Jackson County REMC - July 2026 Indiana Connection
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VOLUME 76 | NUMBER 1
ISSN 0745-4651 | USPS 262-340
Published monthly by INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
Indiana Connection is for and about members of Indiana’s locally-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. It helps consumers use electricity safely and efficiently; understand energy issues; connect with their co-op; and celebrate life in Indiana. Over 300,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership. The average printed and mailed cost per issue is 54 cents.
CONTACT US
11805 Pennsylvania St., Carmel, IN 46032 317-487-2220 | info@indianaconnection.org IndianaConnection.org
INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS
Dr. Richard Leeper President Jamey Marcum Vice President Melissa Menchhofer Secretary/Treasurer John Cassady CEO
EDITORIAL STAFF
Britt Davis Editor
Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication and Member Engagement
Lauren Carman Director of Events, Engagement, and Communication
Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist
Indiana Connection does not use unsolicited freelance manuscripts or photographs and assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited material.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
$12 a year for individuals not subscribing through participating REMCs/RECs.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
If you receive Indiana Connection through your electric co-op membership, report address changes to your local co-op.
POSTAGE
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POSTMASTER
Send change of address to: Indiana Connection 11805 Pennsylvania St., Carmel, IN 46032 Include key number.
No portion of Indiana Connection may be reproduced without permission of the editor.
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A reflection of the community
The spring and summer months are prime time for electric cooperative Annual Meetings and member appreciation events. Due to budget constraints or reduced interest, some co-ops have shifted to virtual meetings. However, many still offer in-person events.
Annual Meetings are typically a place to exercise Cooperative Principle #2: Democratic Member Control. Unlike for-profit electric companies, co-ops are democratic organizations controlled by their members. Annual Meetings update members on the co-op’s business from the past year and elect or re-elect directors to represent members’ interests.
But co-op events aren’t just about business. They’re a place for the community to gather, spend time together, and share a meal.
In May, I had the privilege of visiting Kendallville, Indiana, for
Noble REMC’s Member Appreciation Event. I sat at the Indiana Connection booth and met many wonderful magazine readers. I also watched as community members greeted one another and enjoyed the event. There was plenty of laughter and smiles as people waited in line for their free porkburgers and hot dogs. The members also stopped by other booths to learn more about organizations in their community, including Noble County Tourism, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Black Pine Animal Sanctuary.
Co-op events reflect the local community and the people who live there. If your co-op is hosting an event this summer or throughout the year, I highly recommend taking the time to visit. I bet you will be glad you did.
BRITT DAVIS | editor bdavis@indianaec.org
EMAIL: info@indianaconnection.org
WEB: indianaconnection.org (fill out forms)
MAIL: 11805 Pennsylvania St., Carmel, IN 46032
ON THE MENU: Submit your favorite recipes featuring pumpkin, deadline Aug. 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.
GIVEAWAY: Enter to win an art supply set. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to our office address. The deadline to enter is July 31.
THE COVER:
us for our Annual Meeting on July 23 at the Jackson County Fairgrounds! Drive-thru registration, voting, cookies and a member gift will be available from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with an optional business meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. Bring the registration form from the back cover of this issue for quick checkin and a chance to
one of two $250 bill credits.
JacksonREMC.com
CONTACT US
812-358-4458
EMAIL info@jacksonremc.com
OFFICE HOURS
7:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m., Monday– Friday
ADDRESS
274 E. Base Rd. P.O. Box K
Brownstown, IN 47220-0311
SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS
To report an outage or emergency, call 812-358-4458
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Walter Hunter Board President (District 2)
John Miller Vice President (District 9)
Paul Elliott Secretary-Treasurer (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
Mark McKinney President/CEO
BILL PAYMENT OPTIONS
Online: JacksonREMC.com By phone: 855-938-3553
MISSION STATEMENT
Jackson County REMC will deliver the advantages of electricity and essential services to its members reliably, economically, and responsibly.
Annual Meeting
Please bring the mailing label with barcode on the back cover of this issue to the Annual Meeting. JULY 23,
Drive-thru registration at Jackson County Fairgrounds Entertainment
DON’T FORGET
Registration information FOR 2026 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 23.
This year’s meeting will be a hybrid meeting with drive-thru registration, voting, cookies and a gift. 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 24.
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.
Members can vote using the following methods:
EARLY DIGITAL VOTING
Early voting closes on July 20
IN PERSON
Vote in person at the Jackson County REMC Hybrid Annual Meeting on July 23. There will be a drive-thru for registration, voting, cookies, and a gift, and then join us for the in-person business meeting.
Board of directors nominees
DISTRICT 3
John Trinkle
INCUMBENT
John Trinkle has served as the District 3 director since 1975 and is completing his 17th term on the board. He served as president of the board from 1981 through 2024. Trinkle has earned his Certified Director credentials through NRECA.
