story by Mike Davis, Executive Director Kentland Economic Development
As I drove from Highway 41 into Kentland, I thought about the town from a visitor’s perspective. And because I’d just left a meeting where we discussed the positive impact women have on the local economy, I became keenly aware of businesses that are owned and/or managed by females in the area.
Pulling into the north side of town, I was enticed by a classic ice cream stand where you order from your car and pay in cash—a nod to simpler times and certainly an ideal way to celebrate a summer road trip. The pleasant voice, ready to take my order through the drive-in’s speaker, was Kim Donohue, who, along with her husband, owns Don’s Drive-In, now in its 50th year. While the menu includes traditional items like chili dogs, corn dogs, and more, I opted for one of their ice cream specialties. I was not disappointed.
As I continued through town, the Robert & Jeanette Batton Park caught my eye. The 5.5-acre park features a new pavilion, in addition to picnic facilities, baseball fields, and playground. Next to the park is the recently-opened Autumn Trace senior living community.
Driving further south and around Kentland, I took some time to visit two other parks: Cast Park, featuring a soccer field and fishing pond; and the newest park–Wonder Park–dedicated to children ages 2-12, and surrounded with spectacular designs created by South Newton elementary, middle school, and high school art students. The park system is overseen by another female leader, Park Board President Casey Ward.
Approaching the town square, a quaint full-service grocery store came into view. Murphy’s Food King, now in its 77th year, is the only full service grocery in all of Newton County, and is managed by Colleen Clifton. Taking a quick turn from the grocery, an unusual feature in the town came into view: the parking lane in the middle of the street. Hopping out of the car I took a stroll down 3rd Street, stopping by Cottage on Main, a charming antique and floral shop, owned by Judy King. The shop is a few doors down from the Old Colonial Inn, a fine dining establishment in a classic building constructed in 1894, and directed by Mara Davis.
I passed by Inspiration Fitness Studio created by Bailey Geswein, who also organizes the popular monthly farmers market in downtown Kentland. Crossing the street, I pass by Jodie Havens’ recently opened Simply Stylish Boutique. The charming storefront next door is J.P. STYLE CO., owned by Jessica Pence, a wonderful tasteful ladies and children’s clothing store. Cars were parked in front of a popular style salon owned by Becca Harrington for over a decade.
Backtracking, I sauntered by DX Creations owned by Amanda Rhanor-Saldana, which is adjacent to the Graham Street Barbershop owned by Alicia Gust.
By now I hope visitors realize Kentland truly has a lot to offer; and checking out the real estate market would be a positive exercise. The Real Estate Shoppe on 4th Street is owned by Debby Shuffle- barger, who also serves as the president of the Kentland Town Council, with her associate Ladonna Davidson; there are also two other real estate agents in town. Judy Wirtz and Andrea Standish. Leaving the Real Estate Shoppe you can’t miss the Newton County Mural where historians Kay Babcock and Janet Miller preside over the rich history of Newton County.
Jumping on US24 West, I pass by Si Senor Restaurant run by Gabriele Moreno, and Market No. 48 with owner McKenna Strasburger. By this time two things were obvious to me. One, Kentland Indiana is a charming small town gem; and two, more than 20 women business owners and directors clearly drive a significant part of our local economy. Their contributions make Kentland a delightful community to visit, work, and live in.
For more information visit: kentland.in.gov.
NORTHWEST INDIANA’S NEWEST ATTRACTION!
SOR WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
Exotic Animal Wildlife Park
SOR Wildlife Adventure is a family-owned Wildlife Park. It is situated on approximately 80 acres in Lake Village, Indiana. Raising and caring for exotic animals has always been a part of this family’s everyday life. In early 2021, the SOR family purchased a beautiful plot of land and began building a place where the public can enjoy and learn about wildlife while preserving the natural land their animals call home.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU VISIT SOR
When you enter the ranch and pull up to the ticket booth, you will be greeted by a member of the SOR staff. You will stay in your vehicle and immediately drive through a tree-covered terrain admiring the animals as they roam their natural, vast enclosures. So, get comfortable, roll your windows down and see who can spot the animals first! The driving path will end in the parking lot. From there, visitors can park their vehicle and enter the walk-thru portion of the ranch. Take your time, stroll the beautiful landscape and get a closer look at SOR’s smaller animal exhibits. Within the walk-thru adventure, you have the opportunity to feed the animals and possibly meet one of SOR’s baby animals.
