Ohio Cooperative Living - February 2019 - Midwest

Midwest Electric, Inc. Official publication | www.midwestrec.com

NO RATE INCREASE SINCE 2010: Value and stability for your family (pg 19)

FEBRUARY JANUARY 2018 2019

ALSO INSIDE Old and new on Kelleys Island When ice was big business Rural supply: Short line trains

HANDS ON, YEAR ROUND Our linemen are trained with safety and leading best practices in mind.

Thanks to a new state-of-the-art indoor training center, apprentices can learn hands-on, year-round, no matter how snowy or stormy the Ohio weather.

ohioec.org/purpose

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

INSIDE HIGHLIGHT 40 BUILD A SNOWMAN

February is snowman season, and our readers share photos of some of their best work.

FEATURES 24 FREEZE BUSINESS

Once upon a time, cutting ice from Ohio’s rivers and ponds was important and lucrative work.

30 MOVERS AND SHAKERS Short line railroads are a lifeline for the rural economy, delivering goods to hard-to-reach areas of the state.

Cover image on most issues: After her kids, Jacob, Mary, Thomas, and Arlie, spent an afternoon making a snowman, Kim Wysong, a member of Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative, snapped this photo as the sun was setting on a good day’s work.

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 1

UP FRONT

LOOKING AHEAD O

hio’s electric cooperatives had a busy and successful 2018. As we look ahead to 2019, we’re excited about the opportunities to work safer, to work smarter, and to inspire greater impact on the communities we serve. We’ve forged the foundation for each initiative, and we’ll “check and adjust” our efforts, as warranted.

Management and employees at cooperatives across Ohio have made a commitment to work safer than ever. The hazards inherent to producing and distributing electricity are real. Safe job performance requires a commitment to our consumer-members, of course, but also to ourselves, our co-workers, and our families. We’ll prepare for each and every task, no matter how routine, using an organized and thoughtful approach to the safe and effective completion of our endeavors. Nothing is more important in our work lives than safely returning to our homes and loved ones every day.

Working smarter and working safer go hand in hand. Last year, we navigated through historic changes in the operation of our power plants.

We have learned much over the past year, and this year will see changes that better fit our new team. Many people are in new and changed roles. We will systematically check our results and adjust our efforts to work safely and meet operational goals.

Electric cooperatives’ commitment to their local communities is a founding principle that has endured for decades. Today, we continue to look for new and innovative ways to make a positive impact on both the character and the business climate of the communities we serve. Because every area’s needs are specific to that place, we constantly seek out new ways to partner with local organizations so that we can make a real difference.

Ohio’s electric cooperatives look forward to making 2019 a safe, productive year that will enhance our service, promote reliability, and generate affordable power for your homes and businesses.

Depend on it.

2 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

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

Electric cooperatives’ commitment to their local communities is a founding principle that has endured for decades.

February 2019 • Volume 61, No. 5

OHIO

COOPERATIVE LIVING

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 memberinteract@ohioec.org www.ohioec.org Patrick O’Loughlin President & CEO

Patrick Higgins Director of Communications

Jeff McCallister Managing Editor

Rebecca Seum Associate Editor

Anita Cook Graphic Designer Contributors: Colleen Romick Clark, Victoria Ellwood, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Catherine Murray, Craig Springer, Damaine Vonada, and Kevin Williams.

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. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved.

MORE INSIDE DEPARTMENTS 4 POWER LINES

ISLAND FOLK: Kelleys Island, one of the state’s top tourist

destinations, relies on the local electric co-op and its people.

6 KEEP THE LIGHTS ON: It’s a huge task to ensure a reliable supply of electricity to the largest American island on Lake Erie.

8

OHIO ICON BOYD AND WURTHMANN: One of the oldest restaurants in Ohio’s Amish Country is popular with locals and tourists alike.

10 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

KIDS AND CAMERAS: Want to get your young people outdoors?

Give them a camera and send them on a scavenger hunt.

15 GOOD EATS

THE RICE STUFF: With some imagination, this common grain can

become an extraordinary meal.

19 LOCAL PAGES

News and important information from your electric cooperative.

23 CO-OP OHIO STATEHOUSE: Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative For all advertising inquiries, contact American MainStreet Publications 800-626-1181 info@amp.coop 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 Of­fi ce, Consumer Protection Sec­tion, 30 E. Broad St., Col­um­bus, OH 43215.

Periodicals postage paid at Colum­bus, OH, and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising offices at: 6677 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101

Cooperative members: Please report changes of address to your electric cooperative. Ohio Cooperative Living staff cannot process address changes.

trustee Brian Hill has been appointed to the Ohio Senate.

36 CALENDAR

WHAT’S HAPPENING: February events and other things to do.

IN THIS ISSUE Kelleys Island (p.4) Berlin (p.8) Zanesville (p.23) Sarahsville (p.23) Butler County (p.30)

Alliance for Audited Media Member Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 3

POWER LINES

Kelleys Island

OLD AND NEW

BY VICTORIA ELLWOOD

H

op on a huge ferry boat, and after a 20-minute ride through the choppy Lake Erie waters, you’ll arrive at the idyllic Kelleys Island, about 4 miles north of Marblehead, Ohio, and the largest American island on the lake. The island is home to about 140 year-round residents, though the population swells to well over 400 residents and 5,000 tourists during the busy summer months.

An island is a place where folks can never take their electricity for granted, but Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative has been up to the task since it merged with Lake Erie Electric Cooperative in 1967. Now is a time of change on Kelleys Island — at least in regard to its co-op.

The first change is an equipment upgrade: A new electric cable run from the mainland in December will ensure better reliability of electric service to the island’s members. But there are more personal changes as well, as the folks members recognized as the faces of the coop have passed the torch to new representatives.

from Germany, Lahrs has been coming to Kelleys Island for 40 years and has been a full-time resident there for the last 20.

“The role of a trustee is looking out for members and to keep the members on Kelleys Island happy,” Lahrs says.

“Being so far away from the rest of Hancock-Wood’s members, we have to pay particular attention to how the board’s decisions affect us.

“I’m always looking out for my island.”

Lahrs, 88, ran his own business in Cleveland for 50 years before he moved to Kelleys Island, where he operated a transfer station for the village. He now has a waterdelivery service that he calls a “little business on the side.”

New trustee Brian Terry, elected last June, has been part of island life since he was a child and also lives there year-round. He’s one of the youngest trustees among all of Ohio’s co-ops and sees his role as a balancing act.

Because Hancock-Wood’s geographic situation is unique among Ohio electric cooperatives, it has a unique staffing setup as well. The island itself is one district, represented by a trustee on Hancock-Wood’s board of directors. One full-time co-op staff member lives on the island to handle issues that come up day to day.

“The island is so small that community relations is one of the most important parts of the job,” says Terry, who manages Portside Marina and Dockers Restaurant. “I feel like my biggest job is to find a balance between the business of the co-op and maintaining good relationships with the members. I find myself bridging the gap.”

Former trustee Knut Lahrs served on Hancock-Wood’s board for 12 years — his service came to an end at the last elections due to regulated term limits. Originally

The co-op’s other bridge to its island members is the on-site staff, which also has seen a recent transition.

David Ervin was assigned as the full-time lineman on

4 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

The faces of Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative on Kelleys Island: David Ervin (left photo, left side) and Knute Lahrs (right side), Brian Terry (below), and Kevin VanDePerre (not shown), say a big part of their respective jobs is simply to help keep co-op members happy. Ervin is the only full-time HWEC employee stationed on the island, while Lahrs was the island’s representative on the HWEC board of trustees for 12 years. All four helped oversee the project to install a new submarine cable from the mainland to ensure reliable delivery of electricity to the island’s consumer-members.

Kelleys Island last September, taking over for Kevin VanDePerre, who was the sole lineman on the island from 2015 to 2018 and still lends a hand part-time.

The lineman’s primary responsibility, of course, is to keep the lights on — but it’s not the only job.

On call 24/7, Ervin says he has to be a jack of all trades, from running outages to being a handyman to assisting with logistics for the new 4-mile cable being installed. “I’m the only one here all the time, so I take care of everything, any issue that comes up,” he says.

VanDePerre elaborates on the responsibilities of the job: “The role really involves a lot of community involvement and public relations,” he says. “What you do to help our members is very important. I once overheard a member say that I had done more for co-op relations on Kelleys than had ever been done. That was a real honor.”

Ervin says the co-op is still evolving on Kelleys Island. “When the quarry shut down, the co-op lost a big part of its load, but they’ve gained back most of that through new residential service. The (service) is changing over from a commercial load to residential.”

However, he doesn’t see evolution coming quickly to the relaxed island. “They like to keep it slow here,” he says, adding that the best thing about being assigned to the island is the friendliness of the people. “The people — they’re the best thing.”

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 5

ISLAND POWER

S

upplying electricity to an island is no small feat. Supplying reliable electricity to the largest American island on Lake Erie is a monumental task.

Kelleys Island, one of the most popular tourist destinations anywhere in Ohio, is entirely served

by Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative, which has been charged with that job since its 1967 consolidation with the former Lake Erie Electric Cooperative.

“The power that energizes Kelleys Island comes via two 4-mile-long underwater cables from Marblehead on the mainland,” says Bill Barnhart, vice president of engineering and operations at Hancock-Wood Electric. “That redundancy helps ensure that the power stays on even if one cable is damaged or otherwise becomes incapable of its supply duties.”

The cable to the west was laid in 2003, and it is fully capable of supplying all the island’s needs well into the future. The east cable, however, had been most recently replaced in 1970, when the island’s operating voltage was less than half of what it is today. If something were to happen to the west cable, that east cable would no longer have been able to power the island on its own.

“The cable is specifically located by GPS and is charted for boaters to be aware of its position,” Barnhart says. “It also has some protective insulation built into it to avoid potential damage. But things happen, and we need to be prepared if they do.”

So workers cut up and removed the old east cable — finding no less than seven boat anchors that had been caught on the cable and abandoned — and laid a new one on the floor of Lake Erie. It was tested and fully energized right before Christmas.

Barring damage from a severe ice incident or entanglement with a super-sized anchor, Barnhart says the new cable should last a minimum of 50 years, thanks to improved technology in the electrical insulation and other cable protection.

—JEFF MCCALLISTER

6 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

Live Life without pain Plantar Fasciitis • Arthritis • Joint Pain • Heel Spurs • Back & Knee Pain

I‘ve had lower back pain for years. Walking in these shoes was life changing for me. I feel like I’m walking on air.

PATENTED VERSOSHOCK® SOLE

– Bill F.

SHOCK ABSORPTION SYSTEM

Enjoy the benefits of exercise with proven pain relief.

85% 91% 92% 75% LESS KNEE PAIN

LESS BACK PAIN

LESS ANKLE PAIN

LESS FOOT PAIN

AVAILABLE

*Results of a double-blind study&conducted

by Olive WIDE X-WIDE AVAILABLE View UCLA Medical Center.

WIDTH AVAILABLE

Ultimate Comfort Renewed Energy Maximum Protection Improve Posture

AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

$ 30 OFF

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

G-DEFY ION $150 Men Sizes 7.5-15 M/W/XW - Black TB9025MBB - Red/Gray TB9022MRG

YOUR ORDER

AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

Women Sizes 6-11 M/W/XW - Black/Blue TB9022FTL - Gray/Teal TB9022FGU

Promo Code MW3BLJ5 www.gravitydefyer.com Free

Expires May 31, 2019 Exchanges • Free

Returns

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Call 1(800) 429-0039 Gravity Defyer Corp.

10643 Glenoaks Blvd. Pacoima, CA 91331 VersoShock® U.S Patent #US8,555,526 B2. This product has not been evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. $30 off applies to orders of $100 or more for this limited time offer. 9% CA sales tax applies to orders in California. Shoes must be returned within 30 days in like-new condition for full refund or exchange. Credit card authorization required. See website for complete details.

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 7

OHIO ICON

BOYD AND WURTHMANN

Restaurant Berlin

BY DAMAINE VONADA

Location: Main Street (U.S. 62/State Route 39) in Berlin, a Holmes County village in the heart of northeast Ohio’s Amish Country.

Provenance: Boyd and Wurthmann began as a grocery store opened by Paul and Mary Hummel in 1938. Dale Boyd and Herman Wurthmann purchased the store in 1940 and installed a small lunch counter, where they served sandwiches. Expanded to offer breakfast and dinner in the 1950s, the restaurant soon became a local favorite for Amish-style meals and homemade pies. In the 1980s, tables and booths were added to increase seating capacity for Amish Country visitors, who appreciated the restaurant’s good food and homey atmosphere. After four decades in business, Boyd and Wurthmann sold the restaurant, which subsequently had a series of owners until Dennis Mullet purchased it in 2004.

Significance: One of the oldest continuously operated restaurants in Amish Country, Boyd and Wurthmann is a Berlin institution — a popular destination for residents and tourists alike.

Currently: Members of the Mullett family operate Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant and recruit its employees from the region’s Amish-Mennonite community. Locals

regularly meet and eat at the round table in the front of the restaurant, and visitors enjoy sipping a cup of coffee — which still costs 75 cents — at its original 1940s lunch counter. “One of our draws is that people want to get a sense of the local culture,” says Manager Benson Beachy.

“We try to befriend visitors and make them feel welcome.”

Boyd and Wurthmann’s menu of comfort foods ranges from homemade cinnamon rolls to liver and onions, but two of its signature dishes are the BW Breakfast, which features house-made home fries and sausage gravy, and the Hot Sandwich, which is the restaurant’s version of a Manhattan: “A perfect blend of hot roast beef and homemade bread, mashed potatoes, and gravy,” says Beachy. Boyd and Wurthman also offers about 20 different kinds of pie every day. Brown Bag Apple and peanut butter are on the menu year-round, while flavors such as peach cream and red raspberry cream are available seasonally.

