J
SPEED UP REGISTRATION AT THE ANNUAL MEETING
PLEASE CLIP AND BRING THE MAILING LABEL WITH BARCODE ON THE BACK COVER OF THIS ISSUE TO THE ANNUAL MEETING.
from the editor
A significant milestone
This month, Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC) — the statewide organization that publishes Indiana Connection — is celebrating its 90th anniversary.
On March 9, 1935, Governor Paul V. McNutt signed the Indiana REMC Act into law. The bill, authored by I. Harvey Hull and Frederick Barrows, was the first of its kind in the country, allowing for the formation of rural electric membership cooperatives. The electric power industry would not extend lines to rural areas because they did not find it profitable.
According to “Power to the People,” a book written by former Indiana Connection Editor Emily Schilling, Hull was inspired to create rural co-ops after a trip to Scandinavia in 1933. He was impressed by the high standard of living in the farm communities and their access to electricity. He learned that 65% of rural Norway and Sweden were electrified, which was possible because the consumers owned the electric lines.
Two months after the Indiana law was enacted, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed legislation establishing the Rural Electrification Administration as a relief agency. This enabled Congress to allocate $1 million for rural electrification projects. As a result, Indiana had the funds needed to create the rural electric co-ops.
The Indiana REMC Act enabled the formation of the Indiana Statewide Rural Electric Membership Corporation, which was officially founded in July 1935 to help develop co-ops throughout the state.
IEC has evolved significantly over the past nine decades. Still, the organization continues its original goal of promoting and supporting Indiana’s electric coops, enabling them to serve their members effectively. Today, IEC assists the co-ops through government relations, safety training and compliance, culture and career development, and communications.
I’m proud to play a small role in helping Indiana’s electric co-ops serve their members. Here’s to 90 more years of continued success.
Britt Davis Editor bdavis@indianaec.org
On the menu: October: Submit your favorite sweet and salty recipes, deadline Aug. 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.
Giveaway: Enter to win a $30 gift card from Indiana Caverns. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is July 31.
you.
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 1 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340
Published monthly by Indiana Electric Cooperatives
Indiana Connection is for and about members of Indiana’s locally-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. It helps consumers use electricity safely and efficiently; understand energy issues; connect with their co-op; and celebrate life in Indiana. Over 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
Jamey Marcum Secretary/Treasurer
John Cassady CEO
EDITORIAL STAFF:
Britt Davis Editor
Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication
Lauren Carman Communication Manager
Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator
Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist
Amber Knight Creative Manager
Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer
ADVERTISING:
American MainStreet Publications Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop
Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication.
UNSOLICITED MATERIAL:
Indiana Connection does not use unsolicited freelance manuscripts or photographs and assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited material.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: $12 for individuals not subscribing through participating REMCs/RECs.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS:
If you receive Indiana Connection through your electric co-op membership, report address changes to your local co-op.
POSTAGE:
Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, Indiana, and at additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032. Include key number.
No portion of Indiana Connection may be reproduced without permission of the editor.
ADDRESS
274 E. Base Road
P.O. Box K
Brownstown, IN 47220-0311
CONTACT
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
BILL PAYMENT
Online: www.jacksonremc.com By phone: 855-938-3553
REPORT OUTAGES OR EMERGENCIES
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
Jackson County REMC news
REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR 2025 ANNUAL MEETING
Annual Meeting registration will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. The business meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. on July 17.
This year’s meeting will be a hybrid meeting with drive-thru registration, voting, ice cream and gifts. An inperson business meeting will follow in the Pavilion at the Jackson County Fairgrounds at 7:30 p.m. There will be signs directing you once you get to the fairgrounds. Attendance at the business meeting is optional.
The following steps will help make your registration go smoothly:
1. Clip out the registration form/ mailing label printed on the back cover of this issue.
2. Bring your form to the Annual Meeting registration.
If you have not already voted online, you will be given a ballot to vote for the director election when you register. You will vote before the business meeting, at the station right after registration.
If you attend the drive-thru registration, your name will also be placed in the drawing for two $250 bill credits to be announced on Friday, July 18.
Additional door prizes will be drawn for business meeting attendees.
If the name(s) listed on the mailing label of this issue is/are not correct, or if a change is desired, please contact our billing department as soon as possible. Only those members whose names appear on our records will be eligible to register. A member may register only once, even though more than one account may be in his or her name. A tenant may not register if an account is in the landlord’s name, nor may a landlord register if an account is in a tenant’s name. Agents for churches, organizations and businesses must certify they are authorized representatives.
THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL MEETING GIFT
• Neck fan
Members can vote using the following methods:
EARLY VOTING
Early voting closes on July 14
IN PERSON
Vote in person at the Jackson County REMC Hybrid Annual Meeting on July 17. There will be a drive-thru for registration, voting, ice cream and gifts, and then join us for the in-person business meeting.
Jackson County REMC news
BOARD OF DIRECTORS nominees
DISTRICT 1
JOHN HACKMAN
INCUMBENT
John Hackman has served as a director for Jackson County REMC since 2010 and is completing his fifth term on the board. Before his election, he was an active member of the REMC Election and Credentials Committee for several years. He is also a National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD).
A Brownstown Central High School graduate, John is a full-time grain farmer and lifelong resident of Jackson County. He farms alongside his son, Caleb, and his family. John and his wife, Tammi, live in the Wegan neighborhood of Grassy Fork Township. They have four children and five grandchildren. They are active members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Vallonia, where John has served in various leadership roles.
IAN ANDERSON
Ian Anderson is a lifelong resident of Jackson County. He lives with his wife, Kourtney, and their two-yearold daughter, Emma. Ian is a 2015 graduate of Brownstown Central High School and earned his degree from Vincennes University in 2017.
He works at Brownstown Electric Supply and previously worked at Goecker Building Supply. Ian attends Driftwood Christian Church and enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing, camping, and spending quality time with his family.
DISTRICT 4
PAUL ELLIOTT INCUMBENT
Paul Elliott has served as a director since 2007 and is completing his sixth term on the board.
Paul was born and raised in Washington County. He and his wife, Kathryn, have one son, and the family resides in Franklin Township near the community of South Boston. They attend Scottsburg United Methodist Church. Paul is a graduate of East Washington High School. He earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in engineering from Purdue University. He is a licensed engineer and owner of ASET Services, an engineering and consulting service for sports floors. He is also a farmer, involved in cattle and hay production.
