Southeastern IN REMC - October 2024 Indiana Connection
Celebrating Co-op Days (Details on page 5)
See pages 6 - 7
Lineman Rodeo
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from the editor
A month to celebrate co-ops
October is National Cooperative Month. Indiana Connection is published by Indiana Electric Cooperatives, which is the service organization for our state’s member-owned electric co-ops. If you’re receiving this magazine, you are probably a co-op member.
It’s easy to think of your co-op as just an electric company, but as I’ve learned over the last 10 months as editor, it is so much more than that.
Co-ops operate according to seven cooperative principles, which include:
• Voluntary and Open Membership
• Democratic Member Control
• Members’ Economic Participation
• Autonomy and Independence
• Education, Training, and Information
• Cooperation Among Cooperatives
• Concern for Community
These principles are the main reason that your co-op is different from a for-profit electric company. Unlike other electric companies, your co-op never takes in a profit. It only uses enough funds to power your electricity and returns the rest as capital credits.
I have been most impressed with how the co-ops take the “Concern for Community” principle seriously. From Operation Round Up to scholarships, Camp Kilowatt, and Youth Tour, the co-ops make a concerted effort to support their local communities. Those programs can make a huge difference in people’s lives.
It’s common practice for companies to be all about profits and competing with others. Indiana’s electric co-ops strive to be more than that and do some good along the way. That’s something to celebrate.
Britt Davis Editor bdavis@indianaec.org
On the menu: January: Submit your favorite peanut butter recipes, deadline Nov. 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.
Giveaway: Enter to win a Halloween prize pack. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is Oct. 31.
Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, letters and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032.
VOLUME 74 • 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 311,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership. The average printed and mailed cost per issue is 54 cents.
CONTACT US: 11805 Pennsylvania Street Carmel, IN 46032 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org
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INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Steve McMichael President Dr. Richard Leeper Vice President
Jamey Marcum Secretary/Treasurer John Cassady CEO
EDITORIAL STAFF: Britt Davis Editor
Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist
Lauren Carman Communication Manager
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The two types of
Gather your ghouls for a week-long celebration at the 78th Annual Historic Irvington Halloween
Rise and shine with these hearty breakfast recipes
Fans of spooky legends and terrifying tales will enjoy this haunted Hoosier road trip
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The Hoosier Pie Trail offers endless varieties for every kind of pie connoisseur
SEI REMC linemen, Adam Fry and Jordan Ice, participate in the Mystery Event at the 2024 Lineman Rodeo, which was held at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in August.
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Mike Thieman (District 6)
Sherry Shaw (District 8)
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WATT'S UP: October EXCITING EVENTS
HAPPENING IN OCTOBER
Southeastern Indiana REMC will be celebrating “Co-op Days” throughout October. This month-long celebration is our way of expressing gratitude to our valued members and the communities we serve. Throughout the month, we will host events centered around community connections, safety and health, and member appreciation.
REMC Community Day at Versailles State Park
On Friday, Oct. 4, SEI REMC employees teamed up with members for a day of community service and camaraderie at Versailles State Park. Together, they participated in activities and projects aimed at enhancing and beautifying local community spaces.
SEI REMC Safety Night
REMC members were invited to Safety Night at the SEI REMC headquarters in Osgood on Oct. 11. The event featured a series of educational and engaging electrical safety practices designed to equip our members and community with essential safety knowledge. The evening included multiple safety workshops and a Live Line demonstration conducted by SEI REMC experts.
Mobile Mammogram
SEI REMC is proud to host the St. Elizabeth Mobile Mammogram Program at our Osgood headquarters on Oct. 14, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This program provides our members with a convenient opportunity to take charge of their health by utilizing this important screening service.
Trunk or Treat Night
On Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m., bring your trick-or-treaters to the SEI REMC headquarters for a fun and safe Halloween experience. Our employees will decorate their trunks with friendly, spooky themes, ensuring an unforgettable Halloween experience for the children.
Food Drive
In addition to these exciting events, we are hosting a month-long food drive. We encourage our members to contribute non-perishable foods, which will be donated to food banks across the seven counties we serve. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for those in need.
Southeastern Indiana REMC is committed to supporting our members and the communities we serve. We invite you to join us in celebrating member appreciation throughout October. Stop by the front office at our Osgood headquarters anytime during the month to receive a small token of our gratitude. Happy “Co-op Days” from Southeastern Indiana REMC!
Team spirit at SEIREMC
In its third year, the Indiana Electric Cooperative Lineman Rodeo is the “Olympics” in the world of electrical work, bringing together the best linemen from across the state to showcase their exceptional skills and dedication. In Indiana, this event is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of hard work, teamwork, and the critical role linemen play in keeping our communities powered and connected.
