A Glimpse into Busco’s Past

“Today’s Events is Tomorrow’s History” reads the sign located in the Churubusco History Center at 201 North Main Street. Opened in 2012 by local historians Chuck Jones and Chuck Mathieu, the History Center holds all sorts of information, stories, and artifacts that have been collected and donated throughout the years of the community’s past. The History Center invites people to walk in and explore background knowledge of the town, as well as dig into learning something new by looking at pictures and artifacts displayed throughout the building.

While conducting the interview for this latest Chamber Spotlight, Mr. Jones informed me of a few facts about my hometown I didn’t know before visiting. One of these facts was how our community was named “Churubusco”. We were named after the Battle of Churubusco in the Mexican-American War. The name was mentioned by a schoolteacher during a community meeting in 1847 (prior to this we were two towns- one being Franklin and the other Union). The town was eventually incorporated in 1882 with a population of 786. Our community thrived in its early days due to the railroad that ran through downtown and the Goshen Trail. Both the railroad and Goshen Trail were used to transport goods such as lumber and hundreds of crates of onions grown by area farms. Households and farmers found everything they needed in town as they traveled upon the Goshen Trail which eventually became the Lincoln Highway and then US 33, and SR 205 which opened in 1936 (prior to that, there was no direct route to and from Columbia City!).

The History Center promotes the growth of businesses in the community throughout history as well as today as Churubusco continues to thrive. Local grocery stores, Churubusco schools, restaurants, hardware, and other businesses keep the community growing just as they did back in the early days. Additional information, history, and pictures can be found on the website: www.churubusco.net or walk in and visit with Chuck, Nancy, and the other volunteers! They are open on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm.

The History Center provides us with discoveries and connections of the town’s past to the current day events and tomorrow’s history of how Churubusco came to be.

-Audrey Orth

Turtle Days… a brief history

As the Town gathers to celebrate the 71st annual Turtle Days festival, the Churubusco Chamber of Commerce wishes to reflect on the history of the festival and the impact it has had on the community.

Turtle Days began in 1950, a year after the Hunt for Oscar. According to Town historian, Chuck Jones, the intent of Turtle Days was to help raise money to build a community park. The event was held in downtown Churubusco for a few years before moving to it’s current home- Churubusco Community Park- in the mid-1950’s. Turtle Days has continued to assist in making our Park better and give an annual donation to the Park after the festival. Past donations have included new picnic tables, the pier at the wetland, playground equipment, and contributing to the cost of Park security cameras.  

There are many Turtle Days traditions that have stood the test of time including the Miss Turtle Days pageant, nightly raffles, the Parade, and everyone’s favorite Turtle Days event- the annual Turtle Races. “I began the Turtle Races in, I believe, 1969,” says Chuck Jones, “and they’ve been going ever since.” While the Races have changed locations a few times over the years (previous locations have included the school parking lot, high school track, Diamond 1, and currently the Park’s basketball courts), it continues to be the festival’s most popular event. Over the years, participants and turtle enthusiasts have traveled from all over the country to race turtles and witness the unique (and, quite possibly, one-of-a-kind) event. The Churubusco Chamber of Commerce is proud to sponsor the annual Turtle Races as it has done since the tradition began. We encourage everyone to come join the free event on Friday, June 18. Registration begins at 5:30 with the races starting at 6:30.

Turtle Days is not just a week full of fun, but an integral part of the community. The festival is attended by people of all ages and for one week of the year, it is responsible for bringing thousands of visitors to our town. Those same visitors are also eating at our restaurants, getting gas at our gas stations, and picking up last minute items at our stores thus benefitting Churubusco’s business owners and pumping money into our local economy. The Churubusco Chamber of Commerce understands the importance of the festival and the impact Turtle Days has to our members. We encourage you to support and visit this year’s festival and invite you to help make future festivals a success by volunteering with the Turtle Days Association.

Hope to see you at Turtle Days!

-Madalyn Sade-Bartl

Vice-President, Churubusco Chamber & Secretary, Turtle Days Association

Do you want to build a sand castle?

