August 2018 — Electric Consumer

AUGUST 2 0 1 8

YOUR INDIANA COOPERATIVE COMPANION

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31 on 31 Indiana road trip healthy child, happy child Student safety from school’s start to finish

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from the editor

Be a clown

Looking back, I’ve done some pretty interesting things so far in my life.

I’ve judged a cooking competition and a scholarship pageant. Not only have I flown the friendly transcontinental skies in a 747, I’ve been sky high in a hot air balloon. I’ve buzzed around the Charlotte Motor Speedway in a car navigated by a NASCAR driver and driven my own car (much slower) around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

And, for several years, I built quite a reputation as a face painter. Back in the 1990s, you might have seen me at some electric co-op annual meetings, stationed at a small table equipped with palettes of clown make-up and brushes. I adorned children’s faces with flowers and rainbows and whatever else they desired.

Unlike many face painters, I wasn’t a clown. However, when I was “booked” for one of my REMC annual meeting painting gigs, a coworker was asked to dress up like a clown and help entertain the kids. I was in charge of transforming her into her new persona: “Coney.” I’ll never forget the bemused reaction she got from other travelers as she drove us along Interstate 74 in full clown make-up and wig. I learned then never to underestimate the power of a makeover. When you’re dressed like a clown, you will definitely not be ignored.

The first week of August is National Clown Week. Although Stephen King’s “It” may have given some a “clown complex,” when I think about clowns, I remember “Coney” and how some greasepaint, a red wig and a goofy personality can brighten someone’s day!

EMILY SCHILLING Editor eschilling@electricconsumer.org

VOLUME 68 • NUMBER 2 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340 Published monthly by:

ELECTRIC CONSUMER 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 272,000 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 ec@ElectricConsumer.org ElectricConsumer.org INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS Gary Gerlach President Walter Hunter Vice President Randy Kleaving Secretary/Treasurer Tom VanParis Chief Executive Officer EDITORIAL STAFF Emily Schilling Editor Richard George Biever Senior Editor Holly Huffman Member Relations/ Advertising Manager Ellie Schuler Senior Communication Specialist ADVERTISING Crosshair Media, 502-216-8537; crosshairmedia.net GLM Communications, Inc., 212-929-1300; glmcommunications.com Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication.

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

On the menu: November — Quintessential Hoosier foods (like

persimmon pudding, pork tenderloin, and sugar cream pie): deadline Aug. 13. December issue — Christmas candy: deadline Sept. 14. If we publish your recipe on our food page, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

Reader Submissions page: November — Photos of you and politicians/candidates for government offices: deadline Aug. 13.

December — Christmas light displays: deadline Sept. 14.

Giveaway: Winner of the $25 Starbucks gift card was Kathy Trinkle of West Lafayette.

Her favorite “song of summer” is “Jump” by Van Halen.

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 ElectricConsumer.org; email ec@ElectricConsumer.org; or send to Electric Consumer, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $12 for individuals not subscribing through participating REMCs/RECs. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Readers who receive Electric Consumer through their electric co-op membership should report address changes to their local co-op.

POSTAGE: Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, Ind., and at additional mailing offices.

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

Include key number.

No portion of Electric Consumer may be reproduced without permission of the editor.

AUGUST 2018

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contents

AUGUST

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17

recalls

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

10 ENERGY Time to update your appliances? Do some research first.

11 PRODUCT RECALLS Lamps and video monitors make this month’s list.

19

food

12 INSIGHTS Boone County corn maze to honor slain deputy.

16 INDIANA EATS Zaharakos in Columbus hearkens back to ice cream parlors of yore.

17 FOOD Kid-approved sweet treats.

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ElectricConsumer

cover story 19 COVER STORY 31 reasons why you should pull over when cruising on U.S. 31.

26 OUTDOOR Angler reels in state’s biggest whitefish.

27 SAFETY How to incorporate electrical safety devices in your home.

profile

28 EVENTS CALENDAR 30 PRODUCT PICKS Keeping it cool.

31 BACKYARD (not in all editions) 32 H OOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS 34 PROFILE State Fair Queen Audrey Campbell on a grand tour to promote fair, 4-H.

On the Cover

Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/Electriconsumer

Lauren Gandy delivers a tray of cold sweet treats to

Find us on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/Electriconsumer

in downtown Columbus. It’s just one of the many

Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/ElectricConsumer

which runs the length of the state from north of the

patrons at Zaharako’s Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant unique places to visit along Indiana’s stretch of U.S. 31 Ohio River in the south to South Bend in the north.

PHOTO BY RICHARD G. BIEVER

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d l i h C y

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Y P P A H LD I H C

Student safety from . school s start to finish

As your kids head back to school, they’re probably eyeing that backpack featuring characters from this year’s hottest movie or the latest fashions from the coolest stores.

However, they may not be quite as in tune to the shots and safety tips they need to stay healthy — which makes your job as a parent even more important.

Here are a few health and safety tips from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to help your kids stay healthy and thriving through the beginning of the school year and beyond.

Keep shots up-to-date

Don’t fuss on the bus

According to the CDC, in most states, it is the

If your child’s school bus has lap/shoulder seat belts,

responsibility of the parents, not family doctors, to

make sure your child knows how they work and to

provide shot records to the health department and to

wear it at all times when on the bus. Other important

schools. And for good reason. Today, we move, travel

safety tips:

or change doctors far more often than our parents and grandparents did. Also, doctor’s offices and clinics store records of children’s shots and the dates they were received only for a few years.

It’s very important for parents to stay on top of this

• Always wait for the bus to stop moving before stepping off the curb to get on.

• Take a seat right away and do not move around the bus.

because in most states, children are not allowed to enter school or childcare centers unless they can prove they’ve had all of the required shots for their age group.

Want more information? Visit the CDC website, www. cdc.gov/vaccines/default.htm, for shot schedules, recommendations and guidelines, and charts that you can download and print to track your child’s shots.

Ride on All car passengers should wear a seat belt and/or age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat.

• Your child should ride in a car safety seat with a harness as long as possible and then ride in an approved booster seat.

Make the first day easier

• Your child should ride in an approved booster seat

Remind your child that he or she is not the only one

until the seat belt fits him or her properly (usually

who may be uneasy about the first day. Point out the

when the child reaches about 4 feet, 9 inches, in

good points of starting school — your child will see old

height and is between 8-12 years of age).

friends and will meet new ones.

• All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of a car.

Remember backpack safety Choose a backpack with wide, padded straps and a padded back. Pack light — the backpack should never weigh more than 10-20 percent of your child’s body weight. That means your 80 pound child’s load shouldn’t weigh more than about 15 pounds.

• Remember that many crashes occur while new teen drivers are going to and from school. You should limit the number of teens in the car with a teen driver to prevent driver distractions.

Pedal power

Walking to school

Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or

Make sure your child’s walk to school is a safe route

long the ride.

with well-trained adult crossing guards at every

• Ride on the right side of the road, going the same direction as the traffic.

intersection.

• Be realistic about your child’s ability to walk to

• Use appropriate hand signals when making turns.

school without an adult. Because small children don’t have a lot of experience around traffic, they may take risks that could put them in harm’s way.

• Follow traffic light and stop sign rules.