This year, IEC’s Lineman Rodeo saw a remarkable display of talent with two teams from the Southeastern Indiana REMC making a strong impression. Representing SEI REMC this year were Todd Huff, Keith Ricke, and Peyton Olds on one team and Adam Fry, Jordan Ice, and Josh Meyer on the second.
Facing the challenges
The Lineman’s Rodeo is not just about physical prowess; it’s also a test of problem-solving skills, precision, and teamwork. Each event is designed to simulate real-world scenarios that linemen may encounter on the job, from handling high-voltage equipment to performing intricate repairs under time constraints. This year, the mystery event, which was kept under wraps until the competition began, added an extra layer of difficulty.
“Our team was thrown a curveball with the mystery event,” said Olds. “Luckily we had been preparing for anything that may come our way during this challenge.” The mystery event revealed itself as a challenge to safely but quickly replace a cross-arm on a pole. The Southeastern Indiana REMC teams studied different ideas of what the
Lineman Rodeo
events might be and ensured they knew the proper protocol for any event they may be in. Ultimately, this led to a firstplace trophy for the Mystery Event 2024!
A team effort
What truly stood out about this year’s competition was the incredible teamwork exhibited by the Southeastern Indiana REMC teams. The rodeo is not just an individual contest but a collaborative challenge that requires linemen to work seamlessly together. “Of course, we like some friendly competition,” said Fry, “but we all support each other out here.” Each member’s unique skills and insights contribute to the team’s overall performance. “Watching our lineman work together so quickly while maintaining safety procedures was impressive," said B.J Myers, VP of Communications.
“Teamwork was absolutely crucial for us,” said Ricke. “We each brought something different to the table, and it was our ability to communicate and support one another that really made the difference.” Ice added, “Every challenge we faced was an opportunity to strengthen our bond and prove that together, we can face anything during a high-stress situation.”
The collaborative spirit was evident in every task the teams undertook. Whether it was performing complex rescues or handling equipment with precision, the linemen demonstrated a remarkable ability to coordinate their efforts. This synergy was particularly evident in the mystery event, where their combined expertise allowed them to excel under pressure.
Celebrating victory
"Spending time with the guys that I love like my own family is always a great memory. The rodeo was full of memories that I will cherish for life."
– Josh Meyer
Looking forward
The culmination of their hard work came when the Southeastern Indiana REMC teams were awarded first place in the mystery event. This achievement was not just a testament to their technical skills but also to their unwavering determination and positive attitude.
“It feels amazing to be recognized for our efforts,” said Huff. “Winning first place in the mystery event was a huge boost for us. It validates all the hard work and late nights we’ve put in. It’s a reminder of what we can accomplish when we pull together.”
The victory was a moment of pride for both teams, reflecting their commitment to excellence and their passion for their profession. It was also a celebration of the broader lineman community, highlighting the importance of their work and the respect they earn through their dedication.
As the Lineman Rodeo wraps up for another year, the Southeastern Indiana REMC teams are already looking ahead. They know that the skills and experiences gained from this competition will continue to benefit them in their everyday work, helping them to serve their communities even better.
“Our success at the rodeo is a great motivator,” said Meyer. “It reminds us why we do what we do. Every challenge we face is an opportunity to grow and improve. We’re excited to take these lessons back to our work and continue making a positive impact in our community.”
In the end, the Lineman Rodeo is more than just a competition. It’s a celebration of the hard work and dedication of linemen and a reminder of the vital role they play in our lives. The Southeastern Indiana REMC teams’ impressive performance, particularly in the mystery event, is a testament to their skill, teamwork, and unwavering commitment.
As they return to their everyday responsibilities, their success at the rodeo will undoubtedly inspire them to continue striving for excellence. Their story serves as an uplifting example of what can be achieved with hard work, collaboration, and a positive attitude. Congratulations to the Southeastern Indiana REMC teams for their remarkable achievement — your victory is a shining example of the dedication and spirit of our linemen.
"Practice.
Practice. Practice. Ask questions. Show up and give it all you have."
– Josh Meyer
Southeastern Indiana REMC REBATE PROGRAMS
At Southeastern Indiana REMC, we not only provide safe, reliable electricity and high-speed fiber internet, but also offer rebate programs. These programs help our members save on essential and energy-efficient home expenses. With the end of the 2024 year approaching, take time to explore our rebate programs and submit applications before it’s too late!
RESIDENTIAL HVAC
Are you a member looking to install a new HVAC in your home? SEI REMC offers many different rebate options for Air Source and Dual Fuel Heat pumps, Geothermal Heat Pumps, and Mini-Split Heat Pumps. Receive up to $2,000 back on your Geothermal Heat Pump system or up to $500 back on all other Residential HVAC upgrades! We encourage our members to use energy-efficient heating and cooling to help lower their bills and cultivate a comfortable living space. This is your sign to upgrade today!
RESIDENTIAL HVAC TUNE-UP
A well-maintained HVAC system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. SEI REMC encourages our members to schedule regular tune-ups for their equipment to help identify and fix minor issues before they become major problems. Combined with the energy savings from a more efficient system, our HVAC Tune-Up rebate maximizes your overall financial benefits.
