OF Indiana’s student artists
Your well could lower your heating and cooling costs.
If your home has a well, you may be halfway to a geothermal HVAC system.
Your water well can make switching to a WaterFurnace geothermal heating and cooling system easier and more affordable. An existing well can often serve as part of the geothermal loop field, reducing installation timelines and costs. WaterFurnace delivers:
• Steady, year-round heating and cooling that’s twice as efficient and lasts 40% longer than traditional HVAC
• Savings of up to 70% on home energy costs
• Long-lasting HVAC system that adds home value Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer to schedule a no-pressure home assessment for a personalized estimate.
Contact Your Local WaterFurnace Dealer
Delphi
Blue Fox Htg & Clg (765) 822-2200 bluefoxhvac.com
Farmersburg
Heady Htg & Clg (812) 696-2396
Flora
Camflo Htg & Clg (574) 967-4200 camfloheatingandcooling.com
Fort Wayne
Masters Htg & Clg, Inc. (866) 824-4328 mastersingeothermal.com
Greensburg Wallpe Htg & Clg (812) 663-7252 wallpegeothermal.com
Indianapolis Masters Htg & Clg by Van Valer, Inc. (317) 881-9074 mastersingeothermal.com
Jasper Hulsman Refrigeration, Inc. (812) 634-1492 hulsmanrefrigeration.com
Laotto T&T Plbg, Htg, A/C & Geothermal (260) 200-4003 tt-ph.com
Lebanon Blue Fox Htg & Clg (765) 859-0880 bluefoxhvac.com
Nappanee Crist Plbg, Htg, Electrical (574) 831-4630 cristnappanee.com
North Manchester Mars Refrigeration, LLC (260) 901-0057
North Vernon Air One Htg & Clg, Inc. (888) 346-1790 aironehvac.com
Ossian Collier’s Comfort Services (260) 622-6622 collierscomfort.com
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
VOLUME 76 | NUMBER 1
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 300,000 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 St., 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 and Member Engagement
Lauren Carman Director of Events, Engagement, and Communication
Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist
Amber Knight Creative Manager Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer
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 a year 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 St., Carmel, IN 46032 Include key number.
No portion of Indiana Connection may be reproduced without permission of the editor.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
A reflection of the community
The spring and summer months are prime time for electric cooperative Annual Meetings and member appreciation events. Due to budget constraints or reduced interest, some co-ops have shifted to virtual meetings. However, many still offer in-person events.
Annual Meetings are typically a place to exercise Cooperative Principle #2: Democratic Member Control. Unlike for-profit electric companies, co-ops are democratic organizations controlled by their members. Annual Meetings update members on the co-op’s business from the past year and elect or re-elect directors to represent members’ interests.
But co-op events aren’t just about business. They’re a place for the community to gather, spend time together, and share a meal.
In May, I had the privilege of visiting Kendallville, Indiana, for
Noble REMC’s Member Appreciation Event. I sat at the Indiana Connection booth and met many wonderful magazine readers. I also watched as community members greeted one another and enjoyed the event. There was plenty of laughter and smiles as people waited in line for their free porkburgers and hot dogs. The members also stopped by other booths to learn more about organizations in their community, including Noble County Tourism, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Black Pine Animal Sanctuary.
Co-op events reflect the local community and the people who live there. If your co-op is hosting an event this summer or throughout the year, I highly recommend taking the time to visit. I bet you will be glad you did.
BRITT DAVIS | editor bdavis@indianaec.org
EMAIL: info@indianaconnection.org
WEB: indianaconnection.org (fill out forms)
MAIL: 11805 Pennsylvania St., Carmel, IN 46032
ON THE MENU: Submit your favorite recipes featuring pumpkin, deadline Aug. 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.
GIVEAWAY: Enter to win an art supply set. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to our office address. The deadline to enter is July 31.
The
Consider
The
Master
What
The Madison BBQ Party is the ultimate summer celebration (Not in all editions)
An oriole summer (Not in all editions)
ON THE COVER: Luciana Harmon, a homeschool student from Jeffersonville, was honored as the Artist of the Year and as the 11th-grade winner in the 2026 Cooperative Student Art Contest. Learn more about the artists behind the contest’s exceptional art in this month’s cover feature. (Photo by Kiley Lipps)
CONTACT US
812-482-5454
Billing Dept.: 812-482-1664
Operations Dept.: 812-482-1188
After Hours: 812-482-5455
Fax: 812-482-7015
OFFICE HOURS
7 a.m.– 4 p.m., Monday– Friday
7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. for Line Dept.
