Silly Safaris, Inc. is the leading provider of live animal conservation education in Indiana, creating positive human-animal interactions that inspire responsible pet ownership and wild animal conservation.
FREE to kids that attend the Jamboree
Cotton candy Inflatables Face painting Craft
REGISTER FOR PRIZES - Ages 0-18
Ages 0-4
Scooter with helmet
Ages 5-9
3D pen
GRAND PRIZE: Four tickets to
Ages 10-18
Karaoke machine with microphones
nature NURTURING
Gene Stratton-Porter’s preservationist efforts continue a century after her death
MARCH 2026
Geothermal isn’t just about comfort. It’s about energy independence, grid resilience, and good jobs.
Geothermal heating and cooling doesn’t just make homes more comfortable and efficient— they’re powered by a domestic, underground energy source that’s available 24/7, rain or shine.
Made in the USA: Our geothermal systems are built right here in America, supporting advanced manufacturing jobs.
Grid-friendly: While AI, EVs, and data centers push power demand to new heights, geothermal helps reduce peak load—easing the burden on our utilities.
Job-creating: From HVAC contractors and well drillers or trenchers to engineers and architects, geothermal supports a wide network of high-paying, skilled jobs in every community it touches.
Geothermal isn’t just smart for homeowners. It’s smart for the country.
Warsaw Colliers Htg & Air Conditioning (574) 203-2492 trustcolliers.com
Waterloo Gibson’s Htg & Plbg, Inc. (888) 754-1668 gibsonsgeothermal.com
Westfield Precision Comfort Systems, Inc. (317) 867-2665 precisioncomfort.com
West Lafayette Blue Fox Htg & Clg (765) 252-0051 bluefoxhvac.com
from the editor
A football dream come true
Almost two months ago, I had the wildest dream that Indiana University won the national championship in football. I gradually realized that this was not a dream but a strange alternate reality we’re living in.
If you’re a Purdue fan, I know you’re probably tired of hearing about this by now, but please give me some grace; this might be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to revel in a win like this.
I grew up an IU basketball fan, just like most of my friends. IU football, not so much. When I attended IU, you were required to buy football season tickets to get basketball tickets. My friends and I would tailgate during the first half, slip into the stadium in the third quarter, and head out by the time the fourth quarter started.
But then, two years ago, this guy named Curt Cignetti showed up. Although his confident, “Google me, I win,” is now the stuff of legend, the first reaction most fans had was “Sure you will, sugar,” and an imaginary pat on the head. We thought it couldn’t be done.
But this team, led by Fernado Mendoza, whom I have heard described as “a golden retriever playing quarterback,” not only won but also took the whole dang thing. When IU won the Big Ten Title, I didn’t even cheer. I just sat there in shock. On Jan. 19, when IU won the national championship, there were some tears, but also a feeling of complete unreality about the whole situation.
Will this championship run mark the start of a new winning legacy? If you ask Cignetti, he would say it is, but I am less convinced. If I’ve learned anything in my three-plus decades on this earth, it’s that miracles like this usually don’t happen twice. I hope I’m wrong.
Are you an IU fan who is still riding on the high on this magical run? Send me your football memories and predictions for next season at bdavis@indianaec.org
Britt Davis
Editor bdavis@indianaec.org
On the menu: June: Submit your favorite salad recipes, deadline April 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.
Giveaway: Enter to win a family four pack of admission passes, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/ contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is March 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.
VOLUME 75 • NUMBER 9 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340
Published monthly by Indiana Electric Cooperatives
Indiana Connection is for and about members of Indiana’s locally-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. It helps consumers use electricity safely and efficiently; understand energy issues; connect with their co-op; and celebrate life in Indiana. Over 320,000 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.
CONTACT US: 11805 Pennsylvania Street Carmel, IN 46032
317-487-2220
info@indianaconnection.org IndianaConnection.org
INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Dr. Richard Leeper President
Jamey Marcum Vice President
Melissa Menchhofer Secretary/Treasurer
John Cassady CEO
EDITORIAL STAFF:
Britt Davis Editor
Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication
Lauren Carman Communication Manager
Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator
Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist
Amber Knight Creative Manager
Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer
ADVERTISING:
American MainStreet Publications Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop
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.
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.
POSTAGE:
Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, Indiana, and at additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER:
Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032. Include key number.
No portion of Indiana Connection may be reproduced without permission of the editor.
JAMBOREE ‘BACK HOME AGAIN’ AT SILVER CREEK
CONTACT US
Office: 812-246-3316
Outages: 812-246-3316 Fax: 812-246-3947
EMAIL info@clarkremc.coop
WEBSITE ClarkREMC.coop
OFFICE HOURS
7 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday
STREET ADDRESS 7810 State Road 60 Sellersburg, IN 47172
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 411, Sellersburg, IN 47172
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John Biesel, President
Jeff Myers, Vice President
Joe Basham, Secretary/Treasurer
Steve Dieterlen
Paul Graf
Greg Hostettler
Mark Huber
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
Tuesday, March 3, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, at 6 p.m.
On April 11, REMC members will gather for our 2026 Jamboree as we celebrate Clark County REMC’s 87th anniversary. I’m excited to share that after a six-year hiatus, we’re headed back to Silver Creek High School!
We’re thrilled to feature local favorites Kel + Ro on the Jamboree stage from 2 to 4 p.m., bringing great music and energy to the afternoon. After the performance, families can enjoy a lively presentation from Silly Safaris, where kids will get up close with some fun and unusual animals, and
parents will get to enjoy the smiles, laughter, and surprise that come with it.
And since we’re back home at Silver Creek, we’re bringing back another fan favorite: KFC! Bring the whole family and enjoy a chicken meal with sides and a drink for just $6.50 per person. Our wisest and most experienced members, those 75 and older, will enjoy their meal free of charge.
There’s much more to explore in this magazine, so keep reading for all the details. We’re looking forward to a great Jamboree and can’t wait to see you there!
JASON CLEMMONS CEO
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ ClarkCountyREMC
Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter twitter.com/ClarkCountyREMC
Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/ClarkCoREMC
Follow us on LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/clarkcounty-remc
CLARK COUNTY
REMC JAMBOREE
Find more information on voting instructions, director candidates and 2025 financial information on the following pages, as well as 16A-D.
