Fulton County REMC - March 2026 Indiana Connection
A decades‑long classroom tradition continues to spark curiosity and confidence PAGE 7
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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.
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CONTACT US
574-223-3156
800-286-2265
Fax: 574-223-4353
OFFICE HOURS
7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
STREET ADDRESS
1448 W. State Road 14 Rochester, IN 46975
HOW TO REPORT AN OUTAGE
Check circuit breakers or fuses first. If possible, check to see if your neighbors’ power is also out.
Call 800-286-2265 (after hours) and report the outage.
Give the name the service is listed under. If possible, give map location and account number from bill.
Give us your phone number in case we need to call you back. State the problem, such as loss of power, partial power, dimming or flickering lights.
Please be patient. Our crews will restore service as quickly as possible.
CUSTOMER CONTACTS
Andrew Horstman, CEO
TJ Garner, COO/Energy Advisor
Kelley Kitchen, CFO
Fred McGlothin, Operations Manager
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stephanie McCulley 6254 W 200 N, Rochester
Dennis Burton 2289 W. Olson Road, Rochester
Angela Miller
1580 S 800 E, Akron
Brock Schwenk
2770 E 700 N, Rochester
Leander Hoover
5827 S 500 E, Star City
Adam Loehmer
5567 E 700 N, Monterey
Seth White
7801 S 1000 W, Kewanna
WE’RE HERE TO SERVE YOU
“We’re here to serve you.” We’ve all heard this phrase countless times. These words may sound generic, but to us — your local electric cooperative — they mean everything.
Fulton County REMC (FCREMC) was created to serve our community. Back in the day, neighbors banded together and formed our co-op for the common good. In our case, it was the only way the community could bring electricity to the area where there was none. In doing so, FCREMC helped the community thrive. That missionfocused heritage is the golden thread that is woven throughout our history. Today, we are continuing to power the community. While our focus has remained steady as we provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to our members, today’s energy landscape and consumer expectations are far different than they were nine decades ago. That’s why we’re adapting, to keep pace with changing technology, evolving needs, and new expectations.
Serving as your trusted energy advisor means we want to help you save energy (and money) and provide advice and information on a broad range of energy topics. For example, if you’re looking for ways to save energy, check out our website, fcremc.coop, under the Energy
Services tab. You’ll find energysaving tips and ideas to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Consider scheduling an energy audit with one of our energy experts to identify ways you can save energy at home. Understanding how your home uses energy can help determine the best ways to modify energy use and thereby keep more money in your wallet.
To better serve our members and make managing your electric account more convenient for you, FCREMC offers tools and options designed for today’s busy lifestyles. Through the SmartHub app, members can easily track their energy use, view billing history, and monitor trends to better understand how and when electricity is being used. We also offer paperless billing options, helping members avoid mail delays while providing fast, secure access to monthly bills and payment information. These tools are just one more way FCREMC is working to simplify everyday tasks, save time, and deliver the level of service our members expect and deserve.
So, the next time you hear FCREMC use the phrase “we’re here to serve you,” we hope you know that we mean it.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
Service is deeply ingrained into who we are. We continue to evolve with the times, and, in return, we’ve found additional ways to serve you and provide more options for you to power your life.
We’re here whenever you need us. Connect with us online, in person, or on our social media channels. However you choose to connect, please let us know how we can serve you better.
ANDREW HORSTMAN CEO
Sunday, March 29 Fulton County Fairgrounds
Starting at 2 p.m.
Project flips the switch on a multitude of skills
Expect a busy month at the cooperative — and, hopefully, a bit of a warm up outside. I’m fairly certain my heat pump and furnace did not shut off once during the entire month of January, so I’m definitely looking forward to warmer days and a little less kilowatt use.
March is usually when we wrap up the final fourth grade circuit board school project of the year. It is humbling to be able to continue a tradition that has been going strong for nearly 30 years. When Fred Bauman (some of you might know him as “Uncle Fred”) partnered with the folks at Purdue Extension of Fulton County to take this project into the schools, I’m sure they had no idea how much of an impact it would have. Today, that partnership continues and we’ve also expanded the program to include fourth graders at Eastern Pulaski Elementary School through the Purdue Extension of Pulaski County. We’ve been able to give even more students a chance to learn, explore, and build confidence through this hands-on project.
I came to the REMC a few years after Fred retired, but I was fortunate to learn all about circuit boards from Greg Bitterling. Greg did an excellent job explaining the project to the fourth graders. His goal was not for me
to teach it exactly the way he had, but to make it my own, and I truly appreciated that. Although the kids and helpers might not enjoy my style quite as much as my predecessors, especially with all my bad dad jokes, we still manage to have a good time.
