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The Washington County Family YMCA is proud to announce that John Jones Auto Group has made a significant contribution to the Beth Armstrong Y-For-All Capital Campaign, bringing the community closer to realizing a transformative childcare and family recreation center.

Thanks to the support of grants, state funding, and community donors, the YMCA’s childcare center is now fully funded! This essential facility will provide much-needed resources to support early childhood development and working families in Washington County.

Additionally, the campaign to fund the community center and recreational space has reached an incredible milestone, now standing at 80% funded through the generosity of donors like John Jones Auto Group.

“We are proud to donate to the Washington County Family YMCA. Many people in our community benefit from the programs that the YMCA offers. We hope that our donation helps with the expansion of the YMCA Child Care & Community Center,” said John E. Jones of John Jones Auto Group.

These spaces will serve as a hub for family connection, youth development, and community wellness.

“John Jones Auto Group has always been a valued partner in our community, and their contribution demonstrates their commitment to making Washington County a better place for families,” said Kristy Purlee, CEO of the Washington County Family YMCA. “We are so thankful for their support, which helps us create a brighter future for our youth and families.”

The Beth Armstrong Y-For-All Capital Campaign is an effort to address critical community needs by creating spaces that foster learning, recreation, and connection. With only 20% left to raise for the recreation and community spaces, the YMCA invites individuals and businesses to join this movement and make a lasting impact.

For more information about the Beth Armstrong Y-For-All Capital Campaign or to contribute, please contact Kristy Purlee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit wcfymca.org.

About the Washington County Family YMCA The Washington County Family YMCA serves as a cornerstone of our community, offering programs that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Through innovative initiatives and collaborative partnerships, the YMCA seeks to strengthen families and empower individuals to thrive.

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By Becky Killian, Staff Writer

This year has seen two new occupants in the JF Helsel Commerce Park and more could be coming.

Angie Buchanan, director of the Washington County Economic Growth Partnership, gave a year-end report to the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

To retain and encourage the expansion of local businesses, Buchanan said she has assisted business owners obtain and complete the annual compliance requirements of tax abatements; met with representatives of the county’s major employers, like Kimball International; and helped businesses find financial help through sources like grants.

Buchanan also worked to attract new businesses to Washington County through her networking with groups such as the regional development authority, by attending conferences, and by seeking an Economic Developer certification through Ball State University.

Improving the county’s “quality of place” is another aim adopted by the Partnership, with Buchanan saying her office offered assistance and planning during the solar eclipse, provided housing project support, and supported the City of Salem’s and the county’s READI project applications, which resulted in a total award of $7.9 million.

As for her 2025 goals, Buchanan said she wants to develop a social media plan, to investigate all possible uses for the commerce park, and to align her office with the county’s Tourism Board to help boost awareness of what the county has to offer.

In other business:

*Washington County has been named a “StormReady” community. Deni Stempowski, the county’s Emergency Management director, said the designation will lead to more grant opportunities. StormReady is a free voluntary program offered by the National Weather Service. To qualify, the county had to meet certain communication, mitigation, and preparedness requirements.

*Structure Point presented the updated comprehensive plan they developed for the county. The plan details goals for the county like workforce development, business retention, entrepreneurship, tourism, and quality of life. It was noted a grant paid for most of Structure Point’s fee for the work.

*Lori Gilstrap was approved as a member of the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals.

*Outgoing Commissioner Rick Roberts thanked the county’s residents for allowing him to serve on the Commission. “It’s been an honor,” he said.

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By Jerry Curry, Writer

The Feed Store in New Pekin has been passed to new hands. After 34 years in business, Jim and Demma Sanders, who are in their 70s, have decided to retire. Having a great love for the business, they wanted someone to take it over and continue their famous hometown style of service. When Whitney Smith’s father mentioned his daughter had always wanted the business, a bridge was formed to the new owner.

Will and Whitney Smith took up the challenge to continue service with a smile and hometown hospitality. They took over the store on November 1 with Jim hanging around as a mentor. The store continued with a few tweaks, like accepting credit cards, goat feed and a Christmas Tree. However, the process of handwritten orders continued on.

The Smith’s are juggling a lot. On top of the new Feed Store, they have two boys in the 4th and 6th grades at East Washington Schools, and Will still has his night job at UPS as a mechanic. Whitney, however, had previously worked ten years as a teacher's assistant at East Washington Middle School. They will be married for 15 years in May. Whitney is a lifelong resident of New Pekin and said, “I always wanted to own a store here.” They also have plans for a face lift of the building.