STREET ADDRESS
1400 Energy Dr., Jasper, IN 47546
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 610, Jasper, IN 47547-0610
SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS
To report service interruptions, call: 812-482-5454 (during regular hours) or 812-482-5455 (after hours) day or night. Please have your account number ready when reporting outages
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brad Knies President
Richard A. Wendholt Vice President
Randall L. Stemle Secretary-Treasurer
Mark Montgomery
Andy Schwenk
Steve Speedy
David Rudolph
KEY STAFF
Joe Henson CEO/General Manager
Craig Adams Manager of Finance
Matt Brames Manager of Engineering
Greg Dilger Engineering Project Manager
Ruth Hopf Billing Supervisor
Patrick Lichlyter Manager of Operations
MEMBER SERVICES
Budget billing
SmartHub
Pay by Phone 24/7
Drive-through window
Night depository
Medical account watch
Prepaid meter
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Shift timing and improve efficiency
As we settle into the heat of July, our homes naturally use more electricity. Air conditioners run longer, refrigerators work harder and daily routines — from cooking dinner to doing laundry — often overlap during the warmest parts of the day. That’s also when the demand for electricity across our community is at its highest.
At Dubois REC, our top priority is delivering safe, reliable, and affordable power whenever you need it. But during peak energy hours — typically in the heat of the afternoon, through the evening dinner hours — there is added pressure on the grid as homes and businesses require larger amounts of electricity, all at the same time. On the hottest days, that strain can be significant.
The good news is that small changes at home can make a meaningful difference. Think of our electric grid like a highway system. During rush hour, traffic is heavy, congestion builds, and everything slows down. But when drivers adjust their schedules, even slightly, it helps ease the bottleneck. The same principle applies to energy use.
By shifting some of your high-energy activities to off-peak hours — like doing laundry early in the morning, or later in the evening, running the dishwasher before you go to bed or cooking meals earlier in the day — you’re helping spread out demand. That reduces pressure on the grid during those critical peak hours. Here are a couple of steps to take to lower energy use during peak hours.
In the kitchen, simple swaps can help. Using a slow cooker, air fryer,
or outdoor grill instead of the oven keeps your home more comfortable and reduces the need for additional cooling during the warmer parts of the day. And when it comes to laundry, air-drying clothes or spacing out loads can cut down on both energy use and indoor heat.
Don’t overlook the power of ceiling fans. They can help you feel several degrees cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort.
These actions may seem small on their own, but together, they add up. When many members make mindful choices about when and how they use electricity, it helps reduce peak demand, eases strain on the grid, and supports more stable energy costs for our local communities.
That is the cooperative difference. As a member, you’re not just a customer — you are part of a community working together to power our future. Every effort you make contributes to a stronger, more resilient system.
This summer, I encourage you to take a closer look at your daily routines. A few simple shifts can go a long way in keeping your home comfortable, your energy use efficient and our grid running smoothly — no matter how high the temperatures climb.
250 years strong. One nation. Under God. Happy birthday, America!
Joe Henson CEO/General Manager
Rate schedule
SERVICE CHARGE
Single-phase
$35.50
Three-phase $47
ENERGY CHARGE
The first 500 kWh at $.10522/kWh
The next 2,500 kWh at $.09772/kWh
All remaining kWh at $.09462/kWh
POWER COST TRACKER
All rate classes
All kWh at $0.01122/kWh
SECURITY LIGHT
If you have a security light, add:
175-watt mercury vapor
100-watt sodium vapor
100-watt metal halide
70-watt LED
$8.32/month
$7.50/month
$8.75/month
$7.50/month
Electric bills due by the 20th of each month. Members who pay by the 15th, or pay their bill by auto draft, will be entered in the monthly drawing for a $50 bill credit. Visit duboisrec.com for easy ways to pay your electric bill online.
The easiest way to win a $50 bill credit
NEW WINNER EACH MONTH
It is easy to enter our monthly $50 drawing! All Dubois REC members who pay their bill by the 15th of the month, using any payment option, will be automatically entered in the $50 monthly drawing. Members who pay by ACH/bank draft and recurring payments are also automatically included in the drawing. (Delinquent payments are not eligible.)
The winner will be notified, and his or her name will be published here.
MONTHLY WINNER
ASHLEY
BALL, ECKERTY
Access your account online
The free SmartHub app is available to Dubois REC members, and makes it simple to view your bill and access your account, make secure payments, check your electric use, notify us of an outage, and so much more!
