Ohio Cooperative Living – February 2023 - Midwest

Barn gallery

Fine art from the farm

A winter storm that cost too much

This past Christmas brought a blast of cold winter weather like we haven’t seen in several years. As we’ve come to expect when that kind of weather hits, people worked tirelessly across much of the country to keep the lights on and to restore power where and when it was lost.

Planners, engineers, and system operators worked diligently day and night to address frozen equipment and fuel supply shortages and to make needed adjustments to meet the high demand for electricity. Power plant employees worked around the clock to keep their plants running while wind chills dipped down near 40 below zero, creating challenges to keep critical equipment operating.

The high winds resulted in scattered power outages and broken power lines across Ohio and the entire Midwest and created brutal and dangerous working conditions for lineworkers tasked with making repairs to restore needed electric service.

As our electric system was stretched to its limits (once again), the market price of electricity exploded to 50 times its normal level. It was difficult to come to terms with that skyrocketing expense.

Tragically, however, money was not the highest cost. One young lineworker, Blake Rodgers, lost his life while working to restore electric service to members of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative in southern Ohio.

Like nearly all of you, I did not know and never met Blake Rodgers. We can only pray for, and offer condolences to, his family and friends who will miss him the rest of their time on Earth. And we can honor the service and sacrifice of electric cooperative employees everywhere who work to provide this most essential and life-sustaining service to our homes and businesses. Thanks to all of them.

And God bless Blake Rodgers. May he rest in peace.

Pat O’Loughlin PRESIDENT & CEO OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

We honor the service and sacrifice of electric cooperative employees everywhere who work to provide this most essential and lifesustaining service.

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives

6677 Busch Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757

www.ohiocoopliving.com

Patrick O’Loughlin President & CEO

Caryn Whitney Director of Communications

POWER LINES

Jeff

McCallister Managing Editor Amy Howat Associate Editor Crystal Pomeroy Graphic Designer

Contributors: Margaret Buranen, Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, Randy Edwards, David Gattie, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Catherine Murray, Craig Springer, and Margie Wuebker.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. It is the official communication link between the electric cooperatives in Ohio and West Virginia and their members. Subscription cost for members ranges from $5.52 to $6.96 per year, paid from equity accruing to the member.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising offices at: 6677 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101. Periodicals postage paid at Pontiac, IL 61764, and at additional mailing offices. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved. The fact that a product is advertised in Ohio Cooperative Living should not be taken as an endorsement. If you find an advertisement misleading or a product unsatisfactory, please notify us or the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Section, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215. Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, OH, and at additional mailing offices.

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Power play: National interests are best served by an all-of-the-above energy approach. 8

CO-OP PEOPLE

A look at yesteryear: Ohio artist Gary Stretar paints rural landscapes as they once looked. 10 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Nothing succeeds like Success: The incredible, and fraudulent, tale of a long-forgotten Lake Erie shipwreck.

Spice of life: Cinnamon, once more valuable than gold, is still a treasured ingredient in most everyone’s kitchen.

LOCAL PAGES News and information from your electric cooperative.

What’s happening: February/ March events and other things to do around Ohio.

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Beautiful barns: Our readers sought out some of the best rural landscapes the state has to offer.

Visit Ohio Cooperative Living magazine online at www.ohiocoopliving.com! Read past issues and watch videos about our articles or our recipes. Our site features an expanded Member Interactive area where you can share your stories, recipes, and photos and find content submitted by other co-op members across the state.

POWER LINES

Power play

National interests are best served by an all-of-the-above energy approach.

BY DAVID GATTIE

During an unprecedented crisis in NASA’s Apollo program, Ohio native and Apollo 13’s flight director, Gene Kranz, looked out across his mission control room and said: “OK, let’s everybody keep cool. Let’s solve the problem, but let’s not make it any worse by guessing.”

Composed, rational thinking. It’s crucial when problems are unknown, unfolding, and likely to compound with bad decisions. It’s also needed in the current debate around America’s energy and electric power sectors.

The U.S. economy, the largest and most important industrialized economy in the world, was built and currently stands on abundant, reliable energy resources. Fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewables have electrified America, energized its transportation sector, provided high-temperature industrial heat for manufacturing, and bolstered its military — the world’s most powerful and lethal.

However, climate change concerns are reorienting America’s energy and electric power debate to carbon reduction, and policies are being proposed for an energy transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewables. While nuclear power is not excluded in all transition proposals, nuclear is generally marginalized in favor of the preferred resources — renewables.

Never before has the U.S. debated eschewing the conventional energy resources on which its economy stands. And for good reason.

Energy resources and electricity aren’t merely market commodities or climate change issues — they’re foundational to America’s national security. And it has been generally understood that a hallmark of America’s energy and national security legacy is an abundant, domestic supply of diverse energy resources to provide the U.S. with flexibility and resilience in times of economic disruption and geopolitical disturbance.

This is critical for ensuring a resilient electric power grid: storable coal and nuclear to provide consistent baseload power; flexible natural gas for responding to minute-by-minute fluctuations in demand; and zero-carbon, cost-competitive renewables to fill in when available. Diverse resources, while not interchangeable, are crucial as each resource provides unique operational characteristics that ensure resilience.

The national security value of energy, however, extends beyond U.S. borders. America is facing some of the greatest global challenges in its history, with energy embedded in many of them.

Russia has invaded Ukraine and weaponized oil and natural gas to create severe shortages in Europe and supply disruptions globally. Russia has also established itself as a global leader in civilian nuclear exports — a position once occupied solely by the U.S. but lost, in part, because of policy decisions in the 1990s.

China, through its Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has emerged as the most serious threat to U.S.

security as it seeks to become the world’s greatest superpower. To that end, the CCP is deepening oil and natural gas ties with Russia and the Middle East while monopolizing the global market on minerals and metals used in manufacturing solar panels, electric vehicles, and batteries — the very technologies prioritized in the proposed U.S. energy transition. At a more comprehensive level, China is leveraging its Belt and Road Initiative to help emerging nations industrialize their economies around all energy resources, including fossil fuels and nuclear power.

Over the past decade, the U.S. has established itself as a global leader in oil and natural gas production. In doing so, it has achieved a level of energy selfsufficiency while establishing important energy partnerships with key allies and emerging economies around the world. However, as the U.S. considers restructuring its economy around carbon reduction, China, Russia, and other authoritarian nations aren’t debating energy as a climate issue. They’re debating it as an instrument of national power to advance their interests — interests that often are in opposition to America’s. Consequently, a U.S. divestment from fossil fuels will create vacuums in global energy trade — which will be filled by energy-rich nations eager to displace the U.S. in any way they can.

Climate change is a threat that should not be dismissed, but there’s only so much the U.S. can

do unilaterally. From 2000 to 2020, global carbon emissions increased 35.7%, with over 78% of this originating in China. During this same period, total U.S. carbon emissions decreased 22.8%, while carbon emissions from the U.S. power sector decreased 37.1%. This is a global issue with global sources and global impacts, and those impacts will not stop at U.S. borders simply because the U.S. has decarbonized its own economy. In fact, an electric power sector based predominantly on weather-dependent energy resources may be highly vulnerable to impacts of a changing climate.

This said, the U.S. should focus on shoring up all critical infrastructure subject to rising sea levels, droughts, and any other enduring climate shifts that could disrupt critical services.

When Gene Kranz looked across that mission control room, he could see myriad instrument panels. But it never crossed his mind to try and get that crew home safely by focusing on just one panel. Yet, America is considering a complete restructuring of its economy to dial down a single gauge on the complex instrument panel that is America’s economy and national security.

Given that America is facing multiple security challenges from multiple competitors on multiple fronts, this is worse than guessing. It’s gambling against a stacked deck.

Guest columnist David Gattie is an associate professor of engineering at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Engineering, and a senior fellow at UGA’s Center for International Trade and Security. He has testified before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on energy, climate and nuclear power policy.

Throughout the ages, there have been many important advances in mobility. Canes, walkers, rollators, and scooters were created to help people with mobility issues get around and retain their independence. Lately, however, there haven’t been any new improvements to these existing products or developments in this field. Until now. Recently, an innovative design engineer who’s developed one of the world’s most popular products created a completely new breakthrough . . . a personal electric vehicle. It’s called the Zinger, and there is nothing out there quite like it.

“What my wife especially loves is it gives her back feelings of safety and independence which has given a real boost to her confidence and happiness! Thank You!”

–Kent C., California

The first thing you’ll notice about the Zinger is its unique look. It doesn’t look like a scooter. Its sleek, lightweight yet durable frame is made with aircraft grade aluminum so it weighs only 47.2 lbs. It features one-touch folding and unfolding – when folded it can be wheeled around like a suitcase and fits easily into a backseat or trunk. Then, there are the steering levers. They enable the Zinger to move forward, backward,

turn on a dime and even pull right up to a table or desk. With its compact yet powerful motor it can go up to 6 miles an hour and its rechargeable battery can go up to 8 miles on a single charge. With its low center of gravity and inflatable tires it can handle rugged terrain and is virtually tip-proof. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life.

The Zinger folds to a mere 10 inches.

Why take our word for it? Call now, and find out how you can get a Zinger of your very own.

A look at yesteryear

When young Gary Stretar wasn’t playing sports, he was busy drawing something. He didn’t grow up to become an athlete, but two childhood influences cemented that second pastime into a rewarding career.

Stretar grew up in the western suburbs of Cleveland. Inspired by proximity to Lake Erie, he painted mostly seascapes in watercolors. He took art classes in high school and college, but didn’t major in art. He preferred creating realistic art to styles of art that were popular at the time. Today, he displays his work in a gallery on his property, and travels to sell his works at various shows around the country.

While he credits his wife, Mary, also a talented painter, for improving his painting, it was two early influences that gave him his inspiration.

The first was his teacher in both fifth and sixth grades, Miss Paul. Stretar says he didn’t learn much more in college art classes than what Miss Paul had already taught him. “Teachers don’t always challenge kids to learn more, but she did,” he says. “She wasn’t afraid to teach us

[advanced art techniques of] perspective, line, color values. A lot of us in her classes went on to art careers.”

The second influence was a schoolmate (and still friend) who invited Stretar to visit his family’s farm in Holmes County. Stretar ended up spending countless hours on that 150-acre tract, painting and visualizing. “It was a completely different world for me,” he says.

After the Stretars married, they continued living in the Cleveland area for a while, but they dreamed of one day living in an old house in the country. When they realized their dream and moved to a converted dairy farm near Spencer — where they are members of LorainMedina Rural Electric Cooperative — Stretar switched from painting those Lake Erie seascapes, mostly using watercolors, to painting rural landscapes, primarily in oil.

“I found that oils gave me more flexibility in what and how I could paint,” he says.

Stretar’s art studio is a converted dairy barn. Their 1835 Greek Revival house overlooks Mary’s extensive flower and vegetable gardens.

STORY BY MARGARET BURANEN; PHOTOS COURTESY OF GARY STRETAR

Many landscape artists set up their easels outside and paint their surroundings, a technique known as plein air, or they photograph a scene to paint later. Not Stretar. “Almost never do I paint [while] on-site,” he says. “And rarely do I photograph a scene to paint later.”

Instead, he makes a small, 3-by-5-inch sketch of what he wants to include in a painting. Then later, he starts painting scenes from memory. For authenticity of detail — such as the angle of a barn’s roof — he relies on the approximately 100 books on styles of rural architecture that he owns.

Stretar’s aim in his painting is “to make a farm look the way it did before the 1860s, so that early farmers would recognize it.”

His paintings portray farms before mechanization, when farmers used only oxen or draft horses. Because he doesn’t include people or animals, his art conveys both a sense of timelessness and a bit of mystery.

Stretar sells as many winter landscapes as he does paintings showing all the other seasons combined. He

notes that “the winter color palette is closer to those of the Dutch Masters,” who influence his style of painting, along with painters of the Hudson River School and French Barbizon School.