One of the most rewarding parts of the project is watching the students gain confidence. At the beginning of the class, many are hesitant to use the tools or worried about making a mistake. By the end, they are problem solving, helping one another, and proudly showing off their finished work. Seeing that transformation never gets old and is a great reminder of why programs like this matter.
When I first started teaching the project, I often heard, “My brother or sister built one of these.” Now, I am hearing more from parent helpers who say they remember doing this project themselves in fourth grade. By the end of the class, each student has completed a 4-H project. While future 4-H projects become more complex, it all really starts with the circuit board project.
During the class, we discuss different types of circuits, what an insulator is, and what a conductor is. We also teach proper tool use and safety,
along with how to read a simple diagram. These are skills that will be used not only in future 4-H projects, but possibly later in life as well.
Now, for one of my bad dad jokes for the month of March: I asked my niece when her birthday was, and when she said “March 1st,” I stood up and marched in place. Let’s just say she was not impressed.
If you ever get the chance to volunteer in a fourth grade classroom during the circuit board project, I would encourage you to sign up. While the jokes might be horrible, seeing the fourth graders’ faces light up when they flip the switch and turn on the lights makes it all worth it.
by TJ Garner COO/Energy Advisor
Win a $25
bill credit
Each month, Fulton County REMC awards one member a $25 bill credit. It’s easy to enter to win. Just send us the completed form below. A drawing will be held March 23. If your name is drawn and your answers are correct, you will receive a $25 bill credit on one month’s bill. The trivia winner for the month of January was Sherry Paulsen.
ANSWER THESE MARCH MADNESS-THEMED BASKETBALL QUESTIONS.
1. How many players from each team are on the court during a basketball game?
SMARTHUB OFFERS CONVENIENT FEATURES FOR ACCOUNT ACCESS AND BILL PAY
Our free SmartHub app makes it simple and convenient to do the following:
• View your bill
• Make secure payments
• Access your electric account
2. What is it called when a player moves both feet without dribbling the ball?
3. How many points are earned from a shot made from beyond the three-point line?
4. What is it called when a player grabs the ball after a missed shot?
5. How long is a regulation basketball game in the NBA (not including overtime)?
NAME:
ACCOUNT NUMBER:
ADDRESS:
CLIP YOUR ANSWERS AND MAIL TO:
Fulton County REMC, 1448 W. State Road 14, Rochester, IN 46975
• Check your electric use
• Notify the REMC of an outage
• Add notifications that you would like to receive by email or text message
Just download the FREE mobile or tablet app at smarthubapp.com
Don’t have a tablet or smartphone? No problem. You can use the SmartHub interface from your computer. Just go to fcremc.coop and click on “SmartHub.”
JOIN OUR STUDENT BOARD
Are you a high school junior or senior who wants to contribute to your community and build leadership skills? Join the Fulton County REMC Student Board of Directors. Applications are now open. Visit fcremc.coop/studentboard-of-directors for more information.
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.
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.”
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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.
THE RIGHT ANSWER?
Balance is the key in making decisions
One of the biggest misconceptions about the power industry is that there’s a simple right answer.
In reality, there rarely is.
As a co-op member, I expect reliable, affordable power just like you do. As CEO of Wabash Valley Power Alliance, I also see the complexity behind making that happen. Every major power decision involves trade-offs, and understanding those trade-offs is essential to long-term reliability and value.
At the heart of our work is a constant balance between reliability, cost, and risk. Pushing too hard in one direction inevitably creates pressure somewhere else. Prioritizing short-term savings can increase long-term risk. Overbuilding can raise costs unnecessarily. Waiting too long can leave fewer options and higher prices. There is no perfect solution, only responsible ones.
Many of the decisions we make today won’t fully reveal their impact for five, seven, or even 10 years. That’s the reality of power supply and transmission planning. New resources take time to develop, and transmission upgrades can take years to permit, site, and construct. Once those decisions are made, they shape the system for decades.
Judgment matters as much as data. Our power supply leader, Matt Moore, who is also a co-op member, spends his days evaluating data and testing scenarios. He looks at future demand, resource availability, system flexibility, and a wide range of possible outcomes. Assumptions
are stress-tested against extreme weather, changing load patterns, fuel constraints, and evolving regulations. This kind of disciplined analysis is why even some of the largest companies in the world look to Wabash Valley Power for insight. But at the center of every decision are the families and businesses that rely on us.
The cooperative difference is that every decision is made with members in mind. We’re not chasing short-term wins, but long-term reliability, affordability, and responsible stewardship of the system you depend on.
As a co-op member and as CEO, I take that responsibility personally. I expect the same reliability you do, and making tough, thoughtful choices today is how we ensure power is there when it’s needed for years to come.
Jeff Conrad President and CEO Wabash Valley Power Alliance
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