For members who appreciate having lots of data to compare, SmartHub lets you analyze your electric use and do an easy comparison with the online tools. Curious about your average billing? It will tell you that, too. Wonder how weather affects your electric bill? View a report that details the average temperature and your electric use for each month in the period you choose.
Download the free mobile or tablet app in the Apple App Store or Android Marketplace. If duplicates appear, the correct app is provided
by our partner, National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC). You can also find the app by going directly to smarthubapp.com
Don’t have a tablet or smartphone? No problem. You can use the SmartHub interface from your computer. Just go to the website and click “Log In To SmartHub” to pay your bill. You can create an account there if you don’t have one.
Check our website for unclaimed capital credits
Dubois REC has a list of members on our website who have unclaimed capital credits from 1987. Capital credits are the funds we return to our members after all expenses have been paid. When you signed up to receive electric service from Dubois REC, you became a member of a not-for-profit electric cooperative.
While investor-owned utilities return a portion of any profits back to their shareholders, electric cooperatives operate on an at-cost basis. Dubois REC allocates, and periodically
retires, capital credits based on how much electricity you purchased during a certain year. Please visit our website and look under the “Member Services” menu to see if you or someone you know should be getting a capital credit check.
This month, we recognize two Dubois REC employees for their milestones.
Scott Rottet recently retired after 39 years of service! We wish him the best in his retirement. Apprentice Lineman Jared Wilgus celebrates five years of service.
We appreciate both these hard-working employees and the years they have dedicated to the co-op and our members.
Office closure
In honor of the Fourth of July holiday, our office will be closed on July 3.
SCOTT ROTTET
JARED WILGUS
Dubois REC
RIGHT TREE, RIGHT PLACE.
TREES NOT SUITABLE NEAR POWER LINES
American Arborvitae
Junipers Japanese Yew
Sugar Maple Evergreens
White Pine Austrian Pine Common Hawthorn
False Cypress Common Hawthorn Evergreens
White Firs Blue Spruce
Flowering Crabapple Flowering Dogwood
Redbud
Ginkgo
Norway Maple Oak
Flowering Crabapple Flowering Dogwood Redbud
Serviceberry
Sweetbay Magnolia Wafer-Ash
Sweetgum
Linden or Basswood London Plane
Serviceberry
Sweetbay Magnolia Wafer-Ash
Consider electrical safety
BEFORE AND DURING YOUR VACATION
Before leaving for vacation, most people focus on packing and travel plans, but preparing your home for electrical safety is just as important. Taking a few simple steps can help reduce the risk of fire, damage, or electrical issues while you are away.
AT HOME BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Avoid leaving lights on continuously while you are gone. Light bulbs and fixtures can become hot over time, increasing the risk of fire. Instead, use programmable timers or motion-sensing outdoor lighting to create the appearance that someone is home without keeping lights on constantly.
Unplug nonessential appliances and electronics. Items such as coffee makers, toasters, televisions, and entertainment systems can be vulnerable to power surges or lightning strikes. Unplugging them reduces the risk of damage and helps prevent electrical fires.
Inspect cords and outlets before you leave. Look for frayed wires, cracks, or loose connections, and address any issues before traveling.
WHILE YOU ARE AWAY
Electrical safety does not stop once you leave home. When staying in a hotel, condo, or shortterm rental, take a few moments to check for potential hazards.
Look for overloaded outlets, excessive use of extension cords, outlets that feel warm, or unusual odors that could indicate overheating. If you notice a concern, report it to management immediately. If the issue is not resolved, consider finding another place to stay.
ON THE ROAD
If you are involved in a crash that brings down a utility pole or power lines, remain inside your vehicle. Downed lines may still be energized and pose a serious risk of electrocution. Warn others to stay away, and call 911. Only exit the vehicle when emergency responders confirm it is safe.
A few small actions can make a significant difference in reducing electrical risks while traveling. Preparing your home, staying aware of hazards, and knowing how to respond in an emergency can help keep your vacation safe.
Let’s get this bread
MASTER THE ART OF HOMEMADE BREAD WITH THESE IRRESISTIBLE RECIPES
Almond poppy seed loaves
GALE RHODES, BATTLE GROUND
1 1/8 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups of half and half or milk
2 1/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
3 cups flour
2 Tbsp poppy seeds
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp almond extract
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
FOR THE GLAZE
1/4 cup orange juice
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp vanilla
Mix the oil, sugar, and milk in a large bowl with an electric mixer or in a stand mixer. Add the eggs and beat for 1 to 2 minutes. Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet in three batches, mixing slowly after each addition. Add the almond extract and vanilla last.
