Jasper County REMC - February 2026 Indiana Connection

Understanding factors that impact your energy bills

INDIANA’S

PAGE 20

FORGOTTEN

wetlands

Uncovering the history of the swamps that shaped our past

FEBRUARY 2026

Geothermal isn’t just about comfort. It’s about energy independence, grid resilience, and good jobs.

Geothermal heating and cooling doesn’t just make homes more comfortable and efficient— they’re powered by a domestic, underground energy source that’s available 24/7, rain or shine.

Made in the USA: Our geothermal systems are built right here in America, supporting advanced manufacturing jobs.

Grid-friendly: While AI, EVs, and data centers push power demand to new heights, geothermal helps reduce peak load—easing the burden on our utilities.

Job-creating: From HVAC contractors and well drillers or trenchers to engineers and architects, geothermal supports a wide network of high-paying, skilled jobs in every community it touches.

Geothermal isn’t just smart for homeowners. It’s smart for the country.

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Farmersburg Heady Htg & Clg (812) 696-2396

Indianapolis Masters Htg & Clg

by Van Valer, Inc. (317) 881-9074 mastersingeothermal.com

Flora Camflo Htg & Clg (574) 967-4200 camfloheatingandcooling.com Fort Wayne Masters Htg & Clg, Inc. (866) 824-4328 mastersingeothermal.com

Jasper Hulsman Refrigeration, Inc. (812) 634-1492 hulsmanrefrigeration.com Laotto T&T Plbg, Htg, A/C & Geothermal (260) 200-4003 tt-ph.com

Lebanon Blue Fox Htg & Clg (765) 859-0880 bluefoxhvac.com

Warsaw Colliers Htg & Air Conditioning (574) 203-2492 trustcolliers.com

Nappanee Crist Plbg, Htg, Electrical (574) 831-4630 cristnappanee.com

Waterloo Gibson’s Htg & Plbg, Inc. (888) 754-1668 gibsonsgeothermal.com

North Manchester Mars Refrigeration, LLC (260) 901-0057

Westfield Precision Comfort Systems, Inc. (317) 867-2665 precisioncomfort.com

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from the editor

Our new addition If you read my column regularly, you know that I often talk about my family, especially my daughter, Gwen. On Dec. 29, Gwen became a big sister. Nolan Robert Davis, named after my grandfather, was born three weeks early, weighing a hearty 8 pounds.

VOLUME 75 • NUMBER 8 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340 Published monthly by Indiana Electric Cooperatives Indiana Connection is for and about members of Indiana’s locally-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. It helps consumers use electricity safely and efficiently; understand energy issues; connect with their co-op; and celebrate life in Indiana. Over 320,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership. The average printed and mailed cost per issue is 54 cents.

I have to say, his early arrival caught me off guard. Whenever you’re having a baby, you may secretly hope they will come as early as possible, as long as they’re healthy, but they often prefer to

CONTACT US: 11805 Pennsylvania Street Carmel, IN 46032 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org IndianaConnection.org

stay past your hopeful eviction date. I am a type-A planner through and through, so I would have liked Nolan to stay put a little longer, but babies (and kids, for that

INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Dr. Richard Leeper President

matter) do what they want.

So far, Gwen has mostly ignored him but occasionally gives him a toy or sings him a song. By the time you read this, it will have been a couple of months since his arrival. Hopefully, she will like him more by then.

I admit to feeling a little concerned about the sibling dynamics. I’m an only child, so I never had to experience the addition of a sibling I didn’t ask for, but my husband, Brooks, is the oldest of four and assures me that Gwen will adjust just fine.

Jamey Marcum Vice President Melissa Menchhofer Secretary/Treasurer John Cassady CEO EDITORIAL STAFF: Britt Davis Editor Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication Lauren Carman Communication Manager Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist Amber Knight Creative Manager

The year 2026 began differently than I expected, but it’s no less wonderful

Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer

than I had planned. I also hear our surprise 2025 baby is great for our taxes.

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.

I hope your year is off to a great start and you’re looking forward to whatever 2026 brings.

UNSOLICITED MATERIAL: Indiana Connection does not use unsolicited freelance manuscripts or photographs and assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited material.

Britt Davis Editor bdavis@indianaec.org

On the menu: May: Submit your favorite heart healthy

you.

recipes, deadline March 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

Giveaway: Enter to win a reader’s gift set for your book nook.

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

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

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.

FEBRUARY 2026

3

contents

FEBRUARY

12

18

county

03 FROM THE EDITOR 05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative 10 ENERGY Energy efficiency: Not just for homes

food

12 COUNTY Blackford County 14 YOUTH POWER AND HOPE AWARDS This year’s winners exemplify the best of the next generation 16 SAFETY Protect your home from breaker box overloads

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Indiana Connection 4 FEBRUARY 2026

20

29

travel

cover story 18 FOOD Show your love with red velvet

28 HOOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS

20 COVER STORY Uncovering Indiana’s forgotten wetlands

29 TRAVEL Step into sweet nostalgia at Schimpff’s Confectionery (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS)

26 BEST OF INDIANA Nominate your favorite places for our readers’ choice awards

30 DIY Create space for the perfect book nook (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS)

On the cover Indiana’s former wetlands once teemed with life and provided a refuge for those using the Underground Railroad. Now largely transformed into farmland and urban development, these areas reflect a forgotten natural landscape integral to Indiana’s past. Learn more in this month’s cover feature.

co-op news

Understanding factors that impact your energy bills CONTACT US Office: 219-866-4601 888-866-REMC (7362) Connect Internet Service Tech Support: 219-866-4601, prompt 3 888-866-REMC (7362), prompt 3 WEBSITE www.jasperremc.com EMAIL jasperremc@jasperremc.com OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday

February brings some of the coldest

homes and businesses — and

weather of the year, and as our

the cost of fuels that are used to

home heating systems work harder

generate that electricity, such as

and longer to keep us warm, we

natural gas and coal, fluctuate

typically see higher energy bills.

based on supply and demand.