It’s a little-known fact that: On Feb. 16, 2019, Boyd and Wurthmann will serve candlelight suppers featuring entrees such as prime rib and chicken alfredo. “We’ll make it a special night for enjoying a nice meal with your valentine,” says Beachy.

Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant, 4819 E. Main St., Berlin, OH 44610.

Open 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. 330-893-4000 or www.boydandwurthmann.com.

8 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

E D ES IT T I M TI LI AN QU

Less than

Ca

$50

ll

No w

!

per coin!

Own the Coins of Jesse James, Black Bart and Billy the Kid Secure the First Five Years of the Most Iconic U.S. Silver Dollar In the Wild West, the Silver Dollar was king.

A cowboy could reach into his saddle bag, pull out a dusty Morgan Silver Dollar, slap it on an even dustier bar and purchase a decent (and yes, probably dusty) bottle of brandy.

Today, the Morgan Silver Dollar is still king. Struck in 90% pure American silver, it’s the most widely coveted vintage Silver Dollar in the world, with collectors spending thousands of dollars on high-grade, low-mintage coins.

Through our extensive contacts, we’ve assembled a total of 51 sets combining the first five dates of this Silver Legend of the Wild West for less than $50 per coin?

Buyers Seek Out Famous “Firsts.”

We Have the First Five!

No collection of vintage U.S. Silver Dollars is complete without the first-year issue. Often hard to find and always highly soughtafter, first-year-issues are every collector’s dream.

With this Silver Legends of the Wild West Collection, you’ll get not only a first-year 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar, but the first five Morgan dates—a collection that puts you well on your way to a world-class Silver Dollar collection.

Each Coin Is Over 136 Years Old!

Hold these Wild West Silver Dollars in your hand, and you’ll feel the weight of their history. Who knows what adventures, beautiful vistas and exciting dangers they’ve witnessed?

SAVE $260—While Supplies Last!

If you were to seek elsewhere and put this set together yourself, you could pay as much as $514. But with this offer, you can secure the Silver Legends of the Wild West Collection for just $249—a savings of more than $260!

This collection comes complete, authentic and fully assembled in a presentation case with a certificate of authenticity and story book detailing the history of the Morgan Silver Dollar.

While there’s no time limit for this offer, my team has only managed to assemble 51 5-coin collections in Extremely Fine condition. Don’t let these pieces of Wild West history slip through your fingers—order yours today!

Silver Legends of the Wild West — $249

FREE SHIPPING!

Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.

Call today toll-free for fastest service

1-800-910-4635

Assembling these collections was no easy task. Each is more than 136 years old, having survived circulation, two world wars and the ever-present melting pots. Most Morgans aren’t so lucky—just 15% of all Morgan Silver Dollars are estimated to exist. Despite this tragedy, you now have the chance to secure the first five dates in Extremely Fine (XF) condition!

Offer Code MWW196-01 Please mention this code when you call.

GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. MWW196-01 • Burnsville, MN 55337 GovMint.com® is a private distributor of coin and currency issues and privately licensed collectibles, and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. GovMint.com is not an investment company and does not offer financial advice. The collectible coin market is highly speculative and involves risk. You must decide for yourself if you are willing to accept these risks, including the risk that you may not be able to liquidate your purchases at prices acceptable to you. GovMint.com makes every effort to ensure facts, figures and offers are accurate; however, errors may and do occur. GovMint.com reserves the right, within its sole discretion and without prior notice to the consumer, to decline to consummate any sale based on such errors. All facts and figures, and populations of graded, autographed or pedigreed coins, are deemed accurate as of the date of publication, but may change significantly over time. GovMint.com, ModernCoinMart®, and MCM® are brands of Asset Marketing Services®. All rights reserved ©GovMint.com.

THE BEST SOURCE FOR COINS WORLDWIDE™

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Kids and CAMERAS Want to get your young people outdoors?

Start them in outdoor photography

BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

W

hen I was a kid, my mother couldn’t keep me indoors. I was constantly roaming the woods and fields near our home, dragging back sick and injured wildlife — probably to the animal’s detriment. But the day Mom drew the line (“No more critters!”) was the day she saw me coming down the road with a live great blue heron under my arm. The 4-foot bird with the dagger-like beak was nearly as tall as I was.

Parents and grandparents today often struggle to get kids outdoors and connected to the natural world. Electronics play a large part in that battle, as computers, video games, and other such devices have a strong pull for young people. So why not use that same attraction to your advantage by handing kids a camera before sending them outside? One of Ohio’s best professional outdoor photographers, David FitzSimmons of Bellville, first learned photography as a child.

“My love of photography began when I was traveling with my parents on summer vacations, watching my father take photos,” says FitzSimmons.

“My grandfather was a photographer, too, so at a very early age I started picking up a camera and taking my own pictures. I bought my first singlelens reflex camera in high school, won first place in a statewide photography contest, and things took off from there.”

Today, FitzSimmons is the creator of the Curious Critters series of wildlife picture books for children. His first book, published in 2010, won six national book awards, and the series has since sold nearly 250,000 copies.

“Any type of imaging device — cellphone, iPad, small camera — that parents or grandparents can get into kids’ hands is a great way of helping them begin to explore nature,” says FitzSimmons.

“Because kids are so visually oriented, it’s an easy fit; young people feel very comfortable using such devices.”

FitzSimmons also says that still photography and videography go hand in hand. “Many kids today are more attracted to making video images than

10 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 11

taking still shots, so my advice is to let them start with either medium, whichever one excites them,” he says.

“For instance, our three daughters — ages 14, 8, and 5 — all prefer taking video, but our oldest daughter quickly racked up more than 1,000 still photos of seabirds along the Florida coast on one of our recent vacations.”

Kids will naturally want to share the images they create with friends and family. “That’s the really exciting part,” FitzSimmons says. “Because their friends will want to get outside and start taking pictures, too. Online sharing builds enthusiasm for both outdoor photography and exploring nature.”

If today’s ever-evolving photo technology seems a bit daunting to you, keep in mind that many schools have photography clubs where young people can get started.

“I would encourage parents and grandparents to find an inexpensive or slightly used imaging device that they can give to a child so that they don’t have to worry about the kid breaking it or pushing the wrong buttons,” FitzSimmons says. “Most young people are pretty tech-savvy, and photography and videography are ways for kids to become the teachers, to show their parents or grandparents something new. It’s also a way for kids to feel empowered, while at the same time experiencing the natural world.”

12 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

One final suggestion: If at first your young person doesn’t know what to take pictures of outdoors, give him or her a list. Kids love a photo scavenger hunt.

W. H. “Chip” Gross (whchipgross@gmail.com) is Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor and a member of Consolidated Cooperative.

Copies of David FitzSimmons’ various books can be ordered online at www.wildirispublishing.com.

insurance and you could save.

geico.com | 1-800-947-AUTO | Local Office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Homeowners, renters and condo coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2018 GEICO

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 13

This 4-carat stunner was created from the aftermath of Mount St. Helens eruption!

What our clients are saying about Stauer Helenite jewelry: “My wife received more compliments on this stone on the first day she wore it than any other piece of jewelry I’ve ever given her.”

– J. from Orlando, FL

Famous Volcano Has Strange Effect on Women O

Man and nature collaborate to create a glamorous green ring guaranteed to rock her world! Own it today for ONLY $99 plus FREE studs with ring purchase!

n May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted, sending a column of ash and smoke 80,000 feet into the atmosphere.

From that chaos, something beautiful emerged—our spectacular Spirit Lake Helenite Ring.

spectacular large carat weight jewelry. “It’s just recently that luxury jewelers have fallen in love with helenite,” says James Fent, GIA Graduate Gemologist. “Clear green color in a stone this size is rarely found in emeralds but helenite has come to the rescue.”

Created from the superheated volcanic rock dust of the historic Mount St. Helens eruption, helenite has become the green stone of choice for jewelry and fashion designers worldwide. Helenite’s vivid color and immaculate clarity rivals mined emeralds that can sell for as much as $3,000 per carat. Today you can wear this 4-carat stunner for only $99!

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Bring home the Spirit Lake Helenite Ring and see for yourself. If you are not completely blown away by the exceptional beauty of this rare American stone, simply return the ring within 30 days for a full refund of the item price. It’s that simple. But we’re betting that once you slide this gorgeous green beauty on your finger, it will take a force of nature to get you two apart!

EXCLUSIVE

FREE

Helenite Studs -a $129 valuewith purchase of Spirit Lake Ring

Our exclusive design highlights the visually stunning stone with a concave cut set in .925 sterling silver loaded with brilliant white, lab-created DiamondAura®. The classic pairing of colors in a vintageinspired setting makes for a statement ring that’s simply impossible to ignore!

Beauty from the beast. Also known as “America’s Emerald,” helenite is not an emerald at all, but a brighter and clearer green stone that gem cutters can facet into

Spirit Lake Helenite Ring Total value with FREE studs $478* Now, Offer Code Price Only $99 + S&P Save $379!

1-800-333-2045

Your Offer Code: SLR614-02

You must use this offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155,

Rating of A+

Dept. SLR614-02, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

* Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

4 carat Helenite center stone • Lab-created white DiamondAura® accents • .925 sterling silver setting • Whole ring sizes 5–10

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary® 14 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

GOOD EATS

The

RICE stuff

JAMBALAYA Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 50 minutes | Servings: 8 1 teaspoon thyme 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon oregano 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 large yellow onion, diced 1 bay leaf 2 ribs celery, diced 1 pound chicken breast, cut into small pieces 1 green pepper, cored, seeded, and diced 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced into 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes 1/4-inch rounds 4 cups chicken broth 1/2 pound okra, diced 11/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice 1 pound cooked shrimp 1 teaspoon garlic powder salt and pepper 1 teaspoon paprika

With some imagination, the common grain can become an extraordinary meal.

In a Dutch oven or stockpot, add oil, jalapeño, onion, celery, and green pepper. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, rice, and seasonings; bring to a simmer and reduce heat to medium-low. In a separate skillet, saute chicken and sausage until chicken is cooked through, about 7 minutes. Transfer meat to Dutch oven and stir. Cover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring every 5–7 minutes. Add shrimp and okra; cook 10 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Per serving: 529 calories; 20 grams fat (6 grams saturated fat); 40 grams total carbs; 4 grams fiber, 43 grams protein.

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 15

COCONUT CHICKEN CURRY Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 14-ounce can light coconut milk 1 head cauliflower, broken into medium pieces 1 cup shredded carrots 1 large sweet potato, diced small 28-ounce can diced tomatoes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup water 2 pounds chicken breast, diced 3 teaspoons salt 1 medium yellow onion, 1 teaspoon black pepper chopped fine 2 cups diced green beans 3 tablespoons curry powder 6 cups cooked basmati rice 8 garlic cloves, minced Preheat oven to 425 F. Place cauliflower and sweet potato pieces on separate cookie sheets; toss with olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt and spread evenly. Bake 20 minutes or until browned and slightly crispy on edges. Set aside. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan on medium heat. Add chicken and cook through, about 7 minutes. Remove from pan onto a plate. When slightly cooled, cut into small pieces. Add remaining oil, onion, and curry powder to pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until onion is very soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook about 1 minute. Add coconut milk, carrots, tomatoes (with juice), water, remaining salt, and pepper. Cover and cook 4 minutes. Add green beans and continue cooking until beans are tender, about 5 minutes. Mix in chicken, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes. Serve hot over rice.

Per serving: 1,057 calories; 14 grams fat (4.5 grams saturated fat); 177 grams total carbs; 11 grams fiber; 50 grams protein.

TROPICAL RICE SUNDAE Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Servings: 5 1 lemon, juice and zest 1 cup arborio rice 1/2 cup sugar 31/2 cups water 2 tablespoons cornstarch 15-ounce can diced mango in light syrup 1/4 cup shredded coconut 15-ounce can grapefruit slices in light syrup In a medium pot, combine rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cook uncovered 20–30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Rice should absorb most of the water and have a sticky texture when done. Set aside. Open cans of mango and grapefruit. Separate fruit from juice, reserving both. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together lemon zest, sugar, and cornstarch. Slowly add lemon, mango, and grapefruit juice, whisking constantly so cornstarch doesn’t create lumps. Bring to a boil. Whisk constantly for 3–4 minutes until sauce has thickened. In a shallow pan, toast coconut over high heat, being careful not to burn. In serving bowls, scoop rice and top with mango and grapefruit slices.

Drizzle with sauce; top with coconut. Serve warm.

Per serving: 472 calories; 1.5 grams fat (1 gram saturated fat); 99 grams total carbohydrates; 8 grams fiber; 6 grams protein.

16 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

VEGGIE BURGERS Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Servings: 8 1/2 teaspoon coriander 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 medium yellow onion, diced fine 1/2 teaspoon cayenne 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons salt 3 tablespoons cider vinegar 1 teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons water 2 cups cooked brown rice 2 15.25-ounce cans black beans (no salt added) 1 15-ounce can shoestring chopped beets, drained and chopped small 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon cumin

1 tablespoon molasses 1/2 cup rolled oats, finely ground 1 tablespoon olive oil 8 hamburger buns Yo ur favorite hamburger toppings (Dijon mustard, lettuce, onion, and tomato shown)

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, cooking until slightly charred, 7 minutes. Add garlic, vinegar, and water. Cook 3 minutes, or until vinegar smells sweet. Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl. Drain and rinse black beans. Add half the beans to onions and mash. Add the other half of beans and leave whole. In small bowl, combine dry spices. Add remaining ingredients (except oil, buns, and toppings) to black bean mixture, stirring well to combine. Shape into 8 patties. In large skillet over medium heat, add oil. Cook patties 2 minutes, then flip (if they don’t lift easily with a spatula, cook a little longer). Cook another 6 minutes until warmed through. Place burgers on buns and top with your favorite hamburger toppings.

Per serving: 628 calories; 7 grams fat (1 gram saturated fat); 115 grams total carbohydrates; 20 grams fiber; 28 grams protein.