Bake in two greased and floured loaf pans at 350 F. While the loaves are baking, make the glaze and let it sit, stirring occasionally. Check the bread for doneness after 1 hour, but baking may take 10 to 15 minutes longer. When the loaves are done, let them rest out of the oven for 5 minutes, then remove from the pans and glaze the tops and sides.
Pumpkin bread
PATRICIA BURTON, TAYLORSVILLE
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten and separate
1 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 can of pumpkin
1/2 cup margarine, melted
1/3 cup water
Mix the cream cheese, sugar, and one beaten egg until well blended. Set aside.
Combine the dry ingredients. Add pumpkin, margarine, 1 beaten egg, and water, mixing well just until moistened. Reserve 2 cups of the pumpkin batter. Pour the remaining batter into a greased and floured 9-by-5inch loaf pan. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin batter and top with the reserved pumpkin batter. Cut through the batters with a knife several times for a swirl effect. Bake at 350 F for an hour and 10 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes, then remove from the pan.
No knead focaccia bread
DEBBIE WILSON, LOOGOOTEE
1 packet yeast
2 tsp honey
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
A pinch of pepper
6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
4 Tbsp butter plus enough to butter the pan
2-4 cloves garlic, minced
Whisk the yeast, honey, and 2 and a 1/2 cups of lukewarm water together. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Mix together the flour, salt, garlic powder, thyme, basil, oregano, and pepper, and add to the wet ingredients. Mix it with a rubber spatula until the shaggy dough firms and the ingredients are incorporated.
Pour 4 tablespoons of the olive oil into the bottom of a large bowl. Transfer the dough, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise until doubled in size.
Butter a 9-by 13-inch pan. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the center of the pan.
Deflate the dough by working it with a spatula from side to side, then transfer it to the pan. Pour the oil left in the bowl over the dough. Let it rise until doubled in size.
Dimple with fingers and push deeply to the bottom of the pan. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of oil over the dough and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 450 F on the middle rack of the oven for 15 minutes. Then, turn the temperature down to 400 F and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
When ready to serve, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a pan and add two to four cloves of minced garlic. Heat and stir until the garlic is lightly toasted. Brush on top of the bread.
An investment in preparation
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE ADDING HOME BACKUP BATTERY SYSTEMS
Many homeowners have considered adding backup battery storage to provide power at peak times or when the electricity goes out. Yet such an addition can be a major investment. Before you spend money on a residential battery storage system, consider these questions.
WHY DO YOU WANT A BACKUP POWER SYSTEM?
This is the first question an electric co-op’s energy advisor will ask. If you are concerned that your home is frequently losing power, co-op employees can investigate the issue and identify potential fixes that may save you money. Sometimes you can resolve your issue without needing a more expensive purchase.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO POWER?
Battery systems that power an entire home are much more expensive than smaller systems that power critical items, such as heating and cooling, refrigerators, and a few appliances. The type of heating in the home can also make a huge difference; electric resistance heat requires much more electricity compared to a natural gas or propane furnace.
Before committing to a purchase, you need to understand what your backup battery system can do. Your cooperative can provide insight
into the energy needed to power appliances and systems.
HAVE
YOU CHECKED ON THE SUPPORT A CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE?
A residential battery system will likely need a contractor to install it properly. Seek multiple bids and consider what each contractor is offering. Question each salesperson’s assumptions. Will a contractor provide a walkthrough on setup or support after installation? A good contractor should be willing to answer questions even after service is completed.
When you purchase a backup power system, be sure to
follow your electric co-op’s interconnection rules when setting it up to ensure safe operation. This will prevent damage to your home and the energy grid and keep your co-op’s linemen safe.
By knowing the right questions and considerations, you can be sure that your backup battery system will meet your needs. Be sure to contact your local electric cooperative before you purchase a system to ensure the dollars you spend make sense!
Jake Eslinger Energy Advisor
Parke County REMC
Crawford County
BY NICOLE THOMAS
Bordered by the Ohio River and Blue River, Crawford County offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can camp at Patoka Lake State Park, one of Indiana’s largest campgrounds with more than 500 campsites. They can also hike to waterfalls at Hemlock Cliffs in Hoosier National Forest or explore deep valleys and rocky cliffs at Yellow Birch Ravine Nature Reserve.
