Clark County REMC — March 2021 Indiana Connection

Director Voting Begins March 11. Read About the Candidates Inside.

Clark County REMC’s

Grow

YOUR OWN WAY The Fun of Food Gardening

pages 19–22

MARCH 2021

from the editor

Buying from baggage Shopping is one of my favorite pastimes. And finding unusual things to buy from unusual places is especially enticing to a shopaholic like me.

That’s why I was so excited to learn about the Unclaimed Baggage Store which, just like its no-nonsense name suggests, sells all kinds of items that were lost in transit or never made the trip back to their original owners. This store not only exists as a brick-and-mortar shopping mecca in Alabama but as an online presence at www.unclaimedbaggage.com.

Over the last 50 years, the Unclaimed Baggage Store has uncovered an array of unusual finds including a bear pelt packed in salt, a camera from a space shuttle, an Egyptian burial mask, a live rattlesnake and a shrunken head. Sadly, those curiosities are no longer available.

However, the loot that I recently found online included some unusual items that have me wondering why stuff like this was being transported in someone’s luggage in the first place.

• A steering wheel (which is being sold for just $29.99) • An adult size Sleeping Beauty-style dress • A 12-pack of toilet paper rolls (I guess you can never be too prepared.)

• A Hoover vacuum • A wedding cake topper • Pre-owned (but, hopefully, not pre-worn) chicken diapers (not chickenpatterned but for chickens!)

If you, like me, enjoy the thrill of the hunt or if you’re looking for an out-of-the-ordinary gift for that hardto-buy-for person in your life — and you don’t have a problem with pre-owned stuff — you might want to check out the Unclaimed Baggage Store. But beware of any future shrunken heads or rattlesnakes!

EMILY SCHILLING Editor eschilling@indianaec.org

On the menu: June issue: Berries, deadline April 1. July issue: Beans, deadline April 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

Giveaway: Did you know the pork tenderloin sandwich originated in Huntington, Indiana?

Enter to win a $50 gift certificate from Nick’s Kitchen, birthplace of this Hoosier delicacy. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests. Entry deadline for giveaway: March 31.

Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, event listings, letters

and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606.

VOLUME 70 • NUMBER 9 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340 Published monthly by Indiana Electric Cooperatives Indiana Connection is for and about members of Indiana’s locally-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. It helps consumers use electricity safely and efficiently; understand energy issues; connect with their co-op; and celebrate life in Indiana. Over 304,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership.

CONTACT US: 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600 Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org IndianaConnection.org INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Walter Hunter President Randy Kleaving Vice President Steve McMichael Secretary/Treasurer John Gasstrom CEO EDITORIAL STAFF: Emily Schilling Editor Richard George Biever Senior Editor Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist Ellie Schuler Senior Creative Services Specialist Taylor Maranion Creative Services Specialist Stacey Holton Creative Services Manager Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication ADVERTISING: American MainStreet Publications Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop Crosshair Media 502-216-8537; crosshairmedia.net Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication.

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

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

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

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606.

Include key number.

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

MARCH 2021

3

contents

MARCH

10

17

energy

03 FROM THE EDITOR

food

12 I NSIGHTS

05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative.

14 COUNTY OF THE MONTH Spotlighting Huntington County.

09 DID YOU KNOW? What happens when a pole goes down.

FoxGardin specializes in

10 ENERGY A greener way to cut the grass.

16 INDIANA EATS food and ‘the experience.’

17 FOOD Café — your way: Recipes featuring coffee.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Indiana Connection 4

MARCH 2021

24

30

DIY

19 COVER STORY Grow your own way: The fun of food gardening.

23 PROFILE Gardening columnist talks about her career and retirement.

24 DIY Setting up and organizing a home office.

pets

25 SAFETY Saw safety: Tree trimming tips.

26 TRAVEL Wilstem Wildlife Park offers an array of activities.

28 H OOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS 29 RECALLS 30 PETS Make sure your pet sees clearly.

On the cover Interested in growing your own vegetables? We asked Joe Lamp’l, host of the PBS series “Growing a Greener World,” to share his advice on how you can bring homegrown garden-fresh produce to your dinner table. Turn to page 19 to see what he said.

A message from

General Manager David Vince CONTACT US Office: 812-246-3316 / 800-462-6988 Outages: 866-480-REMC Fax: 812-246-3947 To pay your bill by phone or inquire about your account: 877-484-4042 EMAIL ccremc@theremc.net WEBSITE www.theremc.com OFFICE HOURS 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday Lobby Closed / Drive Through Open During Office Hours

What a

knowing that the health and safety of

difference

our community comes first. But even

a year can make. This

though there won’t be an in-person gathering, you can still let your voice

time last year I wrote to you about our

be heard by voting early. All members

plans for a successful Annual Meeting,

will receive a postcard with voting

celebrating 81 years of co-op service in

instructions, and every member who

southern Indiana. Registration gifts had

casts a vote will receive a $10 bill credit

been purchased, door prizes secured,

and be entered for one of many door

entertainment booked, and invitations

prizes, including the $1,000 Grand

were in the mail. But on March 13,

Prize bill credit! Voting opens on March

everything came to a halt. For the first

11 and closes on April 8, and all the

time in 80 years, the Annual Meeting

details are in this issue of Indiana

STREET ADDRESS 7810 State Road 60, Sellersburg, IN 47172

was canceled. Since safety will always

Connection.

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 411, Sellersburg, IN 47172

right decision, but it was still a difficult

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Paul Graf, President

knowing that things would be back to

Candy Meyer, Vice President John Biesel, Secretary/Treasurer Joe Basham Steve Dieterlen Robert Kleehamer Jeff Myers UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS March 2 | April 6 | May 4 EMPLOYEE ANNIVERSARIES Mark Eckert - 37 years Brittany McNay - 8 years Brian Omerso - 7 years Brian Tanner - 13 years

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/ ClarkCountyREMC

be our top priority, we knew it was the one to make. But we pressed on, normal in 2021.

Perhaps 2021 hasn’t brought the immediate relief that so many hoped for, but after all we’ve endured, we can face this next year with confidence and hope because we can face it together.

Well, it’s 2021 and nothing is normal.

And it’s my promise to you to keep

For the second year in a row, your

providing reliable, affordable electric

board of directors made the difficult

service, no matter what the future

decision to cancel the Annual Meeting,

brings.

Clark County REMC’s 82nd Annual Meeting Due to ongoing health and safety concerns, the 2021 Annual Meeting has been canceled in accordance with the bylaws of Clark County REMC. Director elections will be decided through online and mail-in voting, open from March 11 through April 8.

Top reasons why you should VOTE!

Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/ClarkCountyREMC

Bill Credits

Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/ClarkCoREMC Follow us on LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/clarkcounty-remc

Your Vote Matters!

Prizes from $50 - $500

$1,000 Grand Prize

$10 Bill Credit per Vote

MARCH 2021

5

2020 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Always committed to you The last 12 months have been difficult for so many families and businesses.

But despite the obstacles we have all faced, one thing hasn’t changed: Clark County REMC’s commitment to you, our member-owners.

There are three parts of our business that we constantly monitor to make sure we are meeting your expectations: reliability, strength, and service. With the turmoil of the last year, it was even more important for us to stay focused on our core mission.

We measure reliability by looking at how many outages our members experienced, what caused those outages, and how long it took to restore power. And in spite of the fact that Mother Nature, the most common cause for outages, is outside of our control, Clark County REMC pursues an aggressive maintenance and inspection program which finds and corrects problems before they become outages through repairs and upgrades.

Through our vegetation management program, inspections, maintenance, and construction work plan, we do our best to provide top reliability for our members.