Trinkle is a lifelong resident of Washington County and currently resides in Vernon Township. He and his wife, Cheryl, have three grown children and seven grandchildren. Trinkle received a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s degree from Indiana University. He is a retired educator, and he and his wife presently own and operate Heaven Sent Gifts in Salem. He is a member of the Mount Tabor Christian Church and Gideons International.
DISTRICT 6
Mark Trisler
INCUMBENT
Mark Trisler has served as the District 6 director since 2002. He is completing his eighth term on the board and has earned his Certified Director credentials through NRECA.
He is a graduate of Crothersville High School and attended Vincennes University.
Trisler has retired from Main Street Auto Sales, which he had owned and operated in Austin since 1985. He is a member of the Crothersville Christian Church, Scottsburg Lodge #572 of the Free and Accepted Masons, and Shriners for Kids. He has served as president of the Crothersville Lions Club and the Marion Township Community Center.
Adam Brooks
Adam Brooks is a lifelong resident of Jennings County. He currently works at Beatty Insurance and has been employed there for six years. Before that, he worked for 13 years at Premier Ag as branch manager of the Crothersville location and previously served two years with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department as a jail officer. Brooks graduated from Jennings County High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Indiana University.
DISTRICT 9
John Miller
INCUMBENT
John Miller has served as the District 9 director since his appointment to fulfill an unexpired term in 1979. He was elected to his first full term in 1981 and is now completing his 15th full term on the board.
Miller is a lifelong resident of Van Buren Township in Brown County. He and his wife, Brenda, have six grown children, 21 grandchildren, and 38 great-grandchildren. Miller is a graduate of Brown County High School.
Miller is a self-employed farmer and has retired from his residential contracting business. He is a member of the Becks Grove Christian Church, where he serves as an elder.
Todd Brumfield
He and his wife, Erin, have four children: sons Bode, Cole, and Connor, and daughter Brynna. He is a member of St. John’s Sauers Lutheran Church, has coached basketball at St. John’s Sauers School for 15 years, and currently serves on the board of Lakeview Ministries.
Trisler is a lifelong resident of Jackson and Jennings Counties and presently resides in Marion Township in Jennings County. He has one grown daughter and two grandchildren.
Todd Brumfield is a lifelong resident of Freetown. He is the owner and operator of Etched in Stone Memorials and Express Ag Fencing and is a graduate of Hargrave Military Academy.
Brumfield and his wife, Katie, have five children, including two sons and three daughters. He is active in the community through the Pershing Township Fire Department, serves as a Pershing Township board member, and is involved with the Jackson County Coroner’s Office and Freetown Cemetery Association.
ANNUAL REPORT
2025 ELECTRIC DIVISION FINANCIAL NOTES
Operating results:
• In 2025, overall accrued electric margins totaled $6,258,000, including $1,802,160 in non-cash capital credits from Hoosier Energy, Inc. and other cooperative business associates.
• Total kilowatt-hour (kWh) sales in 2025 were 483,224,630, representing a 5.54% increase over 2024 sales of 457,846,403 kWh.
Financing of capital expenditures:
• The $9.8 million investment in an electric utility plant during 2025 was financed using operating cash on hand and loans.
Rates:
• Jackson County REMC’s base electric rates, which took effect on April 1, 2023, remained unchanged throughout 2025.
• Total retail electric rates charged in 2025 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 5.20% per kWh in 2025.
Capital credits:
• The board of directors authorized the retirement of capital credits allocated for 1994. In November 2025, a total of $2,659,038 was retired. Of this amount, $875,418 remains unclaimed; the balance has been distributed.
Audit:
• The corporation’s records were audited through June 30, 2025, by Monroe Shine & Co., Inc., Certified Public Accountants. The annual audit for the 12 months ending June 30, 2026, is scheduled to begin soon.
continued on page 22
Consider electrical safety
BEFORE AND DURING YOUR VACATION
Before leaving for vacation, most people focus on packing and travel plans, but preparing your home for electrical safety is just as important. Taking a few simple steps can help reduce the risk of fire, damage, or electrical issues while you are away.
AT HOME BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Avoid leaving lights on continuously while you are gone. Light bulbs and fixtures can become hot over time, increasing the risk of fire. Instead, use programmable timers or motion-sensing outdoor lighting to create the appearance that someone is home without keeping lights on constantly.
Unplug nonessential appliances and electronics. Items such as coffee makers, toasters, televisions, and entertainment systems can be vulnerable to power surges or lightning strikes. Unplugging them reduces the risk of damage and helps prevent electrical fires.
Inspect cords and outlets before you leave. Look for frayed wires, cracks, or loose connections, and address any issues before traveling.
WHILE YOU ARE AWAY
Electrical safety does not stop once you leave home. When staying in a hotel, condo, or shortterm rental, take a few moments to check for potential hazards.
