Jackson County REMC - February 2025 Indiana Connection

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Jackson County REMC’s

Best pizza in

Indiana Readers nominate their favorite hometown pizza places from across the state

Pages 20-25

FEBRUARY 2025

from the editor

A passion for pizza I love pizza. My husband and my best friends also love pizza, and we proudly celebrate “Pizza Friday” almost every week. You could say we are passionate about our favorite food, and I’ve come to realize that our readers are, too.

This month, we are showcasing reader-nominated pizza places across the state. Our readers shared their love for their hometown places, so I thought I would also offer my nominations.

One of our longtime favorite pizza places is Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza.

We usually visit the Greenwood restaurant, but they also have locations in Irvington and Lawrence. Jockamo’s pizza has a great crust. If you’re a meat lover, their Slaughterhouse Five (named after the Kurt Vonnegut novel) will hit the spot. It’s loaded with pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, and Italian beef. On Saturdays and Sundays, they offer their hangover pizzas. The Farmhouse has chorizo sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, chicken, cheddar, and bacon. No actual hangover is required to enjoy that

VOLUME 74 • NUMBER 8 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 311,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership. The average printed and mailed cost per issue is 54 cents.

CONTACT US: 11805 Pennsylvania Street Carmel, IN 46032 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org IndianaConnection.org INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Steve McMichael President Dr. Richard Leeper Vice President

delicious pizza.

Jamey Marcum Secretary/Treasurer

Our newer favorite is King Dough near downtown Indianapolis. This place

John Cassady CEO

has a cooler, hipper vibe than most pizza places we go to, but it is no less

EDITORIAL STAFF: Britt Davis Editor

tasty. Their wood-fired pizzas are cut in large, New York-style slices and

Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist

come in many varieties you won’t see anywhere else. Our go-to is the

Lauren Carman Communication Manager

Destroyer with mozzarella, rosemary, basil, garlic, goat cheese, Italian

Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator

Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer Amber Knight Creative Manager

sausage, and Mike’s hot honey.

Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication

I wish my friends and I could visit all the places on our nominated list. I’m sure we could find something special at each one. It’s comforting to know that the Hoosier State is bursting with great, locally-made pizza. That’s something to be passionate about.

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.

Britt Davis Editor bdavis@indianaec.org

you.

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

On the menu: May: Submit your favorite recipes using

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

Giveaway: Enter to win a set of pizza-making supplies.

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

ranch, deadline March 3. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is Feb. 28.

Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, letters and entries

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

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.

FEBRUARY 2025

3

contents

FEBRUARY

12

18

county

03 FROM THE EDITOR 05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative 10 ENERGY Electric co-ops invest in the families and businesses they serve

food

12 COUNTY Hamilton County 14 INDIANA EATS Enjoy a global culinary adventure at 1816 Modern Kitchen & Drinks 16 SAFETY Debunking myths about electricity

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Indiana Connection 4 FEBRUARY 2025

20

29

travel

cover story 18 FOOD Bisquick makes quick and easy snacks, meals, and desserts 20 COVER STORY Readers nominate their favorite hometown pizza places in Indiana 26 PROFILE Youth Power and Hope Award winners are models of service

28 HOOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS 29 TRAVEL An experience nearly 200 years in the making awaits at Huber Winery (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS) 30 OUTDOORS Indiana’s cardinal song (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS)

On the cover Read more about our reader’s favorite pizza places, including Taproot Brewhouse & Company of Pierceton, Indiana, in this month’s feature.

Jackson County REMC news

DO YOU OWN A SMART THERMOSTAT? ADDRESS 274 E. Base Road P.O. Box K Brownstown, IN 47220-0311

IF SO, JACKSON COUNTY REMC INVITES YOU TO JOIN CONNECT TO SAVE!

CONTACT US PHONE NUMBER 812-358-4458

EMAIL

info@jacksonremc.com

WEBSITE www.jacksonremc.com

OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., Monday– Friday

By enrolling, you will allow us to make minor adjustments to your thermostat during peak energy periods, helping to stabilize the grid and reduce costs for

BILL PAYMENT Online: www.jacksonremc.com By phone: 855-938-3553

REPORT OUTAGES OR EMERGENCIES

everyone. Upon approval, you will receive a $75 incentive per enrolled device*, and each year after that, you can enjoy an additional $25 per device just for participating.

Get rewarded for making a difference! Visit our website at JacksonREMC.com/ smart to learn more. *The $75 will not be paid for free ecobee thermostats given out by Jackson County REMC

812-358-4458

BOARD OF DIRECTORS board President Walter Hunter, District 2 Vice President John Miller, District 9 Secretary-Treasurer Paul Elliott, District 4 John Hackman, District 1 John Trinkle, District 3 Ryan Fleenor , District 5 Mark Trisler, District 6 Curtis Wischmeier, District 7 Dave Hall, District 8 President/CEO Mark McKinney

DONT FORGET YOUTH PROGRAM DEADLINES APPROACHING COOPERATIVE CALENDAR OF STUDENT ART CONTEST 2026

ENTER: Visit indianaconnection.org/for-youth/art-contest.

Enter your artwork by Feb 28.

CAMP KILOWATT JUNE 4-7

APPLY: Download an application at campkilowatt.org Applications must be completed online by March 3.

INDIANA YOUTH TOUR JUNE 15-22

APPLY: Download an application at indianayouthtour.org Applications must be completed online by March 3.

