Southeastern IN REMC - March 2024 Indiana Connection

CELEBRATING 85 YEARS OF SERVICE

I am thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all of you to join us at this year’s annual meeting on March 23 at South Ripley High School in Versailles. This year, we are celebrating a remarkable milestone — our 85th anniversary — under the exciting theme, “Racing Through Time.”

This gathering promises to be a delightful blend of celebration and insight into how we are overcoming challanges and achieving the extraordinary in southeastern Indiana. It’s a perfect occasion for our cooperative to unite, reflect on the past year’s accomplishments, and set our sights on the future.

In my role as the CEO, I am pleased to share that Southeastern Indiana REMC has experienced a successful year, a testament to the unwavering support and trust of our members. We have made significant strides in enhancing our infrastructure, broadening service offerings, and delivering reliable and afforable energy to our communities.

During the annual meeting, you will have the opportunity to hear directly from our dedicated Board of Directors and gain deeper insights into our operations. Your presence and active participation are vital to the continued success of our cooperative.

I encourage each of you to attend this important event and contribute to shaping the future of Southeastern Indiana REMC. The annual meeting promises to be both informative and enjoyable for you and your family. We sincerely hope you can join us for this momentous occasion.

Looking forward to celebrating our achievements and journey ahead together.

Warm regards,

BRYAN K. MATHEWS Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the members of Southeastern Indiana REMC will be held at South Ripley High School, located at 1589 S. Benham Road, Versailles, Indiana, on Saturday, March 23.

This meeting will be held for the express purpose of:

• Presentation of officers, manager and committee reports

• Election of three directors

• Any other business which may properly come before the meeting

• Door prizes (Must be present to win)

Please detach and bring the official registration card attached to the back cover of this publication to the annual meeting. Your ticket to the meeting is on the back of this month’s magazine!

Southeastern IN REMC’s Celebrating 85 years of service

to a

Celestial Show Front Row

Hoosiers embrace — and brace for — total eclipse

from the editor

Basketball memories

I don’t want to be a one-trick pony and only write about sports, but March feels like a time for basketball reflection.

Like most Hoosier kids, my love of basketball began by playing pick-up games with an old hoop in my grandparents’ driveway. I cannot say I am the most athletically gifted person, but as a kid, I could hang in there during a game of HORSE.

What accelerated my love of basketball was Friday nights packed into my high school gym with many of my fellow residents of Ellettsville, Indiana. Edgewood High School was pretty good my junior and senior years, going undefeated my junior year. We had high hopes for a state championship during that time but unfortunately ran into the Zeller brothers in Washington.

It’s hard to sit through the energy of an Indiana high school basketball game and not feel at least a little invested. Some of my favorite high school memories are cheering courtside in the student section during rivalry games against Spencer’s Owen Valley High School. Those games felt personal and were a matter of town pride.

When I got to IU, my love of basketball only grew. Assembly Hall is a magical place where you can feel the weight of so many historic basketball moments. My childhood friend, Stephen, and I had season tickets every year, and we rarely missed a game. We were side-by-side when IU beat Kentucky in 2011, and that memory will stay with us forever.

Many of our out-of-state college friends didn’t understand why we were so dedicated to the outcome of the basketball season, but Stephen and I grew up attending impassioned games in standing-room-only gyms that required the fire marshal to turn people away at the door. Those are memories that stay with you, too. As they say, in 49 states, it’s just basketball, but this is Indiana.

Britt Davis Editor

bdavis@indianaec.org

On the menu: July: No-bake recipes, deadline May 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

Giveaway: 2024 Total Eclipse Survival Kit from MoonPie. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is March 30.

you.

Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, letters and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606.

VOLUME 73 • 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 311,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership. The average printed and mailed cost per issue is 54 cents.

CONTACT US:

8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600 Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606 317-487-2220

info@indianaconnection.org IndianaConnection.org

INDIANA ELECTRIC

COOPERATIVES OFFICERS:

Steve McMichael President

Dr. Richard Leeper Vice President

Jamey Marcum Secretary/Treasurer

John Cassady CEO

EDITORIAL STAFF:

Britt Davis Editor

Richard George Biever Senior Editor

Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist

Lauren Carman Communication Manager

Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer

Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator

Amber Knight Creative 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 safekeeping or return of unsolicited material.

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

$12 for individuals not subscribing through participating REMCs/RECs.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:

If you receive Indiana Connection through your electric co-op membership, report address changes to your local co-op.