RESIDENTIAL WATER HEATER
Our Residential Water Heater Rebate offers up to $500 back on a new heat pump water heater, ensuring you the opportunity to upgrade to a more efficient and ultimately cost-effective water heater system. Water heating accounts for around 18% of your electric bill and with new technology creating more effective heating processes, there is no better time than now to upgrade!
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
From snow blowers to lawn mowers, everything is going electric! Join the movement by purchasing your energy-efficient, eco-friendly, electric outdoor equipment! Retire your gas-powered equipment and receive up to $50 back from your purchase. We offer rebates on:
• Trimmers
• Leaf blowers
• Chainsaws
• Push lawnmowers (minimum of 36 volts)
• Rototillers
• Snow blowers
• Pressure washers
We also offer rebates up to $150 on electric riding mowers or zero-turn mowers.
The deadline to submit your 2024 rebate application is on Dec. 13! Applications received after this date will be processed under the 2025 rebate program requirements.
Battery-powered VERSUS plug-in hybrid
The two types of electric vehicles offer flexibility for owners with different priorities
Electric vehicles continue to be a hot topic in the energy and environmental fields. However, throwing electric vehicles under one umbrella is not entirely accurate. Let’s look at the different types of electric vehicles available on the market.
BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES
What most people mean when they say “electric vehicle” is a fully battery-powered EV or BEV (battery electric vehicle).
BEVs run exclusively on electricity from at least one or multiple large batteries. There is no internal combustion engine to convert gasoline into propulsion power, so there is no need for oil changes and zero tailpipe emissions.
Fueling a BEV is done by plugging a charging cord and connector into a port that looks similar to a car’s traditional gas cap. It is estimated that around 80 to 90%
of BEV charging is done at home although public charging stations have become readily accessible. Depending on the vehicle, a single charge could last anywhere from 100 to 300 miles.
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES
One of the alternatives is a plugin hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). These are similar to traditional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in that they run on gas and battery power, but PHEVs get their power from plug-in chargers like a BEV. Most can travel 20 to 35 miles purely on electricity and switch to a backup gas engine when the power runs out.
PHEVs can be charged at home and at public charging stations, which gives you a taste of EV life while still having the security of a tank full of gas for longer trips. The charging time is also much shorter because the battery is smaller — approximately 10 times smaller than
a BEV. In addition, PHEVs do a little bit of recharging while on the road, primarily via regenerative braking.
Although PHEVs fit a niche between BEVs and HEVs, they often cost at least $5,000 more because they have the components of gas engines and electric batteries.
Whether you’re just dipping your toe in the electric vehicle waters or ready to take the plunge, there are multiple options in the electric vehicle market. Find the BEV, HEV, or PHEV that is right for you.
by Matt Brames Manager of Engineering Dubois REC
Scott County
Scott County honors its pioneer past at the Scott County Heritage Center and Museum, located in the former Scott County Poor Farm. Established in the late 19th century, the poor farm provided shelter and care for those unable to support themselves because of economic hardship or disabilities before modern social welfare programs existed. Residents would harvest crops, tend gardens, manage household chores, and make or repair clothing and furniture.
GOT GOAT MILK?
Since 2005, the Jonas family has raised a herd of dairy goats on their farm in Scottsburg. This family of 10’s mission is to educate visitors about goats and goat milk’s many uses. At their farm store, Goat Milk Stuff, the Jonases sell soaps, lip balms, lotions, and more skin care products made from their goats’ extra milk. They also offer personalized recommendations on which goat milk products can help different skin types, like dry or oily skin, and skin conditions, like eczema or rosacea. Additionally, the Jonases offer a behind-the-scenes tour of their working dairy farm and an experience where visitors can meet and snuggle with the farm’s baby goats.
LAKE LIFE, HARDY STYLE
Hardy Lake — Indiana’s only state reservoir not created for flood control — maintains a stable water level yearround, which benefits its shoreline, fishing, and wildlife. Hardy Lake also features one of the Indiana Department of Natural Resource’s raptor centers. The Dwight R. Chamberlain Raptor Center cares for injured birds of prey and educates visitors about hawks, owls, falcons, and vultures. The Raptor Center’s name honors Dwight R. Chamberlain, a Scottsburg resident and conservationist known for his research on crows and ravens.
NATURE’S SWEET BLOOMS
Open July through October, Knobstone Flower Farm in Scottsburg has over 5 acres of sunflowers, 11 acres of wildflowers, a nature trail winding around the flower fields, and a 3-acre lake. Visitors can create custom bouquets at the farm’s You-Pick flower experience with blooms like zinnias and celosias. Knobstone Flower Farm also sells honey harvested from its bees, who collect nectar from the farm’s buckwheat cover crops. Throughout the year, the farm hosts events, including its recent Sunflower Music Festival with food trucks, live music performances, and yard games, like cornhole and croquet.
