7/13 Blue Star Moms Motorcycle Ride

5/11 Movies @ Norwayne Field - A Dog's Way Home

The 2019 season of movies at Norwayne Field will begin on May 11th at dusk.  The first movie of the season is "A Dog's Way Home" sponsored by Kersting's Cycle Center.

Lucas Ray is shocked when an adorable puppy jumps out of an abandoned building and into his arms. Though the apartment he shares with his mother, a disabled veteran, doesn't allow dogs, Lucas can't resist taking Bella home. Bella is inexplicably drawn to Lucas, even if she doesn't understand the necessity of games like No Barks. As it becomes more difficult to hide her from the neighbors, Lucas begins to sneak Bella into the VA where he works. There, Bella brings joy and comfort where it is needed most. After Bella is picked up by Animal Control because pit bulls are banned in Denver, Lucas has no choice but to send her to a foster home until he can figure out what to do. But Bella, distraught at the separation, doesn't plan to wait. With four hundred miles of dangerous Colorado wilderness between her and her person, Bella sets off on a seemingly impossible and completely unforgettable adventure home.

Vote Now for Locally-Built Harley in Harley-Davidson’s Battle of the Kings

Posted on April 25, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

Vote now for a motorcycle designed and constructed by the service crew at Kersting’s Cycle Center in Winamac and a student at the SCILL Center in Harley-Davidson’s Battle of the Kings event.

The Knox SCILL Center, student Jonathan Woods, and Kersting’s Cycle Center teamed up together to build a custom motorcycle for the competition.  The entry is a 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy named “Ol Heavy”.

The Battle of the Kings is the largest custom bike build competition in the world.  The company is seeking fresh ideas and concepts for the future in motorcycles.

The motorcycle was unveiled this past weekend at Kersting’s Cycle Center at 8774 W. 700 N. in Winamac and can be viewed there during regular business hours.

There is an online public vote in progress to choose America’s favorite custom bike.  The winners will compete in front of a panel of Harley-Davidson judges who will decide on three category winners.  The top motorcycles will be voted on by Harley-Davidson dealers at the annual meeting in Milwaukee.  The winner will then compete in Italy for the World Championship.

To vote for “Ol Heavy”, click here.

4/20 This Saturday is Packed With Fun!

Wow!  And I thought last weekend was busy!   This Saturday is packed with fun activities for every member of the family. 

Indiana Free Fishing Day

Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish the state's public waters on Free Fishing Days. On all other days, only youth (age 17 and younger) and a few other special anglers are exempt from the license requirement.

Easter Train @ Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum 

If you haven’t already bought yours there are still some tickets left for the Easter Trains - https://www.ticketsource.us/whats-on/north-judson-in-46366/hoosier-valley-railroad-museum/easter-train

Passengers will board the train at our depot in North Judson and take a quick trip out across the Kanakakee River bridge at English Lake before returning to town. At our park east of the depot, passengers will disembark from the train. Our younger passengers (ages 2 to 12) will participate in our Easter Egg Hunt. The trains will run on Saturday, April 20, 2019, rain or shine.

Tippy Trail Run – 10 and 5 miler

9 am - 12 pm EDT / 8 am - 11 pm CDT  A fitness run of 10 miles or 5 miles on trails 4 and 5 at the Tippecanoe River State Park.   Only $35 to sign up!  Register online at: https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Winamac/TippyTrailRun

Carrying Our Community’s Cross

9 am start at  Starke County Courthouse in Knox

3 pm end at  Norwayne Field in North Judson

This is a community event, so even if you can’t carry the cross please come out and enjoy the fellowship.

Kersting’s Spring Open House

10am  Official unveiling of “Ol Heavy” – the bike Kersting’s customized for Harley-Davidson’s nationwide “Battle of the Kings” competition. Snacks Door Prizes

San Pierre Easter Egg Hunt

10-12pm  Bring the kids out to hunt Easter eggs at the former Our Lady of Holy Cross (Tierney Park). There will be 6 age groups (ages 1-12) and drawing for prizes. Each egg is filled with candy or a surprise!

13^th Annual Starke Co. ABATE Annual County Wide Easter Egg Hunt @ 2380 S. 450E., Knox, Indiana

Registration: 11 am to 12:30pm YOU MUST REGISTER TO HUNT Hunt starts at 1 p.m. There are four age groups: 0-2 / 3-5 / 6-9 / 10-15 Please bring a basket or bag for hunting eggs. Questions? Call 772-6842

Tippecanoe River State Park Easter Egg Hunt

1 pm to 2 pm CT at the Nature Center  Bring your own Easter basket OR come at 12 noon CT and bring a clean dry milk jug to recycle into an Easter Basket.

