Save the Date for the WIN Energy REMC Drive-Thru Annual Meeting on March 27
WIN Energy REMC’s
things to think about in
FEBRUARY pages 17–20
Moving that sofa could save you some money
FEBRUARY 2021
from the editor
Hoodie Hoo!
Counting the days until spring Some of my fondest memories have been of my silliest moments. I’m not one to laugh readily; my funny bone needs to be seriously tickled to bring on the chuckles. But I’m convinced that a good belly laugh is a powerful, restorative thing. It lifts your mood and the moods of those around you. It gives you a different perspective on things, sometimes when you need that perspective the most. And it just plain feels good! So, when I found out about a completely random, totally outrageous, February “holiday” (I use that term loosely!) that will surely inspire laughter from me and those around me, I just had to share it! It’s called Hoodie Hoo Day and it’s meant to be celebrated every Feb. 20 in the Northern Hemisphere. I’ve never seen it actually being celebrated though — and, believe me, Hoodie Hoo revelers would be quite conspicuous! To acknowledge this special day, you must go outside at noon on Feb. 20, wave your hands over your head and yell “Hoodie Hoo!” Why? Because by Feb. 20 you’re probably sick of winter. And if you, indeed, have had enough of the snow and the cold, and don’t care if an embarrassing video of you happens to show up on someone’s social media account, you may want to hearken spring with a hearty shout — just because. Your Hoodie Hoo outburst only has to last a moment. After you let out your wintertime frustrations, you can head back inside and enjoy your midday meal. But if you catch yourself smiling or giggling that afternoon, you know “Hoos” to blame! And I can guarantee you, that mood-lifting experience will give you just the boost you need to help you through the cloudiest of days.
EMILY SCHILLING Editor eschilling@indianaec.org
On the menu: June issue: Berries, deadline April 1. July issue: Beans, deadline April 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.
Giveaway: Enter to win a Satek Winery prize bundle and one of Jack Spaulding’s books. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests. Entry deadline for giveaways: Feb. 26.
Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, event listings, letters
and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606.
VOLUME 70 • NUMBER 8 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340 Published monthly by Indiana Electric Cooperatives Indiana Connection is for and about members of Indiana’s locally-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. It helps consumers use electricity safely and efficiently; understand energy issues; connect with their co-op; and celebrate life in Indiana. Over 304,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership. CONTACT US: 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600 Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org IndianaConnection.org INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Walter Hunter President Randy Kleaving Vice President Steve McMichael Secretary/Treasurer John Gasstrom CEO EDITORIAL STAFF: Emily Schilling Editor Richard George Biever Senior Editor Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist Ellie Schuler Senior Creative Services Specialist Taylor Maranion Creative Services Specialist Stacey Holton Director of Creative Services Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication ADVERTISING: American MainStreet Publications Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop Crosshair Media 502-216-8537; crosshairmedia.net Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication. UNSOLICITED MATERIAL: Indiana Connection does not use unsolicited freelance manuscripts or photographs and assumes no responsibility for the safe‑keeping or return of unsolicited material. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $12 for individuals not subscribing through participating REMCs/RECs. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If you receive Indiana Connection through your electric co-op membership, report address changes to your local co-op. POSTAGE: Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, Ind., and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606. Include key number. No portion of Indiana Connection may be reproduced without permission of the editor.
FEBRUARY 2021
3
contents
FEBRUARY
05
15
co-op news
food
03 FROM THE EDITOR
12 GRASSROOTS
05 WIN ENERGY
How a bill becomes a law.
REMC NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative.
13 COUNTY OF THE MONTH
10 ENERGY Your electric co-op is plugged into support statewide — and beyond. 11 I NSIGHTS
22
Spotlighting Jackson County. 14 INDIANA EATS Cerulean Restaurant the spot for Valentine’s Day dinners under the stars. 15 FOOD Going bananas.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Indiana Connection
26
backyard cooperative career 17 COVER STORY Things to think about in February. 21 SAFETY Common reasons for power outages. 22 BACKYARD Here’s the scoop on pokeweed.
24 H OOSIER ENERGY NEWS 25 OUTDOORS Jack Spaulding recalls early possum hunting days. 26 C OOPERATIVE CAREER Professional progression: Keeping the meters running.
23 RECALLS
On the cover February may be the shortest month of the year but you can still make some small but significant changes this month (like moving furniture) to save energy and money. Turn to page 17 for some timely tips.
4
FEBRUARY 2021
MAKING POSITIVE LOCAL IMPACTS www.winenergyremc.com CONTACT US Toll Free: 800-882-5140 Local: 812-882-5140 Fax: 812-886-0306 AUTOMATED EXPRESS SERVICES For outages and payments, call: 888-456-9876 OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. ET Monday-Friday VINCENNES OFFICE 3981 S. U.S. Highway 41 Vincennes, IN 47591 PRINCETON OFFICE 1314 W. 100 N. Princeton, IN 47670 SULLIVAN OFFICE 2044 W. State Road 154 Sullivan, IN 47882 UNDERGROUND LINE LOCATING Please call 811 at least two business days before you plan to dig. 2021 OFFICE CLOSINGS New Year’s Day: Jan. 1; Good Friday: April 2; Memorial Day: May 31; Independence Day: July 5; Labor Day: Sept. 6; Veterans Day: Nov. 11; Thanksgiving: Nov. 25 and 26; Christmas: Dec. 24 and 25; METER READING DATES Cycle 1: Feb. 2; Cycle 2: Feb. 7; Cycle 3: Feb. 16; Cycle 4: Feb. 25; Cycle 5: March 1; Cycle 6: March 1.