Stretar says that the most rewarding part of creating his paintings is “when a client says that a painting ‘takes me back to when I was a child.’”

Besides their artist parents, the Stretars’ five children learned about art from their maternal grandmother. Her watercolor paintings became illustrations for many greeting cards.

Several of the Stretars’ children are full- or part-time artists today. Daughter Ruth, a hairdresser, sells her watercolors at her salon. Son Luke has his own painting studio in Richfield. Son Caleb is a sculptor and painter. “They had a great art teacher, Dean Shaffer, here at Black River High School,” Stretar notes.

To view Stretar’s paintings, visit www.garystretar. com. His gallery is open by appointment only.

Ohio artist Gary Stretar paints rural landscapes as they once looked.

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Nothing succeeds like Success

BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

There has likely never been a more ironic name for a prison ship than Success. The vessel — which was a Lake Erie icon for more than a decade — was successful in another sense: She was the focus of the longest and largest nautical hoax in the history of the Great Lakes, and possibly all of North America.

Measuring 135 feet in length and having three masts, Success was built in 1840 in India during the days of sail. Early in her long career, she made trips transporting immigrants from England to Australia, then functioned for several years as a prison ship, anchored in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo Bay. But it was when the ship’s owners put her up for sale that Success sailed into nautical history.

A group of promoters purchased the ship, planning to sail her around the world for the public to board and

tour — for a price, of course. But before her debut, they believed Success needed a bit of refurbishing.

They brought aboard some unusual equipment: handcuffs, leg irons, branding irons, metal straightjackets, a triangle-shaped whipping post, even a medieval torture device known as an iron maiden.

And they painted on the sides of the hull, in large black letters, the words “Convict Ship.”

None of the apparatuses had ever been on the ship previously, let alone used, but no matter. The promoters even went so far as to erroneously add half a century to the ship’s age. So now, Success had not only been converted to a “convict ship,” complete with all her ghastly accoutrements, but was also the “oldest and most historic ship afloat.”

The public ate it up, no questions asked.

Sailing from England, Success arrived in Boston in slow 99-day transatlantic trip — after which her captain for the voyage complained, “She sails like a bale of hay.” She toured major U.S. cities along America’s east and west coasts and the Gulf of Mexico, then sailed up the Mississippi, stopping at major ports along the way. Next, making her way up the Ohio River, she visited Cincinnati, Wheeling, and Pittsburgh in 1918 and 1919. In 1923, Success Lakes, where she toured for the next five years.

By 1924 — and despite protests from the Australian government about its entirely made-up history — Success was such a popular attraction at Toledo that local papers reported, “Every day since its arrival here, it has been visited by good-sized crowds.” Other Lake Erie ports included Lorain, Cleveland, and Sandusky, where she often docked for weeks at Cedar Point amusement park.

Her owner in 1925, a Captain David H. Smith, described his ship as “a tremendous paying game.” A conservative estimate of the ship’s income during the 1920s was $450,000 annually, equivalent to many millions in today’s dollars.

Unfortunately, the good times were not to last. With the stock market crash of 1929, the largesse of the Roaring ’ ended, ushering in the Great Depression. During the Americans struggled to make ends meet, let alone have money enough left over for entertainment. The crowds dwindled, then eventually stopped coming altogether, and Success popularity and into disrepair.

Purchased by a businessman in Port Clinton, Ohio, in the fall of 1945, the decrepit old hulk was being towed from Cleveland to Port Clinton when she ran aground and stuck fast on a sandbar about a half-mile from shore off the Port Clinton swimming beach. There she remained mired until the evening of July 4, set her afire just to watch her burn.

More than 1,700 shipwrecks lie at the bottom of Lake Erie, only 277 of which have been located. Success is one of those that have been identified, with what is left of her wooden keel, ribs, planking, and metal parts lying in just 8 to 10 feet of water. Today, divers are welcome to investigate Success and 32 other shipwrecks in Ohio’s Lake Erie waters.

Chip Gross is Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor.

To learn more about ghost ships and their locations, visit www.ohioshipwrecks.org.

The incredible, and fraudulent, tale of a long-forgotten Lake Erie shipwreck.

2 Trays – Diced Chicken Breasts (2.5 lb.)

2 Trays – Chicken Breast Strips (2.5 lb.)

2 Trays – Thin-Sliced Chicken Breasts (2.4 lb.)

1 Package – Organic Ground Chicken (1.5 lb.) Chicken

FREE –2 More Trays Diced Chicken Breasts (2.5 lb.)

FREE – 2 More Trays Chicken Breast Strips (2.5 lb.)

Cinnamon, once more valuable than gold, is still a treasured ingredient in most everyone’s kitchen.

Spice of life APPLE CINNAMON MONKEY BREAD

Prep: 15 minutes | Bake: 45 minutes | Servings: 8 ½ cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon ¼ cup butter, melted

2 16.3-ounce cans buttermilk biscuits (refrigerated tubes) 2 large tart apples, peeled and chopped 1 cup powdered sugar 1 tablespoon milk

In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces and add to the bowl with the cinnamon and sugar, along with the apples. Toss many times to coat. Heat oven to 350 F. Transfer coated biscuits and apples into a greased bundt pan. Pour butter evenly over top, then press down lightly on the top. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown across top and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes, then run knife around edge of pan to loosen. Place heatproof serving plate over pan and flip over. Slowly loosen pan from bread. Whisk together powdered sugar and milk into an icing. Drizzle icing over bread. (If icing doesn’t drizzle easily, add a little more milk.) Bread is easy to serve and eat — just pull apart into chunks with your hands!

Per serving: 556 calories, 22 grams fat (10 grams saturated fat), 15 milligrams cholesterol, 1,237 milligrams sodium, 84 grams total carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 8 grams protein.

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY CATHERINE MURRAY

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Servings: 6 ½ cup bread crumbs Small sweet onion, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon ground coriander 2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon dried mint 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon salt

teaspoon black pepper 1 lemon, zested and juiced

GREEK MEATBALLS

1 pound lean ground beef or lamb

In a large bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, onion, half of the minced garlic, coriander, cinnamon, mint, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Add in ground meat and egg, incorporating with your hands. If you have some extra time, refrigerate mixture for 30 to 60 minutes — it will help the meatballs hold their shape.

Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Dredge each in flour, coating lightly then shaking off excess. Heat olive oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add some meatballs, leaving space in between them. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, rolling them around to cook evenly. Transfer meatballs to a plate covered with a paper towel to soak up excess oil. Repeat with remaining meatballs. Make Tzatziki sauce by mixing together the remaining half of the minced garlic, lemon juice, sour cream, cucumber, and dill. Dip meatballs in the accompanying Tzatziki sauce as an appetizer, or serve both on top of a pita, Greek salad, or rice bowl for a full meal.

Per serving: 355 calories, 20 grams fat (9 grams saturated fat), 111 milligrams cholesterol, 551 milligrams sodium, 18 grams total carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 27 grams protein.

Prep: 10 minutes | Bake: 60 minutes | Servings: 2

Stu ed sweet potatoes

2 medium sweet potatoes

2 tablespoons cinnamon butter (recipe at right)

4 tablespoons chopped pecans

1 banana, sliced

½ cup miniature marshmallows

Cinnamon butter

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

1 tablespoon honey

½ tablespoon powdered sugar

1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon

NOTE: Try the cinnamon butter on pancakes, mu ns, biscuits, toast, and peanut butter sandwiches. The stu ed sweet potatoes are perfect for a decadent breakfast or warming winter dessert.

Preheat oven to 400 F. Poke some holes in the skin of the sweet potatoes with a fork and place on a baking sheet. (Sweet potatoes leak sticky syrup when baking.) Bake 45 to 60 minutes, or until potatoes are soft when lightly squeezed. Meanwhile, make cinnamon butter by combining butter, honey, powdered sugar, and cinnamon with an immersion blender or food processor. Set aside.

Remove potatoes from oven and cool on baking sheet for a few minutes until they’re easier to handle. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and fluff/mash the insides a bit with a fork. Slather cinnamon butter over the open potatoes, tuck in banana slices and sprinkle with marshmallows, pecans, and some extra cinnamon. Turn oven to broil and place baking sheet back in the oven, keeping a close eye. Warm and toast marshmallows to your desired color. Serve while hot.

Per serving: 521 calories, 22 grams fat (8 grams saturated fat), 31 milligrams cholesterol, 254 milligrams sodium, 80 grams total carbohydrates, 12 grams fiber, 5 grams protein.

CINNAMON BUTTER-STUFFED SWEET POTATOES

Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, diced

2 large carrots, diced

3 to 4 cups chopped Swiss chard (separate stems from leaves)

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger (peeled)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne

1 14.5-ounce can tomatoes

3 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 lemon, juiced

3 cups vegetable stock

2 cinnamon sticks

2 bay leaves

½ cup golden raisins (optional)

Heat olive oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and Swiss chard stems and sauté, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, and cayenne and sauté another minute or so. Add tomatoes, chickpeas, lemon juice and broth, then stir. If vegetables aren’t fully covered, add a bit of water. Submerge cinnamon sticks and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 30 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks and bay leaves, stir in Swiss chard leaves and raisins, cook another 5 minutes or so, and serve.

Per serving: 472 calories, 7 grams fat (1 gram saturated fat), 0 milligrams cholesterol, 835 milligrams sodium, 89 grams total carbohydrates, 6 grams fiber, 19 grams protein.

Moroccan Spiced Chickpea Soup

Have you tried one of our recipes? Do you have a recipe to share with other Ohio co-op members? Visit the Member Interactive page on www.ohiocoopliving.com to find recipes submitted by our readers and to upload yours.

www.ohiocoopliving.com

While you’re there, check out a video of a few of our recipes being prepared.

Part 9: aN educational industry series from your CEO

Averting crisis a forced

Matt Berry, CEO mberry@midwestrec.com

I’m writing this column in mid-December, before any real cold weather hits. Hopefully, by the time you read this, the warnings below will have passed without danger. But “hopefully” is no way for a nation of abundance to run its energy systems.

Here’s what was issued in early December: The North American Electric Reliability Corp.’s (NERC) Winter Reliability Assessment warns that “a large portion of the North American [bulk power system] is at risk of insu cient electricity supplies during peak winter conditions,” with “higher peakdemand projections, inadequate generator weatherization, fuel supply risks, and natural gas infrastructure” contributing to threats to several regions.

Projections like this are becoming common, whether it’s leading into summer or winter. Regardless of whether it comes to be this winter, these reports from unbiased, neutral watchdogs are a clear and constant warning about the nationwide consequences of continuing a haphazard energy transition.

Assessments like NERC’s paint a stark and disheartening picture of the reliability challenges facing large swaths of the United States. As the demand for electricity is outpacing the available supply, consumers face an inconceivable but real threat of rolling blackouts.

It doesn’t have to be this way. We have the fuel sources — whether it’s natural gas, coal, or nuclear — to supply our nation’s energy needs. But government policy is forcing the closure of reliable and affordable power sources in exchange for intermittent and unreliable wind and solar that has to be massively subsidized with government grants and tax breaks.

And it’s being forced upon us under the guise of eliminating carbon in America as the solution to the world’s problems. If you asked the average person, they would think America is

the world’s leading polluter because of misleading or untrue information from the media and politicians.

The facts tell a different story. As my final column in this series, I want to reprint some points I included in June’s column.

The chart above is from David Gattie of the University of Georgia’s College of Engineering and Center for International

OFFICIAL NOTICE

Petition forms available to run for Midwest Electric’s board of directors

Do you want to give back to your community? This may be your chance to be a part of the decision-making body that governs the policies of Midwest Electric and sets the cooperative’s direction and focus. Two of the eight seats on the co-op board of directors are up for election. Voting will be conducted by mail and online, with results announced at the annual meeting on June 3, 2023.