There are a few key factors that affect electricity prices, and there are a few ways you can meaningfully impact home energy savings.

When you receive your monthly bill

STREET ADDRESS 280 E. Wood Road Rensselaer, IN 47978

from Jasper County REMC, you’re provided with a summary of how much electricity you used during

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 129 Rensselaer, IN 47978

the billing cycle. You can even see how electricity use may have spiked on days when you used more

OUTAGES Report your electric outage day or night by phone or through SmartHub® at jasperremc.com or the SmartHub app.

Jasper County REMC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

electricity, such as a particularly chilly day or when relatives were staying with you.

But you might be surprised to learn that beyond your monthly energy consumption, there are external factors that can impact the cost of electricity.

While these fluctuations can impact the cost of electricity, we work closely with WVPA to plan ahead and help stabilize electricity prices for our members.

E XTRE ME WE ATHE R While we can’t control the weather, we can review weather patterns and forecasts to prepare for extreme cold or heat when we know the demand for electricity will increase.

But when temperatures become extremely cold and the demand for electricity spikes, the price of electricity can also increase.

IN F R A STRUC TURE A N D E QUIPME N T To cover the costs of providing electricity to your home or business, Jasper County REMC members pay a monthly facility charge. This

WHAT’S INSIDE

F U E L PRIC E S

flat monthly fee ensures the cost

Jasper County REMC purchases

of equipment, materials, labor and

LOOK FOR THESE STORIES!

electricity from our power

daily operations are covered for all

PAGE 6: Board of Directors elections

generation partner, Wabash

members in our service territory.

PAGE 7: Youth programs

Valley Power Alliance, or WVPA,

We must maintain the local grid,

PAGE 8: Lessening clutter from the start

at a wholesale cost, and then we

including power lines, substations,

deliver that power to our local

and other essential equipment,

communities. The cost of generating

to ensure the reliable service you

and transmitting electricity from

expect and deserve.

Don’t forget to search for two hidden account numbers within pages 5-8!

If you find them, and one of them is your account number, call our office before the last working day of the month to claim your $25 bill credit.

our generation partner accounts for a significant portion of the cost to provide electric service to local

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 FEBRUARY 2026

5

co-op news CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

YOU H AVE C ON T ROL While many of these external factors that impact electricity costs are out of our control, we all have the power to manage our energy use at home. The most effective way to lower use is thermostat

Board of Directors elections Members of Jasper County REMC have the chance to vote for their Board of Directors each year. Members may also petition to be on the ballot and run for a seat on the Board of Directors. Hidden #25618001.

Petitions for the 2026 election must be received in the Jasper County REMC office no later than Tuesday, April 28. You can view details of the nomination and petition processes in our bylaws. A full copy of the bylaws is available on our website.

management. Since heating and cooling account for a significant portion of home energy use, adjusting the thermostat to the

D I R E C T O R N O M I N AT I O N B Y L AW S The following bylaw pertains to the

annual meeting of the members. The

nomination of the Jasper County REMC

committee shall prepare and post at

directors. The complete set of bylaws

the principal office of the Cooperative

Remember to service your heating

can be reviewed on our website at

at least one hundred twenty (120) days

and cooling system annually and

jasperremc.com. If you would like a

before the meeting, a list of nominations

set of bylaws mailed to you, we can

for the directorate positions. Any thirty

accommodate that request.

(30) or more members may make

lowest comfortable setting can help you save energy and money.

replace dirty filters as needed.

You can also reduce energy use by taking advantage of off-peak periods when the electricity demand

Nominations (a) Manner of Making Nominations.

Not less than one hundred fifty (150)

is lower. Reserve energy-intensive

days before the date of a meeting of

chores for off-peak times, such as

the members at which directors are to

early in the morning or later in the evening, to save energy.

be elected, the Board of Directors shall appoint the Committee on Nominations consisting of not less than three (3) nor

Jasper County REMC is your local

more than eleven (11) members with at

energy partner, and we’re here to

least one (1) member from each of the

serve you. Visit jasperremc.com/ programs/energy-programs/ energy-efficiency to learn about our efficiency programs designed

three (3) districts. With the exception of a retiring director, no officer or member of the Board of Directors shall be appointed a member of such committee.

other nominations in writing over their signature not less than ninety (90) days prior to the annual meeting, and provided the Committee on Nominations finds such nominee is qualified to stand for election and has submitted a petition that meets the requirements of these bylaws, the Secretary shall post the same at the place where the list of nominations made by the committee is posted. The Secretary shall mail to each member at least ten (10) days before the meeting a statement of the number of directors to be elected, the nominee(s) designated by the Committee on Nominations and

Committee

separately nominations made by petition,

The President of the Board of Directors

if any. Nominations from the floor shall

and the General Manager shall provide

continue working diligently to

not be permitted. The members may,

the Committee on Nominations with

at any meeting at which a director or

provide you with reliable power

procedural instructions and any other

directors shall be removed, as provided

at an affordable cost.

information that the Committee requires

in these Bylaws, elect a successor or

for its duties. The Committee on

successors thereto without compliance

Nominations shall contact the members

with the foregoing provisions with respect

whose names are to be placed in

to nominations. Notwithstanding anything

nomination and obtain their consent

contained in this section, failure to

for such action. The Committee on

comply with any of the provisions of this

Nominations shall nominate at least one

section shall not affect in any manner

(1) qualified member for each directorate

whatsoever the validity of any election

position pending election at the next

of directors.

to help you conserve energy and save money. As always, we will

VIOLET SISTORVARIS Interim CEO

6 FEBRUARY 2026

co-op news

BRIEFS OFFICE CLOSURE Our office will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of Presidents’ Day. UPDATE YOUR INFO Please update your contact information. Having an accurate phone number and email on file is important so we can keep you informed with electric or internet updates. Hidden #34567002.

