Residential Rebate Program Deadline Dec. 15.
Dubois REC’s
OUT-OFTHE-BOX
INNS From a calaboose to a caboose, Indiana offers unique places to stay
PAGES
22–26
OCTOBER 2021
from the editor
Pumpkin and spice and everything nice? Eighteen years ago, Starbucks unleashed pumpkin spice lattes on the world, and autumns have never been the same. Who’d have thought a fruit formerly famous strictly for its guises as jack-o’-lanterns and Thanksgiving table pies would suddenly become a worldwide obsession — and continue to be fall’s flavor of choice. Pumpkin and the aromatic mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and allspice that are so crucial to pumpkin pie’s signature taste have since popped up not just in other foods, but in products of all kinds. Some make sense; others have me wondering “why?” Pumpkin spice cereal is one of my favorite autumn indulgences. I buy extra boxes just so I can enjoy them months later. Though I haven’t tried them yet, I “get” how pumpkin spice bagels, cream cheese spread, candy and Twinkies would have a fan base. But macaroni and cheese? Last year, Kraft packaged a limited number of mac and cheese dinners (available only through a sweepstakes promotion) with pumpkin spice augmenting the usual powdered cheese. Hormel, meanwhile, introduced pumpkin spiced SPAM a couple of years ago. It sold out in hours, either eagerly scooped up by curious foodies or fans of SPAM’s undeniable kitsch factor. A 12-oz. can of it now goes for as much as $150 on eBay. Folks majorly obsessed with all things pumpkin spice can start their day with products like flavored toothpaste, deodorant, cologne and lip balm. And those needing a jolt stronger than pumpkin spice coffee can get their pumpkin spice fix (hopefully later in the day) in various alcoholic beverages. Later this month, pumpkin spice will make its debut appearance in Nissin brand instant ramen noodles. “For the full pumpkin spice experience,” a company spokesman actually suggests, “top it with whipped cream.” Really? Whipped cream atop a container of noodles is taking the pumpkin spice craze a tad too far! I think if I dollop whipped cream on anything it will be on a good old fashioned slice of pumpkin pie!
EMILY SCHILLING Editor eschilling@indianaec.org
On the menu: February issue: Noodles, deadline Dec. 1. March issue: Potato chips, deadline Dec. 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.
Giveaways: Enter to win a prize package from Greater Rensselaer Chamber of
Commerce (value $75). For details and to enter, visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/ contests. Entry deadline: Oct. 29.
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 71 • NUMBER 4 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 Digital and Layout Design Specialist Taylor Maranion Senior Brand and Visual Design Specialist Lauren Carman Communication Coordinator 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.
OCTOBER 2021
3
contents
OCTOBER
14
17
energy
03 FROM THE EDITOR 05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative. 12 INSIGHTS 14 ENERGY How to avoid being haunted by frightening energy bills.
29
food
16 COUNTY OF THE MONTH Spotlighting Jasper County. 17 FOOD Pizza party. 20 INDIANA EATS Pizzerias that are “all in the family.” 22 COVER STORY Out-of-the-box inns: Unique places to stay in Indiana.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Indiana Connection
34
safety
28 CALENDAR 29 SAFETY Electrical overloads: Unloading the circuit. 30 H OOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS 32 BACKYARD
profile
33 TRAVEL All aboard for chili. (Not in all editions) 34 PROFILE Diana Martinez’s professional progression. (Not in all editions)
Spotlight on herbaceous perennials. (Not in all editions)
On the cover There’s a new sheriff in town! Patty Hawley welcomes “inmates” to the Old Jail Inn, a unique place to stay in Rockville that served as the Parke County jail for 120 years. Hawley bought the inn from its original owner early this year and moved to Indiana from Nevada. PHOTO BY RICHARD G. BIEVER
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OCTOBER 2021
co-op news www.duboisrec.com CONTACT US Office: 812-482-5454 Billing Dept.: 812-482-1664 Operations Dept.: 812-482-1188 After Hours: 812-482-5455 Fax: 812-482-7015 CEO AND GENERAL MANAGER Joe Henson OFFICE HOURS 7 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday-Friday 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. for Line Dept. STREET ADDRESS 1400 Energy Drive Jasper, IN 47546 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 610 Jasper, IN 47547-0610 EMERGENCY POWER OUTAGES To report service interruptions, call: 812-482-5454 (during regular hours) or 812-482-5455 (after hours) day or night. Please have your account number ready when reporting outages. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brad Knies, President Richard A. Wendholt, Vice President Randall L. Stemle, Secretary-Treasurer Mark Montgomery Andy Schwenk Steve Speedy David Rudolph KEY STAFF Matt Brames Manager of Cooperative Communications Greg Dilger Manager of Engineering Ruth Hopf Billing Supervisor Tina Hunter Manager of Finance and Office Services Patrick Lichlyter Manager of Operations CUSTOMER SERVICES Budget billing SmartHub Pay by Phone 24/7 Drive-through window Night depository Medical account watch This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
(co-op) A MATTER OF PRINCIPLES ACE Hardware, State Farm, REI, Land O’Lakes and Dubois REC all have something in common: we’re all cooperatives.
Membership is open to anyone who lives within the co-op territory and receives our service.
Democratic member control
We may be in different industries, but we all share a passion for serving our members and helping our communities to thrive. In fact, all cooperatives adhere to the same set of seven principles that reflect our core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness and service to the greater community good. October is National Co-op Month, so this is the perfect time to reflect on these principles that have stood the test of time but also provide a framework for the future. Let’s take a look at the first three cooperative principles.
Our co-op is well suited to meet the needs of our members because we are locally governed. Each member gets a voice and a vote in how the co-op is run, and each voice and vote are equal. Dubois REC’s leadership team and employees live right here in the community. Our board of directors, who helps set long-term priorities for the co-op, also live locally on co-op lines. These board members have been elected by neighbors just like you. We know our members have a valuable perspective, and that’s why we are continually seeking your input and encourage you to weigh in on important co-op issues and participate in co-op elections.
Voluntary and open membership
Members’ economic participation
Just like all co-ops, Dubois REC was created out of necessity — to meet a need that would have been otherwise unmet in our community. So in 1939, a group of neighbors banded together and organized our electric co-op so everyone in our community could benefit. For a modest membership fee to the co-op, any farmer could get electricity brought to his farm. Neighbors came together to tackle a problem that they all had but couldn’t solve alone. They worked together for the benefit of the whole community, and the newly established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in our community.
As a utility, our mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to our members. But as a co-op, we are also motivated by service to the community, rather than profits. Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of Dubois REC. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for co-op programs, initiatives, capital investments and supporting other activities approved by the membership. Because we are guided by seven cooperative principles, it’s not just about dollars — it’s about opportunity for all and being fair when engaging with our members. The cooperative way is a values-based business model.