Register at the meeting and receive a 5-gallon bucket and Swedish dishcloth
MEET YOUR DIRECTOR CANDIDATES
JOHN BIESEL (Incumbent)
DISTRICT 3 , Monroe, Wood and Polk townships
605 Mt. Zion Road, Henryville, IN 47126 | Member since 1999
Occupation: Retired from Essroc Materials and Earth First of Kentuckiana
Education: Graduated from Henryville High School. Certificate for basic electricity and advanced electricity UEI, Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership Certificate, Director Gold Credential from NRECA with annual director education. AMA management certificate, supervision and employee management.
Community Involvement: Attend and serve on the board of Blue Lick Christian Church.
Family: He and his wife, Deborah, have three children.
What motivates you to serve as director?
The electric industry is growing and changing very rapidly, and
I stay up to date with these changes. I also enjoy and am very interested in this industry, and have committed most of my life to this. I enjoy being a part of this and always am interested in making things better for all cooperative members.
Why are you the most qualified candidate?
I believe integrity and honesty in decision making, along with the experience of being a director on two boards serving in many different roles. My background in the electric industry spans over 35 years and my education is and has been focused on this industry. I also bring the safety mindset to all decisions that are implemented. I have served in all roles from secretary to president of the boards. I also understand I am representing the co-op members and all decisions are made in the best interest of those members. Also, I believe that directors must represent the co-op in a respectful manner at all times.
PAUL GRAF (Incumbent)
DISTRICT 6 , Silver Creek Township
9911 Highway 60, Sellersburg, IN 47172 | Member since 1981
Occupation: Self-employed truck driver and light excavating, owner of Graf Hauling and Bobcat
Education: Graduated from Silver Creek High School (1974).
Community Involvement: Past director of Clark County 4-H Corporation and Extension board. Served nine years on the Indiana State Fair Board, currently Swine barn Superintendent. A member of the Clark County Ag Advisory Board and Clark County Farmer Appreciation Committee. A member of St. John Paul II Catholic Church.
Family: He and his wife, Diane, have two children.
What motivates you to serve as director?
I am the incumbent director for District 6 and I wish to continue to serve our members. I believe with the member growth that we are seeing in our REMC community, we have to continually look ahead and determine the best possible way to improve the electric grid in order to deliver safe, reliable and efficient energy to our members. We need to explore all possibilities of providing the best service we can. I listen carefully to all matters brought to the board.
I have served in leadership positions on every board that I have been involved with, and I understand the importance of working together to make the best decisions for all that are involved. I feel this makes me a very good candidate to continue to serve on the board. I have always been involved in the community during most of my adult life, serving on several different boards and committees. I like the fact that the REMC is a cooperative that is owned by the members and I want to continue to help make it the best that it can be.
Why are you the most qualified candidate?
I have served on the Clark County REMC board of directors since 2011. I have served as secretary, vice president, and served four years as president of the board. I have continued my education as a director by attending NRECA-sponsored institutes, workshops, and seminars, and I have successfully completed the requirements for the Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership Certificate, and Director Gold certificate. I continue taking classes to further my education to better understand and keep up with the ongoing changes in the cooperative world. I strive to listen carefully to each fellow board member in order to make the best decisions for our members.
Exercise one of the greatest benefits of being a member of an electric co-op by voting for the upcoming year’s board of directors. Members can vote online, by mail or through SmartHub.
Receive a 5-gallon bucket and Swedish dishcloth by registering at the meeting. Vote early March 12-April 9. Vote in-person on April 11 at Silver Creek High School.
JEFF MYERS (Incumbent)
DISTRICT 7 , Utica and Jeffersonville townships
3618 Kerry Ann Way, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 | Member since 2014
Occupation: Management Consultant
Education: B.S. in electrical engineering (1987) and M.S. in engineering management (2003), both from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Community Involvement: Member of Worship Team at Eastside Christian Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
Family: He and his wife, Kelly, have three children.
What motivates you to serve as director?
Serving as a director for Clark County REMC since 2020 has been an honor to serve the members of District 7. I am seeking to continue this service because I am deeply committed to our cooperative, our members, and the communities we serve. As our region continues to grow, I believe strong, informed leadership is essential to ensure we continue to provide reliable, affordable, and innovative electric service.
With more than 35 years of experience in the electric utility industry, I bring a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our cooperative. My time on the Clark County REMC board — and in my current role as vice president — has given me the opportunity to help guide important decisions on infrastructure investment, system reliability, and member services. In addition, my service on the Indiana Electric Cooperatives board allows me to advocate for Clark County REMC and stay engaged with statewide and national issues that affect our members.
What motivates me most is the opportunity to use my experience to make a difference — to represent our members’ interests, support responsible growth, and help position our cooperative for the future. I take seriously the trust our members place in their directors, and I am committed to maintaining transparency, accountability, and a strong focus on member value.
Clark County REMC is more than an electric utility — it’s a vital part of our community’s future. I want to continue working with my fellow board members, management, and staff to ensure that we meet today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges. It would be an honor to continue serving the members of District 7.
Why are you the most qualified candidate?
I’ve spent my entire career in the electric utility industry — more than 35 years — and I’ve seen how reliable, affordable power can truly make a difference in people’s lives. That experience, along with my passion for serving our members, is what I bring to the Clark County REMC board.
I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from RoseHulman Institute of Technology in electrical engineering and engineering management. Over the years, I’ve worked for investor-owned utilities like PSI Energy and Louisville Gas & Electric/Kentucky Utilities, as well as electric cooperatives such as Wabash Valley Power Alliance and Central Indiana Power. Those experiences have given me a broad understanding of the industry and a real appreciation for what makes co-ops special — the focus on people, not profits.
I’ve also held a variety of engineering and management positions in areas like energy efficiency, demand response, operations, and smart grid development. Working with utilities across the country has given me insight into how our industry is evolving and how Clark County REMC can stay ahead of the curve while continuing to provide dependable, affordable service to our members.
What really drives me is the opportunity to put that knowledge to work for my community. I take the responsibility of representing our members seriously, and I’m committed to helping REMC stay strong, innovative, and responsive to the needs of the people we serve.
Early Voting Instructions
Mail
• Request a paper ballot by calling 812-246-3316.
• Mark your selections by filling in the circle next to the candidate of your choice.
• Detach ballot and place in the enclosed return envelope.
• Mail to:
Survey & Ballot Systems P.O. Box 46430 Eden Prairie, MN 55344
• Envelopes must be received no later than April 9.
• Do not bring ballot to REMC office.