Any member residing in a district up for election may become a candidate by obtaining a petition form from the co-op’s office and obtaining at least 15 valid signatures of members who reside within that district. For this year’s elections, petitions may be filed by members who reside in:

District 1 (3-year term): Auglaize and Shelby counties

District 2 (3-year term): Allen and Putnam counties

The board meets monthly to review the financial and operating performance of your cooperative. The group reviews reports from the CEO and department managers and provides general direction for management decisions.

Other important issues — such as long-term planning and whether to change electric rates — are also acted upon by the board. Candidates commit to strive to do what is in the best long-term interests of the cooperative and its members.

How to apply

Candidates must complete the official petition packet and turn it in to the co-op’s office after March 17 and no later than 8 a.m. on May 1. Call us at 800-962-3830 for a petition packet or to learn more.

Trade and Security. According to Gattie, coal accounts for 40.2% of world CO2 emissions. Of that, China is responsible for the most coal-based CO2 emissions. And their share is growing rapidly as China continues to build coal power plants (while the U.S. shuts down coal power plants).

Coal power in the U.S. accounts for less than 3% of global CO2 emissions! Completely eliminate that 3% — completely eliminate all coal power plants in the U.S. — and you will see practically no CO2 environmental benefit.

What you will see, however: higher electricity prices and more blackouts as we trade a stable source of electricity for intermittent and less reliable forms of power generation.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration:

• US CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use have decreased by 853 million metric tons from 2005 to 2019, a 14% reduction

• U.S. electric power sector CO2 emissions have decreased by 798 million metric tons from 2005 to 2019, a 33% reduction, which accounts for 93% of total U.S. emission reductions during this time

• Meanwhile, world CO2 emissions have increased by 7,153

million metric tons from 2005 to 2018, a 24 7% increase — mostly in China, Russia, etc.

The entire European Union now emits less carbon than India and about one-third as much as China. In fact, if every American and European stopped emitting carbon entirely and went back to living in caves, the world as a whole would still produce more carbon dioxide now than it did 20 years ago, according to journalist and author Robert Bryce.

Read the complete series online

For those who want to read my complete series, visit midwestrec.com/CEO-industry-series or scan the QR code at left. I’d love to hear from you on what you learned, or any other feedback you may have. Thanks for following with me these last few months!

“Averting a Forced Crisis” – CEO column, continued from page 17

Midwest Electric is budgeting $3.3 million in investments in power reliability and electric operations in 2023. After 13 years, since its last rate increase in 2010, the cooperative is planning a moderate rate increase later in 2023.

Primary 2023 work plan components include:

• Continuing the multiyear installation of a distribution automation (DA) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, which will reduce the length of major outages by using automation to remotely and quickly transfer load (or “backfeed”) from one source to another. The goal is to eventually make this switching capability available system-wide to 17 substations and metering points.

• Pole testing in the Moulton delivery point and Cridersville substation areas. All 33 ,000 of Midwest Electric’s poles are tested on a 10 -year cycle for sturdiness and reliability. Typically, less than 1 % fail the test, and those are replaced.

• Buying new equipment, which includes meters, transformers, line reclosers, voltage regulators, and poles.

• Tree trimming in the Bluelick, Rockport, and Noble

substation areas. Tree pruning is performed on a five-year cycle throughout the co-op’s 1,536 miles of power line. Trees and branches are a primary cause of power outages and blinking lights.

• Additional information technology (IT) hardware and software as technology expands deeper into our electric operations areas such as digital electric meters, SCADA, DA, and remote monitoring and control.

“Our engineering staff does an impressive job of planning for the future growth and power reliability needs of our members, and the operations crews are dedicated to restoring power safely and e ciently,” says CEO Matt Berry.

For updates on construction throughout the year, follow Midwest Electric on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Have questions about upcoming construction in your area? Give Midwest Electric’s o ce a call at 800 -962 -3830

HELP US FIND THESE PEOPLE

Midwest Electric is trying to locate the following customers who may be entitled to unclaimed patronage cash back paid in December 2018. If you recognize a name on the list, notify the person. If the person is deceased, let one of their relatives know about the unclaimed check. The person, relative, or guardian must contact our o ce for the check to be issued. After proper notification, any unclaimed funds from December 2018 will be reassigned to current members following the guidelines established in the cooperative’s Code of Regulations. This searchable list is also available on our website at www.midwestrec.com > My Co-op > Patronage Cash Back.

