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DeWitt restaurant carries on the tradition of family

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Tonia Ireland Ketchum moved out of DeWitt 17 years ago but her son, daughter and only grandchild still reside in the town, and three years ago, Ketchum started a tradition with her 5-year-old granddaughter whenever she came to visit DeWitt. “She and I would come to Family Tree Cafe on Sunday mornings just her and I,” Ketchum said. 

“I would let her stay in her PJ’s and we would leave mommy and daddy home (most of the times) and we would enjoy a fun breakfast.” Family Tree Cafe is a DeWitt located restaurant that treasures the importance of family relationships. Sign inside Family Tree Cafe. Photograph by Nina Felicidario

“I honestly can’t think of any place around that I would be as comfortable doing what we do and I love our little tradition,” Ketchum said.

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DeWitt’s first brewery becomes part of community

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It has been over a year since the Looking Glass Brewing Company, located in the heart of DeWitt, opened its doors after some construction delays. Customers say it was worth the wait. 

The Looking Glass Brewery Company. Photograph by Nina Felicidario

“We have visited since the opening day,” customer Michael Butts said. “The number of visits would be impossible to guess, probably twice per month at least.”

Butts have never been disappointed with the service nor the food and beverage. 

The brewery is in a partnership with Big Guys Food to serve food in addition to their handcrafted  beers. Seating area and Big Guys Food kitchen

“I have only been there once so far, but I really liked it,” customer Crystal Stamper said.

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DeWitt church pays off families’ medical debt in time for Christmas

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During the summer of 2019, Northpointe Community Church partnered with the nonprofit organization RIP Medical Debt to pay off $3.8 million in medical debt. 

Northpointe’s Lead Pastor Rich Ruble. Photograph by Nina Felicidario

“We’re a church that cares about people and their needs,” Lead Pastor Rich Ruble said, “We want to be the hands and feet of Jesus and to give back to the community.”

Ruble said that the church located in DeWitt has a vision to impact 50,000 people in five years with the grace of Jesus. When they found out about RIP Medical, they understood that it was a great fit for their vision. It’s who they are and what they want to do. “Because we understand what it feels and means to be forgiven,” Ruble said.

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Dewitt Police Department takes steps against bullying

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At the DeWitt City Council meeting on Oct. 14, council member Frank Waters brought up concerns about bullying in schools and the police department’s involvement in preventing the issue. 

City council meeting room. Photograph by Nina Felicidario

“What are we doing about the bullying?” Waters asked chief of the DeWitt Police Department Bruce Ferguson. Ferguson was updating the council on the terrorism threat when Waters brought up the concern. The council and Ferguson spoke about what led the DeWitt High School student to make such a threat.

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DeWitt library encourages community discussion

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At the library, patrons expect walls of books and the librarian’s inevitable “Shh” when making the slightest bit of sound. The Dewitt District Library strays from the traditional library terms and encourages community interaction through their events. Dewitt District Library. Photograph by Nina Felicidario

The library holds many events and programs tailored for all ages. Children, teens, adults and family events are open for attendance, however, according to Dewitt residents, not many are aware of this.

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Twiggies evolves in 22 years in DeWitt

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Beth Herendeen didn’t want to be someone who kept saying “one day I’ll do it.” So 22 years ago she did it: She opened Twiggies in downtown DeWitt, and hasn’t looked back. Business owner, Beth Herendeen, in her store, Twiggies. Herendeen’s first business — event planning — started off in her Dewitt basement. As it progressed, she moved to a barn and then eventually opened up a storefront in downtown Dewitt. Wedding planning website, The Knot, referred to her store as “A charming experience for your senses,” then followed with a four-star rating.   

Some of her clientele includes weddings and corporate businesses.