Who doesn’t enjoy going to the beach and building sandcastles? NOBODY! It is in this spirit (and staying with the Turtle Days theme of “Fun in the Sun at 71”) that the development of the 1st annual Sandcastle Competition was born. This first-year event is sponsored by 46 Graphics and Brett Strack, Ruoff Mortgage and will be held in the beach volleyball courts near Diamond 2 in Churubusco Community Park as part of Turtle Days Kid’s Day festivities.

Event sponsors, Niki & Bret Keister, have fond memories of a similar event that they participated in during their childhood. People of all ages gathered to build sandcastles and compete for prizes. Niki Keister shares, “The best parts of this event are the imagination and creativity brought together by all the people who come and participate, share ideas, and have a good time.” The event is free and open to everyone, no matter how great of a sand architect one may be. To pre-register for the event, visit http://46graphics.com/store/p539/Sand_Castle_Competition.html. Everyone who pre-registers will also receive an awesome t-shirt that will be distributed at the event. Winners of the competition will receive a beach towel that looks like a $100 bill and bragging rights that they are a champion-level sandcastle builder.

Plan on joining 46 Graphics on Saturday, June 19 from 2-3:30 pm at the beach volleyball courts. Winners will be announced at 5 pm prior to Turtle Days Free Bike Giveaway. Bring your imagination, competitive skills, and creativity for the chance to win big!

-Audrey Orth

All participants who pre-register will receive this cool t-shirt!

Winners receive a $100 bill beach towel

“Art showcases what life is really about.”

2nd Floor Art Gallery and Studio has been strong since opening in June 2019. The purpose of art is to display life, and in such a rural town, art is everywhere. One can find it displayed on buildings, in homes, and the art shows 2nd Floor hosts monthly. Located on the corner of SR 205 and US 33, 2nd Floor is an upstairs gallery and studio that does not discriminate and is all-inclusive.

In addition to displaying art from local artists, 2nd Floor provides numerous opportunities for citizens of all ages to create their own art and tap into their creativity! Opportunities include instructional classes, wine and canvas events, Tuesday and Thursday after school art clubs, Summer Art Camp, “Pair an artist and a writer” event in September, Art Market, and more.

2nd Floor is currently gearing up for its Summer Art Camp. The Summer Art Camp is open to students in grades K-8. Six week-long sessions will be offered at a low cost of $55 per session. This enrollment fee will include all art supplies, a t-shirt, an art bag, and an opportunity for their art to be displayed within the gallery. Since beginning the program two years ago, Summer Art Camp has served more than 160 students.

Art projects completed at last year’s Summer Art Camp

A new event 2nd Floor is hosting is the 2nd Saturday Art Market. This event will be held in the parking lot of the Chocolate Turtle. Vender booths are available for artists and artisans to display and sell their items. From homemade goods to paintings, drawings, woodworking, flowers, produce and more, come and sell your stuff from June to September.

More information about events and registration for classes/events can be found on the website, 2floorart.com or by calling at (260) 633-6957. Take home, DIY projects can also be found on the website or by visiting 2nd Floor at 105 South Main Street, Churubusco.

-Audrey Orth

Brat King of Churubusco

Sav U Mor is a locally, family-owned grocery store who offers 201 different flavors of bratwurst. Fun flavors include “Peanut Butter and Jelly” or “Spaghetti Brat” as well as “Apple Bacon Smoked Gouda.” All brat products are taste tested in-house before they go out on the market table. With so many flavors, Sav U Mor is making Churubusco not just a town, but a destination.  

Jeremy Hill purchased Sav U Mor in 2012. He was lucky enough to have a great staff, including longtime managers Gary & Sue. Jeremy began making his own brats soon after buying the store, but things really started to take off after his son, Jack, graduated from high school. First, 41 flavors and then a year and a half later, 201 flavors!

“What would be good in a brat?” is the question of the day. Flavor ideas come from everywhere- the community, customers, restaurants, and random ideas throughout the day. Flavors range from “Gummy Bear” to “Garlic Green Onion” as well as “Cheddar Garlic” and “Burrito” brats. The list goes on and on. Everything is made in the meat department with all homemade seasonings. The casings are synthetic which means they are not made from hogs and are easier to consume. Sav U Mor also only uses hand diced vegetables, cheeses, meats, and mixes that go into the brats. Brats come in packages of two or more.  Is there a flavor you’re unsure of trying? Just ask the meat department to make a two-pack for you! Jeremy, Jack, Nate, or Kyrie will be happy to oblige!