While this history may be forgotten, key parts of that heritage remain––the focus on our mission and serving the greater good. In this, we include everyone to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for the entire community.
JOE HENSON CEO and General Manager
OCTOBER 2021
5
co-op news
Rate schedule Service charge Single-phase................................................... $24 Three-phase................................................... $40 Energy charge The first 500 kWh at.......................$.10522 /kWh The next 2,500 kWh at....................$.09772/kWh All remaining kWh at.......................$.09462/kWh Power cost tracker All rate classes All kWh at.................................... $(0.00159)/kWh Security light If you have a security light, add: 175-watt mercury vapor...................$8.32/month 100-watt sodium vapor.....................$7.50/month 100-watt metal halide.......................$8.75/month 70-watt LED......................................$7.50/month Electric bills due by the 20th of each month. Members who pay by the 15th will be entered in the monthly drawing for a $50 bill credit. (See details at right.) Visit www.duboisrec.com for easy ways to pay your electric bill online.
$50 bill credit
The easiest way to win a GREAT NEWS!
It’s easy to enter our monthly $50 drawing! Now all Dubois REC members who pay their bill by the 15th of the month, using any payment option, will be automatically entered in the $50 monthly drawing. Members who pay by ACH/bank draft and recurring payments are also automatically included in the drawing. (Delinquent payments are not eligible.)
The winner will be notified, and his or her name will be published here. SEPTEMBER’S WINNER:
Fred Schipp, Jasper
Applications for Operation Round Up grants will be accepted between Oct. 1 and Nov. 23.
OPERATION ROUND UP
Any application packets received after Nov. 23 will be held for consideration in March.
SIGN UP
Those who receive their electric service from Dubois REC can “round up” their monthly bill to the nearest dollar.
ROUND UP Donations from you and other cooperative consumers are collected and placed in a trust.
COMMUNITY IMPACT Because of electric cooperative consumers’ generous donations, organizations throughout Indiana are able to make necessary improvements to benefit those in their communities.
A FEW CENTS CAN MAKE A BIG
www.duboisrec.com
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OCTOBER 2021
T hank you!
co-op news
Annual Shred and Recycle Day a success
PERKS OF GOING PAPERLESS Immediate access. As soon as your bill is ready, you’ll be notified via email or text. Getting the bill earlier means you’ll have more time to pay it.
Curb the clutter. Ensure your bill will never be lost and forgotten under that growing paper pile on your kitchen counter. Dubois REC Warehousing and Purchasing Coordinator Jared Wilgus adds a printer to the bins of electronics to be recycled.
Since 2017, Dubois REC has hosted an Annual Community Shred and Recycle event. This year, with the help 4,500 pounds of paper to shred and
By cutting back on paper use, you’re helping preserve our natural resources.
recycle, and eight large pallets of electronics for recycling. Dubois REC partners with Piranha
Around the clock. Everyday.
Mobile Shredding to handle document
Pay your bill 24/7 and access past bills whenever you need to.
disposal. This company places high priority on security, sustainability shredding process, 100% of the paper is recycled, going directly to Piranha’s paper mill partners. C & I Electronics Recycling supplied
The security of knowing your bill won’t accidentally end up in an identity thief’s hands is worth making the switch to paperless billing.
Environmentally speaking.
of participating members, we collected
and eco-friendly operation. After the
Protect your identity.
GIS/Staking Technician Jake Wagner helps a member unload paper to be shredded and recycled.
be disassembled, and individual components can be recycled.
bins for collecting old electronics.
We appreciate all our members who
Rather than taking up space in
helped us divert this large amount of
a landfill, many electronics can
material from the landfill.
Contact your electric co-op today to say “yes” to “paperless!”
OCTOBER 2021
7
co-op news
2021 Residential Rebate Program
-
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS DEC. 15, 2021. Get more info at www.duboisrec.com under the “Rebates” menu.
Water Heater (Heat Pump or Hybrid)
About the Program Your electric cooperative is offering a 2021 residential rebate for qualifying equipment (water heaters, geothermal heat pumps and air source, ductless mini split or dual fuel heat pumps). To qualify, a resident must occupy the home where equipment is installed year-round (12 months) and unit must heat and cool whole home unless otherwise stated. Please provide the following documents to your electric cooperative to apply for possible rebates*: •
AHRI (Air conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute) certificate for validation for all SEER ratings. (This can be obtained from the installing heating and cooling dealer.)
•
2021 Residential Rebate Application
•
Proof of purchase (invoice or receipt)
Must apply by Dec. 15, 2021 P.O. BOX 610 Jasper, IN 47547 812-482-5454 * Your electric cooperative reserves the right to approve, deny or select the appropriate incentive. Prior approval is required for electric resistance incentives.
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OCTOBER 2021
New construction or replacing gas or electric
Geothermal Heat Pump New construction or replacing electric resistance heat, gas, heat pump or geothermal
Air Source or Dual Fuel Heat Pumps Heat pump replacing gas, existing AC or heat pump or new construction Heat pump replacing 100% electric resistance heat
Mini-Split Heat Pump Single room or whole home installations
SEE MORE ABOUT QUALIFYING EQUIPMENT ON NEXT PAGE.
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insights
editor
LETTER TO THE
THANKS FOR THE ARTICLE
Thank you so much for the wonderful article about our business in the July issue of Indiana
Tell us about your Christmas traditions
Connection. You should be very proud of the professional job you do with your publication. We look forward to its arrival each month and read it cover to cover. Having our business highlighted in such a
The countdown to Christmas has begun. And now’s the time to share what makes your family’s Christmas so special.
well written piece is a special treat.
Our December issue will showcase our readers’ favorite holiday traditions with their friends and family. We’d also love to see your photos from Christmases past that illustrate what you love the best about your seasonal celebrations.
Larry Stewart and staff Weenee World
Deadline to send us your stories and photos is Oct. 29. If we publish your submission, we’ll send you a check for $50. We’ll also send $50 to a randomly selected reader with a tradition to share. Our address: Indiana Connection, Holiday Traditions, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240. You can also submit your tradition to us online at www.indianaconnection.org/tell-us-what-makes-yourchristmas-special.
Again, thank you.
MARKETPLACE Our Marketplace offers maximum exposure for your business or organization at a minimal cost. Please contact Cheryl Solomon, 847-749-4875 or cheryl@amp.coop, for other small business advertising opportunities in Indiana Connection.
HELP CHANGE THE WORLD WITH A SINGLE TICKET Raffle benefits Project Indiana initiative Empowering global communities takes commitment, passion, hard work … and money. To help fund its fifth trip to bring electricity and a better way of life to rural Guatemala, Project Indiana — the philanthropic partnership between Indiana’s electric cooperatives and supporters like you — is holding a raffle. Twenty prizes are available including Big Green Egg and pellet grills, getaway packages, a chainsaw and an autographed football from the Indianapolis Colts.
