Boone REMC - May 2024 Indiana Connection

Operation Round Up program nears $1 million

Boone REMC’s

A DRIVER and A GENTLEMAN: Graham Rahal advances the legacy of his talented motorsports family

PAGES 20-25 MAY 2024

from the editor

A tribute to the mamas Mother’s Day is May 12. This will be my second Mother’s Day as a mother myself. Those of you who have children know that it’s a wild ride. My daughter, Gwen, is 19 months old, and she teaches me something new every day.

I have been fortunate to have many exceptional women in my life. I’m an only child, so my mom, Kim, and I are close. I admire her strength and her ability to keep a calm head through life’s challenges. She always built up my self-esteem over the years, and I doubt I would be where I am today without her in my corner. Watching her spend time with Gwen has been amazing.

My grandmother, Sandy, is known as Nan and has been a surrogate grandma to all my friends. She is the quintessential grandmother. If you look up that word in the dictionary, you will see a picture of her with a plate of freshly baked cookies. She loves all her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren unconditionally. us who married into the family. When you marry a Davis, you become one of her children (even though she already has four of them). Her generosity knows no bounds, and I’m lucky to have her. children knows, sometimes you’re just trying to make it through the day.

If you’re a mother, I hope you take a moment on the 12th and appreciate where you are and how you got there. I’m sure you’re doing a great job.

Do you have a story you would like to share about your mom? Please send it to me.

CONTACT US: 11805 Pennsylvania Street Carmel, IN 46032 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org IndianaConnection.org INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Steve McMichael President Jamey Marcum Secretary/Treasurer John Cassady CEO EDITORIAL STAFF: Britt Davis Editor Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator Amber Knight Creative Manager Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication 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 safekeeping or return of unsolicited material.

Britt Davis

On the menu: August: Submit your favorite recipes

Indiana Connection is for and about members of Indiana’s locally-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. It helps consumers use electricity safely and efficiently; understand energy issues; connect with their co-op; and celebrate life in Indiana. Over 311,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership. The average printed and mailed cost per issue is 54 cents.

Lauren Carman Communication Manager

As a mom, I have many milestones ahead of me, but as anyone with small

bdavis@indianaec.org

Published monthly by Indiana Electric Cooperatives

Dr. Richard Leeper Vice President

My mother-in-law, Sonja, has always been welcoming and open to those of

Editor

VOLUME 73 • NUMBER 11 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340

you.

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.

featuring lemon, deadline June 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

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

Giveaway: Enter to win a “spicy” prize pack.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032. Include key number.

Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is May 31.

Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, letters and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032.

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

MAY 2024

3

contents

MAY

12

18

county

food

03 FROM THE EDITOR

13 INSIGHTS

05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative

14 INDIANA EATS Unique coffee places around the state offer more than just hot beverages

10 ENERGY Connecting with your home circuit breaker panel

16 SAFETY When widespread power outages occur, be patient as your co-op methodically works to restore service

12 COUNTY Ohio County

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Indiana Connection

20

30

outdoors

cover story 18 FOOD These spicy recipes add a kick to some traditional Midwest fare 20 COVER STORY Graham Rahal advances the legacy of his talented motorsports family 26 PROFILE Josh Durbin, Steuben County REMC

28 HOOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS 29 TRAVEL These extraordinary playgrounds inspire and excite kids of all ages (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS) 30 OUTDOORS Irises bring a burst of color to spring (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS)

On the cover Graham Rahal showed an aptitude for racing starting at 11 years old driving go-karts.

Almost 25 years later, he’s expanding the Rahal motorsport legacy while taking care of a growing family of his own.

PHOTO COURTESY OF INDYCAR

4 MAY 2024

results

Director election CONTACT US 800-897-7362 WEBSITE www.bremc.com EMAIL contactus@bremc.com

co-op news

Thanks to the more than 1,500 of

Alan

our members who participated in

Cragun

this year’s director election!

was

OFFICE HOURS

Three directors were elected to

7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

three-year terms at the annual

re-elected to represent District 6.

STREET ADDRESS

business meeting held on

Members who participated

1207 Indianapolis Ave.

April 20 at the Boone County

in the election will be issued a

Lebanon, IN 46052

4-H Fairgrounds. Brian Gott

$10 bill credit on their May billing

MAILING ADDRESS

was elected to a three-year term

statements. We will announce

P.O. Box 563

to represent District 4 upon the

the winner of the Dometic electric

Lebanon, IN 46052

retirement of G. Tom Taylor after

cooler from among all the Annual

POWER OUTAGES

30 years of service. Incumbent

Meeting and director election survey

To report a power outage, visit

Jon Stevens was re-elected to

respondents in the June issue of

represent District 5, and incumbent

Indiana Connection.

bremc.com/report-an-outage BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 1 — W. Daniel Lawson District 2 — Thomas E. Dull District 3 — Mark Gruninger District 4 — Brian Gott District 5 — Jon Stevens District 6 — Alan D. Cragun District 7 — Bruce Guernsey District 8 — Mark Starkey District 9 — Noel R. Kendall

Four students attending summer programs sponsored by Boone REMC As part of our investment in our community, Boone REMC looks for ways to support local students. One way we do that is by collaborating with our statewide association, Indiana Electric Cooperatives, and other electric

READ ONLINE! Check out our flipbook at bremc.com/ indiana-connection-magazine.

cooperatives across the state to provide two summer programs.

We are sponsoring two incoming seventh graders to attend Camp Kilowatt and two high school seniors to attend the Indiana Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/ BooneREMC Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter twitter.com/ BooneREMC

CAMP KILOWATT PARTICIPANTS

YOUTH TOUR PARTICIPANTS

Cooper Lowder,

Adelaide Stumpf,

ZIONSVILLE

LEBANON

Harrison Mrzlack,

Josslyn Massey,

Visit our YouTube channel youtube.com/ BooneREMC Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/ BooneREMC

ZIONSVILLE

ZIONSVILLE

MAY 2024

5

co-op news DEMONSTRATIONS PROVIDED FOR YOUTH, FIRST RESPONDERS Throughout the past couple of months, Boone REMC was proud to be a part of several educational events in the community.