FEBRUARY 2025

5

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS:

APPLY FOR A

LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP RULES • Applicant must reside in the home of a parent or legal guardian who is a Jackson County REMC member and receives electric service from REMC. • Applicant must be a high school senior who has been admitted to a two-year, four-year or technical school in Indiana for the upcoming fall semester/ quarter.

• Special consideration will be given to an applicant

• Homeschooled students, children of Jackson County REMC employees who are members, and directors’ children are also eligible.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO: Jackson County REMC ATTN: Scholarship Committee 274 East Base Road Brownstown, IN 47220

attending school to study careers in the field of business, information technology, engineering,

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION

communication, marketing, human resources,

Return the application to the Jackson County REMC

accounting or utility-related fields.

office by April 4, 2025.

REQUIREMENTS

SELECTION PROCESS

• 300 to 500-word typewritten essay will be required

A scholarship committee will be composed of

on the topic: Who powers you?

• Official grade transcript • Personal letter of reference • Student’s current headshot (This will only be used if chosen to receive a scholarship.)

APPLICATION PROCESS • Three scholarships will be awarded at $1,000 each.

Applications will be available at several local high school guidance counselor’s offices, from the Jackson County REMC office or online at jacksonremc.com/scholarship25.

6 FEBRUARY 2025

employees of Jackson County REMC.

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NEW LINEWORKER SCHOLARSHIP Information

Jackson County REMC is excited to announce a new scholarship for seniors who are planning on attending the North American Lineman Training Center (NALTC) located in McEwen, Tennessee.

$1,000

Recipients must have confirmed enrollment at NALTC, with the required paid deposit.

Return application to the Jackson County REMC office by April 4, 2025.

Visit our website for more information or to apply JacksonREMC.com/NALTCScholarship

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energy

Community trust

Electric cooperatives invest in the families and businesses they serve

Many people excitedly applaud the public ribbon cuttings opening new businesses in town, yet most local economic growth happens without many noticing. Electric co-ops shine the light for businesses to find success.

which learn about new leads from businesses expanding in Indiana.

They even work with the Indiana Economic Development Corp., which provides additional support for organizations and companies in the Hoosier state.

Electric distribution co-ops are owned by the very families and businesses that they serve. Co-ops embrace that history and take their responsibility to serve those on their lines very seriously. Electric co-ops work with all businesses on their lines, and that frequently goes beyond electrical infrastructure. The co-op can help them find support to bolster their local investment.

Together, the electric co-op teams and economic developers offer businesses insights into available incentives, such as property tax abatements, workforce development grants, and other support to finance projects to grow or retain jobs.

Electric distribution co-ops also offer energy efficiency incentives for qualifying upgrades that lower long-term energy costs, allowing companies to reinvest those savings into their businesses.

Co-ops partner with economic developers to recruit and retain businesses in their communities.

Energy advisors at electric co-ops have forged relationships with the economic development teams at Hoosier Energy and Wabash Valley Power Alliance, the two wholesale power providers serving electric co-ops in Indiana. They also have relationships with local leaders and economic development offices,

10 FEBRUARY 2025

In the last few years, many Indiana electric co-ops have started to serve their communities in a unique way: expanding broadband access to underserved rural areas.

Some co-ops partnered with local internet providers to expand their territories, while others are installing high-speed internet lines to offer service. Some co-ops are working

to expand broadband access over the next few years, which will have a transformative impact on families, homeowners, and businesses.

Many co-op employees live where they serve so they directly see the impact their work has on their communities. Co-ops understand firsthand many of the challenges that families and businesses on their lines face, and they will not find a bigger supporter to help them reach their goals than those connected to them at their local electric cooperative.

by Mike Barron Director of Member Services Miami-Cass REMC

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county feature

Hamilton County Hamilton County, the second-most populous county in Central Indiana after Marion County, offers its visitors and residents a variety of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and waterfront living on two man-made lakes, Geist Reservoir and Morse Reservoir. In 2017, the county’s city of Fishers was named CNN Money’s Best Place to Live in the United States. Because of Hamilton County’s affordable cost of living, highly rated schools, and proximity to Indianapolis, Forbes recognized the county as America’s Best Place to Raise a Family.

FOUNDED:

STEPPING BACK IN TIME Conner Prairie is a museum that brings to life 19th-century living while preserving the home of William Conner, the founder of Hamilton County and Noblesville. Its key attractions include “The 1863 Civil War Journey: Raid on Indiana,” which highlights Indiana’s only Civil War battle, and Prairie Town, an 1836 pioneer village Photo courtesy of where visitors interact with historic interpreters Derek Jensen at sites like a blacksmith shop, inn, doctor’s office, and schoolhouse. During the summer, the museum hosts the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s “Symphony on the Prairie” series, attracting more than 100,000 concertgoers annually.

Photo courtesy of Amplified Photography

COUNTY FACTS

Photo courtesy of H. Michael Miley

1823

NAMED FOR: Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father and first Secretary of the U.S. Treasury

POPULATION: 347,467

COUNTY SEAT: Noblesville

INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 29

A MIDWEST CONCERT DESTINATION Initially opened in 1989 as Deer Creek Music Center, Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville is the largest amphitheater in the Midwest. The venue has a capacity of nearly 6,150 covered seats and 18,000 general admission lawn seats.