CAVE COUNTRY
Crawford County is home to two of Indiana’s best-known tourist caves: Marengo Cave and Wyandotte Caves. Siblings Blanche and Ollis Hiestand discovered Marengo Cave in 1883 after they crawled into a sinkhole with two candles, hoping to explore it before their classmates. After learning about the discovery, landowner Samuel Stewart opened the cave for tours just days later, charging 25 cents per visitor. Today, Marengo Cave offers guided tours year-round and has about five miles of passageways, making it one of Indiana’s longest caves. Nearby,
Wyandotte Caves features a pair of limestone caves with evidence of Native American mining dating back to about 8000 B.C. The cave system is also home to nearly 30,000 bats.
AMONG THE STARS
Crawford County’s low levels of light pollution make it a popular location for stargazing in Indiana. Cave Country Canoes hosts the Milky Way Festival at Sycamore Springs Park, where volunteers from the Louisville Astronomical Society set up high-powered telescopes for views of the Milky Way, planets, and other celestial objects. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, binoculars, and red-light flashlights to preserve their night vision. Visitors can also bring or rent a boat and drift onto Mill Pond to take in the starry night from the water.
FLOWING ADVENTURE
Each summer, Cave Country Canoes also hosts the Paddle Festival, where participants can kayak or canoe up to 48 miles across four days with
routes extending to the confluence of the Blue River and the Ohio River. Before heading out on the water, participants can grab a coffee at Out of the Blue Coffee and Ice Cream Shop. After a day of paddling, they can relax with food trucks, live music, and overnight primitive camping before returning to the river the next day.
COUNTY FACTS
FOUNDED: 1818
NAMED FOR: William H. Crawford, the U.S. Secretary of Treasury from 1816 to 1825
POPULATION: 10,526
COUNTY SEAT: English
INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 13
Energy Efficiency That Works as Hard as You Do.
As a member of your local electric co‑op, you know the value of smart energy choices. A Heat Pump Water Heater uses far less energy than a traditional water heater — meaning dependable hot water with lower monthly bills. Efficient for your home. Good for your wallet. Better for your community.
SHOWCASING THE TALENTS OF Indiana’s student artists
The 2026 Cooperative Student Art Contest offers young Hoosier artists a chance to shine
Earlier this year, Indiana’s electric cooperatives named the winners of the 29th annual Cooperative Student Art Contest. Luciana Harmon, a homeschool student from Jeffersonville, was honored as Artist of the Year.
A first-place artist was also selected in each grade, Kindergarten through 12th grade, and received $100. Thirteen additional artists received honorable mention awards and $50.
“Indiana’s electric cooperatives value the creativity and talent of young people in their communities,” said John Cassady, CEO at Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC). “This contest is a great way to encourage creative expression while giving students the opportunity to share their work with people across the state. Supporting local students in this way reflects cooperatives’ commitment to the communities they serve.”
The artwork was judged based on artistic merit, originality, and creativity. “We received so many thoughtful and creative entries from across the state,” said Karlee Gable, youth and education manager at IEC and coordinator of the art contest.
As the contest moves beyond the calendar format, we’re excited to see students bring a fresh perspective to their artwork and tell the cooperative story in different, creative ways.
– Karlee Gable
“It’s always rewarding to see students share their talent through the contest.”
The art contest is open to any Indiana K-12 student and will continue in 2027, shifting from month-based themes to cooperative-focused categories.
“As the contest moves beyond the calendar format,” said Gable, “we’re excited to see students bring a fresh perspective to their artwork and tell the cooperative story in different, creative ways.”
Read on to learn more about the 2026 contest winners.
KINDERGARTEN
Dorothy Gatwood, Bristow
Dorothy Gatwood of Bristow is this year’s kindergarten winner for her bright and cheerful painting of a sunset. A student at Ferdinand Elementary School and member of Southern Indiana Power, Gatwood shared, “I like to paint. It’s the best!”
With an a can
FIRST GRADE
Jane Olsen, Newburgh
Jane Olsen, a student at Newburgh Elementary, is the first-grade winner with her winter scene depicting a lively ice-skating rink. Olsen continues her winning streak, earning her second consecutive selection in the contest and showcasing her growing artistic talent.
THIRD GRADE
Addilyn Hammel, Huntington
Addilyn Hammel of Huntington is the third-grade winner and a member of Heartland REMC. She created “The Hives Are Alive!” to show how bees are associated with the start of spring. She attends Andrews Elementary School.