In March, our team provided a demonstration for fourth graders at Union Elementary.

In April, we facilitated three hot line safety sessions

for Lebanon emergency services personnel.

If you’re interested in having Boone REMC provide an electrical safety or career-related demonstration for your group, contact Mandy Saucerman, communications director, at msaucerman@bremc.com or 317-670-7896.

OUTAGE CHECKLIST

WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT IF YOUR POWER GOES OUT:

□ Check your electric service panel. □ If the main circuit breaker is in the tripped position (neither in the on

Top: Member Services Technician Matt Walters and Journeyman Lineman Dustin Baker provide a safety demonstration for Union Elementary fourth graders.

Bottom: SCI REMC employees provide a hot line safety session for Lebanon emergency services personnel.

nor the off position), the outage is likely isolated to your location.

□ Reset the breaker by firmly flipping to the off position and then to on.

□ If it trips again, you should call a licensed electrician.

□ If you are a renter and suspect

you’re the only one without power, contact your property manager or maintenance department.

If your main breaker is not tripped or if you believe the outage to be affecting additional homes or units besides yours, report the outage to Boone REMC in one of these ways: 1. Use the SmartHub mobile app or log into your account from our website, bremc.com.

2. Call us at 800-897-7362.

3. Register your mobile number to report outages by text. Learn how at bremc.com/report-an-outage.

6 MAY 2024

co-op news

STEPS TO

REPLACING A

UTILITY POLE

Utility poles remain the backbone of most electric distribution systems. After more than 80 years since electric cooperatives first set them throughout rural Indiana, they remain the most cost-effective way to safely support power lines, insulators, transformers, and other electric hardware.

Occasionally, either through a vehicle strike, lightning strike, ice storm, tornado, or simply age, a pole needs to be replaced. And while every electric cooperative has thousands of poles throughout its system, each pole replacement is different. It’s much more than just digging a hole and sliding a new pole into the ground. The work is done methodically and, even in the best scenarios and weather conditions, might take several hours.

One of the most common reasons for a broken pole and an unexpected power outage is a vehicle strike. Here’s a step-by-step description of what typically goes into a pole replacement so that consumers on the “dark side” of the damaged pole can better understand why the power outage affecting them might be taking longer than they would think.

ASSESS THE SITUATION The cooperative is notified of a broken pole. This can come from the cooperative’s own monitoring system, the sheriff’s department, or consumers.

Lineworkers will visit the pole and assess the damage. This may take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the location and if the notification comes outside of normal business hours.

SECURE THE SCENE AND CALL IN A CREW If the pole needs to be replaced, the lineworkers on the scene will first make sure the scene is safe. They will de-energize the line following established safety procedures. Next, they will call for a crew of three to four others to come with a bucket truck and a digger truck.

In many cases, resetting or replacing a pole also requires calling into 811 — the Indiana “call before you dig” service — before crews can dig new holes. This is required to locate other buried utilities along the right-of-way and can add time to the restoration.

OBTAIN SUPPLIES AND TOOLS The original responding lineworkers will work on what can be done until the additional crews arrive with a new pole and replacement equipment.

Depending on the weather and the proximity of the broken pole to the replacement pole and equipment, this may take 1 to 2 hours.

REPLACE THE DAMAGED POLE When all crew members are present, they begin setting a new pole and will work to safely restore power to consumers as quickly as possible.

This includes removing equipment from the broken pole and attaching the necessary equipment to the new pole. Depending on the location, the equipment needed on each pole will vary. Poles are generally buried around 6 feet in the ground. The buried part of the broken pole is usually pulled out with the hydraulic lift on a truck. Sometimes, it’s necessary to dig a new hole. Dirt is backfilled and tamped down with hydraulic equipment. The power lines are then lifted back into place and mounted on the new insulators. Once all is back in place, the protective gear is removed, and an all-clear is given. Then, the power is turned back on.

Sometimes it’s possible during the pole replacement process to redirect power to those affected by the outage. It is the goal of the electric cooperative to safely restore power to as many consumers as quickly as possible. The average pole replacement could take 3 to 4 hours under favorable conditions with no mitigating circumstances — or longer if unforeseen circumstances slow the crew down.

MAY 2024

7

co-op news

Operation Round Up program nears $1 million The Boone REMC Operation Round Up board of trustees recently awarded several grants, bringing the total amount awarded since the program’s inception in 2006 to $983,580.45.

Learn more at upcoming member event Boone REMC hosts three Member Advisory Committee (MAC) meetings each year to provide an opportunity for our members to learn about their electric

The recent grant awards include:

cooperative or the electric industry

• Lebanon High School

board of directors and employees.

Post Prom

$1,000

• Sheridan High School Post Prom

$1,000

• Western Boone High School Post Prom

$ 1,000

• Zionsville High School Post Prom

$1,000

• Boone REMC Annual Meeting Scholarships

$5,000

• Boone County 4-H $2,000 • Boone County Cancer Society

$2,100

• Max Leman Eagle Scout Project

$325

and to share feedback with the At our next MAC meeting, members can learn more about the history of the Operation Round Up program and its impact on the communities we serve.

Join us at the newly opened Whitestown branch of the HusseyMayfield Memorial Public Library (a recent recipient of a Round Up grant) on the evening of Tuesday, June 18, to celebrate the program nearing $1 million in community support since it began in 2006.

Light dinner will be provided beginning at 6 p.m. Attendees can take a tour of the new library between 6 and 6:30 p.m., and the presentation will start at 6:30 p.m.

You will hear from former and current Operation Round Up board trustees, learn more about the grant funding process, and be part of a special celebration of one of our seven cooperative principles, Concern for Community.

We kindly ask that you RSVP online by June 13 at bremc.com/mac-registration.