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OCTOBER 2021
The raffle is limited to 300 tickets being sold at $100 each. The drawing will be held on Oct. 20. Winners will be contacted after the drawing. To purchase tickets, send a check made out to “Project Indiana” to Project Indiana Raffle, Indiana Electric Cooperatives, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Contact Mandy Barth at mbarth@indianaec.org for more information about the raffle and Project Indiana.
WE CLOSE LOANS IN 30 DAYS GUARANTEED! Local Loan Originators We Lend in 48 States Loan Program Variety Low and No Down Payment Competitive Rates JWeingart@ WaterstoneMortgage.com
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OCTOBER 2021
13
energy
plan now to avoid being haunted by
FRIGHTENING energy bills
T
he arrival of ghoulish costumes and
creatures to your door this Halloween has nothing on
be causing conditioned
insulation. By adding
The best way to diagnose
the lurking horror of high
air to escape. You should
insulation properly, your
issues in your home is to
energy bills this fall and
search for and seal
HVAC system will have
schedule an energy audit.
winter.
any air leaks. The most
to work less to maintain
You can contact your
important leaks to seal are
the temperature in
local electric cooperative’s
With the autumn weather
in your attic and down
your house, saving you
energy advisor for details.
temperatures dropping,
low in your basement or
electricity and money.
Your co-op may even
you may have noticed
crawlspace. Framing and
your house feeling colder
places where plumbing
than you remembered
or electrical wiring or
last year. Or, you may
ducts poke through the
have been reminded
ceiling also need to be
that your HVAC system
checked. Sealing air leaks
isn’t working the way
keeps your warm, cozy air
you liked. To avoid being
inside.
plagued by scary energy
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE PROPER SYSTEMS TO HEAT AND COOL YOUR HOME. After you have sealed air leaks and properly insulated your home, you can check into new equipment. Now that some of your home’s
can ensure that you’re
PROPERLY INSULATE YOUR HOUSE TO MAXIMIZE COMFORT. This step
prepared for extreme
should be taken after
equipment to properly
weather:
sealing air leaks. Air
heat and cool your home.
leaking through the
A smaller, right-sized and
SEAL AIR LEAKS TO PREVENT DRAFTS. If
insulation decreases
more energy-efficient
its benefits. If part of
system will increase
your home feels chilly,
your HVAC’s ductwork
electricity savings,
then creepy crawlies may
is located in the attic
helping your wallet well
not be the only things
space, it is especially
into the future.
hiding in your attic or
important to seal that
crawlspace! Air leaks may
ductwork and bury it in
bills, three words – seal, insulate, and equip –
14
OCTOBER 2021
issues are resolved,
be able to provide the audit, which includes recommendations on steps you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency. You can get an idea of what options – and rebates – are out there to keep you comfortable all year long!
you may need smaller
by
Jake Taylor
Energy Advisor LaGrange County REMC
ADVERTISEMENT
county feature
PHO TO S CO URTESY O F VI SI T I NDI ANA
Jasper County Most towns have a mural or two depicting aspects of the town’s history or famous residents. But Jasper County has turned itself into a giant art gallery for murals — painted on buildings throughout the county seat of Rensselaer. Beginning with just one mural a half dozen years ago, Rensselaer now hosts an annual mural festival — RenARTWlk — attracting artists from around Indiana, the nation, and the world. Some 40 giant works of art have brought a kind of renaissance to Rensselaer’s once staid downtown. “It’s done a great thing to give Rensselaer an identity,” said Ryan Preston, an artist and contractor who, with his wife, founded 181 Properties. He was contracted to restore a dilapidated building in Rensselaer and turn it into a restaurant and event venue. Preston brought Cameron Moberg, a San Francisco-based muralist, into town to do the mural. Moberg ended up falling in love with the community and was soon bringing in muralists from around the world for the festival he helped organize three summers ago. “Cameron just thought it was just such an awesome place. Hoosier hospitality definitely won him over
and has won over all the artists that come to visit,” Preston said. Rensselaer’s fortuitous location on Interstate 65 midway between Chicago and Indianapolis has made for a meeting ground amid the brew houses, restaurants, and boutiques that have been popping up. “There’s a lot more business going on now that is geared toward creative outlets,” Preston added. “Rensselaer is becoming a place that is very motivated to decorate time with music and decorate space with art.” In addition, the towns of Remington to the south and DeMotte to the north, as well as several other small towns in neighboring counties, have also joined in the hosting murals. “I don’t think we really realized the impact,” Preston said. “But we brought in some artists and got some buildings painted. And we started noticing how the buildings looked much fresher and lively. We started seeing people come to town to view these murals, and they made a day of it. So, it was something that gave a lot of pride to the people that live in Rensselaer.” The area arts groups and economic development organizations soon
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OCTOBER 2021
County Facts FOUNDED: 1838 NAMED FOR: William Jasper, a noted sergeant in the Revolutionary War POPULATION: 33,270 (2018 estimate) COUNTY SEAT: Rensselaer INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 37
joined, supporting the mural projects, helping support the artists and finding business owners willing to turn the outside of their buildings into the artist canvases. “Just look at the murals,” noted Preston. “They are uniting the community, helping give identity, and also springing economic growth.”
For more information about the murals, go to: renartwlk.org jaspernewtonfoundation.org 181properties.com instagram.com/renartwlk
Pizza Party
food
Add pizzazz to pizza night with these non-traditional takes on everyone’s favorite pie
ASIAN PIZZA Prepared pizza dough to make one 12-inch pizza 2 T. Asian stir fry sauce 1 2 1 1 2 1 1
carrot, finely chopped leaves green cabbage, finely chopped leaf red cabbage, finely chopped green onion, chopped T. chopped cilantro t. powdered ginger t. chili oil
Stretch dough into a large circle on a large oiled pizza pan. Let the dough rest for 20 minutes at room temperature. Preheat the oven to 450 F. Spread the stir fry sauce on the dough, leaving ½ inch around the outside. Sprinkle the carrots, cabbage, half of the green onion, half of the cilantro, ginger, and chili oil over the top. Bake for about 15 minutes until crust is golden brown and crispy. Top with remaining cilantro and green onion.
OCTOBER 2021
17
food
FANCY FRUIT PIZZA Crust 1 cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar ½ cup cold butter, cubed Glaze 5 t. cornstarch 1¼ cups unsweetened pineapple juice 1 t. lemon juice Toppings 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese ⅓ cup sugar 1 t. vanilla extract 2 cups halved fresh strawberries 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained
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OCTOBER 2021
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, mix flour and confectioners’ sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Press onto an ungreased 12-inch pizza pan. Bake until very lightly browned, 10-12 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. In a small saucepan, mix glaze ingredients until smooth; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Cool slightly. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread over crust. Top with berries and mandarin oranges. Drizzle with glaze. Refrigerate until cold. Editor’s note: We made mini versions of the Asian and fruit pizzas for our photo shoot. We were able to make about 3 mini pizzas per each 12-inch pizza recipe.