In 2018 and 2023, the venue set global ticket sales records for amphitheaters.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers holds the venue’s attendance record when their concert in 2013 drew more than 24,000 fans. Ruoff Music Center has hosted several Farm Aid festivals — an annual benefit concert held for American farmers — where artists like Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and Dave Matthews have performed.

12 FEBRUARY 2025

PEDALING THE MONON The Monon Trail is a 24-mile, year-round paved path for walkers, runners, and cyclists. It connects Hamilton County’s town of Sheridan to downtown Indianapolis through Westfield, Carmel, and Broad Ripple. Named after the Monon Railroad — which once linked Chicago, Indianapolis, and Louisville — the trail attracts over 1.3 million visitors annually. Along the trail, pedestrians can walk their dogs, exercise, or venture off to explore Carmel’s City Center and its Art and Design District, both featuring restaurants, shops, galleries, and more.

Nicole Thomas is a freelance writer from Indianapolis.

Noblesville

insights COOPERATIVE CALENDAR OF STUDENT ART CONTEST SUBMISSIONS The art contest for the 2026 Cooperative Calendar of Student Art has begun.

Submissions for the contest should be mailed to the Indiana Connection office

by Feb. 28.

Entries for the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art Contest are due to Indiana Connection

by Friday, Feb. 28.

A first-place winner will be selected for each grade, K-12, and will receive $200.

The winning artwork will illustrate the cover and the 12 months inside. One “Best of Show” will be selected from the first-place winners and will win an extra $100.

Additional artists from each grade will be selected for honorable mention awards and will receive $75 and have their works printed in a special section of the calendar.

The contest is open to Indiana public, private, or home-schooled kindergarten through 12th-grade students during the 2024-25 school year. A complete set of rules and required entry forms are available at indianaconnection.org/for-youth/art-contest.

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Letter has been edited for length and clarity Bravo on the wonderful article regarding Marching Bands in the November REMC magazine! Excellent coverage! One of my former students (a mellophone soloist) is a band parent in the Ellettsville program. Her son was part of that first state championship a couple of years ago.

Aaron Wells, director of Edgewood, is a great friend. Matt Harloff, director of Avon, was on our staff during his college years.

Thanks to you and the staff for your informative article and celebration of this incredible area that provides such positive opportunities to all our students nationwide.

You all do a great job with those monthly magazines. Keep up the great work! ­– Bill Laughlin, retired band director, Paoli Jr/Sr High School FEBRUARY 2025

13

Indiana eats

Scott Dickenson, chef and owner of 1816 Modern Kitchen & Drinks

OUT-OF-THE-BOX COOKING Enjoy a global culinary adventure at 1816 Modern Kitchen & Drinks

A perusal of the menu from

infused with flavors from all over the

addition to name-brand beers and

1816 Modern Kitchen & Drinks

world. In addition to Asian ingredients,

regional IPAs, 1816’s drink menu

demonstrates what culinary explorer

some of Dickenson’s influences, he

offers options like the tequila-forward

and self-described “southern

said, derive from Spain, India, and

Crazy Dazy and the Sunbeam with

boy” Chef Scott Dickenson has

South Africa.

vodka and a dried blueberry sugar rim.

brought to the table in Corydon since he assumed ownership of the establishment that opened in 2019.

Lunch starters include the dinerfavorite fried green tomatoes, which are prepared with smoked

The Old Capital Fashioned honors Corydon’s history as the first capital of what would become Indiana and its establishment as a state in 1816.

Dickenson was raised in Southern

pimento cheese, apple, jalapeño

Virginia and North Carolina and

jam, and greens, along with tempura

With his wife Lindsi at the front of the

cooked in Cuban and French

vegetables containing broccoli, green

house in the brick and exposed-beam

restaurants in Norfolk, Virginia. As a

beans, whipped goat cheese, corn

venue, Dickenson aims for diners to

chef, he is always interested in mixing

nuts, and spiced honey.

enjoy the place as much as they do.

things up.

For dinner, regulars enjoy “The Loaf”

“I want to introduce as much as

— bacon-wrapped ground bison and

possible because I don’t want to put

pork with cauliflower grits, bourbon

myself in a box,” he said. “I have to

gravy, and green beans — or the

cook fresh food all the time.”

hanger steak with gochujang butter,

Sourced from six local farms,

fried mushrooms, fries, and frisée.

Dickenson describes his menu as

Noting the drinks in the restaurant’s

“Southern-Asian fusion,” with familiar

name, 1816 has an adult beverage

comfort foods like burgers, soups and

menu with cocktails as creative as

sandwiches, and traditional entrées

Dickenson’s other menu options. In

14 FEBRUARY 2025

“We just want to be a great place for people to gather and to help our town grow.”

Veni Fields is a journalist and freelance writer from Virginia Beach.

1816 MODERN KITCHEN & DRINKS 100 E. Chestnut Street, Corydon 812-721-0054 1816kitchen.com

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safety

DEBUNKING MYTHS

about electricity Many Hoosiers start learning about electricity at an early age, often through lessons in school. As we grow up, those facts are sometimes mixed with myths we hear through other people, the media, or social media.

Unfortunately, when it comes to electricity, false information and a lack of knowledge can be deadly.

“In these cases, knowing facts about electric safety

HERE ARE SOME OTHER M Y T H S A B O U T E L E C T R I C I T Y: M Y T H : Power lines outside carry the same 120-

volt electricity we use in our homes.