CHAD FITZPATRICK
Chad Fitzpatrick lives in Pekin, Indiana, where he has resided for about 20 years with his wife, Rebecca. They have one son, Stefan. Chad has also lived in Louisville, Kentucky, New Albany, Indiana, and was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, during his time in the U.S. Navy.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Louisville and has been employed at Fortna, formerly Material Handling Systems Equipment, for 22 years.
Chad attends Southeast Christian Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and is a retired member of the U.S. Navy Reserve, having completed his service in 2017.
DISTRICT 7
CURT WISCHMEIER INCUMBENT
Curt Wischmeier has served as a director since 2013 and is completing his fourth term on the board. He is also a NRECA CCD-certified director.
Curt is a lifelong resident of Jackson County. He and his wife, Mary Ellen, reside in the Sauers neighborhood in Washington Township. They have three children and nine grandchildren. They are members of St. John Lutheran Church at Sauers, where Curt has served on several boards and committees. He is a graduate of Seymour High School and a retired farmer who maintained a cow-calf herd, raised grain, and hay crops. He is a member of the Jackson County Plan Commission and Jackson County Farm Bureau, Inc.
JOHN THOMAS
John Thomas lives in the Dudleytown area near Seymour, Indiana, where he has resided since 1990 with his wife, Patty. They have two children, Luke and Nicole. Before moving to Seymour, John lived in Brazil, Indiana.
He graduated from Brazil High School and holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University. John retired after 27 years of service with the Seymour Fire Department.
He is a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Seymour and remains an active part of his community.
ANNUAL REPORT
2024 ELECTRIC DIVISION FINANCIAL NOTES
1) Operating results:
continued on page 29
• In 2024, overall accrued electric margins totaled $8,400,678, including $1,370,489 in non-cash capital credits from Hoosier Energy, Inc. and other cooperative business associates.
• Total kilowatt-hour (kWh) sales in 2024 were 457,846,403, representing a 2.74% increase over 2023 sales of 445,642,593 kWh.
2) Financing of capital expenditures:
• The $8.4 million investment in the electric utility plant in 2024 was financed using operating cash on hand; no loan funds were required.
3) Rates:
• Jackson County REMC’s base electric rates, which took effect on April 1, 2023, remained unchanged throughout 2024.
• Total retail electric rates charged in 2024 decreased, primarily due to reductions in the power cost tracker from our power supplier, Hoosier Energy, Inc. On average, factoring in Hoosier Energy’s power cost tracker and the Merom fixed charge (which recovers stranded asset costs associated with the Merom Station coal generation plant), retail rates decreased by an average of 7.50% per kWh in 2024.
4) Capital credits:
• The board of directors authorized the retirement of capital credits allocated for 1993 and 10% of 2023. In November 2024, a total of $4,282,755 was retired. Of this amount, $1,227,096 remains unclaimed; the balance has been distributed.
5) Audit:
• The corporation’s records were audited through June 30, 2024, by Monroe Shine & Co., Inc., Certified Public Accountants. The annual audit for the 12 months ending June 30, 2025, is scheduled to begin soon.
energy
THE PATH TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Solar energy can create long-term savings and potential energy credits Solar
A dictionary definition of efficiency is performing a task using the least resources and producing the least waste.
Solar energy can certainly demonstrate efficiency by both measures. Consumers who use solar can realize long-term savings thanks to smaller utility bills and potential revenue from energy credits.
Solar energy efficiency has come a long way since the first photovoltaic (PV) solar cells were created in 1883. Back then, they converted only 1 to 2% of the total sunlight into usable energy.
Today’s PV solar cells have an average commercial energy conversion rate of 15 to 20%, and high-efficiency panels can reach as high as 23%.
Increasing the energy conversion rate is the only way to improve that efficiency further. However, scientists say the limit of what’s possible is 33%.
If you have solar energy or are thinking about installing it, what
else can make solar energy more efficient?
Eliminate shade
The first, and perhaps most obvious, way is to eliminate shade around solar panels. While direct sunlight is not necessary for solar panels to work, panels under shade do not produce a high enough output to be efficient. This is part of the reason deciding on an ideal location before installation is critical.
Face south
Another reason that location is important is to ensure optimal orientation for efficiency. Generally speaking, the ideal orientation is for solar panels to face south, ensuring maximum sunlight exposure throughout the day to get the highest output possible.
Keep them clean
After solar panels are installed, they need occasional cleaning. How often this occurs depends on the climate where the solar panels are located. They are particularly susceptible to natural dust accumulation, which can lead to as much as a 13% decline in output over three months.
Regularly assess the panels
Regular check-ups are key to maintaining efficiency. Quarterly preventive checks might help identify unusual output trends that could be hampering efficiency. This could be in conjunction with using energy management software to track the daily levels of generation.
Reduce reflection
Another helpful action is to invest in anti-reflection coatings for the solar panels. Sunlight can be lost through reflection, reducing what remains available to convert into energy.
Control power consumption
Managing power consumption can increase solar efficiency. Avoid running appliances like a dishwasher, microwave, and washing machine simultaneously, and turn off lights and fans when possible.
Add batteries
Finally, add solar batteries to enhance the system’s power to store unused energy during the day. Installing batteries close to solar panels will reduce any energy lost in transmission.
by Jennifer Scott
county feature
Greene County is home to one of the largest wetland restoration sites in the United States — the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area. Spanning more than 9,000 acres of restored prairie and marshland, the nature preserve attracts more than 12,000 visitors annually for birdwatching, fishing, and hunting.
Greene County COUNTY FACTS
HISTORY ACROSS THE TRESTLE
Known as Indiana’s “most spectacular railroad bridge,” the Tulip Trestle stretches 2,295 feet across Greene County, connecting the towns of Solsberry and Tulip. Built in 1905 by Italian immigrants to transport coal, it was the longest rail trestle in the United States at the time and the third longest in the world. While passenger trains once traveled across the viaduct, that service was discontinued in 1948. Today, the Tulip Trestle remains in use as part of the Indiana Rail Road line that runs from Newton, Illinois, to Indianapolis.