I love the feeling of being able to walk into my favorite locally-owned shop, restaurant, or store knowing that the profit, product, and labor can make positive impacts in my community. The spirit of Main Street is embodied in these local businesses, and the importance of supporting them has become even more evident as we have witnessed the effects of the pandemic. Although you may not consider WIN Energy REMC a “Main Street” business, electric cooperatives are as local and community centered as they come. Founded as a way to bring electricity to communities that didn’t interest investorowned utilities, electric cooperatives have been a cornerstone of community and economic development in rural America for decades. That feeling I get when I frequent local businesses in our community is the same feeling I get when I walk into work at the co-op every day. It is a feeling of pride. I am proud to be a part of an organization that serves the community in which we live, instead of a group of shareholders who may never have set foot in our service territory.
more than just knowing there are people out there working to bring you safe, reliable, and affordable electric service. Living on co-op lines is an investment in our community and its members. You see, WIN Energy REMC is a notfor-profit business. When revenues generated exceed the expenses needed to keep the lights on safely, affordably and reliably, we return it back to our member-consumers (that’s you!) in the form of capital credits. This means after all co-op expenses are paid, any additional money we earn goes back into our community, instead of going into a shareholder’s pocket, which is pretty great! And because we are owned by you, our member-consumers, we have a vested interest in making sure our community is prosperous. One way we do this is by investing in economic development and community service projects. I hope that you view WIN Energy REMC not just as your electric utility provider, but as a local business that brings pride and prosperity to our community. We love being a part of this community, and we hope you feel the same way too!
TOM NOWASKIE CEO
As a member-consumer, you can be confident that living on co-op lines is
FEBRUARY TREE TRIMMING LOCATIONS Tree trimming crews will be in the following townships this month: SULLIVAN Curry Jackson
VIGO Linton Pierson Prairie Creek Prairieton
Specific locations can be found at www.winenergyremc.com. Like us on Facebook facebook.com/winenergyremc
WIN ENERGY REMC
SCHOLARSHIPS 2021
Download an application at winenergyremc.com. Submit your application by Feb. 12.
FEBRUARY 2021
5
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE WIN ENE R GY R E MC DRIVE-THRU A NNUAL MEETING
M ARCH 27, 2021 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ED T
VI N C E N N E S L I N C O L N H I G H S C H O O L A N D VI N C E N N E S CLARK MIDDLE SCHOOL PA R KI N G L O T S
Each registered member will receive a registration gift and annual report, and be eligible to vote for directors and win prizes.
PRIZES INCLUDE: • Grand Prize- John Deere Lawn Tractor • 125 Attendance Prizes ***To register at the annual meeting, member must bring registration card which will be mailed to members in March.
W I NE NE R GYR E M C. CO M
6
FEBRUARY 2021
ENTER HERE
Ma
in S
t.
Hart St.
Lincoln High School
Clark Middle School
EXIT HERE
1
6 2 Hart St.
Ma in
St.
5
er D
r.
4
Bauer Dr.
3
Hart St.
Bau
Directions for drive-thru meeting 1. Enter Vincennes Lincoln High School from Hart Street. 2. Follow signage through Vincennes Lincoln High School parking lot. 3. Turn right onto Bauer Drive. 4. Follow Bauer Drive exiting right into Vincennes Clark Middle School. 5. Enter registration area in Vincennes Clark Middle School parking lot. 6. When finished registering exit by leaving parking lot and turning right onto Main Street.
D I R E CT IO N S T O S CHO O L Coming from the North Take US Highway 41 South to Vincennes, exit Hart Street, turn left at light, school approximately one mile on right. Coming from the South Take US Highway 41 North to Vincennes, exit Hart Street, turn right, school approximately one mile on right. Coming from the East Take State Road 61 North, turn left on Kimmel Road, then turn left at light onto Hart Street, school approximately one mile on right. Coming from the West Take Hart Street East to school on right.
W I NE NE R GYR E M C. CO M
FEBRUARY 2021
7
WIN Energy REMC
Employees Honored For Years of Service Eight WIN Energy REMC employees were honored for their extraordinary years of service to WIN Energy REMC in December. Together, these eight employees have a combined 105 years of service to the cooperative.
8
Debbie Bezy
Leslie Beard
Jody Adams
30 years
20 years
15 years
Jeff McCrary
Erica Worland
Rebecca West
15 years
10 years
5 years
Devin Pfoff
Dustin Shuemaker
5 years
5 years
FEBRUARY 2021
WIN Energy REMC would like to congratulate these outstanding employees for their years of dedicated service to the cooperative and its members.
energy
Your electric co-op is plugged into support — statewide and beyond When several Hendricks Power Cooperative members contacted Energy Advisor Steve Hite for recommendations about contractors outside of that cooperative’s service territory, he didn’t know the answers. But he knew where to go to find them. He asked the energy advisors at nearby electric cooperatives for recommendations in their areas and then shared those suggestions with members. This is one example of “Cooperation Among Cooperatives,” which is one of the Seven Cooperative Principles that guide how electric cooperatives operate. It’s the cooperative difference: together, we can collaborate and work to better serve our members so that everyone benefits.
