Kosciusko REMC — April 2020 Indiana Connection

KREMC names new CEO.

Kosciusko REMC’s

APRIL 2020

Clearing

the air

Project Indiana works to improve the health of rural Guatemalans

pages 19–22

from the editor

Cool beans?

They look innocent enough: tiny, smooth, brightly colored, sweet nuggets that rest so invitingly in Easter baskets amid cellophane “grass.”

Why then do they threaten me so? Evil shouldn’t lurk within a jelly bean!

OK, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit when I say “evil.” But since I remember when the only dangers from eating jelly beans were a toothache or a loose filling (both significant risks), it’s a bit jarring to risk devouring something that tastes like dead fish!

But if your “friendly” neighborhood Easter Bunny is really more of a “wascally wabbit,” he has plenty of options to reveal his jelly bean mean streak.

Jelly Belly, the California-based company that has manufactured jelly beans since 1960, offers mouthwatering flavors like pomegranate, wild blackberry, mango and lemon drop. But, under its Harry Potter’s Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and Beanboozled brands, Jelly Belly’s flavors are far less inviting.

Vile choices like ear wax, rotten egg, dirt and Professor Dumbledore’s most dreaded flavor, vomit, are included in boxes of Bertie Bott’s beans. Beanboozled gets even more creative in its offerings: canned dog food, stinky socks, lawn clippings and skunk spray. Though I can honestly say I have no idea what any of those things taste like, I have no desire to find out. Yet these jelly beans are meant to fool the unsuspecting — they look exactly like the delicious fruity jelly beans that Ronald Reagan himself coveted. Here’s something else: you can actually “enjoy” Beanboozled as part of a Jelly Bean Challenge game during which your friends and family can tempt the fates and try to guess which flavors are yucky and which are yummy.

April 22 is National Jelly Bean Day. May the odds be in your favor if you take the challenge.

EMILY SCHILLING Editor eschilling@indianaec.org

Giveaway: Enter to win Four-pack of Deep River Waterpark tickets

courtesy of South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority in Hammond. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests. Entry deadline for giveaway: April 30.

On the menu: August issue: Recipes featuring vinegar, deadline June 1. September issue: 30-minutes or less recipes, deadline June 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, event listings, letters

and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606.

VOLUME 69 • NUMBER 10 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340 Published monthly by Indiana Electric Cooperatives Indiana Connection is for and about members of Indiana’s locally-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. It helps consumers use electricity safely and efficiently; understand energy issues; connect with their co-op; and celebrate life in Indiana. Over 280,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership.

CONTACT US: 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600 Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org IndianaConnection.org INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Walter Hunter President Randy Kleaving Vice President Steve McMichael Secretary/Treasurer John Gasstrom CEO EDITORIAL STAFF: Emily Schilling Editor Richard George Biever Senior Editor Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist Ellie Schuler Senior Creative Services Specialist Taylor Maranion Creative Services Specialist Stacey Holton Creative Services Manager Mandy Barth Communication Manager ADVERTISING: American MainStreet Publications Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop Crosshair Media 502-216-8537; crosshairmedia.net Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication.

UNSOLICITED MATERIAL: Indiana Connection does not use unsolicited freelance manuscripts or photographs and assumes no responsibility for the safe‑keeping or return of unsolicited material.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $12 for individuals not subscribing through participating REMCs/RECs. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If you receive Indiana Connection through your electric co-op membership, report address changes to your local co-op.

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POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606.

Include key number.

No portion of Indiana Connection may be reproduced without permission of the editor.

APRIL 2020

3

contents

APRIL

10

17

energy

03 FROM THE EDITOR 05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative.

10 ENERGY How power is restored after an outage.

12 I NSIGHTS 14 COUNTY OF THE MONTH Spotlighting Lake County.

30

food

pets

16 INDIANA EATS

26 EVENTS CALENDAR

The Post Restaurant in Tell City.

What’s going on around the state.

17 FOOD Pitching In: What to bring to a potluck.

28 DIY

19 COVER STORY Project Indiana works to improve the health of rural Guatemalans.

23 EARTH DAY Eco-friendly ways to celebrate event’s 50th anniversary.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Indiana Connection

33

Braking bad: Know when your car’s brakes need to be repaired.

29 SAFETY Don’t add electrical tragedy to the trauma of a flood.

travel

32 H OOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS 33 TRAVEL Mid-America Windmill Museum is still blowin’ in the wind.

34 PROFILE Brandon Hutton, South Central Indiana REMC’s vegetation department manager.

30 PETS Do storms turn your mighty dog into a scaredy-cat? (Not in all versions)

On the cover Hilaria Chub moves a piece of sheet metal — cradling a fire — over a bowl to bake bread in her kitchen in San Jacinto, Guatemala. Most rural Guatemalans cook over unvented open wood fires. Project Indiana is working to help them install healthier cooking alternatives.

PHOTO BY RICHARD G. BIEVER

4

APRIL 2020

co-op news

CEO farewell www.kremc.com CONTACT US Local: 574-267-6331 Toll-Free: 800-790-REMC EMAIL mail@kremc.com OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Friday ADDRESS 370 S. 250 E., Warsaw, IN 46582 SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS To report a service interruption after hours, please call 267-6331 or 800-790-REMC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS William Stump Jr., Chairman Dan Tucker, Vice Chairman John Hand, Secretary/Treasurer Kim Buhrt Terry Bouse Tony Fleming Pam Messmore Steve Miner Rick Parker

CONSIDER USING A RAIN BARREL TO SAVE ENERGY Rain barrels capture rainwater from a roof that can be used later for watering your lawn, garden or indoor plants.

— U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Use your Co-op Connections Card to save at local businesses Lee Brothers Painting, 527 Winona Ave., Warsaw 25% off paint and sundries.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/kosciuskoremc

I stepped into the electric utility business when I was 19 years old. To this point, providing electricity to the community I love has been my life. As I try to find the right words for this, my 84th column, I am at once happy and sad to announce that this is my last.

Looking back over the 47 years I’ve invested in this community and this field, I can easily recall significant outages due to snow and storms. I remember the names and faces of the young linemen I trained. I distinctly recollect the day I traded in my lineman gear for a business suit and stepped behind a desk in the morning instead of behind the wheel of a bucket truck. I can recount each misstep in my career as well as all the right steps, and I can easily get lost in all of it.

I am so grateful to you, our KREMC members, for allowing me to serve you in many different roles for so long. I am thankful for the wisdom and guidance provided to me by the KREMC board of directors. I have been blessed to surround myself with a remarkable team. Each employee is a top-notch individual and an ace in his/her field. KREMC’s success is a direct outcome of the work these exceptional employees put into each day.

People often ask me what I am most proud of in my 47-year career. Pretty quickly, I can respond with a list of defining projects like the AMI project we completed in 2014, the new three-phase system we built over 17 years, and achieving my personal goal of returning more capital credits to KREMC members each year.

But unquestionably, I am most proud of my family. My wife, Barb, has given her unfailing support to me. Her dedication to our children has supported me and allowed me to work long hours and advance my career. She has walked tirelessly by my side. The titles I have carried in the last 47 years include apprentice, lineman, manager and CEO. Beyond a doubt, the role for which I am most honored is that of husband, father and grandfather.