360 COMMUNICATIONS CO

A J MAINTENANCE

ACCORD HAROLD

ACKERMAN ZANDRA L

ADAMS DOUGLAS W

ALBRIGHT DENNIS S

ALEXANDER HOMES

ALEXANDER JIM R

ALLEN AUNA N

ALLEN JAMIE L

ALLEN JOHN S

ALLENBAUGH CHARLES

ALLTEL

COMMUNICATIONS

ALTSTAETTER CHAD

AMOS REX

AMSTUTZ MICHAEL

ANDERSON BRET K

ANDERSON KIMBERLY S

ANDERSON TOD E

ANDREWS ERIC

ANDREWS MICHELLE R

ARMSTRONG PHOEBE E

ASHBY CHARLES M

AUGSBURGER LACINDA E

AUGSBURGER M JEAN

AUSTIN AMANDA M

AYERS BENJAMIN E

AZARELLO’S REALTY

AZZALINA CARL

B & D CONSTRUCTION

BACK JAMIE

BACOME THOMAS G

BADGETT WILLIAM T

BAILEY DORAMAE

BAILEY ERNEST E

BAKER JEANEEN

BAKER NICK

BAKER TAMATHA L

BALDAUF ALFRED E

BALL TENIA

BALLINGER WALLY

BALTES KEN J

BANDO MASAKUNI

BANKS PATRICIA

BARBIAN CARY D

BARGDILL CONNIE

BARKER GLEN E

BARLAGE CHARLENE A

BARNES LYNN

BARRIENTOS JODY L

BARTHOLOMEW THAD

BARTON BECKY

BASINGER SARA

BAUER SETH

BAUM JEFFREY L

BAUMER CHERYL A

BEAR MARTHA

BECKER JAMES

BEEBE BRENT

BELCHER ERIK M

BELL DAVID

BELL JOHN PII

BENSON TINA

BERG JAMES

BERRY CHARLES

BERRY EILEEN

BETHEL CHURCH

BETZ HOWARD L

BETZ JACK H

BIANCO ANDREW SJR

BICE JASON

BIDDINGER CAROLSUE

BIDDINGER LORI J

BIEDERMAN WALTER

BIESEL KYLE D

BINKLEY BRIAN T

BIR CHARLES F

BIVONA STEPHEN M

BLACK ALVA L

BLACK JOHN J

BLACKBURN MARILYN

BLAKE DOUGLAS

BLANKE ROBERT W

BLANKENSHIP JOHN R

BLANKENSHIP KARLYN

BLEVINS CARY

BOATRIGHT CHARLES D

BODIKER DENNIS

BOECKMAN VIRGINIA

BOEDICKER DANNY

BOEHME CHARLES E

BOEHRINGER WILMA D

BOES MICHAEL M

BOHLANDER JUNE

BOLIN MONTIE L

BONFIELD DANA L

BORGERDING HAROLD V

BOROFF RANDY

BOTTORFF JEFFERY S

BOUGHAN JASON

BOUKATER HERBERT

BOWEN PAMELA

BOWERSOCK MIKE

BOWERSOCK VON K

BOWLIN GEORGE W

BOYD KENNETH

BRABANT RICHARD E

BRAHMA GROUP

BRANNON CRANDALL G

BREAD OF LIFE FELLOWSHI

BRENNEMAN ANDREW JR

BRENNEMAN RODNEY M

BRICKLER WILLIAM JR

BRICKLER WILLIAM RSR

BROCKMAN DENNIS

BROCKMAN JOANN

BROUGHTON KEITH

BROWN CASH

BROWN CHRIS M

BROWN DAMON R

BROWN JEFF R

BROWN KELLI

BROWN MARY L

BROWN REBECCA A

BROWN RONALD A

BROWN SHIRLEY

BROWNING ROYDEN

BRUHN JACK L

BRUNS DAN T

BRUNS ROBERT E

BRYAN HEATHER

BUDDE MARC E

BUMBALOUGH DALE

BURDEN HELEN L

BURDEN JR MIKE W

BURRELL JEFFREY A

BUSCHOR JEFF

BUTLER TIMOTHY R

BYRD MICHAEL D

BYRON JAMES L

CALL CLYDE

CALLAHAN JOHN

CALVERT SANDRA K

CAMPBELL MABEL R

CAMPBELL SHEILA

CAMPBELL SHELIA

CAMPBELL VIOLET

CARNES MARTHA A

CARPENTER RANDY

CARROLL CHARLES E

CARTER NICHOLAS

CARTER RICK

CASEY JOE

CASTILLO CARLOS

CATRON ARNOLD

CAUDILL DRUSCILLA K

CAUDILL EFFIE M

CHAFFINS SHEILA

CHANCE DAVID M

CHARLES STEPHANIE

CHESS CARRIE CHRISTY ALLEN CHUCK & JOE’S LLC

CIRA PAM

CITIFINANCIAL CLARK CLAYTON

CLARK JAMES W

CLELAND CRYSTAL

CLEM JAY A

CLEMENTS ROYCE

CLEVENGER MICHAEL CLIFFORD THOMAS S

CLUM REBECCA

CLUNE LEONARD F

CLYMER DAVID

COCKERELL GEORGE A

COCKERELL LEONA

COCKERELL TODD

COFFEY DANNY R

COIL MARY

COLDWELL BANKER PLUS 1

COLLIER SAMANTHA

COLLINS LISA K

COMER DON L

COMM FIRST BANK & TRUST

CONNER JAMES S

CONRAD ARTHUR

COOK MATT COOK PHIL COOK RONALD L

COOPER CHRISTINA

COOPER SHANNON R

CORNWELL DORA R

COTTERMAN ELLEN

COTTLE JOHN E COURTNEY SANDY

COX DAVID A

COYLE JASON

CRADDOCK CARL CRAIG DARLENE B

CRAWFORD CONSTRUCTION C CRAWFORD GLENN CRAWFORD PEARL CRAWFORD SHARON CREURER ED J

CRIDER CHRIS

CRISP BILL CRISP LAURA CRIST EDWARD

CRITES U B

CRUM HAROLD R CUFF JASON

CUNNINGHAM BILL CYPHERS PAMELA R

DABBELT JAMES

DAGENHART STEVEN B DAISY CONNIE F

DANIELS TED R DANIELS VERNON L

DARST ROBERT DAVENPORT PEGGY J

DAVIDSON JAROD

DAVIDSON MILTON A DAVIS ANGELA R

DAVIS HEATHER R

DAVIS LANCE V DAVIS W KEVIN

DAY MICK

DEARDEN GEORGE DEAUGUSTINE VICTORIA K

DECKER ROBERT ASR

DEITSCH JEFF DELITE OUTDOOR ADV OH

DEMMING SYLVIA DENT SHELLY

DEVENPORT VINCENT DEVOE BETH

DIAMOND DISTRIBUTING IN DIEHL BRENDA L

DIEHL JOHN J DILEN ENTERPRIZE

DINEEN TWILA

DITTO E LOUISE

DODDS STEPHEN

DONAVON MARK

DONELY CHARLES SR

DONLEY DEBBIE S

DORSTEN RENEE

DOUGLAS WILLIAM S

DOWNAM HARRY D

DREHS C

DRIELING BRUCE G

DUBOIS ANDY

DUER CHRIS

DUES STANLEY H

DUNAHAY ELIZABETH

DUNLAP SHERI

DUZICK FRANK EJR

DYKSTRA MICHAEL E & J FARMS

EASTMAN KAREN J

EBBING MICHELLE

EBY MELVIN J

ECHOLS BRIAN

ECKENWILER DARON R ECM

EDWARDS SHAWN D

EDWARDS TOMMY

EGGEMAN RAY

ELAM BRYAN

ELDER JOAN M

ELEY JOSEPH E

ELIFRITZ BETTY ELLIS ROGER E

ENGLE JILL A

ENGLE P S

EST OF CLYDE ALBERSON

EST OF CYRIL G REIER

EST OF DANNY CHAPMAN

EST OF DONALD WHETSTONE

EST OF FREDERICK L HOSK

EST OF GEORGE E HIBNER

EST OF HAROLD B KLEMAN

EST OF JOHN W JOHNSTON

EST OF THOMAS LEWIS

ESTATE BUILDERS

ESTATE OF CARL CRAFT

ESTATE OF L J WENDEL

ETZLER ANDREW

EVANS FRANK

EVANS JOHN R

EVANS LANCE A

EVANS TREVOR SR

EVERT SCOTT

EWING MARY E

FAUST JOHN

FEIERSTEIN RICHARD D

FELTNER MARGARET

FESSLER LAWRENCE

FETT DOUGLAS

FETT GARY L

FETTER BRAD

FETTER CHRIS

FETZER AMBER A

FICKERT TIM

FISHER AMANDA L

FISHER PAUL

FISHER SCOTT

FISHPAW RICHARD T

FLARIDA MIKE

FLINN TAMMY K

FORBES CRAIG

FORD GIL

FORD MELANIE

FOREMAN STEPHANIE

FOSTER DARYL JJR

FOSTER TED

FOUST DAVID

FOWBLE CHARLES

FRANK ANN E

FRERICKS MICHAEL

FREY ROBERT

FRICKE SUSAN

FRIEDRICH LAURA

FRIESZELL ROGER

FRY JACK

FRY JAMES

FRYE L DENNIS JR

FRYSINGER DANIEL C

FUDGE SUE

FUGATE SAUL

FULLENKAMP SHELLEY S

FULLER MICHAEL

FURAY BRENT A

FURAY GARY LJR

FURR AMY S

FURR JACK L

FURRY FRANK GADDY JOHN P

GAFFNEY THOMAS

GARBER MATTHEW A GAREE SCOTT A

GARLOCK JASON

GARRETT JASON W GARRETT JEFFREY L

GARVER MARGO V

GEIB WALTER G

GIBSON CULLEN S

GIBSON ERNEST

GIBSON IRMA GIBSON JACK GIBSON JAMES S GIBSON MELISSA

GILBERT CARL GILBERT CLARK M GILLIAM ANTHONY GILLIAM JERRY M GILROY ANN GILROY CHARLES GLASCO KATHY GMAC MORTGAGE CO GOLDEN DENVER GOOD DONALD H GOOD EMILEE

GOODMAN WENDY GOSNELL CLEASON E GOSSARD JULIE GOSSARD LISA GOUBEAUX CHARLES GRAMMAN DAVID

GRAND LAKE

PROPERTY

GRANTHAM DAVID GRAVES WILMA GRAY JEFF

GRAYMIRE CHRISTINE

GREEN AUDRIA L

GREEN MIKE

GRETSINGER JACKIE GREVE DEAN

GRIESDORN RANDAL L GRIGSBY CARLA J

GRIME DANIEL L GROSS BERNARD GROSS JOHN GROVES JEAN

GRUMBLIS MICHAEL J

GRUNKEMEYER JOHN GUERRERO BRENDA GUESS JUDY GUILLOZET EUGENE R

GUTHRIE KAREN K

HAHN RICHARD A HAIR DAVID

HALE PAULA R

HALE TIMOTHY HALL ELMER JR

HALL IVRON E

HALL JEFFREY

HALL NORMA

HALL ROBERT

HALLER KATHLEEN J

HAMILTON CHERYL

HAMILTON LARRY D

HAMMOND DOUGLAS J

HANCE MICHAEL J

HANCOCK ANGELA

HANES KARA L

HANES MICHAEL

HANEY BOB

HARDIN DAVID

HARDIN JIM E

HARDWICK GARY

HARDWICK MICHAEL

HARKNESS DENISE M

HARMON ALESHA A

HARMON JOHN K

HARMON STEPHEN

HARSHMAN HAROLD W

HART MABEL I

HARTER JOHN T

HARTMAN SUSAN

HARVEY LARRY Z

HASTING CARL

HATHAWAY RODNEY HAVER CRAIG R

HAWKINS DALE M

HAWKINS DAVID HAWORTH JOHN E HEALEY RICHARD C

HEANEY TIMOTHY J HEBERT CARRIE

HECHT JEFFREY T

HECKMAN ANGELA

HEILMAN ROBERT HEITKAMP LAURA B

HEITKAMP MARTHA A

HEITKAMP TED

HELENIUS KAI

HELMAN RON

HEMMELGARN MITCHELL A

HEMMELGARN TOM N

HENRY ALFRED L

HENSCHEN ALLEN

HENSCHEN MICHAEL

HENSCHEN MICHAEL A

HENSLEY KIMBERLY A

HENSLEY PATRICIA A

HENSLEY SHANE

HEPPEARD RICHARD K

HERBST CHARLES L

HERMAN JOHN

HEROLD JACQUE E

HERRING JEAN A

HERWIG TERRY

HESLER JOHN D

HEYMAN NEAL R

HIBNER BEULAH

HICKMAN ORA W HICKS PEGGY HIGBIE JEREMY C HILBERT JACQUELIN M HILL LARRY A HILYARD JUANITA D HINEGARDNER KEVIN HINES SARAH B HINTON LYNDA HISEY JACKIE K

HOFFMANN JOHN M HOKE DALE

HOLADAY LILLIAN HOLCOMB ROBIN HOLDREN STEPHEN HOLLAND RUSSELL E

HOLLINGSWORTH F G HOMAN DALLAS HOMAN RICK J HOOK DONALD E

HOOK JOHN H HOOKS RALPH E

HOOVER III WILLIAM F HORNER KENNETH

HORSTMAN JASON D HORWATH YANCEY HOSKET GLADYS HOUSER JERRY HOUSER LAURA HOUSTON THOMAS HOWARD DOUGLAS R HOWARD VANESSA HOWE BARBARA A HOWELL BEVERLY HOWELL MICHELLE HUBER BILL L HUDNALL ANGELA R HUFFER THOMAS HUFFMAN DARLENE HUFFMAN MICHAEL HUNNELL CHARLES