POSTAGE:

Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, Indiana, and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER:

Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 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.

13 INSIGHTS

Learn more about the

16

18 FOOD

These MoonPie recipes will get you in the mood for the historic eclipse

20 COVER STORY

Hoosiers embrace — and brace for — eclipse fever

26 PROFILE

Senior editor Richard Biever reflects on a 35-year body of

28 HOOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS

29 PETS

Find your perfect dog with these tips (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS)

30 DIY

Tackle messy home projects this spring (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS)

On the cover

29 county pets FOLLOW

On April 8, over half of Indiana will experience a total solar eclipse for the first time in 155 years. The “zone of totality” is centered on a line running northeast from Vincennes through Bloomington, New Castle, and Union City. The zone extends about 50 miles to either side. Totality will arrive just after 3 p.m. Eastern Time.

www.seiremc.com

CONTACT US

812-689-4111

800-737-4111

Fax: 812-689-6987

EMAIL

contact_us@seiremc.com

OFFICE HOURS

7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday

STREET ADDRESS

712 South Buckeye Street Osgood, IN 47037

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 196 Osgood, IN 47037

SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS

To report a power outage: 800-737-4111 or SmartHub

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Darrell Smith (District 7), President

Brad Bentle (District 2), Vice President

Casey Menchhofer (District 9), Secretary

Jesse McClure (District 4), Treasurer

Vince Moster (District 1)

David Smith (District 3)

Melissa Menchhofer (District 5)

Mike Thieman (District 6)

Sherry Shaw (District 8)

Racing through time at SEI REMC's 85th Annual Meeting

Buckle up, members of Southeastern Indiana REMC, because we're gearing up for our 85th Annual Meeting! This year, our theme is "Racing Through Time — Celebrating 85 Years of Service." Get ready to join us on a thrilling journey through the decades as we celebrate our rich history of providing reliable electricity and diversified services to our community.

Race through the decades: From the 40s to the 70s and beyond, we'll be celebrating 85 years of service by taking a nostalgic trip through time. Explore displays showcasing the evolution of energy technology and the milestones that have shaped our cooperative over the years. Whether you're a history buff or just love a good throwback, you won't want to miss this trip down memory lane.

Family fun for everyone: Our Annual Meeting isn't just for the adults — it's a day of fun for the whole family! Bring the kids along for a day filled with exciting activities, including an all sports 5-in-1 combo bounce house and a special "pit stop" where they can design their own race cars. And don't forget to snap a family photo at our themed photo booth to capture a memory of this unforgettable day.

Win big: As if all the excitement wasn't enough, we're also giving you the chance to win big with our amazing giveaways! Be sure to enter for your chance to take home some fantastic prizes.

Save the date: Southeastern Indiana REMC's 85th Annual Meeting will take place on March 23, at South Ripley High School in Versailles. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and the fun continues until 2:30 p.m. Don't miss out on this thrilling celebration of 85 years of service to our community!

To

So, mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and join us for a day of racing through time and celebrating the incredible journey of Southeastern Indiana REMC. We can't wait to see you!

director candidates MEET THE 2024

DISTRICT 2

Brad Bentle

Brad Bentle has served as a director of Southeastern Indiana REMC for the past 30 years, currently holding the position of Vice President of the Board. Over the course of his tenure, he has held various leadership roles, including Board President, Vice President, and Treasurer. Additionally, Bentle has contributed to the Labor Negotiations and Policy and Bylaws subcommittees.

Bentle is a Credentialed Cooperative Director and possesses a Board Leadership certificate awarded by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. In 2020, he retired after an impressive 46-year career with Cincinnati Incorporated, a manufacturer of metalworking machinery based in Harrison, Ohio. In his role as Senior Sales Administrator, Brad oversaw the administrative aspects of the sales and shipping processes for new machinery, managing both domestic and international transactions.

Bentle and his family attend the Greendale First Church of Christ. Within the church, he serves on the Stewardship Committee as one of the Project Managers, overseeing the church finance budget, repairs, and special projects. Bentle is also an active participant in the music ministry program.

Married for nearly 50 years, Bentle and his wife, Lenna, are lifelong residents of the Bright area and are actively involved in the community.

Kevin Grosse

Kevin Grosse has been a member of Southeastern Indiana REMC since 1992. He offers a blend of strong analytical abilities, creativity, and interpersonal skills.