I am deeply grateful to have time to now focus on those I love most. I hope I continue to have the occasion to meet KREMC members out in the community. If our paths cross, please stop and say “hello.”

It has been my great privilege to serve you. Thank you.

BRUCE GOSLEE President and CEO

KREMC rates and rebates RATES

REBATES

Residential and farm service Service charge ............................$24.50 per month Kilowatt-hour (kWh) charge ......@$.0922 per kWh Tracker charge ................... @-$0.002315 per kWh

Electric water heaters 50 gallons or larger: • Gas to electric replacement — $125 • New construction water heater — $125 • Geothermal desuperheater — $50

Outdoor Lights* 40w LED........................................$8.75 per month 70w LED......................................$12.25 per month

HVAC: • Geothermal system installation — $250 • Air-source heat pump system — $150 • Programmable thermostat — up to $25 Visit www.kremc.com for complete guidelines and restrictions. Additional rebates can be found at powermoves.com.

APRIL 2020

5

co-op news

NEW CEO:

KURT CARVER The Kosciusko REMC board of

Carver brings

directors has appointed Kurt Carver

40 years of

as the cooperative’s president and

electric cooper-

CEO. Carver assumes the role from

ative experience

Bruce Goslee, who retired in March.

with him as he

“We welcome Kurt’s leadership and experience,” said KREMC Board President Bill Stump. “His past dedication and work ethic for the cooperative is a solid indication of his future ability to lead and make sound decisions for Kosciusko

steps into his new role. He has served KREMC members as the manager of operations and engineering for nearly a decade.

Before that, he was the cooperative’s operations supervisor.

forward to working with the exceptional team at KREMC as we tackle new opportunities and continue to

REMC. I would like to thank Bruce

Carver’s initial priorities will be to

deliver excellence to our members,”

(Goslee) for his service to this co-

focus on ways KREMC can improve

said Carver.

operative for the past 35 years. Kurt

service to its members and keep

and Bruce have worked together

the co-op progressive in service

closely for many years. There is

innovations.

no doubt we will have a coherent leadership transition.”

“I’m honored to have been selected

Kosciusko REMC currently has 41 full-time employees and is governed by a membership-elected, nine-person board of directors.

to be the cooperative’s CEO. I look

kremc Looking to upgrade? offers rebates

KREMC offers more rebates than you can shake a stick at. Before you invest in any home upgrades, check out our extensive list of rebates.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your water heater, install a geothermal unit, replace your heat pump, or work toward making your home a smart home with a wireless programmable thermostat, KREMC has a rebate for you!

Check out our website for a complete list of the rebates we have for you. Or give us a call and a member service representative will be happy to help!

VISIT KREMC.COM/SERVICE/REBATES. 6

APRIL 2020

co-op news

40 years of commitment to KREMC KURT CARVER

for further training as an apprentice

“In Kurt’s 40 years with KREMC, he

lineman, Carver volunteered and

has become an invaluable part of the

began his training to become a

team,” said Bruce Goslee, retiring

KREMC has been fortunate to find a

lineman. He spent the next three

president and CEO.

steadfast employee in Kurt Carver,

years of his career at KREMC

former manager of engineering and

learning. When Carver was 27

operations and newly appointed

years old, he was one of the first

president and CEO. This month, we

to graduate from the Rural Electric

are recognizing 40 years of having

Apprenticeship Program through

him on our team.

Indiana Electric Cooperatives (then

When Carver was only 21 years

known as Indiana Statewide).

old, he heard of an opening at

After his graduation, Carver began

my career here, and working for

his local electric cooperative and

his career as a lineman. Over the

KREMC has been a rewarding career

quickly applied. He was selected

next 20 years, Carver progressed

for me. I found opportunities through

to join KREMC as one of the two

through the ranks in the operations

this cooperative that I don’t believe I

groundsman equipment operators

department at KREMC. He moved

would have found elsewhere.”

at that time. In this role, Carver

from apprentice to journeymen, to

supported the line department by

lead lineman. In 2004, Carver was

maintaining equipment and managing

promoted above his peers to the

logistics for projects in the field. He

operations supervisor for KREMC.

also worked on the bucket trucks and

After serving as supervisor for nine

kept them in top-notch condition.

years, he was again promoted — this

He did not linger as a groundsman

time to the manager of engineering

for long. When he saw an opportunity

This month, Carver steps into a new role. He will be KREMC’s new president and CEO. Carver is an ideal model of hard work and dedication. When asked if he would do it all again, Carver said, “I would do it again. I learned a lot throughout

T hank You! Thank you, Kurt, for your hard work and devotion. We look forward to where you lead us in your coming years as our president and CEO.

and operations.

SHALLOW DIGGING IS STILL DIGGING Think your outdoor project is too shallow to interfere with buried facilities?

Call 811 or go to 811NOW.com.

APRIL 2020

7

important NEWS Annual Meeting Kosciusko REMC’s annual meeting, scheduled for March 28, was postponed until a later date. We will let you know when the meeting is rescheduled.

COVID-19 At the time of printing, due to the growing threat of COVID-19, our lobby and front counters are closed. Please pay your bill online, via our app, over the phone or through the payment kiosk located in our parking lot.

You can pay your bill and be proactive at the same time. Prevent the spread of COVID-19 by using alternative ways of paying your bill. See more info to the right.

Follow our Facebook page (facebook.com/ KosciuskoREMC) for the most up-to-date information.

The health of our community is important to us.

Account options At KREMC, we know that every one of our customers is unique. That is why we offer a wide variety of unique account options to fit your preferences.

PREPAID With PrePaid, you can establish an account with us without paying a deposit. There are no late fees and NO unexpected bills. You can pay as little or as much as you’d like and we will alert you when your account is low.

BUDGET BILLING* Do you follow a strict budget? Budget Billing is the bee’s knees when it comes to consistent monthly bills. We establish your monthly budget amount based on your use history and review your budget amount every six months. *In order to sign up for Budget Billing, your account must be paid in full.

With normal billing, your bill changes depending on your energy use.

With budget billing, your bill is the same every month.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

NORMAL

JUN

JUL

AUG

BUDGET

AUTOMATIC PAYMENTS We can charge your credit card or directly withdraw from your bank account for you. That means on-time payments every month — no service fees, no late fees.

That’s one less thing on your “to-do” list. We’ve got you covered.

PAY ONLINE Make your payment online at www.kremc.com. All you need is your account number.

PAY BY PHONE Use our automated system or speak with a friendly representative by calling 574-267-6331.

PAY IN PERSON Even though our lobby and front counters may be closed, feel free to make a payment anytime at our convenient payment kiosk in the parking lot or drop it in our secure drop box.

QuestionS? Give us a call at 574-267-6331.

Our office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

energy

When the power goes out, your co-op goes to work BY

Cindy Denney

You may recall a time when you suddenly heard a loud crash or witnessed a bright flash, and then darkness.

The lights were out.

As frustrating as the moment was, you should rest assured your local electric cooperative was already getting to work.