Look for overloaded outlets, excessive use of extension cords, outlets that feel warm, or unusual odors that could indicate overheating. If you notice a concern, report it to management immediately. If the issue is not resolved, consider finding another place to stay.
ON THE ROAD
If you are involved in a crash that brings down a utility pole or power lines, remain inside your vehicle. Downed lines may still be energized and pose a serious risk of electrocution. Warn others to stay away, and call 911. Only exit the vehicle when emergency responders confirm it is safe.
A few small actions can make a significant difference in reducing electrical risks while traveling. Preparing your home, staying aware of hazards, and knowing how to respond in an emergency can help keep your vacation safe.
Let’s get this bread
MASTER THE ART OF HOMEMADE BREAD WITH THESE IRRESISTIBLE RECIPES
Almond poppy seed loaves
GALE RHODES, BATTLE GROUND
1 1/8 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups of half and half or milk
2 1/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
3 cups flour
2 Tbsp poppy seeds
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp almond extract
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
FOR THE GLAZE
1/4 cup orange juice
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp vanilla
Mix the oil, sugar, and milk in a large bowl with an electric mixer or in a stand mixer. Add the eggs and beat for 1 to 2 minutes. Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet in three batches, mixing slowly after each addition. Add the almond extract and vanilla last.
Bake in two greased and floured loaf pans at 350 F. While the loaves are baking, make the glaze and let it sit, stirring occasionally. Check the bread for doneness after 1 hour, but baking may take 10 to 15 minutes longer. When the loaves are done, let them rest out of the oven for 5 minutes, then remove from the pans and glaze the tops and sides.
Pumpkin bread
PATRICIA BURTON, TAYLORSVILLE
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten and separate
1 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 can of pumpkin
1/2 cup margarine, melted
1/3 cup water
Mix the cream cheese, sugar, and one beaten egg until well blended. Set aside.
Combine the dry ingredients. Add pumpkin, margarine, 1 beaten egg, and water, mixing well just until moistened. Reserve 2 cups of the pumpkin batter. Pour the remaining batter into a greased and floured 9-by-5inch loaf pan. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin batter and top with the reserved pumpkin batter. Cut through the batters with a knife several times for a swirl effect. Bake at 350 F for an hour and 10 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes, then remove from the pan.
No knead focaccia bread
DEBBIE WILSON, LOOGOOTEE
1 packet yeast
2 tsp honey
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
A pinch of pepper
6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
4 Tbsp butter plus enough to butter the pan
2-4 cloves garlic, minced
Whisk the yeast, honey, and 2 and a 1/2 cups of lukewarm water together. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Mix together the flour, salt, garlic powder, thyme, basil, oregano, and pepper, and add to the wet ingredients. Mix it with a rubber spatula until the shaggy dough firms and the ingredients are incorporated.
Pour 4 tablespoons of the olive oil into the bottom of a large bowl. Transfer the dough, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise until doubled in size.
Butter a 9-by 13-inch pan. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the center of the pan.
Deflate the dough by working it with a spatula from side to side, then transfer it to the pan. Pour the oil left in the bowl over the dough. Let it rise until doubled in size.
Dimple with fingers and push deeply to the bottom of the pan. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of oil over the dough and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 450 F on the middle rack of the oven for 15 minutes. Then, turn the temperature down to 400 F and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
When ready to serve, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a pan and add two to four cloves of minced garlic. Heat and stir until the garlic is lightly toasted. Brush on top of the bread.
An investment in preparation
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE ADDING HOME BACKUP BATTERY SYSTEMS
Many homeowners have considered adding backup battery storage to provide power at peak times or when the electricity goes out. Yet such an addition can be a major investment. Before you spend money on a residential battery storage system, consider these questions.
WHY DO YOU WANT A BACKUP POWER SYSTEM?
This is the first question an electric co-op’s energy advisor will ask. If you are concerned that your home is frequently losing power, co-op employees can investigate the issue and identify potential fixes that may save you money. Sometimes you can resolve your issue without needing a more expensive purchase.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO POWER?
Battery systems that power an entire home are much more expensive than smaller systems that power critical items, such as heating and cooling, refrigerators, and a few appliances. The type of heating in the home can also make a huge difference; electric resistance heat requires much more electricity compared to a natural gas or propane furnace.
Before committing to a purchase, you need to understand what your backup battery system can do. Your cooperative can provide insight
into the energy needed to power appliances and systems.
HAVE
YOU CHECKED ON THE SUPPORT A CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE?
A residential battery system will likely need a contractor to install it properly. Seek multiple bids and consider what each contractor is offering. Question each salesperson’s assumptions. Will a contractor provide a walkthrough on setup or support after installation? A good contractor should be willing to answer questions even after service is completed.
When you purchase a backup power system, be sure to
follow your electric co-op’s interconnection rules when setting it up to ensure safe operation. This will prevent damage to your home and the energy grid and keep your co-op’s linemen safe.