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 17

18 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

NO RATE INCREASE SINCE 2010 We’re cutting costs, sharing services, and maintaining the same number of employees we had in the 1980s

I

Matt Berry, CEO We’ve refinanced loans to MBERRY@MIDWESTREC.COM generate about $2 million in savings. Our peak load control programs (e.g., electric water heater control) save more than $500,000 per year in avoided demand charges on our wholesale power bill from Buckeye Power. (The peak control times occur less than 1 percent of all the hours in a year.)

am pleased to announce that, barring unforeseen circumstances, we are not planning a rate increase in 2019.

This will mark nine years since our last rate change, which was August 2010!

We’re thankful that our members like you are so conscientious about paying their electric bills; our bad debt expense is extremely low.

That’s incredible value and stability. What makes it even more noteworthy is that we haven’t been sitting still. Over the past nine years, we’ve invested $20 million in electric system reliability upgrades, and we’ve returned $11.5 million to you in patronage cash back. That’s in addition to increases in general day-to-day expenses, wages, etc.

All without raising electric rates!

Employees and department managers keep expenses within budget. We follow an equity management plan, strategically balancing debt and equity financing to minimize our cost of capital. In 2017, we started a shared employee services project with neighboring Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative, saving more than $100,000 a year.

Earlier, I said part of the credit for our rate stability goes to you, the members. How so? Your participation in the peak load control programs mentioned above and using our electronic and automatic payment methods helps us keep costs down.

The credit for this good news goes to our employees and also to you, our members.

Our employees understand we’re not-for-profit and memberowned. They know who they’re really working for. So they strive to be as efficient and as productive as possible. In fact, compared to the average for America’s 900 electric cooperatives, we serve more members per employee. We do more with less. We have the same number of employees today that we had in the 1980s.

We’re also very thankful that our members are so conscientious about paying their electric bills; our bad debt expense is extremely low.

And almost 700 Midwest Electric members participate in our political action program, Co-op Owners for Political Action.

Our legislative lobbying efforts are focused on supporting legislation that keeps electricity affordable and reliable. You wouldn’t think our politicians would have such a hard time understanding the need for affordable and reliable electricity.

But trust me, we need to strengthen our voice in Columbus and Washington, D.C.

A big reason for that productivity is technology. From computerized maps and our smart metering system being tied with our outage systems to a state-of-the-art online billing and customer access system (SmartHub), we’ve made technology work for us — and for you.

Buckeye Power, the generation power supplier for Midwest Electric and Ohio’s 24 electric distribution cooperatives, accounts for about 65 cents of every dollar you send us.

Buckeye’s rates have been stable the past few years, and they project continued stability for the next few years.

Stop and think about everything electricity does every day for you, your family, and your business. Let me know if you can think of a better value.

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 19

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

$2 Million

Rural Economic Development Loans

$50,000

$

2 Million

annual taxes

Annual Community Donations

Paid

BOARD ELECTIONS

OFFICIAL NOTICE: Petition forms available to run for co-op 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.

JO I N T HE T E A M.

Three of the nine 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 June 1.

Nomination of trustees 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.

RUN FOR THE BOARD

For this year’s elections, petitions may be filed by members who reside within the following districts: District 1 (3-year term): Auglaize and Shelby counties District 3 (3-year term): Van Wert County District 4 (3-year term): Mercer and Darke counties The board meets monthly to review the financial and operating performance of your cooperative. They review reports from the CEO and department managers and provide 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 form and file it in the co-op’s office by 8 a.m. May 2 (no sooner than March 22). Call us at 800-962-3830 for more information or for a copy of the Code of Regulations.

What is the Ohio kilowatt-hour tax?

HEADS UP

Created by the Ohio General Assembly in 2001, it applies to electric distribution companies with end users in Ohio as well as commercial electricity purchasers.

Ohio’s tax is among the highest in the U.S. at almost a half-cent per kilowatt-hour.

kWh tax will soon be broken out on your bill

20 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

The tax is Midwest Electric’s fourth-highest operating expense.

This is not a new tax, and it is not a new charge from Midwest Electric. Previously, this tax was bundled into other costs on your bill, but it will soon be listed as a separate line item.

500,000

$

2–3 Million $

99.97%

POWER AVAILABILITY

NO

$

Annual peak load control savings

Annual power system upgrades

LIVE

ELECTRIC RATE INCREASE SINCE

ANSWER PHONES

2010

ENERGY AUDITS

MEMBER REBATES

33 Million Patronage returned to our members

HOURLY, DAILY & MONTHLY ELECTRIC USE DATA

METERING

REBATES

Looking to buy new home appliances?

We’ve added a few rebates for 2019. You could get a $50 rebate for purchasing a new ENERGY STARcertified refrigerator or stand-alone freezer! We also offer rebates for:

• $200: Air sealing

• $100: Central AC and mini-split units

• $500: Replace propane with electric water heater

• $500: Geothermal

• FREE energy audits

• $500: Air-source heat pump

• Variety of commercial rebates, including motor and lighting upgrades

• $200: Insulation • $200: Electric water heater

Central air, geothermal, heat pumps, and water heater rebates require installation of a free co-op load management switch. Restrictions apply, and rebates must be approved first. Please call our office at 800-962-3830 for details or visit www.midwestrec.com > My Home > Rebates.

Talk about value!

AVERAGE IS

LESS

BILL

THAN

$6 a day

.

Less than a large pizza ...

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20A

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

$2 Million

Rural Economic Development Loans

$50,000

Annual Community Donations

$

2 Million

annual taxes Paid

OPERATIONS UPDATE

2019 WORK PLAN HIGHLIGHTS

Co-op plans $4.1 million in power reliability investments Midwest Electric is planning $4.1 million in investments in power reliability and electric operations in 2019 — all without a rate increase this year. This includes: • Starting the multiyear installation of a 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 substation to another. Currently, a substation outage could last two hours or more. After distribution automation, an outage could last 15 minutes. The goal is to eventually make this switching capability available system-wide to 17 substations and metering points. In 2019, the project will start in the Rockford, Jonestown, and Spencerville areas.

• A budgeted 15 miles of single-phase line rebuilding in the Chickasaw, Kossuth, Lake, and Noble substation and metering point areas, and the rebuilding of 2.5 miles of transmission line connecting our Marathon and Macedon substations

20B OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

in western Mercer County. These involve replacing old copper lines with higher-strength aluminum.

• Replacing primary underground conductor in Cridersville’s Meadowbrook subdivision, and Southmoor Shores on Grand Lake St. Marys.

• Purchasing two new digger derrick trucks.

• Pole testing in the Kossuth and Noble 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 percent fail the test, and those are replaced.

• Tree trimming in the Bluelick, Rockport, and Noble substation areas. Tree pruning is performed on a fiveyear cycle throughout the cooperative’s 1,600 miles of power line.

• Beginning staking process to connect Coldwater metering point with the St. Henry substation for backfeed reliability.

• Buying new equipment (includes transformers, line reclosers, regulators, and poles).

500,000

$

2–3 Million $

99.97%

POWER AVAILABILITY

NO

Annual peak load control savings

Annual power system upgrades

LIVE

ELECTRIC RATE INCREASE SINCE

ANSWER PHONES

2010

$ ENERGY AUDITS

33 Million Patronage returned to our members

MEMBER REBATES

HOURLY, DAILY & MONTHLY ELECTRIC USE DATA

METERING

The PriceINVESTMENT: of Safety: A WORTHY $4,663

“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 efficiently,” says CEO Matt Berry.

Arc-Rated Harness: $346 and Lanyard: $60 Extendo Stick $498

Hard Hat: $22

Safety Glasses $7

Flame-Retardant Shirt $61

FlameRetardant Traffic Vest $70

Rubber Sleeves $514

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

Have questions about upcoming construction in your area? Give our office a call at 800-962-3830.

SAY HELLO TO OUR CREW!

Rubber Gloves $200

Body Belt $428

Rubber Glove Protectors $50

Hand Tools $349

FlameRetardant Trousers $73 Secondary Lanyard $268

Climber Pads $165 Lineworker Boots $330 Pole Climbers $480

Wood Pole Fall Restrict Device $655

Dielectric Overshoes $87

Ever wondered how much it costs to outfit a lineworker? Protecting our employees is expensive, but safety is our first priority. We do whatever it takesYour to serve our members Touchstone Energy®24/7/365.

Cooperative ®

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20C

$2 Million

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

$

2 Million

Rural Economic Development Loans

annual taxes

$50,000

Paid

Annual Community Donations

BILL PAY

Know what to expect on your bill each month with

AVERAGE BILLING Over the course of a year, your monthly electric bill goes up and down depending on the amount of electricity you use. In the summer and winter months, it’s usually higher because that is when your air-conditioning and heating systems are in use. With the average billing plan, your electric bill will be more predictable all year long.

What is average billing?

Average billing makes it easier to plan your monthly budget because it spreads out, or “levels,” your annual electric costs.

How it works Your monthly average bill will be calculated each month based on your current month usage plus the past 11 months of electric usage. There is not a settle-up month for

the average billing program. You may change your billing to regular at any time; however, any balance due is payable at the time you choose to go off average billing.

Do you qualify?

To qualify for average billing, your account must have a zero balance at the time you go on the plan. You must be a residential member with 12 months of electric use history.

Sign up now!

Know what to expect when you get your electric bill each month by signing up for average billing! To sign up, call Midwest Electric’s office at 419-394-4110 or 800-962-3830 or visit our website at www.midwestrec.com > My Home > Ways to Pay/Locations and click “Average Billing Plan.”

Average billing payment vs. regular billing payment $400 $350 $300 $250 $200 $150 $100 $50 $0 Jan.

Feb.

March

April

May

June

July

Aug.

Regular billing payment Average billing payment

Graph is for illustration purposes only.

20D OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

500,000

$

2–3 Million $

99.97%

POWER AVAILABILITY

NO

Annual peak load control savings

Annual power system upgrades

LIVE

ELECTRIC RATE INCREASE SINCE

ANSWER PHONES

2010

$ ENERGY AUDITS

MEMBER REBATES

33 Million Patronage returned to our members

HOURLY, DAILY & MONTHLY ELECTRIC USE DATA

METERING

Value and stability NO RATE INCREASE IN 2019

Thanks to hard work and keeping down costs, we are able to do more with less.

The cooperative difference means you — our members — are also our owners, so we know the importance of stretching every dollar to the max. We work for you and are proud to serve.

We are the cooperative, and the cooperative is you. ld be u o h s r e Pow .m. p 2 y b d e restor

IT'S YOUR CHOICE: Sign up for text, email, or mobile feed alerts through SmartHub. Visit midwestrec.com > My Home > Access My SmartHub Account or download the mobile app.

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20E

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

$2 Million

Rural Economic Development Loans

$50,000

Annual Community Donations

$

2 Million

annual taxes Paid

SAFETY

POWER IS OUT: What should I do?

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month

Laundry tip: Dry towels and heavier cottons separately from lighter-weight clothing.

You’ll spend less time running the dryer for lighter-weight items, which saves energy.

If power is lost to your home, first look to see if the power loss is due to a problem within the home. Start to troubleshoot the problem by checking for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker in the home’s main fuse/breaker panel. Even if the breaker is in the on position, flip the breaker to the off position and then back on to reset it.

Also, try using just cold water to wash most of your laundry. Cold water uses a lot less energy than hot water does.

Source: energy.gov

If the problem is determined to be a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker, be sure to unplug all major appliances before replacing the fuse or flipping the breaker to reduce the electrical load on the breaker going into the home.

If you have a meter base mounted on an electric pole, check that breaker as well. To check this breaker below the meter base, first open the cover below the meter. Inside of this cover is the main disconnect breaker. Flip the breaker to the off position and then back on to reset it.

If power hasn’t been restored to the home after taking these steps, call Midwest Electric to report the outage at 800962-3830. Remember that the overhead or underground service from the point where the wires exit the polemounted breaker box are considered your wires and are the responsibility of the member, not the co-op.

Consider medical needs when prepping for outages If you have special medical needs (such as oxygen, dialysis, etc.), you need a backup plan in case of a power outage. Consider getting a backup generator, make plans for a friend or relative to help care for you, and ensure your county EMA office is aware of your needs.

We can’t guarantee uninterrupted power 100 percent of the time, nor can we restore power 20F OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

for certain members sooner than for others. We follow a power restoration plan that gives priority to the greatest number of members first, then eventually works down to individual outages. If your outage is an individual outage, we can only repair it after we’ve fixed main lines.

For more tips on how you can prepare for outages, visit the safety section of our website at www.midwestrec.com.

500,000

$

2–3 Million $

99.97%

POWER AVAILABILITY

NO

$

Annual peak load control savings

Annual power system upgrades

LIVE

ELECTRIC RATE INCREASE SINCE

ANSWER PHONES

2010

ENERGY AUDITS

MEMBER REBATES

33 Million Patronage returned to our members

HOURLY, DAILY & MONTHLY ELECTRIC USE DATA

METERING

NEWS

Midwest Electric hires new employee On Dec. 3, Midwest Electric hired Julie Marchal of Coldwater, Ohio, to join the member service representative team.

“Being a member of Midwest Electric, I was aware of how innovative and responsive the company is for their members, so I was very excited when they had an opening in my field of experience,” Marchal says.

A Fort Recovery High School graduate, Marchal earned an associate degree from Wright State University Lake Campus in financial management.

She brings 17 years of experience

as a customer service manager at Wabash Mutual Telephone, as well as being a licensed Realtor with Lakeshore Realtors in Celina. In her new role, she will serve as a primary contact for members and inquiries, process payments and service orders, create new member accounts, handle patronage equity accounts, coordinate delinquent bill collections, and perform meter reading system checks.

“I love how friendly and kind everyone is,” Marchal says. “I am looking forward to assisting members and learning

more about the electric industry.”

Julie Marchal MEMBER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Marchal and her husband, Dale, reside in Coldwater and have three sons: Ben, Bryce, and Blake. When she isn’t testing out new recipes in the kitchen or getting lost in a good book, Marchal can be found outdoors enjoying Mother Nature.