FO O D P RE PA RE D B Y I NDI A NA CO NNECTI O N S TA FF PHO TO S B Y TAY L O R MA RA NI O N
Get creative on your crust Go beyond pepperoni and marinara NEXT LEVEL PIZZA TOPPINGS Asparagus
Kale
Broccoli florets Brussels sprouts Caramelized onions Cauliflower florets Chopped bratwurst Gorgonzola cheese Green tomato slices Gyro meat
Pulled pork Shiitake mushrooms Shredded rotisserie chicken Shredded steak Shrimp Sliced potatoes Sun-dried tomatoes
INSTEAD OF PIZZA SAUCE TRY … Alfredo sauce Barbecue sauce Garlic and oil Hoisin sauce Hummus
Pesto Salsa Tapenade Thai Chili sauce
OCTOBER 2021
19
Indiana eats
flavor
LOCAL
These pizzerias are ‘all in the family’
Local “mom and pop” pizza places are community treasures: unique to their hometowns and dedicated to sharing lots of love from their pizza ovens.
Burns Family Pizza
Homemade “secret recipe” sauces and crusts, and toppings ranging from traditional to a bit unusual, nourish hungry patrons after football games, on date nights, on too-busy-to-cook weeknights, and whenever “the hungries” hit. Here are a few familyowned pizzerias throughout the state with their own takes on everyone’s favorite comfort food.
BRUNO’S PIZZA 1800 E. Market St. Logansport 574-753-2861
following. Locals rave about the pizza and Italian Beef sandwiches — and, just as importantly, the friendly service. Owners Teddy and Selena Burns offer a discount for those who pay in cash.
www.brunoscarryoutpizza.com This fifth-generation, family-owned business — currently run by Gina Dingo Curl — opened in 1960. The recipe for these hand-tossed pizzas hasn’t changed in 50 years. The cheese is ground by hand, the sauce is handmade from a secret family recipe and the dough is hand-rolled every night.
BURNS FAMILY PIZZA 806 15th St. SE Demotte 219-987-4992 Just a year-and-a-half after opening (during a pandemic to boot!), Burns Family Pizza has already gained a loyal
20
DUNELAND PIZZA 520 Broadway Chesterton 219-926-1163 www.dunelandpizza.com
CAFÉ PIZZARIA 405 E. Kirkwood Ave. Bloomington 812-332-2111 www.cafepizzaria.com Back in 1953, when it was simply called The Pizzaria, this landmark restaurant introduced “pizza pies” to Bloomington and to current co-owner Larry Webb. Webb was immediately hooked. Thirty years later, he bought the restaurant that he now runs with wife Sharon, son David, and grandson Crosby. Café Pizzaria was voted one of the top 100 pizza restaurants in the country by Popular Plates magazine.
Voted “Best Pizza in Porter County” in the area’s pizza wars in 2015, Duneland Pizza offers more than 25 toppings and five types of crust. Open since 1972, Chesterton’s oldest familyowned and family-operated pizzeria is run by Craig Berg with help from his daughter and grandson. Duneland Pizza is open Fridays through Sundays.
FAYTASTIC PIZZA 220 Main St. Shoals 812-247-2115 Fay Jackson started serving “Faytastic Pizza” in 1994. The restaurant’s
Duneland Pizza OCTOBER 2021
eclectic menu includes pizza in six sizes in either thin crust, deep dish or stuffed crust. There are also nine versions of bread sticks with six choices of dipping sauces. Plus, in an unusual spin for a pizza place, Faytastic Pizza serves Mexican food, too!
JIM’S PIZZA 405 E. Wayne St. Kendallville
PIZZA SUBS & BBQ 519 Washington St. St. Joe 260-337-0222
Papa’s Pizza
PAPA’S PIZZA 824 N. Lake Shore Drive Culver
260-347-1453
574-842-3331
Original owner Jim Wiggington opened Jim’s Pizza in 1962. Now owned by Mark and Wendy Grubb, Kendallville’s first pizzeria still uses Wiggington’s crust and sauce recipes. Jim’s is open for dinner Thursdays through Sundays for take-out only (no dine in or delivery). Frozen pizzas are available so you can have hot-from-the-oven pizza at home.
www.indianasbestpizza.com
MAZERELLA’S UPPER CRUST PIZZA AND PASTA 949 S. Indiana Ave. Sellersburg 812-248-7000 www.mazpizza.com Craig Padgett has owned and operated Mazerrella’s Pizza for over 20 years. The restaurant’s 15 topping pizza, the Big Z, is guaranteed to satisfy the biggest appetites. Pizza is available on Mazerella’s Specialtez menu as well as on the lunch buffet. Build your own pizza by choosing from over 20 toppings and seven sauces.
Mazerrella’s Pizza Lunch Buffet
Papa’s truly is a family affair. Started by Jim McCormack in 1976, it is now operated by his son, Brian; Brian’s wife, Carla; Carla’s sons, Jason Newman and Matt Newman; and Matt’s wife, Catie. The menu goes far beyond pizza so there’s something for everyone. Papa’s take-and-bake pizzas allow you to enjoy fresh-from-the-oven Italian pies at home.
PERILLO’S PIZZERIA 5 S. Broadway St. North Salem 765-676-4171 Visit tiny North Salem in Hendricks County for New York or Sicilian-style pizza made by Damiano Perillo, who came from Sicily to Indiana in the late 1990s. Owned by Perillo and wife Meredith since 2011, this pizzeria is housed in a former doctor’s office built in the 1890s. Pizza is available as 18inch pies or in large slices. The buttery garlic rolls are not to be missed.
St. Joe is the home of the annual Pickle Festival. So, if you’d like to try a Pickle Town Pizza, Pizza Subs & BBQ is THE place to go! Owners Steve and Christine Weirauch opened their pizza shop in 2013 and say their number one goal is having their customers leave the restaurant with smiles on their faces.
TOMATO PIE PIZZA JOINT 100 W. Union St. Paragon 765-537-9000 Owner Kim Raia ages her pizza dough 48 hours for maximum flavor. The pizza is baked in a deck oven and is served by the pie or by the slice. The hand twisted breadsticks get rave reviews.
ZWANZIGZ PIZZA 1038 Lafayette Ave. Columbus 812-376-0200
ZwanzigZ Pizza’s Half Lasagna Pizza / Half Veggies Deluxe Pizza
www.zwanzigz.com ZwanzigZ Pizza started as a oneroom pizza shop in Columbus, Indiana, back in 2002. Owned by Kurt and Lisa Zwanzig, it is now a 6,000 square foot pizzeria and brewery with over 10 specialty pizzas including the 14-topping Ultimate Pizza (the 18-inch version can weigh more than five pounds) and the unique Lasagna Pizza topped with ricotta, mozzarella, provolone and white cheddar cheeses.