SmartHub
• Log in to SmartHub at clarkremc.smarthub.coop or through the SmartHub app.
• Enter your email address and SmartHub password.
• Click VOTE NOW
• Online voting ends at 11:59 p.m. EST, April 9.
• Don’t have a SmartHub account? Enroll at clarkremc.smarthub.coop or call 812-246-3316 to enroll.
Online
• Access the web ballot at directvote.net/CCREM
• Enter your Member Number and Election Passcode (listed on the postcard you will receive in the mail).
• Follow online voting instructions.
• Online voting ends at 11:59 p.m. EST, April 9.
• If you have any problems voting online, please email support@directvote.net
can also vote in-person at our Jamboree on April 11 at Silver Creek High School from 2-4 p.m.
JAMBOREE
YOUR COMMUNITY’S SILENT PARTNER:
Electric cooperatives team with businesses to make sure they thrive
You may not think twice when you stroll into work and flip on the light switch to start your day.
Your boss thinks about it more. So does everyone at your local electric cooperative.
Your energy needs are constantly at the forefront of our work. We make sure that everyone in the community — the families, farms, schools, and businesses on our lines — has the electricity they need to power their day. For many businesses, that is easier said than done. Agribusinesses, manufacturers, life-science facilities, offices, and more each have unique power needs.
Electric cooperatives support and foster economic development. This is engrained in our culture: we are consumer-owned organizations dedicated to serving our communities. We work with local officials to recruit and retain local businesses.
Sometimes that includes companies moving to or opening a new local facility.
Yet most economic development comes from supporting key accounts, which are established local businesses in our communities. If local businesses are doing well, that means that the region’s economy, families, and other organizations benefit also. We regularly meet with business leaders to help them plan growth, address challenges, and provide support to meet their energy goals while minimizing costs.
After all, local businesses are the lifeblood of a community: they create jobs and contribute to the tax base. That, in turn, means continued growth and further investment in the vibrant communities where we live and work. Electric co-ops also partner with local and regional economic development officials to create incentive packages
that help make Indiana towns and cities attractive for major investment, recruiting new businesses to the communities we serve.
We are committed to successful business recruitment and retention by supporting local corporations to thrive. This is just one way that electric cooperatives embody the cooperative principles and invest in the communities we serve.
by Brian Hawk Energy Advisor Noble REMC
Among the Indiana businesses that have benefited from electric cooperative support is Three Birds Casual, a luxury furniture-making business in Noble County. Discussing energy-saving strategies are Noble REMC Energy Advisor Brian Hawk (left) and Three Birds Casual President Tad Varga.
VITAL FARMS FAMILY JOIN THE
At Vital Farms, we’re on a mission to bring ethical food to the table. Help us further our mission by joining our network of farmers. All you need is at least 52 acres of land and a passion for animal welfare. We’ll set you up with a support crew and teach you everything you need to know. Visit vitalfarms.com/farmers to learn more!
OTHER FARMER PERKS
Enjoy life at home on the farm and build a lasting family operation for generations to come
Egg pricing escalates with actual feed costs
4-flock or 8-flock contract terms
Industry-leading support from a team of experts in pastured hens WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
QUESTIONS?
CALL (844) 494-VITAL
Become a steward of the land and preserve natural resources
Generate a steady income on land that may not be fit for other forms of agriculture
Utilize vacant paddocks for other livestock, e.g., cattle, sheep, and goats
SCAN to learn more or VISIT vitalfarms.com/farmers
county feature
Founded in 1844, Tipton County was one of the last counties to be formed in Indiana. With more than 163,000 acres devoted to farmland producing corn, soybeans, and hogs, the county remains rooted in the agricultural traditions that shaped it.
A SIZZLING TRADITION
Tipton County COUNTY FACTS
For 56 years, Tipton County has held its annual Pork Festival the weekend after Labor Day. Founders Margaret Hinkle, Nan Nash, Henrietta Larson, and Bobbie Kauffman were all married to pig farmers, and they would hand out pork recipes and cooked samples at local grocery stores. Hoping to promote pork in a more exciting way, they first considered a barbecue contest before launching a full festival with an art show, food stands, and pork displays. In its first year, the festival served 6,000 pounds of pork and used 20 gallons of barbecue sauce. Today, it attracts around 80,000 visitors and is known for its one-inch-thick pork chops, along with two parades, three pageants, a baby contest, and carnival rides.
OBAMA’S INDIANA ROOTS
The Dunham House is a 19th-century home in Kempton, Indiana, built by relatives of former President Barack Obama. Jacob Dunham, Obama’s fourth great-grandfather, originally settled the land where the house stands. In the 1880s, William Riley Dunham, Obama’s third great-uncle, built the house. After the Dunham family sold the property, it became the McMullan Funeral Home in the 1960s, which operated until 2000. Shawn Clements, an independent contractor who specializes in historic restorations, purchased the home in 2004. During his 2008 presidential nomination campaign, Obama and his family visited the Dunham House. Today, Clements hosts private tours of the historic home.
ROOKIE TO WORLD SERIES
Charles Benjamin “Babe” Adams, born in Tipton, Indiana, in 1882, was a Major League Baseball pitcher. After debuting with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1906, he then joined the Pittsburgh Pirates. Known for his excellent control, Adams finished with 194 wins and a 2.76 earned run average. Adams led the Pirates to the 1909 World Series title, winning all three games he pitched, and becoming the first rookie to start and win a Game 7. He was also the only member of the 1909 Pirates still on the roster when Pittsburgh won the World Series again in 1925.
By Nicole Thomas
FOUNDED: 1844
NAMED FOR: John Tipton, a soldier in the 1811 Battle of Tippecanoe
POPULATION: 15,359
COUNTY SEAT: Tipton
INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 80
Tipton
Kempton
Photo courtesy of the Dunham House
Photo by Air Recon
OPEN YOUR HEART AND HOME TO HOOSIER CHILDREN
The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) needs loving, temporary homes across the state of Indiana for children of all ages — especially teens and sibling groups. DCS is looking for people who are willing to open their hearts and their homes to foster youth as they work toward safely reuniting with their families.
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a foster parent, please fill out an interest form at fostercare.dcs.in.gov/s/interest-form
Once you submit an interest form, A DCS regional foster care specialist will contact you and provide general introductory information about foster care, roles, and expectations, as well as licensing requirements, including training and an overview of the family preparation process.
For more information about becoming a foster parent, please visit in.gov/dcs/foster-care.