Josephine Stanger is the second-grade winner with her soft pastel artwork titled “The Snow Surprise”. She is a first-time contest winner for her winterinspired piece and is a member of South Central Indiana REMC.
SECOND GRADE
Josephine Stanger, Martinsville
FOURTH GRADE
Nash Cissell, Borden
Fourth-grade winner Nash Cissell of Borden is a student at Silver Creek Elementary and a member of Clark County REMC. He earned his second consecutive win with a creative collage artwork depicting the iconic April tradition, Indiana University’s Little 500 race.
FIFTH GRADE
Dustin Otto, Amboy
Dustin Otto of Amboy is the fifthgrade winner for his piece titled “Spring Farm”. A homeschool student, he created his large canvas work to reflect “the time we spend outdoors in springtime.” He is a member of Miami-Cass REMC.
SEVENTH GRADE
Lily Fouts, Seymour
Lily Fouts of Seymour is the seventhgrade winner and a student at Immanuel Lutheran School. She has enjoyed bringing her visions to life through lessons with Kay Fox Art and Design. Fouts is a member of Jackson County REMC and was awarded an honorable mention in fifth grade.
SIXTH GRADE
Hunter Spindler, Greenwood
Hunter Spindler, a homeschool student, is the sixth-grade winner from Greenwood. Using oil paints, his preferred medium, Spindler’s artwork celebrates June as National Dairy Month. This marks his second consecutive year as a winner, and he is a member of JCREMC.
EIGHTH GRADE
Olivia DeSchamp, Jasper
Olivia DeSchamp, a student at Forest Park Jr/Sr High School, is the eighth-grade winner and a member of Dubois REC. Her pastel artwork features soft floral imagery illuminated by fireflies, capturing a summer evening in an Indiana garden.
Laura Deckena is the ninthgrade winner from South Whitley for her art “The Curious Critter”. A first-time winner, she created her piece using scratch art techniques to depict a squirrel perched in a tree during an Indiana autumn.
NINTH GRADE
Laura Deckena, South Whitley
10TH GRADE
Cooper Baird, Fort Wayne
Cooper Baird, the 10th-grade winner from Fort Wayne, marks his third consecutive year winning his grade level. A student at Carroll High School, Baird views art as both a creative outlet and a personal journey. He shared, “I create because it allows me to make sense of the world and my place within it.”
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
11TH GRADE
Luciana Harmon, Jeffersonville
Luciana Harmon of Jeffersonville, a homeschool student, has been named Artist of the Year and the 11th-grade winner for her detailed colored-pencil drawing of a deer in an Indiana forest. Harmon is passionate about creating artwork that highlights animals and nature, sharing that she strives to “bring glory to God through the beauty of his creation” through her art.
12TH GRADE
Makenna Krause, South Whitley
Makenna Krause, a homeschool student from South Whitley, is the 12th-grade winner for the heartfelt portrait of her late dog, Logan. Using a precise blend of markers and colored pencils, Krause captured both the likeness and spirit of her subject. This marks her first category win in the contest.
Looking ahead to 2027
The creativity continues with the 2027 Cooperative Art Contest. Next year’s theme, “We Power Indiana,” invites students of all grade levels to illustrate the people, communities, and everyday activities that keep Indiana moving forward. From farms and schools to neighborhoods and local businesses, energy connects the places and experiences that matter most. Electric cooperatives don’t just deliver power — we help power Indiana’s communities, and we want students to illustrate what that looks like to them.
Entries will open Aug. 2, 2026, and remain open through March 1, 2027. Students, parents, and educators can find full details on contest rules, theme guidelines, and eligibility at goiec.org/artcontest
Honorable mention winners
KINDERGARTEN
Jolysbeth Holt-Lara, Henryville Clark County REMC
FIRST GRADE
Hudson Heiny, Henryville Clark County REMC
SECOND GRADE
Eleanor Daunhauer, Ferdinand Dubois REC
THIRD GRADE
Rowyn Mellencamp, Seymour Jackson County REMC
FOURTH GRADE
Henry Crance, Columbia City
FIFTH GRADE
Robert Reno, Jeffersonville
SIXTH GRADE
Eden Fawver, Knightstown Henry County REMC
SEVENTH GRADE
Etta Kaucher, Greenfield NineStar Connect
EIGHTH GRADE
Isabella Martin, Fort Wayne
NINTH GRADE
Isabella Griffin, Warsaw Kosciusko REMC
10TH GRADE
Mary Mondok, Fort Wayne
11TH GRADE
Elizabeth Massie, South Whitley
12TH GRADE
Hannah Moore, Pierceton Kosciusko REMC
International flavors, local spirit
THE GARAGE FOOD HALL FEATURES AWARD-WINNING CUISINE IN A COMMUNAL GATHERING SPACE
BY STACEY MCARTHUR
Exploring the culinary options at The Garage Food Hall is akin to traveling around the world. The 38,000-square-foot community marketplace features more than 20 independently owned local and regional vendors housed in two repurposed Coca-Cola bottling plant garage buildings in the Bottleworks District in downtown Indianapolis.