COUNTY FACTS
FOUNDED: 1820
NAMED FOR:
General Charles Scott, the governor of Kentucky from 1808 to 1812
POPULATION: 24,384
COUNTY SEAT: Scottsburg
INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 72
Scottsburg
Hardy Lake
Nicole Thomas is a freelance writer from Indianapolis.
Photo courtesy of Goat Milk Stuff
Photo courtesy of Scott County Visitors Commission
If water gets into the DeWALT Battery Push walk-behind and selfpropelled mower’s handle support while the battery is installed, the mower can fail to shut off when the bail handle is released or start without a key, posing a laceration hazard to the user. The mowers were sold at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Ace Hardware, and various stores nationwide and online from January 2024 through July 2024. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled mowers if they have gotten wet and contact DeWALT to receive a free repair at an authorized service center nearby. For more information, go to dewalt.com/push-mowers-recall or call 800-990-6421.
HALO 1000 PORTABLE POWER STATIONS
The lithium-ion batteries in the HALO 1000 Portable Power Station can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards that can lead to serious injury or death. The units were sold through ZAGG, ACG, and QVC from October 2021 through March 2022. Consumers should immediately stop using the portable power stations and contact the HALO Recall hotline for a free replacement portable power station. For more information, call 888-345-0481, email at halo5528@sedgwick.com, or go to halo1000recall.expertinquiry.com/.
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A hauntingly
GATHER YOUR GHASTLY GHOULS FOR A WEEK-LONG CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS HALLOWEEN IN HISTORIC IRVINGTON
If you’re a Halloween fanatic, there’s only one spot to be this fall — the 78th Annual Historic Irvington Halloween Festival. A community-wide celebration of all things spooky, Irvington located about 15 minutes east of downtown Indianapolis, welcomes all to enjoy their shared affection for the haunting season. Kicking off on Oct. 19 with the Masquerade Ball, guests 21 and older will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and intrigue.
Be bewitched at the Spooky Organ Concert on Oct. 20, purchase original art on Oct. 21, and try keeping your eyes open during the Horror Shorts Movie Night, presented by Heartland Film and Playground Productions on Oct. 22. If horror isn’t your genre, the Family Movie Night on the 23rd may be your ticket. Continue your patronage of the arts on the 24th and listen to a special reading of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and tales from local writers. Dress up and tour Irvington’s spine-chillingly decorated neighborhoods on Friday’s Zombie Bike Ride.
Saturday’s Vampire Run begins at 9:30 a.m., and the street fair opens at 10 a.m. Arrive early to register your canine or yourself in the festival’s costume contests. Kids 12 and under can get their mid-day wiggles out in the free Little Bat Dash at 11:30 a.m. Do your best Monster Mash with the kids at the family stage and jam out at the main stage as the battle of the bands rocks out. Shop for Halloween decor and handmade goods, and enjoy delicious food from vendors offering burgers, vegan fare, and sweet treats. Don’t miss the beer garden’s eight breweries and cidery or the family zone, home of the family stage, and pumpkin carving contest. The festival parade departs from Washington Street at 4:30 p.m., featuring witches, goblins, superheroes, princesses, and more of all ages in a final celebration of the spookiest festival of all.
Natalie Derrickson is a freelance writer from Indianapolis.
Photos courtesy of Historic Irvington Halloween Festival
FOR MASQUERADE BALL TICKETS, CONTEST AND RUN REGISTRATION, AND EVENT MAP AND TIMES, VISIT
safety THE UNIQUE ASPECTS OF electric vehicle safety
Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction in the United States. If you drive an EV or are considering buying one, there are unique safety items to know.
“There are some important differences to keep in mind if you drive an EV instead of a gaspowered vehicle,” said Jon Elkins, vice president for safety, training, and compliance for Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “While EVs can be good investments for drivers, it’s important for owners to stay up to date on unique safety precautions related to these vehicles.”
OVERALL EV SAFETY
First, it can be helpful to remember that EVs seem to hold up well in simulated crashes. According to CBS News, tests done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) showed that EVs are durable because their batteries make them heavier, offering better protection to those sitting inside.
You might be wondering about the fire safety risk of the lithium-ion batteries associated with EVs. While there are fewer EV fires than internal combustion engine fires, EV fires can pose unique challenges.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), damaged or defective lithium-ion batteries can enter a state called thermal runaway. That means the battery cells begin heating up uncontrollably, spreading from one battery cell to another and leading to
a fire. In addition, these batteries can release toxic and flammable gasses that could lead to an explosion.
AFTER AN ACCIDENT
What should you do if you’re in an accident, see smoke, flames, or smell burning coming from your EV? Here are some actions to take according to the NFPA:
• First, pull over as soon as you can safely and move to a safe location off the road.