Call the office, update it in SmartHub, or use the form on the back of your bill.

WHOLE-HOME GENERATORS For the safety of our linemen, please let our office know if you have a whole-home generator so we can notate your account.

WEATHER CAMERA We now have a weather camera stationed here at the office as part of the Indiana Weather Network. You can view the live camera feed anytime by heading to our website. There is a link at the top that says “Weather Camera.” From your phone, you’ll find it under the menu on the upper right corner.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING DAY Electronics Recycling Day is coming soon! Watch for more information on your bill insert, on Facebook, and in next month’s magazine.

FEBRUARY 2026

7

co-op news

Lessening clutter from the start: Reducing and reusing basics The most effective way to reduce clutter and waste is to avoid creating it in the first place.

Creating a new product generates greenhouse gases and consumes a significant amount of materials and energy. As a result, reduction and reuse are the most effective ways you can save natural resources, protect the environment, and save money.

Benefits of reducing and reusing • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

• Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials.

• Saves energy.

• Helps sustain the environment for future generations.

• Reduces the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills and incinerators.

• Allows products to be used to their fullest extent.

Ideas on how to reduce and reuse • Think green before you shop. Reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions by considering whether you really need a product, its environmental impact, whether it can be reused, or if it can be purchased used.

8 FEBRUARY 2026

• Reduce your food waste by shopping smart, buying only what you need, composting food scraps, and donating unused food to food banks or shelters.

• Reuse or repurpose items such as old clothing, cloth grocery bags, and containers to prevent waste.

• Buy used items to reduce waste as well as the emissions created by producing new materials or disposing of them in landfills. Donate your unused clothing, electronics, and building materials to help others reuse them too.

• Buy products made with recycled content. Check labels to see if a product or its packaging is made from recycled materials.

• Know before you throw.

Know what items your local recycling program collects, and encourage your household to recycle correctly and increase their recycling efforts.

• Maintain and repair products, such as clothing, tires, and appliances, so that they won't have to be discarded and replaced as frequently.

• Borrow, rent, or share items that are used infrequently, like party decorations, tools, or furniture.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

CONSIDER

donating YOUR ITEMS

One person's trash is another person's treasure.

Instead of discarding unwanted appliances, tools, or clothes, try selling or donating them. Not only will you be reducing waste, but you will also help others. Local churches, community centers, thrift stores, schools, and nonprofit organizations may accept a variety of donated items, including used books, working electronics, and unneeded furniture.

BENEFITS OF DONATION • Prevents usable goods from going into landfills • Helps your community and those in need • Tax benefits may be available

energy

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: NOT JUST FOR HOMES How a business can slash electricity costs Think “energy efficiency” and what

Weather sealing and insulation

DERs often require a significant initial

comes to mind? Often, it’s home

improvements can help with heating

investment, so incentives such as tax

improvements that can slash

and cooling efficiency.

credits, rebates, grants, and subsidies

electricity use and costs.

Check with your local cooperative, as

make this more financially appealing.

However, often overlooked but no

well as the manufacturer of the item

Whatever form these financial

less important are the many ways that

being upgraded, to understand all the

incentives take, they can help

a business can save energy — and

available rebate options, in addition to

encourage businesses to invest in

maximize its investments.

potential tax credits.

energy efficiency upgrades. This

It can start with something as simple

The Indiana Office of Energy

as lighting upgrades. Whether it’s

Development (OED) also offers

switching to LED lighting or installing

a number of loans and grants to

smart lighting controls, rebates and

businesses, which make energy

incentives are available.

efficiency upgrades more affordable.

Rebates are also available on

There are also incentives available

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

in conjunction with economic

for motors and pumps. Examples

development groups, allowing

include HVAC supply and return fans,

businesses to optimize rates.

cooling tower fans, water pumps, and compressors. These rebates vary.

Some are based only on the VFD itself, while others might offer the option to include installation, auxiliary devices, and other costs. Though some of these rebates may require an application to be filled out prior to the project being started, others can be applied for upon completion.

10 FEBRUARY 2026

not only helps a business’ bottom line, but it also reduces the local energy provider’s load. That ensures consumers like you can continue to have access to safe, reliable electricity.

The next level of business incentives comes with distributed generation and distributed energy resources (DERs). This can include solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage, microgrids, and combined heat/power systems.

by Carey Wade Senior Billing, MSR, and Key Accounts Coordinator Daviess-Martin County REMC

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1

county feature

Blackford County With more than 85,000 acres of farmland, Blackford County has 72,000 acres devoted to soybeans and corn. The remaining land is used to grow wheat, hay, and oats, and supports over 24,000 hogs and pigs.

STANDING TALL IN MONTPELIER The “Miami Indian” is a 25-foot fiberglass statue in Montpelier, Indiana, known for its appearance in the opening credits of the TV show “Parks and Recreation.” The statue was first installed at a Pontiac dealership in Indianapolis.

It was later moved to a Native American museum at Eagle Creek Park before Miami leader Larry Godfroy donated the statue to Montpelier in 1984. It now stands near the historic Godfroy Reserve, which is land granted by an 1818 treaty to Chief François Godfroy and his people. The reserve once covered nearly 4,000 acres along the Salamonie River in Blackford County before being sold in the 1820s and 1830s.

Photo courtesy of Randy Golden

COUNTY FACTS FOUNDED: 1838

NAMED FOR: Isaac Blackford, the first speaker of the Indiana General Assembly

POPULATION: 12,112

COUNTY SEAT: Photo courtesy of TwoScarsUp

Hartford City

INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 5

HEART OF HARTFORD CITY A JOURNEY BEYOND EARTH Kevin Ford, a native of Montpelier, is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and NASA astronaut. After earning degrees in aerospace engineering and international relations, he served as a fighter pilot and test pilot before being selected by NASA in 2000. He has spent 157 days in space across two missions — one as a pilot on the Space Shuttle “Discovery” and one as commander of the International Space Station (ISS). After his time as an astronaut, Ford became a pilot for United Airlines and now serves as a technical advisor for NASA’s ISS Advisory Committee.