HUNT FLOYD W

HUNTER JAMES HURLDS MELISSA I HURT JAMES A IKEUCHI HISAYASU

IMAN DVM WILLIAM J IMMEL ROBBIE

ISENBARGER STEVEN IVES MARIE R

JACKSON DALLAS R JACKSON SAMUEL J JAMES III ROGER M JANIAK ADAM JAY DENISE A JOHN PATRICIA M

JOHNSON BARRY JOHNSON CHRIS JOHNSON LISA A JOHNSON SHANNON L JOHNSON THELMA I

JOLLY GREGORY

JONES JASON

JONES MICHAEL D JONES W E

JONES WILLIAM A JOSEPH GLORIA P JOYNER JEFFREY

JUTTE LISA

K NOOZ

KAFKA TONY A

KAGY CHARLES L

KARALUNAS III

DANIEL E

KEIBER SHERRY

KEISTER ZOLA O

KELLY ELOUISE

KELLY II JEFFRY

KELLY MIKE

KEMPER MICHAEL

KENNEDY TAMMY

KEY 1 REALTY

KIDDER GUY

KING BARBARA

KING DON

KISSEL CHARLES

KITCHEN KEVIN

KLENKE ROBERT

KLINE RICHARD

KLOSTERMAN KENNETH G

KLOSTERMAN TIMOTHY P

KNAPP IVAN JR

KNUST JOE

KOBAK JUSTIN

KOENIG DENISE

KOENIG DONALD G

KOESTER PAT

KOHL ANITA S

KOHLER TIM

KOHLPIN CONSTRUCTION

KOHRMAN MIKE

KOUTS RITA

KRAMER FRED JJR

KREITZER ALFRED L

KREITZER DAVID

KREITZER JAMES A

KREMER FAMILY TRUST

KREMER JASON

KROEGER MARK

KROEGER THOMAS G

KROGMAN DAVID H

KUCK CONSTRUCTION INC

L E BUILDERS

LAFAYETTE TIMOTHY T

LAHMANN FRANK E

LAING JOSEPH

LAMPY MARK

LANDERS RAY

LANGE TIMOTHY

LANGSTON THOMAS

LASLEY CHARLES E

LAUTH EVERETT

LEACH JEROME

LEE GORDON

LEE JULIE M

LEE RICHARD

LEE WILLIAM

LEFELD HOLLY

LEFELD STACEY

LEFFLER MARTA K

LEIDY LOUIS E

LEMMON BUDD H

LEMONS TIM R

LENHART BRAD M

LENICHEK JACK

LEPINSKI THOMAS

LEPPERT DON P

LESINSKI NATASHA R

LEUGERS JAMES HSR

LEUGERS RUTH E

LEUGERS TERRY

LEWIS JAMES K

LEWIS KATHI S

LIMBERT JOHN E

LINDSTROM RONALD GJR

LINK DALE

LINN RENEE

LISS KAREN

LITTLE JOHN W

LOCKER MIKE A

LODERMEIER WILLIAM

LOETZ JENNIFER

LONG JEFF A

LONG LINDA LONG MICHAEL

LONGENDELPHER MARY L

LOTT BARBARA R

LOUDENSLAGER DOUGLAS

LOUTH JEREMY

LOWE SHANE

LOWRY RONALD

LUCK GREGORY D

LUEBKE RENEE

LUEDEKE BENJAMIN L

LUEDEKE DAVID

LUEDEKE JAMES V

LUGINBILL JULIA A

LUSK BEVERLY

MACDONALD CHARLES

MACEDON CHRISTAIN

CHURCH

MADDY BRIAN K

MAGGERT DONALD A

MAGGERT RANDY A

MALISH RONALD

MANTLE JANIS

MAPLES KENNETH D

MARK LOWE SOLE

HEIR

MARSHALL RANDALL

MARSHALL RICHARD P

MARTIN BABS

MARTIN MARJORIE

MARTIN REBECCA

MARVIN DAVE

MASON ANTHONY

MASON JENNIFER R

MASSENGILL MARY LOU

MATHRE CRAIG A

MATTHIEU EDSON LJR

MATTHIEU FRANCES

MAUL GERALD EJR

MAXWELL KELLY

MAY GORDON

MAY RICHARD K

MAYNARD CATHY

MAYNARD MELVIN

MCANALLY DAWN

MCBETH KIMBERLY A

MCCARROLL STEVE

MCCAULEY LORI

MCCLOSKEY FRANCES L

MCCULLOUGH JOSH M

MCDERMITT DAN

MCDOWELL MELINDA M

MCDOWELL REX A

MCFALL JIMMY L

MCGREGOR HEATHER

MCGUFFEY JAMES

MCKEE WILLIAM M

MCMATH KENNETH

MCNAMEE WILLIAM F

MCNEAL TIMOTHY P

MCNULTY SEPTEMBER

MCQUEEN M CORY

MEEKER RUTH ANN

MEREDITH JENNIFER

MEYER ERMA M

MEYER MARY E

MEYER THOMAS J

MIEHLS STEVEN

MIKESELL ROSEMARIE

MILDRED LOWE L

MILHOLLAND DAVID

MILLER ANNA M

MILLER BILLIE

MILLER CARL E

MILLER CATHERN

MILLER CHAD J

MILLER CURTIS L

MILLER EDWARD A

MILLER GARY

MILLER HERBERT M

MILLER JEREMI J

MILLER KIM S

MILLER LORINE G

MILLER MARGUERIT O

MILLER MELISSA

MILLER PATRICIA A

MILLER RICHARD L

MILLER RON

MILLER SAMUEL J

MILLER SHAWN W

MILLER TIMOTHY P

MINSTER MACHINE CO

MISSLER KENT E

MITCHELL GENE

MITCHELL ROBERT

MITTELSTADT JETT L

MOLEN LARRY L

MONBECK JAMES A

MONFORT MARCUS

MONROE JENNIFER

MONTGOMERY DALE E

MONTGOMERY OPAL

MOORE BRIAN E

MOORE MILDRED J

MOREHOUSE TARA M

MORI YOSHIFUSA

MORRIS DALE

MORRIS DAVID MORRISON PAUL

MORRISON THOMAS L

MORTIMER CHARLES MOSER KAY F

MOSER PAUL A

MOWERY JAMES F

MOYER EDITH L

MRS CLARA A POTTER

MT ZION CHURCH

MUELLER JAMES

MUHLENKAMP JEFF

MULCAHY JAMES EJR

MULDOWN MARK P

MULHOLLAND JEFFERY C

MULLINS KEITH

MURPHY RICHARD A

MURPHY TERESA M

MUTER JR DAVID W

MYERS BARBARA A MYERS JASON

MYERS JEFFREY E

MYERS LISA

MYERS SHARON P

MYERS SHEILA

NAGEL ANDREW J

NAGEL JIM

NAGEL NICOLE

NEEL DDS WILBUR

NEEPER HAROLD E

NEEPER RUTH J

NERDERMAN DONALD

NETHERTON JEANNE A

NEUENSCHWANDE

DAVID A

NEUMEIER DALE

NEWBAUER WILLIAM R

NEWMAN DAVID O

NEWMAN DELBERT

NEWMAN TONY

NICHOLS KENNETH J

NIXON LINDA J

NOLTE ADRIENNE

NOLTE CRAIG

NOLTE KAY E

NONNENMAN DALE E

NORRIS ERNEST L

O’DELL ALICIA A

ODNR

ODONNELL PAULA

OGLE JOHN P

OGLE JOSEPH

OLIVER LYNDA

O’NEAL ANDREW

OPTION ONE MORTGAGE COR

O’ROURKE DANIEL OSBORNE DEBBIE

OSBORNE SHELIA

OTT ROBERT A

OTTE LENORE

OVERMAN JOSEPH

OVERMAN NICOLE

PAGE CHRISTIN

PAJKA JOHN

PARENT GREG

PARENT STEPHEN PARKER HELEN PARKER JOHN PARKER M Y

PARKINS P A

PARKS STEVE

PARLETTE DWIGHT

PARTIN TERRY L

PATTERSON DAVID L

PATTERSON GREG A PATTON JENNIFER

PATTON THOMAS W

PAVEL ANTHONY PAX JOANN M

PAXSON AUGUSTINE D

PAYTON CHARLES

PENNINGTON BRADLEY W

PENNINGTON RALPH C

PERCHAN THOMAS D

PERKINS RANDY

PERONE DINO J

PERRINE KYLE PETERS MAURICE PETRY WILLIAM J

PHILLIPPE IVA J PHILLIPS CECELIA PHILLIPS CHRISTOPH ER

PHILLIPS DANICE M PHILLIPS JASON PHILLIPS KENNETH L

PHILLIPS RYAN

PIERCEFIELD MICHAEL A

PING ROBERT

PITTS KEVIN

PITTSENBARGER WAYNE

PLACE CARL G

PLASTERER DAN

PLATFOOT SHERI

PLUMMER PAUL M

POHL JOHN PJR

POHLABELN ALBERTA G

POHLMAN BUILDERS POHLMAN MARK POINT GERALD W

POLLOCK TED

POLLOCK VIRGINIA J POLLOCK WILLIAM E

PONTING ETHEL

POOLE NICHOLAS J POPPE CHRISTOPH W

PORTER RICHARD

POTTS BRAD POWELL BETH POWELL CINDY

POWELL DONALD E POWELL KATHY L

PRATER BRIAN C

PRATT JEFF E

PREFERRED BUILDERS

PRESAR JUSTIN

PRICE CHAD E

PRINE BRYAN L

PSEEKOS DEBORA

PUGH JAMES E

PUGIN JAMES

PYLE JAN R

PYLES JUDY

QUIGLEY RICHARD S

QUILLEN NANCY M

QWEST

RADABAUGH JONATHAN W

RADER SUE A

RAINWATER THOMAS B

RALEIGH DALE

RANDAL HOMES CORP

RASE RYAN K

RAY NEAL LJR

RE/MAX PROFESSIONAL ASS

REED DONNA

REED MICHELLE R

REEL DEBRA L

REES DAVID L

RESOR CLARENCE

REYNOLDS ANGIE

REYNOLDS MICHAEL C

RHODENBAUGH DEE

RICE JEFFREY C

RICHARDSON CLETUS P

RICHARDSON HENRY

RICHARDSON JAMIE

RICHEY JASON

RICKER CHARLES

RIDINGER MICHAEL J

RIEGERT EDWARD R

RIEMESCH ROSE A

RIHM HOWARD JJR

RINDERLE DENA M

RISNER AMANDA

RISNER BETTY J

ROBERTS DAN

ROBERTS GUY

ROBERTS IRENE

ROBERTS TIM

ROE PATRICIA G

ROEHRLE KLAUS

ROGERS HELEN L

ROGERS MARJORIE

ROHDES JONATHAN L

ROHRBACH R M

ROHRBACHER TERRI

ROLFES ED

ROSEBERRY BARRY S

ROSS FRANK

ROSTORFER SUE

ROTH PATRICK S

ROTHGEB KEVIN L

ROUSE STACY S

ROUSH HOMER G

ROWE RONALD L

RUCKER JULIE

RUEDEBUSCH

BRUCE N

RUMBAUGH ANGELA

RUSSELL CAROL R

RUSSELL PEGGY

RUWOLDT BOB

SAKAGUCHI YUKIO

SAMPSON TAMMARRA R

SANDERS RANDY

SANDY SUZANNE

SARVER MICHAEL J

SAUNDERS RYAN

SAWYER KRISTINE A

SAYRE DERRELL B

SCHAFFER SCOTT

SCHALL SCOTT S

SCHAUBERGER LINDA G

SCHEID MEGAN E

SCHIMPF JOE

SCHIRACK DONALD E

SCHLARMAN JOE E

SCHLUETER LOWELL

SCHMIDT DARRYL

SCHMIT JULIE A

SCHOENLEBEN MICHAEL

SCHOFIELD WAYNE SCHOTT J C

SCHRITCHFIELD GARLAN

SCHROEDER BRAD D

SCHROER WARREN

SCHWIETERMAN THOMAS

SCOTT AMY T

SCOTT KENNETH

SEGER JAMES K

SEIBERT MELISSA A

SETTLEMIRE WILLIAM J

SEXTON TIMOTHY W

SHAFFER LARRY

SHAFFER RICHARD

SHANER ALANENE

SHANEYFELT STACY

SHARP DON

SHARP PATRICIA

SHELLENBERGER DALE

SHELLHAMMER MISTY SHENG YI

SHEPHERD CAROL D

SHROYER TRISHA

SHUEY ELENORA M

SIEFKER LUKE

SIEFKER MATTHEW J

SIMONS JAMES W

SIMPSON BETTY

SINGER THOMAS

SITES LINDA A

SKORUPSKI MARY JO

SLAGLE DANIEL SMITH ADAM

SMITH B KEITH

SMITH DAN SMITH JULIANNA SMITH KELLY K

SMITH MARK

SMITH MARK A

SMITH NANCY G

SMITH RICHARD R

SMITH ROGER D SMITH SHARON D SMITH W STEVE

SNELL WILLIAM C

SNIDER JOHN J SNYDER DEBRA L

SONNENBERG ERIC

SORRELL DAVID

SOUTHARD THOMAS C

SPAULDING DAVE A

SPENCER CHRIS D

SPICER MILDRED A

SPITNALE KARLA

SPRAGUE SCOTT M

SPRING ALLEN V

SPRING DANIEL B

STAMMEN DONALD F

STARK BRIAN

STAUFFER-WISE BETSEY

STEELE STACY

STEPHENS ERMA M

STEPHENS JENNIFER

STEWART JESSE M

STEYN GLEN D

STILES SAMUEL R

STOCKLIN KEVIN

STOKER DAWN

STOLL KEITH A

STONE DON R

STORLIE DAVID

STOVER PHYLLIS

STRANGE JEFF

STRANGE PATRICK D

STREETS ROSA M

STROH B G

STROH KERMIT F

STURGILL LACY

SUEVER RICHARD J

SULLIVAN MICHAEL B

SWAGGER TERRY

SWARTZ DEAN E

SWARTZ JEFFERY D

SWINEHART DAVID A

SZEKELY JOSEPH C

TACKETT SHANNON M

TAMPLIN GABRIEL

TANGEMAN THOMAS L

TAYLOR BRAD E

TAYLOR CHRISTY L

TAYLOR DAVE

TAYLOR LORI A

TAYLOR TODD W

TEMPLE BILLIE

TERPSTRA JOHN G

TERRAL JULIE K

TERRELL HAROLD E

TESTER DAVID A

TESTERMAN CONNIE S

THATCHER SHAWN

THAXTON ROBERT L

THE GOODING CO

THOMAS MICHAEL

THOMAS NORMAN R

THOMAS WILLIAM N

TIERNEY MICHAEL P

TIMMERMAN CLETUS

TINGLEY LOUISE

TIPPIE PATRICIA S

TOBIN ROBERT M

TODD HARRY

TOLER ANTHONY

TOMAS DAVID

TOSCHLOG DARRYL

TRAJLOV VUKASIN

TREADWAY MATTHEW

TRENOR D JACKSON

TRINITY INDUSTRIES INC

TRIPLETT SHANNON

TROYER STEVE

TURNER R J

TURRENTINE JAMES L

TYRE CHRISTINE

ULM SUANNE S

URMEY-EXEC DIANA S

VANCE JAYNE A

VENERONI PAUL H

VERIZON

COMMUNICATIONS

VETTER TRACY A

VETTORI JOSEPH

VOGEL CHARLES HJR

VOISARD MATT

VOLBERT JACQUELIN

VONALMEN DAVID J

VONWIEGEN DIANE

VORHEES HILDRED C

WACKLER BARRY L

WAGNER ADAM

WAGNER BERNARD E

WAGNER HARLEY V

WALKER HELEN A

WALLACE CHARLES R

WALLACE PATRICIA A

WALTER JERRY

WALTER MARDANA

WALTERS KAREN J

WALTHER CONNIE L

WANAMAKER MICHAEL WARD JOHN JR WARD KATHY

WARNER ALVIN WARRINGTON JANICE

WASHAM JODI

WATERMAN CHARLES WAYMIRE FRED WEBB DAVID

WEBER EDNA L

WEHNER PAUL R WEIDMAN TROY

WELLBAUM MARY M

WELLS EDWARD G

WENNING BARBARA R WESCO STEVEN L WEST THOMAS R

WESTERBECK MARK A WETMILLER PAMELA J WETMORE BARBARA WHITAKER SHUG WHITE WILLIAM R WHITEHEAD JODI R

WHITNEY DEBORAH WILDMAN PAMELA

WILLETTS LARRY WILLIAMS CAROL WILLIAMS DIANNA WILLIAMS JOSHUA L

WILLIAMS JUDITH WILLIAMS MIKE A

WILLIAMS MIKE B

WILLIAMS TONY M

WILLIAMSON DANE R WILSON JULIE

WILSON MICHAEL WILSON SHANNON D WINGET JOY

WINNER VERNON J WIREMAN KIMBERLY WOLFAL MILDRED WOODALL WILLIAM J WOODS GENELLE

WOODYS MARINE INC

WRAY MONICA

WREN BURNS

WRIGHT JERRY A WURST DESIREE

YAGLE SAMUEL

YANTIS NEIL R YOCUM KELLY L

YODER MARGARET M

YORK TRAVIS

YOUNG DENNIS E

YOUNG GENE

YOUNG LINDA M

YOUNG ROBERT

YOUNG SUSAN

ZACHARIS JOHN ZACHOS WILLIAM

ZARTMAN KATHLEEN

ZIMMERMAN JAMES J ZIMMERMAN RUTH

ZUMBRUN EDDIE

ZWIEBEL CLARABELL E

HISTORY OF STABLE RATES

CYBERSECURITY CYBERSECURITY CYBERSECURITY

on

You probably don’t think about data or information technology (IT) much. But cybersecurity is a neverending job. Keeping the lights on 24 / 7 / 365 means protecting our electricity system from computer-based digital attacks. Keeping member data secure is also a top priority, especially in today’s world, with tens of thousands of attempts each day from hackers to break into company networks.