Carefully consider whether or not your child is ready

• Wear bright-colored clothing to increase visibility.

to walk to school without adult supervision.

• Know the “rules of the road.”

• Bright-colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.

Dorm, safe dorm How to be ‘electricity-smart’ in home away from home If you have a student bound for college this month, there are a few things the student, and you as parents, should know. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates 3,800 university housing fires occur each year in the United States.

The Leviton Institute offers some advice to help parents and college-bound kids engage in safe electrical practices while away at school.

Start by conducting a visual inspection of the dorm room or suite, making sure to check the following areas: Overloaded circuits: Overloaded circuits are one of the top causes of campus fires. If an appliance cord or the outlet feels hot, the appliance should be disconnected immediately. Report outlets that are damaged or that no longer grip plugs properly to the campus housing staff or landlord.

Power strips/adapters: Most college dorms are equipped with an insufficient number of outlets. To compensate, students frequently use power strips or adapters. These ramp up the load requirements and can overload the electrical system. Only power strips with an over-current protector (circuit breaker), which automatically shuts off if too much current is being drawn, should be used. To protect electronics from damaging spikes and surges, the devices should be plugged into a surge strip.

Extension cords: Use only extension cords with the UL label. Keep in mind that extension cords are designed for temporary use only and should never be used for permanent connections or to provide power to other extension cords. Also, they should never be run under rugs or furniture.

Appliances: Toasters, microwave ovens, hot plates, coffeemakers and irons should never be situated near bedding, books, draperies or clothing. Keep electric appliances away from water — they do not mix!

Appliances not in use should be switched off. Don’t use an appliance with a damaged or frayed cord.

Adherence to the college’s rules and guidelines on approved equipment is critical. If the college prohibits the use of certain appliances, it’s because they pose a serious hazard.

What's Missing?

Get bac k in th e swin with th g is word game

School is almost here again. Get back in the groove with this fun missing letter challenge. Find the missing letter in these words relating to school.

As you figure out what letters are missing, cross them off the list.

We did the first one for you!

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reess recess spelling lit geoetry rading lanner bacpack foler noebook pper homeork fied tri encil scissos mrkers sience

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histry socal stuies classoom fractins addiion teaher lackboard cafetria gmnasium playgrund announceents caculator sory prolem schol bu

b o y c a m p t c o w s p p e d a l k b l i s t e r m d o o r c t

energy

Understanding Appliance

BY PAT KEEGAN & BRAD THIESSEN

Dear Pat and Brad: Several of my appliances are getting old and will need to be replaced soon. Will the appliance choices I make have much impact on my energy bill? – Chelsea

Dear Chelsea: Your energy use varies month to month, so it can be difficult to see how much difference an appliance purchase makes.

It’s best to view the purchase over the lifetime of the equipment. Think about the up-front cost and the lifetime energy cost. In a Consumer Reports test, the most efficient refrigerator used $68 per year less electricity than the least efficient model.

Multiply that difference over a decade or two, and the lifetime energy savings could be greater than the up-front cost. All it takes to get the best appliance for your needs is some initial research.

Appliance energy use is usually less, on average, than home heating and cooling bills, but can be several hundred dollars each year. Your appliance use depends on

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Energy Use

factors like the model, how often you use it, the settings you use for its particular function and even the time of day it is most used.

Over the last few decades, new appliances became more energy efficient, driven partly by minimum government standards. These standards, created by the U.S. Department of Energy, save consumers over $60 billion each year. Appliances are required to include an Energy Guide label that shows estimated energy use and operating cost per year. These labels help you compare different models and calculate the initial cost against the long-term savings.

Some appliances will also have an ENERGY STAR label. This indicates the appliance is substantially more efficient than the minimum standard. Your greatest energy savings opportunities can come from replacing an old appliance with an ENERGY STAR-rated appliance. Removing a refrigerator that’s 20 years old and replacing it with a new ENERGY STAR model can lower the monthly electricity cost by 75 percent, from $16.50 to less than $4.

In some cases, the configuration of the appliance can also make a substantial difference. For example, a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer uses about 70 percent more energy than other configurations, with all the most efficient models having the refrigerator stacked on top of the freezer. All 36 of the most efficient clothes washers of 2018 were frontloading models.

Consider how much you use the appliance.

The more you use the appliance the greater your savings will be from choosing a more efficient model. If you use the appliance less or have a small household, you may get by with a smaller refrigerator or freezer, which will save you money.

How you operate appliances can also make a difference. Here are some easy ways to save:

REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER • Set your refrigerator at 35 to 38 F and your freezer at 0 F. • Make sure there is adequate air flow between the wall and the back of the unit.

• Keep the refrigerator relatively full when possible.

• Replace the seals around the doors if they appear to be leaking air.

• Defrost the refrigerator and freezer regularly.

STOVE/OVEN • Use the correct size of burner to fit the pan.

• Use smaller appliances like a microwave or slow cooker instead of the oven when possible.

DISHWASHER • Use the most energy-efficient and shortest setting that gets your dishes clean.

• Air dry rather than using the heated dry function.

• Wait to run a load until the dishwasher is full.

Make the most out of your appliance energy use with a little research before buying a new model and a few easy adjustments to the way you use them.

This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency. For more information on saving energy on your appliances, please visit: www.collaborativeefficiency.com/ energytips.

PRODUCT 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.

GE Lighting pulls LED tube lamps GE Lighting has recalled LED Cool White Universal T8/T12 LED tube lamps. The pins on one end of the lamp can be energized during installation/removal, posing electric shock and electrocution hazards.

The recall involves GE Lighting’s 31243 LED13T8U840 LED two-pack tube lamps. These units are most often used in garages, basements, workshops and utility rooms. They were sold at Lowe’s stores nationwide and online from approximately November 2017 through April 2018 for about $15.

Call 800-338-4999 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or go to www.gelighting. com and click on “Product Safety Information” for more information.

Ashley Furniture recalls mislabeled floor lamps Incorrect labeling has led to a recall of Signature Design by Ashley Amnon floor lamps with a floor switch and 12 lightbulb sockets. The incorrect label on the lamp states that consumers can use 40 watt lightbulbs in the product. However, the socket is only designed to support 25 watt lightbulbs. Use of incorrect wattage lightbulbs can melt the power switch, posing a burn hazard. The portable, electric floor lamps are metal with a bronze finish and measure about 64 inches tall.

Model number L207971 is printed on a label on the underside of the lamp’s base. The lamps were sold at Ashley Furniture Home stores, independently owned and operated furniture stores nationwide and online retailers from February 2017 through April 2018 for between $160 and $300. Ashley Furniture has received seven incident reports, including six reports in the United States of the floor lamp’s power switch melting with four of those reports resulting in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Call 800-477-2222, ext. 129155, or go to www.ashleyfurniture.com and click on the “Consumer Notifications” link at the bottom of the page for more information.

Video monitors pose burn hazard Lorex has recalled three of video monitors — models LW2751, LW2752 and LW2962H — used with surveillance video systems. Batteries in the monitors can overheat, swell and expand and cause the battery cover to open or come off and expose hot batteries, posing a burn hazard to consumers. The video monitors are black and were sold in two sizes; 7-inches wide by 5-inches tall, and 9-inches wide by 6-inches tall. Lorex has received 328 reports of the monitor battery overheating and/or expanding.