T RU T H : You can’t tell the voltage by just looking

at it. In Indiana, most power lines carry 7,200 volts, and some carry up to 19,000 volts.

can be lifesaving,” Jon Elkins, vice president for safety, training, and compliance of Indiana Electric Cooperatives, said. “That’s why we take opportunities

M Y T H : Rubber gloves and rubber shoes protect

to educate members, young people, and others in the

you from electricity.

community about electric safety.”

T RU T H : That’s true only if they are 100% pure

One myth that could be particularly dangerous during

rubber with no holes or tears (the kind that electric

winter is that a power line automatically shuts off when

lineworkers wear and are regularly inspected).

it falls to the ground.

Typical cleaning gloves and shoes are made with

While this may be a common belief, it’s dangerous and

going to protect you in an electrical encounter.

incorrect. A wire on the ground may still be energized.

rubber mixed with cheaper materials. They aren’t

If you see one, stay at least 30 feet away and call your electric cooperative or 911 immediately. Remember, even if you don’t see sparks, stay away.

M Y T H : All power lines are insulated.

T RU T H : As a rule, power lines aren’t insulated.

What happens if you’re in a car and it strikes a utility

And you never know the condition of any

pole? First, unless there is a fire or other immediate

insulation. Remember, no line is ever safe

danger, stay in the car and call 911. You need to wait

to touch.

until utility workers tell you it’s safe.

Chris Adam is a freelance writer from Lafayette.

16 FEBRUARY 2025

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Fully grown, they’re less than 2 feet long and weigh under 10 pounds…

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They are the single richest source of a vital “brain food” that 250 million Americans are starving for, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal.

It’s a safe, natural compound called DHA – one of the building blocks of your brain. It helps children grow their brains significantly bigger during development. And in adults, it protects brain cells from dying as they get older.

Because DHA is so important, lacking enough of it is not only dangerous to your overall health but could be directly related to your brain shrinking with age.

With more than 16 million Americans suffering from ageassociated cognitive impairment, it’s clear to a top US doctor that’s where the problem lies.

Regenerative medicine specialist Dr. Al Sears, says thankfully, “there’s still hope for seniors.

Getting more of this vital brain food can make a life changing difference for your mental clarity, focus, and memory.”

Dr. Sears, a highly-acclaimed, board-certified doctor— who has published more than 500 studies and written 4 bestselling books — says we should be able to get enough DHA in our diets… but we don’t anymore.

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THE SECRET TO A LASTING MEMORY Research has shown that our paleo ancestors were able to grow bigger and smarter brains by eating foods rich in one ingredient — DHA. “Our hippocampus thrives off DHA and grows because of it,” explains Dr. Sears. “Without DHA, our brains would shrink, and our memories would quickly fade.”

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Another study on more than 1,500 seniors found that those whose brains were deficient in DHA had significantly smaller brains — a characteristic of accelerated aging and weakened memory.

PEOPLE’S BRAINS ARE SHRINKING AND THEY DON’T EVEN KNOW IT Dr. Sears uncovered that sometime during the 1990s, fish farmers stopped giving their animals a natural, DHA-rich diet and began feeding them a diet that was 70% vegetarian.

“It became expensive for farmers to feed fish what they’d eat in the wild,” explains Dr. Sears. “But in order to produce DHA, fish need to eat a natural, marine diet, like the one they’d eat in the wild.”

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Dr. Sears says, “Find a quality DHA supplement that doesn’t come from a farmed source. That will protect your brain cells and the functions they serve well into old age.”

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It’s made from the most powerful source of DHA in the ocean, squid and krill — two species that cannot be farmed.

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23

food

A helpful pantry staple

Inexpensive and versatile, Bisquick makes quick and easy snacks, meals, and desserts

A P P LE PA NC A K E Heidi Rorick, Monroeville ¾ cup Bisquick 3 eggs ½ cup water 1 tsp sugar 3 cups sliced apples

¼ cup melted butter 1 tsp cinnamon ½ cup sugar ¼ cup pecans (optional)

Combine the Bisquick mix, eggs, water, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. In an 8- or 9-inch oven-safe skillet, sauté the apples in butter until tender.

Remove from heat and pour the batter in the skillet over the apples.

Combine the cinnamon, the rest of the sugar, and the nuts and sprinkle over the batter. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and bake at 450 F for 12 to 14 minutes or until puffed. Cut into wedges and serve hot.

FOOD PREPARED

BY INDIANA CONNECTION STAFF PHOTOS BY KILEY LIPPS

18 FEBRUARY 2025

food ST RING CH E ES E S TICKS WITH DIPPING SAUCE Jean Elizabeth Garcia, New Castle 2¼ cups Bisquick

1 can (8 oz) pizza sauce

1 cup milk

1 Tbsp butter or

1 package (8 oz) plain or smoked string cheese

margarine, melted ¼ tsp garlic powder

Preheat the oven to 450 F. In a medium bowl, stir Bisquick and milk together until a soft dough forms. Beat for 30 seconds with a spoon. Place dough on a surface sprinkled with Bisquick and gently roll to coat the dough.

Shape into a ball and knead 10 times.

Roll the dough into a 12-inch by 8-inch rectangle, about 1

⁄4-inch thick. Cut into eight (6-inch by 2-inch) rectangles.