With a background in manufacturing spanning 25 years, Grosse has excelled in engineering new product development, project management, and Six Sigma problem solving at orginizations such as John Deere, Honeywell, and Hill-Rom. Additionally, he has 18 years of experience as a local small business owner.

Leveraging his energy and enthusiasm, Grosse adeptly assimilates information, simplifies complex situations, and resolves challenging problems across various contexts. His decision-making approach is consistently grounded in intelligence and facts, always with a focus on the greater good.

Grosse's commitment to appealing to the highest motives for the good of all has been instrumental in uncomplicating situations and the development of strong teams. These principles have facilitated business growth and community cooperation in diverse scenarios.

Actively engaged in numerous committees and club activities in Hidden Valley Lake, Grosse serves as the President of the Valley Rural Utilities Company (VRUC). In this capactiy, he has orchestrated multi-million-dollar sewer and water restoration projects, showcasing his understanding of utilities.

DISTRICT 3

David Smith

David Smith has dedicated 15 years to his role as a director of Southeastern Indiana REMC. Throughout his tenure, he has actively contributed to various committees, including the Member Relations and Policy and Bylaws subcommittees. Notably, Smith has served as the REMC's representative on the Hoosier Energy Board of Directors for the past decade, presently holding the position of Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. His commitment extends to participation in several subcommittees during his tenure.

As a distinguished professional, Smith is a Credentialed Cooperative Director and possesses both the Board Leadership and Director Gold certifications from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Academically, Smith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in manufacturing engineering technology and a Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA). His passion for education led him to teach in the mechanical engineering technology program at Cincinnati State Technical & Community College in Cincinnati, Ohio, for 34 years. Currently enjoying retirement, Smith reflects on his significant contributions to the field.

Smith and his wife, Patti, reside on a small farm on State Route 262 in Dillsboro.

DISTRICT 6

Mike Thieman

Mike Thieman, a self-employed farmer for over 45 years, has cultivated a diverse agricultural enterprise encompassing cattle, hogs, sheep, corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. Concurrently, he has devoted 15 years to his role as director of Southeastern Indiana REMC. In his tenure, Thieman has assumed various leadership positions on the Board, including president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Additionally, he has actively contributed to the REMC's Member Relations and the Buildings and Grounds subcommittees.

As a distinguished member of the cooperative community, Thieman holds the designation of Credentialed Cooperative Director and has earned a Board Leadership certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Within his local community, Thieman is an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dewberry, where he has served as Treasurer and currently holds the position of Elder. Beyond his church involvement, he dedicated four years to the Switzerland County School Board and assumed the role of President of the Southeastern Indiana Feeder Auction.

A life-long resident of Switzerland County, Thieman and his wife, Melisa, reside on their fourth-generation family farm located on Thieman Road in Cross Plains. They take pride in their family, which includes three daughters and six grandchildren.

unveiling the future of energy and broadband solutions at the

REMC EXPO

Join us for a day of learning and discovery as you explore innovative solutions to help you save money, stay connected and keep your loved ones safe.

As the Annual Meeting approaches, excitement is building for the upcoming REMC Expo, scheduled to take place on March 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This eagerly anticipated event will serve as a platform for Rural Electric Membership Cooperative (REMC) members to explore and understand a range of services and programs designed to enhance their energy and broadband experience. The expo promises to be an informative and engaging experience, featuring booths that focus on various programs and services.

booth highlights:

SEI Fiber service

REMC members will have the opportunity to delve into the world of high-speed internet at the SEI Fiber Service booth. Discover the benefits of reliable and fast internet connectivity, paving the way for enhanced communication and productivity in the modern age.

Generac total home backup generators

Prepare for the unexpected at the Generac Total Home Backup Generator booth. Learn how these generators can provide a seamless power supply during outages, ensuring that homes remain functional and secure.

Smart home devices

Explore the future of home automation at the Smart Home Devices booth. Discover the latest technologies that can make your home more energy-efficient, secure, and convenient.

rebate program

Uncover the advantages of the REMC Rebate Program at this booth. Learn how members can save on energyefficient upgrades and make informed choices to reduce their environmental footprint.

Power Outages

Empower yourself with knowledge about power outages at this comprehensive booth. Understand the key steps to take during an outage, learn how to report it efficiently, and gain insights into interpreting blink patterns and more.