These “knocks” at the cyber door can come from individuals, countries, and organizations, or from the army of automated “bots” roaming the internet worldwide, testing for weaknesses.

So how do we stay cyber-safe?

We follow industry best practices when it comes to buying the latest software, hardware, firewalls, and other IT equipment for our office and system overall. This costs us well into the six figures each year to be prepared and maintain the latest technology, but we believe it’s key to prevent an attack rather than respond after one has already happened.

We ensure all devices are regularly “patched” with the latest manufacturer upgrades. When updates are issued, we do not delay. We also incorporate the latest in intrusion detection and prevention hardware and software.

Every year, an outside firm conducts “penetration testing” of our IT systems to identify potential weaknesses. No hackers have been able to break though so far.

Backup disaster recovery is enabled for our company network, and for our billing, accounting, mapping, and outage management programs. In the event of a natural disaster that destroys our building, we simply need an internet connection to get our IT networks up and running again. In the event of a cyber intrusion and the loss of data, the disaster recovery system is designed to restore our programs, data, and network.

All sensitive customer data (credit card information, Social Security numbers, etc.) is encrypted, is firewall protected, and is not stored on-site.

Employee training is emphasized, particularly with email phishing tests. These tests are made to look like emails from real people, attempting to get employees to click malicious links.

We participated in RECAP (Rural Electric Cyber Achievement Program), a peer-led review from other cooperative IT leaders who provide an outsider’s assessment of our cyber network. This allows us to discuss ideas with other co-ops and see what software is most effective.

As a last resort, we have cybersecurity coverage from our insurance provider to help with the financial impact, should we have a cyber event.

Despite our best efforts, it is important to note that no individual or organization can guarantee 100% protection. That’s why it’s important for you, too, to be vigilant with your personal data.

to protect your data and keep lights

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES

Did you know Midwest Electric o ers various programs to empower the next generation of leaders? Call our o ce or send an email to info@midwestrec.com to learn more about any of the following:

• SCHOLARSHIPS: We are giving away a total of $11,000 in two scholarship programs for 2023 Email jjohns@midwestrec.com or visit our website (midwestrec. com/scholarships) to download an application. High school seniors must apply by Feb. 17.

• CAREER

or member service representative? The co-op provides job shadowing experiences for a variety of careers and works with tech schools like Vantage Career Center and Tri Star.

“playlists” for free classroom content.

• SAFETY DEMONSTRATIONS: Our team is happy to come to your school or organization to perform a highvoltage demonstration and teach the dangers of electricity.

RESOURCES

LIKE JOB SHADOWING: Interested in a career as a lineworker, accountant, engineer,

• EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS FOR TEACHERS: Want your students to learn more about energy e ciency, how electricity is produced, the grid itself, or various careers? Visit our YouTube channel and search under

We tailor the presentations based on age and also have a smaller tabletop unit available.

FREE for Apple or Android smartphones at the app store.

*Need help setting up your account? Call us or bring your device to our office; we are happy to help!

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Pee Pee Creek?

Each of Ohio’s unique place names is a chapter in the state’s story.

BY CRAIG SPRINGER

An Ohio map reads like an autobiography. The names pinned to places — the towns, counties, watercourses, and junctures that you may have never even heard of — tell stories of experience, chance encounters, longings for a better future, or the wistful wishing for a place left behind. Some pay tribute to heroes of the past. Others are curious and comical, leaving one to wonder, “Uh, what were they thinking?”

The gouging push and soggy pull of glaciers and the long steady movement of water shaped the land we see today,

and strongly influenced names given the sinuous blue-line waters draining north to Lake Erie or south toward the Ohio River.

Then there’s the spilling of blood — the clash of cultures and struggle to possess what Native Americans, the British, and a fledgling United States of America all wanted to call their own.

Let’s consider the latter first.

Four Mile Creek, for example, rises in the uplands along the Indiana-Ohio state line, picking up the waters of small rills and runs and seeps. It bumps into glacial moraines and purls through pastoral farmsteads on its downhill destiny with the Great Miami River — by which time it has become a substantial stream. Its placid form and lyrical name belie the fact it was born from warfare.

In October 1791, the entirety of the U.S. Army set out from a freshly built Fort Hamilton (named to honor Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton) and nested on a bench of land above the Great Miami River. The autumn foray would become a march to massacre. The soldiers, in a slow slog north, cut a road in a wide swath through virgin forest. Four miles from the fort’s gate, the army camped for a night along a stream. The next day, three miles on, they crossed Seven Mile Creek. A month later, on the headwaters of the Wabash River, they met a confederation of Indian tribes and suffered a crushing defeat.

It became known as St. Clair’s Defeat. The battle site where upwards of 800 soldiers exhaled their last is today’s Fort Recovery. Those vanquished under the command of the Miami leader, Little Turtle, or the Shawnee leader, Blue Jacket — such as Arthur St. Clair, Richard Butler, and William Darke — live on in stream, county, and township names.

Of course, Native American place names also persist in Ohio. The difference is that they tend to be descriptive, rather than tributes to people or commemorative of experiences. “Miami,” of course, lives large in Ohio. According to linguist David Costa of the Myaamia Project at Miami University in Oxford, the Great and Little Miami river names include an adopted English use of the original Myaamia, meaning “downstream person.”

According to Costa, Miami Indians knew the Great Miami River as ahseni siipiiwi, literally “Rock River.” Lake Erie was known as ciinkwihtanwi kihcikami, literally “sea of the falls,” referring to Niagara Falls downstream. St. Mary’s River on the Indiana-Ohio state line was nameewa siipiiwi, literally “sturgeon river.”

You won’t find any of those on a map, though you will find numerous Anglicized versions of Algonquin and Iroquois words — Coshocton, for example, comes from the Lenape/Delaware word goschachgunk, which simply signified a river crossing.

Ohio has a fair number of communities with stilted names that speak to high aims of its early settlers. Akron derives from Greek for “high place.” Gallipolis evokes a sense of the Greek city-state self-governance. Xenia reflects the hospitality expected in the home in classical Greece.

Alert Station is a curious hamlet near Ross (formerly Venice, corrupted from Venus), northwest of Cincinnati (so-named after the Roman soldier-farmer Cincinnatus). Alert was and remains a crossroads. But those pioneer settlers valued literature and ensured early on they had a library populated with the classics, and the folks there were considered “alert,” as in “intellectual.”

Ohio had no shortage of volunteers answering President Polk’s call to action against Mexico in 1846. A good many Ohioans served in the Mexican War, and the effect of their return in 1848 was certainly felt in new place names. The soldiers may have desired to memorialize those killed in action, or they romanticized the places and people they had met in what is now New Mexico, California, and interior Mexico. Most prominent is Rio Grande, Ohio, pronounced “RYE-O Grand.” And there are the Buckeye burgs of Vera Cruz, Monterey, and Montezuma, as well as the City of Holy Faith: Santa Fe, Ohio.

One cannot consider the topic of Ohio’s place names without addressing those that leave you scratching your head. Ever heard of No Name, Knockemstiff, or Pee Pee Creek? All three exist in southern Ohio, and it’s the origin of the last that’s well-documented. Pee Pee Creek trickles through Pebble Township in Pike County, which had been named by Peter Patrick — who had carved his initials in a stream-side tree circa 1785

Ohio’s place names run the spectrum from commonplace to implausible. One can go to Russia, visit Rome, London and Paris, and take a drive through Mesopotamia — without ever leaving the state. Every place name relates to desires, experience and perception. And what they have in common across that spectrum is enchantment in the spirit of their origins.

Sweettooth

Harry Birt’s store has it all — but that candy section keeps the doors open.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARGIE WUEBKER

Afaded sign inside this Darke County institution proudly proclaims the store motto: “A balanced diet is chocolate in both hands.” Sweetness certainly comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors at Birt’s Store in the village of New Weston.

The rustic shop typically stocks 350 varieties of candy as Valentine’s Day approaches. Decisions are even tougher at Christmastime, as the shelves get stocked with more than 525 varieties, according to third-generation owner Brad Birt.

Double-dipped chocolate peanuts, maple-filled chocolate peanut clusters, chocolate-covered caramels, and

Brad Birt, representing the third generation of his family to sell candy from the Darke County store, displays some of the sweet treats available in the candy aisle

chocolate drops top the list of favorites. After all, the love of chocolate spans all seasons.

Birt’s grandfather, Harry Birt Sr., unwittingly started a family tradition in the 1920s when he added five cases of white peppermint lozenges, orange slices, and chocolate drops to his general store shelves. The candy arrived via caboose at a nearby train depot, but it was evident that crew members had sampled plenty along the way.

Harry Birt Jr., who came on board after World War II, recognized the importance of establishing a niche market in the form of more candy, fresh fruits and vegetables, and deli meats and cheeses. He initially used the family

station wagon to pick up orders directly from suppliers. Trucks came later.

“My dad believed people would come if you offered a great product at a reasonable price,” Brad Birt says. “We have built a reputation over decades, and you don’t try to fix something that isn’t broke.”

The store deals with dozens of suppliers who share a commitment to quality, requiring regular trips covering Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.

Holiday shoppers grab silver scoops and white paper sacks to make their bulk selections — though chocolates and other specialties are prepackaged at other times of the year.

“Tastes change with age,” Birt says. “Kids are into sour candies and gummy anything these days. Everybody else wants chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, or the candy they grew up with. Folks do a lot of reminiscing up and down the aisles.”

Tiered shelves offer a smorgasbord of chocolates: flavored creams, assorted fruits, nuts, fudge clusters, and even coated animal crackers and sandwich cookies. Tenpound slabs of chocolate and 5-pound chunks of caramel are popular with at-home candymakers.

Individually wrapped candies like Tootsie Rolls, taffy, and Bit-O-Honey vie for space with flavored jelly beans, jumbo malted milk balls, divinity, old-fashioned hard tack candy, and 1-pound jawbreakers.

“My grandfather dealt with candy by the pound,” Birt says. “We deal with candy by the ton. Candy is our niche. It’s what keeps the doors open.”

Harry Birt’s Store, 501 Main St., New Weston. Open seven days a week. www.harybirtsstore.com, www.facebook.com/HarryBirtsStore; 937-338-3111.

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MAD RIVER MOUNTAIN

Ohio’s largest ski resort turns 70 this year.

BY RANDY EDWARDS; PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAD RIVER MOUNTAIN

When he was 12, John Buchenroth received a Christmas gift of $10, which was a considerable sum in 1962. It turned out to be a life-changing gift for the Bellefontaine youngster. Three days later, he put on warm clothes and took his money to the area’s new Alpine ski resort, which had opened for its first season a few days before Christmas that year.

“It was my first day of skiing,” recalls Buchenroth, 73. “The lift ticket was a dollar-fifty, rental was a buck, my first lesson was a buck-fifty. And I fell in love with the sport.”

Sixty ski seasons later, Buchenroth is still in love — and he’s passed along his enthusiasm for skiing to thousands of beginners who have strapped on their first pair of skis at the Logan County resort now known as Mad River Mountain. Buchenroth is supervisor of the Ski and Ride School at Mad River, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this season.

Mad River has been owned by Vail Resorts since 2019, when the Colorado-based company purchased all 17 properties previously owned by Peak Resorts, Inc., including three other Ohio resorts. Mad River isn’t the oldest resort in Ohio — Snow Trails in Mansfield opened a year earlier — but it lays claim to being the largest in the Buckeye State, covering 144 acres, with a peak elevation of 1,460 feet above sea level.