Roll one rectangle around one piece of cheese. Pinch the edge of the roll to seal and seal the ends. Roll on a surface to completely enclose the cheese sticks.

Place the sticks seam-side down on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Meanwhile, in a 1-quart saucepan, heat pizza sauce over low heat until warm. In a small bowl, mix butter and garlic powder and brush over the warm cheese sticks before removing from the cookie sheet. Serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping. Makes eight cheese sticks.

EA S Y B REA KFA ST BA KE Suzanne Neukam, Dubois 2 (12 oz) packages

Preheat the oven to 400 F. Cook

pork sausage

the sausage and potatoes.

3 cups frozen hashbrowns with green peppers and onions

Drain and combine the sausage mixture with ½ cup cheese. Put the mixture in a 9x13 pan. In a

2 cups cheddar cheese,

separate bowl, stir in Bisquick,

divided

milk, pepper, and eggs. Pour the

1 cup Bisquick

mixture over the sausage mix in

2 cups milk

to 45 minutes. Sprinkle with the

¼ tsp pepper 4 eggs

the pan. Bake uncovered for 40 remaining cheese and bake for 1 to 2 more minutes.

FEBRUARY 2025

19

Best pizza in

Indiana 20 FEBRUARY 2025

Readers nominate their favorite hometown pizza places from across the state

BY BRITT DAVIS

According to Statista, there are over 1,600 pizza restaurants in Indiana. At “Indiana Connection,” we asked our readers to nominate their favorite pizza places near and dear to their hearts. We received over 200 responses and 104 individually-nominated restaurants.

We quickly learned that our readers are enthusiastic about their favorite places. Most nominations included a list of reasons why their restaurant was the best in Indiana and a description of their favorite pizzas on the menu. Some also shared fond memories of time spent at their beloved place.

When it came to nominations, one pizza place stood out from all the rest. Be sure to check out the following pages

Kim Cole, owner of Taproot Brewhouse & Company

With events of all kinds and Cole’s welcoming presence, Taproot Brewhouse & Company has become a pillar of the Pierceton community.

for the list of readerrecommended restaurants. Did your favorite make the list?

THE READER FAVORITE Taproot Brewhouse & Company, of Pierceton, Indiana, was the clear favorite of our readers, with the most nominations.

Owner Kim Cole originally started the endeavor as a brick-and-mortar store for her popular business, Taproot

ORIGINAL PIZZAS AND DRINKS Taproot’s pizzas are a standout. They offer small pizzas on naan bread and large pizzas on traditional pizza crust.

Tees, which she founded in 2013. Cole had been selling

“Many of our pizzas are named after my specialty T-shirts,”

hand-painted T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats at local

said Cole. “Our number one specialty pizza is named after

farmers markets, the Shipshewana Flea Market, and in

our ‘How I Roll’ T-shirt that has a bicycle on it. The pizza

partnerships with multiple retail shops, but was ready to

has country sausage gravy, with onions and our three-

create a permanent business.

cheese blend. Our second most popular pizza is also our

“I bought the building for my T-shirt business, but it’s a very big space,” said Cole. “I always wanted to own a pizza place-deli kind of thing and so I thought if I’m going to do this for my T-shirts, I’m going to go ahead and do it all the way.”

Cole took two years to get the space how she wanted it, including painting the restaurant and gift shop in bright, welcoming colors. Taproot opened in 2021. “We make great pizzas, burgers, and amazing salads. We also have beer, wine, and liquor,” said Cole.

most interesting. It’s called ‘Pump Up the Jam,’ after our T-shirt with a bicycle pump pumping a bottle of jam. It’s popular at farmers markets. The pizza has homemade strawberry jam as the base, with spinach, bacon, French fried onions, and the three-cheese blend. After it’s finished cooking, we top it with a fig jam glaze.”

“We also do great taco pizzas,” Cole continued. “We have a lot of people come back for those. One of our other best sellers is our barbecue chicken pizza, and we just started making a chili dog pizza.” continued on page 22 FEBRUARY 2025

21

“

Kim Cole from Taproot Brewhouse & Company has the best pizza I have ever eaten!

She offers a variety of flavors and pizzas. Her restaurant is amazing as well. They have painting classes, game nights, and trivia nights, and she has a gift shop. It is such a great atmosphere where everyone belongs and feels welcome.

“

— RACHEL H.

continued from page 21 Taproot has an extensive drink menu with something for everyone.

In addition to domestic beers, a variety of hard seltzers, and hard ciders, Taproot always has over 100 craft beers available.

Taproot’s building also serves as a store for Cole’s hand-painted T-shirt business.

“We feature Ledgeview Brewing

the best old fashioned, and I won it.

Company from Warsaw, about 15

Practice does make perfect.”

minutes from here,” said Cole. “We also serve Bad Dad Brewing Co.

COMMUNITY DRIVEN

from Fairmount and some beers from

Many of our reader nominations said

Michigan. Many of the regulars enjoy Sun King.”

place to hang out. Cole said that was

When it comes to cocktails, their

one of her goals.

smoked old fashioned is by far the

“I am from this area,” she said. “When

favorite, but it wasn’t always that way.