8 MAY 2024

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energy

Connecting with your HOME CIRCUIT BREAKER PANEL An unexpected power outage likely makes you fly to a far-flung region in your home — your circuit breaker box.

Many home circuit breaker boxes can be found in areas such as garages and basements. They are the electrical nerve center of your home; they control the flow of electricity throughout your home to the various rooms and devices that power your day. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, homes with service panels installed before 1965 likely use fuses to protect each individual circuit. Newer homes feature circuit breakers that maintain the safe flow of electricity.

When circuits are overloaded or encounter a disturbance, they may “trip” or open to interrupt the flow of electricity. The Electrical Safety Foundation reports that blown fuses in older homes require replacement when an issue arises, while circuit breakers can be reset once the potential problem is resolved. The organization adds that a tripped breaker is typically the result of too many appliances overloading the circuit, which should be fixed immediately.

When a short circuit occurs, an electrified wire directly contacts a neutral wire or the ground, causing

10 MAY 2024

a surge of electricity.

Circuit breakers are designed to trip almost instantaneously in this situation to prevent significant damage or possibly even a fire.

HOW TO RESET A TRIPPED BREAKER

Ground fault circuit interrupter breakers and outlets are used for circuits where there is water or high moisture, such as a bathroom, kitchen, or garage. Some homes have GFCI breakers in the breaker panel or GFCI outlets designed to shut off power within a fraction of a second for safety. The outlets have a push button to reset in case they ever trip.

There are steps you can take to investigate and resolve a tripped circuit breaker. Sometimes, the situation can be resolved quickly.

However, if the issue cannot be found or the breaker continues to trip, contact a qualified electrician to investigate and fix the problem.

Source: Electrical Safety Foundation

• Unplug or turn off appliances in the room.

• Find your main breaker panel and open the cover.

• Locate the tripped breaker or blown fuse. A tripped circuit breaker will be in the off position or in a middle position between on and off.

• To reset the breaker, switch it to the off position and then back to on. This may restore power to the room. If the problem continues, there may be more severe issues.

Contact an electrician to diagnose the problem.

by Matt Strahl Energy Advisor, NineStar Connect

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1

county feature

Ohio County Covering 80 square miles with less than 6,000 residents, Ohio County is Indiana’s smallest and least populous county. Rising Sun, Indiana — the sole incorporated municipality within Ohio County — is home to Ree’s Harps, one of the state’s only two harp manufacturers.

SETTING SAIL IN SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA The Ohio County Historical Society Museum’s star attraction is the Hoosier Boy, a famous powerboat from the early 1900s. J.W. “Row” Whitlock — an inventor, furniture builder, and boating enthusiast from Rising Sun — owned and raced the 40-foot boat with a 62-mph top speed. In 1924, he set an unbroken distance record for a round trip between Cincinnati and Louisville. He covered 267 miles Photo courtesy of Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Experience of the Ohio River in 267 minutes and 49 seconds, despite branches in the Ohio River breaking a hole in the Hoosier Boy’s wooden hull. The museum also houses the Hoosier Girl, a replica made in 2003 of the Hoosier Boy’s sister boat that sank in the 1940s.

Photo by J.J. Prats

Photo by Valerie Rice, courtesy of Red Wolf Sanctuary

COUNTY FACTS FOUNDED: 1844

NAMED FOR: the Ohio River

POPULATION: 5,940

COUNTY SEAT: Rising Sun

INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 58

RESCUING WILDLIFE WONDERS LEGACY OF LIBERATION In 1836, Samuel Barkshire and his family moved to Rising Sun from Boone County, Kentucky, after becoming freed slaves. Risking capture and resale back into slavery, the Barkshires became Underground Railroad activists, helping enslaved people of color along the Ohio River — the border of free and enslaved territories — find their way to freedom. Samuel even worked with the wife of his former slaveholder, Nancy Hawkins, who moved to Rising Sun after her husband’s death. She and the Barkshires hid slaves seeking freedom in their homes. The Indiana Historical Bureau and the Ohio County Historical Society designated the Barkshire’s home on North Poplar Street a historical marker in 2018.

12 MAY 2024

Since 1979, Red Wolf Sanctuary in Rising Sun has preserved native North American animals through its educational tours and outreach programs about the wonders of nature and wildlife. The non-profit organization permanently homes various animals, from hawks to opossums, unfit for release into the wild because of lifealtering injuries or human interaction.

The sanctuary also rehabilitates and releases hundreds of sick or orphaned wildlife animals annually. Visitors can book either a two-hour walking tour or an RTV-driven tour through the sanctuary’s habitats to view its residential wolves, foxes, bobcats, and more.

Nicole Thomas is a freelance writer from Indianapolis.

Rising Sun

SHARE YOUR

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In the July issue of Indiana Connection, we want to celebrate America by highlighting our readers’ 4th of July traditions and memories. Does your family have a favorite firework spot or a special meal eaten every Independence Day? Tell us about it! Submit entries by mail to our office (11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032) or at indianaconnection.org/share-your-4th-of-july-traditions by May 24.

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Indiana eats

COOL BEANS Unique coffee places around the state offer more than just hot beverages

THE ATTIC/COFFEE MILL CAFÉ

CAFÉ ROYAL COFFEE HOUSE

The Attic, housed in a building that dates back to

Opened in 2009, Café Royal is a family-owned

1860, is a unique family-owned business in the heart

coffee shop with a community focus in New Castle.

of Madison. The Coffee Mill Café opened in 1993

The restaurant offers all-day breakfast and lunch

and features gourmet flavored coffees, breakfast

options and an assortment of specialized coffee

paninis, pastries, and desserts available all day.

drinks. They also have a soup and sandwich special

Soups, salads, and sandwiches are served during

of the day, and reviews claim they have amazing

lunch hours. Besides coffee, The Attic also features

biscuits and gravy.