Her life motto?

“Never judge a book by its cover.”

That moment of excitement: What did you do the first time you received patronage cash back from your co-op?

Midwest Electric member Jennifer Schuller received her first cash-back payment from us in December. When employee Dave Waltermire stopped by her workplace, Thieman Quality Metal, to give them their cash-back check, he ran into Schuller and learned how excited she was for this perk of co-op membership.

“It’s a nice little surprise for Christmas,” she says. “It’s not very often you get money back from anyone ... I think it’s a good way for the co-op to give back to its community. I wouldn’t switch from Midwest even if I had the opportunity — I’m a happy member.”

Schuller moved into her house on our lines in December 2000 and first learned about patronage cash back from Ohio Cooperative Living magazine years ago. Since then, she and her husband have been patiently waiting for their turn on our payout cycle.

Schuller used the extra cash toward Christmas gifts for their two daughters. WE WANT TO KNOW: What did you do with your cash back from Midwest Electric?

Email skuhn@ppec.coop, and you could be featured on our social media!

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20G

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

$2 Million

Rural Economic Development Loans

$50,000

Annual Community Donations

$

2 Million

annual taxes Paid

UNCLAIMED PATRONAGE CASH BACK

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 2014. 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 office for the check to be issued. After proper notification, any unclaimed funds from December 2014 will be reassigned to current members following the guidelines established in the cooperative’s Code of Regulations.

This list is also available on our website at www.midwestrec.com > My Coop > Patronage Cash Back.

ACCORD HAROLD ADAMS DOUGLAS W ADAMS WILLIAM ALBRIGHT DENNIS S ALEXANDER HOMES AMOS REX ANDREA PIERCE EHLINGER APPLEGATE RICHARD G ARMSTEAD BARBARA ARMSTRONG PHOEBE E ARNETT DAVID W ASHBY CHARLES M AT&T STORE #OH3870 ATHA LEE AUGSBURGER LACINDA E AUGSBURGER WADE AUSTIN AMANDA M AVERY RALPH EJR AYERS BENJAMIN E AZZALINA CARL BADGETT WILLIAM T BAILEY DAVID BAILEY DORAMAE BAILEY ERNEST E BAILEY JOE W BAILEY MICHAEL BAILEY TONY BAIN JAMES R BAKER JACK BAKER M F BAKER TAMATHA L BAKER TIFFANY N BALDAUF ALFRED E BALLINGER WALLY BALTES KEN J BANDO MASAKUNI BARBER MARK BARKER GLEN E BARTON BECKY BASHORE WAYNE E BASINGER JEWELIE BAUER DEAN M BAYLESS KATHY ANN BAYLESS THOMAS B BAYVIEW PUB & GRUB BECK BARTON BECK JULIE BENTLY DAVID BERRY CHARLES BERRY EILEEN

BERRY RENEE BERTKE MICHAEL BETHEL CHURCH BIANCO ANDREW SJR BIDDINGER CAROLSUE BIDDINGER DAVID H BIDDLE HELEN BINKLEY CONNIE BIR CHARLES F BISHOP JUAN D BIVENS RONALD D BIVONA STEPHEN M BLACK ALVA L BLACK JOHN J BLACK JOSHUA J BLACK MICHAEL BLANKEMEYER DONALD BLANKENSHIP JOHN R BOATRIGHT CHARLES D BOB TATONE FORD INC BODIKER DENNIS BOEHME CHARLES E BOGAN BERNARD BOGAN JULIE BOGGS SARAH BOROFF RANDY BOWERS D KYLE BOWERSOCK VON K BRADLEY GREG BRANDEHOFF DIANE L BRANNON CRANDALL G BRAUN AMANDA BREAD OF LIFE FELLOWSHI BRIDGES HAROLD BRINKMAN DANIEL W BROCKMAN DANIEL BROOKS JIM BROOKS MARY BROOKWOOD HILLS WATER C BROWN CHRIS M BROWN ERIN C BROWN JEFF R BROWN KELLY BROWN MARY L BROWN RONALD A BROWN TONY L BRUNS ROBERT E BURDEN RICHARD L BURKHOLDER WELTY K BURNETT MARY J

20H OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

BURROWS CHRIS BUSHONG TERRY BUTLER MARILYN BUTLER TIMOTHY R BUZARD ROGER CAMPBELL MABEL R CAMPBELL MARY E CAMPBELL SHEILA CAMPBELL VIOLET CARMEAN TERRY L CARROLL TINA L CARTER PAUL CASE DALE W CASTILLO CARLOS CATRON ARNOLD CHAFFINS SHEILA CISCO CRAIG CISCO KENDRA CLARK CLAYTON CLARK JAMES W CLELAND CRYSTAL CLELAND ROGER CLEM JAY A CLEMENS SAMUEL R CLEVIDENCE MARK CLIFFORD THOMAS S CLOUSER JEFF D COCHENSPARGER HAROLD C COCHRAN DIRK COCKERELL GEORGE A COCKERELL LEONA COIL MARY COLE DAVID L COLEBAUGH C E COLLIER SAMANTHA CONNER JAMES S COOK MATT COOK PHIL COOPER CHRISTINA COPELAND WILLIAM R CORNETT CINDY CORNWELL DORA R CORSON KAREN W COTTERMAN ELLEN COTTLE JOHN E COUGHENOUR MELVIN COURTNEY SANDY CRAIG JANET CRAWFORD PEARL CRAWFORD SHARON

CRAWFORD TRACI CREW LESLIE A CRISP BILL CRIST EDWARD CRUM HAROLD R CRUMRINE DENNIS CRUMRINE PHILLIP E CUSTER AIMEE CYPHERS PAMELA R DABERKOW KEVIN DAHILL ANNETTA DAILEY MARY LOU DAISY CONNIE F DAMMEYER HELEN DANIELS AIMEE DANIELS TED R DAVIS LANCE V DAY DARLENE DAY MICK DEANTHONY ROBERT J DEARDEN GEORGE DECKER ROBERT ASR DELCOTTO PETE S DELITE OUTDOOR ADV OH DEMENY JEFFREY R DEMMING SYLVIA DENNINGS GUY R DEROSIA BERTHA DEROSSETT BRETT DERROW MICHAEL A DETRICK LARRY DEVITA TIM DIAMOND DISTRIBUTING IN DIEHL JOHN J DILSAVER ROBERT J DINE JEFFREY C DITTO E LOUISE DITTO ELI T DOOLEY TOM L DOUDS DEBORAH DOUGLAS WILLIAM S DREHS C DRIELING BRUCE G DROWN GERALD DUCHENEY BRIAN DUES STANLEY H DUKES BETTY L DUNAHAY ELIZABETH DUNLAP SCOTT DUNNO C E

DYSINGER MARY L E J MEYER & SONS INC EAREHART DENZEL EASTMAN KAREN J ECKHART CHARLIE ECM EGGEMAN RAY EICK SAUDRA M EICK STEVE ELDER JOAN M ELDER LENORA ELEY JOSEPH E ELIFRITZ BETTY ELLIS ROGER E ENGLAND JAMES M EVANS FRANK EVANS LANCE A EVANS TREVOR SR EVERETTS CARMEN E EWING MARY E FAIRCHILD ANDREW M FAIRCHILD GARY FAITH TABERNACLE FARLER EARL FAWN WAY FARMS FEIERSTEIN RICHARD D FERGUSON MICHAEL FETT DOUGLAS FETT GARY L FETTER BRAD FETZER BYRON L FISHER KATHY FLANAGAN STEPHEN FLORY DEAN C FORBES CRAIG FORWARD MAGGIE FOSTER DARYL JJR FOUST DAVID FOX KERRY P FREEMAN FRED R FREEMAN ORVILLE J FRICKE DANIEL FRIED VINCENT P FRYE L DENNIS JR FT DEFIANCE CNST SUPPLY FULLENKAMP DENISE J FULLER MICHAEL FURAY GARY LJR FURROW STEVEN J G & A MILLER FARMS INC

500,000

$

2–3 Million $

99.97%

POWER AVAILABILITY

NO

Annual peak load control savings

Annual power system upgrades

LIVE

ELECTRIC RATE INCREASE SINCE

ANSWER PHONES

2010

GADDY JOHN P GARBER MATTHEW A GARRETT GLORIA GARRETT JEFFREY L GARVER WILLIAM A GEETHING BRENT D GERDEMAN CARL E GIBBONEY DAVID E GIBSON CULLEN S GIBSON IRMA GILBERT BRADLEY JR GILBERT CLARK M GILLIAM JERRY M GINN JAMES GLOVER ALVIN M GOECKE STEVEN J GOINGS MARY JANE GOLDEN DENVER GOODWIN ERIC EX GRACE LUCILLE BRENNEMAN TRUST GRAYMIRE CHRISTINE GREEN CHRISTINA GREEN MIKE GREENE CHRIS GREENE MICHAEL GREN THERESA L GRIFFITH MARILYN GROSS BERNARD GROVES JEAN GRUBMAER DARREN G GRUMBLEY SYLVIA L GRUNKEMEYER JOHN HAAS JOHN P HAGENS RUTH E HAGER THOMAS L HALE PAULA R HALL CONNIE HALL ELMER JR HALL IVRON E HALL JEFFREY HALL NORMA HALL ROBERT HALL TIM HAMILTON BRENDA HANCE MICHAEL J HANEY BOB HARDIN ANTHONY HARDWICK MICHAEL HARDWICK PAUL HARKNESS DENISE M HARMON STEPHEN HARMON VIVIAN L HARRY’S PAINT SHOP HARSHMAN HAROLD W HARTMAN BRUCE HARTMAN SUSAN HARVEY LARRY Z HASTING CARL HAWK JOSHUA C HAWK TODD HAWKINS EUGENE HAWORTH JOHN E HEALTH TOUR INC HEANEY TIMOTHY J HEARN JULIA HEATH LOUELLA HEATH RICHARD L HEATWOLE CARL

HEBERT CARRIE HEFFELFINGER KAREN HEFNER LINDA HEILMAN ROBERT HENEGAR JAMES HENSLEY KIMBERLY A HEPPEARD RICHARD K HERBST CHARLES L HERMAN JOHN HERR GARY L HERWIG TERRY HEYMAN NEAL R HICKERSON EDWARD W HICKMAN ORA W HILBERT JACQUELIN M HILL JEAN M HILL LARRY A HINES RICHARD AJR HINTON LYNDA HITTLE VIOLET A HOFFMAN MIKE HOFFMANN JOHN M HOLLAND RUSSELL E HOLLAR JUANITA F HOLLINGSWORTH F G HOMAN DALLAS HOMAN RICK J HONIGFORD DENNIS HOOK DONALD E HOOK JOHN H HORNER THOMAS E HOWE BARBARA A HOWER HARLEY O HUELSMEYER LINDA HUEY LLOYD HUFFMAN STEVEN H HUGHES DONALD JR HULLINGER JAMES HUNT FLOYD W HUNTER DENISE HURD ERMA J HUSSEY TRACY IMHOF WALLACE F INDERRIEDEN HELEN INKROTT ANTHONY IRONS DERRICK JACKSON DALLAS R JACKSON DONALD R JACKSON ROBERT G JACOBS DAVID R JACOBS LEONARD R JAMES JEANNA JAY DENISE A JENKINS ROD JOHNSON BARRY JOHNSON THELMA I JOHNSTON DEBORAH JONES BERT W JONES DOUGLAS L JONES JAMES JONES MICHAEL D JONES SANDRA K JONES SCOTT JONES TOM V JONES W E JOYNER JEFFREY JUTTE CHARLES R KABLE JONATHAN KAECK BRAD

$ ENERGY AUDITS

MEMBER REBATES

KAFFENBARGER MARK KAGY CHARLES L KAISER MARK A KANDEL PAUL KARALUNAS III DANIEL E KCL FAMILY HOMESTEAD LLC

KEISER TODD KELLERMEYER COLLEEN KELLY MIKE KEMMANN TERRY KENNEDY BRENDA KIDDER GUY KIMBLE JACQUELYN M KING JAMES D KING MARTHA J KINKLE WANDA KINSTLE DARRYL L KIRACOFF DEMARIS KISOR RONALD KISSEL CHARLES KLENKE ROBERT KLITH NORMA J KNUST JOE KOENIG DONALD G KOHLI NEAL KOHRMAN MIKE KRAMER FRED JJR KREMER FAMILY TRUST KREMER JASON LAFFIN KIM M LAMPY MARK LAUKHART RICHARD L LAWSON STEPHEN D LEACH JEROME LEEDY JAMIE LEGROS KIM LEHMKUHLE SHANNON LEMMON BUDD H LEMONS TIM R LENHART LEROY J LENICHEK JACK LEPINSKI THOMAS LESLEY RICHARD LEWIS BRIAN LEWIS JAMES K LIEB ROBERT LILLARD HOLLY LINDSTROM RONALD GJR LINE BECKY L LINES FRANK A LINK MARY M LINTON KIM LISCHKE ANNA K LITSEY KYLE LONGENDELPHER MARY L LOUDENSLAGER DOUGLAS LOWE MILDRED L LUCK GREGORY D LUEBKE JOHN P LUNGUY PEGGY MACDONALD CHARLES MACEDON CHRISTAIN CHURCH MAGGERT RANDY A MAGIERA LARRY MARCUM JEFFREY Q MARSHALL RICHARD P MARTIN BETTY C