No injuries have been reported. The monitors were sold at Best Buy stores nationwide and online from April 2014 through March 2017. The video monitors were sold in bundles for between $150 and $330.

Call 844-265-7388 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

AUGUST 2018

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insights NEW USS INDIANA SUBMARINE TO HIT THE SEAS IN SEPTEMBER A next-generation attack submarine named for the Hoosier state joined the U.S. Navy’s fleet on June 25. The USS Indiana began construction in 2012 and is scheduled to commission next month.

This is the fourth time a ship has been named after the 19th state, and it will be the first USS Indiana to be in active service since the end of World War II. The first USS Indiana (BB 1), a battleship, saw action during the Spanish-American War and participated in both the blockade and battle of Santiago de Cuba. The second (BB50) was canceled before it was fully constructed in the 1920s. The third USS Indiana (BB 58) was completed in April 1942, saw extensive combat in the Pacific theater of World War II, and earned nine battle stars.

Virginia-class submarines such as the USS Indiana are built to operate in littoral and deep waters while conducting anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations forces support; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; irregular warfare and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, mobility and firepower enable them to support five of the six maritime strategy core capabilities — sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.

P HO TO C OU RT E SY OF S U B M AR IN E FOR C E ATLA N TIC

Corn maze to honor slain deputy The Boone County community was

feature a design which will read “Dulls

shaken when Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob

Honor Our Everyday Heroes” and will

Pickett was fatally shot during a police

include Pickett’s badge number in the

chase in March. This fall, Dull’s Tree

center of a large sheriff’s star.

Farm in Thorntown will dedicate one of its most popular fall traditions to fallen Pickett.

Harvest” will honor Pickett and support

get into the farm for free with proof of

all members of law enforcement and first

identification.

responders. The eight-acre attraction will

They’ve got the power Concern for community is not limited

be formally recognized at the Indiana

by age. Past winners of the Youth

Electric Cooperatives annual meeting

Power and Hope Awards, including

in Indianapolis on Dec. 4. They will also

those who’ve spearheaded anti-bullying

be featured in an Electric Consumer

campaigns, toy drives, and logged in

article.

Indiana’s electric cooperatives invite

Indiana Eats article about Limestone Cafe listed incorrect hours of operation.

The restaurant is open from 5-9 p.m. on Thursdays and 6-10 p.m. on Fridays.

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AUGUST 2018

will open on Sept. 29. Through the end of October, all first responders will

proven that. Electric Consumer and

CORRECTION: Last month’s

by Boone REMC. Its Pumpkin Harvest

The corn maze at the farm’s “Pumpkin

hundreds of volunteer hours, have

Sailors assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit Indiana (SSN 789) stand watch and pilot the vessel while underway.

Dull’s Tree Farm is served electrically

community-minded students who will be in grades 5-8 this school year to apply

Applicants do not have to live within an REMC/REC territory. However, they must reside in Indiana. Deadline to apply is Oct. 5.

for this year’s Youth Power and Hope

For more information and application

Awards.

forms, please visit our website: www.

Up to five winners will be named. Each winner will receive $500. Winners will

ElectricConsumer.org.

Always call 811 before starting fencing & landscaping projects.

Landowners completing these projects were more than three times more likely to hit a buried utility because they did not call 811 before breaking ground.

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Indiana eats

youth FOUNTAIN OF

ZAHARAKOS HEARKENS BACK TO ICE CREAM PARLORS OF YORE

ZAHARAKOS Ice Cream Parlor and Museum 329 W. Washington St. Columbus, Indiana 812-378-1900

Long gone are the days when you could savor an ice cream soda or sundae at an honest-togoodness ice cream parlor/soda fountain — that is, unless you visit Zaharakos in Columbus, Indiana. This national historic landmark is known not only for its creamy homemade ice cream, but for its unparalleled atmosphere.

Britney Pagels pours strawberries and syrup onto an ice cream dish as 7-year-old Reese Yoder of Brownsburg oohs in anticipation. Along with usual ice cream shop fare, the iconic parlor still serves up the ice cream sodas and phosphates from behind its marble counter just as it did a century ago.

onsite player piano, designed to sound like a full orchestra, entertains with ragtime tunes.

cream with three toppings.

Originally, it was a candy store when the four Zaharako brothers, Greek immigrants, opened it in 1900. But by 1911, Zaharakos had transitioned into an parlor and fountain purveying some of the treats it still serves today.

An adjoining museum houses mechanical musical instruments and soda fountain relics. And the banquet rooms — which can accommodate small and large groups alike — are like a special treat with a cherry on top. For instance, the Whitman Room, which can seat 24 guests, is a private ice cream parlor with special seating for the kids.

Visitors wanting something a bit more substantial before diving into the sweets, will find a generous menu of sandwiches, sides, salads, chili and macaroni and cheese.

Zaharakos is famous for its version of Sloppy Joes, the Gom Sandwich, and its giant handcut, hand-breaded tenderloin.

In 2007, it was restored to its turn-of-lastcentury glory. Stained glass windows, a tin ceiling, marble pillars and counter, and refurbished woodwork add architectural charm. Two Mexican onyx soda fountains, which were originally used at the 1904 World’s Fair, are still dispensing favorites like Green River phosphates and flavored colas. The

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AUGUST 2018

But ambiance aside, Zaharakos — or “Greek’s” as it’s sometimes still called — is known for its old-timey fountain favorites like sundaes, floats, milk shakes and ice cream sodas.

Those wanting to try for a massive brain freeze can order The Big “Z:” five scoops of ice

Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Before devouring that whole tenderloin when at Zaharakos, though, it’s wise to remember the old adage: “save room for dessert.” You’ll be glad you did!

SEE MORE IDEAS FOR YOUR NEXT U.S. 31 ROAD TRIP ON PAGES 19–24.

food

KID

approved

Popsicles

by Marilles Mauer, Greensburg 1 (3-oz.) package gelatin 1 cup sugar 3 cups water 1 (0.15-oz.) package powdered drink mix 2 cups boiling water Use any flavor of gelatin and drink mix. Mix gelatin and boiling water. Add the rest of the ingredients. Blend together well and freeze in popsicle molds until frozen firm. Makes about 10 popsicles.

JULY 2018

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food FO O D PREPARED BY ELECTR I C CO NS UME R S TA FF PHO TO S BY RI CHA RD G . B I E V E R

Mini Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

by Riley Carothers, Elizabethtown COOKIES ½ cup butter, softened 1¼ cups sugar 2 large eggs

Toll House Marble Squares

at room temperature, lightly beaten

1 cup pumpkin (from can) 1 t. vanilla 2 T. molasses 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 t. baking powder 1 t. baking soda 1 t. ground cinnamon ½ t. ground ginger ½ t. ground cloves ¼ t. ground cardamom ¼ t. salt

(only if using unsalted butter; otherwise omit)

Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add eggs and beat well. Add

Toll House Marble Squares

Edible Fun Dough

and spices. Add to pumpkin mixture

by Kathi Tooley, Berne

by Christine Franke, LaGrange

and stir well. Using a teaspoon-size

1 cup butter ¾ cup brown sugar ¾ cup white sugar 1 t. vanilla 2 eggs 1 t. baking soda 1 t. salt 2 cups flour

pumpkin, vanilla, and molasses; beat until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda,

cookie scoop, drop onto greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for about 12 minutes in 350 F oven. Cookie should spring back to the touch.