BIG TALENT FROM A SMALL TOWN
Born in Linton in 1904, Phil Harris was an American entertainer best known for his role on “The Jack Benny Program” and for co-starring with his wife, actress and singer Alice Faye, on “The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show.” Harris was also a voice actor in classic animated films, lending his voice to Baloo in “The Jungle Book,” Thomas O’Malley in “The Aristocats,” and Little John in “Robin Hood.” Before his death in 1995, Harris and Faye donated their show business memorabilia to the Linton Public Library, which now features a commemorative collection honoring his legacy.
INDIANA’S
INDEPENDENCE DAY TRADITION
Nearly 40,000 people visit Linton, Indiana, each year to celebrate the 4th of July during the city’s annual Linton Freedom Festival. This weeklong celebration at Humphrey Park includes a carnival, classic car show, flea market, golf tournament, 5K run, and more. The Linton Freedom Festival Parade, known as Indiana’s largest Independence Day parade, features festive floats and live music. Two 3- to 5-year-olds are crowned Miss Sparkler and Mr. Firecracker to represent their city in the parade.
FOUNDED: 1821
NAMED FOR: Nathaniel Greene, a military officer in the Revolutionary War
POPULATION: 30,803
COUNTY SEAT: Bloomfield
INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 28
Bloomfield
Linton
Tulip
Nicole Thomas is a freelance writer from Indianapolis.
Public domain
Photo courtesy of Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce
Photo courtesy of Cheryl Helms
LETTERS EDITOR TO THE
Letters have been edited for length and clarity
I appreciated the article on Ernie Pyle in the recent Indiana Connection. We went to the museum in Dana several years ago. My husband and I have read “Ernie’s War,” which includes many of his columns. As the article commented, I felt that what he wrote about were not battles, but how the soldiers managed to live through the war. I understand why his columns were so important to the people back home. I also appreciated reading your own personal experience in learning about Ernie Pyle. He is someone to remember and honor.
My husband and I moved to Indiana from Chicago when we retired 15 years ago. We have been intentional about getting to know our adopted state and have noted some of the places mentioned in Indiana Connection for future trips. We are proud to be Hoosiers.
— Chris Schrey
I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed reading the sobering article in the May issue of Indiana Connection magazine about the Guatemala mission trip of sorts that several REMC linemen made back in January and February.
I can’t stop thinking about the young girl the men met while working to install electricity for the first time in her remote village. She is 6 years old, the “head of the household,” and trying to care for younger siblings, mostly on her own. I cannot imagine it, and I am so touched to read about this extreme poverty and deprivation. And they are just now, in 2025, getting electricity for the first time. Incredible.
— Anne Keller
In the June issue, the measurements for a portion of the Blueberry Kuchen recipe on page 19 were incorrect. The correct measurements for the topping are: ¾ cup sugar, ½ cup all-purpose flour, and ¼ cup melted butter. We apologize for this error.
MARKETPLACE
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InA TRUE AMERICAN CLASSIC
Bo-Mac’s Drive-In continues the tradition of great food and memorable moments in Shoals
owners in their own handwriting,” said Todd Baker.
These items include “Rox” burgers — two cheeseburgers stacked with hand-sliced, breaded onion rings and bacon — and “Coneys,” a take on the Coney Island hot dog smothered in a rich, meaty sauce.
The drive-in offers shakes, malts, cups, cones, sundaes, and flurries with what Baker calls “an endless variety of toppings.”
1960, an attorney and a doctor decided to dip their toes into the popular drive-in business. Bob and Mac created their drive-in restaurant near the intersection of Routes 50 and 150 in Shoals, Indiana, and named it after themselves.
Bo-Mac’s became an area institution. Its neon sign, still glowing today like a vintage beacon, has five words in all caps — SHAKES, SUNDAES, ROOT BEER, SANDWICHES — below its taunting swirl of ice cream sweeping skyward from a tilted sugar cone.
Current owners Todd and Blair Baker purchased it in 2021 from the Ragsdale family, who took it on a few years after it opened. They keep with the place’s tradition of sharing food and memories outdoors around picnic tables and in cars, which are still attended by carhops.
BURGERS, SANDWICHES, AND SIDES
“Some of our main items that are really popular are from the original
Those “sandwiches” in the Bo-Mac’s sign? There are 17 different choices. Eight are burgers, including one “Firehouse Burger,” a cheeseburger topped with hot sauce, jalapenos, coney sauce, and coleslaw. The rest include catfish or cod and a variety of grilled or hand-breaded chicken options.
Most of Bo-Mac’s 18 side dishes, such as fries, fried mushrooms, and chicken strips, are dippable. Some have a twist like corn dog bites, nacho nuggets, and fried pickles, as well as potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans.
In addition to a la carte for many of the above items, there are baskets, platters, buckets, and even barrels. Monthly, Bo-Mac’s offers an assortment of barbecued pork, which is smoked, grilled, or pulled.
A BOUNDLESS SELECTION OF ICE CREAM
Bo-Mac’s has an array of savory options, but many customers are beckoned by the swirl on the sign. “Ice cream is what we’re really known for,” Baker said.
A sampling can start with soft-serve chocolate or vanilla. Shake and malt territory can intersect with mint, cherry, pumpkin, pineapple, or blue raspberry. Floats can bob in Coca-Cola, root beer, red cream soda, or Dr. Pepper. Flurries can be mixed with ingredients like cheesecake bites and pina colada. The “Gold Brick” flurry has Heath bar, butterscotch, and nuts.
Bo-Mac’s is open from April to October and again from around Thanksgiving until February. Baker said one of his favorite parts of the business is what people share beneath the glowing sign, in addition to its food.
“I’ve been coming here for as long as I can remember, as it is with many locals, as well as their children and grandchildren,” he said. “First dates, birthdays, meaningful moments, it’s important to us to provide that space for customers and deliver a good experience and make more memories.”
Stephanie Bernaba is a freelancer with national reach who thrives on topics like food and entertainment.
KEEP METALLIC BALLOONS INSIDE
You may be planning a celebration this summer and looking to use fun decorations to help get everyone in the spirit. If you're thinking about using balloons outdoors, you should keep safety in mind.