OCTOBER 2021
21
Patty Hawley welcomes “inmates” to the Old Jail Inn. The red glove on the door of Cell 1, no doubt left by the “Woman in Red,” is a sure indication this is the “John Dillinger Cell.”
OUT BOX INNS BY RICHARD G. BIEVER
O LD JAI L I NN PHO TO S BY RI CHARD G . BI EVER
-OF-THE-
From a calaboose to a caboose, Indiana offers unique places to stay S P E N D I N G A N I G H T or weekend in jail probably isn’t high on most people’s bucket lists … unless the stay’s at the Old Jail Inn in Rockville. The inn is literally the old Parke County pokey … hoosegow … the slammer … the calaboose … or “the Rock,” as TV’s Deputy Barney Fife might have called it. But from Girl Scouts to motorcycle mamas, newlyweds to grandparents (with the grandkids in tow), folks have found the jail’s accommodations a fun and unique place to stay ever
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OCTOBER 2021
since the jail building was converted to an inn some 12 years ago. “People come here for the unique experience … to have fun doing something you just can't do every day,” said Patty Hawley, who bought the inn from its original owner and developer earlier this year. “How many jails can you spend the night in — and not because you did something wrong?” she asked. The Old Jail Inn offers five cell-block rooms in the building that housed
the Parke County Sheriff’s office and jail from 1879 to 1998. Choose from the John Dillinger, Al Capone, Thelma & Louise, Elvis Jailhouse Rock, and Jesse James cells. If a jail cell isn’t your thing, try one of the inn’s four suites with more privacy and comforts of home that still have the barred doors of former holding cells.
After Parke County moved its jail to a new facility in 1998, the old office and jail on the eastside of the courthouse square sat empty for about 10 years. Then, when Parke County resident Debra Olson
The inn was voted among the Top 10 Best Unique Sleeps in Indiana last year by readers of the VisitIndiana.com website. (The list is featured on page 25.) The cozy rooms, each done in a different outlaw theme, are the actual cells of the old county jail.
went to purchase just an old iron barred door and window, the county offered her the deed to the whole works. Turning lemons to lemonade, she cleverly and creatively converted it into the kitschy fun place to stay. She ran the inn for about a dozen years until selling it to Hawley and Hawley's significant other, Troy Riggs, early this year. Hawley, 67, a retiree from the U.S. Postal Service, and Riggs, 61, who owned a nostalgia/antique store, moved from their homes in Reno, Nevada, to Rockville. “My boyfriend and I wanted to get out to the Midwest in a small town like this and just try something different,” Hawley said. “We feel a little safer here: smaller town, nicer people, not so crazy.” The inn keeps her busy she said, but she’s loving her first months as innkeeper, er, jailer, and Riggs was able to continue selling his nostalgic signboards and memorabilia down the street. Hawley said she doesn’t plan any changes for the inn, and the inn continues hosting the “Drunk Tank Winery” — a quaint wine tasting venue in the basement. Trina Poynter continues offering samplings of various wines from around the world with her entertaining humor and wit. Hawley noted that although the inn doesn’t produce its own wine, Huber Winery from Southern Indiana produces a medium-bodied Concord-
Merlot blend exclusively for the Old Jail Inn. Visitors to the inn will find its white painted walls serve as the guestbook and are encouraged to leave their own versions of “Kilroy was here.” The walls are covered in graffiti, doodles, poems and notes about the guests' stays in "the slammer." Though none of the graffiti remains from the building’s original guests (real inmates), a cross, said to be carved into the floor of the cell block by an inmate who found Christ while incarcerated and wanted to share his newfound faith, is still visible. Some of the messages left by guests are sweet short notes; some are like diaries of what brought the person to the inn; some are about hearing the ghostly plodding of the night watchman’s boots on the cellblock floor and other unaccountable sounds in the night. Some of the graffiti touches on politics, which of course, brings a response from others. And Hawley admits not all the graffiti may be suitable for a general audience. “Most people put great things because people come here, and they just really have fun. Some people get a little political. I tell people before they come that guests sign the walls, and some of it's not kosher. They know that when they come.” In just the short time she and Riggs have owned
The Old Jail Inn sits on the Parke County Courthouse square in Rockville.
In the cellar below the jail cells, Trina Poynter serves up samplings of wine and bottles of humor in the Drunk Tank Winery.
the inn, she said folks have come from Missouri, Michigan, … all parts of the U.S. One Girl Scout troop came from the Iowa/Illinois border for a weekend. She said that was a mystery trip for the girls who didn’t know they’d be spending the night in a jail. The girls had a blast, she said. They really enjoyed trying on the traditional black-and-white horizontal striped jailbird tops and orange prison garb hanging alongside Parke County Sheriff's Deputy shirts on a rack on the cellblock and getting photos. Hawley said guests checking in sometimes joke about visiting the Drunk Tank in the basement and then being able to stumble
upstairs to their cell. They all refer to this as “pulling an ‘Otis Campbell,’” a reference to the town drunk on the old Andy Griffith Show who let himself in and out of jail at will. And while the Old Jail Inn is a fun and friendly place like Mayberry, returning guests, or “repeat offenders,” as they are called, need to check back in first. And, sorry, Otis, during Parke County’s Covered Bridge Festival each October, reservations are a must. Old Jail Inn 127 S. Jefferson St. Rockville, IN 47872 765-592-6737 or 217-808-1309 OldJailInn.com OCTOBER 2021
23
TIPIS
SILO ROOMS
Patoka Lake Winery
PATO K A L A K E WI N E RY is now offering overnight accommodations attached to its tasting room, gift shop and wine production facility. Unique to the winery are two beautifully decorated two-story suites converted from round silos. Three other suites are also available. Lodging guests enjoy a complimentary tasting and souvenir wine glasses in addition to amenities such as a fireplace, jacuzzi tub, and kitchenette in each of the five suites. Meanwhile, the winery offers over 20 wines to choose from and has two event spaces. The Silo Suites have an open upstairs bedroom, a fireplace with comfortable seating, a furnished kitchenette and more. Patoka Lake Winery, 2900 N. Dillard Road, Birdseye, IN 47513, 812-685-2203, patokalakewinery.com
FO R A N U N FO R G E T TA B L E rustic camping experience, Tipis at Sleeping Bear Retreat won’t disappoint. Each Tipi has four cots with access to picnic tables, a shelter house, a charcoal grill, and firewood. Its location among 50 beautifully wooded acres in French Lick makes Sleeping Bear Retreat the perfect weekend getaway. Campers should be prepared for the weather and bring sleeping bags appropriate for weather conditions since the tipis are not heated or air conditioned, bug spray with high DEET if you plan to go into the woods, food and drink in a cooler (ice is available in the gift shop), fire starting apparatus, fire starting supplies, and basically anything that makes you comfortable. (“Camping is supposed to be a happy time.”) Sleeping Bear Retreat, 2773 S. County Road 1000 W., French Lick, IN 47432, 812-865-6898, SleepingBearRetreat.com
MEDIEVEL CASTLE E S C A PE TH E C H AO S and stress of the modern world at Clayshire Castle, a medieval-style bed and breakfast in the tranquil countryside of western central Indiana where guests are treated like royalty. Many activities are available on the 120-acre property: Stroll through the gardens, wander the hedge maze, hike the hills, soak in the aromatic cedar hot tub, or get immersed in a good book in the library. Visitors can even try on a medieval costume to get into the spirit! Clayshire Castle, 8780 E. County Road 75 N., Bowling Green, IN 47833, 317-797-3822, ClayshireCastle.com
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OCTOBER 2021
Clayshire Castle
UNIQUE SLEEPS The Indiana Destination Development Corporation’s VisitIndiana website conducted a “Best of Indiana” campaign in 2020. Readers to the site were asked to vote on several categories; one was the Best Unique Sleep in Indiana. From historic hotels to jail cells and from B&Bs to tipis, the top 10 list included an array of incredible experiences across the Hoosier State. Four of the top 10, featured on pages 22-26, were the Old Jail Inn, Sleeping Bear Inn Tipis, Patoka Lake Winery’s Silo Suites and Union Station’s Crowne Plaza railcars. The other six were:
Joseph Decuis Farmstead Inn
HISTORIC HOMES OV E R N I G HT ACCOM O DATI O N S are available at two Inns: The Inn at Joseph Decuis is a meticulously restored 1910 home located in Roanoke within walking distance to the Joseph Decuis restaurant. It offers four rooms, appointed with period furniture and decor. The Joseph Decuis Farmstead Inn is located six miles from the restaurant on the Joseph Decuis Wagyu Farm. The Farmstead Inn includes a restored 1884 farmhouse, carriage house, and barn. It features six bedrooms, each with a private bath, a loft for meetings and receptions, and private dining.