I bought this place five years ago, this

“In this small town, people love old

town was dying. I wanted to open up

fashioneds,” said Cole. “When I

and make a difference. My whole thing

first opened up, I had the worst old

is really community-driven.”

fashioned. We are on the maple syrup

“I’ve had people who are shy or don’t

trail, so tour buses come through to see it. On a particular weekend, when people came in from the trail, I made maple syrup burgers, maple syrup sweet potato fries, and maple syrup cinnamon rolls. I also made smoked maple syrup old fashioneds. I probably made over 300 old fashioneds from Friday to Sunday that weekend. Later, there was a contest in Pierceton for

22 FEBRUARY 2025

that family-friendly Taproot is a great

have a lot of friends come in and end up sitting at a table with people they don’t know,” said Cole. “Next thing you know, they’re going out to hang out with each other outside of the restaurant. I’ve also had people who came in by themselves and met someone and eventually got married. I’ve hosted two weddings here.”

Cole hosts many diverse events at

on a day we’re closed. We have fed

the restaurant, including Sunday

over 500 people out of the restaurant.

painting classes, ornament making

Volunteers help to make the food, and

for kids, gingerbread house making,

people can drive into the alley to pick

ceramics, and even bongo drum-

it up. We also have a generous local

making classes.

person that donates their golf cart so

Friday nights are game nights for people to play euchre, dice, and board

we can make deliveries to people who can’t make it in to get food.”

games. “I like to have programs to get

Along with the Feed Pierceton

the community together,” said Cole.

program, Taproot supports a share

The proceeds from Taproot’s trivia night go to an even greater cause.

“We do a trivia night the last Saturday of every month and the money made from that goes to help Feed Pierceton.”

“I alternate with the local catholic church to help feed the community through Feed Pierceton,” said Cole.

“One month, they feed people at the church, and then the next month, I feed people through the restaurant

and spare box in their alley. “People can bring things they’re not using,” said Cole. “Right now, we are taking

“

Taproot Brewhouse in Pierceton! This place is like a home away from home.

Need a low-stress, fun place to hang out for an afternoon or evening? You got it! Need a special order? You got it!

Need a friendly face after a rough week? You got it!

Need really delicious comfort food? This is the place!

“

Taproot’s small pizzas are made with naan bread.

— KRISSA C.

clothes, hats, and socks. We also take hygiene items and non-perishable

Taproot Brewhouse & Company is

food items. That’s always available.

located at 130 North First Street in

We do fundraisers in the restaurant to

Pierceton and is open Friday and

help stock that.”

Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.,

Cole’s generosity also extends to furry friends. She once connected a dog with his forever home, and in return, his owners named him “Rooty” in honor of the restaurant.

and Sunday and Monday from 12 to 8 p.m. Come for their delicious food or an old-fashioned and stay for the community feeling. You never know — you could come away with a new friend and a new favorite place to eat.

FEBRUARY 2025

23

READER-NOMINATED

RESTAURANTS

Over 200 “Indiana Connection” readers submitted their favorite pizza places across the state. The bolded locations indicate a nomination from more than one reader.

A

C

E

Albion Pizza Depot, Albion

Camel Crossing, Lafayette

East of Chicago, Warren

Armed Forces Pizza, Peru

Charlie’s Pizza, Dana

Elm Street Brewing, Muncie

Arni’s, Lafayette

Charlestown Pizza Company,

Azzip Pizza, Lafayette

Charlestown Chicago’s Pizza, Greenfield

B Bearnos, Jeffersonville Bello’s Pizza, Madison Big Al’s Place, Washington Bill Bobe’s Pizzeria, Vincennes Bobe’s Pizza Express, Washington Bourbon Street Pizza, Bourbon

Chicago’s Pizza, Seymour Chicago City Pizza, Scottsburg

Cook’s Pizza, Wakarusa Coterie Pizza, Garrett Cutting Edge Pizzeria, Fairland

D

Madison

DeAngelo’s Pizzeria, Denver

Brooklyn Pizza, Seymour

DeLullo’s Trattoria, Cicero

Bruno’s Pizza, West Lafayette

Deerhead Sidewalk Café & Bar,

Buck Creek Pizza, Dayton Burt’s Place, Lafayette

24 FEBRUARY 2025

Fat Dough, Corydon Faytastic Pizza, Shoals Fire Pizza, Flora

Chuckwagon Pizza, Swayzee

Brittany’s Brick Oven Pizza,

Bubba’s Pizza, Fremont

F

Evansville Down Under Restaurant, Syracuse

G Gaslight Pizza & Grill, Huntingburg Goodfellas Pizza, Henryville Goodfellas Pizza, Wabash Goosepond Pizza, Linton Greek’s Pizzeria, Muncie

H Holtkamp Winery, Sunman House of Pizza, Hammond Hunter Station Pizza, Sellersburg

J

O

JC’s Coal Oven Pizza Co., Granger

Oley’s, Fort Wayne

Jendy’s Pizzeria, Hanover

Opie’s, Chrisney

Jerry’s Pizza, Logansport

Overpass Pizza, Covington

Jim’s Pizza, Kendallville

K Kelley’s Bar & Restaurant, Celestine

L Lakeside Wood Fire Pizza, North Vernon Legacy Pizza & Bakery, New Albany

M Magoo’s, Lafayette Marcella’s Pizza, Wheatfield Marlow’s Pizza, Wolf Lake Maurizio’s Pizza, Brazil Mazerella’s Pizza, Sellersburg Mellow Mushroom, Carmel Mister B’s Pizza & Wings, Evansville