Improved technology has helped electric co-ops quickly identify power outages so crews can repair damage and restore service to homes and businesses. Severe storms can sometimes cause significant damage, resulting in multiple repairs that need to be made before all power is restored. Some of the potential areas for damage include:

Director of Marketing and Customer Service | Jay County REMC

HI G H-VO LTA G E T R A NSM I SSI O N L I NE S: The transmission towers and cables that carry electricity to transmission substations rarely fail. Yet if they are damaged, these can cause significant outages – and they must be repaired to ensure the rest of the system can function properly.

D I S T R I B U T I O N S U B S TATIO N S : Each substation can serve thousands of members; substations are checked during power outages.

If the issue is located at the substation (or the transmission lines leading to the substation), then that means that power can be restored to hundreds or even thousands of members.

DI ST R I B UT I O N L I NE S: If a power outage is not caused by damage at a substation, the main distribution lines are then checked. Main distribution lines carry the electricity to large groups of buildings, including businesses and housing developments, in a community.

TA P LIN ES : These lines carry power to underground transformers or are connected to poles outside of homes and businesses. Line crews prioritize which lines to work on based on which lines will restore power to most members.

I NDI V I DUA L HO M E S: If your home is still without power, then the service line from the nearby transformer to your home may have been damaged. These lines are then repaired to restore power to homes, schools, and other buildings.

If you lose service in your neighborhood or to your home, stay clear of downed power lines and report the outage to your local electric co-op. This will ensure that the line crews are aware and restore service as soon as possible. By understanding the process,

10

you can know more and be assured your local electric co-op is working as hard as it can APRIL 2020

to make sure that the electricity stays on to help power your day.

insights

Co-ops continue to meet consumer needs amid

coronavirus No segment of society has escaped

“Indiana’s electric cooperatives

Many lineworkers are taking their

the worldwide pandemic and public

assure consumers contingency plans

rigs home at night and are doing

health emergency caused by the

are in place, and we have taken the

all they can to limit exposure to

novel coronavirus. How virulent

precautionary steps to make sure

the virus while maintaining power

the virus ultimately becomes is

safe and reliable electricity continues

lines. Several of Indiana’s co-ops

uncertain. But Indiana’s electric

flowing,” said John Gasstrom, CEO

have postponed their annual spring

cooperatives are prepared to keep

of Indiana Electric Cooperatives, the

membership meetings and other

the lights on should the pandemic

Indianapolis-based association for

events.

cause widespread illness at a time

the state’s 38 co-ops.

when it’s not “business as usual” anywhere across the country.

“As the public health response,

Many of Indiana’s co-ops have

recommendations and mandates

closed their lobbies; employees

continue evolving, co-ops will

are working remotely from home.

continue adjusting as well to

SYMPTOMS www.cdc.gov

Covid-19 or 2019-nCov

who.int

Fever

Sore Throat

WHAT IS IT?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some of which are known to cause respiratory infections in humans. The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Headache

Fatigue

Dry Cough Diarrhea

INCUBATION 1-14 DAYS

12

The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days.

APRIL 2020

Shortness of Breath

Aching Muscles

meet consumer needs,” said

began notifying members that

Gasstrom.

annual meetings and other

Attempts to constrain COVID-19, the name given to this new strain of coronavirus, have

community events typically held in spring will be postponed or canceled.

produced unprecedented

Many co-ops are already

closures of businesses and

preparing for the economic

schools and cancellations,

disruption members will face as

postponements and shutdowns

a result of protracted pandemic

of all major sporting events

restrictions, including loss of

across the nation. But

income, unexpected childcare

cooperative leadership began

expenses and related household

raising concerns about novel

cost increases. Some have

coronavirus exposure and its

announced plans to waive

effects on operations in January

late fees and allow for special

as the first deaths in China’s

payment arrangements for

Wuhan Province were making

consumers.

headlines.

“We’re all in this together,”

“Electric cooperatives have been

added Gasstrom. “We appreciate

planning for this over the past

the understanding and patience

several months,” said Gasstrom,

of consumers as co-ops do

noting the pandemic threat

their part to follow public health

represents a unique situation.

officials’ guidance on what they

“Our cooperatives are fortunate

can do to protect themselves

to have technology that will allow

and their community.”

many of our functions to be completed remotely.”

abreast of the rapidly changing directives to combat the crisis.

consumers and their co-op can

What may have been true about

take place electronically, over

COVID-19 when this issue of

the phone or by mail. Skeleton

Indiana Connection went to

line crews will concentrate

press the third week in March

mostly on outages and

may not be current by the time it

maintenance, limiting or slowing

reaches mailboxes.

connections.

All consumers are asked to please get the latest information

Following recommendations

about your local cooperative

from the U.S. Centers for

and its responses and activities

Disease Control and Prevention

related to the virus through its

and Indiana’s State Department

website and/or social media.

of Public Health, many co-ops

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.

All consumers need to stay

Most transactions between

new construction and new

Stay at home when you are sick.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Avoid crowded places. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

county feature

Lake County Most all of Indiana’s 92 counties are named after a person, Native American peoples or other places. But only one is named quite simply

works, and Gary soon became

for the largest geographical

America’s largest company town.

feature that touches Indiana.

Other industries also found the

y t n u o C acts F FOUNDED: 1837

That’s Lake County … the

county to be an ideal location. The

state’s northwestern-most

industrialization brought a diverse

county named for the giant

mix of workers from Appalachia,

body of water that dimples

Europe and Mexico, and the

Indiana’s upper left corner.

population growth continued

Lake Michigan’s footprint is

through World War II and into

little more than a toehold, but

the early 1960s. Then came racial

that 45 miles of waterfront,

tensions, plant closings, and loss

which also includes Porter

of jobs in the steel industry. Gary’s

and LaPorte counties, makes

population went from a high of

Indiana a “Great Lakes State.”

178,000 in 1960 to 76,000 today.

That massive waterway connects Indiana to the

While the region works to

Atlantic Ocean and the world.

overcome its urban blight, some of the most pristine natural areas

NAMED FOR: Lake Michigan POPULATION: 484,411 (2018 estimate) COUNTY SEAT: Crown Point

Along with the lake, railroads

of Indiana are within Gary’s city

running to Chicago spurred

limits and eastern Lake County as

industrial development

an extension of the Indiana Dunes

along the sandy ridges and

National Park. Most of the National

swamps of the Lake Michigan

Park is in neighboring Porter

beachhead. Inland Steel arrived

County to the east, but the Paul H.

in East Chicago, Indiana, in

Douglas (Miller Woods) Trail winds

1903. In 1906, U.S. Steel, a

through several habitats on the

corporation cofounded by

Lake County side. The trail offers

Judge Elbert H. Gary and

wetlands, rare black oak savanna

banking magnate J. P. Morgan,

and open dunes.

built what became its Gary

14

APRIL 2020

APRIL 2020

15

Indiana eats

The Post with the most On those days when you aren’t

Open seven days a week from 11

quite sure what you’re craving,

a.m.-10 p.m., The Post is not only

The Post Restaurant and Bar in

a favorite lunch spot for locals,

Tell City just might be the perfect

it satisfies both dinnertime early

dining option. Its eclectic menu

birds and night owls hungry for

includes burgers and other sand-

full entrees or just a cocktail and

wiches, homemade soup, wings,

appetizer.