10
FEBRUARY 2021
“I’m obviously very fortunate to have some energy advisors to talk with when I have a question or concern,” Hite said. “I appreciate the whole co-op mentality. It’s just a really good setting.” We receive a variety of questions from residential members, ranging from high bill complaints to new service or even questions about particular programs or calculating appliances’ energy use. When we don’t immediately know the answer to a question, we frequently reach out to our counterparts who may be more knowledgeable on specific topics or situations. “It’s like that across the board with all of the co-ops,” said Jake Taylor, energy advisor at LaGrange County
REMC. “It seems like pretty much everybody supports each other. Our energy advisors are pretty great, and they all have individual talents.” We also work with Indiana Electric Cooperatives, the organization that serves the 38 electric cooperatives in the state. IEC organizes ongoing training and events for electric co-op employees, including energy advisors. That provides us with an opportunity to meet and discuss recent events, and learn about new technology and tools that can help us support our members. We even have opportunities to meet and interact with energy advisors and employees across the U.S. through message boards and email lists organized by National Rural
Electrc Cooperative Association, our national organization that serves electric cooperatives. All of this support means that your local electric cooperative is also part of a much larger national network of support – one committed to providing the strongest support possible to the members we serve. “I think it makes us a lot stronger when we cooperate,” Hite said. “It’s a different way of working.”
by Jeremy Montgomery Energy Advisor Parke County REMC
CALENDAR CONTEST DEADLINE NEXT MONTH Indiana students who have a penchant for drawing, painting and collage have until March 19 to enter the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art contest to illustrate the 2022 wall calender. First place winners in grade divisions kindergarten through grade 12 will receive $200 each. Their winning artworks will illustrate the calendar’s
ORDER YOUR 2021 CALENDAR TODAY! Please send ______ copy (copies) of the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art 2021 at $6 each to: Name:
cover and the 12 months of the year. One “artist of the year” will also be selected and will earn an
Address:
additional $100. In addition, the judges will select honorable mention winners whose artwork will also
City, State and ZIP:
appear in the calendar. They will receive $75 each. The contest is open to Indiana public, private or home-schooled students. They must be in grades kindergarten through 12th grade during the 2020-21 school year. A complete set of rules and required entry forms are available at
Price includes shipping and Indiana sales tax. Make check payable to “Indiana Electric Cooperatives.” Send this completed form and a check to Indiana Connection Calendar; 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600; Indianapolis, IN 46240. Some electric co-ops have free calendars available for pickup in their offices. Contact them directly for more information.
indianaconnection.org/for-youth/art-contest. FEBRUARY 2021
11
grassroots energy
HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW Understanding this process is an essential component of grassroots advocacy and civic engagement. While the process can be quite complex, when boiled down there are seven basic steps that lead to a bill becoming a law. There needs to be an idea. The idea is written down by a member of Congress, either a senator or representative, and is submitted as a bill.
upon by the presiding officer, the entire chamber can then offer amendments to the bill and vote on the passage of the bill and/or any new amendments.
The bill will be introduced to the legislative body in which it was written (either the Senate or House of Representatives). Then, the speaker of the house and the president pro tempore (or vice president/lieutenant governor) can assign the bill to a committee.
If successfully passed out by the chamber, the bill then goes to the other chamber. For example, bills that originate in the Senate are passed to the House of Representatives, and vice versa for bills that originate in the House of Representatives. Once in the opposite chamber, the bills go through a very similar process of committee assignment. The new committee then decides which of the remaining bills will be heard, and then begins the same process of research, discussion, amendments, etc. If the bill is voted upon and passed out of committee, it (with any new amendments that were also voted upon), it goes back to the full chamber. The full chamber can again propose new amendments and vote on the bill.
1
2
Once in committee, the chairman of the committee decides which bills will receive public hearings and which ones will not. Members of the committee will research, discuss and offer amendments (or changes) to the bill. The public will also have a chance to testify on the bill and its proposed amendments. The chairman can then decide whether to offer the bill and/or amendments for vote by the whole committee. If passed out of committee, the bill and any amendments also passed go back to the entire chamber.
3
The new bill (with any passed amendments) goes back to its originating chamber (either the Senate or House of Representatives). If called
4
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FEBRUARY 2021
5
If both the Senate and House of Representatives have voted to pass the bill, then they must work out any difference between the two versions. For example, if the second chamber passed the bill with any new amendments, then the first chamber
6
must also pass those new amendments. Both chambers must vote out the exact same bill. If it passes, it goes to the president (federal level) or governor (state level). Finally, the president or governor then considers the bill. He or she can approve the bill and sign it into law, or veto the bill, stopping it from becoming a law.
7
It is important to note most bills never become a law. There are several ways to stop a bill, and the vast majority will stop before they can become a law. And, if a bill is lucky enough to get to the final stages and becomes a law, it often looks very different from the time it was introduced. Many times, amendments are added to change the bill and the law actually passed looks quite different from the bill that was introduced. As you can see, this process is quite complex, which is why it is so important to have people like you ready as grassroots advocates. Your voice is incredibly important and may need to be called upon at any of these stages.
county feature
Jackson County Jackson County was not named
about
after the President Andrew Jackson
small-town
— contrary to popular perception.
roots with
Rather, it was named in honor of
populist
Gen. Andrew Jackson, the hero of
“heartland”
the Battle of New Orleans at the
lyrics made
end of the War of 1812. Obviously,
Mellencamp
the same person — but different
a radio
circumstances.
staple in the
Jackson County was formed in 1816, even before Indiana became
1980s and 1990s.
a state, and long before Jackson
Mellencamp
became the seventh president in
also
1829.
became an
That some rowdy behavior and individuals should emerge from a county named for the fiery populist Jackson, who pushed individual
PHO TO PRO VI DED BY M ARSHALL M EM O RI ES PHO TO G RAPHY
John Mellencamp, who famously sang about his small town roots back in the 1980s, adorns this downtown mural in his hometown of Seymour.
accomplished painter and helped start and has supported Jackson County’s Southern Indiana Center for the Arts.
liberty while bending convention
Mellencamp’s Jackson County
and rules, is apropos.