F RENCH L ICK RE S OR T 8538 W. Baden Ave., West Baden, IN 47469 812-936-9300, FrenchLick.com CH A RL E Y CREEK INN 111 W. Market St., Wabash, IN 46992 260-563-0111, CharleyCreekInn.com F L OAT ING C A BINS AT PAT OK A L A K E 2991 N. Dillard Road, Birdseye, IN 47513 812-685-2203, PatokaLakeMarina.com S T ORY INN 6404 IN-135, Nashville, IN 47448 812-988-2273, StoryInn.com HERI TAGE FA RM 4175 N. 1200 W, Flora, IN 46929 765-860-1220, HeritageFarms.com GR A N T S T REE T INN 310 N. Grant St., Bloomington, IN 47408 812-334-2353, GrantStInn.com For more information, go to visitindiana.com/ best-of-indiana/winners/63-unique-sleep.
Guests earn their keep by helping with optional farm chores before bedding down in restored historic digs that date back to 1884. The Joseph Decuis restaurant serves up one of the best farm-to-table meals in the entire state. Inn at Joseph Decuis, 492 N. Main St., Roanoke, IN 46783 | Joseph Decuis Farmstead Inn, 6756 E. 900 S., Columbia City, IN 46725, 260-672-1715, info@josephdecuis.com
Story 25 Inn
OCTOBER 2021
RAILROAD-THEMED
Crowne Plaza
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OCTOBER 2021
C R OWN E P L A Z A in downtown Indianapolis was originally America’s first Union Station, built in 1888. Each space in the hotel has been converted into upscale accommodations and the station’s Grand Hall now serves as a ballroom with 60-foot ceilings and 3,200 square feet of original stained glass. Thirteen 1920s Pullman train cars have been converted into guest rooms named after influential people of the past. The train cars hold two rooms each and provide one of the most unique lodging experiences possible. Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station, 123 W. Louisiana St., Indianapolis, IN 46225 CrownePlazaIndyDowntown.com
R I L E Y ' S R A I LH O U S E is housed in a New York Central Freight Station that was built in 1914. The Railhouse has since been restored and offers five different rooms for guests. Among these is a New York central boxcar rerepurposed into two separate rooms. The Queen Ann Caboose, a luxury caboose with Victorian styling, is a favorite stay for rail fans. The building has been restored and updated with modern amenities while carefully preserving the integrity of the original architecture. The Railhouse is three miles from the Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park. Riley's Railhouse, 123 N. Fourth St., Chesterton, IN 46304, 219-395-9999, rileysrailhouse.com
Riley's Railhouse
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calendar
OCT. NOV.
Due to the ever-changing coronavirus situation, please note that the events below may not occur at their originally scheduled times. Be sure to reach out to the event contacts below to ensure that the programs you are interested in are still taking place.
NORTHEAST
NORTHWEST
16 30
HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH OF LOWELL CRAFT FAIR, Lowell (Lake), Hope Community Church. Free food, free Bibles, hourly door prizes, handmade items from local vendors and a kids’ lemonade stand. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 219-690-8889, office@hopechurchlowell.com, hopechurchlowell.com HALLOWEEN TRAIN, North Judson (Starke), Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum. Twilight train excursion. Passengers disembark to enjoy a “Not-So-Scary, Scary-Animal Show” before continuing to English Lake. Excursion lasts approximately 2¾ hours. Dress in costume or come as you are. 4 p.m. (Central Time). Cost: $9 and up. 574-896-3950, marketing@hoosiervalley.org, hoosiervalley.org
16
Nov.
13
CENTRAL
30
MISCHIEF ON MERIDIAN, Lebanon (Boone), Downtown. Enjoy entertainment and trunk or treating. 5-8 p.m. info@heartoflebanon.org, facebook.com/mischiefonmeridian/
Nov.
DELTA THETA TAU GIFT & HOBBY SHOW, Shelbyville (Shelby), Shelbyville Middle School. Handcrafted toys, jewelry, florals, confections, apparel, and more. Refreshments available. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Santa Claus will be present 11 a.m-1 p.m. Free. 317-401-5078, giftandhobbyshow.com
6
6
Through
Nov.
16
CHILI COOK OFF, Tell City (Perry), City Hall Park. Businesses, groups, organizations and individuals will cook their best pot of chili and serve the public. Music in the City Hall Gazebo. 2-5 p.m. Free. 812-547-7933, cvbbetty@ psci.net, facebook.com/perrycounty THE ART OF CHARACTER: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE GLENN CLOSE COSTUME COLLECTION, Bloomington (Monroe), Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art. Exhibition includes clothing and accessories that actress Glenn Close began collecting at the beginning of her career. Advance reservations strongly suggested. Walk-in availability may be limited. museumhelp@iu.edu., events.iu.edu/artmuseum/all/search/ reservations
This calendar is published as a service to readers and the communities electric cooperatives serve. Indiana Connection publishes events free of charge as space allows, giving preference to free community festival and events in and around areas served by subscribing REMCs/RECs. While Indiana Connection strives for accuracy, please note that events, dates and time may change without notice. Indiana Connection advises using contact phone numbers or internet sites to check times and dates of events before making plans.