Sav U Mor is also generous to the community. From sponsoring Town events like the Block Party and Halloweenfest to hosting fundraisers for the football moms and Turtle Days, Sav U Mor is always willing help the community in any way it can! “It’s about working together with small businesses to attract people.” says owner, Jeremy Hill. Jack is also hopeful the community will come out to help him introduce a “Turtle Town Brat”. Residents will be able to voice what the perfect brat combination would be to encapsulate the atmosphere of 'Busco!

Sav U Mor is open Monday through Sunday 7am to 9pm. You can call at (260) 693-2708 or visit in person to try one (or several) of the 201 brat flavors! They are located at 308 S. Main Street in downtown Churubusco.

Sav U Mor is not just a grocery store, but a destination where ideas are welcome so new flavors can increase the number of homemade brats.  Visit Sav U Mor today and try some of the eclectic flavors!

-Audrey Orth

Owner Jeremy Hill with his son, Jack- the “Brat King of Churubusco”

Brady’s Auto Service

Brady’s Auto Service, a local, family owned and operated business, provides automobile repairs and other services such as tire rotation, oil changes, and more. Dave and Sherrie Brady opened their shop just outside of Churubusco in 2014 as Dave always wanted his own place. “The best part of working in Churubusco is the people. There are always good people in town and it is home. We’ve always lived here and wanted to give back to the community and help out.” Brady’s now employs their entire family including Dave and Sherrie’s sons, David and Dennis.

Brady’s Auto Service provides friendly service and qualities that customers prefer over other shops. Trusting services along with loyal and honesty gets the job done. Customers say, “Service is good and convenient”. Brady’s makes sure the job is done right, which keeps customers coming back.

In addition to the great service Brady’s offers to their customers, they also actively give back to the community. Sherrie Brady is one of the founders of the annual Churubusco Charity Car & Truck Show. The Charity Car Show brings car enthusiasts together while raising money for scholarships and donations to various community causes.

It all began over a decade ago when a group of car lovers got together and decided to bring a car show to ‘Busco. The annual event has allowed for thousands of dollars to be donated to scholarships for local students, charities, food banks, holiday family sponsors, and other special needs around the community. One such special need was giving money to a mother who lost her infant and could not afford a headstone. Funds from the car show that year were used to pay for that headstone. This year’s car show will be held Saturday, June 5 in C&A Tool’s parking lot.

Information on the 10th Annual Churubusco Charity Car & Truck Show can be found on their Facebook page, “Churubusco Charity Car Show”. They are currently seeking both exhibitors and sponsors. You can also call at (260)-693-0261 or visit at 9377 East Commerce Drive.  That number can also be used to schedule any repair needs you may have. Brady’s Auto Service hours are Monday-Friday 8-5 and closed Saturday and Sunday.

-Audrey Orth

“It’s fun to work in the town I grew up in and graduated from.”

Wyatt Gillenwater, owner of North Main Barbershop, opened his business in June 2019- the same week he graduated high school! Gillenwater grew up in Churubusco and with both his parents cutting hair, he knew that is what he wanted to do with his life. Wanting to give back to the community and the ability to serve customers in good ways are positive aspects of Gillenwater’s business life. 

“Meeting new people throughout the years and making guys look good are the best parts of my job.” Gillenwater states.

Customers choose North Main Barbershop over other barbershops because North Main is local and personal. “Wyatt is a nice guy to talk to and is a local, hometown guy.” a customer shares.

North Main Barbershop “Makes guys look good” by cutting and trimming hair and is a walk-in only barbershop. Located: 121 North Main Street, Churubusco. Hours: Closed Sunday and Monday, open 9-5 Tuesday-Friday, Saturday 9-12.

Walk in for a trim or cut at North Main Barbershop. You’ll look good walking out!

-Audrey Orth

“Home…”

Nikki King, owner of King Realty, graduated from Churubusco High School. She opened King Realty, LLC, in her hometown in July 2006. For Nikki, the most rewarding aspects of having a business in Churubusco are the great hometown values and the friendliness and supportive nature of the community.  