33 Million Patronage returned to our members

HOURLY, DAILY & MONTHLY ELECTRIC USE DATA MARTIN DANNY N MARTIN LORI MARTIN MARJORIE MAST SANDRA MATHES PATRICK C MATSUMOTO TAKABUMI MAUL GERALD EJR MAYNARD MELVIN MCBETH KIMBERLY A MCBRIDE GARY R MCCLOSKEY FRANCES L MCCOY GEORGE M MCDOWELL REX A MCFALL JIMMY L MCKIRBY TY MCLAUGHLIN JEAN MCMURRAY JON A MCNAMEE WILLIAM F MCNEAL TIMOTHY P METZ CHRIS L MEYER JOHN MEYER MARY E MEYER THOMAS J MIKOLAJEWSKI BOB MILLER AMY MILLER BETTY J MILLER DAVID W MILLER EDWARD A MILLER ERIC C MILLER JOE D MILLER KERRY L MILLER KIM S MILLER LORINE G MILLER MARGUERIT O MILLER PAUL MILLER TIMOTHY P MINKNER VERNON W MOLEN LARRY L MONBECK JAMES A MOON SHERRY MOORE MILDRED J MORGAN BRIAN D MORI YOSHIFUSA MORNINGSTAR LORA L MORRISON THOMAS L MOYER EDITH L MT ZION CHURCH MULCAHY JAMES EJR MULL RANDY L MURPHY RICHARD A MUSTARD DUANE MYERS BARBARA A MYERS DONALD MYERS LISA NEAL BILLY R NEEL WILBUR DDS NEEPER HAROLD E NEFF ERIC T NELSON TRUDY J NERDERMAN DONALD NESTOR JOHN J NETHERTON JEANNE A NEUENSCHWANDE DAVID A NEVERGALL HOMER NEWBAUER WILLIAM R NEWMAN DAVID O NEWMAN MEARL NICHOLS KENNETH J

METERING

NILL JAMES NONNENMAN DALE E NORRIS ERNEST L NORTHERN JAMES M NUTTER LINDA S OGLE JOSEPH O’NEAL WILLIAM ONTROP STEVEN P O’ROURKE DANIEL OWEN L PAIGE PABON LUIS E PALMER GREGORY A PARENT STEPHEN PARKER MELANIE K PASH GEORGE E PASQUALI RON PATTEN MATHEW S PAX JOANN M PENNINGTONJR PHILLIP R PENROD ROBERT PERCHAN THOMAS D PERKINS RANDY PERONE DINO J PERRY BERNARD PERRY’S PANTRY #1 PETERS IRENE PFEIFER KELANI R PHILLIPS CECELIA PHOENIX BRIDGE CO INC PITTMAN DONALD L PITTS KEVIN PITTS WILMA J PLANCK HARRY JR POHLABEL DENISE R POHLABELN ALBERTA G POLLEY EMORY POLLOCK TERRY POOR NORMAN E POPPE MARY L PORTER RICHARD PORTER TAMMY PORUMB JOHN D POWELL BETH POWELL CHARLES S POWELL JOHN POWELL KATHY L PRATT JEFF E PRICH CYNTHIA A PROTSMAN CHRISTOPHER PRZYBYLO DANIEL S PUSTER RUTH E PYBURN JERRY PYLES BRENT QUAINTANCE SHERRY QUIGLEY RICHARD S QWEST RADABAUGH JONATHAN W RADER SUE A RALSTON CHRIS RAMSEY CINDY L RAMSEY FELECIA RASE RYAN K RASEY BRIAN D REED DONNA REEL RUTH W REICHERT BRAD REIFENBERGER DAVID REIFF STEPHANIE K REIGELSPERGER

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 21

$2 Million

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

$

2 Million

Rural Economic Development Loans

annual taxes

$50,000

Paid

Annual Community Donations KENNETH E REINHARD JOAN H RESOR RALF REX AARON REYNOLDS DAVID BJR REYNOLDS MICHAEL C REYNOLDS MICHAEL D RICE JEFFREY C RICHARDSON KENNETH RICHEY JASON RICKER CHARLES RIDENOUR KENNETH RIDINGER MICHAEL J RIEGERT EDWARD R ROBERTS DARREN ROBERTS IRENE ROBERTS RICK ROCKWOOD MICHAEL ROE PATRICIA G ROEHM MARY ROEHRLE KLAUS ROGERS KENNETH R ROGERS STEVEN M ROHDES JONATHAN L ROMER-JORDAN ROBERT ROSENBECK PATRICK ROSS KAY ROY ROBERT RUBINO LOUIS RUMBAUGH ANGELA RUSSELL CAROL R RUSSELL MICHAEL W RUSSELL PEGGY RUWALDT JOE SANDERS JENNIFER L SARGENT DALE E SAUER ROSANA SAUNDERS KEITH A SAWYER KRISTINE A SCARPELLA TOD SCHAEFER BERNARD J SCHAFFER CHRISTINE SCHMIDT DARRYL SCHOTT J C SCHREIBER JEFF SCHROER DAVID SCHROER MARILYNNE J

SCHULTZ EMIL C SCHURMAN ROBERT W SCRIPTER WAYNE SETTLEMIRE MICHAEL SHAEFFER DAVID R SHAFFER AARON K SHAFFER DENNIS P SHAFFER STEPHEN SHANEYFELT STACY SHEIK JOHN S SHELLENBERGER DALE SHELLEY BIRDELLA M SHENG YI SHERRICK JACK D SIEGRIST BRENDA SIMONS CAREY D SIMONS JAMES W SINGER THOMAS SKAGGS MICKALEEN L SKORUPSKI MARY JO SLATTMAN TROY A SMITH DAN SMITH GERALD A SMITH HOMER SMITH JOYCE SMITH MARION W SMITH RICHARD L SMITH RICHARD R SMITH STEVEN C SMITH WILBUR L SNEED TONYA L SNIDER JOHN J SNOOK CHRIS SNYDER DEBRA L SNYDER HARRY S SNYDER J L SNYDER ROBERT E SONNENBERG ERIC SOUTH MELANIE K SOWERS DIANNE SPARKS BRYON SPICER GREGORY SPICER MILDRED A SPRING DANIEL B STAMMEN JEFF STANFIELD KIMBERLY STANFIELD STEPHEN J

STEELE STACY STEIGER STEVE STEIN DAVID D STEINBRUNNER ROBERT STEINKE MICHAEL STERLING RAY STERRETT TIM R STETLER ERIC STEVE G MCCONELL INC STEVENSON KEN STEWART JESSE M STILES SAMUEL R STONER COLLEEN STRANGE PATRICK D STRAUB SCOTTY P STUDEBAKER TOM STULTZ DANNY STUMPP EARL E STURGIS DENE R SUEVER RICHARD J SULLIVAN DAN SUTTER JOHN C SWEENEY SCOTT D SWINEHART DAVID A SYPHERD JAN M TAMPLIN GABRIEL TAYLOR DAVE TCI CABLEVISION TEMPLE BILLIE TENNANT TERRY TERRELL HAROLD E THAXTON ROBERT L THERAPRO INC THOMAS JAMES THOMPSON BRIAN THORNTON BARRY THOROMAN DANIEL THRUSH DOUGLAS R TIERNEY MICHAEL P TIGNER KATHY TILLEY MAXINE TIMMERMAN CLETUS TOBIN ROBERT M TOLER ANTHONY TOMEK GREG TOSCHLOG DARRYL TOWER EQUIPMENT INC

TRAFZER DANIEL R TRAJLOV VUKASIN TRAYNOR RITA M TRINITY INDUSTRIES INC TRYDLE CHRISTINE TUCKER COLLEEN TUENTE RYAN TURNER R J TURNER WILLIAM TURRENTINE JAMES L ULLERY ARTHUR JR ULM SUANNE S UNUM JACK M VANCE JAYNE A VANFLEET SHAWNDA VANOVER VERLIN A VENERONI PAUL H VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS VETTER TRACY A VOGEL CHARLES HJR VOISARD DOUGLAS E VORHEES HILDRED C VORHES ALLEN J WAGONER RICHARD OJR WALKER DAVID WALLACE SHANNON L WALTER STACY WALTHER CONNIE L WALTMAN RUSS WARD ANNA C WARD JOHN JR WARREN GERALD W WATKINS SHERILYN WATT KENNY WAUBEN MATTHEW P WAYMIRE FRED WAYMIRE MILDRED Z

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICE

06029 County Road 33A Saint Marys, OH 45885 CONTACT

800-962-3830

ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT ONLINE

www.midwestrec.com Report an outage and pay your bill through our free mobile SmartHub app.

Larry Vandemark, president James Wiechart, vice pres.

Randy Heinl, secy./treas.

Steve Bauer Bob Barnt Kathy Brake Gary R. Knapke Gary Profit Roger W. Rank

A copy of Midwest Electric, Inc.’s Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations is available from the co-op office and online at midwestrec.com.

Call us to receive your copy.

Courtney Burton

OFFICE HOURS

Attorney

Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

CEO

22 OHIO 2019 22 OHIOCOOPERATIVE COOPERATIVELIVING • FEBRUARY LIVING • MARCH 2018

WAYMIRE TIM WEAVER RITA WEBB THOMAS M WEIDMAN TROY WEIDNER ANGELA R WELBAUM JAMES WENNING JEROME WESCO STEVEN L WETMILLER PAMELA J WILDMAN PAMELA WILGUS SCOTT WILLIAMS CAROL WILLIAMS ROGER O WILLIAMS STEVE WILLIAMS TONY M WILSON JOHN WILSON JULIE WINDROW VALET O WINNER VERNON J WOLFE PAMELA WOLKE JASON WOODALL WILLIAM J WOODS GENELLE WOODS SCOTT WOODS SHANE WOTEN JENNIFER L WYSONG RALPH P YAGLE SAMUEL YANTIS NEIL R YODER MARGARET M YOUNG GENE YOUNG ROBERT ZARTMAN KATHLEEN ZEIGLER DARRELL ZIAKAM CONSTRUCTION ZIMMERMAN JAMES J ZIMMERMAN RUTH

@midwestrec

Matt Berry mberry@midwestrec.com

facebook.com/ midwestelectric

O-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHI O CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO O-OP O CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP O O CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP C O CO-OP NEWS & NOTES FROM AROUND THE STATE O-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP

Guernsey-Muskingum’s Hill appointed to Ohio Senate Brian Hill, R-Zanesville, was sworn in as state senator for the 20th district, representing Fairfield, Guernsey, Hocking, Morgan, and Muskingum counties and portions of Athens and Pickaway counties. Hill, who has served in the Ohio House of Representatives since 2011, was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Troy Balderson, R-Zanesville, who was recently elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Sen. Hill serves as a trustee on the Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative board.

Washington Electric awards lighting rebate to Noble Local Schools Washington Electric Cooperative awarded the Noble Local School District a $1,485 rebate through the Commercial and Industrial Lighting program.

The district’s project focused on interior lighting at Shenandoah High School and the Shenandoah Middle School gymnasium in Sarahsville.

Earlier this year, the cooperative awarded the school district a $1,825 rebate for upgrades performed on the campus’s exterior lighting.

Trenda Rice, Noble Locals Schools’ treasurer/CFO, says, “While improving the educational experience of our students, the cost savings further validate that we take our fiscal and environmental responsibilities very seriously.”

Buckeye Power appeals valuation Buckeye Power Inc. is appealing the tax rate at Cardinal Power Plant, the primary generation resource for the 25 electric cooperatives serving the state of Ohio. The move could lessen Buckeye Power’s tax burden at Cardinal by as much as $3.5 million annually.

The measure was taken in order to properly align Cardinal’s tax responsibility with its actual value and with similar power plants remaining in Ohio, as well as to fortify its foundation and future as a viable, competitive power generation resource for its member cooperatives.

USDA aims to improve internet connectivity in rural America Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering up to $600 million in loans and grants to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America.

Telecommunications companies, rural electric cooperatives and utilities, internet service providers, and municipalities may apply for funding through USDA’s new ReConnect Program to connect rural areas that currently have insufficient broadband service.

USDA will make available $200 million for grants, as well as $200 million for loan and grant combinations, and $200 million for low-interest loans.

Projects funded through this initiative must serve communities with fewer than 2,0 people and with no or slow broadband service.

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 23

24 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

It’s gone the way of the milkman, but ice delivery used to be big business.

BY CRAIG SPRINGER

L

et’s look to the future: It’s mid-July and incredibly hot, just as it’s been every summer. On one of those 80-80 days — in the ballpark of 80 degrees accompanied by 80 percent humidity — the condensation pools on the table around the base of your glass of iced tea.

Conveniently, ice is but a few steps away. Open the freezer, twist a white rectangular tray, and cubes fall out; push a button on the door and crescent-shaped ice chips cascade into your glass.

It’s the epitome of convenience on a hot summer day that, frankly, right now seems far distant as the cold, dark days of February peel slowly off the calendar.

Now let’s look to the past: It used to be that weather in February had great bearing on our households and industries, from the breweries of Cincinnati to the meatpacking houses of Cleveland and from the hog farm outside Marietta to the households at Defiance.

Photos from around the 1890s show an ice harvest (top) and the summer ice storage house (right) at Riverside Park in Findlay, as well as a delivery wagon from the People’s Ice and Coal Company. (Images courtesy Hancock Historical Museum, Findlay)

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 25

ice from the Blanchard River. “Each ice house could hold about 10,000 tons of ice,” says Bennett. The competition was so stiff, an “ice war” erupted between the competitors. “To keep the peace, the city council had to divide the river into sections between the two companies.” But that pace of business would not last; the market for ice would eventually thaw.

The clomp of horse hooves pulling a snow plow and the rasp of a deeply serrated saw were sounds heard through the winters well into the early 1900s. Sawyers cut cubes of ice as large as 2 feet on a side — not too large to handle — then conveyed them to a storehouse where they were packed with insulating sawdust. The whole affair was labor-intensive and dangerous; the threat of hypothermia or being crushed by ice was ever-present.

Modernization streamlined operations as hand-powered tools yielded to gas-powered implements. In the countryside, farmers cut and stored their own ice. But in the urban areas, a horse-drawn cart with a bed full of ice, ice picks, and large iron tongs covered by a patina of use were a common sight.

