s only part of the picture. The shop also handles RV interiors, marine seating, semi sleepers and more, each project with its own quirks, challenges and expectations.

Still, Lambright has made a conscious shift. After years of juggling everything from dining

chairs to small repairs, he’s narrowing the focus.

“We were trying to do everything,” he says. “But to really do it right, for the customer, you’ve got to be selective.”

And if you’ve ever wondered what goes into that kind of work, it’s more than most people think.

THE PART YOU DON’T SEE

Before a single stitch is sewn, there’s a full teardown. Every piece is carefully removed, labeled and studied. Old materials become patterns. Measurements are checked, then checked again.

From there, the process becomes part engineering, part artistry.

Materials are chosen. Designs are drafted. Sometimes customers come in with a clear vision; other times, they just know what

they don’t like.

That’s where Lambright steps in, guiding them through options — smooth or pebbled leather, classic or modern styling, subtle or bold finishes. If needed, he’ll sketch ideas or build mockups to clarify a vague idea.

And then comes the moment of truth: putting it all back together.

LumberJack Jim Tree Service

Surprisingly, Lambright says sewing is the easy part. The real challenge? The final fit.

“Getting everything to sit just right, that’s what takes time,” he says. “That’s where you know if you did it right.”

WHY CUSTOM STILL WINS

In today’s throwaway culture, it’s easy to replace instead of repair. But Lambright

sees things differently, and his customers are starting to agree.

Mass-produced furniture, especially in RVs and imported builds, often doesn’t hold up. Materials peel, seams fail, and what seemed like a deal at first becomes a recurring problem.

Custom upholstery flips that equation.

With the right materials and craftsmanship, a piece doesn’t just look better, it lasts longer. It fits better. It feels right.

And sometimes, it carries something more: history.

An old truck passed down through generations. A boat that’s seen years of summer memories. A well-worn seat that still has life left in it. “These things matter to people,” Lambright says. “You’re not just fixing something; you’re bringing it back.”

LOOKING AHEAD, STAYING GROUNDED

As business moves forward, Lambright isn’t chasing rapid expansion. He hopes to continue refining the shop’s direction, maintaining a steady flow of projects while remaining flexible for RV and marine customers passing through — especially during the busy travel season.

It’s a balancing act, but at the end of the day, success here isn’t measured in volume; it’s measured in something quieter.

And in a world full of shortcuts, that kind of work stands out.

For more information about custom upholstery services and more, contact Miller’s Upholstery Inc. at 260-768-7758 or visit the shop at 975 S. Van Buren St. in Shipshewana. Business hours are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a lunch closure from 11 a.m. to noon.

A&L Storage Barnsof Kendalville 901 W North St Kendallville, IN 46755

Mon–Fri: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM (260) 242-7608 AKRUD80@gmail.com

A&L Storage Barns of Benton Harbor 2535 M-139 Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Mon–Fri: 1:00 PM-6:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: 2:00 PM-5:00PM (269) 921-5727 | LKDEMLER@gmail.com

A&L Storage Barns of Kokomo 2312 N Plate St Kokomo, IN 46901

Monday & Friday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00 AM-5:00PM Wednesday: Closed Saturday: 10:00 AM-1:00PM Sunday: Closed Lot open for browsing 24/7 (765) 461-2286 AANDLBARNSOFKOKOMO@gmail.com

Angola Travel Stop 3096 West Maumee Street Angola, IN 46703 260-463-2975 X 1

Maple Lane Metals 13428 Springfield Center Rd Grabill, IN 46741 260-627-5000

J&D Woodworking 27951 Wasepi Rd Centerville, MI 49022 269-432-2788 JDWoodworking@IBYFAX.com

Wormans Outdoor Solutions 5597 W. IN 24 Logansport, IN 574-601-1629 Wormansoutdoorsolutions@gmail.com

Maple Valley Garden Center 2552 E State Rd 2 Rolling Prairie, IN 46371 219-575-0139 Abom1983@gmail.com

EJ Flooring 20 W. 100 N. Winamac, IN 574-946-0111 Ejsflooring@hotmail.com

Rabers Patio 815 N VanBuren St. Shipshewana, IN 260-336-1978 Merl@raberpatios.com

Riverside Tire 14777 St Rd 49 Antwerp, OH 43518 419-258-1917

Renewed Marketplace 809 E. Vistula St. Bristol, IN 574-612-0367

Yoderzach4@gmail.com

Oakes Enterprise 1912 US Hwy 12 Galien, MI 269-545-9020

Greg@oakerenterprises.com

BID Jackson 3150 Page Ave. Jackson, MI 269-217-5420 Greg2401@yahoo.com

NEW OWNERS, TIMELESS VALUES

WOODSIDE VARIETY CONTINUES A COMMUNITY TRADITION IN TOPEKA

Writer / Meredith Baker

Walk through the front doors of Woodside Variety in Topeka, and you’ll find one aisle offering discounted groceries while around the corner sit toys, puzzles and more. There are unexpected treasures that can turn a quick errand into an afternoon of browsing.

For Harley and Marsha Miller, that’s exactly what makes the store special. The couple recently became the new owners of the former Miller Coleman Variety Store, a community fixture that served local families for more than five decades. While ownership has changed hands, the mission remains the same: offer practical

products, friendly service and prices that make life a little easier.

“We want people to find what they need,” Harley Miller says.

In a world increasingly dominated by big-box stores, Woodside Variety feels refreshingly personal. Customers aren’t greeted by self-checkout kiosks or endless rows of identical products. Instead, they find conversation and a shopping experience rooted in community.

A DREAM THAT STARTED SMALL

Ironically, the Millers never set out to own a variety store. Their journey began in 2023 with something much simpler: discounted groceries. What started as a small effort to provide affordable food options quickly became something bigger than they had originally imagined.

“Our dream was one day to have a store open to the public with regular hours,” Miller says.

At the time, however, the grocery business alone wasn’t large enough to support

that vision. Then, while shopping at Miller Coleman Variety Store during the Christmas season, Harley struck up a conversation with the longtime owner. The discussion turned toward rising costs, retirement and the future of the business, ultimately ending with a change of ownership.

MORE THAN A STORE

Taking over a business with a 51-year history comes with responsibility. Generations of customers have shopped there for years, and fortunately, those loyal customers have continued to support the transition. The Millers say one of the most rewarding parts of ownership has been seeing familiar faces return while welcoming new shoppers from across the Midwest.

Some visitors travel from Michigan, Pennsylvania and across northern Indiana. Many discover the store through word of mouth, a testament to both its

Woodside Variety Store

reputation and the variety of its inventory. Surprisingly, wedding shopping has become one of the store’s most popular categories. Customers frequently stop in searching for meaningful gifts for newlyweds, adding another layer to the store’s role in community life.

EVERYDAY LOW PRICES, REAL IMPACT

The phrase “Every Day Low Prices” appears throughout Woodside Variety’s messaging, but for the Millers, it’s more than a slogan. It’s a response to what families are experiencing right now.

With grocery costs remaining a concern for many households, affordability has become increasingly important. That’s one reason discounted groceries continue to play an increasingly important role in the business. The Millers work to keep prices as low as possible while maintaining a steady inventory flow, and customer feedback helps shape future offerings.

When shoppers request products, the Millers listen. That flexibility allows the store to evolve alongside the community’s needs rather than simply guessing what customers might want.

LOOKING AHEAD

Like many small-business owners, Harley and Marsha are still learning as they go. Harley continues balancing ownership responsibilities with a daytime job while working to grow the business. Their longterm goal is to expand both inventory and space, eventually constructing a larger store to accommodate growing demand. For now, however, they’re focused on building one customer relationship at a time.

The comments they’ve received so far have been encouraging. Customers often remark on the store’s welcoming atmosphere, bright interior and broad product selection. For the Millers, those compliments serve as a reminder that

they’re not simply operating a retail business—they’re continuing a local tradition while creating one of their own. And in a world where finding both value and personal connection can feel increasingly rare, that’s a tradition worth preserving.

Open House Open House

Woodside Variety is located at 3755 W. 500 S., Topeka. Store hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. The store is closed on Sunday. For more information, call 260-593-0577.