• Once you are stopped, turn off the engine and get everyone out of the car. Do not return to the burning car for anything.
• Get everyone at least 100 feet from the burning car and well away from traffic. If you can, go where the wind blows away from the vehicle.
• Call 911 or your local emergency number and tell them there is an EV involved.
SAFE CHARGING
In addition to knowing what to do in an accident, here are some reminders from the NFPA about safely charging an EV at home:
• Remember that EVs have highvoltage batteries.
• Battery maintenance needs to be performed by the manufacturer.
• Do not touch the orange highvoltage cables.
Chris Adam is a freelance writer from Lafayette.
Celebrating National Cooperative Month
October is National Cooperative Month, so it’s a great time to highlight the good that cooperatives do. Indiana has a rich history with cooperatives. Indiana Electric Cooperatives, the service organization for the Hoosier State’s member-owned electric cooperatives and the publisher of Indiana Connection, was incorporated in 1935 and was the first organization of its kind in the country.
Learn more about why cooperatives are so special in the following pages.
A matter of principle: Co-ops help
their communities in many different ways
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES serve over 42 million people and power over 22 million businesses, homes, schools, and farms in 48 states. You might be surprised by the number of co-ops of all kinds that are around you. Co-ops have been formed to sell produce and electricity, offer financial and banking services, provide housing and health care, and so much more.
So, where did the bright idea for co-ops come from? It’s a matter of principles — seven to be exact! The modern movement traces its roots to a store started by weavers in the town of Rochdale in northern England in 1844. The group was guided by a set of principles drawn up by one of its members, Charles Howarth. When introduced in the United States by the National Grange in 1874, these “Rochdale Principles” fueled a cooperative explosion.
Although stated in many ways, the Rochdale Principles require that a cooperative be open to anyone to join.
Every member retains one voice, one vote. Electric coops hold member business meetings annually, allowing members to elect fellow consumers to guide the co-op and have a say in how their utility is run.
There must also be real member benefits. For example, members of electric cooperatives often get money back (called capital credits or patronage refunds) when the co-op is in good financial shape. Electric co-ops, as not-for-profit organizations, return more than $1 billion to their consumer-members annually.
Education remains another big focus. Electric cooperatives provide safety information in schools, share ideas on how to make your home more energy efficient to keep electric bills affordable, and make sure elected officials and opinion leaders know about the co-op business model. Because there is strength in numbers, co-ops tend to stick together when tackling regional and national issues.
The seven cooperative principles
Cooperatives worldwide operate according to the same set of core principles and values adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance. These principles are rooted in the first modern cooperative, founded in Rochdale, England. These principles are a key reason that America’s electric cooperatives operate differently from other electric utilities, putting the needs of their members first. Over the years, the original guiding principles have been altered and added to, but the seven cooperative principles are:
1 | Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations. Membership in a cooperative is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender or economic circumstances.
2 | Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors/trustees) are elected among the membership and are accountable to them. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote); cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
3 | Members’ Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, setting up reserves, benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative, and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4 | Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control as well as their unique identity.
5 | Education, Training, and Information
Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communication about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, helps boost cooperative understanding.
6 | Cooperation Among Cooperatives
By working together through local, national, regional and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies and deal more effectively with social and community needs.
7 | Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by their members.
Did you know?
Indiana’s electric cooperatives have been around for almost 90 years. Read on to learn more about Hoosier co-ops. Can you find the bolded words in the puzzle?
The first successful U.S. cooperative was organized in 1752 by Benjamin Franklin
Electric cooperatives began in the 1930s because it was not cost-effective for investor-owned utilities to string power lines into rural areas.
Indiana Electric Cooperatives, the statewide service association for electric cooperatives in Indiana, was incorporated in 1935 and was the first organization of its kind in the country.
Electric cooperatives in Indiana serve 1.3 million Hoosier homes, farms, and businesses in 89 of the state’s 92 counties.
Boone REMC, headquartered in Lebanon, was the first electric co-op in Indiana.
The co-ops are guided by the seven cooperative principles.
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Rise AND shine
Start your morning off right with a hearty breakfast
FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE
Angela Rouch, Peru
3, 8-oz French baguettes
8 oz cream cheese
2 tsp vanilla, divided
2 cups powdered sugar
2 cups fresh blueberries
6 eggs
2 cups milk
¾ cup sugar, divided
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
Grease a 3-quart baking dish. Cut each baguette into 1-inch slices, cutting to but not through the bottom of the loaf. For filling, in a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until smooth. Beat in the powdered sugar until combined. Fold in the blueberries. Arrange the baguettes side by side in the prepared dish. Spoon the filling between the baguette slices.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1/2 cup sugar, remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Pour over the bread. Cover and chill overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Uncover the dish. In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle over the bread. Bake, uncovered, 45 minutes or until the egg mixture is set, covering with foil the last 15 minutes, if necessary, to prevent overbrowning. Remove and let cool slightly.