February was, and still is, the last month when the weather lends itself to reliably freeze ponds and streams across the state. That was once critical to businesses and home economies. Ice production and harvest was an important industry across Ohio until the advent of modern refrigeration.

In all corners of Ohio, homes and industries relied on the cold winter weather and commercial ice harvesters to deliver cakes of frozen water that would make it through the hottest parts of the year. February’s ice chilled stored meats and vegetables all the way through to autumn.

Doctors cautioned that iced water caused gum and tooth disease and stomach ailments, but brewers and meatpackers relied on commercial ice houses to keep the wheels of business rolling year-round. Brewers used ice to regulate fermentation, and packers needed ice to store and deliver meats, keeping spoilage at bay.

The commercial ice industry started circa 1830 in New England and spread through the upper Midwest.

Commercial ice houses were well-established in Ohio by the mid- to late 19th century. According to Joy Bennett, curator and archivist at the Hancock Historical Museum in Findlay, two ice houses in Findlay kept up rigorous businesses and competed for customers, both harvesting An ice harvesting operation on the Blanchard River near Findlay, just before prime season. (Courtesy Hancock Historical Museum, Findlay); Top: a deliveryman preparing for a weekly stop. (Library of Congress)

26 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

Among our more senior set, there are those of us who still remember home delivery of milk — the glass jugs with circular stiff paper lids set out on the porch in metal crates — a method of distribution from dairies that lasted up to the 1960s. Much in the same fashion, the ice man would come throughout the year, delivering cakes of ice to homes for domestic consumption. Folks inside the house would put a card in the window, indicating what size block of ice to leave, from 25 to 100 pounds. Because chilled air sinks, the ice cakes were placed in the top of a cabinet to chill the food items below.

Today, the “ice box” is still often found on the top of the refrigerator to maximize efficiency. The press of a button now delivers in an instant what took many men many months and much material and space to deliver to the consumer.

Modernization would ring the death knell for ice harvesting; refrigeration as we know it today killed the entire industry.

Modern refrigerators were mass produced by the 1920s, turning ice ponds and storehouses into artifacts.

A turn-of-the-century ice harvest (top) and Ohio workers manufacturing the iceboxes that would use those “crops” all summer long. (Courtesy Ohio History Connection)

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 27

DR SNOW BLOWERS! ®

Professional-duty performance you can depend on... year after year!

Before

• 4 Models from 24" to 34" wide, and with engines from 7 to 14 HP.

• LED Headlight and Heated Hand Grips with separate on/off controls.

198DEX © 2019

• Extra-Wide Impellers throw snow up to 50 feet.

FREE SHIPPING 6 MONTH TRIAL SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY

Call for FREE Info Kit & Special Offer!

DRsnowblowers.com TOLL FREE 888-212-1094

10 lb. bag treats up to 4,000 sq.ft. $91.00.

50 lb. bag treats up to 20,000 sq.ft. $344.00.

• EZ-TURN™ Steering for effortless 180º turns at the end of your driveway.

• 6 Speeds Forward/2 Reverse on all models.

After

FREE SHIPPING! Certified and approved for use by state agencies.

State permit may be required.

Registered with the Federal E.P.A.

RENEW

Your Driveway...

...with the amazing DR® POWER GRADER! SAVES YOU MONEY—loosens and redistributes existing material, saving you from purchasing new gravel or stone.

EASY TO USE—tows behind your ATV or riding mower, filling in potholes and ruts.

PRECISE CONTROL of grading depth is adjustable from your driver’s seat.

198DFX © 2019

KILL LAKE WEEDS

NOW AVAILABLE for the first time ever...

AMAZINGLY DURABLE carbide teeth last 10X longer than steel on ordinary box scrapers.

FREE SHIPPING 6 MONTH TRIAL

KillLakeWeeds.com Order online today, or request free information.

Our 64th year

28 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

AQUACIDE CO.

PO Box 10748, DEPT 215 White Bear Lake, MN 55110-0748

SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY

Go Online or Call for FREE Info Kit!

DRpowergrader.com TOLL FREE

888-212-1094

What Kind of Hearing Aids Do Doctors Use? The same ones they recommend to their patients!

Doctors love MDHearingAids® for the same reasons patients do.

These FDA-registered, medical-grade hearing aids have the same high-tech features found in more expensive hearing aids yet cost one-fifth the price.

Advanced Hearing Aid Technology

Nearly invisible!

For 82.2% Less*

“MDHearingAids are better than expensive clinic hearing aids, which cost thousands more,” says retired physician Dr. Robert A. “I have had five pairs of expensive hearing aids and MDHearingAids are just as good,” adds retired neurosurgeon Dr. Brian L.

So Strong Even Doctors Can’t Break Them MDHearingAids are made to last, backed by a world-class

support team. Says one forgetful neurologist: “My MDHearingAids went through a complete washer and dryer cycle. I placed them on my ears and — ay caramba! — they were working fine! Can you believe that I did it again? I found them at the bottom of the washer… still working!”

Big Sound.

Tiny Price.

CRISP, CLEAR SOUND

STATE-OF-THE-ART FEATURES

NO AUDIOLOGIST NEEDED

MDHearingAids were created by a board-certified otolaryngologist frustrated that patients couldn’t afford the high price of hearing aids.

So, he did the only logical thing…he created a low-cost, feature-packed hearing aid that costs one-fifth the price of a comparable hearing aid.

Automatic dual-directional microphones, adaptive noise suppression, speech enhancement technology, and dynamic range compression are just a few of the features that help you focus on the conversation, not the noise around you.

Save time and money, cancel those audiologist appointments!

Advanced hearing aid technology lets you easily program and adjust your MDHearingAid at home. Set-up is fast and easy, too, going from box to ear in just five minutes.

Try it RISK FREE for 45 Days *82.2% less when comparing MDHearingAid AIR to the average price of a mid-level hearing aid of $2,250, according to a survey recently published by the Hearing Review.

Try MDHearingAids risk-free with a 100% money-back guarantee for 45 days. Just call toll-free or visit the website shown below. Call now and get free shipping plus a free, one-year supply of batteries.

Call Toll-Free 1-800-950-1249

Visit www.GetMDHearingAid.com

Free 1-Year Supply of Batteries with Offer Code JD15

The Doctor’s Choice for Affordable Hearing Aids

MOVERS AND SHAKERS Short line railroads fill a vital economic role in rural areas STORY AND PHOTOS BY KEVIN WILLIAMS

30 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

Engine 5255, a 100-ton locomotive christened in 1979, is Indiana Eastern Railroad’s “work-horse” that pulls cargo to and from New Haven, Ohio.

L

ayhigh Road is a little-traveled ribbon of asphalt in rural western Butler County. Occasionally, however, a traveler might encounter a sleek, black locomotive emerging from the woods and thundering down the track that crosses Layhigh behind an X-shaped crossbuck. As quickly as the locomotive appears, it fades away, a phantom train in broad daylight.

“Some people who live along this line say they have never seen a train here,” says Jason Bynum, the engineer who drives the Indiana Eastern Railroad (IERR) train on its twice-weekly runs. Most people living along the tracks are away at work when it passes.

Grain, solvents, acids, cardboard, and coal are just some of the cargo hauled by what are more formally called Class III (short line) rails. The short lines are the scrappy, nimble rails that do what the big ones (Class I) — think CSX or Norfolk Southern — don’t or can’t.

Indiana Eastern has a sister line, Ohio South Central Railroad, that honeycombs through the hardscrabble hills of Appalachia in Jackson County, where the rails serve businesses as diverse as Austin Powder, an almost twocentury-old maker of explosives, and Totino’s Pizza Rolls, which are made in Jackson. The headquarters of Ohio South Central is in the Vinton County town of Hamden.

The nerve center of the IERR is a converted former farmhouse just across the state line from Butler County.

On an overcast December morning, Bynum, officially IERR’s operations manager, and conductor Tony Pickens go over paperwork and plan their day, which will include a 26-mile trip to two chemical plants in New Haven, Ohio.

Tony Pickens activates a derail switch, which provides an added level of safety when transporting materials.

Before the locomotive and five chemical cars can set off, though, there is work to be done. They can’t grab just any chemical car. You can’t, for example, put sulfuric acid in a tanker that once held liquid nitrogen.

So, they have to make sure to pull the correct car out of storage on a siding track, “which is like shuffling a deck of cards,” Bynum says.

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 31

In this case, the “cards” are 250,000-pound chunks of steel. On this morning, the tank car they want is 11 deep in a line, so Pickens has to pull 10 cars off the siding onto the main track. Bynum backs them far enough to get them out of the way, throws the train into reverse and hooks to the needed car, pulls it onto the track, and then hooks back to the 11 unneeded cars and deposits them back onto the siding. The entire process of plucking cars out of storage with all the associated maneuvering takes almost 90 minutes.

Once the lineup is set, the 261,000-pound locomotive begins chugging southwestward at a peak speed of 25 mph through farm fields harvested bare for the winter. The train thunders through the town of Bath, Indiana, and then crosses the border into Ohio. Farm fields gradually give way to

The short line chugs across a span that crosses the confluence of Buck Creek and Dry Fork Creek, providing some of the most stunning vistas of the journey. Engineer Jason Bynum (left) dutifully keeps the trains moving and on schedule.

32 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

Tony Pickens watches for anything amiss or unsafe during the typically uneventful journey through Butler County. The train here is stopped at Nutrien, a phosphate company in New Haven.

a bucolic countryside of hamlets and hills. The track crosses Buck Creek over a dramatic trestle bridge and then ambles alongside Paddy’s Run Creek near Shandon, an area that once attracted Welsh settlers who were drawn to the area by its resemblance to their home country.

“It’s all personal. It’s not just a job,” Pickens says. Pickens spent nine years working for CSX, one of the largest railroads in the country. He’s now spent 13 years at the “wheel” at IERR because he likes the variety that a short line offers. The entire operation is run by Pickens, Bynum, and Scott Vance, IERR’s track inspector, who can also step seamlessly into the role of conductor or engineer, if needed. They replace railroad ties, fix retaining walls, cut back brush from the tracks, install and maintain crossing equipment, and help drum up business for their line. They keep a chainsaw on board the train in case they happen upon a fallen tree on the tracks.

“The reason we are successful is that we have maintained a low administrative overhead,” says George Andres, who owns both railroads. “We have good, dedicated people who are cross-trained. That gives us flexibility in how we operate, it keeps costs down, and it lets us maintain a personal relationship with all of our customers.”

The short lines serve as a vital economic lifeline for rural Ohio. “The train is pretty much the lifeblood of our process,” says Jeff Baker, production manager at Nutrien, one of the plants Bynum’s train services in New Haven. Nutrien has food-grade phosphate brought in by train, Baker says, because getting the needed volume by truck wouldn’t be cost-effective.

The Ohio Rail Association (ORA), an advocacy group for the state’s short lines, takes any opportunity to highlight the economic-vitality aspect.

“Short lines are critical in so many ways,” says Art Arnold, president of the ORA. “They are local employers and economic-development lifelines, whether they are bringing in materials or hauling out product.”

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 33

NEVER SEAL YOUR WOOD OR CONCRETE AGAIN PERMANENT ONE-TIME SOLUTION

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

25% OFF WITH THIS AD

AFTER • We clean, restore & permanently preserve your product.

• Prevents wood from rotting, decaying and further damage from moisture.

• Repels mold, mildew & fungus growth.

• Prevents concrete from pitting, flaking, dusting and scaling.

• Prevents salt & alkali damage.

• Backed by technology.

Free Estimates

844.481.6862

34 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

PermaSealUSA.com

Stay Safer & More Independent with a Jacuzzi® Luxury Walk-In Bathtub

SAVE $1,500

on your NEW Walk-In Tub with ONE DAY installation

Don’t let mobility concerns end your ability to enjoy a relaxing and therapeutic bathing experience NEW!

Low Entry Step

The safety features of the Jacuzzi® Walk-In Bathtub help with mobility in and out of the tub, and also help you feel more secure and independent when bathing at home.

Enjoy Legendary

Jacuzzi® Jet Technology

✔ NEW! Epsom salt compatible with

hydromassage relaxes the mind and body ✔ NEW! A quieter and energy efficient Epsom Salt pump provides a more enjoyable Compatible bathing experience Now enjoy the relaxing health ✔ NEW! Relaxing Bubble Foot Massage benefits of Epsom ✔ NEW! Heated back and seat for more salt in your tub comfort and relief without the worry of rust or ✔ PLUS! Installation in as little as damage to your one day available! tub’s components.

CALL TODAY & SAVE $1,500

Call now for limited-time savings on your new Walk-In Bathtub and details on installation that takes as little as ONE DAY!

Call: 1-888-484-5144

ITE LIM D

LIFETIME

or Visit: www.JacuzziWalkIn.com

Y

W

AR

RAN

T

Ask About Affordable Financing

The NEW Gold Standard of Walk-In Bathtubs

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 35

FEBRUARY 2019 CALENDAR

NORTHWEST

FEB. 9 – Lima Symphony: “A Heart’s Longing,” Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Ctr., 7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $15–$30.

An evening devoted to the vividly emotional masterworks of Tchaikovsky, featuring violinist Tai Murray. 419-224-1552 or www. limaciviccenter.com.

FEB. 7–10 – Greater Toledo Auto Show, Seagate Convention Ctr., 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, Thur. 3–9 p.m., Fri. 12–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $8, Srs./Stds. $6, under 10 free. Displays of the latest and greatest models and automotive technologies from 26 different manufacturers. 419-255-3300 or http://toledoautoshow.org.

FEB. 2 – Ice-A-Fair, 685 Main St., Vermilion, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Free daylong event for the entire family, featuring glittering ice sculptures and ice carving demos throughout the day. Ends with a towering Fire and Ice display. 440-963-0772 or www.mainstreetvermilion.org.

FEB. 2–3 – Tri-State Gun Show, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima (2 miles east of Lima on St. Rte. 309), Sat. 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. $6, free for members, under 18 free. Over 400 tables of modern and antique guns, knives, hunting equipment, and associated collectibles for purchase. 419-647-0067 or www. tristategunshow.org.