Marketplace
A FARM FRESH
Indiana eats grilling experience
By Chris Adam
A meal can sometimes change your life. Just ask Eliazabeth and Adam Stonecipher. They’re the faces behind a family-owned and -operated farm in Lafayette.
550 Wagyu offers its products online and at farmers markets and local events throughout Tippecanoe County and nearby areas. The mission is to educate and provide the American beef consumer with a unique, healthy, and delicious premium product for their family dinner table.
A PASSION FOR PREMIUM MEAT
Elizabeth’s father bought a Wagyu brisket online several years ago and put it on the smoker when preparing dinner for some special friends.
“It was unlike any meat-eating experience we had ever encountered and ignited our passion into beginning our research into producing a unique, premium quality product,” Elizabeth said. “Although we’ve raised and sold freezer Angus beef for several years, we have many friends who do the same thing and felt that we were competing with them in a sense.”
The Stoneciphers wanted something unique to differentiate themselves so that they could still support their friends’ businesses at the same time.
“Our American Wagyu cattle are fed a very unique and specialized diet that is developed by a nutritionist, and backed with significant research and experience within the Wagyu breed,”
she said. “Wagyu are unique to traditional American breeds, such as Angus, in that they take much longer to finish out and be ready to butcher at the most prime levels.”
Elizabeth said Angus cattle are typically ready at 14-18 months of age, whereas Wagyu must be fed to 24-30 months of age to get to superior levels of marbling. This means they must feed them expensive corn-fed diets for much longer, and combined with the rarity of the genetics, results in much higher costs to the farmer that, in turn, results in a more expensive product on your plate.
A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT
“Our customers love the Wagyu ribeyes and filets,” Elizabeth said. “Those are two of the cuts that sell out the fastest and are always in high demand. Traditionally those two cuts seem to be a favorite among people regardless of breed. Of course, Wagyu makes the steaks that much more tender, rich, and flavorful.”
According to Elizabeth, they’ve had positive interactions with all of their customers, some great reviews, and several repeat customers.
“550 Wagyu supports our community through ‘Blessing Boxes’ during the holiday season and by donating to various causes such as schools and clubs,” she said. “We like to give back right in the community we live in.”
550 Wagyu was selected as one of the Featured Farmers at the 2024 Indiana State Fair. (Photo courtesy of Kenda Resler-Friend)
Wagyu Tri-Tip (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Stonecipher)
In times of economic uncertainty—when inflation rises, markets fluctuate, and long-term financial stability feels less predictable—many investors turn to gold as a dependable store of value. By holding a portion of your wealth in gold, you can help safeguard your portfolio and preserve long-term financial security, even when broader economic conditions are unclear.
Since 2015, gold has surged over 400% — outpacing both the S&P 500 and the Dow during the same period.
American Gold Reserve is releasing government-issued $5 Gold American Eagles completely free of dealer markup for only $529 each. These beautiful $5 Gold American Eagles are a perfect way to enter the gold market. Set for immediate public release, availability is limited and supplies are expected to sell out quickly.
Electrical safety on the farm during planting season
It’s planting season for many of Indiana’s 94,000 farmers. As fields are prepared and equipment is put to work, Indiana’s electric cooperatives remind farmers to keep electrical safety top of mind.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 62 farm workers are electrocuted each year in the United States. “Farm-related deaths and injuries from electricity can be prevented by following safety measures,” said John Cassady, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives.
Farmers should remember the following safety practices this spring:
• Ensure farm equipment, such as planter arms and sprayers, is clear of overhead power lines. Maintain a minimum 10-foot distance from lines in all directions.
• Ask your cooperative about relocating overhead lines near buildings or high-use pathways. Consult your cooperative before new construction to learn about required clearances.
• Stay clear of utility poles and guy wires when operating machinery. If equipment damages a guy wire or pole, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Call your cooperative immediately.
• If equipment becomes entangled with power lines, call 911, keep others away, and remain on the equipment. If you must exit for life-threatening reasons, jump clear without touching the equipment and ground at the same time. Land with feet together and shuffle at least three tractor lengths away. Never re-enter or touch equipment in contact with a line.
• When planning a controlled burn, mow and clear vegetation at least 15 feet around poles and use fire retardant as directed. Do not apply retardant directly to poles. If a burn threatens poles or electrical equipment, call 911 immediately.
• Prevent fire and smoke from passing directly under power lines. Smoke contains carbon particles that conduct electricity, which can cause electrical discharges from the line to the ground. Avoid spraying water directly onto lines, as water conducts electricity.
Farmers can protect themselves, their workers, and their operations during this busy season by staying alert and taking precautions.
6 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND THE 2026 CLARK COUNTY REMC JAMBOREE
Kids activities
Main Gym; upper level
2-4 p.m.
Face painting, inflatables, cotton
Registration and voting
Aux Gym
2-4 p.m.
Every member registering at the Jamboree will receive a 5-gallon bucket and Swedish dishcloth
KFC
Cafeteria
2-5 p.m.
KFC will provide a chicken dinner for attendees at a cost of $6.50 per person.
Grand prize
$1,000 bill credit
First place
$500 bill credit
Second place
$250 bill credit
Third place
$100 bill credit
Prize drawing announced after the business session. You must be present to win.
Senior registration
Aux Gym
2-4 p.m.
Members who are 75 years and older, register in the voting gym to receive a voucher for a free KFC meal at the Jamboree.
Entertainment
Main Gym
2-4 p.m.
Kel + Ro — Bringing you the best in originals and covers.They are known for their powerhouse vocals and rich harmonies.
Treasurer’s report
Financial records of your rural electric cooperative are maintained in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. All statements that appear in the Annual Report were prepared in accordance with standard accounting procedures from the books of the corporation. In the opinion of your board of directors, the financial statements present fairly and accurately the financial position of Clark County REMC as of Dec. 31, 2025, and 2024, and the results of its operations for the years then ended. Our financial records are audited annually by the accounting firm of LWG CPAs & Advisors. Copies of the reports are filed in the office of the REMC.
At the time of the Annual Report printing, the financial statement audit for the year ending Dec. 31, 2025, had not been finalized.