DIAMOND STEEL ROOFING

THE METAL ROOF ADVANTAGE

Writer / Amy Beaucham

A roof does its work quietly. It shields a family from pounding rain, biting wind, summer heat and heavy snow. Most often, a roof goes relatively unnoticed until something goes wrong.

Jake Frey believes that taking a more proactive approach when it comes to roofing is a very wise choice. He wants homeowners to know that thinking ahead, choosing wisely and understanding what a steel roof can provide can fulfill exactly what his company promises: peace of mind.

Based in Bourbon and serving communities across northern Indiana, including Plymouth, Culver, Warsaw, Mishawaka, Granger, South Bend, La Porte, Nappanee and Wakarusa, Diamond Steel Roofing specializes in metal roofing for new homes, re-roof projects and metal roof replacement. The company is local and family-owned, offers free estimates, and focuses on a very durable, attractive and environmentally friendly product that gives homeowners stronger long-term value than traditional asphalt shingles. The name Diamond Steel Roofing reflects that commitment to quality, with “diamond” symbolizing strength and long-term value.

Frey’s background has been rooted in construction for decades. His experience began in the post-frame building world and steadily grew into metal roofing. He says he had already installed metal roofs some 20 to 25 years ago and later worked in sales connected to the industry. Over time, one thing became clear to him: there was a real need for

contractors who truly specialized in metal roofing and who gave homeowners an accountable and pleasing overall experience.

“In 2020, we kind of put our heads together,” Frey says of launching the business with his son and co-owner, Derek Frey. “I had a lot of contacts because of my experience in the post-frame building industry and just the building industry in general. We basically threw some tools in the back of a truck and I called some people, and that was the beginning.”

That father-and-son beginning has grown steadily into a small team that currently includes three additional employees, with plans to expand the team as the company continues to grow. Frey says the company has been growing by about 20% each year. He also notes that the size and value of their projects have increased, with more high-end homes and more complex roofing work becoming part of the business.

Diamond Steel Roofing’s team has more than 40 years of combined experience, and that depth of knowledge shows up not only in installation, but in the way the company approaches customers.

For Frey, one of the clearest ways his company stands apart is its focus.

“We specifically specialize in metal roofing,” he says. “Our experts have studied the process intensely and figured it out fully.”

He believes homeowners deserve a positive, professional experience, especially when they are paying more for a premium roof.

“Our goal at Diamond Steel Roofing is to provide a premium experience to go along with that,” he says. “Communicate clearly, keep a clean job site, just some of the basics.”

That emphasis on cleanliness and professionalism is reflected in customer feedback as well. Brenda C. shared that Jake was “very easy to work with” and that his crew did a nice job and cleaned up well after the installation, noting that the finished metal roof made her home look much nicer. Daniel D. also praised the company as “very friendly and professional,” adding that the team even stopped back by a couple of months after installation to make sure everything was still in good condition.

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Frey says that same standard is understood by every member of his team. Each crew member approaches the work with the expectation that every time they are on a job site, it will be left clean and organized.

A clean job site may not sound flashy, but Frey says it matters. He wants crews to respect landscaping, keep materials organized and remember that they are working on someone’s home, not just another job.

The company’s concentration on metal roofing is practical. Frey believes the product simply offers more in the long run. Longevity is the biggest reason. A properly installed metal roof can last for decades — often 50 years or more — while the average asphalt shingle roof lasts around 17 years.

Superior Equipment Services

Frey is quick to point out that proper installation is everything. Even a premium material must be installed correctly to perform as intended.

“If you buy a premium product, but it’s installed improperly, it can function on the level of a pile of junk,” he says.

Durability is a major selling point in Indiana. Frey says a metal roof typically carries a 140 mile-per-hour wind rating and a Class 4 hail rating, which is the highest level available. He also notes that metal does not hold moisture, rot or crack in the way other materials can over time. That matters in a region where weather can shift from ice and snow to storms and summer heat in a hurry.

The environmental impact is another important advantage. Traditional asphalt shingles contribute millions of tons of waste to landfills each year, often needing to be replaced multiple times over the life of a home.

Metal roofing, by contrast, is frequently made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan. Because it lasts significantly longer, it helps reduce the cycle of tear-offs and disposal, making it a more sustainable choice for homeowners who are thinking long term.

The company also emphasizes how metal roofing is energy efficient. By reflecting solar heat rather than absorbing it, metal roofs can help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy usage during warmer months.

Then there is appearance. Some homeowners still picture a shiny old barn roof when they hear the words “metal roofing,” but Frey says today’s options are far more refined. Diamond Steel Roofing offers a range of colors, and Frey says a metal roof can add class and prestige to a home. Sometimes it becomes the entire roof. Sometimes it serves as an accent on a porch, dormer or addition, giving a home a crisp architectural lift.

Cost, of course, is part of the conversation. Metal roofing is typically more expensive up front than asphalt shingles. Frey does not sidestep that. Instead, he explains the long view. “If you really do the math and figure it out, at the end of it, it is always less per year than an asphalt roof,” he says.

That kind of straightforward approach is central to the Diamond Steel Roofing philosophy. Frey says he is not interested in high-pressure tactics. He wants homeowners to understand the options and make the best decision for their own situation. In fact, he says there are times he will tell a customer that a metal roof may not make sense, especially if they plan to move in just a few years.

“We want what’s best for you,” Frey says. “If that means a customer doesn’t spend the extra money on a metal roof, that’s fine. We want what’s in the best interest of the customer.”

That honesty feels refreshing in any industry, but especially in one where homeowners can feel vulnerable. Frey says one of the biggest issues homeowners face today is hiring the wrong contractor. A poor installation can create serious problems, no matter what roofing material is used.

Diamond Steel Roofing is built around delivering a dependable, high-quality experience from start to finish. The company installs roofing year-round when weather allows, uses written proposals, provides free evaluations and estimates, and typically works to begin projects within six to 10 weeks after signing.

Looking ahead, Frey hopes to continue growing the company, increasing the scope and number of projects, adding people and helping more homeowners understand the value of metal roofing.

He sees the product as more than a trend. He sees it as a smart answer to long-term problems, from durability and energy use to landfill waste.

For homeowners in the Lakes West area, that may be the real appeal. A metal roof is not just about covering a house. It is about covering it well, covering it beautifully and covering it for the long haul.

And like the best roofs, it does its work quietly — standing strong through every season, protecting what matters most and offering the kind of peace of mind that lasts for decades.

Diamond Steel Roofing, LLC is located at 740 12B Rd in Bourbon, IN. You can give them a call at 574-930-0058 or email jake@diamondsteelroofing.net. For more information, visit them online at diamondsteelroofing.net.

EXCEL SOFT WASH

MICHIANA’S

#1 CHOICE FOR EXTERIOR CLEANING

Writer / Amy Beaucham

Photographer / Kari Lipscomb

Many property owners assume exterior cleaning is simply a matter of spraying water on a surface. John Miller, owner of Excel Soft Wash in Goshen, says that is one of the biggest misconceptions he encounters.

“It is not about the pressure,” Miller says. “It’s about putting on the correct solutions that break algae, mildew, rust, oil, grease, grime and more loose, and then using the right techniques to rinse and fully complete the job. It is important to kill all spores, remove oxidation and rinse it off with low-pressure water.”

Founded in 2023, Excel Soft Wash serves residential, commercial, industrial and municipal customers, specializing in soft washing, a cleaning process that uses 100% biodegradable solutions and surfactants and rinses with low-pressure water to remove contaminants. Unlike traditional pressure washing,

which relies heavily on force, soft washing focuses on treating the source of the problem. According to Miller, excessive pressure can sometimes force water behind siding and other surfaces, potentially creating additional issues.

“When water is forced behind siding and soffits, it can lead to mold growth inside the walls,” John says. “In many cases, this creates not only structural damage but also health risks, as mold can make people sick. Once mold becomes an issue, homeowners often face the added expense of installing mold ventilation systems to address the problem.”

Soft washing uses soaps and surfactants to kill algae, mildew, fungus and other organic growth and to loosen stains and contaminants before rinsing. The result is a more thorough cleaning that often lasts three to four times longer than cleaning with water alone.