You can find nearly everything here. They offer bird, dog, bones, chicken, rabbit, hog, fish, horse, cat and goat food. Most of these products come from Danville, Kentucky and are the Formax Feeds brand. Plus, they also offer cedar and pine shavings and pet supplies. Customers can buy anywhere from one bag to a ton of food. Thankfully, they have a forklift for loading products along with a delivery service at an additional price.

One of their more popular items are their concrete figurines which tend to sell fast. Whitney hand paints each figure and applies a sealant to preserve the finish. She also makes a bird seed ring shaped with a bundt cake mold that sells for $10.

Once Spring rolls around, the Feed Store will offer plants for sale in addition to their usual products. These are all locally grown by the Amish.

Located at 76 IN-60, New Pekin, the new store hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. More information can be found on The Feed Store LLC Facebook Page or by calling (812) 967-3333. There is also a review that can be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNi2oHMNp6E by Chase Stanfill. Be sure to pay The Feed Store a visit!

Will and Whitney Smith.

Photos by Jerry Curry.

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Who can join Junior Leaders?

Any Washington County 4-H member in grades 7-12

Tentative Learning Topics for the Year:

Car care

Adulting 101 series

Cornucopia-Agritourism

Service Learning

Local Business Tour

Career Exploration Panel

Upcoming Meetings:

December 10 at The Extension Office 6-7 PM

January 16 at The Extension Office 6-7 PM

February 12 at The Extension Office 6-7 PM

March 11 at The Extension Office 6-7 PM

April 9 at The Extension Office 6-7 PM

May 5 at TBD 6-7 PM

June 10 at the Fairgrounds 8 AM - Noon

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The Indiana Chamber’s annual Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana contest is down from a record 90 competitors to the Sweet 16 as the fourth round is now underway through November 21.

The Indiana Chamber is joined this year by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) in putting on the program. The IDDC’s “IN Indiana” marketing campaign is incorporated into the single-elimination, Hoosier Hysteria-style tournament.

The “Coolest Thing” Sweet 16 manufacturers are from 14 cities throughout the state, with Fort Wayne and Nashville each having two companies still in the field. Remaining competitors and their locations are below:

Bear Wallow Distillery, Nashville
Blue Fox Farms LLC, Wawaka
Clabber Girl, Terre Haute
Country Roads Coffee, Albion
Fort Wayne Metals, Fort Wayne
Gator, Columbia City
Goshen Brewing Co., Goshen
Guardian Bikes, Seymour
Hard Truth Whiskey Co., Nashville
Harpsicle Harps, Rising Sun
Hiker Trailers, Columbus
Kimball International, Jasper
L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Fort Wayne
Polygon Company, Walkerton
Rolls-Royce North America, Indianapolis
Smoker Craft, Inc., New Paris

“With such fierce competition, it’s no easy feat to get to the round of 16, so these victors should be very proud to march on in the tournament,” offers Vanessa Green Sinders, Indiana Chamber president and CEO.

“Just one more victory and these organizations will be in the coveted quarterfinals. From there it’s three short, yet difficult, steps to claim the ‘Coolest’ title – and bask in the brightest spotlight. We can’t wait to see how the contest plays out.”

The matchups and product descriptions can be seen on the event’s website atwww.indianachamber.com/coolestthing; it’s also where fans and followers of the competitors can vote.

A person must vote for all matchups in any given round.

The quarterfinals take place November 22-26, followed by the semifinals November 27-December 2 and the finals December 3-5.

New this year, the IDDC will produce high-quality videos showcasing the eight quarterfinalists, which those companies will be able to use for their own promotions – and bragging rights.

Entry in the Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana contest is free. To participate, a company did not need to be headquartered in Indiana, but the product entered must be manufactured in the state. Companies are limited to having one product nominated for entry.

Last year, Hoosier Racing Tire was crowned as the producer of the Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana for its racing tire. Janus Motorcycles of Goshen took top honors in the inaugural competition, and in 2022 the Indiana Chamber honored Maple Leaf Farms of Leesburg for its roast half duck.

Awards for this year’s top finishers will be presented at the 2024 Best IN Manufacturing Awards Luncheon on December 11 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.

The Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana and Best IN Manufacturing endeavors are supported by spirit sponsor Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Purdue MEP), with gold sponsor Kalenborn Abresist Corporation and silver sponsors Evonik Tippecanoe Laboratories and Kimball Electronics Jasper.