JOE BASHAM Secretary-Treasurer
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2025
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF
REVENUES
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
SOURCES AND USES OF CASH MARGINS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DEC. 31, 2025
2025 ANNUAL MEETING REPORT
In April 2025, southern Indiana experienced significant and dangerous flooding, resulting in widespread road closures and unsafe travel conditions. Due to these hazardous circumstances and concern for the safety of members, employees, and the community, the Clark County REMC Board of Directors made the difficult decision to cancel the 2025 Annual Meeting. In accordance with Section 3.01 of the Bylaws, a cancellation for public health and safety reasons does not require the meeting to be rescheduled, provided early voting is sufficient to meet quorum requirements. Early voting did satisfy quorum requirements in 2025.
The election of directors for Districts 1 and 2 was held by electronic voting and mail-in paper ballots as allowed by the bylaws. This report serves as the record of the election results for 2025, in place of inperson meeting minutes.
Prior to voting, the following persons were nominated by written petition signed by a minimum of fifteen (15) members:
In District 1 the nominee was incumbent Director Greg Hostettler
and in District 2 the nominee was incumbent Director Steve Dieterlen.
The 2025 election results were prepared, certified, and notarized by Survey and Ballot Systems (SBS), an independent third-party company hired by REMC to conduct electronic and paper ballot voting. It was reported that there were 25,277 members eligible to vote in the 2025 election. In order to have a valid election, a quorum of members must vote. A quorum constitutes one-fiftieth of the total of all REMC members. REMC had 15% voter participation with 4,020 members casting their votes in the election. The officers of the Credentials and Election Committee certified the election results and declared the following winners:
In District 1, Greg Hostettler was elected to a three-year term as Director.
In District 2, Steve Dieterlen was elected to a three-year term as Director.
REMC will resume in-person annual meetings in the future unless prevented by public health and safety or other emergency circumstances.
Use code WWC3H1 to get items 25-00882-1118, 25-01319-1118 for $9.99 and get free shipping on your order. Free shipping applies to standard shipping only, not including any additional shipping surcharges. Shipping upgrades additional. Does not apply to clearance. Discount is priced as marked in checkout. Not applicable to gift cards or prior purchases. May not be redeemed for cash or combined with other offers. Returns credited at discounted price. Only applies to in-stock merchandise. Expires 4/30/2026. Order by mail: Woman Within, 500 S. Mesa Hills Drive, El Paso, TX 79912
Preheat oven to 300 F. Combine oats, nuts, and wheat germ in a large bowl. In another bowl, stir together the margarine, honey, and vanilla. Pour over the nut mixture and toss to coat thoroughly. Spread mixture over a cookie sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture is lightly browned. Remove from oven (mix in the raisins) and cool.
NUTTY GRANOLA Glenda Ferguson, Paoli
PREACHER'S CAKE Yvonne Bertke, St. Meinrad
CAKE
2 cups allpurpose flour
2 cups white sugar
1½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple with juice
2 ⁄ 3 cup chopped nuts
FROSTING
8 oz. softened cream cheese
1 stick (½ cup) softened butter
tsp vanilla extract
sugar ½ cup chopped nuts
Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour the bottom of a 9x13-inch cake pan. Set aside. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla until fully combined. Stir in pineapple and 2 ⁄ 3 cup nuts. Stir in the dry ingredients just until combined. Don’t overmix or the cake may get tough. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter together with the vanilla, powdered sugar, and salt. Cool cake for 10 minutes. Spread frosting over warm cake. Sprinkle with ½ cup nuts. Refrigerate leftovers.
SPICY CASHEW SHRIMP Staff Provided
1½ pounds medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp oyster sauce (such as Lee Kum Kee)
2 Tbsp canola oil
4 celery stalks, cut on a bias ¼-inch thick (2½ cups)
1 tsp finely grated garlic (from 2 cloves)
1 Tbsp finely grated ginger (from a 2-inch piece)
Pinch of red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
½ cup roasted cashews
Steamed rice, for serving
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, oyster sauce, and ¾ cup water.
Heat a large skillet over high heat. Swirl in oil, then add shrimp in a single layer. Cook, undisturbed for 1 minute. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until almost cooked through, 1-2 minutes more. Add celery, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook, still stirring another minute. Add cornstarch mixture; stir until sauce thickens and coats shrimp and vegetables, about 1 minute more. Stir in cashews. Serve over rice, topped with more red pepper flakes. (Serves 4.)
Gene Stratton-Porter’s property on Sylvan Lake, known now as the Gene Stratton-Porter Historic Site, was recently inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network. (Photo courtesy of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites; Andrew Hancock)
nature NURTURING
Imagine dense northeast Indiana wetlands spanning 13,000 acres — 10 miles wide and two miles long — encompassing marshes, bottomland hardwood forest, and abundant wildlife ranging from bald eagles to giant moths. Gene Stratton-Porter, the state’s most famous female author back in the early 1900s, didn’t have to imagine it; she lived near it for 18 years and wrote about it. Known as the Limberlost Swamp, it straddled Adams and Jay counties and extended into Wells County.
Stratton-Porter considered it her playground, spending endless hours conducting field studies and snapping photographs of its various species of flora and fauna. Her work, and her
workplace, inspired nature books like “Moths of the Limberlost” and “Friends in Feathers,” and served as the setting for best-selling novels such as “A Girl of the Limberlost” and “Freckles.”
An environmentalist ahead of her time, she observed creatures in their natural habitat, refusing to adopt the lethal practice of “scientific collecting” — as with John James Audubon’s predilection for shooting the birds he planned to sketch.
But neither public officials nor public media shared her appreciation for Limberlost and its menagerie of inhabitants. In a typical take, the Cincinnati Enquirer in 1895 dismissed the area as “malaria-ridden” and “totally unfit for cultivation” with “stagnant, slime-covered pools.”
Despite Stratton-Porter’s best efforts to preserve her beloved swamp, contractors drained it, cut down the trees, and pumped out the oil beneath it until, by 1913, Limberlost was simply lost.
Yet Stratton-Porter’s influence continues to resonate more than a century after her death in 1924. The Izaak Walton League of America, a conservationist organization that she helped found two years earlier,
Gene Stratton-Porter’s preservationist efforts continue a century after her death
endures today with 40,000 members. Closer to home, the Gene StrattonPorter Historic Site on Sylvan Lake near Rome City — where she moved after the destruction of Limberlost — received national recognition last October with the induction of her cherished Wildflower Woods into the Old-Growth Forest Network as a community forest.
Nor has Limberlost been forgotten. A swamp restoration project that took root in the early 1990s now encompasses about 1,800 acres, including two nature preserves (Loblolly Marsh and Limberlost Swamp), a park, a bird sanctuary, and hiking trails. And her former home in Geneva, once located on the swamp’s edge, is now known as the Limberlost State Historic Site.