Food options abound, like Pig Pen BBQ, Clancy’s, and Just Chicken. Latin-inspired vendors include Gaucho’s Fire and Sal & Pimenta. La Chinita Poblana is a MexicanAsian fusion taqueria. Patrons can even find gluten-free corn pancakes stuffed with meat, cheese, and veggies at Azucar Morena. Drink options include Hard Truth Distilling and Axel’s Garage.
AND THE WINNER IS Opening in January 2021, The Garage has won several awards for its culinary kaleidoscope. This year, it earned the #4 spot on USA Today’s Best Food Halls list. A panel of culinary experts nominated their
favorite 20 food halls nationwide.
USA Today’s 10Best editors and readers voted for the final top 10.
“Food halls like The Garage exist across the country, but this year, we stood out,” said Catherine Haynes, general manager.
TESTING THE TASTES
Haynes praised the quality of all restaurants. “We do taste tests. If it’s a food concept, we make sure there is nothing like it in the food hall, so there’s no direct competition. We vet for the best,” said Haynes, “which sets us apart from other food halls in the country.
“Guests who come to The Garage are amazed by the variety of food and beverages. Everything from lobster rolls to arepas, poke bowls to backyard BBQ, and burgers to sweet treats. It’s perfect for groups where everyone wants something different, all set in a fun, lively atmosphere to hang out and enjoy.”
MORE THAN JUST FOOD
There’s plenty to do while hanging out, like experiencing the thrill of racing with a high-quality racing
simulation. Social activities have included workshops, book swaps, and tabletop games. Recently, management hid a $100 gift card for guests to find. “The Garage is also a great spot for gathering. We have large seating areas, live music, a giant projection screen for sports, and a spacious patio,” Haynes said.
The first Friday of each month, The Garage offers an extra dose of creativity. Guests can explore popup vendors showcasing handmade goods, unique crafts, and oneof-a-kind finds. “There’s always something new to look forward to when you come,” said Haynes.
The Garage Food Hall 906 Carrolton Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46202 765-742-3300 garageindy.com
The Garage is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GARAGE FOOD HALL
More than a job, it’s a calling
DONNIE
ESLINGER CELEBRATES
50 YEARS WITH HOOSIER ENERGY
Most people remember March 1976 for Indiana University’s unbeaten national championship in men’s basketball. But that date is also notable for the start of Donnie Eslinger’s career at Hoosier Energy, one that has reached 50 years and counting.
Eslinger, who is now a transmission working foreman, was initially hired as a communications technician C at 20-years-old, with a degree in electronics communication technology from Ivy Tech in Terre Haute.
The Dugger, Indiana, native always favored math and science in high school and drew inspiration to work in the utility industry from his father, a construction lineman on transmission lines.
“I was just a young guy trying to make my way in the profession,” Eslinger said. “I wanted it to be a career job, but you never think about getting old, and I never would have dreamed I’d be here 50 years.”
He maxed out his initial position as a communications technician A, playing a key role in putting in a new microwave system for Hoosier in 1979, before applying to become a relay technician.
In 1980, Eslinger got that job working at the new Merom plant under Darrell Goodson as a relay technician B. That partnership saw Eslinger and Goodson pioneer a digital fault recorder in the early 1980s.
In 1984, the relay group’s working headquarters was moved from Merom to Worthington, where Eslinger has been based ever since.
His working group became meter relay in 1989 and remained such until 2022, when it became the transmission relay group. Eslinger was also a key part of building new substations and commissioning them.
“Donnie’s one of a kind when it comes to his knowledge base and what he knows about Hoosier Energy and our entire system, our entire network,” said Rob Horton, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Hoosier Energy.
For Eslinger, his work was more than something to fill up the day before going home to his wife, Linda, whom he married in July 1976.