In July of 2007, Nikki was in an automobile accident that left her with a long and hard recovery. Despite multiple leg surgeries, she was determined to keep running her business. Nikki and her agents built a strong team that conquered many challenges as she worked from a hospital bed, wheelchair, and with walking devices. Shortly after her accident and during her recovery, the economy declined. “We conquered a pretty big one and feel proud we are still going today.”, says King on overcoming those adversities.  

King Realty assists customers with their realty needs, whether it be selling or buying. “We aid buyers in finding the property of their dreams or ones they can make their dreams. We also help sellers in listing properties.” Nikki says. “Meeting new people throughout the years is pretty awesome.” At King Realty, clients and customers are treated like real people and are helped as much as possible by getting the needed information to make the right decisions. You can visit King Realty, LLC at 223 North Main Street in downtown Churubusco for assistance in selling, listing, or buying the home of your dreams.

-Audrey Orth

Photos courtesy of King Realty, LLC Facebook page.

STAR Bank

“I love working for a company who has the same values as me. STAR is family owned and operated; we are not publicly traded.”

STAR Bank is a “small-town, everyone knows everyone” institution. At STAR, customers are family (literally) and a primary positive aspect is making sure family is taken care of. Sara Hughes has worked at STAR for over seventeen years, managing the branch for twelve years. Hughes points out how rewarding it is to help her friends and family, as well as their children, at STAR.

Sara was born and raised in Churubusco as were many members of her staff. “The most important aspect of managing STAR is making sure staff members are 100% comfortable with anything and everything. If I had to leave at any certain time, I want to make sure my staff can handle whatever needs to be done and could run as my position at any given time.” The staff at Churubusco’s location are also included in other community activities such as coaching and Junior Achievement while Sara serves as the secretary of the Churubusco Chamber of Commerce.

STAR Bank is a full-service community bank that offers bank products, insurance, investments, Private Client, mortgages, and so much more. STAR Bank likes to give back to the community and donates to many community events. STAR is open Monday-Friday 9-5 and 9-12 Saturday. You can visit STAR at 4070 US 33, Churubusco for all your financial needs.

STAR Bank manager and Chamber Secretary, Sara Hughes, poses with Niki Keister, co-owner of 46 Graphics, at 46 Graphic’s ribbon cutting.

Meet Audrey…

I am Audrey Orth, a junior at Churubusco Junior-Senior High School, and I am the new intern for the Churubusco Chamber of Commerce!

This internship interested me because I love to write and the Chamber can give me the opportunity to do what I love in addition to building connections with community businesses. I have grown up in Churubusco and it has become my home; the memories made, the friends I grew up with, the church I attend, and the school I have attended since second grade are all vital parts as to who I am.

In addition to interning, I attend St. John Bosco Catholic Church where I am an assistant and substitute teacher for religious education. I am also active in school extra-curriculars such as middle/high school girls’ basketball manager, student council, National Honors Society, FFA, and yearbook. I am the oldest of three and my family lives outside of town. I enjoy fishing, reading, hiking traveling, hanging out with my friends, and spending time with my family.

I am looking forward to highlighting different businesses in ‘Busco and getting to know the heart of the town and how people connect with each other in their daily lives. I look forward to meeting all of you!

Griebel Law Office

Did you know we have an award winning attorney in Churubusco?

Steve Griebel Griebel Law has won too many honors to list in a Facebook post. Check out the short list:

-Sole Practitioner of the Year- VLP of Northeast Indiana 2014

-Pro Bono Sole Practitioner of the Year-VLP of Northeast Indiana 2013

-Top Lawyer-Fort Wayne Monthly 2013

Top Lawyers based on Avvo's proprietary algorithm rates of attorneys on a 10-point scale, factoring in peer endorsements as well as experience, education, training, speaking, publishing and awards.

"Steve is a stellar Attorney. Really efficient with his time & very reasonable fees." -Becky Poyser Freeman

Griebel Law Office LLC

Stephen P. Griebel

260.693.0099

http://www.buscolaw.com/

-Niki Keister