By knowing the right questions and considerations, you can be sure that your backup battery system will meet your needs. Be sure to contact your local electric cooperative before you purchase a system to ensure the dollars you spend make sense!
Jake Eslinger Energy Advisor
Parke County REMC
Crawford County
BY NICOLE THOMAS
Bordered by the Ohio River and Blue River, Crawford County offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can camp at Patoka Lake State Park, one of Indiana’s largest campgrounds with more than 500 campsites. They can also hike to waterfalls at Hemlock Cliffs in Hoosier National Forest or explore deep valleys and rocky cliffs at Yellow Birch Ravine Nature Reserve.
CAVE COUNTRY
Crawford County is home to two of Indiana’s best-known tourist caves: Marengo Cave and Wyandotte Caves. Siblings Blanche and Ollis Hiestand discovered Marengo Cave in 1883 after they crawled into a sinkhole with two candles, hoping to explore it before their classmates. After learning about the discovery, landowner Samuel Stewart opened the cave for tours just days later, charging 25 cents per visitor. Today, Marengo Cave offers guided tours year-round and has about five miles of passageways, making it one of Indiana’s longest caves. Nearby,
Wyandotte Caves features a pair of limestone caves with evidence of Native American mining dating back to about 8000 B.C. The cave system is also home to nearly 30,000 bats.
AMONG THE STARS
Crawford County’s low levels of light pollution make it a popular location for stargazing in Indiana. Cave Country Canoes hosts the Milky Way Festival at Sycamore Springs Park, where volunteers from the Louisville Astronomical Society set up high-powered telescopes for views of the Milky Way, planets, and other celestial objects. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, binoculars, and red-light flashlights to preserve their night vision. Visitors can also bring or rent a boat and drift onto Mill Pond to take in the starry night from the water.
FLOWING ADVENTURE
Each summer, Cave Country Canoes also hosts the Paddle Festival, where participants can kayak or canoe up to 48 miles across four days with
routes extending to the confluence of the Blue River and the Ohio River. Before heading out on the water, participants can grab a coffee at Out of the Blue Coffee and Ice Cream Shop. After a day of paddling, they can relax with food trucks, live music, and overnight primitive camping before returning to the river the next day.
COUNTY FACTS
FOUNDED: 1818
NAMED FOR: William H. Crawford, the U.S. Secretary of Treasury from 1816 to 1825
POPULATION: 10,526
COUNTY SEAT: English
INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 13
Energy Efficiency That Works as Hard as You Do.
As a member of your local electric co‑op, you know the value of smart energy choices. A Heat Pump Water Heater uses far less energy than a traditional water heater — meaning dependable hot water with lower monthly bills. Efficient for your home. Good for your wallet. Better for your community.
SHOWCASING THE TALENTS OF Indiana’s student artists
The 2026 Cooperative Student Art Contest offers young Hoosier artists a chance to shine
Earlier this year, Indiana’s electric cooperatives named the winners of the 29th annual Cooperative Student Art Contest. Luciana Harmon, a homeschool student from Jeffersonville, was honored as Artist of the Year.
A first-place artist was also selected in each grade, Kindergarten through 12th grade, and received $100. Thirteen additional artists received honorable mention awards and $50.
“Indiana’s electric cooperatives value the creativity and talent of young people in their communities,” said John Cassady, CEO at Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC). “This contest is a great way to encourage creative expression while giving students the opportunity to share their work with people across the state. Supporting local students in this way reflects cooperatives’ commitment to the communities they serve.”
The artwork was judged based on artistic merit, originality, and creativity. “We received so many thoughtful and creative entries from across the state,” said Karlee Gable, youth and education manager at IEC and coordinator of the art contest.
As the contest moves beyond the calendar format, we’re excited to see students bring a fresh perspective to their artwork and tell the cooperative story in different, creative ways.
– Karlee Gable
“It’s always rewarding to see students share their talent through the contest.”
The art contest is open to any Indiana K-12 student and will continue in 2027, shifting from month-based themes to cooperative-focused categories.
“As the contest moves beyond the calendar format,” said Gable, “we’re excited to see students bring a fresh perspective to their artwork and tell the cooperative story in different, creative ways.”
Read on to learn more about the 2026 contest winners.
KINDERGARTEN
Dorothy Gatwood, Bristow
Dorothy Gatwood of Bristow is this year’s kindergarten winner for her bright and cheerful painting of a sunset. A student at Ferdinand Elementary School and member of Southern Indiana Power, Gatwood shared, “I like to paint. It’s the best!”
With an a can
FIRST GRADE
Jane Olsen, Newburgh
Jane Olsen, a student at Newburgh Elementary, is the first-grade winner with her winter scene depicting a lively ice-skating rink. Olsen continues her winning streak, earning her second consecutive selection in the contest and showcasing her growing artistic talent.