past come alive with an audio
Jackson County was the site of the first recorded train robbery of a moving train in the United States. On Oct. 6, 1866, the Reno Gang robbed an Ohio and Mississippi Railway train, making off with over $10,000. Popular musician John Mellencamp, whose 1984 hit song about his fights with authority (“but authority always wins”), was born and grew up in Seymour. Mellencamp, who was first given the stage name of “Cougar” when he started cutting records in the 1970s, dropped the Madison Avenue name as his catchy songs
driving tour, created by the Jackson County Visitor Center. “The Roots of An American Rocker” offers a glimpse of Mellencamp that most people have never seen. The CD features stops at many of John’s old stomping grounds and a
y t n u Co acts F FOUNDED: 1816
NAMED FOR: Gen. Andrew Jackson, hero of the Battle of New Orleans against the British in the War of 1812, who later became the seventh president of the United States. POPULATION: 44,111 (2018 estimate) COUNTY SEAT: Brownstown
detailed map of Seymour. The county is also home to the
fishing, hiking, photography and
Muscatatuck National Wildlife
enjoying nature.
Refuge, a refuge to provide resting
The 18,000-acre Jackson-
and feeding areas for waterfowl
Washington State Forest and
during their annual migrations.
Starve-Hollow State Recreation
The refuge is on 7,724 acres. In
Area offer some of the best
addition to wildlife viewing, the
camping and outdoor recreational
refuge provides opportunities for
opportunities in southern Indiana.
FEBRUARY 2021
13
Indiana eats
Left: The Winona roll is just one of the specialty rolls on the Cerulean Restaurant’s inspired sushi menu. Smoked salmon, black tobiko, cream cheese and red pepper tempura make this roll a feast for the eyes — and the palate.
PAN-ASIAN CUISINE … AND IGLOOS?
Right: Wintertime outdoor dining is warm and cozy in one of Cerulean Restaurant’s igloos. Book an igloo for a Valentine’s Day dinner under the stars.
Cerulean Restaurant the spot for Valentine’s Day dinners under the stars BY J E NNI F E R BA R G ER Nestled in the heart of the Village of
herbs and veggies. The dining area
That’s an easy question: Valentine’s
Winona, overlooking the Winona Lake
delights the senses under white
Day dinner under the stars, in a
canal, you’ll find Cerulean Restaurant,
lights and there’s a buzzing bar
private glowing igloo, with superlative
home to superlative sushi, bountiful
with knowledgeable and friendly
sushi, bountiful bento boxes, and
bento boxes, and delectable desserts
bartenders. Throughout the warmer
delectable desserts!
that will tantalize your taste buds.
months of the year, there is live
Get a load of some of these desserts:
music, and on most nights, you'll find
crème brulee bread pudding,
a casual, no-rush atmosphere there
chocolate pralines crunch, blood
that lends itself to long conversations
orange sorbet. (#dontmindifido)
and big laughs.
The atmosphere at Cerulean is
Why are we talking about the Garden
perfect, with quiet and private high-
in February? Because the Garden got
back booths lining the walls. Cerulean
a serious upgrade this winter.
is a Valentine’s Day favorite — and the ideal spot for a quiet dinner out with friends.
IGLOOS! Adorable, cozy, warm, and glowing igloos. You can enjoy an amazing meal under the stars, or in
Please don’t take my word for it; you’ve got to give Cerulean a try. You won’t regret it. Jennifer Barger is manager of marketing and communication at Kosciusko REMC in Warsaw.
Cerulean Restaurant
However, if you’re more of a social
the snow, for that matter, without
butterfly, you might want to walk
sacrificing comfort or social distance.
1101 E. Canal St. Winona Lake
However, you've got to reserve the
574-269-1226
right past the quiet booths and head out to the Garden.
igloos. So, call ahead – what would be
The Garden is everything you’re
sweeter than Valentine’s Day dinner
imagining: An outdoor courtyard,
under the stars?
lined with boxes of home-grown
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FEBRUARY 2021
ceruleanrestaurant.com
food
Going
Bananas WE’RE WILD ABOUT THESE A-‘PEELING’ RECIPES
BANANA CRUMB MUFFINS Patricia Hall, New Salisbury, Indiana Topping: ½ cup all-purpose flour
1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 t. baking soda
¼ cup sugar
1 t. baking powder
1 t. cinnamon
½ t. salt
4 T. butter, room temperature
3 large ripe bananas, mashed ¾ cup sugar 1 egg, slightly beaten
Mix together topping ingredients and set aside while you prepare the muffin batter. For the muffins: In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients and set aside. In another bowl, combine the bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Mix well. Stir the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill muffin cups ⅔ full. Do not use paper muffin cups. Using hands, arrange coarse pea-size crumbs of the topping over the muffin batter. Bake at 375 F for 18-20 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
Cook’s note: These freeze well in individual freezer bags. Take them out of the freezer the night before for a quick breakfast in the morning.
⅓ cup melted butter FEBRUARY 2021
15
food
BANANA BARS Pam Spinner, Derby, Indiana 1½ cups sugar 1 cup sour cream ½ cup butter, softened 2 eggs 1¾ cups (3 or 4) ripe bananas, mashed 2 t. vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose (or wheat) flour 1 t. baking soda ¾ t. salt ½ cup chopped pecans (optional) Frosting: 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened ½ cup butter, softened 2 t. vanilla extract 3¾ to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Grease and flour a 15 X 10-inch jelly roll pan.Preheat oven to 375 F. In a large bowl, mix together sugar, sour cream, butter and eggs until they are creamy. Next, blend in bananas and vanilla extract. Add flour, baking soda, salt and blend them for 1 minute. Stir in pecans if desired. Spread the batter evenly into your pan. Bake for 20 -25 minutes until golden brown.When cooled completely, frost and cut. Yield: 36 bars. Cook’s note: These store great in the fridge. I have also frozen some of them
GENEVA’S BANANA OATMEAL COOKIES Glenda Ferguson, Paoli, Indiana ¾ cup butter, softened 1 egg, beaten 1 cup mashed bananas 1½ cups flour ½ cup sugar 1 cup brown sugar ½ t. baking soda 1 t.salt ¼ t. nutmeg ¾ t. cinnamon 3 cups oatmeal ½ cup nuts, optional Mix butter, egg and bananas together. Add the flour, sugars, soda, salt and spices. Stir in the oatmeal a little at a time. Drop onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 F for 10-12 minutes until cookies are browned around the edges. Yield: 3½ dozen cookies. Cook’s Notes: The cookies spread out a bit when baking, so allow space in between the drops of batter. Instead of adding nuts, I like to add mini-chocolate chips, so that there is a little taste of chocolate with the banana and oatmeal.