Metal-coated balloons, or Mylars, can cause significant problems and pose a public safety risk. This kind of balloon is linked to thousands of power outages each year. But Indiana Electric Cooperatives wants you to know there are some ways to reduce the risk and safely use these balloons.
It’s helpful to know why these metal-coated balloons can cause issues. For starters, a gust of wind can grab the balloon — filled with
helium or not — break it loose from the string, and blow it into overhead power lines.
If this happens, the metallic coating can conduct electricity and cause a short circuit or power surge when in contact with the lines. This can lead to large-scale power outages, melting of electrical wires, and fires. Any of these can lead to possible injuries and property damage.
Helium-filled balloons that float away can drift for days and miles and come down anywhere. They are a risk to power lines and can also be dangerous to animals.
To reduce the risk of outages and injuries associated with Mylar balloons, remember to keep them away from power lines . In addition, make sure to tie helium-filled ones to a weight that’s heavy enough to prevent them from floating away.
Also, keep the weight attached until the balloons are deflated.
If you see a Mylar balloon in contact with a power line or in an electric substation, never attempt to retrieve it yourself . Keep yourself and all other items and people at least 20 feet away. Call the electric utility or 911.
When spending time outside this summer, stay far away from a downed or low-hanging power line. Always assume downed or lowhanging lines are electrified and dangerous. Call 911 immediately if you see a downed line.
Remember, balloons can be fun additions to your parties this summer. Just make sure you use caution and practice safety with Mylar balloons.
Chris Adam is a freelance writer from Lafayette.
Dog meets baby
Ensure
the first meeting between your new addition and your furry friend is a success
Your dog may own the spotlight now, but the arrival of a new baby requires adjustments, reassurance, and strategies to ensure a happy, safe interaction. Consider these tips whether you are preparing for a new child in your home or a new grandchild who will visit often.
Assess the norm
toy protective, or anxiousness from sudden movements. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they do provide opportunities to train and redirect behaviors.
Set
the tone
Make the introduction
Determine a baseline for your dog’s typical behavior, including whether it has previous experience with children. Look for potential challenges, like tugging, jumping, being overly food or
Familiarize your dog with what life with a baby might look like. If you’re welcoming the child, this will look different than welcoming a grandchild, niece, or nephew. Prepare your home with baby’s supplies early so your dog can get used to rearranged furniture and new off-limits playthings.
Get into the groove
Practice your new routine, especially if your pet is your shadow. You may be prepared for sleepless nights, but your dog could become startled or agitated by hourly wakeups. Give them a mini boot camp to help them get used to regular disruptions. Avoid providing bathroom breaks unless they’re seniors, lest you create an unsustainable expectation.
Make sure your dog has its basic needs met, like food, water, exercise, and attention. Put the dog on its harness and leash and keep the baby secure before approaching slowly, pausing if the dog becomes overstimulated. Keep the first visit short, reward desired behavior, and repeat this routine to normalize the baby’s presence.
Monitor every visit between dog and baby and watch for stress signals, like pacing, yawning, and lipsmacking. If you see any of these, end the visit with a gentle redirection without punishment and try again another time.
Future best friends
Prioritize consistency and keep your dog’s usual routine going, maintaining walks and playtime to prevent jealousy and anxiety. Provide a safe, babyfree zone for your dog to relax in, especially as the baby grows and becomes more curious. Be consistent, teach gentle interactions, monitor visits, and work with a dog trainer if you need help.
Natalie Derrickson is a writer based in Indianapolis.
BLUE-RIBBON recipes
TOASTED COCONUT PECAN PIE
Charlotte Rymph, Monterey, Indiana
3 eggs, beaten
1½ cups sugar
½ cup butter, melted
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla
1 1⁄ 3 cups shredded coconut
½ cup coarsely broken pecans
1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
Preheat oven to 350 F. Thoroughly whisk together the eggs, sugar, butter, lemon juice, and vanilla. Stir in the coconut and pecans, then pour into the pie shell. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes at 350 F or until filling is set. The pie can be garnished with whipped cream and pecan halves.
These grand champion desserts are sure to impress at any summer gathering
“With this recipe, I won first place in the Pillsbury Pie Baking Championship at the Indiana State Fair in 2013.”
RED DEVIL'S FOOD CAKE
Virginia L Bennett, Richardson, Texas
2 cups sugar
¾ cup butter
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk, separated
3 cups flour, separated
1 tsp vanilla
1 rounded tsp baking soda
½ cup cocoa
1 cup boiling water
“This recipe was featured in the 1931 and 2001 Covington United Methodist Church cookbooks. When my niece was in 4-H in South Dakota, she entered it in the county contest, where it won the grand champion prize. This made it eligible for the South Dakota State Fair, where it also won grand champion.”
Combine the cocoa, baking soda, and boiling water. Stir well and set aside. Cream together the sugar and butter. Beat the eggs and add to the creamed mixture. Alternately add 1⁄ 3 cup of buttermilk and 1 cup of flour, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla and cocoa mixture, stirring until blended. Pour into two greased and floured 9-inch cake pans or 48 cupcake tins lined with paper inserts. Bake at 350 F for 30 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cake and frost with any icing of your choice.
ICING SUGGESTION
2 Tbsp cocoa
2 cups powdered sugar
6 Tbsp softened butter
3 Tbsp whipping cream
½ tsp vanilla
Beat all ingredients together until light and fluffy. Makes 1 1⁄ 3 cups of frosting.
PINEAPPLE PIE
Donna Dettmer, Columbus, Indiana
1½ cups sugar
½ cup butter, softened but not melted
1 cup crushed pineapple, juice included
3 Tbsp flour
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
Beat together all the ingredients. Pour the mixture into an unbaked pie shell and bake for 50 minutes at 350 F or until it sets and the crust is brown.
“This pie was made by my daughter for a 4-H foods project and won a grand champion ribbon.”
Civic theaters are a vital cultural resource for communities throughout Indiana
HOOSIERS TAKE
CENTER STAGE
BY JULIE YOUNG
Mackenzie Foulks and Kaycee Beck perform as the Haynes sisters in White Christmas at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre.
(Photo courtesy of Civic Theatre)
Civic theaters are companies of performing and non-performing players dedicated to providing accessible live theatrical events to the local community. Their productions take place in a variety of venues, and their seasonal offerings may include plays, musicals, youth productions, classic works, and emerging voices. Whether in a big city or a small town, civic theaters are a vibrant cultural resource that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds.