“I always felt it was more than just a job; it was a calling,” he said. “It’s a calling to make things better for everyone else and provide reliable power to our member consumers at the lowest cost. I see the advantage for my neighbors, my family, for the people of the co-op.”
That dedication has not gone unnoticed.
“Ultimately, it is Donnie’s passion for what he does that is just so impressive,” said Horton.
Donnie Eslinger works at his desk in Worthington in April 2026, in his 50th year with Hoosier Energy.
Donnie Eslinger is photographed at work for Hoosier Energy in the 1980s.
The ultimate summer CELEBRATION
THE MADISON BBQ PARTY OFFERS FLAVOR AND FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
BY NATALIE DERRICKSON
Smoke, sunshine, and sweet tunes fill the air during one of the most awaited events of the summer: the Madison BBQ party.
A southern Indiana staple for over 20 years, the Madison BBQ Party celebrates everything great about summer during the third weekend of August. In its new era as the Madison BBQ Party (formerly known as Ribberfest), barbecue is the star. The event includes the Indiana State Championship Barbecue Cookoff, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. With great music from Indiana’s Music City showcased throughout the event, this is a party worth attending.
“We’ve gone from a national blues event that accidentally had barbecue,
back to a world-class barbecue event that has great music,” said Steve Thomas, one of the event organizers. “First and foremost, we return to the formula that got this event ranked as one of the top five best events in the state. Indiana professional and amateur barbecue championships are a big deal. We are also being crowned as ‘Indiana’s Music City.’ There are incredible musicians here, so why not showcase them? And, yes, blues will be the boss.”
Professional and amateur pitmasters plan for their competitions for months, with both personal pride and prizes on the line. But the competition isn’t just for the adults — kids ages 8 to 15 will get to showcase their grill skills for the glory and cash scholarships during the KidZ Q’ competition.
Whether you’re into great food, incredible music, or just ready for summer fun during the third weekend in August, Madison is the place to be.
“Besides all the barbecuing, there will be a carnival-like atmosphere with sprinkler parks, bouncy houses, and clowns,” said Thomas. “We’ll have some great music, including a ‘Battle of the Bands’ during the day with younger musicians. There are ribeating contests, Pigmania, and lots of things for families to enjoy.”
The Madison BBQ Party takes place Aug. 21 and 22, 2026, and admission is free. For contest entry information and event details, visit madisonbbqparty.us.
An oriole summer
BY MIKE LUNSFORD
It’s in late April or early May when I first notice the orioles, although it must be said that once they are here, they are impossible to miss. Flashy and noisy and always startling, they never cease to catch me by surprise. I’ll be sitting at my cabin window, my mind a mile or two away as I contemplate an empty white page, and an oriole will suddenly light on a greening tulip tree branch not far away; they demand immediate attention.
Indiana is home to two kinds of orioles: the more common Baltimore oriole with its vibrant oranges and blacks and silver stiletto-like beaks, and the more subtle Orchard oriole, a slimmer black and chestnut-colored bird that I tend to see in only a few places on my property, and not for very long. Female Orchard orioles, by the way, are nearly green.
It’s July now, and the orioles that have made my yard and woods their summer homes (they winter in the tropics) while most of their kin have moved north, stay mostly in the crowns of our tallest maple trees, dining on caterpillars and spiders, as well as the berries that grow in brushy spots along our woods. They were first drawn to the trees by the ease of finding the lime green and tender samara, the winged fruit we often call “whirligigs.”
Now, by the time the heat of mid-summer has us in its sweaty grip, the few orioles that have stayed on in my corner of Parke County have raised broods that are out of
the gray sock-like nests that their parents expertly constructed with plant down and moss and the finest grasses. My habit of leaving sliced oranges and cups of grape jelly out for them has become routine, and I will continue to be dutiful with them until August, as we see and hear the birds less and less, and then not at all. By the time we get to these “dog days,” they visit my buffet infrequently, preferring to raid my wife’s hummingbird feeders instead.
Orioles are celebrated most in the spring when their newness, their novelty, is as fresh as the season, but I find myself appreciating them most in this seventh month, for they have chosen to stay put, to stick it out, to make the best of it here. They share their crankiness and color as the heat of our summer rises, and the tints of our flowers, lawns, and trees begin to fade.
I have no way of knowing, but it’s possible that the mature couples I’ll see next spring are the birds that were raised here this summer. I hope they bring their appetites.