Italian fare and Tell City Fish Tacos, the favorite dish of Rep. Stephen Bartels. The tacos feature hand-breaded cod on three flour tortillas topped with pico de gallo and fresh cilantro chipotle sour cream finished with the house jalapeno coleslaw.

Occupying Tell City’s old post office building, The Post’s décor is rich in historic ambience. The bank vault from the early 1900s is one element that adds significant architectural interest.

Those who come hungry to the

ABOUT STATE REP. STEPHEN BARTELS:

Rep. Stephen Bartels (R) represents District 74 which includes Perry and Crawford counties and portions of Spencer, Dubois and Orange counties. He is vice chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and also serves on the Courts and Criminal Code, and Veterans Affairs and Public Safety committees. Bartels owns and operates Patoka Lake Marina and Patoka Lake Winery.

restaurant aren’t likely to leave hungry. Diners agree the portions are generous and the prices are affordable.

And the hand-breaded tenderloins served there are among the

Red Beans and Rice

THE POST RESTAURANT

Indiana Foodways Alliance. The

516 Main St. Tell City, IN 47586

Post was selected as one of 52

812-547-4700

restaurants on the alliance’s cel-

11 a.m.-10 p.m.

best in the state, according to the

ebrated “Tenderloin Trail” which pays tribute to the Hoosier state’s signature sandwich.

16

APRIL 2020

Cheese Fries

Fun fact! The Post is in Tell City’s old post office.

Fish Tacos F O O D P H O TO S C O U R T E S Y O F B E N J A M I N K O E L L I N G

food

Pitching in Looking for a new recipe for an upcoming potluck? Try one of these reader-submitted suggestions.

Parke County Cornbread Lena Harper, Lafayette, Indiana

6 T. butter, melted 1 egg 1 cup milk 1¼ cups purple, blue, or red cornmeal 1 cup flour ⅓ cup sugar 1 T. baking powder ½ t. salt

Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease an 8-inch square pan. Whisk melted butter and egg, then add milk and whisk again. Stir in dry ingredients, just until Incorporated (it will be lumpy and very thick). Pour into pan and use spatula to spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until top has browned. Test with a toothpick in the middle to make sure it’s cooked completely

food

Tater Tot Potluck

Tater Tot Potluck Jan Hackman, Columbus, Indiana 1 lb. ground beef

½ cup pasta sauce

½ onion, chopped

¼ cup salsa

1 green pepper, chopped

¼ cup instant rice

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed

⅛ t. Mrs. Dash salt-free seasoning blend

1 (14 ½ oz.) can diced tomatoes

¼ t. sugar

1 (12 oz.) pkg. frozen peas and carrots

1 lb. tater tots

Brown ground beef with onion and green pepper. Drain grease.

Pour into 3 quart casserole dish with lid. Add black beans, diced tomatoes, peas and carrots, pasta sauce, salsa, and rice. Sprinkle with Mrs. Dash and sugar. Top with a layer of tater tots. Cover with lid. Bake at 375 F for 30 minutes. Serves 6-8.

Easy Popover Pizza

Easy Popover Pizza Maurine Roadruck, Brookston, Indiana 1 ½ lbs. ground beef, sausage, or combination

8 oz. shredded mozzarella

1 (15-oz.) jar spaghetti sauce

2 eggs

½ 4-oz. pkg. pepperoni or turkey pepperoni (optional) I small jar mushrooms, drained (optional) 1 small green pepper, chopped (optional)

1 cup milk 1 T. oil 1 cup flour ¼ t. salt ¼ cup shredded parmesan

Brown meat and drain as necessary. Mix with spaghetti sauce and spread over bottom of 9-by- 13 inch dish.

Layer on other toppings as desired. Sprinkle mozzarella over all. Whisk together eggs, milk, oil flour and salt.

Pour evenly over mozzarella. Sprinkle with parmesan.

Bake at 400 F for 30 minutes.

Cook’s note: A popular twist on a standard favorite — with lots of options to suit personal preferences.

FO O D PREPARED BY I NDI ANA CO NNECTI O N S TA FF PHO TO S BY TAYLO R MA RA NI O N

18

APRIL 2020

Clearing the air TEXT AND PHOTOS BY RICHARD G. BIEVER

Project Indiana brings more than electricity to rural Guatemala Hilaria Chub stands nearly silhouetted just inside the kitchen entryway beside her cooking stove where she is baking. A small wood fire, centered atop a piece of corrugated sheet metal, fills the dusky room with gray smoke that envelops her before escaping through the door and openings in the walls just below the sheet metal roof.

continued on next page

APRIL 2020

19

continued from page 19 Eyes strain trying to adjust to the glare of the sunny afternoon beyond the door outside and the smoky darkness inside. The stove appears to be nothing but a large box with an elevated surface about two feet up off the packed dirt floor. Ashes and charred wood cover the flat surface.

Chub, 49, then carefully clutches two corners of the rusting scrap metal that looks as if it could have been leftover from the roofing overhead. Keeping it rigid, she lifts it like a giant tray — woodfire and all — and slowly swings it to the right where she sets it on the stove top. The action reveals what was beneath the sheet metal: a large bowl with about a half dozen softball sized rolls of golden bread dough.

She picks up one loaf, then two, and

gently squeezes them. Sensing they need more baking, she returns them to the bowl. She then reaches over, takes the corners of the metal cradling the fire, and returns it, balancing it back on top of the bowl. She fans the smoldering fire a bit until the wood rekindles into flames.

‘Killer in the kitchen’ This is the daily grind — literally — for the women villagers of San Jacinto, Guatemala. Project Indiana electric cooperative line crews spent over two weeks in the eastern rural village in late March-early April 2019 building power lines and bringing power to

Suddenly from behind, a small diesel-

over 90 homesteads, two churches

fueled engine roars to life with a burst

and a school campus that never had

of blue exhaust that mixes with the

electricity before.

wood smoke. The motor drives a belt attached to a corn grinder. Chub’s 19-year-old daughter, Azucena Caal, and niece, Elin Dalia Caal, begin pouring kernels of corn they just finished shelling by hand into the grinder’s hopper and adding water.

From a pan below the grinder, they gather and roll the emerging mixture

Project Indiana is a non-profit organization formed by Indiana’s electric cooperatives with the vision of bringing electricity to developing rural communities around the globe and providing other ongoing support for the residents there to enjoy better, healthier lives.

into doughy balls they’ll cook for

Unlike the three previous Project

tortillas once the bread is done baking.

Indiana mission trips in 2012, 2015 and 2017, the 2019 trip brought not just electricity but also the hope for cleaner indoor air and better health.

With the San Jacinto trip, Project Indiana included an agreement with the village and their electric utility that every home the Hoosiers wired for electricity was to have a vented cooking stove installed. While the simple stoves will still burn the area’s abundant wood, a ventilation pipe would carry the smoke to the outside, clearing the air in the kitchen and living quarters of the small huts.