for later. FO O D PREPARED BY I NDI ANA CO NNECT I O N S TA FF PHO TO S BY TAYLO R MA RA NI O N
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FEBRUARY 2021
things to think about in
FEBRUARY
As you settle into 2021, spend some time tackling those important “to-dos” that never seem to get done. You could save money and energy if you make a few small changes. And now’s the perfect time to learn more about important household equipment — like fuse boxes — before you encounter any issues. Turn the page and see what you can do this month to make the rest of your year safer and just plain better all around!
LEAVE SPACE FOR YOUR SPACE HEATER As we slog our way through the last half of winter, the safety messages we heard back when the weather started getting cold may long be forgotten. But now’s not the time to get lax, especially if your family uses an electric space heater to take the chill out of a bedroom or family room. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind: Keep the heater at least
THREE TO FOUR FEET AWAY FROM THING S THAT CAN CATCH FIRE like bedding, clothing, drapes, furniture and newspapers. Keep children and pets AWAY
FROM THE SPACE HEATER . Keep your space heater AWAY
FROM AREA S WITH WATER . DO NOT USE A SPACE HEATER TO WARM BEDDING, or dry clothing or other objects.
NEVER LEAVE A SPACE HEATER UNATTENDED. Turn it off and unplug it when the last person using it leaves the room or before you go to bed.
BE S URE THE HEATER’ S PLUG FITS SNUGLY IN AN OUTLET . The cord and plug may feel warm when operating since the unit draws so much power, but they should not feel hot. If they do, unplug the heater and have a qualified repair person check for problems. Never use an extension cord with a space heater.
Tips
for circuit breaker trips
Everyone should know these electrical control safety panel tips. The panel is where electricity enters a building. It contains circuit breakers and has a main switch for shutting off all power in an emergency.
Be prepared for when a breaker trips: Always keep a flashlight with fresh batteries stationed by your circuit breaker panel. Keep access to your circuit breaker panel clear. Keep your panel information up to date by posting a breaker directory on the inside of the panel door. The National Electrical Code states, “Every circuit and circuit modification shall be legibly identified as to be its clear, evident, and specific purpose or use.”
Write the number of the circuit breaker on the inside of each outlet and switch faceplate in your home with a marker. This way, when you’re preparing to perform electrical work, you can also be sure that you turn off the right breaker by popping off the faceplate and reading the breaker number.
If a circuit breaker frequently blows, the circuit may be inadequate for the equipment. Make sure all electrical systems are properly grounded, and always keep water away from the control panel! If there is a power outage, check the control panel first.
MOVE YOUR FURNITURE, SAVE ENERGY If you feel a draft while you’re curled up on the sofa with a good book or your favorite TV show,
Never overload a single circuit with high-wattage appliances. Check appliance labels. If there is frayed insulation or a broken wire, a dangerous short circuit may result and cause a fire. Circuit testers can be used to inspect circuits. If power outages continue, or if there is a frayed or broken wire, contact an electrician. — University of Maine Cooperative Extension, DirectEnergy.com
Here are six other ways to stay warm by rearranging your furniture when it gets cold outside.
1
Locate your bookcases against an outside wall and fill them with as
many books as you can. The
Move the sofa.
wood, paper and cardboard will
The chilliest places in your home to the windows. So, move your furniture away from the windows.
FEBRUARY 2021
If possible, check why the circuit blew (or contact an electrician).
don’t crank up the thermostat.
during the winter are right next
18
Reset it (them) to “off” or “on.” with one of the correct amperage.
absorb some of the cold air that seeps through the walls so it won’t make it into your heated room.
It’s simple to save money on water heating Besides heating and cooling your home, heating your water uses more energy than anything else in the house. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the typical family spends up to 18 percent of its utility bills on water heating. Good news: It’s simple to lower that cost. Here are eight tips:
1
Get rid of your old showerheads and bathroom faucets: They pump out way more water than you need to comfortably get clean. In their place, install low-flow faucets and aerating
2
showerheads. The less water you use, the less you have to pay to heat it.
2
If you notice a leaky faucet, repair it immediately. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that a faucet that drips 20 times per minute will waste a full gallon of water every day. If that happens to be hot water, you are washing money down the drain with every drip.
3
4
Insulate your electric hot water tank — but don’t cover the thermostat. If your tank is gas- or oil-fueled, don’t cover the top or bottom of the heater or its burner compartment. You might need to ask a plumber for help.
5
Wrap the hot and cold water pipes that connect to the water heater — for about six feet out.
Built-up gunk in the water heater can make it inefficient because it has to work harder to transfer the heat to the water.
7
If you’re in the market for a new water heater, choose a high-efficiency model with the ENERGY STAR label. High-efficiency water heaters use 10 percent to 50 percent less energy than traditional models.
8
Water heaters last for up to 15 years, but new models are so much more energy-efficient than older ones. It’s worth it to replace yours if you’ve had it for seven or more years.
Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 F. The Department of Energy says that’s a safe and sanitary temperature, and it will keep you
6
Similarly, hanging your
wall grids so your furnace gets
only block the stream of warm air
thermostat. The extra heat can
favorite quilt or tapestry
the airflow it needs to operate
from reaching the rest of the room,
trick the thermostat into cycling
on an exterior wall will
efficiently. And, if you’ve covered
it actually can absorb the heat.
the furnace off, even though the
help keep heat indoors and the
an ugly wall register with a poster
cold from seeping into the room.
or painting, it’s got to go. That
3
comfortable at bath time, too.
Find the air-supply and return registers in every room. Sometimes they
are on walls and sometimes they are in the floor. Move furniture and carpet away from floor registers and scoot bookshelves far from
register needs to “breathe” in order for your heating and cooling systems to work properly.
4
5
Drain about a quart of water from the tank every three months to remove sediment.
Your computer, TV and lamps generate some heat while they’re turned
on, so take advantage of it. Move
rest of the house feels cold.
6
When it’s sunny outside, open the blinds and drapes so
those electric appliances away
the outdoor warmth can flood
Likewise, clear sofas,
from exterior walls so the warm
your room. But on cloudy days
chairs, beds and carpets
air the devices generate won’t
and after dark, keep windows
away from heating vents.
exit through the walls. Also, move
covered. The fabric will keep
those pieces away from your
your heated air indoors.
Fabric-covered furniture will not
FEBRUARY 2021
19
SAVE ON FUEL COSTS THROUGH PROPER CAR MAINTENANCE Proper maintenance of your car or truck will increase its fuel economy and put dollars back in your pocket in the form of savings. The U.S. Department of Energy offers these tips:
CHECK TIRES REGULARLY. Underinflated tires not only can run hot, shortening their lives, they also lead to more gasoline use. About 4 million gallons of gasoline would be saved each day if Americans kept their tires inflated at the recommended pressure.
BUY THE GA S OLINE OCTANE AND OIL GRADE
Shred your identity theft fears Now’s a good time to go
sheets of paper at once;
through that ever-growing
others can destroy credit
stack of old bank statements
cards and even CDs. Most
and shred them.
people need a basic, single-
The Federal Trade
sheet shredder.
recommended in your owner’s manual. You do not need to buy fuel with higher octane than is recommended. It won’t give more “power;” it will only take money out of your
Commission warns that
Keep kids away from your
identity theft if the fastest
shredder. The Consumer
growing crime in the United
Product Safety Commission
States, and those old
has received reports of
documents — along with the
children injuring or even
tons of credit card offers that
amputating their fingers in
pocket.
arrive in the mail regularly —
the devices. Unplug your
could cause you big trouble if
shredder after each use, and
you don’t thoroughly destroy
store it out of the reach of
them properly.
small children.
TUNE YOUR CAR A S NEEDED. This will extend life and improve performance. A poorly tuned car uses 3-9% more gasoline than a welltuned one.
To shred safely, follow these tips:
Remove paper clips and staples from your documents before running
REPLACE THE ENGINE FILTER S as recommended
Buy a shredder than “cross
them through the shredder.
shreds:” that is, it shreds
Metal probably won’t break
in your owner’s manual; clogged filters waste gasoline.
each scrap in two directions
your shredder but it can dull
which makes it unlikely the
the cutting blades, making it
document can be taped back
less effective and reducing its
REMOVE UNNECESS ARY WEIGHT — i.e., don’t
together.
lifespan.
carry heavy items in your trunk, back seat or cargo compartment.
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FEBRUARY 2021
Choose a model with enough capacity for your needs. Some cut multiple
safety
power outages Common causes of Power outages are never convenient. Sometimes, it’s no mystery why we are left in the dark, like when lightning and thunder rattle windows and walls. Other times, an outage may come out of the blue. The length of time it takes to restore power will vary by the cause. Most electric cooperatives attempt to share outage information through social media platforms. Here are some of the most common causes your cooperative might be facing.
WEATHER The most common cause for power outages is Mother Nature. A heavy build-up of ice and snow on power lines, poles and equipment can bring them down. Wind also causes widespread damage. High winds following a heavy ice storm can be particularly devastating. Extremely hot weather can cause power lines to sag into vegetation and can also cause unusually high demand that can overburden transformers and other electrical equipment causing them to fail. Lightning strikes can cause major damage to electrical equipment, transmission towers, wires and poles.
If the lights go out in the middle of a thunderstorm, lightning is probably the culprit.
TREES During high winds, snow and ice, tree limbs can snap or entire trees can topple onto power lines.
ACCIDENTS A vehicle hitting a utility pole can break the pole and knock lines from their overhead perch. Excavation work can disturb buried electric service lines causing an outage. Always call 811 before any gardening or digging project.
PLANNED OUTAGES If an electric cooperative is performing maintenance or upgrading its equipment, it may need to temporarily turn off the power. The cooperative will usually try to notify consumers. This is why it’s always a good idea to make sure your cooperative has updated contact information. If you experience an outage, alert your cooperative. While most co-ops have upgraded to digital systems that automatically detect outages, others still rely on notification from their customers before they come out to investigate the cause and restore power.
ANIMALS Squirrels, snakes and other small animals and birds can climb on poles and electrical equipment which may cause a short circuit or equipment to shut down.
VANDALISM People shooting at insulators and transformers is still a sad cause for power outages in rural areas. Thieves also steal copper wire and other pieces of electrical equipment. Both acts of vandalism can be extremely costly and deadly.