P Palucci’s Pizza, Cayuga

Mother Bears Pizza, Bloomington My Pizza My Way, Peru

N New Bethel Ordinary, Wanamaker

Speakeasy Pizza, Orleans St. Benedict’s Brew Works, Ferdinand Strong’s Brick Oven Pizza, Lawrenceburg

T Taproot Brewhouse and Company,

Papa’s, Culver

Pierceton

Pepperoni’s Pizza, Rome City

Tark’s Pizza, Galveston

Pesto’s Italian Restaurant, Valparaiso

Teena’s Pizza, Pekin

Pizza Junction, Huntington

Tippy’s Pizza, Winamac

Pizza Junction, Loogootee

Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery, Valparaiso

Pizza King, Angola

Trackside Pizza, Osgood

Pizza King, Geneva

Trattoria Enzo, Laporte

Pizza King, Greenfield Pizza King, Jamestown

W

Pizza Uncommon, Madison

Whyte Horse Winery, Monticello

Pizzeria Venturi, Goshen Poplar Street Tavern, Seymour

Y

Portside Pizza, Columbia City

Yellow Tavern, New Harmony

Prime Time Pizza, Lawrenceburg Puccini’s, Indianapolis

The Monon Pub and Grill, Monon Monster Pizza, Decatur

So Italian, Brownsburg

R

Z ZwanzigZ, Columbus

The Red Pepperoni, Madison Rocksteady Pizza Parlor, Warsaw

7 Pillars Brewing Co., Peru

Rocco’s Restaurant, South Bend

450 North Brewing Company, Columbus

S Salvatori’s, Warsaw Sandy’s Pizza, Fort Branch

812 Pizza Company, Georgetown 1000° Wood Fired Pizza, Mount Summit

FEBRUARY 2025

25

profile

Models of service Youth Power and Hope Award winners make a difference in their communities Indiana’s electric cooperatives and “Indiana Connection” recently honored five young Hoosiers in grades 5-8 with Youth Power and Hope Awards during the Indiana Electric Cooperatives Annual Meeting. The recipients each received $500 to further their community service activities. Recipients of the 2024 Youth Power and Hope Awards were:

Fletcher Abner Palmyra

Abner is a seventh grader at North Harrison Middle School.

Abner's community service activities include "Birthday Bundles," where he and his family provide gift bags filled with birthday necessities for families in need, and "Pumpkins with Purpose," where the family grows pumpkins and gourds on its farm to give to local students so that they can experience the joy of Halloween.

He is active in 4-H and FFA, where he has also completed various community service projects. Abner has also been involved in activities at his school, including visiting local senior centers and speaking at a Veterans Day assembly.

Emma Westfall Zionsville

Westfall is a seventh grader at Zionsville Middle School. She regularly volunteers at the Boone Animal Shelter, cleaning the shelter’s truck, organizing supplies, and making treats for the animals. She also often serves meals at Wheeler Mission and volunteers every

26 FEBRUARY 2025

summer for Safety Town Camp.

She also sorts food at the Zionsville Food Pantry and has packed and organized boxes for foster children at her church.

Cressa Kohrman Saint Paul, and

Malarie Schoettmer Greensburg

Kohrman is a fifth grader at North Decatur Elementary School, and Schoettmer is a fifth grader at Seton Home Study School. Together, the girls created the World Helping Squad. The squad has collected items for the Riley Toy Closet, baby and maternity supplies for mothers, items for a local animal shelter, and organized other service projects. In addition, the squad fulfilled wishlists for a church’s angel tree and delivered Dinner at Bedtime meals weekly for a month.

Kohrman has also hosted a bake sale for cancer patients. Funds raised last year helped a teacher undergoing treatments, with the rest donated to the Shelby County Cancer Association. Last year, the World

Helping Squad focused on foster families by raising funds for foster kids and area school art programs and teachers. A monetary donation was also given to FireFly Family Alliance, specifically for local children in foster care.

In addition to her activities with the squad, Schoettmer is active in 4-H. Last year, she began volunteering at St. Vincent De Paul’s thrift store, where she helps customers and has donated items to help raise funds for the store.

Claire Wilhoite Lebanon

Wilhoite is an eighth grader at Lebanon Middle School. Her community service includes leading swim lessons at a local pool to help teach younger kids to swim. She also serves in a preschool class at her church. Wilhoite is active in 4-H Junior Leaders, where she has volunteered for several community service projects, including working at the group’s stand at the Boone County Fair. She is also involved in service activities through her school, such as Builders Club, FFA, and the National Honor Society.

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Hoosier Energy news

Successful collaboration Hoosier Energy’s Bear Run Mine project finishes ahead of schedule due to effective teamwork With another busy year underway

“I was there almost every day, just

at each location. Crews were able to

at Hoosier Energy, it’s worth

checking on the guys and making sure

show up and start putting them in

looking back at one of 2024’s

they had what they needed,” Ruhe

the ground.

most significant projects.

said. “If they had a question, I got

Bear Run Mine in Sullivan County

them an answer, and they kept going.”

Area Line Coordinator Brett Stephens and his group ensured the line was

is the biggest surface mine in the

The key to getting the project done

safe to work on, so safety remained a

eastern United States. When the

ahead of schedule was the creativity

top priority.

mine was ready to move west early

of Senior Transmission Line Design

last year, it was a big task for Hoosier

Engineer Luke McKinnley, who utilized

Energy to move a 69 kV transmission

a RUS Davit arm standard to work

line out of the way.

around parts that would not have been

“The teamwork was great,” Senior

available for another quarter.