CENTRAL

FEB. 2 – Advanced Grafting the Right Way, Dawes Arboretum Greenhouse Classroom, 7770 Jacksontown Rd., Newark, 8:30–11:30 a.m, $30/$40 non-members. Continue on your path of learning and developing skill in plant grafting at this hands-on workshop to increase the survivability of grafts. Rootstock and scion wood are provided; attendees may bring their own scion wood, if appropriate rootstock is available (call to verify).

Participants take home the material they graft to nurture. Intended for those who participated in previous grafting workshops. Register

by Jan. 31 at 800-443-2937 or www.dawesarb.org.

FEB. 2 – Lancaster Antique Show, Fairfield Co. Fgds., Farm Bureau Bldg., 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $6.

WEST VIRGINIA

FEB. 16–18 – Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides, Spiegel Grove, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, Fremont. $3, under 3 free. Celebrate Presidents Day weekend by riding in a horse-drawn sleigh through the Hayes estate. A horse-drawn trolley may be used instead, depending on demand and staffing levels. 800998-7737 or www.rbhayes.org.

FEB. 17 – Bedazzle Bridal Expo, Wyandot Co. Fgds., Masters Bldg., 10171 St. Hwy. 53 N., Upper Sandusky, 12–2:30 p.m. $7. Over 40 exhibitors showcase their products and services that create and FEB. 8–9 – Winterfest BG Chillabration, Bowling Green, Fri. 10 enhance that special day for the bride. Includes photography, event a.m.–9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–11 p.m. Free. Featuring the Frozen Swamp Tent, winter market, entertainment, craft beer and wine, ice garden, planning, tuxedo rental, dresses, catering, and more. Resources for ice sculpting demos, and horse-drawn carriage rides. 419-353-9445 or other special events as well. 419-294-3349 or http://wyandotchamber. com/events-calendar/bridal-expo. www.gobgohio.com.

FEB. 13 – Rock of Ages: Tenth Anniversary Tour, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Ctr., 7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. Starting at $44. A rock/jukebox musical built around classic rock songs from the 1980s, especially from the famous glam metal bands of that decade. Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. 419-224-1552 or www.limaciviccenter.com.

FEB. 15–17 – HBA House and Home Show, SeaGate Convention Ctr., 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, Fri. 3–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $10 at door, $5 in advance, under 12 free. Talk directly to the experts about your dreams of updating the inside

FEB. 17 – Peg + Cat Live!, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Ctr., 7 Town Square, Lima, 2 p.m. $19–$54. Based on the Emmywinning PBS Kids show, this musical features wild comedy, countless favorite songs from the show, and Peg’s super coolest pal Ramone.

419-224-1552 or www.limaciviccenter.com.

FEB. 24 – Candid Camera: 8 Decades of Smiles with Peter Funt, Niswonger Performing Arts Ctr., 10700 St. Rte. 118 S., Van Wert, 3 p.m. $20–$30. The fast-paced comedy show combines the funniest clips from Candid Camera’s library with onstage surprises and hilarious audience participation. 419-238-6722 or www.npacvw.org.

Reception and early buying on Friday, Feb. 1, 6–8 p.m.; $10 admission includes Saturday’s show. More than 35 dealers specializing in country and period antiques, stoneware, decorative arts, and more. 614-325-8873, 614-989-5811, or www.facebook. com/lancasterantiqueshow.

FEB. 15 – Improv in the May, Marion Palace Theatre May Pavilion, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 7:30 p.m. $5. Members of the audience suggest ideas for the games and skits that seasoned stage actors perform. It’s a night of hilarious and unpredictable fun.

740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

FEB. 2 – Movie Night at the Majestic: Steel Magnolias, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7 p.m. $5. www. majesticchillicothe.net.

FEB. 16–24 – Columbus Dispatch Home and Garden Show, Ohio Expo Ctr., Bricker Bldg. and Celeste Ctr., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun.–Thur. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., closed Tues., Fri. 11–8 p.m. Expertise from local gurus and craftsmen, how-to sessions and demos, fun for the kids, giveaways, celebrity appearances, and much more. www.dispatchshows.com/springhome-and-garden-show.

FEB. 8–10 – AAA Great Vacations Travel Expo, Ohio Expo Ctr., Kasich Hall, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. 12–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $8, under 17 free; $4 for AAA members. Talk one-on-one with travel experts and find vacation packages to fit every budget and interest. Fun activities for the whole family. www.aaagreatvacations.com.

THROUGH MAR. 3 – “Orchids,” Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $11–$18, under 3 free. The annual orchid display reaches new heights as these unique flowers take to hanging baskets and suspended sculptural displays. 614-715-8000 or www.fpconservatory.org.

of your home, sprucing up your curb appeal, or building a brandnew home … all under one roof! www.toledohba.com or www. toledohomeshow.com.

FEB. 8–10 – Columbus Fishing Expo, Ohio Expo Ctr., Bricker Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. noon–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $12, Srs. $10, under 18 free. Military/first responders with ID, $10. Three days of sport fishing education and fun, with educational seminars, speakers, and activities to expand your knowledge of fishing. 614-361-5548 or www. columbusfishingexpo.com.

FEB. 8–10 – The Tale of Snow White, Palace Productions, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, Fri./Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $18 adults, $12 children. Performed by local youth, this fresh and funny stage adaptation is loaded with bright new faces and comedic twists. 740-383-2101 or www. marionpalace.org.

FEB. 9 – Sweethearts Hike, Hocking Hills, 19852 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan, 5–7 p.m. Free. Take your sweetheart for a romantic stroll to Ash Cave in the soft light of dusk. Afterward, enjoy a cozy fire and refreshments. 740-385-6842 or http://parks. ohiodnr.gov/hockinghills

THROUGH MAR. 31 – Honeymoon and Anniversary Packages, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo. $80–$120.

800-CALL-WVA or www.northbendsp.com.

FEB. 10 – Hodgesville Lions Club Spaghetti Dinner, Warren District Community Ctr., 70 Hackers Creek Rd., Hodgesville, 12–5 p.m. Homemade spaghetti sauce! Brooms for sale. Please bring old eyeglasses for recycling. 304-472-3455.

36 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

FEB. 17 – Fairfield County Antique Tractor Club Toy and Tractor Show, Fairfield Co. Fgds., AAA Building, 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Featuring Allis Chalmers. 740-407-2347 (Doug Shaw) or www.fairfieldcountytractorclub.com.

FEB. 22 – America, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 8 p.m. $34–$58. One of the top-selling acts of the 1970s, folk-rock band America hits the stage to perform their biggest hits.

740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

FEB. 22 – Maple Syrup Family Night, Dawes Arboretum, Main Shelter House, 7770 Jacksontown Rd., Newark, 6–7:30 p.m. Join Arboretum staff for this sweet night hike through the Deep Woods.

We’ll explore the history of maple syrup production, and then stop at the Log Cabin to warm up next to a roaring fire with snacks and maple syrup tastings. 740-323-2355 or www.dawesarb.org.

FEB. 23 – Motown Sounds of Touch, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7:30–9 p.m. $18–$20. The Midwest’s number one “Motown sound” vocal group performs all your favorite Motown hits. www.majesticchillicothe.net.

PLEASE NOTE: Ohio Cooperative Living strives for accuracy but urges readers to confirm dates and times before traveling long distances to events. Submit listings AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to the event to Ohio Cooperative Living, 6677 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229 or events@ohioec.org. Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish listings that don’t include a complete address or a number/ website for more information.

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

NORTHEAST

FEB. 8 – Adult Swim: Wine and Chocolate, Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 7–10 p.m. The perfect date night leading up to Valentine’s Day! Sample a variety of wines that pair well with chocolate. Also enjoy full after-hours access to the Aquarium. http://greaterclevelandaquarium.com/discover/ events/adult-swim-tasting-series.

FEB. 10 – Mansfield Train Show, hosted by Denny’s Trains, Richland Co. Fgds., 750 N. Home Rd., Mansfield, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $5, under 12 free. Free parking. Over 150 tables of train-related items.

Several operating layouts, operating G scale Thomas train, and kids’ area with a small riding Thomas train. Contact Dennis Breese at 419-606-7934.

FEB. 1–10 – The Great Big Home and Garden Show, IX Center, 1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland, Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun.10 a.m.–5 p.m. (till 6 p.m. on final day). $10–$15, C. (6–12) $5, under 6 free. Explore more than 600 exhibits, engage with more than 1,000 experts, and tour featured homes and the garden showcase. 440-248-5729 or www.greatbighomeandgarden.com.

FEB. 2 – Mid-Winter Stamp and Coin Show, Mozelle Hall, Ashland Co. Fgds., 2042 Claremont Ave., Ashland, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Free admission and parking. pastortom1323@gmail.com.

FEB. 3 – Model Railroad and Toy Show, Medina Co. Fgds.

Community Ctr., 735 Lafayette Rd. (St. Rte. 42), Medina. $6. 330948-4400 or www.conraddowdell.com.

SOUTHEAST

FEB. 15–16 – Great Backyard Bird Count, The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Rd. (Rte. 87), Russell and Newbury Twps., Russell, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Become an official citizen scientist and participate in this worldwide bird count coordinated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society.

Stop by the nature center to help compile a list of birds seen at the big windows. www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

FEB. 16 – Sweetheart Hike, Mohican State Park, 3116 St. Rte. 3, Loudonville, 7–8 p.m. Bring your sweetheart for a romantic stroll through the Mohican Forest. The Gazebo Trail leads through beautiful old-growth trees to the gazebo, which has a beautiful view of Pleasant Hill Lake. Enjoy a cozy fire at the lodge after the hike.

419-994-5125 or http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/Mohican.

FEB. 18 – Presidents Day Celebration, McKinley Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Dr. N., Canton, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Activities scheduled throughout the day. Gallery tours at 11 and 1 p.m., meet-

around the Ohio Valley as well as several other craftsmen who work in the manner of the 18th and 19th centuries. Also featured will be horn makers, hunting bag makers, leather workers, tinsmithing, cabinet making, and other allied trades. 740-373-3750 or www. campusmartiusmuseum.org.

FEB. 9 – Crystal Gayle, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 8 p.m. Starting at $44. www.peoplesbanktheatre.com.

FEB. 9 – Contemporary Gun Makers 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 from

SOUTHWEST

FEB. 6, 13, 20, 27 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Free admission. Enjoy dinner and an evening of lively bluegrass music. Reservations recommended. 513-385-9309 or www. vinokletwines.com.

FEB. 8, MAR. 1 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Butler County Coon Hunters Club, 200 Warwick Rd., Hamilton, 7–9 p.m.

Donations accepted. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music with

and-greet with President McKinley at 12 and 2 p.m. 330-455-7043 or http://mckinleymuseum.org.

FEB. 22–23 – Lake Erie Folk Fest, Shore Cultural Centre, 291 E. 222nd St., Euclid. Kids’ school program (grades 2–6) and community dance on Friday. Free music workshops, community jams, dances, and performances on Saturday, followed by an evening concert. 216-289-8578, lakeeriefolkfest@gmail.com, or www.lakeeriefolkfest.com.

FEB. 22–23 – Spring Arts and Crafts Show, Fisher Auditorium, Shisler Conference Ctr., 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Fri. 5–9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission and parking. Sponsored by the Wayne County Arts and Crafts Guild. 120 vendors. Floral designs, bunnies, jewelry, wooden and fabric items, glass block and wine bottle lights, candies, stained glass, handwoven baskets and rugs, candles, soaps, and seasonal and garden décor will be among the handcrafted merchandise for sale. Lunch available on site.

330-682-2926.

FEB. 22–MAR. 3 – Cleveland Auto Show, IX Center, One I-X Dr., Cleveland. $13, Srs./C. (7–12) $11, under 7 free. Indoor test drives, vehicle giveaway, classic car competition, and other special features. See website for hours and schedule of events. www. clevelandautoshow.com.

FEB. 23–24– Brite Winter, West Bank of the Flats, Cleveland, Sat. 3 p.m.–Sun. 1 a.m. Free and open to the public; VIP packages available. Enjoy diverse musical acts, artwork, and fun outdoor activities. www.britewinter.com.

FEB. 12 – Jim Brickman, Vern Riffe Ctr., 940 Second St., Portsmouth, 7:30 p.m. $15–$45. 740-351-3600 or https://vrcfa.com.

FEB. 15–17, 22–24 – Mamma Mia!, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn Highway, Cambridge. $8–$10. ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a teen’s search for her birth father on a Greek island paradise. Featuring local talent. 740-439-7009 or www. pritchardlaughlin.com.

FEB. 9 – Jammin’ for Johnson, Cambridge Eagles Club, 1930 FEB. 16–17 – Heritage Arms Gun Show, Pritchard Laughlin Civic E. Wheeling Ave., Cambridge, 8 p.m. $10 per person, $15 per Ctr., 7033 Glenn Highway, Cambridge, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 couple. Annual fundraiser in memory of the late “Bunk” Johnson. a.m.–4 p.m. 740-439-7009 or www.pritchardlaughlin.com.

740-432-4550.

FEB. 21 – Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, Pritchard FEB. 9 – Winter Hike, Burr Oak State Park, 10220 Burr Oak Lodge Laughlin Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn Highway, Cambridge. 740-439Rd., Glouster, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free. Join fellow outdoors enthusiasts 6688 or http://cambridgeohiochamber.com. for a great day of hiking! Hike lengths are 3, 5, and 8 miles. Enjoy free bean soup and corn bread after the hike at the lodge. 740-7673570 or http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/burroak.

lightning-fast instrumentals, close harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs. Good food available on site. 513-607-1874 or www. fotmc.com/calendar.

p.m. Free. Enjoy an evening of lively banjo, fiddle, and guitar with Vernon and Kitty McIntyre and guest Robert Campbell.

937-435-3700.