FILLING 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature 6 T. butter, softened ½ t. vanilla 1½ cups powdered sugar Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla

12 oz. chocolate chips Mix together butter, sugars and vanilla. Then add eggs and stir well. Blend in baking soda, salt,

until fluffy. Gradually mix in powdered

and flour. Spread evenly into

sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

greased cookie sheet or jelly roll

Generously frost the flat side of one

pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips over

cookie with filling, then top it with the

dough and bake 1-2 minutes at 375

flat side of another one to make a

F until chips are slightly melted.

“sandwich.” Repeat with remaining

Remove from oven and swirl with

cookies and filling.

knife until marbleized. Return to oven and bake 12-15 minutes.

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AUGUST 2018

1 cup peanut butter 2 cups powdered milk ½-1 cup honey Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

Add more/less powdered milk or more/less honey to make stiffer or softer as needed.

Fulton County Historical Society From the outside, the round barn at the Fulton County Historical Society grounds north of Rochester looks quite simple. But the skeletal framework of the roof seen from the inside looking up reveals amazing geometric shapes and intricate woodwork.

31 on

BY RICHARD G. BIEVER It’s designated “U.S.” Route 31. But perhaps more than any other single state or federal highway, Route 31 truly traces the heart of Indiana. It’s really about “Us.” AUGUST 2018

19

cover story Take a road trip on the highway that runs through the heart of Indiana

U.S. 31 literally wraps itself around Monument Circle in the very center of our state capital and splits Indiana down the middle. North of Indianapolis, it’s a major thoroughfare, a direct four-lane north-south spoke in between interstates 65 and 69.

To the south of Indianapolis, U.S. 31 becomes a more leisurely two-lane retro road that parallels Interstate 65.

The some 270 miles U.S. 31 spends in Indiana take motorists on a magical history tour

31

from when cars and paved two-lanes began replacing rivers, corduroy roads and steel rails as America’s favorite form of transportation.

Take a ride with us this month as Electric Consumer highlights 31 unique and interesting places on or along Route 31.

1

FALLS OF THE OHIO RIVER STATE PARK, CLARKSVILLE.

Our first stop is on the banks of the Ohio Indiana from the Clark Memorial Bridge.

in 1939, provides service to over

the core of their “Corps of Discovery” set off to the Pacific Ocean and back. A statue depicting the two adventurers is on the bluff next to the park’s Interpretive Center.

Bunker Hill Kokomo Sharpsville Arcadia Indianapolis Franklin Amity Edinburgh Columbus Seymour Underwood Sellersburg Clarksville

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Headquartered not far off the 31 trail, Clark County REMC, incorporated

Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and

South Bend North Liberty Plymouth Rochester Denver Peru

SELLERSBURG.

River, just west of where U.S. 31 enters At the Falls, in the fall of 1803,

1

3

CLARK COUNTY REMC,

Below the center on the river’s edge,

20,810 members living in Clark, Floyd, Jefferson, Scott and Washington counties.

4

PIGEON ROOST MASSACRE MEMORIAL, UNDERWOOD.

The site off U.S. 31 memorializes the

386-million-year-old fossil beds are

Sept. 3, 1812 surprise attack on the

among the largest exposed (when the

small Pigeon Roost settlement by a band

river cooperates) Devonian fossil beds in

of Native Americans. Fifteen children

the world.

and nine adults were killed, marking the

2

first deaths of Indiana settlers in the War of 1812.

COLGATE CLOCK, CLARKSVILLE.

Mere blocks from the Falls of the Ohio is the Colgate Clock. At 38 feet in diameter, it is reportedly the second largest

5

MUSCATATUCK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, SEYMOUR.

Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge is

timepiece in the world. It was originally

a 7,724-acre area of forest, wetland and

erected at the Colgate plant in New

grassland habitat just to the east of U.S.

Jersey in 1906 to mark the company’s

31 as it passes by Seymour. The site

centennial. In 1924, a larger clock was

provides resting and feeding areas for

erected at the New Jersey plant, and the original was brought to Indiana.

waterfowl during their annual migrations.

More than 280 species of birds have been seen there.

Falls of the Ohio River State Park

6

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY REMC, COLUMBUS.

Founded in 1937, the REMC provides electricity to some 10,100 members in Bartholomew and parts of Decatur, Jackson and Jennings counties.

7

COLUMBUS, INDIANA: ARCHITECTURAL MECCA.

For a city its size, Columbus claims an astounding collection of architecturally significant buildings and art created by some of the biggest names in modern art and architecture.

8

ZAHARAKOS ICE CREAM PARLOR AND MUSEUM, COLUMBUS.

Please turn back to page 16 for details on this amazing stop.

9

EDINBURGH PREMIUM OUTLETS, EDINBURGH

Located at the intersection of U.S. 31 and I-65 between Taylorsville and Edinburgh, Edinburgh Premium Outlets has every shopping need covered with 85 stores. There are a variety of restaurants and antique stores surrounding the complex.

10

PRISONER OF WAR CHAPEL, JOHNSON COUNTY.

After the U.S. entry into World War II, the newly-established Army training ground, Camp Atterbury, became the destination for about 15,000 Italian and German POWs. In 1943, some Italian POWs requested permission to build a Roman Catholic chapel in a quiet corner

Sarah Marksbury and son Tyler, 10, experience a cool spray of water as the Ohio River splashes up from its banks at the Falls of the Ohio River State Park in Clarksville. The two, along with husband and dad Danny Marksbury, from Williamtown, Kentucky, came to the river’s northern edge one hot, muggy Saturday last month to check out the famed exposed fossil beds below the falls but found the water too high.

Grave(s) in the middle of the road Nancy Kerlin Barnett rests in peace in the middle of Johnson County Road 400 South near Amity.

According to local legend, when the county built the road in 1905, her grandson held vigil with a shotgun to protect her grave. So, the county diverted the east/ west lanes around her. When the road was improved a couple of years ago, several other remains were found with hers. They were all reinterred in the same spot.

12

JOHNSON COUNTY REMC, FRANKLIN.

Founded in 1935, the REMC serves over 21,000 members in Johnson and portions of Brown, Morgan and Shelby counties.

13

SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT, INDIANAPOLIS.

Technically, U.S. 31 today detours east around Indianapolis, sharing the road with the I-465 beltway. But before 465 was built, U.S. 31 ran right into the heart of downtown Indianapolis. And that’s the route we’ll take for a number of don’tmiss sites in the capital city.

One of the most iconic symbols of Indianapolis is the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument on the circle in the very center of the city. Begun in 1888 and dedicated in 1902, the 284-foot-6-inch monument honors Hoosier veterans of the wars to that point and was the first in the United States dedicated to the common soldier.

of the camp. After the war, the “Chapel

right through her gravesite. Local lore

in the Meadow” fell into disrepair. While

maintains that when workers arrived to

Atterbury remains an active National

move Barnett’s remains, her grandson

Guard base, the land with the chapel

was standing vigil with a shotgun. That

was returned to the county. It later

led to a compromise: Her grave stayed,

became part of Johnson County Park,

and what became County Road 400

and, in 1988, the chapel was restored.