“We kill everything, including fungus,” Miller says. “Water doesn’t take off rust. Water doesn’t take off grease. Water doesn’t take off oxidation and more.”

Educating customers about the difference between soft washing and pressure washing has become one of Miller’s primary goals. Different stains require different solutions, whether addressing rust, grease, smoke damage, oxidation, algae or mildew. Specialized metering systems allow him to control the strength and application of cleaning solutions based on each project’s needs. He can pull a specific percentage of water, soaps, surfactants and chemicals as needed.

“The reason we’re insured and licensed is that we’re carrying hazmat materials on some of our jobs,” John says. “Every job is different. We have surfactants to break down chemicals. We can adjust our meters to meet the needs of each job. All states require a license for any business

that transports and applies chemicals that require hazmat placards.”

Miller spends considerable time evaluating surfaces and determining which products and techniques will produce the safest and most effective outcome. Understanding the differences between stains, surfaces and contaminants is a major part of achieving successful results.

One area where soft washing can make a significant difference is oxidation removal. Many homeowners assume faded siding, chalky surfaces, dull gutters and soffits must be replaced when the real issue is oxidation caused by years of exposure to sunlight, moisture and weather.

Miller says many surfaces can often be restored when the proper products and techniques are used.

“People have got to see the before-andafter results,” he says. “I get comments all the time. People ask, ‘Did you guys get new siding?’”

In many cases, the answer is no. The siding was simply restored by removing oxidation, algae and environmental buildup that had accumulated over time.

Restoration projects are among the most rewarding aspects of Miller’s work. Homeowners often assume replacement is necessary when oxidation, algae or environmental buildup have simply concealed a surface’s original appearance. Once cleaned, many discover they can significantly improve their property’s appearance without the expense of replacement.

Algae growth is another common issue throughout Northern Indiana, particularly around lakes, wooded areas and shaded properties. Buildings are constantly exposed to airborne spores, moisture and organic growth. Areas that receive limited sunlight often become ideal environments for algae and mildew to thrive.

“God gave us an immune system,” he says. “A building has not been given an immune system.”

That reality is one reason he encourages routine maintenance. The longer algae, mildew and stains remain untreated, the more difficult and costly they become to remove.

The same principle applies to roofs. Many homeowners view black roof streaks as a cosmetic issue, but Miller believes algae growth can contribute to long-term deterioration if left untreated.

“Algae roots grow deeper the longer they’re left untreated,” he explains. Regular maintenance not only improves appearance but also helps extend the life of exterior materials by removing contaminants before they become deeply embedded.

Excel Soft Wash provides cleaning services for roofs, siding, gutters, soffits, patios, fences, driveways, sidewalks,

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stamped concrete and other exterior surfaces. Oxidation removal on gutters and soffits remains one of the company’s most requested services because oxidation often causes white surfaces to fade to a gray appearance.

Commercial services represent another significant portion of the company’s work. Excel Soft Wash cleans concrete, gas stations, canopies, bank drive-

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throughs, restaurant dumpster pads, storefronts, industrial facilities and other commercial properties.

Miller has worked with businesses, government and city organizations throughout Indiana and Michigan, including WNDU NewsCenter 16, ENTECH, JOMAR, Gallops Truck Stops and more. He has also served the City of South Bend, cleaning up graffiti on city walls and bridges. He preps all projects for Lumber Coating Specialties and maintains the exterior of Middlebury’s Creamery on Main/14th Street Barbeque restaurant. Miller’s work has also included the restoration of gravestones, and most recently, he has added solar cleaning to his projects. He will soon seek full licensing to be certified to clean government solar panel fields.

Commercial projects often present unique challenges because businesses need to remain accessible to customers and employees. To minimize disruptions, many projects are scheduled during evenings, overnight hours or other times when facilities are less busy or closed. Miller understands that commercial properties often serve as the public face of a business. Clean sidewalks, drive-through lanes, entrances and building exteriors can contribute to a positive first impression for customers while also helping maintain a property’s professional appearance.

Municipal projects require attention to both appearance and safety, particularly where algae and other slippery organic growth can create hazards.

Miller also works with homeowners and real estate professionals to prepare properties for sale. He believes exterior appearance can help create a positive first impression before potential buyers ever step inside.

“If everything’s clean when there’s a showing, the buyer is going to know these people cared for their house,” he says.

Miller believes a clean exterior helps convey that a property has been well maintained before buyers ever step inside.

Miller also believes reputation remains one of a business’s most valuable assets.

“A good reputation is better than anything,” he says. “People will judge you by your reputation before they’ll judge you based on somebody else talking bad about you.”

That philosophy has helped Excel Soft Wash grow through referrals and wordof-mouth recommendations.

“I believe if you do good work, you’ll never be without work,” Miller says.

Miller continues to study new products,

techniques and equipment, believing education is essential in an industry that constantly evolves. One innovative tool John uses is an app that assists with providing quotes over the phone or online.

“When customers call for a quote, I can use satellite technology to measure buildings, driveways and more to get the square footage to provide my customers with a quick and very close estimate.”

Previous customers appreciate how quickly John gets back to them. His commitment to learning is reflected in one of his favorite sayings: “Failure is just another way to learn how to do something right.” He approaches challenges with the belief that growth requires action.

As he often says, “Fear has killed more dreams than failure ever did.”

Community service is another area where Miller’s values shine through.

The first week of every month, Excel Soft Wash has a drawing for a free house wash for someone who has recently lost a spouse. This is one small way Miller feels he can support people facing difficult circumstances. He encourages the community to contact him if they know of a widow or widower who could benefit from the program.

Miller feels that the world needs more people giving back to others.

Miller is grateful for the support he has received from customers throughout the region.

“It’s such a blessing from God,” he says. “I want to thank the entire community for trusting Excel Soft Wash, and I look forward to seeing each customer again for a future cleaning.”

Miller repeatedly emphasizes the importance of taking pride in every project and delivering results customers can trust. Whether cleaning a residential roof, restoring oxidized siding or completing a commercial project

overnight, he believes the same principles apply.

“If you do something, do it right or don’t do it at all.”

He also believes that if you are working on something you really care about, you do not have to be pushed; the vision pulls you. Another philosophy of Miller’s is that opportunities do not happen; you create them, and if you can dream it, you can do it.

For Miller, commitment to continual learning is closely tied to the science behind soft washing. He believes many people still assume exterior cleaning is simply a matter of buying a pressure washer and spraying a surface until it looks clean.

In reality, he says, successful cleaning depends on understanding chemistry, stain identification, dwell times, water

flow and proper rinsing techniques.

“Pressure is actually one of the least important parts of what we do,” Miller says. “The solution has to do the work first.”

A house covered with algae requires a different treatment than a restaurant dumpster pad coated with grease. Rust stains require a different approach than

oxidation on vinyl siding. Even two homes in the same neighborhood may require different solution strengths depending on the surfaces’ age, the severity of staining and environmental conditions.

That attention to detail is what Miller believes separates professional soft washing from traditional pressure washing. Instead of relying on force to

blast contaminants away, soft washing focuses on breaking down and eliminating the source of the problem before rinsing it away with low-pressure water.

“The goal is not just to make it look clean for a week,” he says. “The goal is to clean it correctly.”

For Miller, that philosophy applies to every project, whether he is restoring oxidized siding, removing algae from a roof, cleaning a commercial property or preparing a home for sale. The process may vary from job to job, but the objective remains the same: identify the problem, use the proper products and achieve results without causing unnecessary damage to the surface being cleaned.

John says, “If you are worried about the cost of going after something in life, you should see the price of staying exactly where you are.”

John strongly feels that there is a difference between a job and work.

“A job is where you punch in for somebody on their time, but work,” he says, “is something that is inside of you — something no person can take from you.”

John also says he still believes in a firm handshake, trust, hard work and honesty in both relationships and business.

Each of John’s beliefs and philosophies continues to guide Excel Soft Wash as it serves homeowners, businesses and communities throughout Northern Indiana and southwest Michigan.