THIRD GRADE
Addilyn Hammel, Huntington
Addilyn Hammel of Huntington is the third-grade winner and a member of Heartland REMC. She created “The Hives Are Alive!” to show how bees are associated with the start of spring. She attends Andrews Elementary School.
Josephine Stanger is the second-grade winner with her soft pastel artwork titled “The Snow Surprise”. She is a first-time contest winner for her winterinspired piece and is a member of South Central Indiana REMC.
SECOND GRADE
Josephine Stanger, Martinsville
FOURTH GRADE
Nash Cissell, Borden
Fourth-grade winner Nash Cissell of Borden is a student at Silver Creek Elementary and a member of Clark County REMC. He earned his second consecutive win with a creative collage artwork depicting the iconic April tradition, Indiana University’s Little 500 race.
FIFTH GRADE
Dustin Otto, Amboy
Dustin Otto of Amboy is the fifthgrade winner for his piece titled “Spring Farm”. A homeschool student, he created his large canvas work to reflect “the time we spend outdoors in springtime.” He is a member of Miami-Cass REMC.
SEVENTH GRADE
Lily Fouts, Seymour
Lily Fouts of Seymour is the seventhgrade winner and a student at Immanuel Lutheran School. She has enjoyed bringing her visions to life through lessons with Kay Fox Art and Design. Fouts is a member of Jackson County REMC and was awarded an honorable mention in fifth grade.
SIXTH GRADE
Hunter Spindler, Greenwood
Hunter Spindler, a homeschool student, is the sixth-grade winner from Greenwood. Using oil paints, his preferred medium, Spindler’s artwork celebrates June as National Dairy Month. This marks his second consecutive year as a winner, and he is a member of JCREMC.
EIGHTH GRADE
Olivia DeSchamp, Jasper
Olivia DeSchamp, a student at Forest Park Jr/Sr High School, is the eighth-grade winner and a member of Dubois REC. Her pastel artwork features soft floral imagery illuminated by fireflies, capturing a summer evening in an Indiana garden.
Laura Deckena is the ninthgrade winner from South Whitley for her art “The Curious Critter”. A first-time winner, she created her piece using scratch art techniques to depict a squirrel perched in a tree during an Indiana autumn.
NINTH GRADE
Laura Deckena, South Whitley
10TH GRADE
Cooper Baird, Fort Wayne
Cooper Baird, the 10th-grade winner from Fort Wayne, marks his third consecutive year winning his grade level. A student at Carroll High School, Baird views art as both a creative outlet and a personal journey. He shared, “I create because it allows me to make sense of the world and my place within it.”
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
11TH GRADE
Luciana Harmon, Jeffersonville
Luciana Harmon of Jeffersonville, a homeschool student, has been named Artist of the Year and the 11th-grade winner for her detailed colored-pencil drawing of a deer in an Indiana forest. Harmon is passionate about creating artwork that highlights animals and nature, sharing that she strives to “bring glory to God through the beauty of his creation” through her art.
12TH GRADE
Makenna Krause, South Whitley
Makenna Krause, a homeschool student from South Whitley, is the 12th-grade winner for the heartfelt portrait of her late dog, Logan. Using a precise blend of markers and colored pencils, Krause captured both the likeness and spirit of her subject. This marks her first category win in the contest.
Looking ahead to 2027
The creativity continues with the 2027 Cooperative Art Contest. Next year’s theme, “We Power Indiana,” invites students of all grade levels to illustrate the people, communities, and everyday activities that keep Indiana moving forward. From farms and schools to neighborhoods and local businesses, energy connects the places and experiences that matter most. Electric cooperatives don’t just deliver power — we help power Indiana’s communities, and we want students to illustrate what that looks like to them.
Entries will open Aug. 2, 2026, and remain open through March 1, 2027. Students, parents, and educators can find full details on contest rules, theme guidelines, and eligibility at goiec.org/artcontest
Honorable mention winners
KINDERGARTEN
Jolysbeth Holt-Lara, Henryville Clark County REMC
FIRST GRADE
Hudson Heiny, Henryville Clark County REMC
SECOND GRADE
Eleanor Daunhauer, Ferdinand Dubois REC
THIRD GRADE
Rowyn Mellencamp, Seymour Jackson County REMC
FOURTH GRADE
Henry Crance, Columbia City
FIFTH GRADE
Robert Reno, Jeffersonville
SIXTH GRADE
Eden Fawver, Knightstown Henry County REMC
SEVENTH GRADE
Etta Kaucher, Greenfield NineStar Connect
EIGHTH GRADE
Isabella Martin, Fort Wayne
NINTH GRADE
Isabella Griffin, Warsaw Kosciusko REMC
10TH GRADE
Mary Mondok, Fort Wayne
11TH GRADE
Elizabeth Massie, South Whitley
12TH GRADE
Hannah Moore, Pierceton Kosciusko REMC
International flavors, local spirit
THE GARAGE FOOD HALL FEATURES AWARD-WINNING CUISINE IN A COMMUNAL GATHERING SPACE
BY STACEY MCARTHUR
Exploring the culinary options at The Garage Food Hall is akin to traveling around the world. The 38,000-square-foot community marketplace features more than 20 independently owned local and regional vendors housed in two repurposed Coca-Cola bottling plant garage buildings in the Bottleworks District in downtown Indianapolis.