Energy Audit program

Introducing the new Energy Audit Program booth, where members can explore opportunities to enhance their home's energy efficiency. Discover personalized recommendations to make informed decisions about energy consumption.

Live Line Safety Demo

This exciting and informative demonstration will showcase the latest in live line safety techniques and technologies, giving attendees a unique opportunity to learn about and experience the importance of safety in the energy industry. With demonstrations conducted by trained professionals, attendees will have the chance to see firsthand how to stay safe around live electrical equipment and understand the hazards associated with this type of work. The live line demonstrations are a must-see event during the REMC Expo.

GUEST BOOTHS

Hoosier energy - beneficial electrification

Hoosier Energy will be present at the expo, highlighting the concept of beneficial electrification. Explore how embracing electric technologies can contribute to a more sustainable and efficient energy future.

Indiana electric cooperatives (Iec) - Youth Programs

IEC is set to showcase their booth, focusing on Youth Programs. Learn about initiatives that empower and educate the younger generation about the importance of electricity and its role in our lives.

The REMC Expo promises to be a dynamic and enlightening event, offering REMC members a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse range of energy and broadband-related services and programs. From cutting-edge technology to valuable insights on power outage management, this expo is sure to leave attendees well-informed and inspired to make the most of their cooperative membership. Mark your calendars for March 23, and be prepared to embark on a journey of discovery at the REMC Expo.

Minneapolis

MINNESOTA

Red Wing Dubuque

Davenport

Fort Madison

Minneapolis

SMOOTH SAILING

along the Mighty Mississippi

ABOARD THE BRAND NEW AMERICAN SERENADE

From the French Quarter to the hometown of Mark Twain, experience the best of this legendary river. On an 8 to 23-day journey, explore Civil War history and travel to the epicenter of American music as you cruise in perfect comfort aboard our brand new American Riverboat™.

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MINNESOTA

MISSOURI

IOWA

WISCONSIN

St.

Dubuque

Muscatine

Cape Girardeau

ARKANSAS

ss

LOUISIANA

ILLINOIS

Hannibal Alton

MISSOURI

St. Louis

Memphis

MISSISSIPPI

ARKANSAS

Greenville

TENNESSEE

Memphis Tunica

MISSISSIPPI

Vicksburg

Greenville

Vicksburg

Baton Rouge

Natchez

LOUISIANA

Natchez

Francisville

Baton Rouge

Houmas House

New Orleans

Oak Alley

Alley

SEE THE CLEAR PERSPECTIVE ON WINDOWS

Many people grumble in the winter that their windows make frigid frozen air feel at home in their house. Some may think that replacements are the answer to energy savings. Yet it’s important to see the complete picture.

THE MOVING TRUTH

In most circumstances, upgrading windows will not automatically rush in energy cost savings — especially when factoring in the price of new windows. Windows, even the very best, will never prevent as much heat transfer as a well-built wall. The confusion arises because of how heat moves within a house. Heat moves to areas of lesser heat. The natural heat movement in a house gives the impression that the windows are leaking simply because they pull the warmed air their way. Even a triple-pane window doesn’t have the insulation value to stop that movement completely.

Typical windows get about an R-3 rating. The greater the R-value, the greater the power to keep heat where you want it. For comparison, an average insulated wall has an R-11 rating, while an energy-efficient home would have an R-19 to R-40 rating.

Of course, there may be a time when your windows need to be replaced or repaired. Here are some common warning signs:

• Faulty window operation

• Excessive condensation between windowpanes

• Decay and water damage on window frames

• Severe storm damage

IMPROVE YOUR WINDOWS’ EFFICIENCY

Before considering a major upgrade, there are steps you can take that can help improve your home’s windows.

Hang heavy curtains over the windows and shut them when the sun isn’t shining. Closing curtains will help minimize air and heat loss. Be sure to open curtains during the day to take advantage of sunlight.

If air leaks around the window edges, seal it with caulk or nonexpanding foam. Gaps can lead to significant air loss. Be sure to seal around the window to prevent your treated air from escaping.

Consider adding storm windows to single-pane windows. The Department of Energy reports that adding properly rated low emissivity (low-e) storm windows can produce energy savings comparable to adding double-pane windows, but at about one-third of the total cost. Research your options to ensure the best match for your home.