FROM EARLY LIFE TO ADVOCATING FOR WILDLIFE
Stratton-Porter’s success her books reached an estimated 50 million readers — surprised schoolmates who recalled her as a bright student who showed no particular interest in writing. Born Geneva Grace Stratton, she grew up near Lagro in Wabash County and didn’t even graduate continued on page 22
The “pudding stone” fireplace in Stratton-Porter’s Wildflower Woods Cabin is a high point for visitors at the historic site.
(Photo of courtesy of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites)
continued from page 21
from Wabash High School, leaving before the end of her senior year.
But maybe it was destiny that Stratton-Porter would make a living researching, photographing, and writing about wildlife. At the beginning of her book “Homing With the Birds,” she wrote, “Almost my first distinct memory is connected with a bird … I found a woodpecker lying on the grass beneath a cherry tree.” When her father explained that the bird had been shot for stealing cherries, she offered to stop eating them — “the birds may have mine” — if her dad would make sure no other woodpeckers were targeted. As she observed, “It is probable that this small sacrifice on my part set me to watching and thinking about the birds.”
Stratton-Porter married a local druggist, Charles Dorwin Porter, at the age of 22 — he was 13 years her senior — and in 1895 they moved to the edge of the Limberlost Swamp, ironically in the town of Geneva. It was during their courtship that he gave her the nickname “Gene.”
Her twin passions as a naturalist and a novelist might have seemed worlds apart. But as she explained in a
A wisteria-covered pergola stands amid a one-acre garden at Wildflower Woods, one of the highlights of the site’s wooded paths and more than three miles of trails. (Photo courtesy of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites; Amy Payne)
Author Gene Stratton-Porter stands in her garden at Wildflower Woods in this historic photograph. (Photo courtesy of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites)
1904 Indianapolis Star story, her research on the nest of a black vulture in the Limberlost Swamp provided material for her book “Freckles.” And when her book sales caught fire, she negotiated with her publishers to produce one nature book for every novel she submitted.
As the Star wrote, “Stratton-Porter was an unusual sight with her trousered legs and high boots.” But it was necessary apparel in a forbidding environment that also prompted her to carry a gun for personal protection. “I have risked my life repeatedly for my work,” she told the Star. “The great public cannot tell by looking at a picture … that you had to wade several rods in muck to your knees, through swamp grass above your head, make the trip repeatedly, carry a heavy camera, use skill, patience, and great physical hardship to secure it. Then there are the dangers of quicksands, snakes, and of losing footing.”
As it happened, her passing in 1924 had nothing to do with wild creatures. She died of a skull fracture when her chauffeured Lincoln was struck by a Los Angeles streetcar.
So enduring was her popularity that in 1926, two years after her death, the Hoosier author was honored with the nationwide observance of Gene StrattonPorter Week, an honor previously afforded only one other American woman: Red Cross founder Clara Barton. Planned by her fans in cooperation with her publishers and movie producers, the event included the planting of 10,000 white pines in a section of the Adirondack Mountains that would henceforth be known as the Gene Stratton-Porter Memorial Forest. Yet even before the special week, tributes to the departed author had already been taking place regularly across the country. A New York wire story noted that “in an astonishing number of towns there are Gene Stratton-Porter Societies — little groups of her followers that get together to discuss her writings and revere her memory.”
Perhaps the best way to revere her memory was suggested by W.A. Guthrie, chairman of the Indiana Department of Conservation (the forerunner of today’s Department of Natural Resources), in his recollections of the time he visited the author at her Sylvan Lake property. “We saw the many kinds of flowers in her
continued on page 24
THE MYSTERY OF HOW LIMBERLOST GOT ITS NAME
Limberlost, as the story goes, owes its name to a nimble guy who got disoriented in the mucky, murky swamp.
The Indiana State Museum embraces this folktale. “The swamp received its name from Limber Jim, who got lost while hunting in the swamp. When the news spread, the cry went out: ‘Limber’s lost!’”
It’s a plausible explanation, but perhaps too tidy – since, like the kids’ game of telephone, the story changes nearly every time it’s recounted. For instance, in 1883 the Indianapolis Journal identified Limber Jim as “a tall, thin young fellow, Jim Miller” who went turkey hunting and got lost for three days.
Said a 1928 Indianapolis Star column: “The pioneer settlers decided to have a grand hunt of three days’ duration. At the end of the first day’s hunt, it was found that Jimmy McDowel was missing … Although only 16, Jim was over six feet tall and very slender.”
A 1922 Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette article said Limber Jim was James Worthington, son of a former Ohio governor. The directionally challenged Jim got lost hunting a way out of the wilderness. His associates found him several days later.
At least those versions had a happy ending. In 1925, the Decatur Daily Democrat said the many variations “all agree that a man by the name Limber Jim was drowned in its waters about one hundred years ago.”
In 1941, the WPA Writers’ Project produced a 500-page Indiana guide that mentioned a Limber Jim McDowell (2 Ls). The Hammond Times spelled his surname “McWowell” – presumably a typo. The Indianapolis Star said Limber Jim was “so known because of his dancing proclivities,” but his name was James Corbus.
A 2020 Smithsonian magazine article quipped that Corbus “either returned alive or died in the quicksand and quagmires, depending which version you hear. Nobody knows the true origin of the name.”
And maybe that’s the point. As the Terre Haute TribuneStar put it, “The naming of the place may well be the stuff of tall tales.”
continued from page 23
gardens, and I believe she had something near 7,000 varieties of plants native to Indiana … and I began to see what a great work she had done,” said Guthrie. “I cannot help thinking what coming generations will lose with her passing and how much effort we should make to carry on the work she has so well undertaken.”
A character in her novel, “A Girl of the Limberlost,” may have best expressed Stratton-Porter’s lifelong love of nature and her desire to share it with others: “We Limberlost people must not be selfish with the wonders God has given to us. We must share with those poor cooped-up city people the best we can.”
STRATTONPORTER’S BOOKS
Throughout her career, Gene StrattonPorter wrote 12 novels, seven nature books, two poetry books, children’s books, and several magazine articles. At the height of her popularity in the early 1910s, she had 50 million readers and was the most popular author in the country.