South split in the middle with the lanes of

11

the road diverting to either side around it.

In 2016, the road was widened and the GRAVE(S) IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, AMITY.

grave lowered to make the road safer for motorists. When Barnett’s remains were temporarily removed during the work, the

When Nancy Kerlin Barnett died 1831,

remains of at least seven others were

she was buried as she requested: on a

discovered. The group was reinterred in

grassy hill near Sugar Creek.

what should now be called the “Graves

In 1905, county officials decided to build

in the Middle of the Road.”

a bridge over the creek and a road —

22

AUGUST 2018

14

WHITE RIVER STATE PARK, INDIANAPOLIS.

The park on Indy’s near west side covers 250 acres along the White River. Among the attractions located in or near the park are the Indiana State Museum, the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the NCAA Hall of Champions, Victory Field (home of Indianapolis Indians Triple-A minor league baseball team), and an outdoor concert venue.

15

INDIANA WORLD WAR MEMORIAL PLAZA, INDIANAPOLIS.

North of Monument Circle, the five-cityblock plaza is home for national and state headquarters of the American

Legion. The plaza includes the Indiana World War Memorial Building; Obelisk Square; more recent semi-circular memorials to World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War; and more.

16

what became U.S. 31 in Kokomo

produce from their neighbors’ fields

July 4, 1894. That was the Haynes

and offered it directly to customers.

Horseless Carriage inaugural test

The newly renovated store also offers fresh bakery goods, deli meats and cheeses; hand-dipped ice cream;

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, INDIANAPOLIS.

The museum on Meridian Street is the world’s largest dedicated to children.

Its five floors of exhibit halls receive more than 1 million visitors annually.

17

variety of fresh and vine-ripened

INDIANA STATE FAIRGROUNDS, INDIANAPOLIS.

old-fashioned candies; pies; jellies and jams, and much more!

19

THE KELLEY AGRICULTURAL HISTORICAL MUSEUM, SHARPSVILLE.

and current, for General Motors, GM Components Holding and Chrysler Transmission.

Haynes was an inventor, scientist, industrialist, educator and philanthropist who is credited with being the first to produce cars preserved as a public museum.

is a collection of eclectic structures from the 1800s and early 1920 on 125 a round barn, farmhouse, red brick

fairgrounds and its biggest annual

school house, log cabin, a blacksmith

event, the State Fair. Some 900,000

shop and more.

ARCADIA.

the giant manufacturing facilities, past

diverts to the east around Kokomo,

need less introduction than the

18

the marker is on the same block as

commercially. His mansion is now

acres. The restored buildings include

WILSON FARM MARKET,

old Pumpkinville Pike. Appropriately,

Just south of where the “new” U.S. 31

Few locations and events in Indiana

visitors attend the fair each year.

drive over “a 6-mile course” on the

20

21

GRISSOM AIR MUSEUM (AND AIR RESERVE BASE), BUNKER HILL.

One of the nation’s fastest growing aviation museums, Grissom has 25

ELWOOD HAYNES MUSEUM/FIRST 'ROAD TRIP' BY HORSELESS CARRIAGE, KOKOMO.

For over 40 years, Bill and Judy

The first road trip by car, notes

Wilson have gathered up a wide

a historical marker, passed over

military aircraft on display, a fivestory Cold War Security Alert Tower, cockpits or trainers, and more. It sits on the fringes of the Grissom Air Reserve Base, home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing.

22

PERU AMATEUR CIRCUS, PERU.

Every year, approximately 200 young people present 10 circus performances during an eight day festival in mid-July.

Other circus performers and a huge number of volunteers join together to support these talented performers.

Wilson Farm Market Jennifer Zech, an employee at Wilson Farm Market, stacks local sweet corn in a bin. The market is an oasis of farm and fresh-baked goods just north of metro Indianapolis congestion, and U.S. 31 literally is right out the front window.

Peru’s Circus City Festival, Inc., was formed in 1960 to reawaken the area’s rich circus heritage that dates back to the late 1800s. Along with the performances, the Circus City Center in downtown Peru also hosts a museum filled with photos, miniatures, displays, and costumes from circuses past.

AUGUST 2018

23

25

VOHNE LICHE KENNELS, DENVER.

For being the world’s largest and most renown trainer of police, military and security service dogs, Vohne Liche Kennels keeps a low profile with the general public. Its 350-acre K-9 campus on the east side of U.S. 31 near the Miami/Fulton county line is served electrically by Miami-Cass REMC. But since 1993, Vohne Liche has trained dogs for over 5,000 law enforcement and government agencies in 49 states and 40 nations. Officers come to northern Indiana from around the world to learn how to handle their new highly-trained K-9 partners.

Vohne Liche Bobby Roettger, director of military training at Vohne Liche Kennels, pauses while training this Belgian Malinois. Based in Denver, Indiana, with satellite kennels worldwide, Vohne Loche is the world’s largest trainer of military and law enforcement service dogs.

23

MIAMI-CASS REMC, PERU.

Headquartered atop the hill on U.S. 31 (just north of U.S. 24), the REMC serves about 5,200 consumers in Miami, Cass, and parts of Wabash counties.

24

McCLURE'S ORCHARD/ WINERY, PERU.

Served electrically by Miami-Cass REMC, the family-run facility, located north of Peru on the west side of U.S. 31, is a flourishing orchard and farm open year-round. Along with apple treats and ciders, hard ciders and wines, McClure’s also offers a gift shop, petting zoo and a café.

26

FULTON COUNTY REMC, ROCHESTER.

29

POTATO CREEK STATE PARK, NORTH LIBERTY.

Located a few miles west of U.S. 31, the park offers a wide array of natural features including the 327-acre Worster Lake, old fields, woodlands, restored prairies, and diverse wetlands. The park is also noted for its 6.6 miles of wooded mountain bike trails.

30

POTOWATAMI ZOO, SOUTH BEND.

As in Indianapolis and Kokomo, U.S. 31 now diverts around the city of South Bend. But just off its older route through town is the Potawatomi Zoo. The zoo began in 1902 and bills itself as the oldest zoo in Indiana. It covers 23 acres with over 500 animals.

Founded in 1936, the REMC serves a little over 4,800 members in Fulton and parts of Cass, Kosciusko, Marshall, Miami, Pulaski, and Starke counties.

31

27

The Studebaker National Museum opened in 2005 to honor the legacy of the famed South Bend automaker.

FULTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM/ ROUND BARN/ VILLAGE, ROCHESTER.

Located on U.S. 31 four miles north of Rochester, the historical society grounds include a museum, a full-sized round barn and a village of restored historical buildings depicting the 19001925 time period.

28

MARSHALL COUNTY REMC, PLYMOUTH.

Incorporated in 1935, the REMC serves a little over 6,000 members, mostly in Marshall County but also in parts of Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, St. Joseph and Starke counties.

STUDEBAKER NATIONAL MUSEUM, SOUTH BEND.