Madison Atticmadison.com

unique gifts, including clothing, jewelry, home décor, and more. This year, owners Chris and Lyndsey Hornbrook will open the newly renovated Historic Madison Bed and Breakfast so you can eat, drink,

New Castle facebook.com/caferoyalnc/

OUR PLACE COFFEE Zionsville Ourplacecoffee.com

shop, and sleep in one location!

Our Place Coffee is a popular spot on 1st Street in

BLACKBIRD CAFÉ

Coffee is inspired by their father’s love of coffee and

Zionsville. Started by the Deinlein family, Our Place

Valparaiso blackbirdvalpo.com

their mother’s love of community. They want the café

Blackbird Café sits just off the Valparaiso town

face-to-face. Our Place Coffee is open for breakfast

square on Lincolnway and is currently the town’s

and lunch and offers traditional coffee drinks and

longest-standing café. The owner is the third

“fancy lattes” with flavors such as berries and cream,

generation of the family who ran The Donut Hut,

snickerdoodle, and red velvet.

which began serving Valparaiso in 1974. Blackbird offers a relaxed, cozy atmosphere perfect for “working from home” or gathering with friends. The building has housed a café since the early 1990s when it was an “Internet Café.” Blackbird offers breakfast, lunch, and bakery items made from scratch daily.

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safety

Steps to RESTORING SERVICE

Photo courtesy of Orange County REMC

Tornadoes or other weather-related

lower the voltage from the

disasters often bring widespread

transmission lines so the electricity

power outages. Most electric utilities

can be transmitted through the

follow a similar methodical plan

distribution lines. If problems are

Individual service

that ensures power is restored to

taken care of at the substation,

These lines run from the transformer

the greatest number of people in

power to a large number of people

on the nearest pole to the individual

the shortest amount of time in the

can be restored.

consumer’s electric meter. Repairs

PRIORITY 5:

safest manner possible. To do that,

to individual homes come after all

your co-op utilizes this priority

other larger fixes. Consumers may see

system when line crews are working

PRIORITY 3:

lights on at neighboring homes and

on outages.

Main distribution lines

see line crews working in the area,

You see these along roadways.

PRIORITY 1:

Transmission lines

They carry electricity from the substations to groups of consumers, like towns or housing

but they may still not have power.

When this happens, it generally means the service line between their home and the nearby transformer has been damaged.

These high-voltage lines carry

developments. They are usually

electricity from generating plants to

T-shaped and support three

If a family member relies on life-

substations (or between substations).

or more wires. When power is

sustaining medical equipment, please

They are supported by tall towers,

restored here, all consumers from

notify your electric cooperative now

usually of steel lattice framing

this supply line will see their lights

so it can be aware of the situation.

or tall wooden poles in an “H” or

come on unless there is a problem

Do not wait for an outage. Have an

“M” configuration. Since tens of

farther down the line.

emergency generator or backup power

thousands of people could be served

in place.

by one transmission line, damage here needs to be taken care of first.

PRIORITY 4:

Tap lines

In addition, unless you are personally affected, stay away from stormdamaged areas. Utility and other

These are electric feeder

emergency vehicles will need access

lines running from the main

to the roads. If you see utility workers

distribution line to utility poles and

along your road or in your yard, please

These electrical facilities contain

underground transformers outside

do not approach them for updates. It

equipment that switch or regulate

houses or buildings. They serve

slows the progress and is dangerous

the voltage of electricity. They

small numbers of consumers.

for you and the lineworkers who are

PRIORITY 2:

Substations

focused on their job.

16 MAY 2024

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THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. RESULTS MAY VARY. 15.

food

heat

BRING THE

Looking to turn up the heat?

These spicy recipes add a kick to some traditional Midwest fare.

FOOD PREPARED BY INDIANA CONNECTION STAFF PHOTOS BY KILEY LIPPS

18 MAY 2024

food TACO BURGERS

HOOSIER SPICY GREEN CHILI

Patricia Piekarski, Harvey, Illinois

Jan Steenburg, Oaktown, Indiana

1 egg, beaten

FOR TOPPING:

¼ cup water

4 buns

½ cup crushed corn chips

1 large tomato, chopped

1 packet of taco seasoning

½ cup cheese, shredded

1 lb of ground beef or pork

1 cup lettuce, shredded

1 8 oz can tomato sauce Combine the egg and water. Stir in corn chips and half of the taco seasoning. Combine the mix with the meat. Shape into four ½-inch patties. Fry till brown and cooked all the way through. Combine tomato sauce and remaining taco seasoning. Serve burgers on buns. Top with tomato sauce mixture, cheese, tomato, and lettuce.

2 lbs chicken or pork tenderloin cut into small cubes 1 cup onion, medium chopped 14 oz chicken broth (any brand, lowsodium or regular) 10 oz green salsa (canned or bottled) 20 oz (canned or bottled) whole green chilies, seeded and chopped 1 can black beans (low-sodium is fine), drained SPICE MIX (mix separately and set aside) 3 tsp garlic, minced or mashed 1 tsp celery salt 1 Tbsp flour

JALAPENO POPPER ROLL-UPS

2 tsp oregano

Marilles Mauer, Greensburg, Indiana

1 Tbsp cumin

8 oz pepper jack cheese, shredded 8 oz cream cheese 4 oz can diced jalapenos, drained

½ tsp salt Two 8 oz cans of crescent rolls ¼ cup melted butter 1 tsp garlic powder

Preheat oven to 375 F. Shred an 8 oz block of pepper jack cheese. Add it to a mixing bowl with softened cream cheese, jalapenos, and salt. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Roll out both cans of crescent rolls and press the perforations together. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough. Starting with the short end of the dough, roll up each sheet of the dough tightly over the cheese mixture. Use a knife to slice each roll into eight 1-inch rolls, making 16 total with both crescent roll sheets. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Combine melted butter and garlic powder in a small bowl, then brush it evenly on top of the rolls. Place in the oven and bake for 28-30 minutes or until golden brown.