Of the only 55 books published between 1895 and 1945 that sold more than one million copies, Gene Stratton-Porter wrote five of them. Eight of her novels were adapted into movies, and her works have been translated into more than 20 languages, including Braille. Some of her movies, including “The Keeper of the Bees,” “Laddie,” and “Romance of the Limberlost” (based in part on “Girl of the Limberlost”) are available to watch on YouTube.
Among her most notable books:
• “The Song of the Cardinal,” 1903
• “Freckles,” 1904
• “What I Have with Birds,” 1907
• “A Girl of the Limberlost,” 1909
Her most recognized work, “A Girl of the Limberlost,” brought Stratton-Porter international fame.
• “Music of the Wild,” 1910
• “The Harvester,” 1911
• “Moths of the Limberlost,” 1912
• “Laddie: A True Blue Story,” 1913
• “Homing with the Birds,” 1919
• “The Keeper of the Bees,” 1925 Stratton-Porter’s last novel. It was published a year after her 1924 death.
Gene Stratton-Porter thought of herself as “merely a nature lover.” Throughout her life, she fearlessly advocated for the preservation of forests, wildlife and wetlands. (Photo courtesy of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites)
For more information — and to plan your visits to — Gene Stratton-Porter’s historic sites and the Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve, contact:
Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site
1205 Pleasant Point, Rome City, IN 46784 317-232-1637 | indianamuseum.org Admission charged. Tours included with admission.
Limberlost State Historic Site
200 Sixth St., Geneva, IN 46740 260-368-7428 | indianamuseum.org
The site is open Wednesdays-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Indoor tours can be booked online. Self-guided tours of the Limberlost Conservation Area Nature Preserves are available all day. Admission charged.
Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve
8001-8499 N. 250 W., Bryant, IN 47326 260-368-7428 | limberlost.weebly.com
JUST RELEASED!
Cache of 789 1922 Peace Silver Dollars
Still Pristine As The Day They Were Struck
Rarcoa®, America’s Oldest Coin Company, is announcing the public release of 789 of the 1922 Peace Silver Dollar, struck in 90% pure silver at the iconic “Mother Mint” in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American coinage. Each coin comes in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, pristine as the day they were struck!
Hold 103 Years of American History
Struck in 1922, each coin carries 103 years of American history. Could Al Capone have paid for a load of illegal whiskey with your coin? Or maybe your great-grandfather carried it while storming the beaches of Normandy during World War II before ending up in a small coin shop in Little Rock, Arkansas. Each coin has its own unique history and you can hold American history in your hand when you buy yours today!
Sold Nationally for as much as $209
This same 1922 Peace Silver Dollar sells elsewhere for as much as $209. But thanks to Rarcoa’s buying power and numismatic expertise, you can own one for as little as $119, in quantity while supplies last. That’s $90 LESS!
The Indiana Historical Society has an extensive collection of Gene Stratton-Porter documents, letters, and photos available for public perusal at its William H.S. Smith Memorial Library. Among the collection is her correspondence with family members, her wedding invitation, telegrams sent after her death, and correspondence regarding the transfer of the Limberlost property to the state of Indiana. The collection can be viewed online at images.indianahistory.org
Buy More and Save!
Because the precious metals market is always active and dynamic, prices may adjust to re ect the latest market opportunities.
Stratton-Porter enjoyed spending time in the cozy parlor of her Wildflower Woods Cabin. (Photo courtesy of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites; Andrew Hancock)
EVENT GUIDE
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32ND ANNUAL INDIANA HERITAGE QUILT SHOW
MARCH 5-7
Bloomington | Bloomington Convention Center ihqs.org
View over 200 quilts, take a class from some of the top quilting instructors in the country, and browse through hundreds of fabrics and other sewing notions and accessories at the vendor area. Traveling quilt exhibits on-site. Admission charge.
JAY COUNTY FIBER ARTS FESTIVAL
MARCH 6-7
Portland | Jay County Fairgrounds fiberarts.visitjaycounty.com
Wood-carving demonstrations, hands-on classes, artist vendors, kids area, and food. Free will donation. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
WINTER TRACTOR AND GAS ENGINE SHOW
MARCH 12-14
Auburn | Kruse Plaza wintertractorshow.com
Classic tractors, muscle tractors, a pedal pull contest, pancake breakfast, swap meet, toy show, craft show, trading post, and quilt show. Presented by Farm Power Club. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission charge.
ST. PATRICK’S CELEBRATION
MARCH 13-15
Ireland | Downtown stpatsirelandin.com
5k walk/run, parade, craft fair, Leprechaun Bingo Bash, kids' events, Cars & Coffee, Jeep Run, raffle drawings, food, and more.
MIDWEST MEOW FEST
MARCH 21
South Bend | Century Center info@catladycafesouthbend.com
Cat adoption, shopping, bingo, cat-style karaoke, and more. Guest speaker: Best-selling author and kitten advocate Hannah Shaw.
Scholarship recipients look forward to CAREERS AS LINEMEN
For Cody Case and Briar Houser, the latest recipients of Hoosier Energy’s Daniel L. Schuckman and W. Eugene Roberts memorial scholarships, becoming linemen not only provides them with career paths.
It’s about becoming part of a team.
That was the takeaway when they graduated from the North American Lineman Training Center in McEwen, Tennessee, this past December.
As a member of the football, baseball, and wrestling teams at North Central (Farmersburg) High School, Houser connected with being part of something bigger during his time at NALTC.
“The one big thing that stood out was the bond created among the guys and the teamwork that filled out the crew sessions,” he said. “I’ve played sports all my life, and I love that feeling. Somebody’s got your back. You aren’t
just doing a job on your own, but somebody is there with you.”
Growing up in Shelburn in WIN Energy REMC territory, Houser wasn’t really sure what he wanted to do for a career. But his senior year of high school came fast, and as an honor roll student, he was originally thinking of business school at a place like Indiana University or the University of Alabama. As he looked into the options, Houser was less sure of his choice.
He also participated in archery, and the coach of a neighboring team was a lineman. That prompted Houser to begin investigating the possibilities, quickly changing his thoughts on the future.
Case also changed his plans over the course of high school, initially planning to study wildlife biology. But after two years of high school, he realized the
prospect of another six-plus years in college was not appealing.
“I like to be out working with my hands and in the field,” he said.
Fortunately, he had a good example of what a career as a lineman could be in his older brother, Waylan, who was among the inaugural recipients of the Hoosier Energy scholarship in December 2021.