What better way to wrap up a road trip than a stop at a museum devoted to cars?

Studebaker began as a wagon manufacturer in South Bend in 1852. It entered the automotive business in 1902 with electric and then gasoline vehicles.

Financial problems began taking a toll in the 1950s and by the end of 1963, the South Bend plant ceased production.

To read and learn more about the 31 points of interest we breezed through, please visit this story on our website at ElectricConsumer.org.

24

AUGUST 2018

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Tipping the B Y J ACK SPAULDI NG

Angler reels in state’s biggest whitefish

scales

Ready to catch your own whitefish?

Whitefish have long been targets of commercial fishing operations in northern

Friday the 13th proved lucky for a Crown

Lake Michigan because of the demand

Point angler who broke the record for the

for their flaky white flesh. Recently, sport

biggest lake whitefish caught in Indiana.

anglers began targeting them in southern

Dustin Meeter landed the record 6-pound,

Lake Michigan, which prompted Indiana

3-ounce lake whitefish on Lake Michigan

in 2011 to place a bag limit regulation of

near Burns Harbor in Portage on Friday,

12 fish.

April 13. The fish measured 25.5 inches long.

Best fishing time and locations in Indiana

Meeter’s fish marks the sixth record lake

waters have been from shore along

whitefish since the state established a

marinas and breakwaters during March

category for the species in 2012. It bested

and April, and again during spawning in

the previous record, caught in 2017, by

November. Fishing is best when water

nearly a half-pound.

temperatures are below 50 F, according

Meeter caught the whitefish from a boat while fishing with two friends. Earlier in

to DNR Lake Michigan fisheries biologist Brian Breidert.

the day, the friends had trolled for Coho

“They can be caught using simple

salmon and caught their daily limit. They

techniques,” Breidert said.

then headed toward shore to jig for lake trout.

a small weight, a 12- to 24-inch leader, a small hook and single salmon egg or piece

Meeter said. “It was the best day of fishing

of night crawler. Jigging is productive for

I’ve ever had.”

boat anglers in the spring. Lake Whitefish feed on the bottom on zebra mussels, bugs and worms.

of his life in the same spot under similar circumstances. Unfamiliar with whitefish

Meeter said he isn’t sure how long his

and unaware of the state record, Meeter

record will last.

simply took the large fish home. He didn’t

“Will it be beat? I’m sure it will,” he said.

bother to look up the record until a friend suggested he do so. But, he had already fileted the fish. Meeter thinks the 2017 fish also may have been a record breaker.

Nonetheless, “It was great eating,” Meeter said.

Meeter submitted his most recent whitefish to Indiana Department of Natural Resources staff for official weighing the Monday after he caught it. He said he plans to have the fish mounted for display.

26

AUGUST 2018

”

Shoreline anglers often bottom-fish using

“Within a minute, I caught that whitefish,”

Last year, Meeter caught the first whitefish

“

It was the best day of fishing I’ve ever had.

“I’m just hoping it stands for a little while.”

DUSTIN MEETER landed his 6-pound, 3-ounce lake whitefish on Lake Michigan near Burns Harbor in Portage on Friday, April 13. The fish measured 25.5 inches long. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

JACK SPAULDING is a state outdoors writer and a consumer of RushShelby Energy living along the Flatrock River in Moscow. Readers with questions or comments can write to him in care of Electric Consumer or email jackspaulding@ hughes.net.

safety IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY...

WHAT’S YOUR ESCAPE PLAN? You’ve heard of preventive technology devices that can keep you and your home safe. But just because you have those devices

Update in progress...

Your home electrical systems need an update. Learn how you can incorporate these electrical safety devices to keep you and your home safe.

Electricity is a major cause of house fires each year. Since outdated electrical systems can’t handle the demands of today’s devices, malfunctions, electrical fires, injury and electrocution may result. We may forget that like our phones, which update with a simple press of a button, homes need an occasional update, too!

You might be tempted to press that “not now” or “remind me later” button when it comes to updating your homes. But it’s easy to incorporate new technology in our homes to help reduce the risk of fires and electrocutions.

There are five main devices that can help keep you and your home safe. First, there is the arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) receptacle that, as you may have guessed, stops arc faults. Arc faults can occur when older wires become frayed or cracked, when a nail or screw damages a wire behind a wall, or when outlets or circuits are compromised.

AFCIs will protect appliances, cords plugged into receptacles, and you!

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are outlets that prevent deadly shock by quickly shutting off power to the circuit if the electricity flowing into the circuit differs by even the slightest amount. These outlets should be used inside and outside where water may come into contact with electronic devices, such as in the kitchen and bathroom or by the pool.

Tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs) may catch the eyes of customers with young children in the house. They are designed with spring-loaded receptacle cover plates that close off the openings, or slots, preventing someone from inserting an object. TRRs are now required in all newly constructed homes, but if your existing home does not have them, this is not your next DIY project.

Tamper-resistant receptacles can only be installed by a licensed electrician.

Our favorite dynamic duo is smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Many homes are not equipped with the appropriate number of alarms. To ensure safety, install these devices on every level outside each sleeping area. Don’t forget to test your alarms once a month, replace the batteries once a year, and replace the alarms every 10 years. Don’t rely on past homeowners to follow these simple safety measures when you move into a new home. Many devices could be outdated or nonfunctional, and it’s your duty to check them to ensure your family’s safety! And remember, neither the carbon monoxide detector or smoke alarm is a substitute for the other; both are very important for your safety.

Let this information be your guide in keeping your home up-to-date and safe. If you would like more information on home safety devices, contact your local electric cooperative.

doesn’t 100 percent guarantee your home will never have a fire.

Follow these steps to create an escape plan for your family: Everyone in your family, including children, should be involved in creating your fire escape plan.

Make sure everyone in your home knows what the fire alarm sounds like and what it means.

Walk through your home and note any possible exits, including windows. Draw a floor plan of your house and mark two ways to escape from each room. Make sure that doors and windows leading to the outside can be opened easily by everyone in the family.

Establish a meeting place a safe distance outside your home where your family will gather. The meeting place should be something permanent and easy to identify, such as a tree, light pole or mailbox, and should be a place where firefighters will easily see you.

Teach everyone in the family to call 911 from a neighbor’s home or cellphone once they are outside.

Practice your escape plan by having at least two fire drills every year. For optimum preparation, have a drill during the night when family members are sleeping.

JU L Y 2 018

33

calendar NORTHWEST CAMP, Chesterton (Porter), Dunes Learning Center. Budding naturalists 6-10 CRITTER (ages 6-8) spend their days exploring the park’s forests, streams, meadows, and trails with new friends. Activities range from camp crafts to themed hikes, to a day at the beach. Registration fee: $190. Monday through Friday, 9 am-2 pm. 219-395-9555. mkrueger@duneslearningcenter.org. www.duneslearningcenter.org

1011

TOUCH OF DUTCH FESTIVAL, Demotte (Jasper), Spencer Park.

Parade Friday and Saturday.

Arts and crafts, food and family entertainment! Free. 219-9875800. www.demottechamber. org/touch-of-dutch

25

TUNES ON THE TARMAC, Rensselaer (Jasper), Jasper County Airport. A charity benefit concert series supporting local causes.