You can contact your local electric co-op’s energy advisor for more information about windows and your home’s energy use. Get a clear idea about how to improve your home’s comfort.

by Jake Eslinger Energy Advisor

Parke County REMC

How can

hearing aid that ts inside your ear and costs only $297

a pair be every bit as good as those that sell for $4,800 or more?

The answer: Although tremendous strides have been made

those cost reductions have not been passed on to you. Until now... uses

same kind of technology incorporated into hearing aids that cost thousands

At

At

Vanderburgh County COUNTY FACTS

Covering 236 square miles, Vanderburgh County is southwestern Indiana’s smallest county. Besides the city of Evansville, Vanderburgh County’s other incorporated municipality is Darmstadt, a small German-heritage town. Darmstadt’s 111-year-old International World War Peace Tree was brought over from Germany as a seedling in 1912. The linden tree was planted in 1918 on Darmstadt’s southwestern edge to honor the 1918 armistice, where Germany and the Allied Powers agreed to end fighting in World War I.

A CULTURAL CENTER

One of the best-preserved Native American sites in North America is the Angel Mounds State Historic Site in Evansville. The native town was built between 1000 and 1450 and served as a religious, political, and trade center for more than 1,000 people belonging to Mississippian culture. After excavators uncovered more than 2.5 million Mississippian artifacts, Angel Mounds was designated one of Indiana’s 44 National Historic Landmarks in 1964. Now, visitors can view 12 Mississippian earthen platform mounds along Angel Mounds’ hiking and biking trails.

BATTER UP

Home of the Evansville Otters baseball team, Bosse Field was built in 1915 and is the third-oldest ballpark used for professional baseball. Only Boston’s Fenway Park and Chicago’s Wrigley Field are older. Six Baseball Hall of Famers — Chuck Klein, Hank Greenberg, Warren Spahn, Bob Ueker, Bert Blyleven, and Jack Morris — played for Evansville teams during their minor league careers at Bosse Field. Actor Tom Hanks and actresses Geena Davis and Lori Petty filmed the World Series championship game of their 1992 sports comedy movie “A League of Their Own” at Bosse Field.

HOMEGROWN TALENT

The 1920s Broadway star Marilyn Miller was born in Evansville in 1898. At 4 years old, she joined her mother, stepfather, and older sisters in their family act, “The Five Columbians,” touring the Midwest and Europe. In 1914, producer Lee Shubert discovered Miller at a London club and brought her talents to New York. Miller became known as a tap dancer, singer, and actress when she played the titular role in the 1920s musical comedy “Sally,” which ran at the New Amsterdam Theatre for 570 performances — one of the longest performance runs on Broadway at the time. “Look for the Silver Lining” was a biographical musical film about Miller released in 1949.

FOUNDED: 1818

NAMED FOR: Henry Vanderburgh, a Revolutionary War veteran and judge for the Indiana Territory

POPULATION: 179,744

COUNTY SEAT: Evansville

INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER:

82

Nicole Thomas is a freelance writer from Indianapolis.

Evansville

Photo courtesy of Angel Mounds State Historic Site

Photo courtesy of Bosse Field

Marilyn Miller

The deadline for submissions for the 2025 Cooperative Calendar of Student Art contest is fast approaching. Entries for the contest should be mailed to the Indiana Connection office by March 29

Entries for the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art Contest are due to Indiana Connection by Friday, March 29

A first-place winner will be selected for each grade, K-12, and will receive $200. The winning artwork will illustrate the cover and the 12 months inside. One “Artist of the Year” will be selected from the first-place winners and will win an extra $100. Additional artists from each grade will be selected for honorable mention awards and will receive $75 and have their works printed in a special section of the calendar.

The contest is open to Indiana public, private, or home-schooled kindergarten through 12th-grade students during the 2023-24 school year. A complete set of rules and required entry forms are available at indianaconnection.org/for-youth/art-contest.

INDIANA:

Observed

Catch a glimpse of the total solar eclipse or pick up a new pastime while exploring Indiana’s observatories

The zone of totality slices through the Hoosier state on April 8. Get a front-row seat with a visit to one of Indiana’s observatories open to the public.

Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium

Indianapolis

A central Indiana standby for over 60 years, Butler University’s Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium is one of the largest public observatories in the world. Stop by for a weekend visit or attend the Eclipse Viewing Festival on April 8 from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Festival goers can access telescopes outfitted with solar filters for safe observation, chat with scientific experts, and enjoy demonstrations. For more information, visit butler.edu/arts-sciences/ holcomb-observatory

Kirkwood Observatory

Bloomington

Built in 1900, the Kirkwood Observatory houses a solar telescope, offering otherwise impossible views of sunspots and solar flares. Open monthly for public viewing, undergraduate students host guests on Wednesday evenings during the school year. Enjoy a live-stream view of the sun from Kirkwood’s solar telescope on Eclipse Day. Visit astro.indiana.edu to learn more.

McKim Observatory

Greencastle

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, DePauw University’s McKim Observatory still uses many of its original instruments, dating back to the late 1800s. Primarily used by students, McKim welcomes guests during scheduled open houses and for group tours. Visit depauw.edu for open house dates and details.

Oakley Observatory

Terre Haute

This multipurpose observatory, located on the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology campus, welcomes the astronomically curious to explore the night sky during its regular open houses. If an in-person visit isn’t feasible, view the live webcam from the observatory at 137.112.95.19 using the credentials "public" and password "Observatory."

Natalie Derrickson is a freelance writer from Indianapolis.

Holcomb Observatory (Photo courtesy of Butler University)

Oakley Observatory (Photo courtesy of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology)

Spring into safety ON THE FARM

It’s planting season for many of Indiana’s roughly 94,000 farmers. While you prepare to plant the crops that keep the world fed, Indiana Electric Cooperatives reminds you to keep electrical safety in mind.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 62 farm workers are electrocuted each year in the U.S. “Farm worker deaths and injuries can be prevented by practicing some simple electrical safety measures around farm,” said Jon Elkins, vice president of safety, training and compliance at Indiana Electric Cooperatives.

HERE ARE SAFETY TIPS FOR FARMERS TO KEEP IN MIND THIS SEASON:

• Make sure farm equipment like planter arms and sprayers safely clear overhead power lines. Tall equipment can easily become entangled in power lines and pose an electrocution risk. Keep a minimum of 10-foot distance from power lines in all directions.

• Consider asking your electric cooperative to move overhead lines around buildings or frequently used pathways. If you’re planning any new construction, consult your cooperative for information on minimum clearances and the location of overhead lines.

• Keep a safe distance from power poles and guy wires when working the land or planting crops. If your

equipment strikes and damages a guy wire or power pole, do not try to fix it yourself. Call your electric cooperative immediately.

• If your farm equipment becomes entangled with power lines, call 911, keep others away and stay calm. If you must exit the equipment for life-threatening reasons, exit by jumping away, landing with feet together, then shuffle three tractor lengths away with feet together. Never re-enter or touch equipment in contact with a power line. Avoid touching anyone who had electrical contact.

• If you are planning a controlled burn, mow and remove vegetation at least 15 feet around any pole prior to burning. Apply fire retardant to the area as recommended by the manufacturer prior to burn period. Do not directly spray or treat a pole. Should a burn get out of control and endanger poles or other equipment, call 911 immediately.

• Prevent fires from passing under power lines, as smoke contains carbon particles that conduct electricity. High smoke concentration near lines can cause an electrical discharge from the line to the ground, posing risks to firefighters. When using water hoses near power lines, extreme care must be taken to avoid contact, as water conducts electricity, turning the stream into a conductor.

SOURCES: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Virginia Cooperative Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Evergy, Kansas State University

2023 Annual Report

www.seiremc.com

CONTACT US

812-689-4111

800-737-4111

Fax: 812-689-6987

EMAIL

contact_us@seiremc.com

OFFICE HOURS

7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday

STREET ADDRESS

712 South Buckeye Street Osgood, IN 47037

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 196 Osgood, IN 47037

SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS

To report a power outage: 800-737-4111 or SmartHub

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Darrell Smith (District 7), President

Brad Bentle (District 2), Vice President

Casey Menchhofer (District 9), Secretary

Jesse McClure (District 4), Treasurer

Vince Moster (District 1)

David Smith (District 3)

Melissa Menchhofer (District 5)

Mike Thieman (District 6)

Sherry Shaw (District 8)

Dear Members,

As we reflect on the past year, we want to express our gratitude for your ongoing support of Southeastern Indiana REMC. Your involvement in our cooperative makes all the difference, and we're excited to share some highlights from 2023 with you.