Luckily, Indiana is home to hundreds of civic theaters and other arts organizations that operate under the civic model. While some offer yearround professional performances, others might be seasonal labors of love for an all-volunteer cast and crew or geared for a niche audience.
“If you are looking for theater in Indiana, you are going to find it,” said Miah Michaelsen, executive director of the Indiana Arts Commission. “They are much more than the buildings
where performances are held…they are the connective tissue that keeps communities knitted together.”
‘LITTLE THEATRES’ EVERYWHERE
Civic theaters grew out of the Little Theatre movement that operated throughout the United States in the early 20th century. These companies were organized by committed volunteers who staged experimental and royalty-free performances wherever they could find an available space. Through a combination of community support, local pride, and a desire to develop American playwrights, Little Theatres evolved into the civic theater model that exists today.
As the longest continually operating community theater in the United States, the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre in Carmel has been part of the central Indiana landscape for over a century. Founded as the Little
Theatre Society of Indiana in 1914, the company installed itself in the sculpture court of the John Herron Art Institute. It opened a year later with a presentation of four plays, including “The Killing Triangle: A Domestic Melodrama”.
“The goal of the Little Theatre movement was to put new works on stage — a lot of which were melodramas,” said Michael Lasley, executive artistic director of the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre. “In fact, if you look at a list of productions from the first 30 years, there is virtually nothing that is recognizable.”
VAUDEVILLE EXPERIENCE
When New Harmony native Frances Golden retired from the Vaudeville circuit and returned to southern Indiana in 1920, she brought along her considerable experience.
continued on page 22
As the longest continually operating community theater in the country, the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre has been part of the central Indiana landscape since 1914.
(Photo courtesy of Civic Theatre)
continued from page 21
Having performed alongside her family members since she was a toddler and touring as a young adult throughout the U.S. and Europe, she was the perfect person to partner with the Evansville Recreation Commission to create the city’s first community theater company in 1925.
Originally known as the People’s Players and The Community Players, the Evansville Community Theatre opened in 1927 with a production of “Fashion, or Life in New York” by Anna Cora Mowatt. Golden served as the volunteer director of the theater from 1928 to 1941 while also training young singers at the local college (today, the University of Evansville) and operating her own conservatory, The Golden Studio of Voice. A true go-getter, Golden gave the Evansville theater community a sense of stability
and purpose that has shaped the company’s character for over 90 years.
CREATING CONNECTIONS
Founded in 1947, Elkhart Civic Theatre traces its roots to the Elkhart Little Theaters, which provided high-quality productions of classic Shakespearean plays from a residential carriage house. The group performed throughout the late 1920s and into the 1930s, until World War II forced the company into an extended hiatus. Although its name changed after the relaunch, its objective remained the same.
“Elkhart Civic Theatre gives community members an artistic outlet and a way to make connections with others,” said Executive Director Dave DuFour. “For many, the social aspect is very important with lifelong
friendships resulting from working with others in the creative process.”
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
Cultivating an inclusive community through live theater is one thing, but finding a place to perform is another. After a decade of showcasing their talents in several all-purpose rooms and rented auditoriums, the Little Theatre Society of Indiana constructed a 240-seat playhouse in 1924. The facility was championed by noted author and playwright Booth Tarkington, whose works were often performed by Little Theatres, and he felt that they had an important role to play in the community.
The new playhouse opened in 1926 with a production of “Treasure Island,” and three years later, the company adopted a new name: Civic Theatre of Indianapolis. (Tarkington’s name would be added around 1949-1950 to honor the company’s early patron.)
Since its inception, the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre has occupied five unique homes, including the Showalter Pavilion on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art and Marian University, before settling into The Tarkington, a 513-seat auditorium at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts just north of Indianapolis in Carmel. In this state-ofthe-art space, they continue to foster a love of theater through imagination, educational programming, and offering Broadway-caliber performances at community theater prices.
Lasley said that the last part isn’t easy. “Almost everything you see on the mainstage is the work of volunteer performers and crew members, but we are a professionally
The Evansville Civic Theatre purchased the Columbia Theater building in 1974. The theater was built in 1910 and had previously served as a beer garden, burlesque club, and movie house. (Photo courtesy of Evansville Civic Theatre)
In 1961, Elkhart Civic Theatre was able to lease, and ultimately purchase, the Bristol Theatre from the Moiser family, renaming it the Bristol Opera House.
managed company, which means we have a full-time staff. We also hire choreographers and musicians to help frame the performance you see on stage. It makes what we do expensive, comparatively speaking, but the end product you see is more polished.”
FUNDING CHALLENGES
Although Frances Golden was alive to see the Evansville Community Theatre rebrand itself as the Evansville Civic Theatre in 1956, she did not live to see the organization secure the old
Columbia Theater as its permanent home after years of performing in various indoor and outdoor locations.
“Our building, which we acquired in 1974, holds a rich history, having previously served as a beer garden, burlesque club, and movie theater before coming under our ownership,” said Theatre Administrator Danielle Scott.
Built in 1910, the 222-seat space provided the organization with the perfect home for nearly 50 years. However, keeping up with a 115-yearold building does not come cheap.
continued on page 24
(Photo courtesy of Elkhart Civic Theatre)
Actors perform the tavern scene from Fiddler on the Roof at the Elkhart Civic Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Elkhart Civic Theatre)
continued from page 23
When a 2020 fundraising effort fell short of its $150,000 goal, the Evansville Civic Theatre opted to say goodbye to the Fulton Street space and temporarily take up residence in Benjamin Bosse High School.
Scott said securing adequate funding is a challenge facing many theater communities today. “As an organization, we do all we can, and we are deeply grateful to those who contribute both their time and financial support…While many theater companies face the same challenges, each person associated with our theater strongly believes that through volunteering, whether behind-the-scenes or performing, we are helping to provide an artistic outlet and appreciation for the arts in our community.”
A BUILDING FILLED WITH STORIES
Like its counterparts, Elkhart Civic Theatre made its home in a variety
of locations, including the auditorium of the old downtown high school before moving into the former YWCA building (now known as the Lexington House). Although the YWCA had a stage, it proved to be inadequate for the company’s needs, and in 1961, Elkhart Civic Theatre was able to lease, and ultimately purchase, the Bristol Theatre from the Moiser family, renaming it the Bristol Opera House.