Financial strength is another key component for how we give our members our best. For every dollar that you pay REMC for your electric service, two-thirds, or 66 cents, is given to Hoosier Energy to purchase the electricity we deliver to you. The other 34 cents is what we use to run the entire business, from equipment and maintenance, to salaries and technology. We work hard to provide you with affordable electricity, and to make every dollar stretch as far as possible.

The third metric we monitor is customer service. What you think about how we have served you matters to us.

We surveyed nearly 500 members this year, and are thrilled that 97%

6

MARCH 2021

gave us either a 4 or 5 star review for overall satisfaction. We know that we can always improve, so please let us know how we can make your REMC experience even better.

Safety has always been the foundation of how we operate, but the last year made us completely rethink how we worked from day to day. Safety didn’t just mean wearing hard hats and being careful around live power lines. With the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we had to learn how to work safely with our members and coworkers.

We know how vitally important it is to keep the power on for your families and businesses, for our schools and hospitals, so we took every precaution to keep working safely.

Our linemen began working staggered shifts to prevent close contacts in the warehouse. Crews updated processes and technology so they could go straight from their homes to the job site, minimizing contacts with other employees. Our office staff learned to work from home to give you the support you needed. And while our main office is still closed to the public, we’ve made new ways to accept payments and paperwork online, through email, and even through our drive through.

This has been a tough year, but cooperatives like Clark County REMC thrive on shining light in the darkness.

When the pandemic started, the economy was at its lowest and anxiety was at its peak, REMC immediately stopped all late penalties and service disconnects for six months, knowing it would take time for members to get back on their feet. And once disconnects were resumed, hundreds of members were given up to a year to pay off electric bills, keeping the lights on when our members needed it most.

We also saw several powerful examples of community spirit in the

last year. In July, REMC launched a new member-to-member donation program called Lend a Hand, and more than $18,000 has been given by our members to help other REMC members facing financial difficulties. In the winter, we held our annual canned food drive, which is usually staged in our lobby, but since our office is closed we created a self-serve drop off in our drive-through. In just two months, REMC members donated nearly 10,000 pounds of food to area food pantries, far more than we’ve ever seen in years past.

While many of our favorite events, such as the Annual Meeting, our community Fish Fry, and our youth tour to Washington D.C., had to be canceled for health and safety concerns, we were committed to finding creative ways to spread joy safely. This led to our first-ever Santa’s Wonderland, where we transformed our headquarters into a fun and festive holiday drive-through event, complete with dozens of inflatables, surprise character appearances, and even a friendly wave from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

One of our favorite traditions for more than 50 years has been powering the Cross on the Knobs, a 50-foot tall beacon that is lit for several weeks every Christmas and Easter. This year, at the request of several members, we lit the cross several weeks early, and left it on for months, as a reminder of the hope and strength we have when we care for one another.

Reliability. Strength. Service. Safety.

Community. Clark County REMC is committed to you, our member-owners.

We’ve been through a lot this year, but we got through it together. And your REMC will be ready for whatever comes.

Treasurer’s report Financial records of your rural electric cooperative are maintained in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts prescribed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. All statements that appear in the Annual Report were prepared in accordance with standard accounting procedures from

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2020 CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF REVENUES Operating Revenues

2020

2019

39,172,789 10,692,625 4,671,505 826,808 2,338,440

40,242,025 9,963,868 4,542,089 829,978 2,277,555

$ 59,002,720 $ 60,144,287

Purchased Power Operating Expenses Depreciation Taxes Interest Expense

Total Cost of Electric Service Operating Margins

57,702,167 1,300,553

Hoosier Energy & Other Patronage Allocations Other Income & Deductions

Net Margins

$

57,855,515 2,288,772

1,059,407 233,893

2,593,853 $

1,543,424 244,194

4,076,390

the books of the corporation. In the opinion of your board of directors, the financial statements present fairly and accurately the financial position of Clark County REMC as of Dec. 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations for the years then ended.

Our financial records are audited annually by the accounting firm of LWG CPAs & Advisors. Copies of the reports are filed in the office of the REMC. At the time of the Annual Report printing, the financial statement audit for the year ending Dec. 31, 2020 had not been finalized.

JOHN BIESEL Secretary-Treasurer This year, our grand prize will be a $1,000 bill credit to one voting member!

Grand Prize

$1,000 bill credit

First place prize $500 bill credit

Second place prize $250 bill credit

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS Utility Plant, Net Investments & Other Assets Current Assets

$

Equities Long-Term Debt Deferred Credits & Other Liabilities Current Liabilities

$

Total Assets

2020 106,563,703 $ 29,086,096 10,256,489

2019 103,870,346 29,374,383 9,839,556

76,780,807 $ 56,755,928 1,484,231 10,885,322

77,041,404 54,595,452 1,439,037 10,008,392

$ 145,906,288 $ 143,084,285

Total Equities and Liabilities

$ 145,906,288 $ 143,084,285

CLARK COUNTY REMC 2020

2019

SOURCES AND USES OF CASH498,811,069 MARGINS KWH Purchased 511,737,016 SOURCES AND USES OF CASH MARGINS FOR KWH Sold FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 476,074,624 31, 2020 490,874,273

Line Loss THE YEAR ENDED Average Number of Consumers Miles of Line Sources of Cash Average Consumers per Mile

DEC. 31, 4.56% 2020

Received for electric services Borrowings from CFC (financial lenders) Receipt of patronage revenue Receipt of construction advances

25,526 1,865 13.69

4.08% 24,936 1,842 13.54

$

58,989,483 4,700,000 1,046,588 80,144

$

64,816,215

$

(49,734,665) (7,427,452) (4,725,858) (2,858,825) (97,488)

Total Uses of Cash

$

(64,844,288)

Net Decrease in Cash

$

(28,073)

Total Sources of Cash Uses of Cash Payments to power supplier and vendors New construction and replacement of utility plant Debt service payments Retirement of patronage capital to membership Member deposits

Third place prize $100 bill credit

MARCH 2021

7

HISTORICAL RESIDENTIAL DATA

AVERAGE MONTHLY BILL

COST PER kWh

(Residential Average)

(Residential Average)

12.76¢

2018

12.78¢

2019

12.93¢

$174.73 2018

2020

$166.83 2019

AVERAGE MONTHLY KWH USED (Residential Average)

$161.89 2020

1,369

1,305

1,252

2018

2019

2020

OF 1,865 MILES ENERGY LINES

CONSUMERS NO. 25,526 AVG. 14 AVG. PER MILE OF LINE CONSUMERS

Residential and Farm

80%

Purchased Power

19% Commercial

67%

Operating Expense

18% 8% Depreciation

WHERE YOUR DOLLAR CAME FROM IN 2020

8

MARCH 2021

1%

Other

WHERE YOUR DOLLAR WENT IN 2020

5% Taxes &

Interest

2% Operating

Margins

WHAT HAPPENS

when a pole goes down 1

Assess the situation.

2

Secure the scene and call in a crew.

3

Obtain supplies and tools.

Utility poles remain the backbone of most electric distribution systems.

After more than 80 years since electric cooperatives first set them throughout rural Indiana, they remain the most cost-effective way to safely support power lines, insulators, transformers and other electric hardware.

pole. This can come from the cooperative’s own monitoring system, sheriff’s department or consumers.

Lineworkers will visit the pole and assess the damage. This may take 30 minutes to an hour depending on the location and if the notification comes outside of normal business hours.

Occasionally, either through a vehicle strike, lightning strike, ice storm, tornado, or simply age, a pole needs to be replaced. And while every electric cooperative has thousands of poles throughout its system, each pole replacement is different. It’s much more than just digging a hole and sliding a new pole in the ground. The work is done methodically and, even in the best scenarios and weather conditions, might take several hours.