3 Tbsp jalapeno pepper, diced 1 Tbsp dried cilantro (or 3 Tbsp fresh, finely chopped) 1 Tbsp chili powder In a large pot, brown meat and drain. Return the pot to the stove and add onion and broth to the browned meat. Simmer on low uncovered for one hour. (Give the pot a few stirs during cooking times to avoid sticking).

Add spice mix and green salsa. Simmer another hour on low heat. Add green chilies and black beans. Simmer another hour on low heat, then it’s ready to serve. Garnish with shredded cheddar if desired. Serves well with a buttermilk biscuit.

MAY 2024

19

A DRIVER and A GENTLEMAN: Graham Rahal advances the legacy of his talented motorsports family

BY BRIAN D. SMITH

Of the six children of Bobby Rahal, only one bears the name of a famous race driver — son Graham, named after legendary British champion Graham Hill.

Maybe Bobby sensed something no ultrasound could: That Graham would be the only child to follow in his tire tracks. This month, 35-yearold Graham Robert Rahal hopes to qualify for his 17th Indianapolis 500, a race his father won in 1986.

Bobby Rahal takes no credit for clairvoyance, but he’s happy to explain his admiration for Hill, who drove to victory lane in 1966. “He might not have had the natural talent of a Jimmy Clark” — another of Bobby’s heroes, who won Indy in 1965 — “but he just had that work ethic and got things done.”

Indeed, Graham Hill remains the only driver in history to capture the so-called Triple Crown of Motorsport, which in his day comprised the Indy 500, the Monaco Grand Prix, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Graham Rahal, meanwhile, just wants a less soul-crushing Indy 500 than he experienced last year. Driving for his father’s team, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, he overcame mechanical issues to qualify for the 33rd and final position in the starting grid. But in the closing moments of time trials, teammate Jack Harvey ousted him with a four-lap average that was just .007 mph faster.

20 MAY 2024

Rahal and his family at the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2023.

(Photo courtesy of Penske Entertainment: James Black)

Afterward, in an emotional scene

Rahal called it an honor, adding, “My

knows firsthand the demands of

witnessed on national television,

thoughts are with Stef Wilson. This

high-stakes competition and the

Graham sat alone and dejected on

isn’t the way we wanted to get into

pressures of living in the shadow of

the sidepod of his blue-and-white

the race.”

a famous father.

But his good fortune took a sharp

Like her husband, Force not only

U-turn on Race Day. “Drivers, start

grew up in a famous motorsports

your engines,” came the familiar

family, but took up the same

command, but Rahal’s engine

profession as her dad, right down to

wouldn’t start. A faulty battery, which

his choice of fast cars. The youngest

had to be replaced, put him two laps

daughter of drag racing superstar

down before he ever got the car in

John Force, a 16-time National

Or would he? The next day, a

motion. Rahal finished 22nd, still

Hot Rod Association champion in

practice accident sent driver Stefan

managing to overtake one-third of the

the Funny Car class, she is the

Wilson to the hospital and his team,

field despite his disadvantage.

winningest female driver in the same

No. 15 car, head buried in his hands.

Then, suddenly, he was surrounded by his consoling wife, Courtney Force, and two young daughters as he wiped away tears, mindful that he would sit out the 500 for the first time since 2008.

Dreyer & Reinbolt Racing, searching for a replacement to drive the backup car in the race. “That evening, I

And so it went at the 107th running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

class. Two of her three sisters also became drag racers, and now two nieces and a nephew are carrying on

got the call,” said Rahal. “I was in

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

the family tradition — along with her

Dreyer’s at midnight.”

When Courtney Force offers her

still-unretired father, who turns 75

The two teams came to terms,

husband a comforting hug after a

allowing him to drive in the Indy 500.

tough day at the track, she

this month. continued on page 22 MAY 2024

21

continued from page 21 “Obviously, the types of racing that we do are very different,” said Rahal, who exchanged vows with her in 2015. “But she’s tremendous.

She understands what I have to go through.”

She also understands what devoted fans and followers want to know, posting timely social media dispatches about major family events.

For instance, she took to Twitter to announce her retirement from drag racing in January 2019 and confided in May 2020 that “we’ve been keeping a little secret … baby Rahal coming November 2020!”

Three months later, she shared a baby bump photo and invited recommendations on “travel-friendly gear for this future race track kid.”

And when Harlan Ann Rahal entered the world on November 2, Force quipped, “Rahal party of 3.” Naturally, the arrival of little sis Tinley Leighton Rahal on Sept. 6, 2022, also merited an update.

Despite the girls’ DNA, it’s probably too soon to plan for another Rahal taking the green flag at Indy or another Force girl firing up a dragster.

But if it means anything, Rahal notes that with 3-year-old Harlan, “I can tell

Rahal poses with Scott Dixon and Pato O’Ward after winning 2nd place during the 2023 Gallagher Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.

(Photo courtesy of Penske Entertainment: Chris Owens)

up where he is,” he said, recalling

Not that his dad pushed him into it.

the times he attended racing industry

“To be honest, I wasn’t supportive of

dinners with his son in tow. “Most

him racing,” said Bobby. “First, there

little kids would tug at your sleeve

was his education, and second, I

and say, ‘Let’s go,’” said Bobby, yet

didn’t want him to feel like he had to

Rahal would sit quietly in his lap,

follow in somebody’s footsteps.”

often falling asleep from physical exhaustion but never seeming to tire of the racing scene.

Yet his determined son would not be deterred, and when Bobby finally allowed him to race go-karts, Rahal’s

Rahal recalls it similarly. “As a little

immediate success convinced him

kid, I always wanted to be at the race

that the boy was a natural. “He was

track with my dad,” he said. “At 4 or

made for it, and it was made for him,”

5 years old, I wanted to be a race car

Bobby said.

driver. I started racing go-karts at 10, and 25 years later, here I am.”