BISCUITS AND GRAVY CASSEROLE
Marilles Mauer, Greensburg
1 lb pork sausage
¼ tsp crushed red pepper
¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
2 cups milk
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp pepper
1 can of grand biscuits (8 count)
6 large eggs
¼ cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 13x9 pan. In a skillet, brown the sausage. Add the crushed red pepper in the last few minutes of cooking. Once brown, set aside. In a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for several minutes, whisking constantly until the mixture turns golden brown. Slowly whisk in the milk, salt, onion powder, and pepper. Continue to whisk until the gravy thickens. Add ½ cup of the cooked sausage and stir to combine.
Cut the biscuits into quarters and scatter them in a single layer in the greased pan. Top with the browned sausage and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with heavy cream until well combined. Pour the egg mixture over the cheese. Pour gravy over the egg mixture and cover with the remaining 1 cup of cheese. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until lightly browned and eggs are set.
TAILGATE BREAKFAST SLIDERS
Gale Rhodes, Battle Ground
1 package slider buns
8 eggs
¼ cup milk
2 tbsp sliced chives
Kosher salt
Freshly ground
black pepper
10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
3 tbsp butter, divided
1 tsp maple syrup
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Slice the slider buns in half lengthwise. On the bottom layer of the slider buns, sprinkle 2 cups of cheddar cheese. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with milk and chives. Season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook eggs to desired consistency. Place the eggs and crumbled bacon on the bottom layer of the sliders. Top with the remaining 2 cups of cheese. Cover with the slider tops. In a small bowl, mix the butter with the maple syrup. Brush on top of the sliders. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and slider tops are golden. Makes 12 sliders.
A haunted Hoosier ROAD TRIP
Whether a fan of spooky legends or terrifying tales, this tour of some of Indiana’s haunted places has something for everyone
BY CHRIS ADAM
Avon Haunted Bridge
Photo courtesy of Visit Hendricks County
Are you a fan of fright and haunted places? Do you like to check out locations with spine-tingling tales?
If so, you don’t need to travel far. Indiana is home to many spooky locations with terrifying tales of their histories. Some of these places may be right in your backyard. This road trip features slightly scary to truly frightening places and legends across Indiana, from Fort Wayne to Evansville, with stops in between. Along the way, you can discover mansions, cemeteries, and other locations with sometimes ghastly folklore. Let’s go!
STOP 1: THE BELL MANSION, FORT WAYNE
Want to explore the unexplained? Then, visit the Bell Mansion in Fort Wayne.
It’s just one of many spooky mansions in Indiana. The Bell Mansion was a funeral home for over 90 years, where between 400,000 and 500,000 bodies were embalmed.
Paranormal tours and other events help maintain the 14,000-square-foot, 131-year-old mansion. People who work in or have visited the mansion have experienced everything from fullbody apparitions to footsteps with no one else in the building, music playing with no radio, lights being turned on, doors shutting on their own, and disembodied voices. The team at Bell Mansion has been told their spirits are super friendly and tricksters. Multiple paranormal teams who don’t know each other tell similar stories or have similar experiences.
The Bell Mansion offers ghost tours, and the historic event center can also be used for weddings and parties. Many volunteers work together to preserve it.
STOP 2: AVON HAUNTED BRIDGE, AVON
It’s time to make a stop at an Indiana bridge that’s said to be haunted. There are several legends about why ghosts could occupy the Avon Haunted Bridge.
According to Visit Indiana, one story that has circulated for years is that of a drunken rail worker who slipped during construction and was buried alive in the wet cement. The tale is that when a train goes over the bridge, people claim to still hear his moaning. Another story about the bridge is that a young mother was walking the tracks to take her sick baby to the doctor. She slipped and fell from the bridge, killing both her and her baby. At night, the sounds of the mother screaming for her infant can be heard. The last common legend is of four workers falling to their deaths into White Lick Creek. People claim to still hear thuds and splashes in the creek.
STOP 3: INDIANA STATE SANATORIUM, ROCKVILLE
The Indiana State Sanatorium in Rockville has been called the Midwest’s premier location for paranormal investigation and urban exploration.
continued on page 22
Indiana State Sanatorium
Photo courtesy of Ady Gaddis
continued from page 21
The Sanatorium was the state’s main tuberculosis hospital from 1908 to 1968. In 1976, it re-opened as a health care center. The site was a nursing home and private mental hospital until 2011, when it suddenly closed, leaving behind hundreds of beds and hospital equipment.
Today, the Sanatorium includes the historic tuberculosis hospital, nursing home, mental hospital and supporting buildings, with thousands of feet of steam tunnels.
If you want to explore this location for yourself, there are tours and paranormal investigation opportunities. You can also book the Sanatorium for special events.
