“Hoosier Hospitality, Hoosier Lanes” local business in Wheatfield offers community support following damaging storm

WHEATFIELD, Ind. -- In the small town of Wheatfield, neighbors are stepping up to help each other recover after severe weather moved through the area Tuesday night.

At Hoosier Lanes, the bowling alley opened its doors earlier than usual Wednesday to support the community.

“It’s that small community mentality,” said Brian Schaefer, general manager. “The community rallies behind each other in a time of need.”

On a typical day, the lanes wouldn’t open until the afternoon — but after seeing the damage from the overnight storm, Schaefer said the decision to help was immediate.

“When we woke up and everybody saw the devastation that happened over the course of the evening hours last night, we knew we had to do something,” Schaefer said. “We opened at 11 o’clock this morning, and we’ve been going strong all day.”

The bowling alley is offering locals a place to relax and take their minds off the storm’s aftermath, and is also serving free food to first responders, cleanup crews and anyone in need of a warm meal.

“Just seeing the first responders coming in — they’re tired, they’re wet,” Schaefer said. “We just wanted to say thank you and let them know the community stands behind them.”

Whether visitors come for a brief escape or a free slice of pizza, Schaefer says they can expect one thing: “Hoosier hospitality, Hoosier lanes.”

Hoosier Lanes plans to continue offering warm meals and a safe space for the community throughout the week. A truck from the Wheatfield Chamber of Commerce will also be parked outside the bowling alley to collect clothing donations for storm victims.