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OCTOBER 2021
DELTS’ HOLIDAY CRAFTS & GIFTS SHOW, Portland (Jay), Jay County High School. Over 150 booths. Food available all day. Admission charge. 260-7266729, dttcraftshow@yahoo.com., visitjaycounty.com
SOUTHEAST
1617
SOUTHWEST Nov.
AUTUMN HARVEST FESTIVAL, Columbia City (Whitley), Whitley County Fairgrounds. Craft and food vendors, kids’ games, car show, and farm toy show. Demolition derby begins late afternoon. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 260-244-7615, whitleycounty4h.com
1617
FORT VALLONIA DAYS, Vallonia (Jackson), various locations. Food, craft and flea market vendors. Parade Saturday at 1 p.m. Live entertainment, 5k run/walk, baby contest, and Muzzleloader shoot. Tomahawk, horseshoe and knife throws. Free. 812-498-2925, facebook.com/ fortvallonia AUTUMN ON THE RIVER, Bethlehem (Clark), School House ground. Daily music, food, shops and museum. Saturday auction, veterans’ tribute, parade, Sunday car show. Free. 317-491-4148, autumnontheriver. wordpress.com
To add events to Calendar, please use the “Submit and Event” form under the “Talk to Us” or “Calendar” buttons at indianaconnection.org; or mail your info to: Calendar, Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Please submit info two months before the date of the event.
safety
ELECTRICAL OVERLOADS UNLOADING THE CIRCUIT
W
hen Ralphie Parker’s “old man” attempts to plug his “major award” — the infamous plastic leg lamp — into an overloaded wall outlet in the classic movie “A Christmas Story,” there first came a “snap of a few sparks” and the “whiff of ozone” before the lamp blazed forth in the living room front window.
your home doesn’t have enough outlets. Instead of grabbing an extension cord or multiple-outlet plugs that turn your outlets into octopuses, call a qualified electrician who can install more outlets and update circuits and wiring.
While that’s a funny movie scene, those at Indiana Electric Cooperatives remind you overloaded circuits and sparks are never funny. Local fire departments respond to an average of more than 35,000 home fires involving electrical distribution and lighting equipment each year, causing 490 deaths and 1,200 injuries nationwide.
• Never plug more than two appliances into an outlet at any one time; don’t “piggyback” extra appliances on extension cords or wall outlets. Use only outlets designed to handle multiple plugs.
“It’s easy to plug in too many devices onto the same circuit,” said John Gasstrom, CEO at Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “Everyone has a role in keeping homes safe — whether it’s the cooperative keeping consumers informed or homeowners doing their research.” The electrical systems of many older homes, especially, are not properly equipped to respond to today’s increased power demands and may lack the needed number of conveniently placed outlets. Relying too heavily on extension cords and multi-plug power strips may mean
TO PREVENT PROBLEMS, HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO UNLOAD THOSE OUTLETS:
• Know the amount of power you’re placing on an outlet or circuit. Some recommend each outlet or circuit should not exceed 1,500 watts. • Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, etc.) should be plugged directly into their own wall outlets since they are heavy power users. If you find you are overloading an outlet or circuit in your home, you may need to contact a professional to help
resolve the problem. An electrician can add outlets and inspect your home’s wiring system.
MAPPING YOUR HOME’S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Whether you draw up an intricate floor plan of your home or just make a simple list, it’s a good idea to map out your home’s electrical system. Getting to know your home can help you or an electrician if there is an overload. Go to the breaker box — usually found in a basement or garage — and turn off one of the breakers stamped with a “15” or “20” at the end of the switch. Be sure to note where circuits lie on the panel.
1
Walk through the house and try all of the lights, ceiling fans and plug-in appliances. Your electrician should have labeled all of the circuit areas, but there could be outliers they may have missed — like the outlet that powers your blender on the garage lighting circuit.
2
Write down everything that doesn’t have power and note which room you’re in. If you want to get really specific, plug a light into each outlet and record all the ones that don’t work.
3
Turn the breaker back on and continue down the electrical panel — yes, it’s that simple!
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OCTOBER 2021
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HONORING
A LEGACY
Dan Schuckman
Eugene Roberts
W. EUGENE ROBERTS AND DANIEL L. SCHUCKMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Hoosier Energy is proud to announce two new scholarships honoring the contributions of longtime Hoosier Energy Directors and Board Officers, Eugene Roberts and Dan Schuckman. Eugene and Dan represented our members for a combined
reliable and competitively priced energy and services in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner. These scholarships will assist the next generation of transmission and distribution lineworkers, continuing Dan’s and
35 years, devoting countless hours of service to achieve
Eugene’s lasting impact on our members and the communities
Hoosier Energy’s mission of providing members with assured,
we serve.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW Hoosier Energy is partnering with
ELIGIBILITY Scholarships will be available to
the North American Lineman Training
residents of Indiana or Illinois whose
Center (NALTC) located in McEwen,
household receives electric service
Tennessee, 4.5 hours south of
from one of Hoosier Energy’s 18
Bloomington, Indiana. We selected this
member distribution cooperatives.
program due to NALTC’s demonstrated
Preference will be given to qualifying
experience with students.
students with a demonstrated need for
The 15-week intensive training includes:
financial assistance.
• Pole Climbing • Equipment Operation • Distribution • Transmission • Underground Certifications include: • Pole-top Rescue • Bucket Truck Rescue • Safety and Health (OSHA) • Commercial Driver’s License
Recipients must have confirmed enrollment at NALTC, with the required paid deposit. They must also remain in good standing during the entire program.
BENEFITS & SELECTION Hoosier Energy will award two scholarships annually in the amount of $5,000 per student. The scholarship covers the cost of housing, tools, equipment and first aid/CPR certification. NALTC will select recipients based on eligibility criteria. Awards will rotate throughout communities served by Hoosier Energy member distribution cooperatives.
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backyard
Ask Rosie
Tipmont REMC consumer B. Rosie Lerner is a longtime Indiana Connection contributer who recently retired as Purdue Extension’s consumer horticulturist. Questions about gardening issues may be sent to “Ask Rosie,” Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606, or use the form at IndianaConnection.org.
Spotlight on herbaceous perennials
CREEPING CHARLIE (also known as ground ivy)
CONTROLLING CREEPING CHARLIE
Q:
How can I safely
plants would be most susceptible to
control/stop Creeping
damage.
Charlie in the garden?