FEB. 9–10 – Jungle Jim’s Big Cheese Festival, Oscar Event Ctr., Jungle Jim’s International Market, 5440 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, 12–5 p.m. $15 adults, $2 kids; VIP tickets available. Sample amazing cheeses plus a variety of meats, olives, and other appetizers, as well as fabulous beers and wines. 513-674-6055 or www.junglejims.com/ bigcheesefest.

FEB. 23 – Guided Winter Hike at Fort Hill, 13614 Fort Hill Rd., Hillsboro. Join botanists/naturalists Ann Geise and Marjie Becus on a free 5-mile guided hike, where you will observe the winter landscape and wildlife, identify trees and plants in their winter form, and look for early signs of spring. Space is limited and registration is required. http://arcofappalachia.org/winter-hike.

FEB. 16–24 – Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS, Taft Theater, 317 E. 5th St., Cincinnati, 2 p.m. $10–$35. Specially adapted from the classic Disney animated film, this musical features a host of colorful characters and your favorite songs from the animated movie. 800745-3000 or www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

FEB. 23–24 – Dayton Off-Road Expo, Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Rd., Wilmington, Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, under 13 free. Vendors, Jeeps, monster trucks, and more! Fun for the whole family. 877-428-4748 or www.daytonoffroadexpo.com.

FEB. 17 – Dayton’s Premier Bridal Showcase, Marriott at the University of Dayton, 1414 South Patterson Blvd., Dayton, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. $8 at door, under 13 free. 949-830-2952 or http:// ohiobridalexpos.com.

FEB. 17 – Springfield Swap Meet and Car Show (formerly VCAA Show), 4401 S. Charleston Pike, Springfield, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. $5, free parking. 937-376-0111, info@ohioswapmeet.com, or http:// ohioswapmeet.com.

FEB. 18 – Monday Music Festival: McIntyre Bluegrass Trio, Woodbourne Library, 6060 Far Hills Ave., Centerville, 6:30–8:30

FEB. 23–24 – 20th Century Cincinnati, Sharonville Convention Ctr., 11355 Chester Rd., Cincinnati, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Preview starts Saturday at 9 a.m. $8 adult admission covers both days. Vintage art, furnishings, lighting, jewelry, and apparel from the art deco, midcentury modern, and op/pop eras. Over 70 vendors. 513-7387256 or www.20thcenturycincinnati.com.

MAR. 2 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Sterling Bluegrass Jamboree, 26 E. Main St., Mt. Sterling, 5:30 p.m., following house band at 5 p.m. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music with lightning-fast instrumentals, close harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs. 614-323-6938, sterlingbluegrassjamboree@gmail. com, or www.sterlingbluegrassjamboree.com/upcoming-events.

FEBRUARY 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 37

Designed to Last.

G e ne ra t ion s .

MARKETPLACE

New Oh io Factory– Open in g in 201 9!

RETIREMENT SALE

Pond Chemicals / Management Certified Aquatic Applicators Custom / Pond Aeration Water Features / Fountains De-Icing

25% off everything in stock

www.diversifiedpondsupplies.com

419-738-0167

(855) 744-0022

sales@diversifiedpondsupplies.com 15069 Blank Pike Rd. Wapakoneta, OH 45895

SCOTTAmerica’s ANTIQUE MARKETS Favorite Treasure Hunts!

TM

800 - 1200 Exhibit Booths!

FEB 23 & 24 MAR 23 & 24

M id w e s t e rn B u i l d i n g s . c o m

WHERE ONLINE SELLERS GO TO BUY!

OHIO EXPO CENTER - COLUMBUS, OH 2019 Shows

740.569.2800

www.scottantiquemarkets.com

NOV 30 & DEC 1 DEC 21 & 22

Show Hours:

Sat. 9am - 6pm Sun. 10am - 4pm

Directions: I-71 Exit 111 (E 17th Avenue)

FAYETTE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, OH 2019 Shows APR 26 & 27 JUN 28 & 29 SEP 27 & 28

50 Acre Event!

Show Hours: Fri. & Sat. 9am - 5pm Directions: I-71 to Exit 65, East on US 35, 12 miles to WCH. Fayette County Fairgrounds at the intersection of US 35, US 22 and US 62.

Tiny House Nation builder!

ATLANTA EXPO CENTERS - ATLANTA, GA

3,500 Booths!

2019 Shows FEB 7 - 10 MAR 7 - 10 APR 11 - 14

MAY 9 - 12 JUN 6 - 9 JUL 11 - 14

AUG 8 - 11 SEP 12 - 15 OCT 10 - 13

Show Hours: Thurs. 10:45am - 6pm, Fri. & Sat. 9am - 6pm, Sun. 10am - 4pm Directions: 3 miles East of Atlanta Airport, I-285

to Ohio Expo Center at Exit 551(3650 & 3850 Jonesboro Rd SE) Morton_OHCoopLiv_2.19.qxp_Layout 1 12/14/18 4:48 PM Page

A ride preserved for generations.

IN THE BUILDING made for generations.

Post frame building expert

567-209-1109

Owner/builder onsite Siding and metal roof preferred contractor

Ohio Feb_April_May 2019.qxp_Layout 1 12/5/18 Serving OH, WV, PA, KY, IND, MICH

Fast-Growing Trees For windbreak, screen and shade – some grow up to 6 feet per year!

Call 260-749-0891 For FREE brochure or to place an order

ADVANCED TREE TECHNOLOGY 12818 Edgerton Road New Haven, IN 46774

Your dream garage begins with limited-time savings when you commit during Building Value Days. Now through February 28.

800-447-7436 | MORTONBUILDINGS.COM ©2019 Morton Buildings, Inc. A listing of GC licenses available at mortonbuildings.com/licenses. Certain restrictions apply. Ref Code 613

38 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

www.advancedtree.com

SUPER COUPON

1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com

BLUE

cu. in. of storage SUPER COUPON •• 15,000 700 lb. capacity

30", 5 DRAWER MECHANIC'S CARTS

ITEM 64031

• Weighs 139 lbs.

BLACK RED

ITEM 64059 64061 64060 shown

GREEN

21999

YOUR CHOICE

*19122313 * 19122313

NOW IN

COMPARE TO

SAVE $610

$

Snap-on

BLUE-POINT

Customer Rating

• 5 mil thickness

$5 99

COMPARE TO

VENOM $ 97

14

TAPE MEASURE • Thumb Lock • Rubber Wrapped Case

ITEM 56239 64720 shown

7

ITEM 97581, 97582, 37051, 37052, 64417, 64418, 61363, 68497, 61360, 61359, 68498, 68496 shown

ITEM*

KOMELON $ 98

6

MODEL: L4825HV

*27446240 * 27446240

ITEM 69030/69080/69031 shown

*19120063 * 19120063 Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented.

Valid through 5/25/19 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.

SUPER Customer Rating COUPON

18" WORKING PLATFORM RAPID PUMP 1.5 TON STEP STOOL LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM Customer Rating FLOOR JACK • 350 lb. capacity

29

NOW

99 $

COMPARE TO

GPL

ITEM 64527

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trencher/backhoe, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases.

Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 5/25/19.

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

SAVE 33%

20% OFF ANY SINGLE

COMPARE TO

YELLOW

800

FIXED SHADE WELDING HELMET NOW

$

$ 99

MODEL: VEN4145

ANY PURCHASE

$1 999

NOW

SAVE 59%

ORANGE

ITEM 56238 64722 shown

MODEL: KRBC10TBPES

SUPER COUPON

POWDER-FREE NITRILE GLOVES PACK OF 100

ITEM 56237 64721 shown

FANTASTIC 9 $1 899 6 COLORS

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

WITH

Customer Rating ITEM 64032 1" x 25 FT. 64030 64033 shown

$

FREE

SUPER COUPON

$1 9

5145 SAVE

99

61% $2999

MODEL: H-21

ITEM 62515/66911 shown

®

• 3-1/2 pumps lifts most vehicles • Lifts from 3-1/2" to 14-1/8" • Weighs 34 lbs.

NOW

SAVE $65

9 $599

COMPARE TO

K TOOL $ 68

125

$

MODEL: KTI63094

7999

ITEM 64545/64552/64832 68053/62160/62496/62516/60569 shown

*19176767 * 19176767

*19181711 * 19181711

*19190204 * 19190204

*19199244 * 19199244

LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

SUPER COUPON

20 TON SHOP PRESS

Customer Rating

Customer Rating

• Extreme heavy duty steel construction

$139

COMPARE TO

STRONGWAY $ 99

309

MODEL: 46260

$

4-1/2" ANGLE GRINDER 10" SLIDING COMPOUND MITER SAW • Powerful 15 amp motor Customer Rating NOW

$9999

NOW

99

SAVE 65%

184

99

$

COMPARE TO

PERFORMAX $ 99

$

28

SAVE 170 $

MODEL: 2411-1

ITEM 32879/60603 shown

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

NOW

$999

14

99

ITEM 69645/95578/60625 shown

124

99

COMPARE TO

KOBALT $

199

SOLAR ROPE LIGHT

$

1299NOW

$8 99

SAVE $ 99

29

MODEL: SM2507LW

Blade sold separately.

ITEM 61972/61971 shown

Customer Rating

• Great outdoor accent lighting • Super bright light

$ 97 COMPARE TO HAMPTON BAY MODEL: 82056-055SR

SAVE 70%

ITEM 62533/63941/64625/68353 shown

*19214380 * 19214380

*19228949 * 19228949

*19230903 * 19230903

*19240660 * 19240660

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

72" x 80" 40 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS MOVING BRUSHLESS CHAIN SAW BLANKET 14" Customer Rating

BLUE HAWK $ 99

19

MODEL: 77280

DRIVE 1/4" 3/8" 1/2"

NOW

SAVE 70%

ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown

$5

99 SAVE $ 25

8

$ 99

$

NOW

17999 $154

99

ITEM 64715/64478/63287 shown

ITEM 61277/63881/2696 61276/63880/807 62431/63882/239

COMPARE TO

HUSKY $ 97

84

MODEL: H2DTWA

SUPER Customer Rating COUPON

CLICK-TYPE 4 CHANNEL WIRELESS TORQUE WRENCHES SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM WITH 2 CAMERAS • Reversible

Customer Rating

COMPARE TO

SUPER COUPON

Item 239 shown

E YOUR CHOIC

SAVE $ 99 88% 19

$9

99

• Night vision

NOW

99 $229 $

24999

SAVE $ 120

349

$ 99 ITEM COMPARE TO MODEL: ALC-AWS3266 63842 ALC

*19244757 * 19244757

*19250954 * 19250954

*19263010 * 19263010

*19267591 * 19267591

LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON

2/10/50 AMP, 12 VOLT 16 OZ. HAMMERS BATTERY CHARGER AND WITH FIBERGLASS ENGINE STARTER HANDLE Customer Rating

SAVE 50% $5299

COMPARE TO

59

NOW

9 $299

99 SCHUMACHER $ ITEM 60581 MODEL: SE-1250 ELECTRIC 66783/60653 shown

SAVE 70%

Item 47873 shown

COMPARE TO

KOBALT $ 98

9

MODEL: 62742

TYPE CLAW RIP

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

1 TON CAPACITY 3-POINT FOLDABLE QUICK SHOP CRANE HITCH • Boom extends from

Customer Rating 36-1/4" to 50-1/4" • Crane height adjusts from 82" to 94" • 2000 lb. capacity NOW • 27-3/16" clearance

YOUR CHOICE

$299

4

$ 99

ITEM 69006/60715/60714/47872 69005/61262/47873

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

99 $129

199 SAVE $ IRONTON 70 $ ITEM 61858/69512/69445 shown COMPARE TO

$

99

MODEL: 46218

179

99

COMPARE TO

DOUBLE HH

$

NOW

9 $799 $

9999

15999 SAVE $80

MODEL: 10712

*19269889 * 19269889

*19280476 * 19280476

*19287776 * 19287776

*19309260 * 19309260

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 5/25/19*

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 5/25/19.

ITEM 97214

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

D 1

u w o y ant to o 2

d l i bu

w o m n s an a

3

?

1. Our beautiful baby snowman, Katherine Diane.

David and Tiffany Heidell South Central Power Company members

2. Grandma Lois, granddaughter Macie, and Farmer Fred, the snowman, in the front yard of our home.

Tom and Lois Hobart

4

Frontier Power Company members

5

3. My brother-in-law and brothers, Brian, Jared, and Joel, made a snowman to put a smile on our brother-in-law Rob’s face after his father’s funeral.

Michelle and Matt Seger Pioneer Electric Cooperative members

6

4. Our sweet grandchildren, Jaime and Jeffrey, building a snowman.

Patty and Larry Quaglia South Central Power Company members

5. My grandkids, Camden and Alizah, made a snowman of their baby sister, Jazmin.

Camden Winans

7

South Central Power Company member

6. My 2-year-old grandson, John Henry Schaffner, with his first snowman.

Deb Schaffner Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative member

8

7. We all had a great time building this one on a cold but sunny day.

Judy Wells Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative member

8. We came across the biggest snowman ever.

Katie Grubba South Central Power Company member

Send us your picture!

For May, send “Sensory Overload” (use your imagination!)

by Feb. 14; for June, send “Creature Comfort” (animals, but not pets) by March 15. Upload your photos at www. ohioec.org/memberinteractive and remember to include your co-op name and to identify everyone in your photos.

40 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2019

5

We earn the trust of members quick tips to save every day through these

four core values:

1

energy during winter Seal air leaks and COMMITMENT insulate well to prevent heat from TO COMMUNITY escaping and cold air from entering your home.

4

INTEGRITY

2 3

Lower your water heater temperature.

The Dept. of Energy recommends using the warm setting (120 degrees) during fall and winter months.

ACCOUNTABILITY

INNOVATION

Open blinds and curtains during the day to allow sunlight in to warm your home.

5

Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out.

68

Set your thermostat to 68 degrees during cold weather.

ohioec.org/purpose ohioec.org/purpose