Perhaps it’s in his bloodline and Bobby’s, since neither was the

you there’s no doubt that kid loves

Rahal was only 11 when he won nine

original racing Rahal. That title

racing” and that Tinley, too, has

of 16 Ohio Valley Karting Association

goes to Bobby’s father, Michael, an

shown an early affinity for cars.

races and received Rookie of the

amateur race driver who piloted a

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> taste of the Indianapolis Motor

Year honors. At 15, he got his first

Porsche, an Austin-Healey, and other

Speedway in the Formula BMW

of America events from 1957 through

series, turning laps on the road

the 1970s. “Racing was his outlet, a

course at an age when most teens

place for him to have fun,” said Rahal.

Rahal was about Harlan’s age when

he began displaying the aptitude of a future race driver, said Bobby Rahal.

“For anybody who knew him at about 3 or 4 years old, it was a foregone conclusion that Graham would end

22 MAY 2024

can’t legally drive solo around their own block.

high-end models in Sports Car Club

His grandfather, who had immigrated with his family from what is now

Lebanon, served in the U.S. Navy

At times, Bobby probably wished

probably impressed — Rahal

during World War II and started

he’d kept Rahal to himself, especially

placed second.

a successful wholesale food

when his son notched his first Indy

distributorship in Chicago. Still a

car victory — the rain-soaked Grand

family business, it exists today as

Prix of St. Petersburg in 2008 — and

Rahal Fruits & Flavors, with Bobby’s

set a record (since broken) as the

brother, Ian, as president and CEO.

youngest driver to win an Indy car

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

race at 19 years, 93 days old.

The casual fan might imagine that when Rahal was deemed ready for prime time, Dad’s racing team supplied the wheels. But that’s not

how his father raised him. “I thought it was important for him to drive for other people,” said Bobby, “and he drove for two of the greatest teams in history: Newman-Haas and Ganassi. He earned that — I didn’t buy him a ride.”

Rahal’s open-wheel racing career actually began a year earlier while still a student at New Albany High School in suburban Columbus, Ohio.

His racing schedule forced him to miss out on the usual high school highlights, including his senior prom.

Yet Bobby never demanded top finishes from his son. “Shockingly to a lot of people, his biggest piece of advice was to follow my heart,” said Rahal. “Do what you truly love.”

Bobby had a few other thoughts, too.

“I told him I don’t care about how many races you win. What I care about most is that you’re a gentleman — good to the fans and good to your crew. Everything else will take care of itself.”

But he tried to make it up to his

To hear Mark Jaynes talk, Rahal has

would-be prom date by flying her

already achieved as much.

to Texas to see him compete in the Grand Prix of Houston. She was

continued on page 24

Graham Rahal starts his dive into the Carousel (Turns 8-8A) during the team test at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in February 2019.

(Photo courtesy of Penske Entertainment: Chris Owens)

MAY 2024

23

Rahal with his father, Bobby Rahal, before the 2019 REV Group Grand Prix at Road America at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (Photo courtesy of Penske Entertainment: John Cote)

continued from page 23 “He’s a tremendous ambassador for the sport,” said Jaynes, the current “Voice of the 500” for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network.

Some of Rahal’s finest moments occurred during his news conference after he got bumped from the Indy 500 field, Jaynes said. “If you are raising a young child who’s a football player, a basketball player, a golfer, you owe it to them to sit them down and let them hear everything Graham had to say,” he said. “I don’t think anybody’s ever handled adversity with more class and grace.”

Graham and his wife also operate the Graham and Courtney Rahal Foundation, a charity that has raised

24 MAY 2024

$1.5 million for cancer research and

for his GR Brands, whose upscale

PTSD treatment for military veterans.

portfolio encompasses dealerships

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

for specialty cars and Italian-made

The race driver’s life is never dull

under the Ducati and Piaggio labels.

but never certain, either. As Rahal

He’s also building a new home in

likes to say, “You’ve got to plan for

exclusive Holliday Farms, a golf

when the music stops.” He’s nowhere

community with a Pete Dye course.

near ready to park his Indy car permanently, but “you don’t know.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Racing can change at any point, your

In racing, as with many professions,

life can change at any point, and

the father’s success opens doors

you’ve got to be prepared.”

for the son but also imposes often

To that end, he has embraced the Indianapolis suburb of Zionsville in a big way. An August groundbreaking in Creekside Corporate Park kicked off construction on a new 115,000-square-foot headquarters

motorcycles and motor scooters

unfair expectations. As a teenager, Rahal was first hailed in the press as his sport’s much-needed “phenom to capture the imagination of the American public” — then questioned a year later about why he hadn’t won in the past 20 races.

And his respectable 17-year career

competitive, and everybody else

record, which includes six victories

was out there for the scraps. And

and two third-place finishes in the

there were only five or six people who

Indianapolis 500, will forever be

had new cars. Today, everybody has

measured against his father’s 24

new cars.”

wins, notably at Indy in 1986.

It’s also worth noting that Rahal is

But it’s not as if Rahal has forgotten

only two years older than his dad

how to drive at Indianapolis. Last

was when Bobby took the checkered

August on the road course, he was

flag at the Indy 500. Not that the

runner-up to Scott Dixon in the

Indianapolis Motor Speedway has

Gallagher Grand Prix, foiled by a

lost any of its magic. “It’s a very

lengthy yellow light after dominating

special place, just as special today as

most of the race.

it was for race one,” he said.

His father cautions against comparing

And when the music finally stops for

eras. “When I drove, the differences

Rahal, hopefully many years from

between teams were greater than

now, it’s a safe bet that he’ll walk

they are today,” said Bobby. “In ’82,

away from the sport in the same way

there were two or three, maybe

he carried himself during his career

four teams at most that were very

— as a gentleman.

FAST FACTS BIRTHDATE January 4, 1989

HOMETOWN New Albany, Ohio

RESIDENCE Zionsville, Indiana

YEARS RACING 22

FIRST INDYCAR WIN Streets of St. Petersburg, 2008

SIX TOTAL INDYCAR WINS St. Petersburg, 2008 Fontana, 2015 Mid-Ohio, 2015 Texas Motor Speedway, 2016 Detriot Race 1, 2017 Detriot Race 2, 2017

MAY 2024

25

profile Professional progression:

THE ROAD TAKEN While attending Purdue University’s construction management program, Josh Durbin envisioned a dream job of building log homes in the Rocky Mountains, far from where he grew up in Steuben County.