The Hartford City Courthouse Square Historic District serves as the historic and civic center of Blackford County.

Its main building, the Blackford County Courthouse, is a Richardsonian Romanesque landmark built during the Indiana Gas Boom. Designed by Marion architects Arthur LaBell and Burt L. French, the courthouse features a 165-foot clock tower and stone walls, and it still houses local government more than a century later. The courthouse lawn includes several war memorials, including a World War I monument that is a reproduction of the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” sculpture.

By Nicole Thomas

12 FEBRUARY 2026

Hartford City

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Youth Power and Hope Awards

Community service and compassion:

Youth Power and Hope Award winners exemplify the best of the next generation

Across Indiana, young people are already serving,

Even when faced with challenges in school, Conklin

inspiring, and making real change in their hometowns,

remains dedicated to making a difference — proving that

strengthening the communities we call home and carrying

no obstacle can stand in the way of doing good. As he

forward the cooperative spirit that unites us all.

pursues a new diploma track designed for students with

For more than 15 years, the Youth Power and Hope Awards — led by Indiana Connection magazine — have

special needs, he looks forward to learning a skilled trade and continuing to make a difference in his community.

honored outstanding fifth through eighth-grade students

DIANE PATTON

who demonstrate compassion, initiative, and commitment to community. This year’s winners continue that legacy

Diane Patton and her family are

of service, proving that age is no barrier to making a

members of Tipmont and live in

meaningful impact.

Waynetown. The daughter of Lilly and Ryan Patton, she is a seventh-

LOGAN CONKLIN

grade student who shares her love of animals with her community in

Logan Conklin and his family are

inspiring ways.

members of Clark County REMC and reside in Sellersburg. The son of Ken

Through 4-H and her family farm, Patton teaches others

and Kelly Conklin, he is an eighth-

about goats, poultry, and other animals, focusing on proper

grade student who demonstrates

care and safety. She presents at local events, schools, the

a remarkable heart for service and

Indiana School for the Blind, and community programs,

community.

giving hands-on experiences that educate and inspire

Through Boy Scout Troop 10, Conklin has volunteered on a wide range of projects, including building pedestrian bridges, community gardens, and playgrounds, as well as collecting food for local pantries and assisting with public events. He also serves at

through a dairy goat workshop she started with her sister and helps raise funds for her club through projects like Kiss the Goat.

St. John Paul II Catholic

Regarding her

Church as an altar server

community service,

and helps at church

Patton said, “Helping

events throughout the

others is the right thing

year. Each Christmas,

to do, and even young

Conklin volunteers with

people can make

the Salvation Army, giving

a difference.”

his time to help families in need.

14 FEBRUARY 2026

students. Patton also mentors younger 4-H members

Youth Power and Hope Awards ALEXANDRIA SHORT Alexandria Short is the daughter of Joy and Spencer Short of Convoy, Ohio, and her family are members of Paulding Putnam.

After receiving a blood transfusion at age 10, Small felt called to give back. She began hosting community blood drives to raise awareness about the importance of donation in Indiana. Along with each drive, she collects funds to purchase toys for patients at Riley Children’s Hospital, a gesture inspired by the comfort she once received there.

A seventh-grade student, Short

She also makes handmade bracelets with encouraging

has helped bring holiday cheer to

messages for blood donors.

thousands through the Van Wert 4-H Exchange Club’s Holiday Light Show. Since she was five years old, she has helped set up, operate, and maintain the displays, and now serves as the club reporter, sharing stories about the club’s activities.

Regarding her service, Small shared, “Helping others makes people feel part of a lasting impact. Even when you’re young, you can change someone’s life.”

Through her involvement, Short has gained leadership,

GRACE WESTFALL

teamwork, and technical skills while helping ensure the

Grace Westfall is the daughter of

light show remains a cherished

Krista and John Westfall of Zionsville

community tradition. Proceeds

and is a member of Boone Power.

from the event support

A sixth grader, Westfall leads with

4-H exchanges, local

compassion and initiative in her school

food pantries, hurricane

and community. She serves as student

relief efforts, and camp

council president and participates

scholarships.

Regarding her community service, Short stated,

in the Best Buddies Program, where she partners with a student with special needs and attends events to foster friendships and promote inclusion.

“Giving back helps young

Westfall also founded Kids Helping

people feel connected to the

Kids, a school club that supports

world we live in.”

the Isaiah 117 House of Boone County, which provides

DELANEY SMALL Delaney Small is the daughter of Whitney and Jason Small of Greenwood and is a member of JCREMC. A sixth grader, Small, has turned a personal health challenge into a mission of kindness through her project, Laney’s Love.

comfort to children entering foster care. She has helped meet the home’s needs and raise awareness through lemonade stands, donation drives, and community outreach.

Alongside her family, Westfall volunteers regularly at Wheeler Mission, the Zionsville Food Pantry, and the Indiana Diaper Bank, all to ensure others feel supported and cared for.

Regarding her service, Westfall said, “It’s important for young people to help others because it teaches skills, builds empathy, and makes a difference.”

FEBRUARY 2026

15

safety

BRE A K E R B OX BASICS:

Protecting your home from overloads Your home’s breaker box may not be something you think about every day, but it’s one of the most important safety features in your home. Indiana’s electric cooperatives remind members to understand how their breaker panel works and to recognize the warning signs of electrical overloads.

• Crackling or buzzing sounds near receptacles

• Mild shock or tingling when touching appliances or switches

• Appliances or tools not running at full strength If you notice any of these issues, check your breaker panel, usually located in the basement or garage.

E XTE N SION CORD SAFE TY 10 1 Extension cords are meant for temporary use. Using extension cords correctly can reduce the risk of overheating and fire.