Project Manager Kyle Eslinger said.

Originally built in April 1969, the transmission line saw 1.8 miles of

Holes were drilled ahead of time, then

wood poles replaced by over 2 miles

the poles and materials were staged

of steel poles using 477 conductor line over five weeks.

It was a team effort from the start, beginning with Environmental Team Lead Dave Appel and Environmental Specialist Tommy Harrison, ensuring all reporting and compliance requirements were met.

Mick Ruhe served as the construction liaison and teamed with Construction Manager Alan Summers to work closely with contractor Hydaker Wheatlake on the project.

28 FEBRUARY 2025

In the end, it was as efficient a job as possible.

“When you have a plan and a great team that can execute it, it makes my job very rewarding.”

travel

Historic Huber A D E L I C I O U S E X P E R I E N C E N E A R LY 2 0 0 Y E A R S I N T H E M A K I N G AWA I T S I N B O R D E N What started as an 80-acre dream for a first-generation family in 1943 planted a legacy now best known as Huber’s Orchard, Winery, and Vineyards. Carrying the legacy for nearly 200 years, the seventh generation of the Huber family has stewarded their farm into a place everyone can enjoy, no matter the season.

Year-round, visitors can taste Huber’s wines and spirits in their beautifully restored 1938 tasting barn, dine at the Starlight Cafe, and tour the cellar and distillery spaces. While you’re in the tasting room, challenge your palette and try something new, especially if a special release offering is available.

Downstairs, look for the Generations release, a dry red bursting with tart currant, bright

black raspberry, and the depth of roasted fig. For a sweeter taste, you can’t miss the Double Barrel Pop’s Reserve, a double-oaked,

HUBER’S ORCHARD, WINERY, AND VINEYARDS 19816 Huber Rd., Borden, IN 47106 Find hours, book tours, and view seasonal offerings at visithubers.com.

bourbon barrel-aged wine whose jammy notes linger while rich bourbon envelops the palette.

If it’s the bourbon that brought you to Borden, you’re in for a delight, as the Starlight spirits never disappoint. The Old Rickhouse Rye lineup earns its place as a spirit enjoyed neat or in a nicely made Manhattan, the rich caramel aromas echoed by the baking spices that linger in its finish.

Scour the shelves for distillery-only releases, whose previous offerings include the elusive Cigar Batch, Blood Moon Batch, and bourbon whiskey finished in VDN barrels.

After your tasting and tour, stop to recharge at the Starlight Cafe, whose artisan flatbreads, charcuterie, and burgers are worth stopping in for, even without a tasting visit planned. Across from the tasting barn, shop for farm goods, meats and cheeses, ice cream, and fudge at the farm market and ice cream shop. If their house-made cinnamon rolls haven’t already beckoned you in, their selection of cheeses, summer sausages, and crackers may be just what you need to round out your visit.

Natalie Derrickson is a writer based in Indianapolis.

FEBRUARY 2025

29

outdoors

Indiana’s cardinal song In 1903, the great Hoosier naturalist and writer Gene Stratton-Porter published her first book, “The Song of the Cardinal.” At first an article for “Century Magazine,” the story was also a tribute to the memory of her father, an early call for conservation, a natural history of the Limberlost swamps she loved so much, and a celebration of the lives of the birds we have come to believe will always be with us.

eggs, too.

It is also interesting to note that female cardinals are singers, something that can’t be said for nearly all other songbird species.

“It was as if a pulsing heart of flame passed by when he came winging through the orchard,” Stratton-Porter wrote of her heroic central character, a striking male cardinal, like those she often saw near her home in Adams County.

To be fair, it is common to see the males feeding females on the nest, and they’re quite protective, too, some even attacking their own images reflected in windows in the certainty that they have rivals. It is not inaccurate to say that cardinal couples do “mate for life,” although that means they typically remain together for at least a year or until one of them dies.

Although they are in Indiana year-round, to this writer, Northern cardinals seem to take center stage at the onset of winter. There’s an ebb and flow to that season, at once snow white and crisp blue, at another watery gray and muddy brown, but one consistency seems to be the flashes of cardinal red we see decorating our trees like Christmas lights left burning well past the holidays.

Few birds command our attention like cardinals. Of course, the males are always dapper, their bright, noticeable feathers not unlike the uniforms of British “redcoats.”

Yet, the less colorful females do more of the heavy lifting in the relationship. Females ensure the species’ survival by choosing the time and place to build nests — sometimes as many as four a year — and they solely and dutifully incubate the couple’s

30 FEBRUARY 2025

Cardinals are homebodies; they don’t migrate, although they do tend to enjoy communal living and will move in small clans to locations where water and food are readily available.

There also seems to be an immortal quality to cardinals. As I wrote in a story years ago, the Cherokee people believed the birds were a symbol for the creation of the world, while many contemporaries take comfort in the idea that a visit from a cardinal serves as a message from a lost loved one.

Despite the cardinals in Stratton-Porter’s book taking on human qualities, the voice of Abram, the farmer inspired by the writer’s father, seems to best echo our own thoughts about these wondrous birds.

As he chastises a young hunter, one intent on killing the cardinal for its beautiful feathers, he says, “God never made anything prettier 'an that bird, an' He must a-been mighty proud o' the job.”

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