Contact Information

Excel Soft Wash

John Miller 574-596-9240

PREMIER SHADE

LUXURY OUTDOOR LIVING FOR YOUR HOME

Writer / Amy Beaucham Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

As the golden light of evening settles across Northern Indiana lakes and backyards, families naturally drift outdoors — gathering on porches, relaxing beside the lake and lingering on patios long after dinner. Yet even the most thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can become difficult to enjoy during intense sun, gusty winds, insect issues or unpredictable weather. Richard Fishburn loves helping people change that.

Through Premier Shade, Richard and his wife, Brittany, are helping homeowners throughout Northern Indiana and Northwest Ohio transform patios, porches, pergolas, docks, garages and outdoor gathering areas into inviting extensions of the home. Their motorized retractable awnings and retractable shade screens provide comfort, elegance, privacy and protection while creating spaces families can truly enjoy.

“What I enjoy most,” Richard says, “is seeing the spaces transform and be able to be utilized.”

That transformation often begins with a simple conversation.

Richard explains that the consultation process is intentionally relaxed and

pressure-free. He spends time learning how homeowners hope to use their space before ever discussing products or pricing.

“The design process is relatively straightforward,” Richard says. “I spend a few minutes getting to know the

customer, asking how they intend to use the space. This helps me understand if one of our products is going to be the right fit for them.”

After evaluating mounting areas, dimensions and obstacles, Richard walks customers through frame colors, fabrics

and design options while preparing pricing on-site. He says his goal is to provide accurate pricing before leaving the home so customers can comfortably ask questions face-to-face.

For many homeowners, the response after installation is immediate.

“It is usually some variation of, ‘WOW!’” Richard says.

Richard shares that many customers initially feel unsure of where to begin, especially if they have never explored outdoor shade systems before or have had unpleasant experiences in the past while exploring various projects.

“For this reason, and others, we don’t do pressure,” he says.

Some homeowners are not ready or are leery of having an on-site design consultation. In that case, they can simply start by sending a few photos of their

outdoor space through email, allowing Richard to begin discussing ideas and possibilities before ever stepping onto the property.

“We truly enjoy walking through the possibilities with each customer,” he says.

Premier Shade may be a newer business name, but Richard is far from new to the industry. He has spent 13 years in the shade business and more than 16 years working in design-related fields. What began as experience in the industry gradually became a vision for creating a company centered around exceptional customer service, honest communication and high-quality products without inflated costs.

The company operates using a mobile business model rather than a large storefront. Richard says this helps minimize unnecessary overhead expenses and allows Premier Shade to pass

savings directly to customers while still delivering what he describes as a “whiteglove” experience.

Premier Shade serves a remarkably large territory throughout Northern Indiana and Northwest Ohio, including communities from South Bend to Kokomo, Fort Wayne to Fremont and many lake communities in between. Richard says efficiency and communication are what make that broad

service area possible.

“We try to schedule design consultations while we are already in the area so we are not forced to rush the process to get to the next appointment,” he says.

That same careful scheduling also allows the company to complete multiple installations in one region while minimizing fuel costs and maximizing time with customers.

Communication remains one of the company’s strongest priorities. “While we are in the shade business, we are also in the people business,” Richard says. “Word of mouth is the best and worst advertisement.”

He explains that customers are usually very understanding when changes or delays are communicated clearly. Problems arise, he says, when companies fail to keep homeowners informed.

“We try to treat everyone how we would want to be treated,” Richard says.

That philosophy seems to resonate with customers. One online reviewer, John D., shared, “Premier Shade transformed our outdoor space beautifully! Their expertise and service are unmatched.”

Premier Shade offers several types of motorized retractable awnings and shade

screens, with hundreds of fabric colors and weave options available. Their retractable awnings include integrated LED lighting built directly into the arms of the awning, allowing homeowners to continue enjoying outdoor areas well after sunset. The systems also include protective cases that shield awning fabric from weather and UV exposure when retracted.

Many of the features offered by Premier Shade are considered upgrades elsewhere but come standard through their manufacturer partnerships. Richard partners with respected American companies including Marygrove Awnings and SunPro Products to provide products made in the United States.

The company’s retractable screens are equally versatile. Homeowners can use them for shade, privacy, insect protection and wind reduction. Richard notes that

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Richard says one of the features customers often end up appreciating most is the ability to customize exactly how much shade or screening they want throughout the day.

“For screens and awnings alike, they don’t have to be all the way extended or retracted,” Richard says. “You can lower a screen to keep the sun out of your eyes, but still maintain your view!”

The growing popularity of outdoor living spaces has helped increase interest in products like these. Richard says television renovation shows and design magazines have shifted the way people think about their patios and porches.

“There has been an increasing emphasis on luxury outdoor living,”

he says. “Home remodeling programs and magazines are emphasizing the remodeling and revitalization of outdoor living spaces as an extension of the interior of the home.”

Premier Shade products help create that seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. A shaded patio suddenly becomes a comfortable dining space. A breezy porch transforms into an outdoor room. A lakeside seating area becomes usable throughout much more of the day.

“Our retractable awnings provide shade overhead during the day and then light up the area at night with our integrated lights so that a homeowner has essentially doubled their investment,” Richard says.

The company also offers maintenance and winterization services to help homeowners protect that investment long-term. Services include cleaning awning fabric, removing and storing

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valances during winter months, reinstalling them in spring, and replacing batteries in wind sensors and remotes.

“We offer premier products and want them to last as long as possible,” Richard says.

Throughout the company’s growth, Richard says Brittany has played a vital role behind the scenes.

“Brittany has been my biggest supporter,” he says. “Premier Shade would not be possible without her help.”

Her bookkeeping and accounting background, combined with her organizational skills, have helped streamline operations and maintain efficiency. Richard says customers who call Premier Shade will speak directly with either him or Brittany.

That personal connection matters deeply to the Fishburn family.

Richard says he never takes lightly the trust customers place in Premier Shade when inviting the company into their homes and outdoor living spaces.

“Our approach is to treat everyone’s home as if it were our own, or better.”

Perhaps that welcoming approach is part of why Premier Shade continues

to grow primarily through referrals and word of mouth. Families are not simply purchasing awnings or screens. They are creating gathering places where children splash nearby after dinner, friends linger long after sunset, and outdoor spaces remain inviting through changing sun, wind and weather conditions.

Richard says he hopes customers remember not only the finished space, but also the sense of partnership and

enjoyment shared throughout the process of creating it together.

“I want them to know they have been a blessing to our business and family,” he says, “and that they are now part of the Premier Shade family.”

As evening settles across the lakes and neighborhoods of Northern Indiana, those transformed spaces often become the places where families naturally

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Contact Information

Premier Shade

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Phone: 260-255-6004

Email: premiershade.in@gmail.com

ON-DEMAND URGENT CARE WITH A HOMETOWN HEART

A sore throat on a holiday weekend. A child with an earache during a lake visit. A urinary tract infection that starts after the doctor’s office has closed. A lingering sinus infection.

Too often, illness strikes when there is no available appointment, no time to miss work and no practical alternative to an expensive urgent care or emergency room visit.

Dr. Tod Stillson has seen those situations for more than 30 years. As a longtime board-certified family physician in Marshall County, he has cared for newborns, children, parents, grandparents, workers, farmers, students and families simply trying to get through the week. He has delivered babies, practiced full-scope rural family medicine and built the kind of trust that comes from decades of showing up for people. That spirit of service has extended beyond his own community as well. Tod has traveled to areas where maternity care is at risk, helping hospitals and families in places where access to physicians is fragile. His willingness to serve in those places says much about the kind of doctor

Writer / Amy Beaucham Photographer / Tony Straw

he has always tried to be — one who does not simply talk about need, but steps toward it.

Now, through ChatRx, he is working to make common acute medical care faster, easier and more affordable.

“I’m on a mission to democratize

healthcare,” Tod says. “The system is broken.”

ChatRx is an on-demand urgent care service that allows patients to start a free symptom assessment on their phone any time, day or night. If the condition can be treated through the platform, a licensed provider reviews the case, determines the

appropriate treatment plan and, when medically necessary, sends a prescription to the patient’s chosen pharmacy. The cost is a flat $25.

There are no appointments, no waiting rooms, no insurance billing and no surprise charges.