K E E P THE SE TIP S IN MIN D: Keep cords away from water.

“When too much electricity runs

A tripped breaker will be in the

Show older kids how to

through a circuit, the breaker

“off” or middle position. To reset

plug in safely and never

is designed to trip,” said John

it, switch it fully to “off,” then back

yank cords from the wall.

Cassady, CEO of Indiana Electric

to “on.”

Cooperatives. “That quick action

Knowing which rooms and

shuts off power and prevents wires

appliances are on each circuit

from overheating, which could

can save time and stress when

Replace cords that are

otherwise lead to a fire.”

something trips. Indiana’s electric

cracked or damaged.

WA R N I N G S I G N S O F OV E R L OA D E D O U T L E T S O R C I R C U I T S I N C LU D E :

cooperatives suggest members

• Lights that flicker, blink, or dim

breaker panel.

• Warm outlet or switch covers

Extension cords may be a quick

• Burning odors from outlets or switches

• Circuit breakers that trip often

16 FEBRUARY 2026

take a few minutes with a notepad to map out circuits and label the

fix when outlets are limited, but heavy reliance on them often means a home needs additional outlets installed by a licensed electrician.

Avoid overloading cords with too many devices.

If your home relies heavily on extension cords, it may be time to add more outlets.

Sources: Electrical Safety Authority, Complete Electrical Solutions

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Show your love food

with red velvet

Indulge in the rich and decadent signature flavor of red velvet, with a vibrant hue perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day this month

RED VELVET CHEESE BALL Suzanne Neukam, Dubois

1 stick of butter, softened 8 oz cream cheese 2 Tbsp brown sugar ½ cup powdered sugar ½ box of red velvet cake mix Combine the butter and cream cheese. Add the brown sugar, powdered sugar, and the cake mix. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until firm, and then form into a ball. The ball can be rolled in mini chocolate chips. Serve with graham crackers or vanilla wafers.

18 FEBRUARY 2026

food RED VELVET FUDGE Marilles Mauer, Greensburg 2 cups white chocolate chips (more for optional topping) 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

2 Tbsp butter, melted 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder 1-2 tsp red food color ½ tsp salt

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chips, condensed milk, and butter, stirring constantly until smooth and well combined.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and salt until thoroughly combined. Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper, then spread the fudge mixture evenly into the pan. If desired, melt some white chocolate chips and drizzle over the fudge. Then take a toothpick to create a swirl pattern on top. Chill for at least 2 hours.

RED VELVET POKE CAKE Glenda Ferguson, Paoli

1 box red velvet cake mix, plus ingredients to make the cake (eggs, oil, water) 2 boxes vanilla pudding 4 cups milk 8 oz tub whipped topping, thawed ½ cup mini chocolate chips Prepare the cake mix according to package directions and bake in a 9x13-inch pan. Cool the cake for a couple of minutes. Poke holes in the cake with a straw or a wooden spoon handle.

Poke all the way down to the bottom.

Mix the contents of both pudding boxes with the milk and whisk until smooth. Pour the pudding over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Spread the top of the cake with thawed whipped topping and sprinkle with the chocolate chips.

FOOD PREPARED BY INDIANA CONNECTION STAFF PHOTOS BY KILEY LIPPS

FEBRUARY 2026

19

INDIANA’S

FORGOTTEN

wetlands

Uncovering the history of the swamps that shaped our past 20 FEBRUARY 2026

Photo courtesy of Chris Fox

By Stephanie Bernaba

with waterfowl, wild rice, and unknown

B

depths, that today’s residents would

a land primarily of water. When

These swamps have vanished,

government surveyors worked across

converted either into farmland or

the territory between 1799 and 1834,

roads, or buried beneath suburban

they encountered massive tracts of

developments, but their stories reveal

soggy, poorly drained land where solid

an untamed and beautiful terrain

ground gave way to marsh for miles.

where people escaping slavery found

efore Indiana became known for its farms and cities, it was

Northwestern Indiana spent half the year under standing water.

Benton County was predominantly wetlands. Indiana was a landscape so dominated by wetlands, so teeming

barely recognize it as the same place.

refuge from bloodhounds, where locals attempted to harvest peat as their Irish ancestors had, and where naturalists discovered endless inspiration among the cattails and knotty growth.

FLETCHER’S SWAMP AND THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD Fletcher’s Swamp has completely disappeared, but it once covered approximately 200 acres just east of Indianapolis’ Old North Side, stretching between what are now called Cottage Home and MartindaleBrightwood. This wetland sat centered roughly where the I-65 and I-70 interchange would eventually be constructed. Today, the area near Massachusetts Avenue reveals no trace of its existence. continued on page 22 FEBRUARY 2026

21

Photo courtesy of Trevor Edmonson of the Nature Conservancy

continued from page 21 A December 1889 description in the Indianapolis Journal painted a

across the swamp, eliminating their

that escaped prisoners regularly hid in

trails by taking up the planks behind

his father’s swamp.

them as they moved forward.

The swamp’s fate was sealed, though,

picture of a dismal swamp that even

An 1889 Journal account captured

after the war ended. Hundreds

hunters couldn’t enter except during

Fletcher’s secret mission. A tenant

of newly freed African Americans

the harshest winter cold. Frost rarely

farmer noticed Fletcher riding toward

traveled north from Kentucky and

broke through the dense blanket of

the swamp each morning carrying

other Southern states to Indianapolis.

moss and accumulated leaves that

a sack. One sunrise, curiosity led

Calvin Fletcher allowed them to

had built up over centuries, kept

the farmer to follow at a distance.

harvest timber for building cabins and

perpetually damp by underground

Fletcher dismounted, walked into

cultivate small vegetable patches,

springs.

the vegetation, and called out. The

paying them by the cord for the

swamp responded — vegetation

wood they delivered from the

waving, water splashing, and finally,

swamp’s edges.

During the 1830s, this forbidding swamp became a critical station on the Underground Railroad.

