Kentland Community Supporter: Louise Stutesman

I have been with Newton County Title for 60+ years, with many changes happening throughout my time here. The biggest change is in the office equipment– when I first started, it was electric typewriters with no correctors. We had no copy machines and we had to use carbon paper! Eventually, we got a copier, and now we work with computers, which is completely different from when I started.

I owned Newton County Title for about 30 years and recently sold it in February, in partnership with George Sammons. We had many great clients over the years and I enjoyed my time as owner. In my current position, we go over to the courthouse and check all the records on a specific property. Once we get all the information, we type it up into a legal document and send it out to whoever is involved in buying or selling the property. Then, we get a closing date and give the new owners a deed to the property. It’s a very detail-oriented process that requires a lot of focus.

My grandmother lived in Kentland, and I moved here in 1956. I went to Kentland High School, and after I graduated, I got a job with the Sammons law office and Abstract and Title company. I worked there until I married my husband, Gary, and had our daughter, Linda. During that time, I worked with various businesses, but came back to Newton County Title in the ‘70s and I have been here ever since.

I love going to all my favorite spots around the community like the Old Colonial Inn, the flower shop, and The Good Table. In my opinion, Kentland should be known for its small town, friendly atmosphere.