After college in 2008, he was offered a job in the mountains. But that was right in the middle of the Great Recession. “I had fears of moving 2,000 miles away from home and being without a job with the downturn of the economy,” Durbin recalled.

“So, I decided to stay home and look locally.” And that decision — to take the more familiar road home — has made all the difference.

Today, he’s the director of member services at Steuben County REMC. While growing up, Durbin said he knew of the REMC through a friend whose dad was a lineman and a family friend who is a director. When looking for an internship, one business stood out. “I saw ‘Tipmont REMC’ on the job board. I was like, ‘Hey, I know them.’ I knew enough to think it was going to be a hometown feel.”

As a student, Durbin worked three summers and partially through the year with Tipmont in drafting and engineering. It gave him a strong sense of the cooperative culture.

Though Tipmont offered him a job upon graduation, he and his wife wanted to go home.

He took a job near Fort Wayne as a project manager for a mechanical contractor that kept him either behind a computer or traveling around the country. While he liked it, the office was an hour from home, and his wife had just given birth to their first child. “I was looking for a change. I wanted to be home and present for my family life.”

In 2012, a friend at Steuben County REMC let him know they were looking for an energy advisor. “I knew these people live and breathe our community. And that’s ultimately what I wanted,” he recalled.

Durbin received more education and certification as an energy analyst once at the co-op. In 2018, he was promoted to his current position, which still has him advising on energy and puts him in charge of load management programs and large key accounts. It also puts him in more public contact as a co-op representative.

Josh Durbin

Director of Member Services

Steuben County REMC

“The beauty of what I do now is I’m involved with Junior Achievement. I’m in the schools, which I really enjoy. I’m on the local economic development board. The ‘community’ in this job allows me to do that. I didn’t think that was really me or was a necessity. But the deeper I get into it, the more I feel like I fit,” he said.

And that’s what keeps him coming back to work each day. It’s also the people he works with. “We’re a family of sorts. Everybody says that. But, when you work for a local company, that’s ultimately true. Our kids go to school together; I may have gone to school with some of the employees.

It’s a small world in the sense that everybody in the community is tied together one way or another.”

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

2005-2007 Interned

2012 Hired

2018 Promoted

Drafting/Engineering Intern Tipmont

Special Service Coordinator Steuben County REMC

Director of Member Services Steuben County REMC

26 MAY 2024

ILLUMINATED ATOMIC CLOCK Atomic clocks are completely self-setting* and accurate to the second

OR INDOD AN OR DO OUT

Actual size is about 14" diameter.

Requires 1 AA and 4 D batteries, not included. *Manual setting required in AK and HI.

Over a foot in diameter!

Scan here

Indoor/Outdoor Illuminated Atomic Clock Now you can honor a time-tested American farming icon with a clock dedicated to technical precision. This limited edition is available only from The Bradford Exchange.

The classic Model H tractor stands proud against a black-bordered, Farmall red background, along with the IH logo and “time-proved” slogan. Because it is in sync via radio waves with the official source of U.S. time in Fort Collins, Colorado, it is completely self-setting* and accurate to the second. You never need to adjust it, even for Daylight Savings. As night falls, a built-in sensor cues hidden LED lights to

Unlit

automatically illuminate the glass-encased face and Roman numerals.

The 14-inch diameter, sleek chromed housing is crafted of weatherresistant materials, ideal for indoors or outdoors.

Peak demand for this fine clock is expected, so don’t miss out.

Make it yours now in four payments of $36.25, the first due before shipment, totaling $145**, backed by our unconditional, 365-day money-back guarantee. Send no money now—order today! ©2024 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. IH, International Harvester and Farmall are trademarks registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.

ORDER TODAY AT BRADFORDEXCHANGE.COM/FARMALLATOMIC Where Passion Becomes Art RESERVATION APPLICATION SEND NO MONEY NOW

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**Plus a total of $19.99 shipping and service; see bradfordexchange.com. Limited-edition presentation restricted to 295 crafting days. Please allow 4-8 weeks after initial payment for shipment. Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance.

01-37117-001-E59111

Wabash Valley Power news

Proper PREPARATION Plan ahead to operate your home’s backup generator safely Many Hoosier homeowners add a backup generator in case the power goes out during weather turbulence.

Yet before severe weather arrives, homeowners should be sure to read and follow instructions in the manual that comes with the generator to ensure safe operation. There are some additional considerations that homeowners should particularly keep in mind with a home backup generator.

ENSURE A WHOLE HOME GENERATOR IS INSTALLED PROPERLY

NEVER OPERATE A PORTABLE GENERATOR IN AN ENCLOSED SPACE

Some whole home backup

Like gas-powered vehicles,

generators include an automatic

gas-powered generators emit

transfer switch, which will

carbon monoxide that can build

NEVER PLUG A PORTABLE GENERATOR INTO A WALL OUTLET OR IMPROPERLY CONNECT IT TO A BUILDING’S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

automatically switch the house to

up quickly. The U.S. Consumer

According to the Occupational Safety

receive power from the backup

Product Safety Commission

and Health Administration, this can

generator during a power outage.

highlights that carbon monoxide

energize wiring systems for great

Other whole home generators

is considered the “invisible killer”

distances and pose an electrocution

include a manual switch. These

because the gas cannot be seen

risk for utility workers and others.

generators require a lockout

or smelled. The commission also

Appliances should be plugged directly

installed at the circuit panel that

recommends that generators be

into a portable generator with the

ensures that the house receives

used only outside, at least 20

manufacturer’s supplied cords or a

power from the grid or the backup

feet from your home. Portable

grounded (three-pronged) extension

generator. Consult with a qualified

generators should also not be

cord, according to OSHA. The

electrician to ensure proper

used in rainy or wet conditions,

organization also states to ensure that

generator installation.

which could pose a risk of fire or

the cords are properly rated in watts or

electrocution.

amps for their intended use.