“We’re excited to help you bring electricity to your homes,” Project Indiana board member Ron Holcomb

A woman with her three young children in tow (and a baby in a papoose on her back) head up a hill toward home with clean laundry and water from a stream in San Jacinto, Guatemala. Meanwhile, an Indiana electric co-op line crew builds a power line down the road during Project Indiana’s trip to Guatemala last spring.

20

APRIL 2020

told San Jacinto’s residents at a town meeting the day the crew arrived, “and we’re also very excited that you are going to have stoves in your homes.”

Some 3 billion people around the world cook their food and heat their homes as they do in San Jacinto.

While the smoke dissipates quickly

in the open huts, the open fires have

Among the 4.3 million who die from

steep accumulated costs. The typical

the consequences of smoke emission

cooking fire produces about 400

each year, 500,000 are children under

cigarettes’ worth of smoke an hour,

the age of 5 who die due to acute

and prolonged exposure is associated

respiratory infections.

with respiratory infections, eye damage, heart and lung disease, and lung cancer.

In the developing world, health problems from smoke inhalation are a significant cause of death in both children under 5 and women.

Smoke from cooking activities is so

Young children are particularly vulnerable for two reasons: during the cooking process and

highlands of Guatemala measuring

thus inhale large amounts of smoke

the effects of improved wood-burning

and particulates.

cook stoves on childhood health has

• They are still growing. In

in the kitchen.”

children are more susceptible to

responsible for the death of 4.3 million people every year — more deaths than caused by malaria or tuberculosis

many people from using them. A series of studies from deep in the western

comparison to adults, young

that smoke-induced diseases are

— but economics and tradition keep

• They are usually with their mothers

dangerous it has been called “the killer The World Health Organization reports

Cooks at the San Jacinto school prepare vegetables for soup as a young girl looks on.

The soup will be cooked in a large tub over an open wood fire beside them. Women and their young children who spend long periods in the unventilated huts suffer the most from respiratory and other ailments from the prolonged exposure to smoke.

these respiratory infections, leading to a high death rate in this age group. Smoke from cooking in the kitchen is one of the world’s leading causes of premature child death.

— making it one of the most lethal

Overcoming tradition

environmental health risks worldwide.

In Guatemala, proposed remedies

The largest burden of mortality is

such as locally-made, ventilated cook

borne by women and young children.

stoves are helping combat toxic smoke

shown the new stoves did reduce the frequency of the respiratory infections to a degree. But perhaps the most significant result of the studies showed the severity of the illnesses like pneumonia that children developed was much less in homes with ventilated stoves.

“They are suffering because of the smoke,” Holcomb said.

Holcomb emphasized the cook stoves during his talks with the villagers in

continued on page 22 APRIL 2020

21

Project Indiana

continued from page 21 San Jacinto and during a Chahal municipality council meeting Project Indiana

by the numbers

representatives were invited to during the 2019 building project. At that meeting, Holcomb, along with trip

Destinations: Nueva Esperanza, Hoja Blanca, Las Cuevas and Las Nubes, Guatemala

coordinator Jamie Bell of

2012

NineStar Connect and Hugo Arriaza, a Project Indiana contractor from Guatemala,

1,012

discussed how Project Indiana, the municipality and the electric utility serving San Jacinto could partner on providing the stoves.

This is an example of the simple cook stoves Project Indiana is hoping rural Guatemalans will install. Though still wood burning, the stoves will contain the smoke and pipe it to the outdoors.

“San Jacinto will be a

municipality’s offer and have the

model community for others,” said

stoves installed in the first half of

Arriaza.

2020, and the rest of the villagers

Despite the commitment from the locals in San Jacinto, progress on installation has been slow.

In February, however, Arriaza reported the topic of the stoves and the commitment to Project Indiana was back on the agenda at a recent community development committee meeting. And, to encourage villagers to install the stoves (which cost about $500 in U.S. dollars each to purchase, transport and install), the new municipal government in Chahal was offering to deliver the stoves to the first 25 villagers who purchase them.

Arriaza said he expects 25 homeowners will accept the

slower than many in the U.S. are

902

14

People

Lineworkers

1 School

1 Church

2017

Destination: El Zapotillo, Guatemala

164 Homes

accustomed to,” said Jennifer Rufatto, executive director of Project Indiana. “But their culture is strongly rooted in tradition. Moving away from such an entrenched part of their

374

daily lives will take time. They are resourceful and quickly realized the benefits of electricity. Once some begin installing the vented stoves, others will see and feel the benefits

14

People

1 School

Lineworkers

1 Church

68 1 Health Homes Clinic

of cleaner air, and it will catch on.”

Richard G. Biever is senior editor of Indiana Connection.

Project Indiana is a 501c3 organization formed by Indiana’s electric cooperatives. It helps developing global communities advance by adopting villages, bringing them electric power and supporting them as they form electric cooperatives that enable them to enjoy a better way of life.

Projects are completed in partnership with NRECA International. Visit ProjectIndiana.org to learn more and contribute.

APRIL 2020

184 Homes

Destination: Sepamac, Guatemala

2015

round later this year.

“Progress in Guatemala is sometimes

Lineworkers

1 Church

1 School

will take advantage during a second

SUPPORT PROJECT INDIANA AT PROJECTINDIANA.ORG

22

People

28

Destination: San Jacinto, Guatemala

2019

430 People

14 Lineworkers

1 2 90 School Churches Homes

1 Pump House

EARTH DAY turns

O

50

n April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans —

Earth Day led to passage of landmark environmental laws

10% of the U.S. population at the time

in the United States, including the Clean Air, Clear Water

— took to the streets, college campuses

and Endangered Species acts.

and hundreds of cities nationwide to advocate for the environment. The first Earth Day is credited with launching the modern environmental movement and is now recognized as the planet’s largest civic event.

It gave a voice to the emerging public consciousness about the state of our planet.

April 22 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Commemorate the day by making wise energy choices, being kind to the environment, and being vigilant about recycling. On the following pages, we offer some tips to make Earth Day not just a calendar event, but a day focused on making positive changes to benefit our planet.

Celebrate Earth Day by saving energy Earth Day is a good time to save some energy around your home. You can start by:

1

Caulking around windows and doors to seal air leaks, and adding insulation to your attic.

Both will prevent air-conditioned air from getting out of your house through the roof this summer.

Wasting less energy is the easiest way to save it.

2 3 4 5 6

Cooking dinner in your microwave oven. Microwaves

7 8

Running your clothes dryer only when it’s full. Dry two or more loads in a row to make use of the heat already in the dryer.

And locate your dryer (and your washer) in a heated space.

Using the energy-saving cycle on your dishwasher and not using the heated drying cycle. If your dishwasher sits next to your

use up to two-thirds less electricity

refrigerator, move it. The dishwasher

than conventional ovens. They

gives off heat that forces your

also cook food faster.

refrigerator to work harder.

Unplugging the TV, stereo, computer, printer and other electronics when you’re not using them. Unplug cell phone chargers once you remove the phone.

Replacing your old thermostat with a programmable model.

You could save up to 10 percent on cooling and heating, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Lowering the water heater’s temperature to 130 F. Wrap your

9 10 11

Replacing your air conditioner’s filters before the cooling season begins. Clean filters help the

Putting off using the air conditioner, especially at night, until the weather gets hotter.

