Town Council
The Shipshewana Town Council is a five-member council. The council members serve four-year terms, which are staggered. Town Council members may serve multiple terms; there are no term limits
Christine Yoder
Currently serving as the Town Council President, Christine was taught at a young age that civic duty was everyone’s responsibility. Christine has dedicated her most of her adult life to community service. A wife, mother to four birth children and seven fosters, and two of the cutest twin grandsons you have ever seen she believes Shipshewana is the best place ever to raise a family.
Lifelong learning is built into her soul. She endeavors to learn something new every year. She holds certifications in NIMS incident command and management as well as attending the Global Leadership conference annually. As the county event lead for Relay for Life, she leads with passion and is an advocate for cancer patients in need of services.
Her free time finds her outdoors. Kayaking, sailing, camping, and adventure games keep her heart happy.
Ben Bennett
Currently serving as the Town Council Vice-President, Ben was born in Lagrange in 1983 and has spent his entire life in the Shipshewana area. He graduated from Westview High School in 2002. On August 18th, 2004, he married Jayme Bennett (Rainsberger), and together have 3 wonderful kids, Landon, Lily, and Lexy. He enjoys hiking, traveling, and learning History.
Whitney Rhan
Currently serving on the Town Council, Whitney has a passion to lead and serve. She is a lifelong resident of west LaGrange County, raised south of Shipshewana in Topeka, Indiana. She graduated from Westview High School where she was involved in athletics, the music department, not for profit organizations, and academic societies. She pursued further studies in college, graduating from IPFW with a degree in Speech and Audiology and then from Western Kentucky with a Master’s in Communication Disorders. She married Jason Rahn, and they reside in the heart of Shipshewana with their three children. Whitney works as a Speech Pathologist for the Westview School Corporation, and values youth and community development. She and Jason enjoy serving in their church, in the schools, and through youth athletics.
Joshua Weimer
Currently serving on the Town Council, Josh is currently serving his second term. He’s motivated to grow Shipshewana, and contributes energy, focus, and drive toward that overall goal every day. Josh works for FinishWorks employed as Process Coordinator. He and his wife Jen have lived in Shipshewana since getting married 11 years ago and have 3 children.
Lynn Bontrager
Currently serving on the Town Council, Lynn Bontrager served on the Shipshewana Town Council from 2011 through 2018.
She has begun another 4-year term from 2021 thru 2024. She has served on the Park Board during all terms as well.
She is married to Mike Bontrager and has lived in Shipshewana since their marriage in 1979. They have 2 grown sons and 3 grandchildren.