RESIST THE URGE TO TALK TO LINE CREWS DURING OUTAGES Stopping your car or truck on roads near electric cooperative crews is hazardous, especially when road conditions may already be treacherous with ice and snow. For safety’s sake, the best thing for you to do when you see crews working is to let them do their jobs, without distractions. It is dangerous for others to be milling around when they’re repairing lines.
FEBRUARY 2021
21
backyard
Ask Rosie
B. ROSIE LERNER is the Purdue Extension consumer horticulturist and is a consumer of Tipmont REMC.
POKEWEED IS ON THE LOW END OF THE TOXICITY SCALE BY B. ROSIE LERNER
Q:
I have a lot of these plants (pictured below) growing in the field near my home. Can you identify this plant for me? And is it poisonous? I have horses and am concerned that this could make them sick.
A:
This is a very common weed called pokeweed. It is native to much of Eastern North America, including Indiana. All parts of the pokeweed plant are poisonous, especially roots and seeds, but its toxicity is generally considered to be low.
(According to the U.S. Forest Service, young leaves and stems when properly cooked are edible and provide a good source of protein, fat and carbohydrate. Regional names for the plant include poke, poke sallet, poke salad, and pokeberry.) Pokeweed can reach up to 10 feet tall and has distinctly red stems and berries that change from green to dark purple when ripe. It is perennial from a large tap root, dying back to the ground each year. The fruits are important food for mockingbirds, northern cardinals and mourning doves which spread the seed everywhere in their droppings. So, pokeweed can poke up in many new places each year. For more information on pokeweed and its toxicity, see Purdue Extension’s Guide to Toxic Plants in Forages. www. extension.purdue. edu/extmedia/ws/ws_37_ toxicplants08.pdf
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FEBRUARY 2021
ROSIE RETIRES B. Rosie Lerner has spent her career making Indiana a more beautiful and bountiful state when it comes to flower and vegetable gardens. After 36 years, Rosie retired as the Purdue Extension consumer horticulture specialist at the end of 2020. In her role, she served two stints as the Purdue Master Gardener state coordinator; developed programs, publications, news releases and teaching materials for home gardeners; served as the horticulture liaison to the Purdue Plant & Pest Diagnostic Laboratory; and was a member of various related boards and professional organizations. And while she has retired from Purdue, she has graciously offered to continue answering gardening questions for Indiana Connection readers. So, those with questions may continue asking them through the handy online “Talk to Us” form at www.indianaconnection.org/talkto-us/ask-rosie that allows you to upload photos, too; or mailing them to: “Ask Rosie,” Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
As a service to our readers and to promote electrical safety, here are some recent recall notices provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Visit www.cpsc.gov/en/recalls for full details of these recalls and for notices of many more.
product recalls
Yeti power supply recalled This recall involves all Yeti 25A Fast Charge power supplies with model number 98080. The power supply is an accessory to and is used for faster recharging of Goal Zero’s Yeti power stations. The connection between the power supply module and the output cord can be loose, causing the electrical connections to overheat, posing a fire hazard. The power stations were sold at Bass Pro, Cabela’s and REI stores nationwide and online at Amazon, Backcountry and GoalZero.com from April 2019 through August 2020 for about $150. The model number can be found on the first line of the specifications on the product label. The Goal Zero logo and “Yeti 25A Fast Charge” can be found on top of the power supply box. Contact Goal Zero at 888-794-6250; or go online at www.goalzero.com/productfeatures/fast-charger-recall/ and fill out a form.
Electric fireplaces can cause a real fire An electric fireplace housed in a cherry wood-colored cabinet and sold exclusively at Lowe’s stores has been recalled. Wiring connectors in the allen + roth brand 62-inch wide, 5,120-BTU infrared quartz electric fireplace can overheat, posing a fire hazard. Importer L G Sourcing has received 28 reports of overheating, fire, or smoke. Several of these incidents reportedly caused smoke damage to the surrounding area and, in one instance, smoke inhalation. The units were sold at Lowe’s stores nationwide and Lowes.com from January 2013 through April 2018 for about $700. Contact L G Sourcing, Inc. at 888-251-1019, or visit lowes.com and click on Recalls & Product Safety at the bottom of the page for more information.
Sunbeam recalls express crock The Crock-Pot 6-Quart Express Crock Multi-Cooker has been recalled. The multicooker can pressurize when the lid is not fully locked. This can cause the lid to suddenly detach while the product is in use, posing burn risks to consumers from hot food and liquids ejected from the product. Sunbeam Products has received 119 reports of lid detachment, resulting in 99 burn injuries ranging in severity from first-degree to third-degree burns. The multicooker was sold at Walmart, Target and other retail stores nationwide and online at Amazon and other online retailers from July 2017 through November 2020 for between $70 to $100. Contact Crock-Pot at 800-323-9519 , or go online at recall.crock-pot.com/ for more information.
FEBRUARY 2021
23
Hoosier Energy news
HOW TRAINING CAME TO THE FOREFRONT FOR SAFE POWER DELIVERY For nearly four decades, training has helped co-op line workers build skills, focus on safety About 40 years ago, co-op leaders thought to develop a training program to ensure lineworkers had the skills and knowledge they needed to keep themselves and others safe on the job. Based on this idea, a formal training program was set into motion in 1974, and the first Hoosier Energy Apprenticeship Training and Safety (HEATS) class launched the following
ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP: Bob Richhart and Kenneth Seger (standing on the ground) provide training at the Franklin Training Center in the early 2000s.
year.
The HEATS program has
A Hoosier Energy employee
become a cornerstone of
had a vision to turn a rural site
Hoosier Energy’s employee
west of Franklin, Indiana, into
development program, as well
a home base for both classes
as a continuing education
and physical training for the
opportunity for journeymen.
HEATS program.