Secure the scene and call in a crew.

If the pole needs to be replaced, the lineworkers on the scene will first make sure the scene is safe.

They’ll de-energize the line following established safety procedures. Next, they will call for a crew of three to four others to come with a bucket truck and a digger truck.

One of the most common reasons for a broken pole and an unexpected power outage is a vehicle strike.

Here’s a step-by-step description of what typically goes into a pole replacement so that consumers on the “dark side” of the damaged pole can better understand why the power outage affecting them might be taking longer than they would think.

Assess the situation. The cooperative is notified of a broken

Obtain supplies and tools. The original responding lineworkers will work on what can be done until the additional crews arrive with a new pole and replacement equipment.

Depending on the weather and the proximity of the broken pole to the replacement pole and equipment, this may take 1-2 hours.

Replace the damaged pole. When all crew members are present, they begin setting a new pole and will work to safely restore power to consumers as quickly as possible.

4

Replace the damaged pole.

This includes removing equipment from the broken pole and attaching the necessary equipment to the new pole. Depending on the location, the equipment needed on each pole will vary. Poles are generally buried around 6 feet in the ground.

The buried part of the broken pole is usually pulled out with the hydraulic lift on a truck. Sometimes it’s necessary to dig a new hole. Dirt is backfilled and tamped down with hydraulic equipment. The power lines are then lifted back into place and mounted on the new insulators. Once all is back in place, the protective gear is removed and an all-clear is given, the power is turned back on.

Sometimes it’s possible during the pole replacement process to redirect power to those affected by the outage.

It is the goal of the electric cooperative to safely retore power to as many consumers as quickly as possible.

The average pole replacement could take up to 3-4 hours under favorable conditions with no mitigating circumstances – or longer if unforeseen circumstances slow the crew down.

MARCH 2021

9

energy

A G R EE N ER WAY TO CUT THE GRASS

New technologies in electric lawn equipment

TE CH TI P : How brushless motors improve efficiency Brushless motors reduce noise and heat because there is no friction between the rotor and stator as found in brushed motors. These factors improve efficiency resulting in longer battery life.

As spring sprouts into

Manufacturers are

You can find

action, so does lawn

finding ways to help

trimmers

care season. If you are

you switch to all electric

that have

looking for new gear

and the benefits are

strong

to use around your

diverse. For example,

torque

home, consider electric

an all-electric riding

that use

powered equipment –

mower is not only great

brushless

advancements made

for the environment, it

motors for

might surprise you.

keeps your maintenance

variable speed control.

budget to a minimum

You won’t have to mix

with no belts, spark

fuel, deal with leaks or

plugs, filters or gas to

worry if they will restart

purchase.

after it gets hot. Run out

Electric lawn equipment has seen big improvements in recent years leading to improved batteries,

Do a little math and you

energy efficient motors

will find that in a few

and competitive

years, that mower might

costs. Manufacturers

be the better option.

are combining all of these aspects to offer impressive equipment.

How about an allelectric riding mower with a 38-inch deck that will mow 2.5 acres per charge? Yeah, that is a real thing!

of juice? Plug in a new battery and go. Look for

be charged quickly.

and push mowers: All battery powered and no cords to lug around.

backup battery charged in your truck as you zip along that fence line instead of a can of gas.

as they will provide the power you need and can

Hedge trimmers, blowers

is that you will keep a

lithium-ion batteries

lawn care equipment electric options too.

transition, the difference

manufacturers that use

All of the other common can be found with all-

Once you make the

The way to maximize hand-held electric equipment is to buy from a single brand.

That way the batteries will be interchangeable.

by

Sandy Cason

Director of Member Services and Corporate Relations Whitewater Valley REMC

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MARCH 2021

CALENDAR CONTEST ARTWORK DUE THIS MONTH

insights

Entries for the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art contest are due in the Indianapolis office of Indiana Connection on March 19.

First place winners in grade

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PHO TO BY M ARTY L. JO NES

divisions kindergarten through grade 12 will each receive $200.

Their winning artworks will illustrate the 2022 Cooperative

Ways we may inadvertently be endangering birds

Calendar of Student Art cover

Thank you for the article in January Indiana Connection about endangered birds.

One “artist of the year” will also

and the 12 months of the year. be selected and will earn an

The article spoke about how owls help control rodents. One important note about this is that if homeowners and farmers use poison pesticides to control mice and rats, they are endangering owls and hawks that prey on them since eating a dead rodent killed by poison will also kill the bird.

additional $100. In addition,

Additionally, hunters who use lead ammunition and fisherman who use lead sinkers may also be poisoning wildlife. Lead poisoning is a major issue for our beautiful eagles which are making a comeback to Indiana.

They will receive $75 each.

Roberta Siegmann, Sellersburg, Indiana

students. They must be in grades

the judges will select honorable mention winners whose artwork will also appear in the calendar.

The contest is open to Indiana public, private or home-schooled kindergarten through 12th grade

Cover photo shows ‘true happiness’

Appreciates articles which promote saving wildlife

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the “For the Birds” article in the January issue.

The photo of Cheryl Siekman smiling while holding the smudge was adorable. It is what caught my eye. She looks so happy.

I love that you even mentioned “she gushed with joy ... behind the face mask.” Thank you for bringing a little happiness to my day with your article. I think I will save the photo of Cheryl because it shows true happiness. And we all need that right now.

Wow! Thanks so much for including the great article about the barn owls. A great example of what can be accomplished when people cooperate to find a solution.

I’m always glad for articles that promote saving wildlife, especially birds. The DNR biologists and the landowners deserve a lot of credit!

Kirsten Lewis, via email

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MARCH 2021

Cynthia Powers, Stockbridge Audubon Society, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Spotting the space station After reading the “Star Struck” article in the December 2020 issue, I just wanted to alert your readers to the ease of spotting the space station! It can be seen without any extra equipment! Just go to spotthestation.nasa.gov and type in your nearest town. It looks like a rapidly moving solid white star.

Karen Webster, via email

during the 2020-21 school year.

A complete set of rules and required entry forms are available at indianaconnection.org/foryouth/art-contest.

Shooting the stars I loved the article “Star Struck.” I have wanted to do astrophotography for years but unfortunately the light pollution is horrible to get any of the very distant stars with a digital camera. There is supposed to be a place around Frankfort and Shades State Park that is dark enough to photograph the Milky Way but I do not know where the place is around Frankfort. I hope to find it soon.

Robert Hamm, via email

Indiana Humanities announces grant opportunities and 2021 deadlines Indiana Humanities will offer more than $215,000 in grants in 2021, continuing to provide opportunities for smaller rapidresponse funding and larger grants that support innovative and collaborative public humanities programs.

“Our goal is to provide flexible and dynamic grants that help encourage and inspire nonprofits across the state to create engaging and impactful public humanities programs — in person or virtual — for their communities,” said George Hanlin, director of grants for Indiana Humanities.

An Action Grant of up to $3,000 will support projects that help people learn new information, consider different perspectives, share ideas and understand one another better.

Applications are due on the last day of every month.

on Feb. 28; the next round is due on Aug. 31.

A Historic Preservation Education Grant is provided in partnership with Indiana Landmarks.

The grant of up to $2,500 supports programs that educate the community about historic places and properties, and the need to preserve and protect them. The first round of applications was due on Feb. 28; the next round is due on Sept. 30.

An Innovation Grant of up to $10,000 supports programs that introduce new ideas, utilize unique approaches and/or reach underserved audiences. The inquiry form is due April 30 with the full application due July 31.