For Lakes West readers, that convenience may be especially meaningful. Many local residents live busy lives filled with work, family, school, caregiving and community responsibilities. Many visitors come to the lakes for weekends, vacations, family gatherings and summer memories. Illness, unfortunately, does not politely wait until Monday morning.

Tod thinks about the family visiting from Fort Wayne, Chicago, Detroit or Indianapolis whose weekend is suddenly interrupted by strep throat, swimmer’s ear, pink eye, bronchitis or a UTI. He also thinks about small-business owners,

workers without health insurance, college students, busy professionals and parents who cannot easily take time off work for a relatively common infection.

For busy families and working adults, avoiding the cost of a visit is only part of the benefit. ChatRx can also reduce lost work time, travel and the disruption that often accompanies an in-person appointment.

“If you can get it done instantly, in 10 minutes on your phone, and the prescription sent to your local pharmacy, just think of how much time you bought back from your vacation,” Tod says.

The process begins with a free symptom assessment. Patients create a free account and enter information about what they are experiencing. The platform gathers symptoms, medical history, medications and allergies. The technology helps organize information efficiently, but Tod

is very clear about one important point: Artificial intelligence does not replace the doctor.

All medical decisions are made by licensed providers.

ChatRx currently treats 39 common

conditions, including respiratory illnesses, sinus infections, bronchitis, UTIs, strep throat, swimmer’s ear, pink eye, tooth infections, certain skin infections, shingles, tick-bite prophylaxis for Lyme disease risk and other common acute concerns. It can also identify when the platform is not the right fit.

That safety feature matters. If symptoms suggest an emergency, ChatRx directs the patient to seek urgent in-person care. If the illness appears viral and does not require medication, the patient is told that up front. If the condition requires a face-to-face visit, the platform guides the patient in that direction.

“We know our lane,” Tod says.

That lane is common acute care delivered quickly and affordably. It is not designed to manage diabetes, chronic disease, emergencies or complex conditions requiring in-person evaluation. It is designed to answer the questions patients often have first: Where should I go? When can I be seen? How much will it cost?

Tod’s approach turns the traditional medical visit upside down. In many healthcare settings, patients provide payment information first, wait to be

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seen and may later learn the illness was viral or did not require prescription treatment. With ChatRx, patients begin with a free assessment. They only pay the $25 fee if they choose to move forward with treatment through the platform.

“I reverse-engineered it,” Tod says. “I’m going to tell you for free whether you need treatment, and then if you do, I’m going to tell you what it costs.”

The $25 fee includes provider evaluation, a treatment plan, prescription processing when appropriate and a work or school note for the patient being treated. Medication costs are paid separately to the pharmacy. ChatRx can send prescriptions to major chains or local independent pharmacies, and the service also provides access to pharmacy discount options that may help reduce medication costs.

For caregivers, a separate caregiver

absence note is available for $10 when someone misses work to care for a sick child or dependent.

Long before ChatRx became a medical platform, its heart was already taking shape in a boy from Bremen who understood working-class life from the inside. Tod grew up in a family where no one before him had gone to college. His parents gave him enduring foundations that cannot be measured on a transcript or medical degree. They gave him love, security and the belief that anything was possible.

That gift stayed with him.

Tod first imagined becoming a hometown pharmacist after seeing the care Al Molebash of Al’s Pharmacy in Bremen provided. He admired the way an independent pharmacist could become woven into the life of a community. He saw someone who knew people by name,

understood their needs and served as a trusted part of everyday life.

He went to pharmacy school with the idea that he might someday return to serve a small Indiana town. A mission experience in Niger changed that path. While working in a mission hospital pharmacy, he felt called to become a doctor. He applied to Indiana University School of Medicine and was accepted before completing an undergraduate degree.

“I thought I was going to come back to

deliver healthcare as a pharmacist,” Tod says. “I actually came back to deliver healthcare as a doctor.”

That sense of calling still informs his work. Tod says his faith shapes his desire to care for people who are sick, underserved or overlooked. His concern for rural communities is not theoretical. He has practiced in them. He has watched patients wait too long because cost, transportation, work schedules or lack of appointments stood in the way.

He has also seen what happens when rural communities lose access to essential care, including maternity care, and he has given his own time and energy to help keep those doors open in places that need physicians.

“My motivation is the blue-collar people who live in rural areas,” Tod says. “The real people who need real solutions.”

ChatRx is headquartered in Plymouth, not on one of the coasts where many technology-driven healthcare companies begin. Tod sees that as intentional.

“This is something that you would find on the coast, in San Francisco or Boston, not in rural America, rural Indiana,” he says. “I’ve chosen to headquarter this in my home community, my home county, our home place.”

That local foundation is part of the trust Tod wants to preserve as ChatRx grows. The platform currently operates in Indiana, Michigan and Illinois, with plans for broader expansion. Schools,

pharmacies, small businesses and college health programs are among the groups demonstrating strong interest in the platform and its potential applications.

For schools, ChatRx may offer a practical way to help families when a child becomes sick during the day. For independent pharmacies, it may allow patients to scan a QR code, complete an assessment and potentially have a prescription sent to that same pharmacy within minutes. For small businesses, it may provide an affordable healthcare resource for employees when traditional insurance is too costly.

Tod says ChatRx has already had more than 4,000 users, more than 5,000 assessments or encounters and more than 1,500 prescriptions issued. He emphasizes that the platform is not an antibiotic vending machine. Treatment decisions follow medical guidelines, and antibiotics are prescribed only when medically appropriate.

One story that stayed with him involved a granddaughter visiting from out of state over Memorial Day weekend. She became ill, and her family suspected strep throat. Instead of losing the weekend to confusion, waiting or a costly urgent care visit, they used ChatRx and had treatment arranged quickly.

That is exactly the kind of situation Tod had in mind.

A medical problem may begin with discomfort, worry and inconvenience. ChatRx is designed to meet that moment

with clarity, affordability and speed. For the parent at home, the worker without time to spare, the student away at college or the lake visitor hoping to save the weekend, it offers something simple but powerful.

Care can begin right from the phone in your hand.

ChatRx represents modern technology being used for one of its finest purposes — helping people feel better, make wise choices and reach trusted medical care when they need it most. Behind the platform is not a distant corporation or an anonymous system, but a highly qualified local physician with more than three decades of experience, a deep understanding of rural healthcare and a humble, service-oriented heart.

While ChatRx is built on modern technology, its purpose is rooted in something deeper: a physician’s desire to remove barriers, ease burdens and help people receive care when they need it most.

For the people of Plymouth, Marshall County, the Lakes West area and beyond, ChatRx offers more than convenience. It offers reassurance that when illness interrupts life, help may be closer than ever.

ChatRx

Dr. Tod Stillson

328 S. Michigan St. Plymouth, IN 46563 574-933-2634

tstillson@chatrx.net www.chatrx.md

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BREMEN VILLAGE SHOPS SUPPORTS LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS

Writer / Darcie Dodds Schott

Opening a retail store can be exciting. It can also be expensive. But for a fortunate group of entrepreneurs, this barrier to entry has been minimized by the new Bremen Village Shops. An innovative retail concept created by partners Amber Reed and Matt VanSoest, the Bremen Village Shops provides low-cost shed structures that allow entrepreneurs and business owners a storefront without the constricting commitment of a more costly building or long-term lease.

Bremen Village Shops is the brainchild of Reed after she and her family visited a similar development in Illinois. She collaborated with fellow Leadership Marshall County members and the partnering nonprofit Bremen Community Cares Inc. to draft the business concept proposal to the Bremen Redevelopment Commission, and they received not only approval but widespread industry support, with foundational elements including wiring, concrete and insulation.

VanSoest, an architectural urban designer by trade, was eager to use his experience with Leadership Marshall County to invest time and energy into the entrepreneurial endeavor. Reed, a high school teacher of business and entrepreneurial studies, was dedicated to providing an inviting place to encourage people to visit, shop and spend more time in Bremen.

A native of Bremen herself, Reed notes that the location of the Bremen Village Shops holds great meaning to her, since the shops will stand on the same property where her grandfather

and father once owned a gas station. To continue her family’s tradition of business ownership in the same location brings even deeper purpose to the impact she hopes the shops have within the community.