Your cooperative's strength

In 2023, Southeastern Indiana REMC remained steadfast in our commitment to safely providing you with reliable, affordable electricity and diversified services. Thanks to careful financial management, we were able to navigate through the year with resilience and stability. The cooperative's financial health is a testament to the power of working together for the common good.

Community connection

One of the things that makes us unique is the cooperative difference. As a member-owned and member-governed organization, we put our community's needs first. Throughout 2023, we stayed true to this principle by actively engaging with you and supporting local initiatives. Whether it was sponsoring events, offering energy-saving tips, bringing high-speed fiber internet service to your community, or simply being there when you needed us, we were honored to be a part of your lives.

SEI Fiber connectivity

As part of our commitment to enhancing connectivity and serving the evolving needs of our community, Southeastern Indiana REMC has expanded its fiber-optic internet service coverage area. SEI Fiber brings lightning-fast internet speeds and reliable connectivity to homes and businesses in our area. With fiber-optic technology, we're paving the way for a more connected future, empowering our community to thrive in the digital age.

Keeping the lights on

At Southeastern Indiana REMC, our top priority is safely delivering reliable electricity to your homes and businesses. In 2023, we continued to invest in our infrastructure to ensure that you receive the quality service you deserve. By maintaining and upgrading our systems, we strive to minimize disruptions and restore power quickly whenever there's an outage. Your trust in us fuels our commitment to keeping the lights on for you.

Looking forward

As we look ahead to the future, we remain committed to our core values of integrity, accountability, innovation, commitment to community, and service excellence. We're excited about what lies ahead and are dedicated to meeting your evolving needs. With your continued support and participation, we're confident that Southeastern Indiana REMC and SEI Fiber will continue to thrive for years to come.

In closing, we want to thank you for being part of our cooperative family. Your involvement makes Southeastern Indiana REMC the vibrant, resilient community it is today.

Warm regards,

Darrell Smith, Board President

Bryan K. Mathews, Chief Executive Officer

REVENUE

NON-COMMERCIAL

TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE

PURCHASED POWER OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE EXPENSE CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATIVE & GENERAL

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSE

TOTAL

NON-OPERATING

HOOSIER ENERGY'S PATRONAGE CAPITAL)

Utility Plant

Less Accumulated Provision for Depreciation

Net Utility Plant

Net Utility Property (Net)

Investments in Associated Organizations

Other Investments

Current and Accrued Assets: Cash - General

Consumer Accounts Receivable

Material and Supplies

Prepaid Insurance

Other Prepayments

Total Current and Accrued Assets

Regulatory Assets

Deferred Debits

TOTAL

LIABILITIES AND

Member

Other

Total

Long-Term

Accumulated Operating Provisions

Current

Deferred Credits

TOTAL

2023 2022 2023 2022

Where your dollar went in 2023

Purchased Power, 60.11% ($46,597,194)

Operations & Maintenance, 14.40% ($11,160,394)

Customer Accounts, 3.60% ($2,791,579)

Administrative & General, 4.28% ($3,316,802)

Depreciation Expense, 7.99% ($6,194,853)

Gross Receipts Tax and Other Taxes, 0.72% ($557,044)

Interest on Debt to Lenders, 8.91% ($6,908,427)

2023 INCOME BREAKDOWN

2023 Annual Meeting Minutes

The 84th Annual Meeting of the membership of Southeastern Indiana Rural Electric Membership Corporation was held at South Ripley High School, beginning at 1:00 p.m., on the 25th day of March 2023. Proper notice of the meeting had been mailed to each member and the 2023 Director Election voting packet was postmarked on February 22, 2023.

President Mike Thieman called the meeting to order. Those directors present were: Brad Bentle, Bonnie Boggs, Jesse McClure, Casey Menchhofer, Vince Moster, Darrell Smith, David Smith, and Mike Thieman.

Following the call to order, the colors were presented by the Versailles American Legion Post 173 Color Guard, Safe in the Harbor sang the National Anthem, Girl Scout Troup 2459 led in the pledge to the flag, and Minister of the Center Square Church of Christ, Don Truesdell, gave the invocation.

The official notice of the Annual Meeting and the certification of the mailing of said notice were read

by Secretary Jesse McClure. Secretary McClure announced a quorum was present. The minutes of the 2022 Annual Meeting were approved.

Members heard reports from the Board and Staff members of Southeastern Indiana REMC, the CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives, and the CEO of Hoosier Energy.