Food options abound, like Pig Pen BBQ, Clancy’s, and Just Chicken. Latin-inspired vendors include Gaucho’s Fire and Sal & Pimenta. La Chinita Poblana is a MexicanAsian fusion taqueria. Patrons can even find gluten-free corn pancakes stuffed with meat, cheese, and veggies at Azucar Morena. Drink options include Hard Truth Distilling and Axel’s Garage.
AND THE WINNER IS Opening in January 2021, The Garage has won several awards for its culinary kaleidoscope. This year, it earned the #4 spot on USA Today’s Best Food Halls list. A panel of culinary experts nominated their
favorite 20 food halls nationwide.
USA Today’s 10Best editors and readers voted for the final top 10.
“Food halls like The Garage exist across the country, but this year, we stood out,” said Catherine Haynes, general manager.
TESTING THE TASTES
Haynes praised the quality of all restaurants. “We do taste tests. If it’s a food concept, we make sure there is nothing like it in the food hall, so there’s no direct competition. We vet for the best,” said Haynes, “which sets us apart from other food halls in the country.
“Guests who come to The Garage are amazed by the variety of food and beverages. Everything from lobster rolls to arepas, poke bowls to backyard BBQ, and burgers to sweet treats. It’s perfect for groups where everyone wants something different, all set in a fun, lively atmosphere to hang out and enjoy.”
MORE THAN JUST FOOD
There’s plenty to do while hanging out, like experiencing the thrill of racing with a high-quality racing
simulation. Social activities have included workshops, book swaps, and tabletop games. Recently, management hid a $100 gift card for guests to find. “The Garage is also a great spot for gathering. We have large seating areas, live music, a giant projection screen for sports, and a spacious patio,” Haynes said.
The first Friday of each month, The Garage offers an extra dose of creativity. Guests can explore popup vendors showcasing handmade goods, unique crafts, and oneof-a-kind finds. “There’s always something new to look forward to when you come,” said Haynes.
The Garage Food Hall 906 Carrolton Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46202 765-742-3300 garageindy.com
The Garage is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GARAGE FOOD HALL
More than a job, it’s a calling
DONNIE
ESLINGER CELEBRATES
50 YEARS WITH HOOSIER ENERGY
Most people remember March 1976 for Indiana University’s unbeaten national championship in men’s basketball. But that date is also notable for the start of Donnie Eslinger’s career at Hoosier Energy, one that has reached 50 years and counting.
Eslinger, who is now a transmission working foreman, was initially hired as a communications technician C at 20-years-old, with a degree in electronics communication technology from Ivy Tech in Terre Haute.
The Dugger, Indiana, native always favored math and science in high school and drew inspiration to work in the utility industry from his father, a construction lineman on transmission lines.
“I was just a young guy trying to make my way in the profession,” Eslinger said. “I wanted it to be a career job, but you never think about getting old, and I never would have dreamed I’d be here 50 years.”
He maxed out his initial position as a communications technician A, playing a key role in putting in a new microwave system for Hoosier in 1979, before applying to become a relay technician.
In 1980, Eslinger got that job working at the new Merom plant under Darrell Goodson as a relay technician B. That partnership saw Eslinger and Goodson pioneer a digital fault recorder in the early 1980s.
In 1984, the relay group’s working headquarters was moved from Merom to Worthington, where Eslinger has been based ever since.
His working group became meter relay in 1989 and remained such until 2022, when it became the transmission relay group. Eslinger was also a key part of building new substations and commissioning them.
“Donnie’s one of a kind when it comes to his knowledge base and what he knows about Hoosier Energy and our entire system, our entire network,” said Rob Horton, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Hoosier Energy.
For Eslinger, his work was more than something to fill up the day before going home to his wife, Linda, whom he married in July 1976.
“I always felt it was more than just a job; it was a calling,” he said. “It’s a calling to make things better for everyone else and provide reliable power to our member consumers at the lowest cost. I see the advantage for my neighbors, my family, for the people of the co-op.”
That dedication has not gone unnoticed.
“Ultimately, it is Donnie’s passion for what he does that is just so impressive,” said Horton.
Donnie Eslinger works at his desk in Worthington in April 2026, in his 50th year with Hoosier Energy.