Starke Co. SWAT Fundraiser

5pm to Midnight at the Nancy Dembowski Community Center  $25 per ticket - MUST be 21 or older (ticket includes buffet dinner and two alcohol drinks or soft drinks) DJ, cash bar, silent auction and raffles.  Tickets can be purchased at the Starke County Justice Center OR by contacting any officer

Another Jam Packed Saturday

Saturday offers one jam packed morning: 2 meals, 2 bake sales, 2 Easter egg hunts for the kids, 1 Easter bone hunt for canines, and sign up for the Little Mint Darlings and the Mint Festival Queen/King will be taking place at the North Judson-Wayne Township Library from 11am to 2pm. Then on Sunday there's going to be another Easter egg hunt if you can't make either of the hunts on Saturday.

To find out more about April events check out https://sites.google.com/njwtpl.org/njwtpl/area-events-community-calendar/april?authuser=0

Saturday, 4/13

Sunday, 4/14

When's the Easter Bunny Going to Arrive?

The chicks and bunnies have been working overtime this year getting ready for Easter. And the joy of the hunt starts this Saturday.

Saturday, April 6th = The Catherine Kasper Life Center at Donaldson invites children aged 10 and under to join in an Easter Egg Hunt from 12-2pm CT. There will be GOLDEN EGGS hidden for special prizes!! This event is free and open to the public; all are welcome.

Next weekend will be especially busy here in town with a hunt each day.

Saturday, April 13th = The 2nd annual North Judson Police Department Easter Egg and Dog Bone Hunt at Norwayne Field. 9:00 am for the Easter Eggs and 10:00 am for the Dog Bones. Bring your kids and K9s and join in the fun. 

Sunday, April 14th = 33rd annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held at the North Judson-San Pierre High School. Sign up at 12:30 pm, hunt starts at 1 p.m. All children through 5th grade are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult. Sponsored by Kankakee Valley Harley Owners Group Chapter 1326 / Kersting’s Cycle Center / Harry L. Keller Post 92 American Legion Auxiliary of North Judson

Then things will wind up the day before Easter at Tippecanoe River State Park. You might want to take a picnic along for this one and relax afterwards.

Saturday, April 20th = The 1st Annual Easter Egg Hunt @ Tippecanoe River State Park from 1 pm to 2 pm CT at the Nature Center. Bring your own Easter basket OR come at 12 noon CT with a clean dry milk jug to recycle into an Easter Basket.

Good Oil, Kersting’s Cycle Center, Winamac Coil Spring Get Governor’s Half Century Business Award

Posted on March 26, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

Three local companies were recognized for more than 50 years in business by Governor Eric Holcomb last week. The Governor’s Century and Half Century Business Awards were presented during a ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse Thursday, according to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

Among the recipients were Good Oil Company, which celebrated 78 years in business; Kersting’s Cycle Center, which has been in business for 57 years; and Winamac Coil Spring, with 71 years in business.

Governor Holcomb said in a statement that “these companies exemplify the pioneering spirit and perseverance that will push our state forward for years to come.” To qualify for the award, businesses must demonstrate a commitment to community service, in addition to remaining in continuous operation for at least 50 or 100 years.

Full Weekend of Events at Kersting’s Cycle Center

Posted on September 7, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Kersting’s Cycle Center and Museum has a plethora of fun things to look forward to this coming weekend. To start it all off, Starke County A.B.A.T.E will be hosting its Autumn Slam, a two-day event that begins Friday when gates open at 7 p.m. EST. The event is open to anyone 21 or older and the cost is $15 dollars per person. That fee grants access to food, bike games, field events, entertainment and primitive camping on Friday and Saturday.

On Sunday, Kersting’s is showing their customer appreciation by having a Mystery Ride. Sign-up will be from noon until 1 p.m. EST. At that time, the bikes will leave for the ride and return around 4 p.m. for a picnic lunch. A $10 donation per person is being asked in order to benefit the Nella Kersting Memorial Fund.

Kersting’s is four miles South of North Judson on US 39 in Winamac. Feel free to contact them with any questions about this weekend’s upcoming events by calling (574) 896-2974.