Open the windows instead and let the spring breezes into the house to keep you cool.

Keeping the area around the outside of the air conditioner unit clean. Remove dirt, grass and any debris that has collected

to keep it warm so it will use less

around it so those things don’t

Washing clothes in cold water.

You could save more than $60 a year and help your clothes last longer, too.

24

APRIL 2020

Start by participating. Half of what American households throw away is recyclable. Check locally to know what’s accepted in your curbside recycling and what day it’s picked up, or find a nearby drop-off site.

1

Know what to throw. Recycling is a global issue that requires local solutions. Many communities accept different materials.

Visit your local city website to learn what materials are and are not accepted.

2

3

Know what not to throw. Plastic bags, clothing, food and liquid, garden hoses, electrical cords, Styrofoam, needles and yard waste are on the “no list.” They do not belong in curbside recycling.

4

Twin the bin. Make it easy for anyone in your house to recycle – just as easy as it is to throw something away. Locate your in-home recycling bin next to your trash can. For extra credit, twin the bin in your kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry room. Most of a home’s recyclables originate in these three rooms.

5

Empty your recyclables. Before you toss your empty cans, bottles, and cartons, make sure you remove food waste and such – then recycle.

6

Return items to stores for recycling.

Some items can’t be recycled at the curbside. These include plastic wraps and films, plastic shopping bags, and air shipping pillows. Many retail locations provide recycling centers for these items.

system operate more efficiently.

storage tank in a blanket designed energy to heat the water.

Six tips to recycle more, better in 2020

restrict its air flow. Trim shrubs away so they don’t touch it. You should rinse your unit every now and then — but shut off the power to the unit first. A tip: Never use a power washer to clean the outdoor unit.

Plant a tree on Earth Day Earth Day organizers encourage everyone to plant trees wherever they can: in parks, in their neighborhoods or in their own yards.

If you plant a tree in your yard, choose a strategic location that will allow the tree to shade your home from the hot summer sun. As it grows, the tree will help reduce your air conditioning bills and keep your home more comfortable.

product recalls Leaf blowers recalled for fan dangers ECHO and Shindaiwa have recalled 2-cycle gas powered commercial backpack blowers with shoulder straps. This recall also includes shoulder straps. The blower’s shoulder straps, plastic buckles, or the anti-static ground wire can be drawn into the blower fan and fan housing causing plastic pieces to be expelled from the machine, posing laceration and impact hazards.

Recalled model numbers are PB-8010H, PB-8010T, EB810 and EB810RT. The model and serial numbers can be found on the blower’s engine block.

The ECHO or Shindaiwa logo appears on the shoulder strap, and the replacement strap part number appears on the plastic bag at the time of sale.

The blowers were sold at independent ECHO and Shindaiwa outdoor power equipment dealers and online at www.HomeDepot.com and www.Grainger. com between August 2018 and February 2020 for about $600 for blowers and $30 for replacement straps.

As a service to our readers and to promote electrical safety, here are some recent recall notices provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Visit www.cpsc.gov/en/recalls for full details of these recalls and for notices of many more.

Marketplace Our Marketplace offers maximum exposure for your business or organization at a minimal cost. A limited number of display ads (such as the one to to the right) are available each month.

Don’t miss this opportunity to reach over a half million consumers at an affordable rate!

Please contact Cheryl Solomon, 847.749.4875 or cheryl@amp. coop, for other small business advertising opportunities in Indiana Connection.

CUSTOM POLE BARNS, DESIGNED TO LAST Buy Factory Direct & Save!

22 Colors, Fast Delivery.

Two Convenient Locations: • Dayton, OH (937) 503-2457 • Decatur, IL (217) 864-5835 MidwesternBuildings.com APRIL 2020

25

calendar NORTHWEST

22

FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW OF CARROLL COUNTY, Flora (Carroll), Flora Town Park. Flowers, hanging baskets, vegetable plants, perennials, garden art, supplies and more! Door prizes. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 574-967-3022.

25

SPRING HAS SPRUNG BLOOMERS RUN, North Judson (Starke), Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum. 5K and 1-mile fun runs. Prize for the best bloomers! 10 a.m. mrs.brenda.palmer@gmail.com

May

1-2

INDIANA GOURD SOCIETY STATE GOURD SHOW, Rochester (Fulton), Fulton County Museum. Gourd art, crafting supplies, auction, demonstrations, classes, food, crafted gourds, dried gourds, gourd seeds. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Admission charge. 765-674-8088. indianagourdsociety.org

CENTRAL

1719

VIKING FEST, Whitestown (Boone), Anson Park (4671 Anson Blvd.).

Experience Norse culture, food and music. Reenactments and performances. Friday, 4-10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m; Sunday, Noon-5 p.m. Admission charge. 317-732-4537. facebook.com/ VikingFestWhitestown

VILLAGE May PURDUE CONTEMPORARY DANCE 25- MANSFIELD MUSHROOM FESTIVAL, SPRING WORKS 2020 DANCE 1-2 COMPANY (Parke), CONCERT, West Lafayette (Tippecanoe).

26 Mansfield various locations.

Nancy T. Hansen Theatre. Seven dance Mushroom auction, food and vendor sales.

Car show on Sunday.

Free. 765-653-4026.

MansfieldVillage.com

works choreographed by faculty and selected students. Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $14, general public; $11, students; $7 children (age 1-12); children under 1 year of age are free. 765-494-5993. dapdance@groups. purdue.edu

SOUTHWEST

1826

ORLEANS 52ND ANNUAL DOGWOOD FESTIVAL, Orleans (Orange), Historic Congress Square. Parade, carnival rides, food, live music and more. Free. Visit website for events and times. 812-865-9930. orleansdogwoodfestival.com

2122

GARDEN GATE: JAZZ, WINE, & CRAFT BEER Huntingburg (Dubois), Huntingburg City Park. Enjoy jazz music while sampling wine and craft beer.

Art Garden, tasty treats, Jazzed Up 5k and a Kiwanis Car Show. Noon-7 p.m. Admission charge. 812-683-5699. gardengatefestival.com

26

APRIL 2020

May

2

NEWBURGH WINE FEST, Newburg (Warrick), Old Lock & Dam Park. Features Indiana wineries, craft beer garden, restaurants, food trucks, artists and live music all day. Admission charge.

Must be over 21 to attend.

Noon-9 p.m. (Central Time). 812-853-2815. historicnewburgh.org

APRIL

MAY

Due to the ever-changing coronavirus situation, please note that the events below may not occur at their originally scheduled times. Be sure to reach out to the event contacts below to ensure that the programs you are interested in are still taking place.

NORTHEAST

24

30

SHIPSHEWANA FRIDAY NIGHT ANTIQUE AUCTION, Shipshewana (LaGrange), Shipshewana Auction and Flea Market. Live auction with 6-10 auctioneers selling simultaneously. Antiques, collectibles, furniture, primitives, glassware, books, advertising, toys, and miscellaneous items.