Donnie Eslinger is photographed at work for Hoosier Energy in the 1980s.
continued from page 8
2025 Financial Report
Operating results:
• 2025 was the eighth 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 $11,474,133 for 2025 compared to $10,845,941 in 2024.
• In 2025, we added 621 fiber-optic broadband accounts and ended the year with a total of 13,520 active accounts. We also added 76 VoIP telephone accounts and ended 2025 with a total of 465 active accounts.
• Net operating margins (revenues less expenses) equaled $1,584,679 for 2025 compared to $342,390 in 2024.
Financing of capital expenditures:
• The 2025 $3.4 million investment in fiber-optic utility plant was financed through operating cash on hand and grant funds from Indiana’s Next Level Connections grant program.
Rates:
• Jackson County REMC’s fiber-optic broadband and VoIP telephone service rates remained unchanged throughout 2025.
Audit:
• The corporation’s records were audited through June 30, 2025, by Monroe Shine & Co., Inc., Certified Public Accountants. The annual audit for the 12 months ending June 30, 2026, is scheduled to begin soon.
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF JACKSON COUNTY RURAL ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION
July 17, 2025
The 87th 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 17, 2025. Due to rain and storms, the business portion of the meeting was reconvened to the cooperative’s office located at 274 East Base Road, Brownstown, Indiana.
The members’ portion of the Annual Meeting was held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, including a drive-thru meeting where members could vote for the open director positions and receive ice cream and other gifts.
The business meeting portion of the Annual Meeting was held at the cooperative’s office. President Walter Hunter called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., gave the invocation, and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Hunter then introduced those directors serving current terms: John Hackman, District 1; Walter Hunter, District 2; John Trinkle, District 3; Paul Elliott, District 4; Ryan Fleenor, District 5; Mark Trisler, District 6; 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.
Paul Elliott, secretary/treasurer, then provided the Proof of Quorum. Elliott reported that 1,424 members had registered, either by mail, electronically, or by personal registration at the drive-thru meeting. This figure substantially exceeded the required quorum.
Elliott stated that written notice of the Annual Meeting had been mailed to each member of the cooperative on July 2, 2025, as required by the bylaws. A “Certificate of Mailing of Notice of Annual Meeting to Members” was filed by the secretary/treasurer and is attached to the minutes of this meeting as Exhibit “A”. Hunter declared a quorum present, and that notice had been properly issued and officially opened the meeting.
Elliott presented a summary of the minutes of the Annual Meeting of July 18, 2024, as contained in the materials mailed to the members on July 2, 2025. Hunter asked for a motion approving the minutes as distributed by publication. Upon motion duly made and seconded, the minutes of the 2024 Annual Meeting were approved as published. Hunter directed the secretary to attach a copy of the minutes of the 2024 Annual Meeting to the minutes of this meeting as Exhibit “B”.
The secretary/treasurer presented the treasurer’s report for the year ending Dec. 31, 2024. Elliott stated that this Financial Report was mailed to the members on July 2, 2025. As there were no questions or comments
from the members, upon motion duly made, seconded, and passed, the detailed reading of the 2024 financial report was waived, and the report was approved as published.
Hunter then announced that the procedure for the election of directors would be modified, given the evening’s storms. Members who have not yet cast a ballot for the election of directors may come to the cooperative’s office on Friday, July 18, until 3 p.m. to cast their ballot and pick up their Annual Meeting gifts.
Hunter announced that the nominating committees appointed by the board of directors for this year’s election of directors were: Zachary Branaman, Chris Cooper, and Kirk Stewart for District 1; Michael Voyles, Chastity Anderson, and Sherri Fleenor for District 4; and Josh Vaughn, Jeremiah Percival, and Bart Stuckwisch for District 7.
Hunter announced that these committees had nominated the following candidates: John Hackman (incumbent) and Ian Anderson for District 1; Paul Elliott (incumbent) and Chad Fitzpatrick for District 4; and Curt Wischmeier (incumbent) and John Thomas for District 7. The report of the nominating committees is 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 mailed on July 2, 2025. Hunter 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: Ben Thompson, Jeffery Anderson, Cody Wolka, Scott Schepman, and Jerry Kelley. This committee supervises the election of directors during the Annual Meeting. Hunter expressed his appreciation to the committee for these efforts.
CEO Mark McKinney then presented his annual report. McKinney first reported on the cooperative’s electric division. After seeing significant retail rate increases in 2023, McKinney noted that members saw an average 7.5% decrease in electric rates in 2024, driven primarily by reductions in the wholesale power cost tracker from Hoosier Energy, the cooperative’s power supplier. Rates have remained stable in 2025, and it is anticipated that rates should remain stable in 2026. The cooperative is currently conducting a cost-of-service study to better align its retail rates with Hoosier Energy’s upcoming wholesale rates. If approved by the board of directors, the new rates will go into effect in April 2026. More information will be provided once those rates are finalized and approved. McKinney pointed out that the cooperative continues to invest in the safety and reliability of its electric system to provide service to 25,337 electric accounts. In 2024, the cooperative invested $8.4 million in its electric plant, including $2.8 million for right-of-way maintenance and $2.7 million for plant maintenance. These investments resulted in a reliability rating of 99.953% in 2024, which
the cooperative continues to work to improve.