An INcommon Grant of up to $5,000 is provided in partnership with the Central Indiana Community Foundation. It supports programs that use humanities ideas, readings and scholars to spark in-depth thinking and conversation around the persistent social, economic, cultural and racial issues that divide our communities.

The first round of applications was due

A Collaboration Grant of up to $20,000 supports nonprofit organizations that collaborate to deliver in-depth public humanities programming built around a core idea or theme. The inquiry form is due April 30 with the full application due July 31.

Visit www. indianahumanities. org/grants for in-depth guidelines, application instructions and more.

MARCH 2021

13

county feature

Huntington County Huntington County is home of the J.E. Roush Lake, the only impoundment on the Wabash River; and the county hosts the only museum dedicated to the vice presidents of the United States, particularly former resident Dan Quayle.

J.E. Roush Lake, first known as Huntington Lake, was completed in 1968 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with a dam on the Wabash at the southeast edge of Huntington, the county seat.

The lake is one of three Upper Wabash Valley reservoirs operating primarily to control flood waters along the Wabash as it winds its way westwardly through northern Indiana before heading south to the Ohio River.

Encompassing the 900-acre lake and 7,500 acres of surrounding land, the J.E. Roush Lake Fish & Wildlife Area provides quality hunting and fishing opportunities.

The area is operated and maintained by the Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife. Spring is a great time for watching waterfowl at the lake. Other activities allowed at the lake include boating, camping, picnicking, and water sports.

The second of the three Wabash Valley dams is on the Salamonie River that runs through southern Huntington County before flowing into the Wabash River near Lagro in neighboring Wabash County.

The dam sits just west of the line separating the counties, but much of the serpentine reservoir it cre-

14

MARCH 2021

ates backs up into Huntington County.

The 2,665acre lake FILE PHOTO BY RICHARD G. BIEVER and its surroundA fisherman plies the rushing proper- ing water emerging below the dam of the J.E. Roush ty provides Lake in Huntington County.

The dam, on the Wabash scenic trails, wild- River, is the first of three along the Upper Wabash life and bird Valley Basin built for flood control in the 1960s. watching, hunting, and camping, as well as swimming, at several state-managed recreation areas. The third dam is on the Mississinewa River in Miami County.

Huntington Lake was renamed after J. Edward Roush, an Indiana congressman in the 1960s and ‘70s. A county resident, Roush was known as the “Father of 911” for his work in helping create the nationwide three-digit emergency call system. The first implementation of 911 by AT&T took place March 1, 1968, in Huntington. Roush died in Huntington in 2004 at the age of 83 and is buried in town.

Roush, a Democrat, lost his U.S. House seat in the 1976 election to Dan Quayle, a young Republican, also from Huntington. Quayle became a U.S. senator in 1981 and served as vice president from 1989-93 during the one term of President George H.W. Bush.

y t n u o C acts F FOUNDED: 1832

NAMED FOR: Samuel Huntington, a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation which preceded the U.S. Constitution. Because Huntington was the president of the Continental Congress when the Articles of Confederation were ratified, some unconventional biographers and civic groups in his home state of Connecticut claim that Huntington was actually the first President of the United States.

POPULATION: 36,240 (2018 estimate) COUNTY SEAT: Huntington

The Quayle Vice Presidential Learning Center opened in 1993 in downtown Huntington. The institution has the stated mission of educating the public, especially elementary and middle school students, about the office of the vice president, as well as the history and workings of the government.

PH OTOS PR OV ID E D B Y F OX GA R D IN K IT C H E N & A LE

Indiana eats

Grilled PB&J

Indiana eats

Specializing not just in the food but ‘the experience’ At FoxGardin Kitchen & Ale in Fortville, the food may be good but it’s the entire dining experience that is the true focus.

An on-trend farmhouse chic décor, occasional live music, and an imaginative rotating menu focused on elevated comfort food have drawn hungry Hoosiers to this over-21 establishment in Hancock County for over five years.

beef manhattan

smoked pork chop 16

MARCH 2021

Ball State college pals Jake Burgess and Toby Shelton opened FoxGardin Kitchen & Ale in 2015, just 17 days after Burgess signed the lease to a storefront in downtown Fortville. Burgess and Shelton had previous food industry stints at places like The Capital Grille, Prime 47 and Omni Severin Hotel in Indianapolis and were eager to branch out on their own.

Fifteen months after the Fortville restaurant opened, the pair opened another location in Fishers — FoxGardin Family Kitchen — for patrons of all ages. Since then, the FoxGardin brand has expanded to include The Den by FoxGardin in Carmel and Smoky’s Concession Stand in Lapel.

There’s also a food truck

that can bring favorites like tacos, flatbreads and the phenomenal slow-cooked then deep-fried wings to private parties and events of all kind.

Rep. Chris Jeter, a FoxGardin regular, raves about what he calls the restaurant’s “funky menu.”

Examples: the grilled PB&J sandwich accented with bacon and swiss, and flavorful bone marrow French fries. “Chef Jake brings the heat every time!”

Jeter said.

Seasonal local ingredients star in all of FoxGardin’s menu items. Diners especially enjoy specialties like the “Fortville Tenderloin,” hand cut filets in four sizes to fit every appetite, and, for traditional “comfort foodies,” Beef Manhattan with homemade mashed potatoes.

From-scratch pies are don’tmiss dessert options.

Jeter also signals out the restaurant’s “great bar and awesome vibe.” That “great bar” is an upstairs whiskey lounge which serves fine bourbons, other whiskies and a limited selection of other spirits. The American Bourbon Association named it as one of the Great Bourbon Bars of America. Fox-

Gardin Kitchen & Ale also serves local beer selections and wine.

As the weather begins to warm this spring, consider FoxGardin Kitchen & Ale’s outdoor safe distanced dining option. But whether you dine indoors or out, FoxGardin’s mission remains the same: “Our number one priority is to create an environment for people to meet, share and enjoy each other’s company.”

ABOUT STATE REP. CHRIS JETER:

Rep. Chris Jeter (R) represents District 88 which includes the northeast corner of Marion and small parts of Hancock and Hamilton counties. He serves on the Courts and Criminal Code, Judiciary, and Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications committees. Jeter is a partner in the Massillamany Jeter & Carson LLP law firm headquartered in Fishers, Indiana.

foxgardin kitchen & Ale 215 S. Main St. Fortville, Indiana 317-485-4085 www.foxgardin.com

food CHILI WITH COFFEE AND BEER Marilles Mauer, Greensburg, Indiana 2 T. vegetable oil 2 onions, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 lb. ground beef ¾ lb. beef sirloin, cubed 1 (14.5 oz.) can tomatoes 1 (12 oz.) can beer 1 cup strong coffee 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ½ cup brown sugar 1 (14 oz.) can beef broth 3½ T. chili powder 1 T. cumin seeds 1 T. unsweetened cocoa powder 1 t. oregano 1 t. cayenne pepper 1 t. coriander 1 t. salt 4 (15 oz.) cans kidney beans 4 fresh hot chili peppers (any pepper you like), seeded and chopped (optional) Heat oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Cook onions, garlic, ground beef and cubed sirloin in oil for 10 minutes or until meat is well-browned and the onions are tender. Mix in all the other ingredients. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1½ hours.

Café your way How do you take your coffee? It’s a key ingredient in these reader-submitted recipes.