4/29/2017 Kersting's "Blessing of the Bikes"

Mark your calendars! Kersting’s Annual “Blessing of the Bikes” Saturday, April 29, Noon. Live Music & Food Vendors.

Rev. Adam Speicher will share the message and blessing at 1pm. All event times are Eastern time. Sponsored by Heartland Christian Center and Kersting's Cycle Center, 8774 W 700 N, Winamac, Indiana 46996.

4/9/2017 Easter Egg Hunt @ Norwayne Field

Kersting's Learn-2-Ride is coming soon!

Kersting's is teaming with the State of Indiana and Ride Safe Indiana (RSI). Upon successful completion-receive your motorcycle endorsement. 12 riders per class • $175 per person. First Responders: FREE (limited to 2 per class). 

Ride choice of: Yamaha V-Star 250, Yamaha XT 250, all-new Harley-Davidson Street 500. Upon successful completion-receive your motorcycle endorsement. Call Katie at 574-896-2974 or e.mail learn2ride@kerstingscycle.com to reserve spot. More info on our website: http://www.kerstingscycle.com/--learn-to-ride

5/30/2016 Kersting's Blessing of the Bikes

Mark your calendar and plan to attend Kersting’s Annual “Blessing of the Bikes” on Saturday, April 30. 

Festivities begin at 11 am (ET) Message & Blessing at 1 pm (ET)  Message given by Pastor James Young of Heartland Christian Center (North Judson Campus), Live Music. Food Vendors. Sponsored by Heartland Christian Center.

12/4/2015 Kersting's Garage Party

Hey ladies! Kersting’s Garage Party is a fun way to learn the basics — the bikes, the lifestyle, the destinations — all from a woman's perspective. Let your adventure begin! 

Call (574) 896-2974 to join us Friday, December 4 at Kersting’s Cycle Center for this 2015 Garage Party!!

Starke Chamber Names Kersting’s Cycle Center Business of the Year

October 27, 2015AuthorMary Perren, WKVI 

Kersting’s Cycle Center is the Starke County Chamber of Commerce 2015 Business of the Year

“The little shop in the middle of nowhere where wonderful folks come from everywhere” is the 2015 Starke County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

Kersting’s Cycle Center owner Jim Kersting and his late wife, Nella, opened a small engine repair shop south of North Judson on State Road 39 in 1960. The original building has grown to more than 37,000 square feet with more than 20 employees during the busy motorcycle riding season.

In addition to the motorcycle showroom and repair shop, Kersting’s is also home to The World of Motorcycles Museum. The 24,000 square foot building is home to more than 150 motorcycles, automobiles, antiques and memorabilia. Former Gov. Mitch Daniels, a motorcycle enthusiast, paid a visit to the museum during his second term. Visitors from around the world stop in to see the extensive collection of vintage motorcycles.

Each year a North Judson-San Pierre High School senior receives a scholarship in memory of Nella, who died in 2003. Jim also supports several charities, serves on the North Judson Board of Zoning Appeals and had a hand in founding the Kankakee Valley Harley Owners Group, or H.O.G. Chapter. That organization also supports numerous charities. Jim was also one of the founding fathers of the North Judson Mint Festival, which occurs every Father’s Day weekend.

Kersting’s Cycle Center will be recognized during the annual Starke County Chamber of Commerce Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in downtown Knox. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed by the dinner and awards at 7.

Kersting’s-sponsored MDA Ride Touted as Tremendous Success

Published: July 28, 2015 By: Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Sheriff Jeff Richwine and Road Captain Jerry Hedger

This year’s charitable motorcycle ride sponsored by the North Judson Kersting’s Cycle Center was a success. The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office extended a congratulatory thanks to the Kankakee Valley chapter 1326 of the Harley Owners Group for raising nearly $700 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

In a news release the Sheriff’s Office said it was a privilege to assist the organization with the cause. They also wanted to extend special thanks to Deputy Aaron Heims, Deputy Nick Bowyer and the Medaryville Police Department for their collaborative efforts to provide traffic control during the event. According to the news release, it was their professionalism and courtesy that allowed all participants to have a safe and enjoyable ride for a wonderful cause.

Chapter 1326 of the Harley Owners Group was also grateful for having a chance to participate in this charitable fund-raising opportunity. Road Captain Jerry Hedger presented Sheriff Jeff Richwine with a certificate of appreciation following the event.

4/25/2015 Kersting's Bike Blessing

Live Music by the ”Acousticats” 1 pm, Biker Fest & Bike Blessing Ceremony 2-3 pm, more live music 3-4 pm. (All times eastern). Sponsored by Heartland Christian Center. United Methodist Church's Rev. Adam Speicher- Blessing of the Bikes.