STOP 4: EDNA COLLINS COVERED BRIDGE, PUTNAM COUNTY
The next stop on our road trip is another bridge — the Edna Collins Covered Bridge. According to Putnam County Historian Larry Tippin, this is the county’s shortest and most recently constructed covered bridge. Here’s the story, according to Tippin:
Some have claimed the bridge is haunted, either by Edna Collins or another young girl who was said to
have drowned in Little Walnut Creek below the bridge. Folklore suggests that this little girl’s parents would drop her off to swim at the bridge and run errands. Upon returning, they would honk their horn three times, and the child, accompanied by the family dog, would come to the parents’ car. One day, the parents returned to the bridge and honked. The family dog came running, but the child did not, and the parents found her drowned in shallow water.
Indiana State Sanatorium
Photo courtesy of Ady Gaddis
Edna Collins Bridge
Photo courtesy of Putnam County
Some stories add that the mother of the drowned child was so distraught she hung herself on the steps of a nearby church. The legend includes the warning that if a person parks by the bridge and honks three times, handprints will appear on the car windows.
Tippin adds that this legend appears to be based on factual events, but not at the Edna Collins Covered Bridge and not with the people noted.
STOP 5:
100 STEPS CEMETERY, CLAY COUNTY
Is the most haunted cemetery in Indiana near Brazil? Some say so.
The next stop on the haunted road trip is a cemetery in Clay County, known by a few names. Whether you call it the 100 Steps Cemetery, Carpenter Cemetery, or Cloverland Cemetery, it’s a magnet for folklore enthusiasts and ghost hunters.
According to Author Chris Flook, the cemetery was established during the American Civil War and is still active.
Visitors must ascend 100 steps to reach the summit.
According to Flook, a couple of ghostly legends surround this cemetery. The first is that at midnight, under a moonless sky, visitors should count 100 total steps when they reach the summit. Then, they should walk back down and count again — they might count a different number (perhaps caused by a supernatural sleight-of-hand).
The second legend is much spookier. In this one, the visitor looks down the hill from the summit and sees a caretaker who will reveal how the visitor will die. The vision was wrong if the visitor counted the same number of steps while going back down. If there is a different number, the visitor will die in the manner revealed by the phantom caretaker.
Here are two other notes about this haunted location: the cemetery was attacked by at least one body snatcher in 1892, and it’s only open from sunrise to sunset.
STOP 6:
THE BENJAMIN SCHENCK MANSION, VEVAY
This road trip includes another haunted mansion — this time in southern Indiana.
The Benjamin Schenck Mansion in Vevay is said to be one of the most haunted places in all of Indiana.
continued on page 24
100-steps cemetery
Photo courtesy of Chris Flook
The Benjamin Schenck Mansion
According to legend, the Schenck Mansion was built on the ruins of an older structure lost in a fire that consumed it and a couple trapped inside. There have also been stories about guests at the Schenck Mansion feeling the presence of “non-living guests” and single men being woken up by ghostly kisses. There have also been reports of flickering lights and unsourced sounds.
The Schenck Mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2022. In 2020, it was sold to tattoo artist and television personality Kat Von D.
STOP 7: WILLARD LIBRARY, EVANSVILLE
You may have heard about the Willard Library, as it’s gained a lot of attention from ghost hunters.
Willard Library in Evansville was built as a tribute by Willard Carpenter, who never saw its completion due to his death in 1883. Opened in 1885, the gothic-revival library was left to the Board of Trustees, bypassing his family. His daughter, Louise, unsuccessfully sued for property rights and later moved to New England, where she died in 1908.
In 1937, the first sighting of the Grey Lady Ghost occurred in the library’s basement. continued from page 23
Wayne
Vevay
Evansville
Clay County
Rockville
Avon
Putnam County
A maintenance man saw a young woman in a Victorian-era dress disappear while stocking the furnace with coal. The Grey Lady Ghost has since made her presence known through the scent of perfume, distant crying, and books falling off shelves. Several sightings have also been captured on the library’s 24/7 ghost cams, which were installed in the early 2000s.
These haunted road trip stops are just the tip of the iceberg regarding scary places in Indiana. There are hundreds of locations across the state that have the potential to give you a fright. The opportunity to experience paranormal activity could be closer than you think.
Willard Library
Photo courtesy of Willard Library
GRAB A FORK AND BUCKLE UP
The Hoosier Pie Trail offers endless varieties for every kind of pie connoisseur
For fans of flaky crusts and an abundance of filling across Indiana, the Hoosier Pie Trail beckons. Indiana Foodways Alliance, a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to the celebration, promotion, and preservation of the authentic food culture of Indiana, has compiled a list of 36 stops throughout the state.
What’s your pleasure? Crispy, nutty, fruity, or velvety smooth? Seasonal, traditional, historical? The list includes diners, restaurants, candy stores, and even a brewery offering anything your palate might desire. Below, we highlight three stops that might tempt your appetite for travel and gastronomic adventure.