Free. 5 p.m. 260-768-4129. info@shipshewanatradingplace.com. https:// shipshewanatradingplace.com/auctions/misc-antiques BABY SHARK LIVE!, Fort Wayne (Allen), Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre. Learn about shapes, colors, numbers and more. Tickets: $29. 6 p.m. https://www.visitfortwayne. com/event/baby-sharklive!-at-the-embassytheatre/25593

May

1-2

MAYFEST IN SHIPSHEWANA, Shipshewana (LaGrange), townwide. Bluegrass and gospel music, food, family activities. Parade on Saturday at 10 a.m. Free. 866-631-9675. shipshewana.com/mayfest

SOUTHEAST

1718

2425

INDIANA DAFFODIL SOCIETY’S ANNUAL DAFFODIL SHOW, Columbus (Bartholomew), Hamilton Community Center. Only daffodil show in Indiana open to the public and sanctioned by the American Daffodil Society. Enjoy the phenomenal hybrid and species of daffodils on display.

Fun activities for your junior gardeners on Saturday. Hours: Friday, 3-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 502-424-3431. cccutshall@yahoo.com. www.indianadaffodilsociety.org CROSSROADS ACOUSTIC MUSIC FEST, Seymour (Jackson), downtown.

Regional and national artists at multiple venues. Food vendors, wine and beer, artist merch and more. Admission charge. 812-707-9583. crossroadsacousticfest.com

25

ST. JOSEPH SPRING GARDEN SHOW, , North Vernon (Jennings), St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall. Garden plans, crafts and homemade foods. 812-346-3604.

This calendar is published as a service to readers and the communities electric cooperatives serve.

Indiana Connection publishes events free of charge as space allows, giving preference to free community festival and events in and around areas served by subscribing REMCs/RECs. While Indiana Connection strives for accuracy, please note that events, dates and time may change without notice. Indiana Connection advises using contact phone numbers or internet sites to check times and dates of events before making plans.

To add events to Calendar, please use the “Submit and Event” form under the “Talk to Us” or “Calendar” buttons at indianaconnection.org; or mail your info to: Calendar, Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Please submit info two months before the date of the event.

APRIL 2020

27

do-it-yourself

Braking Bad HOW TO K N OW W H E N YO UR VE H I C LE NE E DS BR AKE R E PAI R Let’s face it: In the normal course of driving, we’re hard on our vehicle’s braking system. We tap our brakes while enduring stop-and-go traffic and occasionally have that sudden “brake check” to avoid a collision.

During your automobile’s life span, and depending upon how long you keep your vehicle, you may need to replace your brakes more than once. So, how do you know when your car is ready for a brake repair or replacement?

According to AAA, there are five warning signs when you may need brake repair:

1

2

You apply the brakes and hear a high pitch or grinding noise. This is a strong indicator the brakes have worn thin.

You apply the brakes and feel a vibration. This indicates warped brake rotors. A professional inspection can help determine whether they should be resurfaced or replaced.

The brake pedal feels differently — either low or spongy — and takes more effort to apply. This means there’s a potential problem with the brake system that should be promptly diagnosed.

4

5

You apply the parking brake, either by foot or hand, and do not feel resistance. This may require an adjustment or a repair. (Whether you have an automatic or manual transmission, AAA recommends always applying the parking brake before exiting the vehicle.)

The dashboard indicator for the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is illuminated (usually yellow). The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up so you can maintain control of the vehicle during hard stops.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to take your automobile to a professional for an inspection. He/ she can determine the extent of the repairs or replacement to your braking system.

28

APRIL 2020

3

Source: AAA Motor Club https://www.hoosier.aaa.com/automotive/five-waysknow-you-may-need-brake-repair

safety

electrical tragedy DON’T ADD AN

TO THE TRAUMA OF A FLOOD

“Electricity and water don’t mix” is a safety rule we’ve all heard. But when flooding occurs in our home, the cautionary voices echoing in our mind can be drowned out by the swell of the stress and water.

Don’t jump in and add a tragedy to the trauma.

“Whenever there’s flooding, it’s human nature to want to quickly assess the damage and start cleaning up. And if the water’s still rising, we definitely want to save other things from getting wet,” said John Gasstrom, CEO at Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “But that old rule about electricity and water holds true whether we’re talking about running water in the tub or two feet of water in the house.”

If water has risen above or comes into contact with electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or other electrical systems, do not go into the water, added Gasstrom. “You can be shocked or killed. Not only can electricity travel through water, it can

shock you through a wet floor.”

Here are some things to keep in mind before and after a flood.

breaker off first, and THEN turn off the main breaker. You may also need to shut off the main valve for your home’s gas and water.

Before the Flood

After a Flood

If you live in a flood-prone area:

• If you’ve had to evacuate, do not enter a flooded area until it has been determined safe to do so by a first responder or other authority.

• Once you return home, do not touch a circuit breaker or replace a fuse with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface.

• If your home experienced flooding, keep the power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.

• Have an electrician inspect electrical appliances that have been wet, and do not turn on or plug in appliances unless an electrician tells you it is safe.

Most wet appliances will require replacement.

• If your home experienced severe flooding, snakes and other animals may be in your house.

Wear heavy gloves and boots during cleanup.

• Keep an emergency kit of batteries, medications, etc., ready if you have to leave immediately, or if services are cut off.

• Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.

• If your basement requires a sump pump, install a backup pump that uses a battery and sounds an alarm in case the main pump fails or the electricity is out for an extended time during the storm.

If flooding is forecast or imminent: • Move electrical appliances and devices out of your home or to an area in the house above the expected level of flood water.

• Follow any directives to turn off utilities. To switch off the main power to your home, flip each

APRIL 2020

29

pets

Do spring thunderstorms turn your mighty dog into a

scaredy-cat?

Does your dog jump, shake, tense up, cower, become anxious or crawl under a bed with an approaching storm? If so, your dog might be suffering from anxiety or phobias related to storms or loud noises.

Just as in humans, some unusual behaviors in dogs may not ratchet up to the point of concern. But it’s time to seek professional help if your dog engages in destructive behavior like chewing, digging, scratching and tearing up objects in the home.

Severe phobia can trigger panicked attempts to escape by scratching and digging at doors or even jumping out of windows. A dog may injure itself — breaking teeth or nails — or people during a panic attack.

Veterinarians don’t know all the triggers but suspect the dogs are set off by some combination of wind, thunder, lightning, barometric pressure changes, static electricity, and low-frequency rumbles preceding a storm that humans can’t sense. Fireworks, gunshots and vacuum cleaners are also common causes of anxiety and fear in dogs.

Here are some ways veterinarians suggest helping your cowering canine through a storm:

Reward calm behavior year-round. Don’t wait to soothe a dog when it’s whimpering or climbing on you during a

30

APRIL 2020

storm; your dog may interpret that as extra attention — which will encourage more panicky behavior. But also, never scold your dog for its increased clingy behavior or ignore it. Try to stay calm yourself; your dog will sense your fear or nervousness during a storm which will reinforce its belief they should be afraid.

When thunder roars, pooches like Lucy (above) are reassured by a snug pressure garment’s calming effect.