“I really can’t say enough about
Today, Chief Technology
the Franklin Training Center
Officer Bob Richhart’s
and the work our safety team
passion and vision for
does there,” Richhart said.
employee training and safety
“The facility offers in-depth
has been instrumental in
training in a safe environment
meeting the growing needs
that allows for one-on-one
of member cooperatives.
classroom and field work.”
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FEBRUARY 2021
outdoors
Trapper Jack Note to readers: Jack Spaulding has just released his second full-length book. In “Coon Hunter and the Kid,” Jack shares tales of a rural Midwestern boy’s journey to manhood and the lifelong bonds and lessons learned on the hunting trail. For this month’s column, we present an excerpt.
I asked Anders, “What’s for supper?” Anders just smiled and said, “Boy, it’s something special I know you will like!” Clara opened the oven, pulled out a roasting pan and set the main course
As a young boy, I considered myself to
catch possums. Rush County was full
be an excellent outdoorsman. Truth be
of possums. Heck, sometimes Mom
known, I didn’t own a gun; I didn’t catch
would hit a couple with the car just
many fish; and I had to be the worst
getting to town.
trapper in history. One entire trapping season, all I caught was a cold. It’s depressing for a budding mountain man to know he’s being continually outsmarted by the likes of a bunch of muskrats.
The bargain I struck with Mr. Mantooth gave me renewed incentive and confidence. And, sure enough, I found I was able to outsmart possums. All I had to do was get them into a gunny sack and drop them off on Anders’
About the time I was ready to call it
porch. Soon the silver was rolling
quits, our neighbor Anderson Mantooth
in. My best week, I racked up three
asked me how my trapping career
possums. I sacked up one small one
was going. Before I could tell Anders
and two 50-centers for Anders!
the muskrats on Flatrock River had advanced degrees in trap avoidance, he said, “If you catch a possum, keep me in mind. I’ll pay you 25 cents for a small one and 50 cents for a big one.”
One day the following summer, Anders asked if I would like to eat supper with him and his wife, Clara. Being polite and always half-starved, I readily agreed, washed up, and took a seat
Eureka ... my little eyes had dollar
at the table. Clara’s kitchen always
signs for pupils! Old Anders had just
smelled good, but this evening, it
made me a rich man! I knew I could
smelled especially good.
Giveaway!
Indiana Connection has four copies of Jack’s book to give away. To register to win one of the randomly drawn books, go to IndianaConnection.org and click on “Enter a Contest” under “Talk to Us.”
on the table. There, looking at me while swimming in a half-inch of grease was one of the 50-centers from last fall! As I recall the meal: the potatoes and corn were excellent, and the whole milk was nice and cold. As for the possum … it was good. The meat was a light yellow in color, a little stringy and greasy, and with just a few bites … very filling!
JACK SPAULDING is a syndicated state outdoors writer and a member of RushShelby Energy. Readers can email him directly at jackspaulding@ hughes.net. Jack’s first book, “The Best of Spaulding Outdoors,” a compilation of his favorite articles over 30 years is now available as a Kindle download or as a 250-page paperback from Amazon. com.
FEBRUARY 2021
25
cooperative career Professional progression:
KEEPING THE METERS RUNNING Just out of high school, Scot Price was
Four years later,
uncertain about the direction he wanted
he graduated from
his life to take. He took a manufacturing
the apprenticeship
job assembling electric meters in West
as a full-fledged
Lafayette, knowing it wasn’t going to be
journeyman lineman.
long term.
Scot Price Senior Manager of Operations
Tipmont REMC
“By becoming a
remain the
In 1990, he took a job on the other side
journeyman lineman, I was a tradesman
backbone of the electric industry. “I loved
of the meter — at Tipmont REMC — an
and marketable to go anywhere in the
being a lineman. I loved being outside. I
electric distribution cooperative that
country. I had a skill set,” Price said. “I
thought it was the most rewarding career
makes some 24,000 meters spin. He’s
felt very blessed to have been given that
path for me and still, to this day, think it
been keeping meters running ever since
opportunity to have achieved that goal.
was a great opportunity for me. But I knew
along those lines — as he’s moved up the
From that progression, it opened doors
at some point I didn’t want to necessarily
chain of command for the Linden-based
throughout my career.”
be an old man getting up at 2 in the
electric cooperative over his 30-year
Today, Price is the senior manager
career.
of operations overseeing the outside
morning and changing out poles in the ice and snow.”
“I had a decent factory job, but I knew it
operations at Tipmont’s Battle Ground
“I often dreamed about what it would be
wasn’t really going to provide the future
office. He supervises 16 employees,
like to experience the trade in another
for me. Getting on at a co-op was an
which includes linemen at the co-op’s
area, but co-ops are so generous in their
amazing gift,” Price said.
northern hub. Tipmont, which serves
benefits,” Price noted. “Each year you
consumers in eight northwest central
stay, you acquire more vacation time,
Indiana counties, has a second line crew
accrue more benefits. It made it that much
based at its main office in Linden.
more difficult for you to want to go on and
His first job at Tipmont was as a groundman. The entry-level job assisted lineworkers as they worked on power lines. Within the first year, the REMC
After completing his apprenticeship and
had an opening for an apprentice
becoming a lineman in 1994, Price joined
lineman which Price pursued and got.
the special group of individuals who
1990 hired Groundman
1994 Job CHange Apprentice Lineman
2006 Promotion Journeyman Lineman
2007 JOB CHANGE Staking Engineer
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FEBRUARY 2021
start somewhere else. I was treated so well … why would I?”
2008 Job change Assistant Line Superintendent
2010 Promotion Operations Supervisor
2016 PROMOTION Senior Manager of Operations
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FEBRUARY 2019