Free-will donation. Proceeds will help fund Safe Halloween at the Jasper County Fairgrounds.

5-7pm. 219-866-2100. Info@ JasperCountyAirport.com

CENTRAL

2-4

STATELINE HERITAGE DAYS, Union City (Randolph). Community festival celebrating Union City, Indiana, and Union City, Ohio. Featuring live music, antique tractor displays, food vendors. Free. 765-584-3266. statelineheritagedays.com

18

THE RACE FOR SOUTHEASTERN BAPTIST YOUTH CAMP, Greensburg (Decatur), Southern Baptist Youth Camp. Form a team, raise money, and compete against other teams!

You can also volunteer or sponsor the event. Registration begins at 7:30 am. Cost: $500. 812-591-2515. sbycamp@gmail.com. www.theraceforsbycamp. wordpress.com

2325

BEAN BLOSSOM BLUES FESTIVAL, Morgantown (Johnson), Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground. Live music and jam sessions. Laid back atmosphere where friends gather to celebrate the blues. Admission charge. 812-325-8836. www.beanblossomblues.com

SOUTHWEST

2-5

JASPER STRASSENFEST, Jasper (Dubois), Downtown and Citywide.

Family-oriented street festival with German music, food, dancing, rides and games.

Beer garden, 5k run/walk, craft and wine show, events, entertainment and much more. Free. 812-482-6866. jasperstrassenfest.org

812

SCHWEIZER FEST, Tell City (Perry), City Hall Park. Amusement rides, games, food, beer garden, wine tasting, exhibit market, live entertainment nightly, talent show, queen pageant, road run, baby contest, golf event. Free. 888-3436262. tcschweizerfest@gmail.com. www.tellcityschweizerfest.com

28

AUGUST 2018

18

WOODVILLE SUMMER FESTIVAL, Mitchell (Lawrence), 611 Woodville Road. Fourth annual fundraiser for church mission outreach.

Organized by the Women of Woodville.

Craft show, car show, live music and concessions. 10 am3 pm. Free.

812-849-4593. cheryl_lyon @hotmail.com

AUGUST NORTHEAST

2-5

AMISH ACRES ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL, Nappanee (Elkhart), Amish Acres. 300 plus vendors demonstrate their trade and sell their wares. Familystyle threshers dinner in the century old barn and guided tour of the historic house and farm. Admission charge. 800-800-4942. www.amishacres.com

911

FUN FEST UNDER THE STARS, North Manchester (Wabash), Market Square Downtown. Area’s largest family festival! Free kids’ night, car show, live entertainment, amusement rides, motorcycle show, huge parade, food, crafts, basketball and much more! Free.

260-982-7644. www.northmanchesterchamber.com

2225

53RD ANNUAL ANTIQUE GAS ENGINE & TRACTOR SHOW, Portland (Jay), Jay County Fairgrounds.

World’s largest show of its kind. Over 3,000 engines and tractors. Antique and craft dealers, entertainment.

Admission charge. www.tristategasenginetractor.com

SOUTHEAST

1011 18

PIG ROAST IN THE PARK, Scottsburg (Scott), Beechwood Park. Music, food, craft booths, kids’ games, fireworks, sporting and various activities. Free. 812-752-9211. www.greatscottindiana.com

210TH BIRTHDAY OF BECK’S MILL, Salem (Washington), Historic Beck’s Gristmill. 210th birthday of Historic Beck’s Mill, featuring the Corydon Dulcimer Society playing at 11:30 am. Demonstrations: corn grinding, blacksmithing and mock moonshining. Craft show. 10 am-4 pm. Special adult admission, $2.10.

Children age 16 and under are free with paid adult admission. 812-8835147. becksmill1864@outlook.com. www.becksmill.org

25

BLUEGRASS ON THE SQUARE, Corydon (Harrison). Downtown Square. The Downtown Square of Historic Corydon comes alive with bluegrass music. Bring your lawn chairs or blanket. 4-8 pm. Free.

888-738-2137. www.thisisindiana.org

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

Electric Consumer 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 Electric Consumer strives for accuracy, please note that events, dates and time may change without notice. Electric Consumer 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 electricconsumer.org; or mail your info to: Calendar, Electric Consumer, P.O. Box 24517, Indianapolis, IN 46224. Please submit info two months before the date of the event.

AUGUST 2018

29

product picks

cool

Keep it

1

5

Ah, summertime! The living may be easy, but it’s just not cool to be so hot. Here are a few ways to keep it chill when

6

temperatures are on the rise.

2

by JAY N E C A N N ON

4 3 1

2

3

4

5

WE ALL SCREAM

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU

COOL AIR WHEREVER YOU GO

BREEZY AND BLADELESS

COMPUTER COOLER

JUST CHILLIN’

It sounds like a dream on a sweltering summer day: “Alexa, turn the air conditioner up.” The Frigidaire Gallery 12,000 BTU Smart Portable Air Conditioner with Dehumidifier and Wi-Fi Control cools the room you need it to cool, and it works with Alexa and Google Home apps to make your life easy and, yes, cool. $500.

800-430-3376; homedepot.com

The Dyson Cool desk fan is not your father’s fan. Without blades, it’s safe to put anywhere — no worries about the kids or the dog. The fan oscillates to cool a wider space, comes with its own remote, has a sleep timer and is so quiet you won’t have to yell over it. Larger models also available. $300.

866-693-9766; dyson.com

Just like you, your laptop doesn’t have as much get-up-and-go when it’s overheating.

Be kind and use a Mind Reader Laptop Cooling Pad. Fans circulate air into your device to keep it from shutting down when the heat is on. Think of it as a cold drink for your computer. $23. 800-843-2446; overstock.com

Bottles of ketchup and pitchers of tea mixed among the wines you so carefully selected?

Perish the thought. The Frigidaire 34-Bottle Wine Chiller has a seethrough door, adjustable temperature settings and LED interior lighting — all the better to grab the right bottle. $279.

800-445-6937; lowes.com

Is there anything more welcome on a scorching day than a dish of homemade ice cream?

In just 20 minutes, you can create your favorite flavor of ice cream, frozen yogurt or sorbet in the Cuisinart Ice Cream and Sorbet Maker — and skip a trip to the ice cream shop. $60. 800-462-3966; bedbathandbeyond. com

30

AUGUST 2018

It looks like a watch, but the Embr Wave Wristband is really a personal cooling device that creates a cold spot on the sensitive skin of your wrist. The idea is to trick your mind into thinking you’re comfortably cool. Will it work when the heat index hits triple digits?

We don’t know, but it probably can’t hurt.

From $299. embrlabs.com

6

Ask Rosie Q: I am wondering what you

might know about the small “red cedar trees” that seem to be invading fencerows and highways, especially U.S. 31 north of Kokomo. I think a column from you would be worthwhile, since I can’t seem to get my neighbors to control the “pretty little trees,” which are much like Canadian thistle and kudzu.

E.W., Kokomo, Indiana

A: The eastern red cedar is a

juniper, rather than a true cedar.

Known botanically as Juniperus virginiana, it is actually native to the eastern two-thirds of the United States and Canada. But as you’ve observed, it wears out its welcome by volunteering along fencerows, roads and pastures.