3/29/2015 Easter Egg Hunt @ Norwayne Field

Join in for the 29th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Norwayne Field on March 29, 2015.  Sign up is at 12:30 p.m. and the hunt will begin at 1 p.m.  All children through 5th grade are welcome but they must be accompanied by an adult.

The Easter Egg Hunt is sponsored by:

Kankakee Valley Harley Owners Group Chapter 1326
Kersting’s Cycle Center
Harry L. Keller Post 92 American Legion Auxillary of North Judson, Indiana

Kersting's "Learn To Ride" Provides Opportunity for Area Youth & Adults

Kersting’s Cycle Center & museum opened in 1962, sparked by owner Jim Kersting’s passion for the joy and freedom of riding motorcycles.  Kersting’s hopes to pass along that enthusiasm for motorsports by offering “Learn To Ride” training sessions to interested youth and adults at their 8774 W. 700 N. facility.  The program is off to a solid start and the initial season of training is scheduled for each Saturday now through Labor Day weekend.

Sales Manager Jason Kersting initiated the not-for-profit training effort.  “We’re just trying to get a few more people outdoors on a two-wheeler.  Motorcycle riding is a sport just like any other.  It is physically demanding and can be dangerous if you don’t practice, focus and pay attention.”  The “Learn To Ride” program is not considered formal training.  Kersting commented, “It’s just giving folks a chance to learn the basics.”  Program participants are required to wear long pants, helmets, and a shoe that covers the ankle.  Long-sleeve shirts and eye protection are also recommended.  (Safety-wear and accessories are available for purchase at Kerstings.)

Jason’s son, Josh continues the family tradition, passing along his acquired generational knowledge and enthusiasm for motorsports as a “Learn To Ride” coach.  “Josh learned to ride when he was four”, Jason reflected.  “I just put him on the motorcycle and told him where the throttle and brakes were.  He was a natural rider and apparently, a pretty good teacher.”  Josh coached recent “Learn To Ride” participant Emilee Richardson.  “Emilee was riding on her own within 20 minutes and had a smile from ear to ear throughout the four-hour session,” Josh reflected.

Cost for the program is $25 to cover fuel and expenses.  Sessions are limited to six riders per day.  Visit Kersting’s Cycle Center or call (574) 896-2974 to schedule a “Learn To Ride” experience for yourself or your child.

Kersting’s Cycle Center and Museum is a full-line, Harley-Davidson and Yamaha facility offering motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, motorclothes, accessories, parts and services located four miles south of North Judson, Indiana on Highway 39.

Ride for a Reason: Kersting’s Annual Ride for the Muscular Dystrophy Association

By: Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Published: July 8th, 2014

The weather is just right for riding motorcycles. If you’re riding anyways, why not do so for a good cause? Chapter 1326 of the Kankakee Valley Harley Owners Group is teaming up with Kersting’s Cycle Center to host their annual ride for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Saturday, July 12th. The cost per bike is $20 and with a passenger the cost is $30. All proceeds go to the MDA and covers the cost of the buffet at the end of the ride. Registration is from noon until 2 p.m (EST) the day of the ride. The first 200 riders to register will receive 2014 Harley Davidson MDA collector pins.

The group will leave Kersting’s at 2 p.m.(EST) and journey to the final destination at the Route 10 Restaurant in North Judson. Assistant Director Mike McBride tells riders to prepare for a picturesque excursion through the surrounding area.

“The rides about 70 miles long and it should be a fairly scenic ride down through Pulaski county, and then back into Starke County. Around Bass Lake, that kind of thing.” said McBride.

When the ride finishes at the Route 10 Restaurant there will be a buffet, a drawing with prizes ranging from $20 to $100 and a DJ on the scene playing music. Feel free to come out this Saturday enjoy a long ride, show off your motorcycle and to contribute to a great cause.

4/26/2014 Kersting’s Bike Blessing/Biker Fest

The annual blessing of the bikes will be held at Kersting’s Harley-Davidson Cycle Center & Museum on Saturday, April 26th, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. EST.

12 – 1 p.m.  Kersting’s Oldie Band “The Acousticats”
1 – 2 p.m.  Pastor Phil Willingham & Heartland Christian Center
Blessings of the Bikes – United Methodist Church Reverend Adam Speicher
3 p.m.  Live music

Food will be available.