Some have found some success
Don Kochert,
with very careful spot application of
Floyds Knobs, Indiana
broad-leaved herbicide in the fall,
A:
when desirable plants are a little
Creeping Charlie (also known as ground ivy) is an
herbaceous perennial that spreads by seed as well as horizontal, above-ground stems called stolons or runners. These runners are easy to hand pull, especially after rain or irrigation but the plant will produce new runners. You have to keep pulling throughout the season. Digging up the mother plants is more effective, but tedious. It’s especially important to prevent seed formation by keeping them pulled when flowering. A layer of mulch 2-3 inches deep will help discourage the plants, but likely won’t be completely effective. Any herbicide that would effectively control Creeping Charlie would be risky to use around your garden plants. This weed is most vulnerable to herbicide in springtime during active growth but this is also when your desirable
32
OCTOBER 2021
less susceptible and the Creeping Charlie is still actively growing. Using a wick application method can help keep the herbicide from reaching desirable plants but is
REVIVING CORAL BELLS
Q:
I have several coral bells plants that I’ve had for about
three years. This winter has been
tedious in a garden setting. Be sure
hard on them and some of the leaves
the herbicide product is labeled
look brown and burned. Should I just
for controlling Creeping Charlie
cut the bad ones off or severely trim
(ground ivy) because not all broad-
the plant down?
leaved weed killers are effective on this species. Read and follow all label directions. Any spray that contacts your desirable plants could damage or kill them. So, I’ll repeat,
Phyllis Tucker, Corydon, Indiana
A:
Since coral bells plants are considered herbaceous
perennials, it is normal for their stems
using herbicide around your garden
and leaves to die back to the ground
plants can be risky and is not the
each year. In milder winters, it is
best approach for most gardeners.
common for this particular species
More information including photos to help identify this pesky weed at www.purduelandscapereport.org/ article/spotlight-on-weeds-groundivy-creeping-charlie-glechomahederacea.
to retain some foliage overwinter, behaving as evergreen, but can look pretty ragged by spring. You can just remove the badly damaged foliage or trim off all the foliage, either approach is fine. New foliage will emerge from the crown of the plant.
energy travel
“From the great Atlantic Ocean to the wide Miss’ippi shore, it’s the biggest chili cook off with scores of pots to explore. It’s visited by thousands and loved by one and all. It’s a food and fundraising combination called the ‘Wabash Cannonball.’”
chili! (WITH APOLOGIES TO A.P. CARTER)
ALL ABOARD FOR …
COOK OFF SCHEDULE DATE: Oct. 16
WABASH CANNONBALL COOK OFF BUILDS STEAM FOR CHARITIES
BEGINS: Noon (EDT) COST: $5
If sampling a wide variety of
Cannonball Chili Cook Off
chili from cooks all around
committee member. Weaver
the Midwest stokes a fire in
has been a part of the event
your belly, then you’ll want
from the beginning as also
to hop aboard the Wabash
the owner and an on-air
Cannonball Chili for Charity
personality of Wabash radio
351 E. Market St. Wabash, Indiana
Cook Off, Oct. 16.
station 105.9.
FOR MORE DETAILS:
Billed as “the largest annual
“Everybody’s got their own
ChiliForCharity.com
chili cook off east of the
idea of what chili is,” Weaver
Mississippi,” the event has
said. “Some people make the
attracted as many as 80 to
chicken chili. Some people
100 cooks in the past.
make chili with macaroni in it
The fundraiser is a day of food and fun. Visitors wander from booth to booth tasting
— which I don’t think is chili. I’ve never tasted two made the same way.”
LOCATION: Paradise
Spring Historic Park ADDRESS:
One high-voltage chili for
for the past decade. “It’s
visitors to try is the “Electric
about our commitment to
Chili” of Heartland REMC.
our community. The event
The co-op, which electrically
brings the whole community
serves Wabash County, is
together to support our local
a founding participant in the
non-profits.”
chili and voting for their
The main thing, though, he
cook off. Its chili slogan is
favorites. Some cooks do
noted, is for all to have fun.
“shockingly good taste.”
Admission to the event is $5
While the Heartland team
pots empty quickly once the
— and that’s for all the chili
has never won the cook
crowd gathers steam and
one can eat. Some 4,000
off, it did place third in the
the shoveling of the coal-hot
to 7,000 chili lovers have
Judge’s Choice category
chili begins — so don’t miss
packed the cook off in past
one year. “For us, it’s not
the train. “Make sure you get
years. All the money raised
about winning,” said Rachel
there around noon,” Weaver
supports charities within
Olsen, who handles the
emphasized. “It’s usually
Wabash County. A total of
REMC’s marketing and
gone within two and a half
“It’s definitely worth the
$615,000 has been raised
communication and has
hours.” — by Richard G.
trip,” said Wade Weaver, a
from previous years.
been its chief chili chef
Biever, senior editor
straight chili preparation, while others create a theme to go with their chili. Props and costumes add to the fun. This is the 18th event since it began in 2003; last year’s was canceled because of COVID.
Despite the vast array of chili combinations to sample, the
OCTOBER 2021
33
cooperative career Professional progression:
FROM BOTH SIDES NOW Diana Martinez used to be a “face” of Carroll White REMC as the member services representative working closely with consumers who had billing issues and questions. Now, she’s made a 180-degree shift. As operations coordinator, she literally and figuratively has gone from front to back: from the front offices to the back operations; from helping individual consumers on their side of the meter to helping bring that electricity to all the meters. In the operations position she’s finding more responsibility working closely with the line superintendent, dispatching a service crew or crews when there are outages, processing work orders, working with mapping and staking engineers. She still gets to talk to consumers, she noted, mostly by phone. “There are a lot more calls to answer — especially after a storm. But the job duties definitely changed.” When the previous operations coordinator announced her retirement
34
in 2018, Diana applied. “I wanted to learn more about the other side of the REMC. Being a member services representative in the front, I helped members. But I wanted to see what happens out in the field with a line crew and get that background as well.” She quickly familiarized herself with the technical ins and outs of electric operations. “There are a lot of things that now make sense when I answer the calls about blinking lights or why this or that happened. When someone calls in about a line down, now I know not just what to ask but why I’m asking it. Before, I didn’t really have a whole lot of knowledge with that. But you could ask me anything about payments, and I could tell you,” she noted with a wink at the defensiveness. “I definitely do like knowing both sides now.”
Diana Martinez Operations Coordinator Carroll White REMC
Diana said one of the great things about working at her hometown REMC is the opportunity to find new professional challenges without leaving town or even changing employers. “There’s always room for growth. You can reach other goals you would like to achieve,” she said. “I absolutely love that because then you already have a relationship with all the employees, you know the different departments and what they do and how they all interact with each other. REMCs are great places to work, very family oriented, and there are always opportunities to grow.”
INTERESTED IN AN ELECTRIC CO-OP CAREER? Visit WePowerIndiana.org to learn about available careers or tell us about yourself.
2011 hired
2018 JOB CHANGE
Member Services Representative
Operations Coordinator
OCTOBER 2021
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FEBRUARY 2019