Calvin Fletcher, a Vermont native, lawyer, and farmer who controlled approximately 1,600 acres covering much of the Near East Side, worked

a tall, muscular Black man emerged wearing clothes made from coffee sacks. He took the sack from Fletcher, exchanged a few inaudible words, and disappeared back into the swamp.

Fletcher’s son, Calvin Jr., finally drained the remaining wetland during the 1870s by dredging it and connecting it to the “Old State Ditch.” Thousands of acres of Indiana

actively against slavery and regularly

The swamp may also have sheltered

wetlands met a similar fate when they

allowed escaped slaves safe passage

unlikely refugees during the Civil

were converted into conventional

through his property.

War years. Confederate prisoners

farmland.

Wetlands made ideal hiding spots because slave-hunting bloodhounds lost the scent in water and mud.

Freedom seekers used removable wooden planks as stepping stones

22 FEBRUARY 2026

who escaped Camp Morton, a Union Army prison located just west of the wetland, found cover in the dense thickets and boggy ground. Stephen Keyes Fletcher claimed decades later

BACON’S SWAMP: BROAD RIPPLE’S PEAT BOG An 1891 newspaper identified Fletcher’s Swamp as one of two major

“bayous” affecting valuable property

spot existed in the cider house bin.

1900s. E.H. Collins, a Hamilton

around Indianapolis’ expanding

Freedom seekers remained there until

County farmer located a mile north

borders. The second was Bacon’s

darkness allowed them safe transport

of the State Fairgrounds, promoted

Swamp, which proved equally

to the next station. At night, they hid in

what he called “earth that would

fascinating and more scientifically

the peat bog directly across from the

burn” during the summer of 1905.

significant.

Bacon dairy operation.

He estimated that his 30-acre bog

Broad Ripple now occupies the area

Their 400-acre farm occupied

where the sizable Marion County bog

approximately the same area where

once existed. Google Maps still labels

the Glendale Town Center stands

a small lake “Bacon’s Swamp,” but

today. During the mid-1800s, most

this is merely a manufactured

of eastern Broad Ripple would have

remnant of what was once a

been covered in boggy terrain. By the

That future, sadly, never arrived.

freshwater wetland.

1930s, the farmhouse stood empty.

Indianapolis’ economic challenges and

The Wisconsin Glacier’s retreat

Walter C. Kiplinger, who was an

created both Fletcher’s and Bacon’s

Indianapolis chemistry teacher and

swamps approximately 20,000 years

tree doctor, wrote a detailed 1916

ago, leaving depressions that filled

Indianapolis News article about the

with water. Over time, these bodies

peat bog. His description focused on

In February 1956, three children died

filled with sediment and decaying

an area approximately one mile north

attempting to rescue a puppy that

plant material, while oxygen levels at

of the State Fairgrounds, located near

had fallen through ice on one of the

their depths dropped, much as in the

50th Street and Arsenal Park.

swamp’s lakes.

aging process of living organisms.

Bacon’s Swamp matured into one of the southernmost peat bogs in the United States.

Kiplinger marveled at the depth and

1905 through the 1920s, before the

Railroad station. Hiram Bacon arrived

idea was abandoned.

Bacon’s poor health led him west to survey for the government. After his assignment was complete, he chose to stay in Indiana.

The Bacons ran a sophisticated operation for assisting freedom seekers. A 1931 Indianapolis Star article detailed the arrangement: the house stood on the east side of the road, with the large barn on the west. Inside the barn, a wheat bin could only be accessed by ladder from outside and remained concealed beneath piles of hay. Another hiding

would become residents’ primary source of heat.

demographic shifts accelerated Broad Ripple’s suburban growth during the 1950s, placing increasing pressure on the remaining swampland.

continued on page 24

Local newspapers published serious

farmer who operated an Underground

studying law at Williams College,

envisioned a future in which peat

rivaled the most lavish Irish peat bogs. proposals for peat harvesting from

1821 with his wife, Mary Blair. Despite

of harvestable peat, and newspapers

vastness of the peat, saying that it

This swamp also took its name from a

from Williamstown, Massachusetts, in

contained approximately 400,000 tons

Europeans have burned peat for millennia. Though peat is not technically a fossil fuel, it produces odorless, smokeless heat. Rural Ireland and Britain relied on it as an affordable fuel source for centuries, and it also provides Scotch whisky’s smoky flavor.

During World War I, American and Canadian peat bogs exported sphagnum moss to Europe, where cotton shortages forced army doctors to experiment with peat-based wound dressings. The moss was also an effective natural antibiotic.

Central Indiana nearly joined the peat fuel movement during the early

Hope Hammel holds a net while exploring the wetlands during Little Hikers’ Mysterious Moths Night at Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve.

(Photo courtesy of Kate Hammel)

FEBRUARY 2026

23

continued from page 23

landscape has changed: “Some say

water lilies, and various aquatic

this was one of the largest inland

grasses grew throughout the marsh.

wetland systems in North America.

These plants sustained numerous

Looking around today, you need to

animal species, including migratory

squint hard and read the landscape

birds, waterfowl, turtles, frogs,

carefully to detect its presence.”

and fish.

1914 and 1937. Eventually, only a

The diverse patchwork of vast

Beaver Lake in Newton County

small pond remained.

floodplains, wild creeks, thick

covered 28,500 acres in 1834.

backwaters, and wet meadows that

Railroads transported hunters,

once defined Northern Indiana can

trappers, and fishermen from Chicago

now be traversed without much

into the marsh, and the trains returned

notice. The same can be said for the

loaded with fish, game, and marsh

fragmented, industrialized Calumet

grasses used for packaging materials.

Region wetlands and the isolated

Hunting lodges operated throughout

pockets of creeks in Northeastern

the area.