With 1940s beginnings as humble as the sugar cream pie believed to have been brought to the state in the mid-1800s by the Shaker community, Mrs. Wick’s Restaurant & Pie Shop has turned Indiana’s sweet trademark into a culinary empire, staking its claim as “the largest sugar cream pie manufacturer in the world.”
Still a Wickersham family enterprise with a restaurant and retail outlet at their full-service bakery on Cherry Street, Wick’s Pies include chicken, turkey, and beef, and dozens of dessert pies diners may eat in or have shipped. Just a sampling includes all the standards you would expect,
DAS DUTCHMAN ESSENHAUS
240 U.S. 20, Middlebury essenhaus.com | 574-825-9471
Opened in 1971 by Bob and Sue Miller as an Amish-style restaurant, Das Dutchman Essenhaus has grown to include an inn, conference center, and a bakery that landed the business on the Hoosier Pie Trail. In addition to pastries, bread, cookies, cakes, and muffins, the establishment’s pie menu offers about three dozen seasonal selections and several sugar-free options. The list includes shoofly, praline pecan cream, chocolate peanut butter banana, butterscotch, and their top two bestsellers, red raspberry cream and Dutch apple.
STORIE’S RESTAURANT
109 E. Main St., Greensburg facebook.com/storiesrestaurant | 812-663-9948
In the small town made famous for the tree growing from the top of its courthouse tower, Tony and Gega Sharp purchased Storie’s Restaurant in 2021, complete with the family recipes served there since its opening by the Storie family in 1977.
On the menu is the tale of the “tower tree,” as well as Storie’s comfort food staples, like its tenderloin sandwich, homemade meatloaf, and fried chicken. The restaurant’s dessert menu consists of an assortment of pies, including the traditional sugar cream and Reese’s pie, with an Oreo cookie crust, peanut butter, and melted chocolate topping. Whether fruit, cream, baked, or meringue, all the pies are made fresh in-store, sold whole or by the slice. About 150 pies are sold per week, with Sunday’s leftovers sold at
Veni Fields is a journalist and freelance writer from Virginia Beach.
To see all the Hoosier Pie Trail stops and to plan other culinary adventures with Indiana Foodways Alliances’ 20 other food trails, go to indianafoodways.com/trails.
A right-of-way in Hoosier National Forest was seeded and is growing into an environmentally friendly pollinator habitat.
A COMMITMENT TO HABITAT PROTECTION
Hoosier Energy receives Pollinate Program grant for purposeful vegetation management
Two years ago, Hoosier Energy became the first generation and transmission cooperative to receive a Certificate of Inclusion for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Nationwide Candidate Conservation Agree with Assurances (CCAA) for the monarch butterfly.
That commitment to integrated vegetation management and the practices encouraging habitat maintenance and development continues to reap benefits.
This summer, Hoosier Energy was one of 11 utilities awarded a grant from the Pollinate Program at the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Energy Resources Center. The $10,000 award will help develop an integrated vegetation management plan to maintain pollinator habitat on rights-of-way within the Hoosier National Forest.
It sounds simple enough, but the Monarch CCAA tied all the moving pieces together.
The project dates back to late 2021 when Hoosier Energy approached Hoosier National Forest about using herbicidal spray to control incompatible, woody-stemmed vegetation within the rights-of-way instead of mowing and, in some cases, hand-cutting brush.
With the Monarch CCAA in hand in 2022, Hoosier Energy began to file the paperwork necessary to revise its permit with Hoosier National Forest to allow the use of herbicides.
After going through local and regional levels, the request headed to Washington, D.C., where the decision was made that Hoosier Energy qualified for a categorical exclusion of “collaborative effort” with Hoosier National Forest for habitat development thanks to the Monarch CCAA.
“It was the first time that categorical exclusion had been used in this scenario,” said Dave Appel, Hoosier Energy Environmental Team Lead. “It was a landmark decision Washington came up with.”
The paperwork is ongoing with hopes of a final resolution in late 2024, but as this process was taking place, the opportunity to apply for the Pollinate Program award came up.
The goal is to use the grant money to develop new habitats and maintain ones already seeded. There was also a recent meeting with biologists from Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever at potential sites for future habitats.
It’s further proof that the Monarch CCAA was a worthwhile investment.
“This is a big win for Hoosier Energy,” Appel said. “As the first co-op G&T in the country to enter into this agreement, we see so many benefits to our enrollment.”
BE PREPARED. HAVE A BACK-UP.
BE PREPARED. HAVE A BACK-UP.
22kW Air Cooled unit (Model 7142)
200 amp transfer switch and 7-year par ts/labor warrant y
22kW Air Cooled unit (Model 7142)
200 amp transfer switch and 7-year par ts/labor warrant y
Our cer tified technicians install and maintain the 22kW unit s we sell.
Our cer tified technicians install and maintain the 22kW unit s we sell.