“I’d like to think my dad would be really proud of this venture to bring new energy to the downtown, on the same land where he ran his gas station and I ran around as a young girl,” Reed says.

Funding from the Bremen Redevelopment Commission allows Reed and VanSoest to invite business owners to launch their businesses in the Bremen community with minimal financial burden. In return, the community and visitors gain a greater variety of shopping experiences.

Business owners pay an annual fee that aligns more with one month’s rent for a typical lease, and they occupy a finished shed that measures 14 by 14 feet, complete with electricity, heat and air conditioning. There will also be public restrooms onsite. In addition to holding retail hours of operation, each business is asked to commit to continuing education, such as accounting and merchandising training, to grow the business. Each business is given a one-year membership in the Bremen Chamber of Commerce.

P.J. Gilsinger & Co. A Place to Visit!

The inaugural group of entrepreneurs was selected through an interview process that included submitting a business plan as well as expressing why they desired to open a retail location. For this first season’s launch, the Bremen Village Shops will be home to a variety of vendors ranging from a community-focused service organization and first-time entrepreneurs to established business owners, including Reed herself.

Her business, Studio 574, uses laser engraving and UV printing to create one-of-a-kind cutting boards, jewelry and other boutique items. She began her business in 2020 and has always desired a retail location, but does not want to step away from teaching right now.

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.

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• Several Unusual Exhibits

Museum Hours:

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

5641 S. Main St. Winamac, Indiana May-October Friday & Sunday 1:00pm - 6:00pm November-April by Appointment Only

Like many entrepreneurs, Reed admits, “I always wanted to open a store, but as a full-time high school teacher, I didn’t have the time or resources to commit to typical retail hours.”

By developing the Bremen Village Shops, Reed and VanSoest answer the challenges that entrepreneurs face in two significant ways.

First, the cost to occupy a shed is far more inclusive than exclusive. Second, the business is only required to be open a certain number of hours per week, with a focus on weekend shoppers, allowing business owners the chance to prove their entrepreneurial concept without sacrificing their existing full-time obligations.

Joining this year’s Bremen Village Shops is Three Oaks, Michiganbased Nest Number 4, an expansion of owner Kim Yettaw’s current store in Three Oaks, where she features unique items from local artisans including home goods and décor, body care products, cleaning solutions and candles. Revival Rack stocks resale clothing for the entire family, and Uptown Renewal houses a curated collection of upscale women’s resale clothing and accessories.

Honey Shea Studios designs thoughtful jewelry, including owner Honey Shea’s “unending jewelry bar” line of custom-fit bracelets, anklets and necklaces that have a seamless closure without using

traditional welding. The shops will also offer visitors the chance to shop at Novaco, an online clothing boutique with the motto, “Wear what you love, love what you wear.”

Shoppers can satisfy their cravings for delicious handmade breads, rolls and sweets at Sourdough Haven Bread Company, including its very own “Carrie Breadshaw” sourdough starter. Maple & Honey Coffee Company boasts an owner who is young and focused on leveraging her experience working in a coffee shop to owning and running one of her own.

Bremen Community Cares rounds out the lineup of businesses, serving as a veritable living classroom where Bremen

entrepreneurial students can use the space to showcase a concept or sell their creations.

Reed emphasizes the importance of the Bremen Village Shops in “providing entrepreneurs a chance to discover if they have a viable product that appeals to the target audience.”

The business concept is to continually rotate retail concepts in and out to attract shoppers. However, current business owners will have the opportunity to reapply for the next year’s retail selection. It is the long-term vision of Bremen Village Shops to help facilitate the transition of village businesses into actual brick-and-mortar storefront buildings within downtown Bremen.

Each vendor in the Bremen Village Shops can run its own specials, but together they will welcome live music on the fourth Friday of every month to turn up the volume on the shopping experience.

The Bremen Village Shops plan to track sales among vendors each season to better understand what Bremen and visiting shoppers find valuable in the retail experience. Ideally, the data will help continually improve the Bremen community experience and encourage residents to stay, while inspiring visitors to consider Bremen as a wonderful place to settle and raise a family.

Over 20 Years of Experience

The Bremen Village Shops recently appeared on a Hometown Living segment on WBST-TV, celebrating the season, which runs from the grand opening June 6-7 through the second week of December.

When the weekend arrives, plan to make the Bremen Village Shops part of your shopping list!

Bremen Village Shops is located at 125 E. Plymouth St. in Bremen. Hours of operation are Friday, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

For more information, visit Facebook or email bremenvillageshops@gmail.com.

SHARP SUMMER

KEEPING KITCHEN TOOLS READY FOR THE SEASON

Writer / Miranda Medeiros

Summer, oh summer, wherefore art thou, summer? It’s already July, which means summer is a mere eight weeks away from passing. A bittersweet moment, it feels as if it’s only just begun, but the end is already reminding us of its inevitable return, like it does every year.

Something I’ve noticed with age is that a year no longer seems like a year. The months go by fast and the seasons even faster. No matter the changes that come with each month, one thing remains true through it all. The task in the kitchen

remains the same: putting together a meal utilizing what’s in season and feeding those around us.

Summer can be an especially tasking season for those who grow and can their food to build a supply for the year ahead. With all the chopping, slicing and dicing going on, this would be a good time to talk about knives. There is nothing worse than having a stack of fruits or veggies and a blade that makes the task seem hard. Suddenly, preparing your potatoes becomes a marathon and not a simple

prep task of cutting.

Watermelons require an umph you assume is just your age, and for some reason you must be cooking your steaks extra well lately.

Most of that isn’t true, and the common denominator here could be your knife. If your blades have gone dull, then let us remind you all that here at New Kitchen Store, our annual Knife Sharpening Event is coming up Saturday, Aug. 15.

At this event, all knives are welcome to be honed and sharpened. However, if it is a Cangshan, Wusthof, Zwilling, Shun or Kikuichi knife, it can be sharpened for free! If you don’t have those specific brand knives, don’t worry. Feel free to come get your knife sharpened still. Just know any other brand of knife will require a $3 donation to be sharpened, but all money goes directly to a charity of our choosing every year. This year, all funds will be going to Mission BBQ.

Once you get your knife sharpened, you’ll go home with something that’ll remind you cooking doesn’t have to be a workout with the proper tools. To make that edge last as long as possible, let’s cover some simple tips to keep your knife healthy and sharp.

For starters, a general rule of thumb is to hand-wash your knives. Dishwashers are so convenient, especially for a busy lifestyle. However, where sharp knives

and abrasive cleaning-agent packets are concerned, it’s better just to take the extra minute to hand-wash your knife, dry it and put it away after you’re done with it.

Another good thing to consider when caring for your knife is your cutting board. Is it plastic, glass or stainless steel? If your answer is yes, then know that it’s probably contributing to your dull-knife situation. Harder surfaces that have no natural give dull the blade as they resist letting it pass through, and they can leave traces of unwanted materials in whatever you’re cutting.

A good option to switch to is a wood cutting board, and there are so many options available. At New Kitchen Store, we carry lots of beautiful high-end wood cutting boards, but we also carry some plant-composite boards that still protect your knife by allowing it to pass through, not put unwanted plastics in your food,

and remain dishwasher-safe. They come in many shapes and sizes and are an excellent place to start if this is new to you, as they require minimal care in comparison to something like a butcher block.

Our last tip here to help extend the life of your freshly sharpened knife is storage. Is it something you’re just throwing in a kitchen drawer with all your other sharp and odd-looking kitchen tools? If so, you don’t need a fancy block for your knife, but maybe consider a sheath of some kind to cover the edges of the knife and prevent extra dulling from contact with other metal knives or objects. We carry some magnetic Wusthof ones that are a great choice for a quick solution like this.

New Kitchen Store is a great place for seasoned and new knife enthusiasts alike. We carry a large variety of knives. Whether you’re looking for just a couple of staple pieces or complete sets and

accessories, we’ve got you covered.

Be sure to mark your calendars for Aug. 15 for our Annual Knife Sharpening Event, and call the store at 574-586-2745 with any questions!

As always, we’re open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and located at 1100 Roosevelt Road, Walkerton, IN 46574. Stop in and see our newly finished kitchen area and other updates we’ve made to the store!