Regarding the cooperative’s fiber division, McKinney noted that the cooperative’s fiber-optic broadband network reaches 95% of its members. Construction is underway at Country Squire Lakes, which will complete the buildout within the cooperative’s electric service territory. To date, the cooperative has installed over 2,000 miles of fiber-optic cable and serves 13,305 fiber-optic broadband accounts and 454 telephone service accounts. McKinney also noted that the cooperative has started a phased five-year equipment replacement project to modernize its broadband infrastructure, which will allow for broadband speeds up to 6 Gbps, both upload and download. The cooperative has not increased its monthly rates since it started offering broadband service in 2018 and still has no hidden fees, router rental, no managed Wi-Fi fees, and no contracts for members. Financially, McKinney reported that the fiber division ended 2024 with positive margins, which is seven years ahead of schedule. Of the positive margin of $342,389.73, $255,483.51 is a non-operating margin, which will be used to reduce the fiber division’s current capital deficit of $9 million, and $86,906.22 is an operating margin, which will be allocated as capital credits to broadband subscribers for 2024. The board of directors will determine the retirement schedule for these fiber division capital credits in the future.
McKinney then reported that in 2024, the cooperative launched a new subsidiary, Jackson Solutions, to offer members new products and services. Currently, Jackson Solutions offers a GenerLink transfer switch that connects a portable generator directly behind the electric meter, making it easy to connect during outages. In addition, Jackson Solutions offers Honeywell security systems, which include 24/7 professional monitoring and a user-friendly app that allows management of the security system from a phone. McKinney invited members to call the cooperative’s office or visit its website for more information on these products.
McKinney then noted that the area has been hit with four major storms so far in 2025, bringing tornadoes, high winds, and flooding across the communities served by the cooperative. Despite the challenges these storms have provided to the cooperative’s electric and fiber-optic systems, McKinney noted that the cooperative’s employees and contractors have risen to the occasion to help restore power and internet service as quickly and safely as possible, often under very difficult circumstances. The cooperative’s employees have already logged over 6,300 hours of overtime in 2025, which is nearly as many overtime hours as employees worked in all of 2024. These overtime hours do not include the many hours put in by salaried staff and contractors whose efforts were also critical in the restoration process.
Finally, McKinney noted that the cooperative is guided by a dedicated
board of directors and a committed workforce. Everything the Cooperative does is guided by its mission statement, “to deliver the advantages of electricity and essential services to our members reliably, economically, and responsibly.”
A video about the cooperative was then shown.
Hunter then delivered his annual report to the membership. Hunter acknowledged that the cooperative has a strong board of directors, with directors who regularly take time out of their busy schedules to meet and discuss the cooperative’s future, using the principles established by the cooperative’s founding members as a guide. The board works hard to keep the electric and fiber lines in good repair and provide affordable electric and fiber services to the cooperative’s members. Hunter also praised the cooperative’s dedicated leadership and employees, many of whom were out working through the storms that evening. Hunter stated that the cooperative does its best to keep rates low and affordable for members, though this depends on external factors such as wholesale rates and government regulations.
Hunter then reviewed the capital credit retirements made to members since 2014. All capital credits from 1949 to 1993 have been retired. Over $31.5 million in capital credits have been retired during this period. This year’s capital credit retirement, scheduled for November, of over $2.6 million, will be for patronage accumulated in 1994. Those checks will be mailed in November.
Hunter again noted that the election of directors would continue through 3 p.m. on Friday, July 18, at the cooperative’s offices.
Hunter then recognized John Trinkle. At the July 24, 1975, Annual Meeting of the cooperative, Trinkle was elected to serve as the Director of District 3. For the past 50 years, Trinkle has faithfully served as a director of the cooperative, with 42 of those years spent leading as board president. Hunter presented Trinkle with a plaque in recognition of his extraordinary 50 years of dedicated service, and Trinkle expressed his appreciation for the recognition.
Hunter 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.
On July 18, 2025, at 3 p.m., the Election and Credentials Committee met and collected the ballots for the election of directors submitted by mail or electronically by members present at the drive-thru meeting and by members who cast ballots at the cooperative office on July 18, 2025. The results of the election of directors were as follows: out of 1,536 ballots cast, John Hackman of District 1, Paul Elliott of District 4, and Curtis Wischmeier of District 7 were elected. The election report was attached to the minutes of this meeting as Exhibit “D”.
PLEASE BRING THIS MAILING LABEL AND BARCODE WITH YOU TO THE ANNUAL MEETING.