MARCH 2021

17

food BLENDED COFFEE Lesley Skiles Bringhurst, Indiana 1½ cups (12 oz.) very strong coffee or espresso, chilled 8 oz. whole milk or more to taste 1 t. vanilla extract ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk Whipped cream Add all ingredients into a blender. Fill the blender halfway up with ice for a slushier drink or all the way up for a thick concoction. Blend until it’s nice and smooth, and the ice is

COFFEE MERINGUES myrecipes.com

(or more) chocolate syrup

3 large egg whites ½ t. cream of tartar ¾ cup sugar ½ t. vanilla 1½ t. instant espresso powder 1 T. whole roasted coffee beans

Chocolate Chip Coffee: Add ¼

In a bowl, with an electric mixer

cup (or more) chocolate chips to

(fitted with whisk attachment) on high

the blender and blend until the

speed, beat egg whites and cream of

chocolate chips are broken up.

tartar until thick and foamy. Gradually

totally broken up. Pour into a cup and top with whipped cream.

Varaiations: Mocha: Add ⅛ cup

add sugar and continue to beat until

Spoon meringue in 1½- to 2-inchwide mounds, about 1 inch apart, onto parchment-lined or buttered and floured 12- by 15-inch baking sheets.

Gently place one coffee bean on each mound. Bake in a 200 F oven until meringues are light brown and give slightly when gently pressed, 1¼ to 1½ hours; switch pan positions halfway through baking. Turn off heat and leave meringues in closed oven for 1 hour. Slide a spatula under meringues to release.

mixture holds stiff, shiny peaks. Beat in vanilla and espresso powder.

CAPPUCCINO CARAMELS

Line an 8-inch square baking

heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring

pan with foil, extending foil over

constantly until mixture comes to

Charlotte Rymph, Monterey, Indiana ½ cup chopped pecans 3 cups firmly packed brown sugar 1 T. cinnamon 1 T. instant coffee granules 1 cup butter 2 cups half and half 1 cup light corn syrup 1 t. vanilla

the edges of pan. Butter the foil.

a boil (6 to 8 minutes). Reduce

Sprinkle pecans over bottom of

heat to medium. Continue cooking,

pan. Set aside. Combine brown

stirring occasionally, until candy

sugar, cinnamon, and instant coffee

thermometer registers 242 F.

granules in a small bowl. Melt butter

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

in a 4-quart saucepan over low heat;

Pour over pecans in prepared pan.

adding brown sugar mixture, half

Cool completely.

18

and half and corn syrup. Increase

FO O D PREPARED BY I NDI ANA CO NNECT I O N S TA FF PHO TO S BY TAYLO R MA RA NI O N

MARCH 2021

PHO TO BY JO EG ARDE NE R. CO M

Grow

YOUR OWN WAY The Fun of Food Gardening

Joe Lamp’l, host of the PBS gardening program “Growing a Greener World,” demystifies vegetable gardening with sound advice.

By Pamela A. Keene Whether you have a multiple-acre plot or a patio, you can grow your own vegetables. With a little bit of know-how and a sunny place, enjoying the bounty of your own labors can be fun, rewarding and tasty.

“There are so many reasons to grow your own vegetables and the flavors are ever so much better than store-bought,” says Joe Lamp’l, founder of joegardener.com and host of the nationally syndicated “Growing a Greener World,” which airs on public television in all 50 states. “Money can’t buy the kind of taste you get fresh from the garden or the satisfaction of knowing you’re eating what you’ve grown.”

“Money can’t buy the kind of taste you get fresh from the garden.”

JOE LAMP’L

continued on page 20 MARCH 2021

19

Raised beds make it easier for gardeners to plant, tend and harvest their homegrown vegetables.

PHO TO BY JO EG ARD E NE R. CO M

continued from page 19 SUNLIGHT, SOIL AND WATER

and you can more closely inspect your

“Consider hand watering if you have

“Choose your spot carefully to have

plants for signs of disease or insects

a smaller garden plot. Apply the water

plenty of sunlight, at least 6 hours a

as they grow.”

directly to the base of the plant to

day,” Lamp’l says. “Look for a place that’s not obstructed by trees or other buildings. Sunlight is one of the three basic components to successful gardening. The other two are good soil and having access to a reliable water source.”

Many gardeners build raised beds.

By elevating the growing area off the ground it’s easier to plant, tend and harvest with less bending or squatting.

“Most people choose wood to construct raised beds, but be sure to consider the size,” Lamp’l says. “Use 2- by 12-inch boards to build a bed that your space can accommodate. Be sure to make it about 3 feet wide to give good access from all sides. This will make weeding and harvesting easier

Leave enough space between beds for a wheelbarrow to pass to bring soil and mulch into the garden area.

The soil in your garden is crucial for good production and with raised beds you have more control over the composition of the soil, the nutrients and the quality.

potential for plant disease.”

Watering can be tricky. “Don’t water just because it’s a certain day of the week, because you run the risk of overwatering,” he says. “Check the moisture level of the soil, and water accordingly, allowing enough flow to soak the ground. Then wait until the

choice because it’s disease and weed

top inch or so of the soil feels dry

free, but be mindful of the quality.

before watering again. Your plants

Cheaper is not better,” Lamp’l says.

will be healthier and produce better

“The soil provides the main support

results.”

for your plants, so it needs to have the right nutrients and the right texture. If the soil compacts too easily, it will be difficult for plant roots to thrive. Amend it with organic matter, also available at your box retailer or local nursery, to promote good growth.”

Make sure a good water source is hoses back and forth throughout the growing season. “In an ideal world, drip irrigation is best, but it can be costly to install into each bed,” he says.

MARCH 2021

periods of wet foliage can increase the

“Packaged garden soil is a good

nearby to avoid constantly moving

20

prevent wetting the foliage. Prolonged

SEEDS OR SEEDLINGS Summer vegetables, such as tomatoes, eggplant and peppers are generally easier to grow from seedlings, which can be purchased at a local nursery or box retailer. Look for healthy plants with several sets of leaves. They can be planted in the garden after the date of the last frost in your area.

“If you want to start from seeds, back up your indoor starting time to have nice-sized seedlings by the ideal planting time for your region,” Lamp’l

says. “I’m a big proponent of starting vegetable seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before planting, but you will need the proper light set-up and the commitment to manage the process from seeds to moving the seedlings into the garden.

Once the soil warms up, beans, squash and cucumbers are easy to plant directly in the garden. Their germination time is fairly quick. Be sure to purchase seeds packaged for the current year by finding the date stamp on the package and follow planting instructions.

“Vegetable plants are heavy feeders,” he says. “It’s important to fertilize them as they start to produce. A slow-release organic fertilizer is a nice way to deliver the nutrients on a continuous basis. Be sure to follow the application instructions for best

First T hings First:

DO A SOIL TEST

By Pamela A. Keene Are your plants getting the right diet to be the best they can be? Maybe it’s time for a soil test from your local extension office. You’ll end up with a wealth of knowledge about what fertilizers to use, how to amend your soil and whether your plants are

local county extension office. The office has official brown-paper sample bags you can transfer your samples into to be sent to the university for testing. There’s a place for your name, address and the type of planting for the area.

getting the nutrients they need to be

By testing your soil before you plant

healthy and prolific.

and amending it according to the

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: Pick areas that you’d like to test, say for vegetable plantings, fruit trees, annuals or shrubs.

Take a sample from the area by scraping off any mulch, grass or

results.”

weeds, then digging your shovel

Top-dressing vegetables with compost

the ground. Put the soil into a bucket.

during the growing season provides

Take your bagged samples to your

straight down about four inches into

recommendations, you’re setting the stage for long years of successful gardening. If the soil is right, you have a much better chance of getting your garden to grow.

The tests typically cost less than $10. The samples are sent to the state university’s agriculture department for testing. Within two to three weeks, you’ll get back a

Repeat this vertical sample process

detailed report that tells you the

four to six times in the same general

current condition of your soil and

area.

exactly what you need to do to

Mix the samples in the bucket well,

amend it for your plants.

then remove approximately 1 cup

For more information, contact

of soil, placing it in a clean plastic

your local extension

six hours a day applies.

bag. Label each bag with the type of

office.