Residents called for the “deadly swamp” to be condemned and eliminated. The soggy ground continued to challenge developers for decades, swallowing up roads in both

THE GRAND KANKAKEE MARSH, INDIANA’S EVERGLADES While Fletcher’s and Bacon’s swamps were significant, the Grand Kankakee Marsh surpassed them in both size and scope. Kankakee Marsh earned the nickname “Everglades of the

Indiana.

Native American tribes, specifically

North” because it extended across

The marsh nurtured diverse wildlife.

the Miami and Potawatomi, depended

northern Indiana.

More than 500,000 acres of wetland

on the marsh long before settlers

habitats, including swamps, marshes,

arrived. Its resources were harvested

and shallow lakes, contained a wide

for food, and the wetlands were used

variety of plants. Cattails, sedges,

for transportation and trade. They

Trevor Edmonson of The Nature Conservancy describes how the

Sassafras Audubon Society Birding Hike (Photo courtesy of Danielle Williams)

24 FEBRUARY 2026

also incorporated the marsh into their

government agencies collaborating to

Nature Preserve in Steuben County,

spiritual practices.

reconstruct wetlands, improve water

and the Springfield Fen Nature

quality, and restore habitats.

Preserve in LaPorte County.

with the implementation of dredging,

What The Nature Conservancy

Twin Swamps Nature Preserve in

river straightening, tiling, and ditching

now calls the Efroymson Prairie at

Posey County protects important

projects targeting the Kankakee River

Kankakee Sands was once part of

wetlands in southwestern Indiana.

and its surrounding marshes.

this vast wetland complex. The Nature

The Kankakee Fish & Wildlife Area

Conservancy and other conservation

maintains over 4,000 acres of habitat

partners recognize that not all is lost.

for migrating birds and other wildlife,

Over the decades, they have worked

offering visitors a glimpse into the rich

urgently to protect, promote, and

history of the Grand Kankakee Marsh.

Significant changes began in 1884

Industrialization and agricultural expansion during the late 1800s and early 1900s resulted in the draining of hundreds of acres of marshland and the straightening of neighboring rivers.

As a result, the ecosystem changed

steward the remaining critical wetlands across Indiana.

For visitors, the Wet Prairie Trail at the Kankakee Sands Welcome area

irrevocably, and the natural water

At Kankakee Sands, they have

offers a glimpse into this recovered

systems never recovered.

restored some of the natural flow

ecosystem. Edmonson particularly

across many acres and have seen

loves the wetlands in June, when the

the ecosystem begin to recover.

sedges are at their most robust, plants

This recovery will take time, if not

are blooming, and the insects and

generations, to return to its

butterflies return.

By 1917, Beaver Lake had shrunk from 28,500 acres to 10,000 acres.

Today, it exists only on maps.

The environmental consequences were severe. Shrinking wetlands reduced habitats for plants and animals. Migratory birds lost a vital stopover, and the waterfowl population declined sharply. Altered water flow and increased sedimentation lowered the water quality and harmed aquatic life. The loss of wetland plants also reduced water retention, leading to increased flooding in nearby communities.

natural state.

“A couple of decades ago, we could

wetlands have been lost forever,

only really read about the lush and

their storied history lives on. Thanks

biodiverse wetlands of the Grand

to widespread conservation efforts,

Kankakee Marsh,” Edmonson said.

the spark of life has finally returned,

“Today, as I walk through a restored

allowing Indiana’s wetlands to thrive

flooded sedge meadow and hear

once again.

an American bittern calling and see a variety of frogs and flowers at my feet, I can begin to bring that history to the present. I am constantly in awe of what we can accomplish when

WHAT’S LEFT

we work together for nature. While

Wetland preservation is now a state

landscape, we also have the power

priority, marking a reversal of years of destruction. Wetlands provide beauty, wildlife habitats, and naturally filter and replenish groundwater. Edmonson notes that these once swampy, undervalued areas are now among Indiana’s most cherished landscapes.

Recent years have seen restoration efforts for places like the Grand Kankakee Marsh, with organizations, environmental groups, and

Though large areas of Indiana

people have significantly altered the and opportunity to heal it.”

Indiana has established numerous nature preserves protecting wetland communities throughout the state.

Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve in Monroe County protects vital bottomland forest habitat.

Northern Indiana features several preserves, including the Crooked Lake Nature Preserve, which spans Whitley

Editor’s Note A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE The Limberlost Swamp near Geneva found an unlikely ally in author Gene Stratton-Porter.

Despite the swamp’s dangers, she recognized its value as both a living laboratory and an inspiration for both her fiction and nature writing. We will explore Stratton’s remarkable life and legacy in the March issue.

and Noble counties, the Loon Lake

FEBRUARY 2026

25

Best of Indiana

NOMINATION FORM To celebrate the uniqueness of Indiana, please exclude national chains from your responses. Don’t forget to include the name of the town in which each answer is located. Feel free to tell us why you

Indiana Connection Readers’ Choice Awards

Best of

a n a i Ind

made your nomination. Use an additional piece of paper if needed.

BED AND BREAKFAST/COUNTRY INN:

BREWERY:

CAMPGROUND:

COMMUNITY FESTIVAL:

Indiana Connection wants to recognize some of our readers’ favorite places in

LIVE THEATER:

an upcoming “Best of Indiana” feature.

To nominate your favorites, fill out the form below and mail it to Indiana

MUSEUM:

Connection at 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032. You can also submit your nominations online at

PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS:

indianaconnection.org/2026-best-ofindiana-awards.

Nomination forms are due by

RESTAURANT:

March 1. Our readers will vote on the top-nominated places in future issues.

Send any questions to Editor Britt Davis at bdavis@indianaec.org. Help

TENDERLOIN SANDWICH (NAME THE SPECIFIC PLACE):

us showcase some of the places that make the Hoosier State great!