The eastern red cedar is also the alternate host for cedar apple rust, a fungal disease. On the plus side, it is a very adaptable species and can survive really tough conditions. It also provides food and shelter to a wide range of wildlife, which is how it has become so widespread — wildlife eat the fruit and distribute the seed.

Despite its native status and value to wildlife, it is considered to be weedy and invasive in many situations.

P HO TO BY P UR DU E AR B OR E TU M

Cutting or mowing down to the ground so that no green foliage remains can be a very effective control. Of course, this is much easier to do when the seedlings are young.

Don’t Plant A Pest

backyard

by B. Rosie Lerner

P

eople often select plants first

The publication we link to below lists

for their beauty and second

some of these plants to avoid.

for their functionality in the

garden. Frequently, we don’t know or don’t consider a plant’s behavior when we’re selecting them.

As you consider what to plant, it may seem that more and more plants are classified as invasive — and you would be correct. There are more

Almost by definition, a species that is

invasive plants for several reasons,

an effective ground cover will have a

including an increasingly unsta-

spreading habit. But does that make

ble climate, more gardeners who

the species aggressive or invasive?

unwittingly plant invasives, greater

There can be much confusion about

scrutiny of invasives, and changes

the meaning of the terms “aggres-

in species (that is, individual species

sive” and “invasive.”

have adapted to cooler or warmer

Some plants, given their optimal

environments).

habitat, can become quite prolific in the garden. A plant can be considered aggressive if it spreads and has the potential to take over a garden area. However, some planting sites may call for an aggressive habit.

A spreading plant can be considered invasive if it can also escape the garden setting and move into natural areas (prairies, wetlands, and so on)

To help you make better informed plant selections, we recently revised our publication Spreading Ornamental Plants: Virtues and Vices (Purdue Extension publication HO-295-W, formerly HLA-1-W). Search for it online at: extension.purdue.edu.

Rosie’s Tip

and displace native vegetation. Truly invasive plants have the potential to dominate natural vegetation.

Many useful plants get bad reputations for their spreading behavior when they may simply be in the wrong place or managed the wrong way.

Some spreading ornamental plants

B. ROSIE LERNER is the Purdue Extension consumer horticulturist and is a consumer of Tipmont REMC. Questions about gardening issues may be sent directly to Rosie at homehort@purdue.edu; mailed to “Ask Rosie,” Electric Consumer, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606; or through our “Talk to Us” form online at ElectricConsumer.org.

have a high propensity for becoming invasive. You should always avoid using these plants in the landscape.

PHO TO BY G ETTY I M AG ES PLUS

AUGUST 2018

31

Wabash Valley news

New technology can save you energy As technology transforms the way we

Hue bulbs. Even basic LED bulbs help savings

knowledge can help you take steps to conserve

live, appliances have evolved as well. New

quickly add up!

electricity, saving you money.

SMART THERMOSTAT: If you frequently

WATER HEATERS: A variety of water

change the settings on your thermostat,

heaters exist, and their energy efficiency

you could cause your HVAC equipment to

varies as well. The U.S. Department of Energy

work more than needed, wasting energy and

includes valuable information about the types

money. Smart, internet-enabled thermostats,

of water heaters and other information to

such as Nest and the Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart

consider, such as its uniform energy factor

Thermostat, include tools such as energy

(UEF). The UEF is the updated measurement to

reports and smart phone controls. Some even

determine a water heater’s overall efficiency,

learn your routine, resulting in optimized

according to the ENERGY STAR website.

comfort while more efficiently using electricity.

Some newer water heater models also include

smart, internet-enabled appliances keep you comfortable, while other upgrades also reduce your energy use to save you money. As more internet-enabled technology becomes available, it’s important to see how these devices’ energy use compares to your current equipment. Different appliances will vary in their efficiency; fortunately, the internet capabilities allow you to monitor many of these appliances’ energy use. Some items that you may want to consider:

LED LIGHTING: This is the easiest addition to a home that can quickly pay for itself.

ENERGY STAR®-rated lightbulbs use at least 75 percent less energy, and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. A smart phone can operate some newer LEDs, such as the Phillips

WHOLE HOME ELECTRIC MONITORS: You can now monitor your energy use in real-time! Your electric co-op might offer an app that breaks down your daily energy use. In addition, new monitors such as Curb and Sense are Wi-Fi enabled to provide real time data on your energy use. This

internet connectivity to monitor your energy use and make adjustments. Fortunately, your local co-op also offers a POWER MOVES® rebate of $400 on heat pump water heaters with a UEF of 2.0 or greater that replace an existing traditional electric tank water heater, or a heat pump water heater installed in a new home. Visit www.PowerMoves.com for details.

Hoosier Energy news

Your electric cooperative listens.

Help us provide reliable service.

This September and October, an independent research firm will contact some residential consumer members through an internet or telephone survey to identify emerging trends in power use. If contacted, we hope you participate.

Rest assured all of the information is confidential. You will never be asked your name, account number, credit card number or payment of any type.

Further details may be coming from your electric cooperative.

32

AUGUST 2018

profile

The Royal Treatment STATE FAIR QUEEN ON THE ROAD TO PROMOTE 4-H

Audrey Campbell of Veedersburg was crowned Indiana State Fair Queen in January.

PHO TO CO URTESY O F I NDI ANA STATE FAI R

BY NICK ROGERS

A

udrey Campbell was shooting

counties to promote the 2018 Indiana

— the next step on a career path she

State Fair (Aug. 3-17 in Indianapolis) at

has carved since fifth grade.

for a top 10 finish at the 60th

events and 4-H fairs.

Indiana State Fair Queen

“That year, I learned I was born

Wherever she goes, Campbell, who

about a month early and in the NICU

Pageant in January. More than 80

grew up on Tipmont REMC lines, pays

(neonatal intensive care unit). I started

young women vied for the crown.

forward the inspiration she gained from

researching what nurses do and that

Hearing her name announced as the

past Fountain County Fair queens. As a

fueled my drive to make this a career,”

winner was “a total holy cow moment.”

10-year Indiana 4-H’er, she loves to see

she said. Campbell plans to obtain a

“If my dress would have allowed me

youth presenting animals or projects

master’s degree and become a nurse

just as she once did for pigs, goats,

practitioner.

to fall to my knees, I would have,” said Campbell, a Veedersburg native who won the competition as Miss Fountain County. “But even just standing alongside so many amazing, accomplished women was a great experience. I don’t even really call

food, floriculture, clothing, cakes and rocketry.

is hard-pressed to pick one favorite

their bubble or their comfort zone, to

experience from her travels.

grow in their knowledge, and continue to apply that throughout their life,” Campbell said.

interview.”

Now a college sophomore, Campbell

That summer job is a busy one,

will begin classes this fall at St.

34

AUGUST 2018

current 45-county caravan, Campbell

“I tell them it’s good to get outside of

it a pageant anymore. It’s like a job

covering 6,500 miles and 45 Indiana

At roughly the halfway mark of her

Elizabeth School of Nursing in Lafayette

“Everything I do is cool because everything comes with this great job,” she said.

Nick Rogers is a communications manager for Purdue Agriculture.