Built in two phases at the end of the 19th century by a local businessman, the original building housed the town’s post office, a basement barber shop, and a lodge meeting room on the second floor. The auditorium was added a few years later in hopes that the interurban railway system would grow and create a need for entertainment opportunities. Unfortunately, the railway failed, and aside from a few local events, the theater was rarely used.
After purchasing the building, Elkhart Civic Theatre opened up the archways
to connect the two spaces into one and made several other improvements so that it could serve their needs. Although the stage is quite small, it offers a larger backstage, wing, and downstage areas, allowing them to do more than they could at the YWCA. In 2018, the lobby was given a $110,000 renovation made possible by the generosity of theater patrons and a matching grant from the Elkhart Community Foundation. However, DuFour said there are always more needs than money, and fundraising is an ongoing process.
“Community theaters are affected by rising costs just as much as any other business,” he said. “At Elkhart Civic Theatre, utilities, insurance, lumber, fabric, and many other components have risen in price over the last couple of years, and theaters must cover those costs.”
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
Civic theaters are also challenged by the fact that audiences have so
Renée La Schiazza performs as Maria with the Von Trapp children in a production of The Sound of Music at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Civic Theatre)
many more sources of entertainment than they did during the Little Theatre days or even a few decades ago. Streaming services provide almost unlimited, cheap entertainment, so the challenge for any civic theater is to sell people on the value of seeing a live performance.
Michaelsen explains that, like other arts organizations, civic theaters are constantly competing for audience dollars and between materials, venue rentals, administrative costs, and more, it’s not getting any cheaper to put on a show.
“You are never going to be able to produce plays for less money than you would have five years ago, but that is the nature of live performance,” Michaelsen said. “Generally, ticket revenue only covers 40 to 50 percent of production costs, no matter if it is an
amateur or professional organization, so the rest of those dollars must be made up elsewhere.”
That usually means grants, donations, and sponsorships, but finding someone to write those grants, solicit those donations, and seek out those sponsorships is another challenge. It’s also harder to get the word out about the local theater company when so many communities no longer have local television or radio stations to help promote the mission.
“Trying to get the word out in a fragmented media environment is something we hear consistently,” she said. “You are pretty much at the whim of social media and the algorithm.”
So, how can audiences support their local civic theater organization? First, attend a performance. The people on that stage and behind the scenes
are your friends and neighbors, and every dollar you invest in a civic theater stays in the local market. In most cases, they volunteer their time and talent, so why not donate some of your time and money to support their hard work? Second, support those who support the arts. Typically, local businesses sponsor these productions, so consider being a customer of these businesses in your community. Third, participate! Whether you sing, act, dance, or have another skillset that can benefit your local theater organization, there is no time like the present to volunteer.
“Our doors are always open,” said Scott, “Whether you are interested in auditioning, volunteering, attending a performance, or participating in one of our community events. You are always welcome. No prior experience is required.”
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UNDERSTANDING ELECTRIC INFRASTRUCTURE:
TRANSMISSION and DISTRIBUTION
Electric infrastructure (sometimes referred to as “the grid”) is the network that delivers electricity from power plants to homes and businesses. It consists of three primary components: generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
TRANSMISSION
Transmission lines carry highvoltage electricity over long distances. They are supported by large towers and can span many miles and across states.
Once the transmission system carries the electricity to a substation, the voltage is reduced through transformers to a usable level for homes and most businesses.
This is where the distribution system begins.
DISTRIBUTION
Distribution lines carry lower-voltage electricity from substations to homes, schools, and businesses. These lines are most commonly supported by electric poles in the public rights-of-way, which form the core of the visible distribution network. Electric poles are strategically engineered and spaced
to maintain proper wire tension and safety clearances. They are equipped to withstand environmental conditions such as wind, rain, and some ice.
Distribution poles play a critical role in maintaining consistent and reliable power delivery. They typically carry three types of wires:
• Primary distribution lines: These lines carry electricity at medium voltage.
• Secondary lines: These further reduce voltage for household use.
• Neutral or ground wires: These help to ensure safety and system balance.
Poles may also support transformers, which step down the voltage to final usable levels. Electric distribution poles can also accommodate telecommunication and cable broadband lines, thus serving as the physical backbone of broadband deployment.
Understanding the basics of electric infrastructure — particularly the transmission and distribution system and its poles — highlights how vital and complex this network is in powering everyday life.
HOW ELECTRICTY GETS TO YOU
STEP 1
Generation
Electricity is generated from various sources
STEP 2
Step-Up
Transformer
Voltage is increased to push the electricty over long distances.
STEP 3
Transmission Power Lines
Lines carry electricity over long distances.
STEP 4
Transmission Substation
Voltage is lowered so electricity can travel across the local system.
STEP 5
Distribution
Substation
Voltage is lowered further for safe distribution.
STEP 6
Distribution Power Lines
Electricity travels across these lines in your community.
STEP 7
Final Stop
A transformer reduces voltage a final time, and electricity is sent to your home.
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Hoosier Energy news
Critical improvements
The Holland Energy Plant, located in central Illinois and co-owned by Hoosier Energy and Wabash Valley Power Alliance, has undergone the largest outage in its two-decade-old history this spring and summer.
Three major projects have been the focus at the natural gas facility: steam turbine inspection, gas turbine hot gas path inspection, and replacement of both Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) LP feed water heater tube bundles.
“The LP water heater is taking care of some longstanding issues we’ve had both with the reliability of that unit, as far as leaks, as well as some back pressure on the unit,” Holland Plant Manager Kent Schmohe said. “It’s been a three-year project in the making.”
Getting the tube bundle replacements to the plant was an undertaking, as
the journey began in Thailand. A ship carried them across the Pacific Ocean, through the Panama Canal, and to the Port of Houston, spanning 12,700 miles and 26 days. From there, the final 879 miles required special load semis pulling special trailers due to the size and weight of the bundles.
The rest of the work is no less crucial.
The steam turbine inspection must be done every 10 years.
“It’s really a report card on how we operate and how things are going as far as steam quality and how we operate the plant,” said Schmohe.