WINERY/VINEYARD:

Name: Address: City:

State:

Phone:

Email:

Electric Cooperative:

26 FEBRUARY 2026

ZIP Code:

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Wabash Valley Power news

WHY PLANNING MATTERS W

hen the power is working, no one thinks about it.

cost, and risk over the long term. We study changing

That’s exactly how it should be. But behind that

electricity use, system growth, new technologies, and

reliability is a lot of planning, much of it done years

higher demand during extreme weather. We run scenarios

before electricity is ever needed. At Wabash Valley

and plan for multiple outcomes, so we are ready when

Power Alliance, planning ahead is not optional. It’s our

conditions change. This work happens behind the scenes

responsibility.

but is essential to keeping power available and rates as

Electricity has to be available instantly, whether it’s a mild

stable as possible.

spring day or the coldest winter night. That means we

Every season teaches us something. Extreme weather,

can’t wait to make decisions until demand shows up. By

cold or hot, tests the system and reinforces why

then, it’s too late and usually much more expensive. We

preparation matters. After each season, we review

plan power supply years in advance, looking at how much

performance and apply those lessons to future decisions,

electricity our members will need, when they’ll need it,

from fuel strategies to infrastructure investments, so we’re

and what resources will be available to meet that demand.

better prepared for the next challenge.

Planning early helps us avoid costly, last-minute solutions, and allows us to make disciplined decisions that protect reliability and affordability.

Planning ahead is how we stay prepared before power is needed, protect reliability during extreme conditions, and manage costs responsibly. You may never see most of

The mindset we operate under is that, to put it simply,

this work and that’s OK. Because when the lights come

2034 is now. We have to look seven to 10 years ahead

on without a second thought, that is planning doing its job.

because that’s how long it takes to ensure the right power supply is in place and can get where it needs to go.

Reliable power and affordable power go hand in hand.

When the system isn’t prepared, costs rise quickly. That is why our planning focuses on balancing reliability,

28 FEBRUARY 2026

Jeff Conrad President and CEO Wabash Valley Power Alliance

travel

SUGAR RUSH

Photos courtesy of SoIN Tourism

Step into sweet nostalgia at Schimpff’s Confectionery in Jeffersonville

By Natalie Derrickson

Some say the “good old days” are gone, but at Schimpff’s Confectionery, they’re on full display and good enough to eat. In fact, most would insist on giving in to a sweet tooth during a visit to the number one candy store in America, according to USA Today.

Sugar sizzles against the walls of a copper pot while pillow candies crack and scatter across the butcher block, and eager shoppers attempt to whittle down their shopping list.

This is a typical day at Schimpff’s Confectionery — sugar, history, creativity, and craft, honed across generations dating back to 1891.

Schimpff’s is well-known for several specialties: cinnamon red hots, hand-made chocolates, hard fish candy, and a regional favorite, Modjeskas — a gooey caramelcovered marshmallow. Outside the building, look up to spot the sets of red bricks flanking the second-story windows — markers of the 1937 flood that devastated downtown Jeffersonville and other riverside communities. Schimpff’s held on, rebuilt, and continues to deliver sweets, memories, and space

to enjoy one another’s company across generations.

Plan your visit with plenty of time to shop for sweets and learn about the history of candy-making. Call ahead to schedule a guided tour and learn what candy will be made in-store — you won’t want to miss the live demonstrations. Stick around and enjoy a deli lunch and a chocolate Coke, a Coca-Cola with chocolate syrup, at Schimpff’s classic soda fountain, in operation since 1921.

Schimpff’s is home to a candy museum filled with candy artifacts that Jill and Warren Schimpff, the recently retired fourth-generation owners, have collected. In 2025, the Schimpffs passed the torch to “Cousin Steve” Shepherd and his wife, Beth. The shop’s fifth generation of ownership continues the tradition, wonder, and delight that a landmark candy store should.

Schimpff’s Confectionery 347 Spring St. Jeffersonville, IN 47130 812-283-8367 Schimpffs.com

FEBRUARY 2026

29

do-it-yourself

Create space for the perfect book nook A cozy reading retreat doesn’t

Tone is everything

If you’re creating a book nook in a

require a hefty renovation. With

Once you have the bones of the

kid’s room, attach floating, shallow

some strategic choices in your

space set up, it’s time to make it

shelves in an L-shape around the

existing space, you can create the

special. Start with lighting — bright

area, where they can display their

book lover’s haven that you’ve

enough for you to read without eye

favorite books or personal items.

always dreamed of.

strain, but dim enough for relaxation.

With the right touches and a few

If you lack space or an electrical

hours, you can create the perfect

outlet, use rechargeable or battery-

space to go on all your literary

powered disc lights.

adventures.

Plot your scene The first step is choosing the right location. If you have a naturally setapart section in your home, such

If your nook is tucked away, consider

as an alcove, a window seat, or an

painting the area a different, but

empty corner of a room, it makes for

coordinating color to the rest of your

an easy transformation. Other good

room, or add an easy-to-install peel-

options are an area next to a built-

and-stick wallpaper.

in bookshelf, a closet, or a space under the stairs. If needed, create a reading spot along a wall, nestled between bookshelves or cabinets.

A space for every story The final step in creating your nook is to provide storage for your books.

If built-in or standalone bookshelves

Next, pick furniture to create your

aren’t an option, install wall shelves.

cozy sanctuary. Deep chairs with a

Unfinished boards can be stained

footstool add instant comfort. For

or painted to coordinate with your

a larger space, consider adding a

decor. Brackets with a built-in

daybed. If your space is limited, add

rod provide a whimsical touch for

furniture with built-in storage.

draping plants.

30 FEBRUARY 2026

Renee Bedel is the kitchen designer at Gillman Home Center in Batesville, a Do It Best member. Do it Best is a Fort Wayne-based home improvement cooperative supporting thousands of hardware stores, home centers, and lumberyards throughout the U.S. and worldwide. Visit your local Do it Best store or doitbest.com for thousands of the best home improvement products.

(This article is for informational purposes only.

Indiana Connection and Do it Best assume no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, or for injuries, property damage, or the outcome of any project.)

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