Canagshun,

Store

Specials

GAME ON

GAMETIME DELIVERS FUN & RECREATION FOR EVERY AGE

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger

Summer is a time that lends itself to recreation and leisure, a chance to take in the outdoors and languish in the sunshine. And for every industrious moment folks spend working hard, they certainly deserve to play hard, too.

Marlin Yoder, the current proprietor of GameTime in Millersburg, Indiana, understands the essence of the work-life balance. The shop is situated within the spacious Millersburg Feeds facility, located at the crossroads of County Road 40 and State Road 13. Within the shared complex, shoppers can find a variety of outdoor gaming implements, balls and other types of sporting equipment.

Yoder took over the stewardship of GameTime from the previous owner, Larry Miller, who founded the business around 2010. Miller and Yoder have been well acquainted over the years, as Miller had hired Yoder to assist in his bike shop some years ago. When Miller made plans to sell the GameTime aspect of his business, Yoder seized the opportunity to take things over.

Yoder’s pledge and promise to customers is a simple one.

“We want to make things available for all different kinds of people,” he says.

The inventory is typically rotated to align with the appropriate seasons, which means that currently, warm-weather gear is selling vigorously. Yoder says that among the top-selling items are baseball and softball gear, such as cleats and composite bats, accessories for bucket golf and kites. And he still works on bicycle repairs to keep those longtime customers up and riding.

In the winter, Yoder notes that there tends to be a keener interest in things like board and card games, but he has noticed a significant uptick in ice skate sales. He listens carefully to what customers want, and he takes those trends into consideration when ordering new merchandise for a rapidly growing business.

“If something new comes out, I want to make that available,” Yoder says.

GameTime also features an event trailer that can be rented for special functions. The trailer is well stocked with seasonal equipment and has been used for everything from birthday parties to school-sponsored festivities and functions.

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Yoder also stays apprised of the coordination of various area leagues that focus on certain athletic endeavors. There are leagues for pingpong, darts and pickleball, and there are other unique sports to participate in, such as Spyderball, cornhole, Spyder Pong, Bottle Bash and giant Connect Four boards.

Yoder, a man who is a master of time management, continues to

WITH A 12

assist at the feed store as his schedule permits. Both he and his wife, Karen, are lifelong residents of the area. He was raised in Nappanee, and she grew up in Topeka. They are the parents of three daughters: Audrey, 5; Alisa, 3; and Evelyn, 1.

To visit GameTime, head to 66094 State Road 13, located at the northern fringe of rural Millersburg. The hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. The business is closed Sundays. Guests can also call ahead and make inquiries at 574-330-9020.

COMMUNITY FAVORITE

TIFFANY’S RESTAURANT SERVES GREAT FOOD & LASTING TRADITIONS

In 1987, on the birthday of his daughter Tiffany, Fritz Helmuth decided to open the doors to a place he felt would foster community in his small slice of the world. Given that his daughter was turning 1 on the very day he opened for business, Helmuth felt the namesake was a perfect fit. Now, almost 40 years later, Tiffany’s Restaurant continues to serve crowd-pleasing favorites and remains a community favorite.

When Helmuth was first considering opening Tiffany’s Restaurant, he was already a successful businessman. Fifteen years earlier, he had started S&H Metals, a nearby custom sheet fabricator. The revenue from that business would later help Helmuth keep the doors open at Tiffany’s Restaurant when the COVID-19 pandemic caused others to close up shop.

“COVID was definitely a tough time,

but I always try to stick with things that I start. I have always believed that a big dream and a positive attitude make the right formula for success. I had a vision of people coming in, grabbing a salad or some ice cream on a beautiful day and sitting outside. I made it happen with Tiffany’s Restaurant,” Helmuth says.

Tiffany’s Restaurant is a local eatery, specifically known for its chicken buffet

and salad bar. There’s also fish available most nights, with prime rib featured on Friday nights. Homemade chili, clam chowder and chicken noodle soup are also available with the salad bar.

On Saturday mornings, the breakfast bar is stocked with plenty of crowdpleasing favorites such as bacon, fried

mush, biscuits and gravy, and scrambled eggs. For those with a sweet tooth, there are cinnamon rolls and whoopie pies. Tiffany’s Restaurant also recently added a bakery, making fresh-baked pies a new option for purchase. There are also daily rotating specials.

Plenty of parking is available at the

restaurant or across the street at Topeka East Park. Currently, there is an outdoor space with volleyball that patrons can use, and Helmuth has plans to add other recreational options, such as shuffleboard. Manager Dave Fry hopes people will come for the welcoming environment and friendly staff.

“We welcome everyone who comes through the door. We focus on excellent service and great food. It’s just a really great place to work,” Fry says.

Helmuth has always viewed Tiffany’s Restaurant as a neighborhood hub of sorts, and over the years, he has used the revenue it brings in to support community youth sports.

“My favorite part of owning Tiffany’s is that I can still help the community with sponsorships. I’ve been sponsoring basketball teams for years, and I love to share that experience with other people.

I have been blessed to sponsor so many young people through sports. Tiffany’s gave me the ability to do that. I wouldn’t have had that experience without it,” Helmuth says.

Tiffany’s Restaurant is looking ahead to more upgrades in the coming months, with plans to expand options for customers and provide an even more

welcoming space.

“Since COVID, we’ve been making a strong comeback, and I’m proud that we’ve been able to keep the restaurant open with the same ownership all these years,” Helmuth says.

Fry encourages everyone to stop in and personally experience the menu.

“Everyone always raves about our chicken and oooohs and ahhhs about the bacon. Tiffany’s Restaurant really does have some of the best food in our area,” Fry says.

Tiffany’s Restaurant is located at 414 Easy Lake St. in Topeka and can be reached at 260-593-2988 for takeout orders.

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often the thing that takes a welcoming space and transforms it into something stunning. It can brighten a room and add warmth or even become the focus of conversation. This is something Daryl Raber has come to know and love, and he hopes to give every customer the chance to add a little wow factor to their home.

Like many in the area, Raber was formerly employed at an

RV factory. A family member encouraged him to try custom flooring installation as a side gig. When it came time to buy a house, Raber decided to undertake the flooring himself and redid his own home. His hobby developed into a passion, and he decided to make it a full-time business with Raber’s Custom Flooring.

“Before I was married, I would take on side jobs after working at the factory, working until 7 or 8 at night. After I got married, I couldn’t do that anymore, and it just made sense to go full time on flooring. It’s what I truly love to do,” Raber says.

Raber’s Custom Flooring is an installation company that offers many different types of custom installation options. Raber’s team can install carpet, hardwood, tile floors, luxury vinyl plank, backsplashes and even tile showers. Raber’s goal is to help customers create the perfect vibe in their homes, whether that is crafting a modern, luxurious space or simply adding a touch of elegance.

Raber’s Custom Flooring sources all of its materials from Southwind Flooring, a company Raber actively encourages and promotes due to the high quality and longevity of its products. A company local to Shipshewana, Southwind Flooring has been providing exceptional products since 1976 and remains a

Glen & Ruth Miller, Owners Tues-Friday 9-5

steadfast option today.

Raber prefers to keep a personal connection with all of his customers. As a resident of Middlebury, he believes that providing trusted services to his neighbors and community is an important aspect of his business.

“I’ve been asked by multiple stores to come work for them, but I prefer to handle all interactions so I can ensure my customers are getting the highest quality available. You always get me when you purchase through Raber’s Custom Flooring. I’m the only person you ever deal with, and the communication stays consistent throughout the project because I handle it myself,” Raber says.

Raber focuses on simplicity and ease of process to ensure customers feel supported and heard and receive superior installation services. He encourages customers to get on the schedule early, as spring and summer can fill up quickly, but generally he will provide a quote within one to three days, which he personally conducts and supplies. He will also bring samples straight to your home, with the exception of tile, which can be viewed in the Southwind Flooring showroom.

“We don’t just want to give you a new floor; we want your space

to feel new and inviting. We really focus on craftsmanship, quality and honesty. It’s what I would want from someone if they were helping me with my own home,” Raber says.