Tomatoes are available in patio and

important.

additional nutrients and improves the soil.

PATIO AND DECK Some vegetables are well suited for planting in containers, as long as they have ample sunlight. Again, at least

bush forms that are more compact and better suited for containers.

Growers have also introduced a wide variety of peppers, from sweet to hot, plus colorful bell peppers, that grow

plants you plan to grow. This is very Repeat in other planting areas, such as lawns, flower beds or vegetable gardens,

nicely on a patio.

keeping the

“The key is to provide a container

Different plants require

that’s large enough for the roots to grow and support production,” he says. “Containers also tend to dry out more often, so it’s important to keep them properly watered. Feeding

samples separate. different nutrients and soil acidity to flourish, so it’s important to know how to prepare your soil before you plant.

continued on page 22 PHO TO BY DO N LI NKE

continued from page 21 regularly is important as well.”

Lamp’l suggests avoiding clay or terra cotta pots that lose moisture more quickly.

“Lighter-colored plastic pots work better, but make sure they have drainage holes in the bottom,” he says. “Adding a layer of mulch will help retain moisture and

The Nuts and Bolts of Home Food Preservation

keep the roots a little cooler. ”

PATIENCE PAYS OFF Gardening is a lifelong learning

successful in your first year of growing

Need some guidance on the basics of home food processing? Here are tips, terminology and resources to help you safely preserve the fruits — and vegetables — of your

vegetables,” Lamp’l says. “Much of

harvest.

gardening is trial and error. The number

TOOLS YOU MAY NEED:

experience and Lamp’l says that no one gets it 100 percent right all the time.

“Don’t get frustrated if you’re not

of resources – YouTube, online, websites, blogs and more – is infinite and can be overwhelming, so learn to filter the sound advice from the not-sogood.

“You also have an excellent local resource just a phone call or web click away, with your local extension office,” he says. “They can help solve pest and disease issues, answer your gardening questions and connect you with other gardeners. And best of all it’s free.”

Pamela A. Keene is a freelance journalist who writes about travel, personality features, gardening and how-to topics. An avid photographer, she lives in Flowery Branch, Georgia, and has been published in magazines across the country.

Find a printable month-bymonth gardening to-do list at

goiec.org/ 374qOs6 22

MARCH 2021

I N D I A N A CO N N ECT I O N

MON TH-B YMON TH GAR DEN ING TO-D O LIST A Purdue Extension Yard and Garden Calendar

BY B . RO S I E L ERNER

Bowls of multiple sizes Canning funnel Jar lifters Large pots Measuring cups Paring knife Plastic spatulas Pressure cooker Sieve Slotted and non-slotted spoons

SAFETY FIRST Practice good kitchen hygiene when processing and preserving food.

Label and date your homeprocessed foods.

If a lid does not properly seal when canning, refrigerate the contents and consume them within seven days. You can reprocess within 24 hours if the food was processed correctly but the lids have not sealed, using new lids and jars.

If the food was under-processed, whether the lids have sealed or not, reprocess within four hours.

Always use new flat lids when canning; it is not necessary to use

new ring bands.

Choose containers specifically designed for preserving food, such as Ball glass jars for canning and freezer-weight plastic bags and boxes.

Process foods exactly as described in recipes; do not reduce times.

Canned foods may be stored for up to 12 months in a cool dark place, such as a pantry or closet. If they are processed correctly, they may be stored longer, but they may lose quality and nutritional value.

Frozen fruits and vegetables may be stored at 0 F for 8 to 12 months.

Do not use chipped or cracked glass containers to can foods.

Beware of conditions that can create botulism, including under-processed foods, canned containers with the lids bulging, contents with discoloration on the top when opened or bad smells.

Discard these foods; botulism can be serious.

profile

We Ask Rosie OUR GARDENING COLUMNIST TALKS ABOUT HER CAREER AND RETIREMENT Electric cooperative consumers have been asking B. Rosie Lerner questions about their gardening problems since 2006. And as the Purdue Extension consumer horticulture specialist, she’s answered as many as we had room for. Now that she’s retired from Purdue (but, we’re thankful not from answering your gardening questions), we had a few questions she’s answered about … herself. And the answers, at least to the last one, might be surprising.

Indiana Connection: What got you interested in gardening?

Rosie: I got interested in plants and horticultural science in college as I searched to find my niche. I had been a bookkeeper prior to college, and horticulture was a super departure from that. And I never looked back. I am fascinated by the science of plants, the nurturing from seed or starts to mature plant, etc.

IC: What have you enjoyed most in your career at the Purdue Extension?

Rosie: Initially in college, I thought I would eventually want to start my own greenhouse business, and I did intern at a garden center.

But then I had the great fortune to complete a six-month internship providing horticulture education at a county Extension office. It was the connection to people and being a teacher that really spoke to me. The best of all worlds — teaching gardening to people!

And the world of plants is so wide

and diverse … still learning new things every day.

B. Rosie Lerner's beloved Shetland sheepdogs enjoy spending time in her garden.

IC: What you are looking forward to in retirement?

Rosie: It usually surprises people to know that gardening is not my primary hobby. My main hobby is unquestionably my dogs. I love training and competing with them.

I currently have three Shetland sheepdogs. COVID has put competition on hold but that has given us more time to train. So, post-COVID, I hope to return to competitions and to spend more time with family and friends.

And my garden is a mess — with years of neglect from being too busy teaching others how to take care of their gardens! You know

… the cobbler’s children have no shoes?! So, finally, I’ll have time to catch up on long-neglected home and garden projects.

Those with questions about their yard and gardens may continue asking them through the handy online “Talk to Us” form at indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/askrosie that allows you to upload photos, too; or mailing them to: “Ask Rosie,” Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

MARCH 2021

23

do-it-yourself

HO M E WOR K Setting up and organizing a home office

One thing that caught many folks off guard last year was the sudden need to work remotely. Even as vaccinations

and Scotch tape. Keep notes and other

it. Lightweight but sturdy padded folding

roll out, many companies are providing

reminders neatly arranged on a cork or

chairs and tables could be just the right

their staff part- or full-time remote work

fabric bulletin board with push pins, or

fit. Plus, they’re sure to come in handy

flexibility. If this applies to you, consider

try mini and magnetic dry-erase boards

for countless other uses in the future.

taking a fresh look at improving the

with markers.

organization, efficiency, and comfort of

If your lighting is subpar, try one or two

Functional Organization “It’s just

small dedicated desk lamps with good

temporary” may have excused some

LED bulbs. For a more permanent setup,

Good Connections A 6-in-1 USB

disarray in your home work space

consider adding a new lighting fixture

cable kit is a perfect solution for keeping

before, but it doesn’t hurt to add simple

in your workspace. Either way, you’ll

all your USB-connected devices at the

touches of efficiency. Try woven baskets,

feel more productive with adequate

ready, no matter their connector size.

trays, or cubbies that streamline the

illumination!

It’s a good time to pick up some extra

clutter and keep everything in its place.

your home office space.

ethernet cables or flash drives, too. If

Finally, if your work area isn’t situated

If built-in shelving is more your style,

near HVAC vents, stave off a chill in

the options available in shelves and

winter by investing in a small space

shelf brackets are almost endless. Keep

heater. Whether ceramic or electric,

open shelving clutter free by storing

space heaters come in many sizes and

Next, keep all your electronics and

small doodads together in mini bins with

styles. The same is true if you need a

chargers safe from power mishaps with

lids. Label your bins to make finding

cool breeze in the summer. Fans come

a good surge protector. Today’s options

everything in them even easier.

in table, pedestal, desk, and clip-on

your cord situation becomes messy, try some Command strips made exclusively for bundling and organizing cords.

vary in shapes, sizes, and numbers of outlets, and most even include additional USB ports for charging. Finally, keep your gear free of dirt, dust, and lint with a can of compressed air duster.