Homeowners can contact their local electric cooperative’s energy advisor for any questions about a backup generator. Energy advisors can answer many questions about a home’s energy use. They may even provide a list of qualified electricians to help ensure a backup generator is correctly prepared for when needed.

28 MAY 2024

Play on!

travel These extraordinary playgrounds inspire and excite kids of all ages

Today’s playgrounds offer more than a venue for kids to expel excess energy. Indiana’s most cutting-edge play spaces are a blueprint for creativity, exploration, and connection for every age, ability, and interest.

Westermeier Commons at Central Park, Carmel

The Overlook at Riverside Park, Rushville

If a child’s drawing of what the most amazing playground was to be built in real life, it would look something like the playground in Carmel’s Central Park. With futuristic silver climbing walls, neon green loops, and a series of blue slides that keep going, kids of all ages can enjoy hours of play in Carmel’s biggest park.

The beauty of nature and the thrill of adventure come together at The Overlook, where a natural creek bed aquatic feature is your guide between natural play elements, an accessible playground, a climbing tower, a sculpture garden, and outdoor dining areas. This link between downtown Rushville and Riverside Park makes this playground a must-visit for the whole family.

1235 Central Park Dr E Carmel, IN 46032 carmelclayparks.com

Possibility Playground at Hayswood Nature Reserve, Corydon The largest all-inclusive playground in the country and the largest playground in Indiana can be found at Hayswood Nature Reserve in Corydon. Opened in fall 2023, the boldly-colored playground features twisting tunnels, lookout towers, expansive climbing structures, 18 slides, and hundreds of spaces for every child to explore, no matter their ability.

755 Highway 135 NW Corydon, IN 47112 harrisoncountyparks.com

303 South Main St Rushville, IN 46173 cityofrushville.in.gov

Blast Off Playground at Williams Park, Brownsburg Every kid dreams of becoming an astronaut, and at Blast Off Playground in Brownsburg, a child’s imagination can go into orbit. The recently renovated rocket-themed wooden play structure features towers, tunnels, ramps, monkey bars, and slides and is enclosed for maximum adventure for the kids and confidence for the adults.

Howard Park, South Bend Once you get to Howard Park, whose campus sits adjacent to the St. Joseph River, you may as well not leave, especially once the kids spot the colorful 13,000-square-foot, state-ofthe-art, ADA-accessible playground.

Kids ages 2-12 will find play spaces designed for them across various levels of terrain, meaning there’s more to explore with every visit.

219 S St Louis Blvd South Bend, IN 46617 visithowardpark.com Natalie Derrickson is a freelancer from Indianapolis.

Westermeier Commons at Central Park (Photo courtesy of Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation) Blast Off Playground at Williams Park (Photo courtesy of the Town of Brownsburg)

940 S Locust Ln Brownsburg, IN 46112 brownsburg.org

MAY 2024

29

outdoors

The color of

spring

L

ike most country people, we have a spot along our woods that serves us well. It is both a compost heap and leaf pile, a place where we toss rakings and trimmings and lifeless vegetables. It is regularly inspected by possums, birds, and earthworms, where nothing man-made spoils its organic richness.

Despite no planning, I often find irises sprouting there among the stems and wilt and rotting carcasses of the frost-bitten and seasonally worn, for as I clean old flower beds or thin the garden, I fill my wheelbarrow and empty it at that spot.

A lone iris blooms in a hillside flower bed near the writer's Parke County cabin. The petals of the irises are called "falls."

Raindrops drip from a bloomed iris in the writer's yard in early May.

A dark purple iris, the most common color, shows off its "beard," the soft white and yellow "caterpillar" that provides a hold for pollinators to grab.

30 MAY 2024

I planted irises when we moved to our property over 40 years ago. In those days, we had a threadbare and flowerless yard with little character, and since I was the son of a mother who couldn’t live without color around her house and who had plenty of starts to spare, I brought irises home from her garden and gave them prominence in mine.

Irises have a fascinating history. They have been cultivated for centuries, with the ancient Egyptians and Greeks writing their earliest botanical chapters. Their name is derived from the Greek word for “rainbow,” an apt appellation since irises come in a variety of colors. Today, it is said that there are about 250 kinds — some growing wild — and although most of what I have are various shades of purple and yellow, one can find them in pink and blue, burgundy and white, and even black.

Some irises bloom in both spring and fall. Many have double or triple the number of “beards” than others; some have tiny, nearly reed-like blades. One native variety — called “blue flag” —

grows wild in a ditch not a half-mile from my house.

It is said that purple irises, the most common color, were placed on the graves of Greek women to summon Iris, the Goddess of the Rainbow, so she could help the departed find their way to the afterlife. Irises do, indeed, have a sort of eternal quality, for their oils can be used for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory goodness, as well as in perfumes and cosmetics.

Irises have been found included in drawings discovered in the archeological digs of Egypt, and, centuries later, the Bourbon kings of France adopted its shape in the fleur-de-lis. I recently came across a portrait of Queen Elizabeth I of England, painted around 1559, in which she is wearing a dress adorned with irises.

Less than a month ago, I drove to my son’s place and, like his old man, he is a bit obsessed with a neat yard.

With great effort, he built his own flower beds out of old railroad ties and stones. As I stepped out of my truck, I saw the pale green tips of irises poking their heads above the leaf litter he had left in place and was planning to soon rake away.

In just a few days, a stand of purple and white irises, a new generation, will be in bloom.

Mike Lunsford is a freelance columnist, feature writer, and photographer, primarily for the Terre Haute Tribune-Star and Terre Haute Living magazine. The author of seven books lives in Parke County with his wife, Joanie. Contact Lunsford at hickory913@gmail.com.

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