legislation A look at

The past 15 months have been busy ones on the legislative front, and Hoosier Energy is looking to maximize the opportunities that accompany the passage of both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as well as the Inflation Reduction Act.

Both of those bills include a number of programs connected to the energy sector and utility industry. Efforts to take advantage of those are led by Matt Randall, manager of public policy and community relations at Hoosier Energy.

“Between these two pieces of legislation, it is the single largest investment in the energy industry since The New Deal in the 1940s when Hoosier Energy was founded,” Randall said. “So we are connecting with NRECA nationally and our partners at Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC) to find opportunities for Hoosier.”

That means a lot of sifting through the options and putting them in the right pile.

“The intent of the legislation and accompanying changes are to further spur things in the industry that we are already doing or considering, so all we see are positives,” Randall said. “We’ve already begun applying for various grants.

“For example, there are billions of dollars available in electric vehicle infrastructure adding to the work already being done in the industry. And with transmission, we’re not sure how much Hoosier will benefit directly, but if those programs facilitate transmission development in the Midwest and Indiana, it would certainly be of value.

“There’s upside not only for Hoosier but for cooperatives around the country.”

Many of the programs are still emerging or will emerge throughout 2023, so the work is ongoing. And there’s always the potential for new bills to be passed with further ramifications for the industry and Hoosier Energy.

“The major legislative initiative we are looking for from a federal perspective is supporting permitting reform,” Randall said. “We are supporting NRECA and industry efforts to get Congress to pass permitting reform to reduce some of the roadblocks and inefficiency as the industry looks to invest billions in transmission infrastructure and renewable energy.

Matt Randall Manager of Public Policy and Community Relations HOOSIER ENERGY

“Here in Indiana and Illinois, we will be working alongside our statewide associations to encourage lawmakers to support policies that help us on affordability while giving Hoosier flexibility as we meet our resource capacity needs in the future.”

THREE RS FOR ADULT GETAWAYS: romance, relaxation and recreation

Valentine’s Day falls perfectly between the year-end holidays and spring break, which is usually still a month or so away. In the deadest of winter, Valentine’s Day is a shining moment that gives everyone from harried parents to budding couples a chance for some rest and romantic relaxation.

Whether you live in the northern or southern half of Indiana, a romantic getaway is a short drive and an overnight or weekend stay away. Each location offers plenty of romance, along with nearby recreational opportunities from which to relax later.

The Story Inn, BROWN COUNTY

Hoosier cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. The town’s former residences and workspaces have been transformed into 15 guestrooms and cottages. The inn encourages tranquility and therefore, doesn’t offer phones or televisions.

and Blue House, a home constructed in 1920.

The long and winding road to the tiny town of Story will never disappear — to invoke the Beatles’ classic song — at least not as long as the Story Inn provides its fine dining amid charming rustic lodging.

Deep in the hills of Brown County, the old Story General Store serves up

Staying in one of the unique rooms or cottages is a step back into the 19th century. Four rooms are located above the restaurant: the Blue Lady Room, named for a ghost seen over the years by guests; the Morrison Kelley Room, the largest; the Hedrick Room; and the Lieber Room.

Cabins and sleeping quarters include a renovated one-room schoolhouse; a loft in a historic grain mill; the Doc Story House, a historic Victorian-style home; appointed with modern conveniences such as a fireplace, a sunken whirlpool tub for two and a “Butler door” for private deliveries.

Just northwest of Story is Nashville, which features craft shops; restaurants; craft breweries and distilleries; bigname entertainment; and, of course, Brown County State Park. Story also sits on the north edge of the Hoosier National Forest with its many hiking trails, and Monroe Lake to the west.

Three winter getaway packages are offered through March that include dinner for two in the tavern. An extended stay weekday special is also offered.

To make reservations for dinner, lodging or both, call 812-988-2273, or email reservations@storyinn.com.

Serenity Springs is an award-winning couple’s resort with over 30 private cabins nestled on 85 wooden acres. Each cabin is designed to “allow couples to indulge in privacy, comfort and romance.” The cabins are

Located 20 minutes from the Indiana Dunes National Park, Serenity Springs is a perfect spot to unwind and reconnect with a loved one. Spend your visit relaxing in your cabin or venture out to experience the local attractions of the dunes, lakeshore or Michigan City. During the winter, bring your crosscountry skis, or Serenity Springs can lend you some snowshoes. Take a walk through the snow-covered trails or feed the feathered friends.

Feel like relaxing indoors? Stay cozy with the warmth of a beautiful fireplace and heated floors in your private cabin. No matter what you choose to do during your romantic getaway, Serenity Springs is your ultimate winter romance destination.

A variety of stay packages, from one night to five with weekday or weekend rates, are available. Every stay includes breakfast and snack baskets, and packages with amenities like plush robes and scented candles are also available.

For reservations, call 219-351-9849.