Shelter. Notice where your dog likes to go during a storm and let it go there, if possible. You may want to move to an area with no outside doors or windows, such as a finished basement or a tiled bathroom. If your dog prefers its crate, try covering the crate with a blanket until the storm ends.

Consider a snug garment. Snug-fitting shirts and wraps especially designed to calm anxious dogs may be worth a try. A so-called pressure garment is said to have a calming effect similar to swaddling a baby. You can also make your own by wrapping your pet in a stretchable bandage, towel or old T-shirt. Just be sure not to wrap your pet too tightly that it can’t breathe.

Medicate. Finally, if all else fails, the use of medications, such as sedatives, can be helpful in severely affected pets. Supplements, pheromones and herbal remedies are also available.

Talk to your veterinarian. As with any concerns you have for your pet’s health or safety, the best bet is to see your vet. A vet can help determine if your pet is suffering an anxiety or phobia, or if there is an underlying physical ailment causing an overreaction to outside stimuli. Your vet may also have more ideas for behavior modification and can help you determine what supplements or remedies to try, or if a prescription of anti-anxiety medication is needed.

Wabash Valley Power news

Don’t drown in high energy costs from your pool pump this summer The sweltering summer heat can mean diving into your swimming pool — and high diving deep into energy costs.

With temperatures starting to rise, you may be eyeing the swimming pool to help cool you off this summer. If you have a pool at your home, you likely are not yearning as much for those summer bills that reflect your pool’s energy use. ENERGY STAR® reports that your pool pump can add more than $500 to your annual energy bills. If your pool pump is older or inefficient, an upgrade could help save you money.

Variable speed pool pumps with the ENERGY STAR certification use variable speed motors that work only as hard as needed.

Conventional pool pumps use the same pump speed for all tasks.

This includes filtration, which requires half the energy use

32

APRIL 2020

as vacuuming to keep the pool clean, ENERGY STAR reports.

Conventional pool pumps over time will use significantly more electricity, meaning higher energy bills in the summer months (when the air conditioner is already leading to higher energy costs). ENERGY STARcertified variable speed pool pumps can significantly reduce your home’s energy use, saving at least $400 in energy costs each year.

IT’S (RELATIVELY) WHISPER QUIET! …when running at lower speeds. A variable speed pool

pump’s lower speed can still handle filtering the pool over a moderately longer period of time.

Some variable speed pool pumps can be programmed to filter overnight, helping shift power use away from peak periods of the day.

Best of all, the quieter compressor does the job without keeping everyone wide awake.

If your pump is struggling or is close to 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.

Fortunately, your electric coop can make it more attractive!

Your local cooperative can offer a $250 Power Moves® rebate for qualifying ENERGY STAR-certified pool pump upgrades.

You can contact your local coop’s energy advisor or visit www.PowerMoves.com for details. For more information on ENERGY STAR-certified pool pumps that can save money in long-term energy costs, visit www.EnergyStar.gov.

travel

Still blowin’ I N TH E WI ND FI LE PHO TO BY RI CHARD G . BI EVER

Museum preserves mechanical marvels of the past; tells the story of wind power Long before electric cooperatives began stringing silver strands of singing wire across rural America in the 1930s, the rhythmic chatter of windmills performed many of the tasks needed to make America grow. Every farm, ranch and railroad stop had those mechanical marvels of wood and steel blades and fins to pump water and do other tasks that made the land workable.

In the heart of the Midwest, from where so many of the windmills were manufactured, the Mid-America Windmill Museum in Kendallville tells this story of wind power. The museum opens for the season April 1.

Having celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, the museum is still dedicated to collecting, preserving and publicly displaying these clean-energy

machines of the past. Through video presentations, guided tours, exhibits, interactive displays, and photographs, the museum tells the whole history of wind power: from 4,000 years ago to the sprawling wind farms generating electricity today.

A total of 53 windmills of varying shapes and sizes have been restored and are on exhibit across several acres of land. Most are mounted on down-sized towers and are free to spin in the wind as designed. Others are protected against the elements in an 1889 bank barn that houses most of the museum. The barn was moved from its original location eight miles away in Avilla by Amish craftsmen in 1994.

Along with the American windmills, a highlight of the museum is its replica of the Robertson Post windmill, an enclosed single-stone grist mill with a 52foot diameter wind wheel. The original Robertson, the first windmill built in the American colonies, was shipped from

England and erected on the James River near Jamestown, Virginia, in the 1620s.

The museum, on the southeast edge of Kendallville, also features 11 Flint & Walling models of windmills beginning with its original “Star,” patented in the 1870s. Flint & Walling was established in Kendallville in 1866 and manufactured windmills until 1954. Still in Kendallville, Flint & Walling today manufactures high-performance water pumps and systems. The company celebrated part of its 150th anniversary in 2016 on the museum grounds beneath some of its original products.

While rural electrification brought an end to the heyday of the American windmill, World War II brought an end to many of the windmills themselves — as farmers turned the antiquated relics in for scrap metal to aid the war effort. But thanks to museums like the Mid-America Windmill Museum, this passing but important part of American history is being preserved.

UPCOMING EVENT: GO FLY A KITE!

IF YOU GO:

Colorful kites of all sizes and shapes will be flying high over the grounds of the Mid-America Windmill Museum during its annual Mother’s Day kite flying demonstration, May 10. Working together with members of the Hoosier Kiteflyers Society and museum volunteers, children of all ages can build a simple sled kite in Baker Hall.

Mid-America Windmill Museum

Sunday, May 10; 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Children 12 and under are free, $2 for children age 13+.

732 S. Allen Chapel Road Kendallville, Indiana 46755 260-347-2334 www.midamericawindmillmuseum.org Check the museum’s Facebook page for the latest news on its new opening date.

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career profile

Providing

quality service Top 3

responsibilities in a day: • Provide direction. I lead the superintendents and forepersons who oversee our tree crews.

• Purchase. I make sure our crews have the resources they need to run safely and efficiently like personal protective equipment, tools and equipment.

• Budgeting. I set and maintain a consistent budget for the required scope of work.

How would you describe working for a cooperative?

It is like working with your friends on a project that you all care about.

What are your professional goals at the cooperative?

I take every opportunity that is presented to show my skills and look for opportunities for personal development, and then teach others as quickly as I learn new skills.

What kind of education has made you successful in this role?

I am a certified arborist, certified utility arborist, certified category 5 (aquatic) and 6 (industrial) herbicide applicator. Most of my education has been through Purdue University Extension.

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APRIL 2020

Brandon Hutton Vegetation Management Manager South Central Indiana REMC What part of your job do you find to be most fulfilling?

Being a part of the hardworking team at our cooperative and providing our consumers with a quality service.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

There are many opportunities for growth at an electric cooperative and we train our tree crews with the knowledge we may someday lose them to another career within the cooperative.

Why did you choose to accept a job at a co-op?

It was a great opportunity to work

with my friends and neighbors while providing a needed service in the community I grew up in.

How is your cooperative involved in the community?

We are always looking for ways to support the communities we serve with either our equipment or the talents of our employees.

INTERESTED IN AN ELECTRIC CO-OP CAREER? Visit WePowerIndiana.org to learn about available careers or tell us about yourself.