After opening the turbine and taking it to a shop in Milwaukee, the inspection found issues with the rotor and cracks in the leads. Resolving these issues took more time and money than expected, as Toshiba, the manufacturer, worked to get things back up to speed.
“We took care of those discoveries to make sure the unit is going to stay reliable for the next 10 years,” said Schmohe.
Last, but not least, the hot gas path on gas turbine No. 2 needs maintenance every five years.
“We use GE for that work,” Schmohe said. “There were very few discovery items, but we took care of those, so it should be ready to run for the summer and years to come.”
Over the past few years, Holland Energy Plant has been breaking records — achieving higher capacity, increasing operating time, and reducing restarts. This made the outage critically important.
Plant Manager Kent Schmohe and Hoosier Energy Director of Generation Strategy Cory Samm on site at Holland Energy Plant
Holland Energy Plant
Hoosier Energy continues to enhance and develop the Holland Energy Plant
continued from page 8
2024 FIBER DIVISION
FINANCIAL NOTES
1) Operating results:
• 2024 was the seventh year of billing customers for fiber-optic broadband service. Revenue from fiber-optic broadband and VoIP telephone sales continued to grow throughout the year as more customers were connected. Total operating revenue equaled $10,845,941 for 2024 compared to $9,960,778 in 2023.
• In 2024, we added 1,001 fiberoptic broadband accounts and ended the year with a total of 13,096 active accounts. We also added 109 VoIP telephone accounts and ended 2024 with a total of 447 active accounts.
• Net operating margins (revenues less expenses) equaled $342,390 for 2023 compared to -($384,824) in 2023.
2) Financing of capital expenditures:
• The 2024 $2.8 million investment in fiber-optic utility plant was financed through operating cash on hand, loans from RUS (Rural Utilities Service, USDA Rural Development), and grant funds from USDA and Indiana’s Next Level Connections grant program.
3) Rates:
• Jackson County REMC’s fiber-optic broadband and VoIP telephone service remained unchanged throughout 2024.
4) Audit:
• The corporation’s records were audited through June 30, 2024, by Monroe Shine & Co., Inc., Certified Public Accountants. The annual audit for the 12 months ending June 30, 2025, is scheduled to begin soon.
2024 FINANCIAL REPORT
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF JACKSON COUNTY
RURAL ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION
July 18, 2024
The 86th Annual Meeting of the Jackson County Rural Electric Membership Corporation was held at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, State Road 250 East in Brownstown, Indiana, on Thursday, July 18, 2024.
The members’ portion of the Annual Meeting was held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, which included a drive-thru meeting where members could vote for the open director positions and obtain ice cream and other gifts.
The business meeting portion of the Annual Meeting and the election of directors were held at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, beginning at 7:30 p.m., and were open to the members. Director Walter Hunter gave the invocation.
President John Trinkle called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Jerry Kelley, secretary/treasurer, provided the Proof of Quorum. Kelley reported that 1,396 members had registered by mail, electronically, or personal registration at the drive-thru meeting. This figure substantially exceeded the required quorum.
Kelley stated that written notice of the Annual Meeting had been mailed to each member of the cooperative on June 28, 2024, as required by the Bylaws. The secretary/treasurer filed a “Certificate of Mailing of Notice of Annual Meeting to Members” and attached it to the meeting minutes as Exhibit “A.” Trinkle declared a quorum present and that notice had been properly issued and officially opened the meeting.
Kelley presented a summary of the minutes of the Annual Meeting of July 20, 2023, as contained in the materials mailed to the members on June 28, 2024. Trinkle asked for a motion approving the minutes as distributed by publication. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the minutes of the 2023 Annual Meeting were approved as published. Trinkle directed the secretary to attach a copy of the minutes of the 2023 Annual Meeting to the minutes of this meeting as Exhibit “B”.
The secretary/treasurer presented the Treasurer’s Report for the year ending December 31, 2023. Kelley stated that this Financial Report was mailed to the members on June 28, 2024. As there were no questions or comments from the members, upon motion duly made, seconded, and passed, the detailed reading of the 2023 Financial Report was waived, and the report was approved as published.
Trinkle then introduced the directors serving current terms: John Hackman (District 1), Walter Hunter (District 2), John Trinkle (District 3), Paul Elliott (District 4), Jerry Kelley (District 5), Mark Trisler (District 6, who was absent for medical reasons), Curt Wischmeier (District 7), David Hall (District 8), and John Miller (District 9). The Attorney for the Cooperative, Bill Braman of Seymour, Indiana, was also introduced.
CEO Mark McKinney then presented his annual report. McKinney first reported as to the cooperative’s electric
division. In April 2023, the cooperative adjusted its retail rates to align with the wholesale power costs from Hoosier Energy. In 2023, the cooperative’s costs averaged $90.84/megawatt hour. In 2024, costs have held relatively steady, averaging $90.94/megawatt hour. Based on a recent meeting at Hoosier Energy, it is expected that wholesale power costs should remain stable; however, given the uncertainty of the global environment, nothing is guaranteed. In addition to the new wholesale power rates, McKinney noted that a monthly charge is incurred for $578 million in unrecovered plant investments at Hoosier Energy’s coalfired generation plant, Merom Station. Hoosier Energy’s 18-member cooperatives are required to cover these costs, and the cooperative’s portion of these costs will be $2.36 million per year through 2038. To recover this monthly fixed charge, the cooperative added a charge to members’ electric bills called the Merom Tracker. Ultimately, the closing of the Merom Station should result in more stable wholesale power costs, especially considering the new EPA rules on coal-fired generation that were recently issued. Otherwise, some of the inflationary pressures and supply chain challenges the cooperative has faced over the last few years seem to be easing. While material and vehicle costs have not decreased, otherwise prices are stable, and lead times have improved compared to a year ago. The cooperative’s primary challenge remains with bucket trucks and digger trucks. These trucks are used every day and, after 10 years of service, they need to be replaced. The estimated cost of these trucks is $350,000 to $450,000 per truck. The cooperative ordered a digger truck in 2021 and expects to receive it early in 2025. Two bucket trucks were ordered in 2022, and the smaller truck is scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2024, with the larger truck being delivered in mid-2025. In the meantime, the cooperative has been able to keep the older bucket trucks and digger trucks on the road. As for reliability, in 2023, the cooperative spent $5.3 million on improvements, including replacing almost 1,000 poles, and $3.5 million on right-of-way maintenance. The cost of the cooperative’s right-of-way program has increased to $4,750 per mile from $2,650 per mile pre-COVID. With nearly 3,000 miles of power lines and required trimmings over a four-year period, this is a major operation undertaken by the cooperative’s employees; however, this proper maintenance directly minimizes outages and improves the reliability of the members’ electric services.