The vertical drop is just 300 feet, a molehill compared to ski mountains out West (Vail, the flagship of Mad River’s corporate owner, boasts a vertical drop of 3,450 feet), but this humble Ohio ski hill has been the resort where generations of central Ohioans have learned to ski, either on their own or with their school ski clubs. Olympic and X Games snowboarder Louie Vito, who learned to ski at Mad River, went on to be a superstar. Most others simply move on to bigger mountains but bring their kids back to Mad River to get their start.

“We’re teaching kids and grandkids of people we have had in our programs,” Buchenroth says. Located in the tiny village of Valley Hi, just outside of Bellefontaine, Mad River Mountain offers 20 ski runs, from the beginner area at the base of the hill to steeper, more challenging slopes and one wooded glade. There is a terrain park for Alpine acrobatics and a tubing park touted as Ohio’s largest. With Ohio winters unpredictable for snow, snowmaking is a must at all Ohio ski resorts, and Mad River has 128 snow guns, capable of covering all 144 skiable acres.

The resort’s new-ish lodge opened in 2016 after a fire destroyed the original lodge in 2015. The new lodge has increased capacity, seating 800 hungry skiers in the cafeteria and about 200 in The Loft bar.

Staff members at Mad River Mountain (left) work to ensure a great skiing and tubing experience for all who visit. John Buchenroth (right) fell in love with skiing as a child, after he took his first lesson at Mad River. He now supervises the resort’s Ski and Ride School.

The first couple of years have been a bit rocky for the new owners. The ski industry nationwide took a big hit during the pandemic, and operations during the 2021–22 season at Mad River were curtailed due to labor shortages and warm weather in December, which delayed the resort’s opening until Jan. 6, says Larry Kuebler, general manager of Mad River.

“We got a late start [and] we took away some operating hours, and people were not thrilled with that,” he says. “I don’t blame them one bit.”

Kuebler was optimistic as he was preparing for the opening of the 2022–23 season. Vail Resorts promised a $20-an-hour minimum wage for all positions, and Mad River started the season fully staffed, which has allowed a return to normal operating hours. Plans for the 60th anniversary season include weekly events, expanded menu offerings in the lodge, and a return to live music in the bar.

Vail Resorts considers attendance figures to be proprietary, Kuebler said. Prior to the pandemic, the resort’s previous owners said publicly that the ski hill sees about 150,000 skier visits and 40,000 tuber visits per season. Most come from Columbus, Dayton, and other mid-Ohio locations.

“We have so many passionate skiers who have been skiing here for so long, and they’re proud to call it home,” Kuebler says.

Over the past couple of decades, downhill skiing has witnessed a participation slump as Baby Boomers are aging out of the sport and not as many younger people are picking it up. Keubler said Mad River’s response has been to focus on recruiting new skiers and getting them involved in the ski school.

“If we’re going to help the overall industry, we have to focus on getting them to love the sport as we do,” he says.

School groups can be found at Mad River every night of the week. Many young skiers learn the sport through their school ski clubs, including Brady Whiteside, 18, a graduate of Hilliard Davidson High School who started snowboarding at Mad River in the seventh grade.

He learned to ski from Mad River instructors, who “taught us the basics” and inspired self-assurance, Whiteside says, so that later, when he began traveling to ski the much longer and steeper runs at Colorado resorts like Winter Park and Arapahoe Basin, he had confidence in his ability.

“You can only prepare so much for those crazy trails [in Colorado], but they took me as far as I could [at a hill the size of Mad River].”

Now a freshman at Ohio State University, Whiteside says Mad River can seem small, after skiing the big western mountains, but he will be going back to the local hill this winter.

“It’s close, and when I go to Mad River, I’m going to snowboard with friends,” he says. “We make our own fun.”

Children have been learning to ski on the slopes at Mad River Mountain since 1962. Today, families enjoy skiing and snowboarding on the resort’s 20 trails and snow tubing on the runs of Ohio’s largest tubing park.

2023 CALENDAR FEBRUARY/MARCH

NORTHWEST

FEB. 9–19 – The Lion in Winter, Van Wert Civic Theatre, 118 S. Race St., Van Wert, Thur.–Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Set during Christmas 1183, the play tells the wickedly amusing tale of King Henry II, his imprisoned queen (released only for the holiday), and their three entitled sons who vie for the throne in a double-dealing division of the kingdom. 419-238-9689 or www.vwct.org.

FEB. 17 – Mitchell Tenpenny, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center., 7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. Rising country star brings his debut tour to Lima. 419-224-1552 or www.limaciviccenter.com.

FEB. 19–20 – Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides, Spiegel Grove, Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, Fremont. Celebrate Presidents Day by taking a horse-drawn sleigh or trolley ride through the estate, as President Hayes did when he lived here. $5 50 sleigh, $4 50 trolley, 2 and under free. 800-998-7737 or www.rbhayes.org.

WEST VIRGINIA

FEB. 24–26, MAR. 3–5 – Walking Across Egypt, Encore Theatre, 991 N. Shore Dr., Lima, Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $8–$15. A spirited elderly widow decides to befriend and adopt an orphaned juvenile delinquent. 419-223-8866 or www.amitellers.org.

FEB. 25 – Burning Snowman Fest, Dock’s Beach House, 252 W. Lakeshore Dr., Port Clinton, 4–10 p.m. Say goodbye to winter with the burning of a giant snowman! Live music, food, and drink; all proceeds go to charity. 419-357-6247 or www.facebook.com/ BurningSnowman.

FEB. 25 – Menopause the Musical, Niswonger Performing Arts Ctr., 10700 St. Rte. 118 S., Van Wert, 3 p.m. $39–$69 419-238-6722 or www.npacvw.org.

MAR. 3 – Air Supply: “The Lost in Love Experience,” Niswonger Performing Arts Center, 10700 St. Rte. 118 S., Van Wert, 7:30 p.m. $65–$95 419-238-6722 or www.npacvw.org.

MAR. 4 – Glass City Wine Festival, Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo. $25–$40. Toledo’s premier wine, food, and shopping festival. 419-255-3300 or www.glasscitywinefestival.com.

MAR. 5 – Acoustics for Autism Music Festival, 300 block of Conant and surrounding area, Maumee,

Sat. noon–Sun. 2 a.m. Free for all ages. More than 80 bands on eight stages. Proceeds go to provide support and information, resources, and financial assistance to families affected by autism. 419-5149817 or www.acousticsforautism.com.

MAR. 9 – Toledo Symphony Concert, Sauder Village, Founder’s Hall, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 7:30 p.m. $15–$18; free for students K–12 800-590-9755 or www.saudervillage.org.

MAR. 12–13 – Spring Festival of Crafts, Premier Banquet Hall, 4480 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. New location! See the new crafts, gifts, and decorating ideas from our crafters and artists. Collecting household and food items to benefit Toledo SeaGate Food Bank. 419-842-1925 or www.toledocraftsmansguild.org/shows.html.

MAR. 13 – My Fair Lady, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center., 7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $45+. Entertainment Weekly calls this “a sumptuous new production of the most perfect musical of all time.” Directed by Bartlett Sher. 419-224-1552 or www.limaciviccenter.com.

FEB. 26 – West Virginia’s Premier Wedding Expo, The Morris, 411 N. 6th St., Clarksburg, 1–3 p.m. $15. Find everything you need to plan your special day. Meet the area’s leading wedding professionals in a fun environment with other engaged people. https:// infinitystudioseventplanning.com/wedding-expofebruary-2023

MAR. 11-12 – Kanawha Valley Railroad Association Model Train and Craft Show, Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, 200 Civic Center Dr., Charleston, Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5; 12 and under free. Vendors, clinics, and layouts. www.kvrailroad.org/events.html.

THROUGH FEB. 25 – “The Me Decade: A Look Back at the 1970s,” McKinley Museum, Keller Gallery, 800 McKinley Monument Dr. N., Canton, Tues.–Sat., 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $8–$10. Featuring ’70s fashion, décor, appliances, pop culture objects, and commemorative items from the nation’s bicentennial celebration in 1976. 330-455-7043 or http://mckinleymuseum.org.

FEB. 11 – Lake Erie Folk Fest, Shore Cultural Centre, 291 E. 222nd St., Euclid. 1–6 p.m., free music workshops, jams, and performances; 7:30 p.m., Grand Finale concert (tickets required). www.lakeeriefolkfest.com.

FEB. 17 – Kent BeatleFest, downtown Kent. Free. Come together for the annual celebration of the Fab Four’s music, featuring a stellar lineup of bands at various venues throughout the downtown. www.kentbeatlefest.com or www.facebook.com/ KentBeatleFest.

FEB. 24–MAR. 5 – Cleveland Auto Show, I-X Center, One I-X Dr., Cleveland. $15, Srs./C. (7–12) $12, under 7 free. Featuring concept, pre-production, and

SOUTHEAST

production vehicles, plus an array of entertainment including sports and celebrity appearances, indoor test drives, vehicle giveaway, classic car competition, and more. www.clevelandautoshow.com.

FEB. 25 – Brite Winter, West Bank of the Flats, Cleveland, Sat. 3 p.m.–Sun. 1 a.m. Premier wintertime festival featuring diverse musical acts, artwork, fun outdoor activities, food and beer trucks, and more. www.britewinter.com.

FEB. 25 – Ohio Boating Education Course, Cleveland Watercraft Office, 1150 E. 49th St., Cleveland, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Fulfills Ohio’s mandatory boater education law requirements. 216-361-1212 or https://ohiodnr.gov/home/news-andevents/all-events/parks-wc-events.

MAR. 2–4 – Ohio Amish Country Home and Garden Show, Chestnut Ridge Sewing, 5079 Township Rd. 401, Millersburg. www.chestnutridgesewing.com.

MAR. 4–5, 11–12 – Maple Syrup Festival, Malabar Farm State Park, 4050 Bromfield Rd., Lucas, 12–4 p.m. Free. Experience the sugar camp at Malabar Farm with live historical demonstrations. Horse-drawn wagon rides, food, and maple products for sale. 419-892-2784 or www.malabarfarm.org.

MAR. 4–5, 11–12 – Maple Sugar Festival and Pancake Breakfast, Hale Farm and Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Enjoy a hearty pancake breakfast and then head out to learn about tree tapping and maple sugar and syrup production. Watch evaporator demonstrations, hear stories about maple traditions, see seasonal cooking demonstrations, and more. www.wrhs.org/signature-events.

MAR. 5 – World Tour of Music: Les Délices, AkronSummit County Public Library, 60 S. High St., Akron,

necessary! 740-596-3030, www.facebook.com/ LakeHopeStatePark, or www.ohiodnr.gov.

FEB. 18 – Great Backyard Bird Count, Burr Oak State Park, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Free. We’ll identify and count all the birds we see on a 1 5-mile hike. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair from the nature center. Dress for the weather. 740-767-3570, www.facebook. com/BurrOakStatePark, or www.ohiodnr.gov.

2–4 p.m. Free, but reservations recommended. The Cleveland-based early music ensemble, led by baroque oboist Debra Nagy, will present an afternoon of medieval music. Firestone high school choir students will also perform. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

MAR. 11 – Dane Vannatter Trio: “Come to the Cabaret,” Williams on the Lake, 787 Lafayette Rd., Medina, 6–9:30 p.m. $60. Enjoy an evening of favorite tunes from the American Songbook, as well as appetizers and drinks, a dinner buffet, desserts, and an auction to benefit ORMACO’s outreach programs. Book early to avoid disappointment: 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

MAR. 11–12 – Rocky River Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Rocky River Memorial Hall, 21016 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Large show featuring artists and crafters selling their original handmade items. Full concession stand. 440-227-8794 or www.avantgardeshows.com.

MAR. 12 – Cleveland Comic Book and Nostalgia Festival, Doubletree by Hilton Cleveland/ Westlake, 1100 Crocker Rd., Westlake, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5; 6 and under free. Comic and toy vendors, guest comic creators, hourly prizes. 330-462-3985 or www.harpercomics.com

MAR. 12 – “Moustache Yourself: Gypsy Jazz,” Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free; reservations recommended. The northeast Ohio–based band Moustache will bring to life the style of music that originates with Romani guitarist Jean “Django” Reinhardt and French swing violinist Stéphane Grappelli. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

as blacksmiths, tinsmiths, horn makers, leather workers, and cabinetmakers. Also gunmakers’ supplies and books. 740-373-3750 or www. campusmartiusmuseum.org.