“Once I saw what my brother was doing, I realized that I wanted to do that too,” said Case, an avid hunter. “He taught me a few things, and I learned quickly. Now, instead of working in an office, I can spend time with wildlife on the weekends and do my hunting.”
He applied to NALTC early and was accepted midway through his senior year at Greensburg High School. When he began training, it was clear he made the right choice.
Among the recent graduates of the North American Lineman Training Center are Hoosier Energy scholarship recipients Cody Case and Briar Houser. Andy McComas, institutional director of the center, congratulates Case and Houser on their achievements.
Cody Case
Briar Houser
Wine down
AT WHYTE HORSE
Escape from it all in exchange for the fun, fantastic flavors, and winning experience
at Monticello’s Whyte Horse Winery
By Natalie Derrickson
Due west of the Tippecanoe River in Monticello is the escape you’ve been searching for — Whyte Horse Winery. The family-owned, familyfriendly winery infuses fun with every pour throughout each season. Known for more than its wines, Whyte Horse has a reputation for its craveable menus, curated for the season, and its robust events lineup. Pair your tasting flight with a brick oven pizza for the ultimate wind-down. Perfectly chewy, bubbly crust — topped with tangy balsamic glaze, rich pepperoni, and fresh herbs — offers an elevated experience for Friday nights and beyond. Whether you choose a spot on the peaceful porch, under the shade trees, or inside, there’s a seat waiting for you at Whyte Horse. Stop by the tasting room throughout the week to curate your ideal lineup. When you’ve found the varieties you can’t go without, consider
joining the Whyte Horse wine club, with monthly or quarterly releases in sweet, dry, or Vintner’s Choice selections. Try Indiana’s favorite Traminette, bursting with apple and strawberry notes made from grapes grown in the Whyte Horse vineyard. Pair your pizza selection with Chautauqua Red, sweet enough to compete with bold, spicy flavors, and best enjoyed chilled.
Slushies are a visitor favorite at Whyte Horse, and shift with the seasons and sync with the winery’s legendary events. In the spring, expect fresh, fruit-forward blends that beckon warmer weather, shifting into summer fun flavors full of Americana. Later in the year, plan a return to Whyte Horse for its spooky, pop culture-infused Halloween events and magical Christmas experiences, including cozy igloos, perfect for date night or group outing. Whyte Horse also
coordinates a book club, offers live music weekly, and hosts annual events folks plan for all year long. The winery’s Mother’s Day popup is one of the most sought-after events to celebrate, the Murder Mystery dinner sells out quickly, and the September car show brings in over 250 vintage rides.
Whyte Horse Winery is open yearround, Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours on Fridays from April to October. For the most up-to-date events and concerts, visit Whyte Horse Winery’s Facebook page.
1510 S. Airport Road Monticello, IN 47960
Photos courtesy of Whyte Horse Winery
Bring spring’s beauty indoors
The urge to go outside and pick a few spring flowers is strong as we move away from winter.
Some people are reluctant to cut spring bulbs because it removes a lot of color from the landscape. Wanting to cut spring flowers for indoor enjoyment is as good a reason as any to throw a few more tulips and daffodils in the ground every fall.
The aforementioned tulips and daffodils are the most popular bulbs to be planted. When planting them, select varieties that bloom early, midor late season. Not only does this extend beauty in the landscape, but it also provides more opportunities to bring that beauty indoors.
Look for unopened flowers
With tulips, daffodils, and other spring bulbs, cut the flowers while the buds are formed but tightly closed. Snipping flowers before they fully open extends their life in a vase.
Mornings are the best time to cut flowers. Be sure to cut only the flower stem. The plant’s leaves need to stay attached until they turn yellow, brown, and fall flat. This allows the leaves to replenish the underground bulbs for next year’s flowers.
Make the cut at a 45-degree angle. The stem’s angle provides more surface for water uptake. Stems sitting flat on the bottom of the vase have limited water uptake. Remove any leaves attached to the stem.
It’s alive!
Tulips have an interesting growing habit. In the vase, the flower opens during the day and closes at night. Tulips also continue to grow or stretch toward the light, even when cut and in the vase.
When cutting spring bulbs we must contend with killer daffodils. Gardeners already know daffodils are toxic to animals, which is why they rarely bother the bulbs or the flowers.
Killer sap
Daffodils emit a toxic sap called mucilage which can clog the stems of companion plants, preventing them from taking up water. Avoid this by changing the water in a vase of mixed flowers every day.
Or, when the daffodils are first cut, place the stems in cool water overnight. This draws the mucilage out. The next morning, discard the water and rinse the stems of the daffodils. Add the daffodils to your vase of mixed flowers.
Place the vase in a cool area away from direct sun or heat. Change water every few days. As a stem begins to die, pull it from the vase, recut the remaining stems and refresh the water. Be sure to take a whiff. Many tulips and daffodils are fragrant.
Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, a member of Garden Communicators International, blogs at hoosiergardener.com
GRAND PRIZE
This year, our grand prize will be a $1,000 bill credit to one registered member!
Other prizes:
First place prize
$500 bill credit
Second place prize
$250 bill credit
Third place prize
$100 bill credit
Prizes are announced after the business session at 5 p.m. Member must be present to win. IRS rules apply to the grand prize.
Every member registering at the Jamboree will receive a 5-gallon bucket and Swedish dishcloth
KEL + RO
Bringing you the best in originals and covers. They are known for their powerhouse vocals and rich harmonies.
SILLY SAFARIS
Join us in the main gym from 4-5 p.m. as Silly Safaris takes the stage with a wild performance.
Wheelchairs are available at the front door on a
Jamboree Agenda
2 p.m. Doors open
2-4 p.m. Aux gym Registration and voting
Three directors will be elected Receive a registration gift — a 5-gallon bucket and Swedish dishcloth
Oldest lady/gent registration
Members 75 years and older stop by for a voucher for a free KFC meal at the Jamboree
2-5 p.m.
Main gym Refreshments Ice cream, pretzels, and water
2-4 p.m.
Main gym upper level
2-4 p.m.
Kids activities
Inflatables, cotton candy, face painting, crafts, and prizes
Main gym Entertainment Kel + Ro — Bringing you the best in originals and covers. They are known for their powerhouse vocals and rich harmonies.
4-5 p.m.
Main gym Silly Safaris
Join us as Silly Safaris takes the main stage with a wild performance.
5 p.m. Main gym Business session
Election results
Recognition of oldest lady and gentleman Prize drawing and adjournment