With respect to the cooperative’s fiber division, the fiber network now reaches 95% of the cooperative’s members.
The cooperative has installed 2,200 miles of fiber-optic cable and serves nearly 13,000 broadband accounts.
The cooperative also now offers telephone service and currently has over 400 telephone service subscribers.
The cooperative’s broadband services use the most future-proof technology available today and include no hidden fees, router rentals, managed Wi-Fi fees, support fees, or member contracts. In addition, fees have not changed since the cooperative started offering broadband services six years ago. Final construction of the fiber-optic mainline will begin in Jennings County in August 2024, enabling the cooperative’s remaining members to connect to the fiber-optic high-speed network. Since 2017, the cooperative has invested $130 million in its broadband network, and
no electric revenue has been used to fund this undertaking. The broadband project has been funded with loans, grants, and revenues collected to date. This first-class fiber-optic broadband network underscores the cooperative’s commitment to its members. Next, McKinney noted the cooperative has created a new subsidiary, Jackson Solutions LLC, to offer tailored products to its members. Jackson Solutions LLC now offers a generator transfer switch and a residential monitoring system. The GenerLink generator transfer switch simplifies connecting a portable generator safely behind the electric meter. The Honeywell monitoring systems include a comprehensive home security and monitoring system and a system for specialized medical alert monitoring. McKinney invited the members to call the office or visit the website for more information on these products. Finally, McKinney noted that the cooperative is guided by a dedicated board of directors and a committed workforce. Everything the cooperative does focuses on its mission statement, “to deliver the advantages of electricity and essential services to our members reliably, economically, and responsibly.”
A video produced by Hoosier Energy was then shown to the members attending the meeting.
Trinkle then proceeded to give his annual report to the membership. Trinkle stated that the cooperative has done its best to keep prices down and reliability stable during this period of many changes. In the 1990s, the cooperative purchased its power from Duke Energy. The cooperative’s board subsequently decided to purchase its own electric power, but needed to join Hoosier Energy in order to do so. The cooperative joined Hoosier Energy in 2003, which has been a very good partnership. However, Hoosier Energy has also experienced its share of change in the last few years. Two coal-fired power plants owned by Hoosier Energy have been closed, as it is now cheaper to buy electric power from other sources, particularly given the Federal government’s regulations pertaining to coal and its requirements of using alternative energy sources for which some of the technology does not even yet exist.
Another major change that has occurred over the past few years is the arrival of high-speed internet. The availability of high-speed internet for members is a service that is as essential now as was the availability of electricity to members in the 1940s. When the cooperative decided to offer high-speed internet to its members, it searched for a partner to assist it in providing high-speed internet, but ultimately could not find a partner that would be able to provide these services any better than the cooperative could do itself. Trinkle stated that the cooperative is in good shape and can handle the changes that are occurring and that will be coming in the future. The cooperative is financially sound and has the people with the knowledge to offer services to members reliably and efficiently. And Trinkle believes that the cooperative is getting better and is in a position to meet the changes that are happening so as to produce positive results for the members in response to those changes. Trinkle then announced that he would step down as board chairman following the meeting. Trinkle stated that he has enjoyed serving as board chairman over the past several years.
Trinkle then reviewed the capital credit distributions that have been made to members since 2014. All capital credits from 1949 to 1992 have been retired. Over $26,160,834 of capital credits have been distributed during this period. This year’s capital credit distribution, scheduled for November, of $3,349,920.13 will be for patronage accumulated in 1993. Those checks will be mailed in November. Also, Trinkle announced a special capital credits retirement of 10% of the capital credits for patronage accumulated in 2023, as a special retirement. This special retirement is in the total amount of $932,834.82 and will be distributed in over 19,500 checks to be mailed in November.
Trinkle then announced that Jerry Kelley is retiring from the board after 42 years of service. District 5 was represented initially by Hugh Richey, who retired from the board in 1982. Kelley was elected to the board in 1982 and is only the second representative from District 5 who has served on the board. Kelley was elected secretary/ treasurer of the board in 1986 and has served in that capacity ever since. Trinkle thanked Kelley for his years of service to the cooperative and presented Kelley with a mounted electric meter lamp in recognition of his years of service.
Trinkle then conducted the election of directors and announced that the nominating committees appointed by the board of directors were: District 2 — Jay Fox, Brandon O’Brien, and Mark Miller; District 5 — Daniel Robbins, Shannon D. Allen, and Rodney Craig; and District 8 — Casey Ritz, Steven McCory, and Jason Fee.
Trinkle announced that these committees had nominated the following candidates: District 2 — Walter Hunter (unopposed); District 5 — Ryan Fleenor and John Broadus; and District 8 — David Hall and Brad Hoene. The reports of the nominating committees are attached as Exhibit “C” to the minutes of this meeting. No nominations by petition were filed. Notice of these nominations was published in the mailing to members on June 28, 2024. Trinkle thanked the nominating committees for their efforts.
The members of the election and credentials committee appointed by the board of directors were introduced. These members were Scottie Martin, Ben Thompson, Jane Martin, Jeffrey Anderson, and Cody Wolka. This committee supervises the election of directors during the Annual Meeting. Trinkle expressed his appreciation to the committee for these efforts.
The election and credentials committee then collected the ballots submitted by mail, electronically, and from members present at the drive-thru meeting. Trinkle then called upon Attorney Braman to report the election results of the directors. He announced that, out of 1,322 ballots cast, Walter Hunter of District 2, Ryan Fleenor of District 5, and David Hall of District 8 had been elected as directors. The election report is attached to the minutes of this meeting as Exhibit “D.”
Trinkle then asked if there was any further business to be placed before the membership. As no further business was presented, a motion for adjournment was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote.
PLEASE BRING THIS MAILING LABEL AND BARCODE WITH YOU TO THE ANNUAL MEETING