Raber’s Custom Flooring is located at 604 Fieldstone Lane in Middlebury. You can contact the company via Facebook at facebook.com/p/Rabers-Custom-Flooring-100090165847077/, through email at darylraber@gmail.com, by phone at 260-5859592 or on its website at raberscustomflooring.com.

NEWBURY HARNESS SHOP

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• Handmade Leather Harness

• Leather Repair

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• Handmade custom Leather belts & Halters, billfolds, checkbook covers, money clips

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CREATIVE CORNER

PICNICPERFECT

CREAMY BLT SALAD

INGREDIENTS

• 12 ounces rotini pasta

• 8 strips thick-cut bacon

• 2 cups ripe cherry tomatoes, halved

• 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)

• Optional add-ins:

• Avocado

• Diced onion

• Diced peppers

• Fresh corn

• Cucumbers

• Cooked chicken

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking

process. Set aside to drain completely.

2. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Arrange the bacon strips in the skillet without overlapping and cook until crispy, turning once halfway through. Drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop into bite-size pieces.

3. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-size pieces. Prepare any additional ingredients, if using.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt and black pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, bacon, tomatoes and lettuce, along with any optional add-ins. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until evenly coated. Add more dressing, if desired.

6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the lettuce to remain crisp.

BUILDING MORE THAN CONCRETE

Writer / Kristi Sellers

Some of the most important parts of a home are often the ones people rarely stop to think about. A driveway welcomes family members home at the end of the day. A patio becomes the backdrop for summer cookouts and conversations with friends. These everyday spaces may seem simple, but the craftsmanship behind them can have a lasting impact.

For homeowners and businesses throughout Indiana, In-Line Concrete has built a reputation for delivering quality concrete work that combines durability, functionality and curb appeal.

According to owner Wayne Bontrager, “At In-Line Concrete, we believe in our slogan — ‘Pouring Quality Every Time.’ It’s more than just words to us. It represents our promise to every customer that we will deliver durable, dependable and professional results that stand the test of time.”

Concrete is often viewed as a practical necessity, but it can also be an important design element. A well-crafted driveway can enhance a home’s appearance, while a thoughtfully designed patio can create an inviting outdoor living space. At In-

Line Concrete, each project begins with understanding how customers want to use and enjoy their space.

“As a young business owner with years of hands-on experience in the concrete industry, I’ve learned that quality is never an accident. It’s the result of dedication, precision and pride in every single job. Whether we’re pouring a new driveway, laying a foundation or completing a custom

project, our commitment remains the same: Do it right the first time,” says Bontrager. This dedication to doing things the right way has helped In-Line Concrete earn the trust of customers throughout the area. Many new projects come from referrals, a reflection of the relationships the company has built and the confidence customers have in its work.

Today’s homeowners are investing more than ever in outdoor spaces that extend

the comfort of their homes beyond four walls. Patios, walkways, gathering areas and decorative concrete features have become popular ways to add beauty and functionality to a property. In-Line Concrete enjoys helping clients explore creative possibilities that fit their lifestyle while maintaining the durability that concrete is known for.

According to Bontrager, “We’re proud to serve our community and surrounding areas, helping homeowners and businesses improve their properties and add lasting value. When you choose In-Line Concrete, you’re not just hiring a contractor — you’re working with someone who understands the importance of trust, hard work and doing things the right way.”

At its heart, every project is about more than concrete. It’s about creating spaces where life happens. A new driveway may welcome a growing family home. A backyard patio may become the setting for birthdays, holidays and countless summer evenings. A

business entrance may create a positive first impression for customers and visitors.

As In-Line Concrete continues to grow, its commitment to quality remains unchanged. The company understands that success is built one project at a time through hard work, integrity and a dedication to exceeding expectations.

“I grew up in the small town of Millersburg, Indiana, raised in a close-knit family where hard work wasn’t just encouraged — it was expected. When I was just 10 years old, I lost my dad. That loss changed my life forever. It taught me at a young age that nothing valuable is accomplished without the right mindset and a strong work ethic behind it. Those lessons became the foundation of who I am today and the driving force behind starting In-Line Concrete,” says Bontrager.

While materials and trends may evolve, the value of dependable craftsmanship remains constant. For In-Line Concrete,

According to Bontrager, “In-Line Concrete

foundation at a time.”

For more information, contact In-Line Concrete at 574-500-1030 or email Inline9concrete@gmail.com.

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Shipshewana/ LaGrange County

3 & 4

Topeka’s 4th of July Celebration with fireworks, buggy races, and a full day of outdoor fun!

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5p – 7p – Rooted in Community: A Flower & Farm Experience at Springfield Acres. Step onto the farm and experience an evening rooted in connection, creativity, and the beauty of the land.

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10a – 12:30p – Close the Loop: Composting with Worms at Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Team up with the amazing Red Wiggler worm and learn the ins and outs of turning your kitchen and yard waste into a valuable resource for your plants.

Elkhart County

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11a – 1p - Hotdogs & Apple Pie at the Bonneyville Mill. Celebrate the 4th of July with a hotdog and apple pie. $5 per person. July 4th – 5p – 11p –Fireworks on the Fairway at Black Squirrel Golf Course located at 1017 Larimer Dr, Goshen. Shop some vendors and enjoy some food and beverages from local food trucks.

4

5p – Elkhart’s Independence Day Celebration Downtown Elkhart. Enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, and fireworks.

11

Rotors ‘n Ribs at the Goshen Municipal Airport. Open to all helicopter owners, pilots, and enthusiasts, Rotors ’n Ribs is a fly-in that features educational seminars, flying demos, and, of course, delicious ribs!

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6p – Movie in the Park at Elkhart Parks & Recreation featuring Hook

Kosciusko County

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6p – 7p – Kosciusko Co. Chapman Lake 4th of July Parade “American Spirit”

at Chapman Lake, Warsaw, IN. Deck out your golf cart, UTV, ATV, trailer, or classic car and join the parade.

3

8p – Fireworks Festival –An outdoor concert concluded with fireworks over Winona Lake at dusk.

4

9a – 11a – Bug Catch at Levinson LaBrosse Education Center. Listen to a short presentation about aquatic insects, then walk to the shores of Lake Wawasee to hunt for the critters.

4 Noon – 5p – Stars, Stripes, & Slushies – Enjoy live music, wine, festive slushies, and laid-back summer vibes.

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11a – 2p – Wipe Out at Pike Lake Beach located at 1009 E. Arthur St, Warsaw. Challenge yourself at the Aqua Glide obstacle course! Free for all ages. Life jackets are mandatory, and will be provided. Parent/Guardian must sign a waiver.

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10a – Critter Encounter: Snakes at the Lilly Center. Learn about different kinds of snakes through

games, story time, crafts, and hands-on interactions. RSVP required.

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11a – 2p – Touch-A-Truck at The Village at Winona. An up-close opportunity for children and adults to see and touch various trucks and machinery.

12 – 18

Kosciusko County 4-H Fair.

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9a – 11a – Fishing Derby with the DNR at Between the Lakes. Bring the kiddos and learn how to fish! The DNR provides the poles and bait but you may bring your own pole if desired.

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7p – 9:30p – TNT Demo Derby/ Figure 8 Night at the Kosciusko County Fair.

Noble County 4

Annual live concert in celebration of Independence Day at Bixler Lake Park in Kendallville, followed by fireworks 4

Patriotic Tie-Dye Fun – Bring a white cotton item to the Sand Lake Nature Center to tie-dye. White t-shirts will be available for

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purchase for $10.

11 – 18

Noble County 4-H Fair

24

Local Food Week - Local Food Week as a way for families and farmers to connect around the food they both love. Our 5th Annual Local Food Week features over 30 different tours and events hosted by farms, markets, artisan food producers, and organizations.

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Cromwell’s Waterpalooza – Town of Cromwell’s Back-to-school celebration.

St Joseph County 3-5

Reds, Whites, & Brews at Round Barn Winery & Estate. Celebrate summer’s favorite weekend with bold sips, backyard vibes, and red, white, and brew-filled fun.

4

America’s 250th Birthday Celebration at Newton Park. Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with an evening full of family fun, live music, great food, giveaways, and an incredible fireworks show at dusk!