FEB. 11 – Valentine’s Chocolate Extravaganza, 118 S. Paul St., Woodsfield, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Contact 740-472-4848 with any questions.

FEB. 16 – Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn Highway, Cambridge. 740-439-6688 or https:// cambridgeohiochamber.com.

FEB. 17 – Great Backyard Bird Count, Lake Hope State Park, Nature Center, 27331 St. Rte. 278, McArthur, noon–4 p.m. Free. Come out to assist us with this global citizen science project to identify and count bird species. No prior birding experience

FEB. 18 – Stonehouse Trail Nature Hike, Salt Fork State Park, 14755 Cadiz Rd., Lore City, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., weather permitting. Free. Join the naturalist on a moderately difficult 1 8-mile nature hike to the historic Kennedy Stonehouse. Weather-appropriate clothes and sturdy shoes recommended. 740-630-6105 (John Hickenbottom), www.facebook.com/saltforkstatepark, or www.ohiodnr.gov.

FEB. 18 – “Skunk Cabbage Caravan,” Shawnee State Park Lodge, 3–5 p.m. Free. Carpool to Bear Lake in Shawnee Forest to see a beautiful winter blooming plant with a very interesting life history. Dress in layers, wear waterproof boots, and be prepared to walk a short distance off trail along a stream. 740-858-6652, www.facebook.com/ ShawneeStatePark, or www.ohiodnr.gov.

FEB. 18 – “Contemporary Gunmakers and Allied Artists,” Campus Martius Museum, 601 Second St., Marietta, 9:30 a.m.– 4 p.m. Features the work of several dozen traditional gunmakers as well

FEB. 25 – “Visit the Nature Nook,” Shawnee State Park Lodge, 4404 St. Rte. 125, West Portsmouth, noon–3 p.m. Free. Visit with our animal ambassadors in the Shawnee Lodge Nature Nook. 740-858-6652, www.facebook.com/ShawneeStatePark, or www.ohiodnr.gov.

MAR. 5 – “An Afternoon with Fran Leibowitz,” Peoples Theatre, Marietta, 3 p.m. Free. Marietta College welcomes the Emmy-nominated author, journalist, and social commentator. www.marietta. edu/event/esbenshade-series-fran-lebowitz or www.peoplesbanktheatre.com.

MAR. 10–12 – Home, Garden, and Business Expo, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn Hwy., Cambridge. 740-439-6688 or www. cambridgeohiochamber.com.

MAR. 11 – “An Insider’s Tour,” Campus Martius Museum, 601 Second St., Marietta, 1:30–3:30 p.m. $10 + museum admission. Take a deeper look at the early settlers who are the focus of David McCullough’s book The Pioneers. Tour the home of General Rufus Putnam. Registration required. 740373-3750 or www.campusmartiusmuseum.org.

FEB. 17 – Great Backyard Bird Count 4-Mile Hike, Alum Creek State Park, New Galena Picnic Area, 4550 Africa Rd., Galena, 8:30–11 a.m. Free. We will identify and count all the birds we see and hear on our hike. Dress for the weather; bring binoculars. 740513-6382 (Lindsey Krusling) or www.facebook.com/ AlumCreekStatePark.

FEB. 17–19 – Chasing Charming, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, Fri./Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $15–$22. Featuring a cast of local youth. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

FEB. 18 – “Basic Landscape Design,” Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. $20–$25. Learn the basic design principles of color, texture, scale, rhythm, repetition, and form and how these principles can be used to create a customized garden mixed with trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and bulbs. Register at www. fpconservatory.org/events/basic-landscape-design.

FEB. 18 – Winter Hike, A.W. Marion State Park, 7317 Warner-Huffer Rd., Circleville, 2–4 p.m. Free. Join us for a 2-mile hike along the northern shore of Hargus Lake. Moderately difficult trail; may not be suitable for young children or those with a physical impediment. Dress for the weather; bring water. 740-527-4008

or https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-aproperty/a-w-marion-state-park.

FEB. 18–26 – Spring Home and Garden Show, Ohio Expo Center, Bricker and Celeste Bldgs.., 717 E. 11th St., Columbus, Sat. 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., weekdays 11 a.m.–7 p.m. $8–$10; 17 and under free. Connect with local experts for advice and find the best products and services for making every space of your home more functional and beautiful. www.dispatchshows.com/home-and-garden-show.

FEB. 19 – Fairfield County Antique Tractor Club Toy and Tractor Show, Fairfield Co. Fgds., AAA Bldg., 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $2, under 12 free. Two large, heated buildings with toys and displays. Lunch served by local 4-H group. 740-407-2347 (Doug Shaw) or www.fairfieldcountytractorclub.com.

FEB. 24 – Michael Cavanaugh, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, Fri./Sat. 7:30 p.m. $28–$38. Tony and Grammy–nominated star of the Broadway musical Movin’ Out performs the greatest hits of Billy Joel and Elton John. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

FEB. 25 – Paul Francis Quartet, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7:30 p.m. $15–$20. Grammy Award-winning drummer, educator, and Chillicothe native Paul Francis returns to perform at the historic theater. www.majesticchillicothe.net.

FEB. 25–26 – Maple Syrup Tours, Dawes Arboretum, Main Shelter House, 7770 Jacksontown Rd., Newark, 1–3 p.m. Walk along the trail to discover the many ways syrup has been made throughout history. Peek inside the log cabin, and taste a sample of this all-natural treat! Tours are first come, first served. 740323-2355 or www.dawesarb.org.

FEB. 25–26 – Scott Antique Market, Ohio Expo Ctr., Voinovich Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free; $5 parking. 800 exhibit booths. info@scottantiquemarket.com or www. scottantiquemarkets.com.

FEB. 20 – Monday Music Night: McIntyre Bluegrass Trio, Centerville Library, 111 W. Spring Valley Pike, Centerville, 7–8 p.m. Free. Enjoy lively banjo, fiddle, and guitar music performed by Vernon and Kitty McIntyre and guest Robert Campbell. 937-433-8091

FEB. 25 – TCA Ohio River Chapter Train Meet, American Legion Hall, 11100 Winton Rd., Cincinnati, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. for members; 10 a.m.–2 p.m. for the public. 513-256-9955 (Dan Miller). steamsparkles@ aol.com, or www.tcatrains.org/event/ohio-riverchapter-train-meet-7

MAR. 2–5 – Arnold Sports Festival and Arnold Expo, Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St., Columbus, Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Three-day, daily, and individual competition tickets. Nearly 1,000 booths of the latest in sports nutrition, apparel, and equipment, plus four stages of unique, non-stop competitions and entertainment. www.arnoldsports.com.

MAR. 4 – “Planning a Year of Vegetables,” Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 1–2:30 p.m. $20–$25. From seed selection to vegetable varieties and everything in between, you will learn how to plan a garden to provide you with a full year of vegetables, grown in your own yard! Register at www. fpconservatory.org/events/vegetable-planning.

MAR. 5 – Buckeye Comic Con, Courtyard Marriott Columbus West, 2350 Westbelt Dr., Columbus, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5; 6 and under free. Comic and toy vendors, guest comic creators, hourly prizes. 330-462-3985 or www.harpercomics.com.

MAR. 10–12 – All American Columbus Pet Expo, Ohio Expo Center, Bricker and Ohio Bldgs., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. noon–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Includes the Pet Expo, the All About Cats Expo, and the Mega Pet Adoption. www.allaboutcatsexpo.com.

MAR. 11 – Columbus Beer Festival, COSI, 333 W. Broad St., Columbus, 8–11 p.m. $50; early admission at 7 p.m., $65. Featuring over 50 breweries, 150 beers, and access to all the museum’s exhibits, plus some special surprises. Admission includes beer tastings, with food sold separately. www.columbusbrewfestival.com.

MAR. 12 – New Albany Symphony Orchestra: “Ellington Price Still,” McCoy Center, 100 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany, 3–4 p.m. $14–$22 Featuring the works of Duke Ellington, Florence Price, and William Grant Still. 614-469-0939 or www.newalbanysymphony.com.

11 a.m.–5 p.m., $10 admission good both days. Preview 9–11 a.m., $30; includes show pass. Under 18 free. One of the best modern design shows in the country. Over 50 sellers offering midcentury furniture, lighting, decorative objects, housewares, pop culture memorabilia, and fashion. 513-951-6626 or www.20thcenturycincinnati.com.

FEB. 25–26, MAR. 2–5 – Cincinnati Home and Garden Show, Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati, Wed.–Fri. 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $13 online, $15 at door. More than 400 exhibitors. www.cincinnatihomeandgardenshow.com.

THROUGH MAR. 29 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free entertainment by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Reservations recommended. 513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse. net, or www.vinokletwines.com.

FEB. 17–19 – Miami County Home and Garden Show, Hobart Arena, 255 Adams St., Troy, Fri. 2–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $6; 12 and under free. We have everything from outdoor specialists to kitchen and bath renovators to help you plan your next home improvement project. 937339-7963 or www.miamicountyhomeshow.com.

FEB. 18–26 – Princess and Frog, Taft Theater, 317 E. 5th St., Cincinnati. $8–$54. Check website for performance times. 513-569-8080 or www. thechildrenstheatre.com.

FEB. 25 – “Early Signs of Spring,” Rocky Fork State Park, 9800 N. Shore Dr., Hillsboro, 1–2:30 p.m. Free. Join a naturalist on a guided 3-mile hike to search for early signs of spring. 937-393-4284 or www.ohiodnr.gov.

FEB. 25 – Winter Hike, St. Rte. 370, Yellow Springs. Free. Guided 6-mile hike along Little Miami River, departing from John Bryan State Park and stopping midway at Clifton Gorge Nature Center, where hot cocoa and snacks will be served. 937-537-6173 or www.ohiodnr.gov.

FEB. 25–26 – Dayton Off-Road and Outdoor Expo, Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Rd., Wilmington, Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5; 12 and under free. Vendors, Jeeps, monster trucks, and more! Fun for the whole family. 877-428-4748 or www. daytonoffroadexpo.com.

FEB. 25–26 – 20th Century Cincinnati, Sharonville Convention Center., 11355 Chester Rd., Cincinnati,

MAR. 7 – Downtown Downhome Bluegrass, Miami Downtown Downhome, 221 High St., Hamilton, 7–8:30 p.m. Free. Featuring Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music with lightning-fast instrumentals, close harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs. For more information, email vaughnjh@gmail.com.

MAR. 11–12 – Sweet Spring Marketplace, Montgomery Co. Fgds., 645 Infirmary Rd., Dayton, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $5; 12 and under free. Early-bird shopping Sat. 8–10 a.m., $7. Over 80 exhibits filled with shabby chic, repurposed, vintage, primitive, farmhouse, country, contemporary, jewelry, clothing, bath and body, home décor, and yummy foods. www.montcofair. com/event/sweet-spring-marketplace-3

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Beautiful barns

For May, send “Junior gardener” by Feb. 15; for June, send “Hook, line, and sinker” by March 15.

Upload your photos at www.ohiocoopliving.com/memberinteractive. Your photo may be featured in our magazine or on our website.

Johnston Farms in Piqua, Ohio, along the branch to the Erie Canal. Rebecca Kidd, Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative member

This one was built by me!

John Lind Jr., South Central Power Company member

Angie Williams, Adams Rural Electric Cooperative member

The Biehl family’s Mail Pouch barn at Moss Run, Lawrence Township, Washington County, Ohio. Penny Biehl, Washington Electric Cooperative member

Our pole barn in the backyard last year after a snowfall. Shawn Girdler, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member

A newly built barn in Enon accented by its lavender fields. Jodi Bird, South Central Power Company member