Comfort is key If you’re uncertain how long you’ll work remotely, you might not want to invest in high-end desks or office chairs. But that random, rickety old dining room chair probably won’t cut

Simple Supplies Working at home often means you don’t have immediate access to essential office supplies from your workplace. Take a count of all those little necessities that make your work productive, like pens, Post-it Note pads, staplers, paper or binder clips,

24

MARCH 2021

by

styles. There’s even one powered by USB. Visit your local Do it Best store or doitbest.com for thousands of the best home improvement products, including supplies and organizational tools for setting up a home office.

Claude and Len Schrock

Claude and Len Schrock are the owners of Grabill Hardware in Grabill. They are member-owners of Do it Best Corp., a Fort Wayne-based cooperative of thousands of hardware stores, home centers and lumberyards throughout the US and around the world.

(This article is for informational purposes only. Indiana Connection and Do it Best Corp. assume no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, or for injuries, property damage, or the outcome of any project.)

safety

Saw safety

Don’t let the cry of ‘timber’

shiver or splinter your timbers Trees add immeasurable value to your property but maintaining them comes with a cost. They need pruning, sometimes heavy trimming, or removal.

“We know hiring professionals to do some of these tasks goes against that independent streak some of our consumers have,” said John Gasstrom, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “But trimming and removing trees can be dangerous and even deadly. Before attempting any work yourself, please understand the dangers.”

FALLING

OVERESTIMATING

You can be seriously injured or killed if

You can be seriously injured or killed if

you fall from a tree. Pruning branches

you overestimate your abilities.

or trimming out dead or overgrown limbs sometimes requires getting into the tree. Always make sure you are using appropriate safety harnesses and ropes. Before climbing, inspect the tree to make sure no power lines run through or near the tree.

Cutting large limbs and trees can be

Always have two escape routes planned ahead of time in case the tree

You can be seriously injured or killed if

starts going the wrong way.

you come into contact with an electric

A falling tree hits the ground with great

involved at all, always call your electric utility first and its experts will come out and advise you. Even when you think there’s room, if the wind blows a limb into a power line as you’re trimming it, you can be electrocuted.

frugal independent spirit about the scope or trickiness of a cut, call a professional tree-trimming service to

back your health.”

you are struck by falling trees or limbs.

tree to fall where you hadn’t planned.

there’s a chance power lines might be

survival instinct is debating with your

You can be seriously injured or killed if

tricky. Improper cutting can cause the

of a tree or length of a branch. If

your head,” Gasstrom noted. “If your

handle the job. The money you think

tree trimming accidents are:

line. It’s easy to misjudge the height

for any project is: Don’t get in over

BEING STRUCK

The most common types of serious

ELECTROCUTION

“The most important safety reminder

force. Branches and limbs crack, bounce, snap and recoil, especially if dead wood is present. Snapped branches can be flung surprisingly far in multiple directions. Tie off limbs to be cut and lower them to the ground with rope. Never turn your back to a falling tree, and always wear a hard hat when trimming and cutting.

you’ll save doing it yourself cannot buy

Words of warning Manufacturers put important safety messages on each piece of equipment and in the operator’s manual. Before using equipment for the first time, you should read and understand all safety messages.

• CAUTION means you need to be careful.

Follow the directions on the sign or you could get hurt.

• WARNING is more serious and means you need to follow the directions on the sign or you could be badly hurt or killed.

• DANGER is the most serious safety message. If you don’t follow the directions, you will be seriously injured or killed.

MARCH 2021

25

travel

Wilstem W I L D, W I L D

Southern Indiana park offers an array of activities — and a drive-thru safari

A lot of tourist attractions claim to have

comfort of their

“something for everyone.” While few

own vehicles!

actually live up to the billing, Wilstem

The animals

Wildlife Park in Southern Indiana is an

may even

exception.

come to your

You like exotic animals from around the world? Wilstem has them.

vehicle and you can feed them through

Animals from down under? Got those.

your windows.

You like native North American critters?

The grizzlies are

Wilstem has them … even grizzly

not visible on the

bears.

Drive-Thru Safari.

Horseback riding? Check. Ziplining? It

elephants might be

has nine lines zipping a total of 5,000 feet through the canopy. Overnight lodging? Got those. ATV riding? Check.

Wilstem is a unique 1,100 acres of peaceful secluded woodlands surrounded by rolling hills and meadows. Hiking, swimming, biking are also among the outdoor activities.

But it’s the one-of-a-kind animal encounters with many rare and endangered animals, including upclose and educational opportunities, that have folks on social media raving and dishing out ratings of four-of-five and five-of-five stars.

The giraffes and visible depending on the time of day you visit.

Guided wagon rides are also available.

Some of the past visitors noted on social media sites that the wagon rides can get visitors a little closer to some of the more shy animals, plus having a Wilstem staff person along for the ride provided information about the

that allow visitors to have special close encounters with the elephants, grizzlies, giraffes,

Wilstem’s newest attraction is its

animals.

“Drive-Thru Safari Park” which opened

Motorcycles and open top vehicles are

priced packages within each animal

not allowed on the Drive-Thru Safari.

group allow varying amounts of

last June. On the self-guided slow drive, visitors may spy up to 40 species of animals roaming freely, all from the

26

MARCH 2021

Wilstem offers a variety of packages

kangaroos and the sloth. Differently

access to the animals.

P HO TO S COU R T ES Y OF W I L S T E M WIL D L IF E PA R K

The most

joins the “Educational Encounter”

various activities. Face masks are

popular

which allows you to learn more

required for most of the activities.

elephant

about them, ask questions, touch,

The park is located off U.S. 150

experience

and take one-of-a-kind photos.

between French Lick and Paoli. Be

is the “Spa Encounter.”

How many folks can say they bathed an elephant? For $99 for adult and $79 for a child 4-to-8-years-old, the Spa Encounter

Grizzly Bear Encounters feature

sure to look for the sign.

Jeff “The Bear Man” Watson and

Wilstem offers lodging opportunities

his two grizzlies, Bob and Screech.

including two-bedroom cabins,

This trio has been featured on

three-bedroom cabins, studios,

Animal Planet’s Project Grizzly as

and a 10-bedroom lodge and can

well as Discovery Channel’s Porter

accommodate family reunions and

Ridge. Watson and his grizzlies

wedding parties.

were featured in a cover story of this publication back in 2008.

For information or to make reservations and purchase tickets,

allows visitors to

The park is open for general

call 812-936-4484; or visit its website

scrub an elephant

admission from 9 a.m. to 4

at https://www.wilstem.com. You

and even “paint” its toenails for

p.m. daily. Reservations are

can also find them on Facebook.

an unforgettable experience with

recommended for all animal

nature’s endangered and largest

experiences including the drive-

land animal. The spa group then

thru park. Prices vary widely for the

spray and

MARCH 2021

27

Hoosier Energy news

power line safety Video brings awareness to the dangers energized power lines pose Staying safe is just as important for the Hoosier Energy workforce and member co-ops as it is for consumers like you. That is why Hoosier Energy worked with a member cooperative to create a live line demonstration to help cooperatives show the dangers of energized power lines.

While you might have seen a similar demonstration at your co-op’s annual

The video covers important topics including: • How improperly installed backup

line is on your vehicle.

Hoosier Energy partners with its

power lines when there is an

member cooperatives to produce

outage. This can put line crews at

videos like this to help consumers like

risk as they work to restore power.

you stay safe.

• The top ways the public comes in contact with power lines include: working on rooftop antennas, using ladders and coming into contact with poles.

• How tree limbs that come in contact with power lines can conduct

the importance to be safe around

energy through the tree to those

power lines.

who might be touching the tree.

MARCH 2021

automotive accident and a power

generators can put voltage onto

meeting, it is always good to review

28

• What to do if you get in an

VIEW THIS VIDEO Search “MyHoosierEnergy” on YouTube and look for the live line demonstration video.

Voting Instructions Mail

SmartHub

Online

• Mark your selections by filling in the square next to the candidate of your choice.

• Log into SmartHub at theremc. smarthub.coop

• Access the web ballot at directvote.net/CCREM

• Enter your email address and SmartHub password.

• Enter your Member Number and Election Passcode (listed on the postcard you will receive in the mail).

• You may vote for one candidate in each district.

• Detach ballot and place in the enclosed return envelope.

• Mail to: Survey & Ballot Systems P.O. Box 46430 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 • Envelopes must be received no later than April 8, 2021.

• Click VOTE NOW • Online voting begins March 11 and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST, April 8.

• Don’t have a SmartHub account?

Enroll at theremc.smarthub.coop or call 812-246-3316 to enroll.

• SmartHub voting can be done in a web browser or on the SmartHub mobile app.

• Follow online voting instructions.

• Online voting begins March 11 and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST, April 8.

• If you have any problems voting online, please email support@ directvote.net

2020 Annual Meeting Report Due to the outbreak and rapid spread of the coronavirus disease known as COVID-19, on March 6, 2020, Gov. Eric J. Holcomb declared a statewide public health emergency under Executive Order 20-02. As a result, the 2020 Annual Meeting was postponed. On March 23, 2020, Gov. Holcomb entered Executive Order 20-08 directing Hoosiers to stay home except for the performance of essential services. It was determined by public health agencies that the gathering of large crowds should be avoided without precautions including physical distancing. REMC annual meetings historically attract well more than 1,000 people and it was determined that such a large gathering would pose a public health risk. Due to health and safety concerns for the members, the corporate bylaws were amended to allow for cancellation of in-person annual meetings in cases of public health and other emergencies and to accept the certified electronic and paper ballot voting tally as the official, final outcome of election of directors. The in-person portion of the 2020 annual meeting was thereafter canceled. This report shall serve as

the record of the election results for 2020, in place of in-person meeting minutes.

REMC is guided in the conduct of its corporate affairs by the Indiana REMC Act, the Cooperative’s Articles of Incorporation, and by its Bylaws.

The Bylaws provide that the affairs of the Cooperative be managed by seven directors and for the election of directors in staggered three-year terms. Directorate Districts 3, 6, and 7 were up for election in 2020.

Pursuant to Article IV, Section 4.06 of the Bylaws, candidates were nominated for the director positions by submitting a written petition signed by a minimum of fifteen (15) members.

The following persons were nominated by petition: In District 3 the sole nominee was incumbent Director John Biesel; In District 6 the sole nominee was incumbent Director Paul Graf; In District 7 the nominees were Denny Hill, Jeff Myers, and William (Bill) Russo.

the third-party, independent company hired by REMC to conduct the electronic and paper ballot voting, Survey and Ballot Systems (SBS). It was reported that there were 22,093 eligible voters in the 2020 election.

In order to have a valid election a quorum of members must vote. A quorum constitutes one-fiftieth of the total of all REMC members. REMC had 18% voter participation – a clear quorum – with 3,977 members casting their votes in the election. The officers of the Credentials and Election Committee certified the election results and declared the following winners: In District 3, John Biesel was elected to a three-year term as Director.

In District 6, Paul Graf was elected to a three-year term as Director.

In District 7, Jeff Myers was elected to a three-year term as Director.

The REMC will resume in-person annual meetings in the future unless prevented by public health and safety or other emergency circumstances.

The 2020 election results were prepared, certified, and notarized by MARCH 2021

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director candidates Joe Basham DISTRICT 4

Joe Basham is the incumbent director seeking re-election in district four. He and his wife, Beverly, have three adult children and have been members of REMC since 1992.

OCCUPATION Basham retired from Lehigh Hanson Cement in Speed, Indiana, where he worked as a mechanical supervisor.

EDUCATION Basham is a 1973 graduate of Silver Creek Senior High School. He also completed vocational training at Ivy Tech in Sellersburg.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Basham is a board member of Silver Creek School Corporation. He is a cross country coach for Silver Creek Middle School. Basham also serves on a political committee for Clark/Floyd County School Boards and is a member of Indiana Freemasons. He is currently a member of St. John Paul II Catholic Church.

Jennifer James Koenig DISTRICT 4

Jennifer James Koenig is a candidate for director from district four. She and her husband, Joseph (Tony), have five adult children and have been members since 2016.

OCCUPATION Koenig works as an environmental, health and safety consultant and auditor EDUCATION Koenig is a Certified

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Exercise one of the greatest benefits of being a member of an electric co-op by voting for the upcoming year’s board of directors.

Members can vote online, by mail or through SmartHub. Receive a $10 bill credit (one per household) for voting!

Voting open March 11 - April 8 Hazardous Materials Manager, DOT HazMat instructor, ISO auditor for EHS, Food Safety; Quality Management Systems COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Koenig is a member of the Kentuckiana Chapter of Hazardous Materials Managers and the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals, Southern Indiana Chamber.

She is currently a member of St. John Paul II Catholic Church

Mark Huber DISTRICT 5

Mark Huber is a candidate for director from district five. He and his wife, Lisa, have four adult children and have been members of Clark County REMC since 1986.

OCCUPATION Huber works as an IBM enterprise server solutions specialist.

EDUCATION Huber obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineeringpower and energy systems from Purdue University.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Huber is a member of St. Mary of the Knobs, St Mary of the Knobs finance council, and St. Vincent DePaul. He is a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, and he previously served on the Clark County REMC director election committee. He is an avid fisherman, hunter and a grandpa to his four grandchildren.

Robert Kleehamer

his wife, Deena, have one adult daughter and have been members since 1993.

OCCUPATION Kleehamer retired as regional senior vice president with German American Bank.

EDUCATION Kleehamer obtained a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Bellarmine University. He is a graduate of Our Lady of Providence High School in Clarksville. Kleehamer has received the Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate, the Board Leadership certificate and the Director Gold credentialed certificate by taking 18 classes through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Kleehamer serves on the advisory board for German American Bank, the board of trustees for Our Lady of Providence High School, is a board member for Lincoln Heritage Council for Scouts, and he serves on the investment and finance committees for Community Foundation of Southern Indiana. He is the president of the New Albany Floyd County School Building Corporation, a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Historic New Albany, the treasurer for Muir Manor, Section 202 Housing in New Albany and he serves on committees for One Southern Indiana, LifeSpan Resources, Metro United Way, and Ivy Tech-Sellersburg. He is a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and is chairman of the Parish Finance Council.

DISTRICT 5

Robert Kleehamer is the incumbent director seeking re-election in district five. He and

Your current board of directors, acting on what it believes to be the best interests of its members, continues to defend its right to end past board policies which would continue compensating directors after they have left their service on the board. The lawsuit brought by four former board members against the REMC is now before the Indiana Court of Appeals. On Jan. 27, a three-member panel of appellate court judges heard oral arguments in our case. Members who wish to know more about the case can view the argument online at mycourts.in.gov/arguments/default.aspx?court=app under the Jan. 27 listing.

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