Three $500 scholarships were awarded to the following students: Adam Bruner (South Dearborn High School), Jillian Eppinghoff (East Central High School), and Kylee Starost (East Central High School).

Attorney Robert Wickens announced the results of director elections. Vince Moster, District 1; Darrel Smith, District 7; and Sherry Shaw, District 8 were elected by the membership. There were 2,993 voters in the 2023 Director Election.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by the President.

American Classic

WHETHER YOU WANT TO MAKE SOMETHING FROM SCRATCH OR AN EASYTO-PUT-TOGETHER DESSERT IS MORE YOUR SPEED, THESE MOONPIE RECIPES WILL GET YOU IN THE MOOD FOR THE HISTORIC SOLAR ECLIPSE ON APRIL 8.

MOONPIE CAKE

INGREDIENTS

8 banana MoonPies (Use single or double decker MoonPies. Avoid the mini versions.)

16 oz. whipped topping (one tub)

5 oz. vanilla pudding (cook and serve)

5 bananas

12 oz. caramel syrup (1 bottle)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut seven MoonPies into four strips. Place the strips, cut side up, in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish or cake pan.

2. Prepare pudding according to package directions and pour it over the Moon Pies while still warm. Cover dish with foil and refrigerate until cold.

3. Top the Moon Pies with a generous drizzling of caramel sauce. Slice bananas on top, spread whipped topping over these, and then finish with another generous drizzling of caramel.

4. Chop up the remaining MoonPie into bite-sized pieces and scatter pieces on top. Cover again and refrigerate until ready to serve. You can serve it immediately, but it gets better after an hour in the fridge.

Editor’s Note: If chocolate MoonPies are your preferred flavor, you can skip the bananas and use chocolate syrup instead of caramel.

HOMEMADE MOONPIES

FOR THE COOKIE DOUGH:

6 oz. unsalted butter

¼ cup light brown sugar firmly packed

¼ cup cane syrup

¼ tsp. vanilla extract

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1¼ cups (about one sleeve) graham cracker crumbs, ground fine

¾ tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. ground cinnamon

2 Tbsp. whole milk

FOR THE MARSHMALLOW CENTER:

1 12-oz. container marshmallow crème

FOR THE CHOCOLATE COATING:

1-16 oz. bag bittersweet chocolate

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil or canola oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium mixing bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, syrup, and vanilla until mixture is fluffy, about 1 minute.

2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, graham cracker crumbs, kosher salt, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon.

3. With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until the dry ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. In a slow, steady stream, add the milk. Continue to mix until the dough comes together and leaves the side of the bowl.

4. Turn the dough out onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Flatten with the palm of your hand. Wrap the edges of the plastic wrap around the dough. Refrigerate for up to 1 hour.

5. Preheat oven to 325 F.

6. Turn chilled dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. You may need to let the dough sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to work with. Roll the dough until it is ¼-inch thick. Cut out cookies using a 3-inch round cookie cutter. Place cookies on a prepared cookie sheet.

7. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes. They will still be soft when you remove them from the oven. Allow cookies to cool for 10-15 minutes until you can carefully transfer them to a cooling rack. Allow cookies to cool completely before beginning the next step.

8. Once your cookies have cooled, spoon approximately ¼ cup of marshmallow crème into the center of 12 cookies. Top the marshmallow with a second cookie, then gently press down until the marshmallow just touches the edge. Place sandwiches on a cookie sheet and chill for at least 15 minutes.

9. In the meantime, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl set over a small pan of boiling water. Once the chocolate has melted, remove the pan from the heat and allow the chocolate to cool until it is still warm to the touch, but no longer hot. Slowly whisk in the oil.

10. Using two forks, gently place once sandwich cookie into the warm chocolate. Turn until thoroughly coated. Then remove cookies to a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Let cookies stand until the chocolate shell has completely hardened.

to a Celestial Show Front Row

Hoosiers embrace — and brace for — total eclipse

BY RICHARD G. BIEVER

Last October, Tim and Heather Jarboe booked a campsite at Spring Mill State Park. The dates, April 5-9, are not primo times for catching even blooming redbuds and dogwoods in Indiana. But the couple from Athens, Georgia, is coming for a different display of nature. They reserved their front-row seat to the “Great North American Eclipse.”

The total solar eclipse April 8 will be viewable across more than half of Indiana, weather permitting. Its narrow “zone of totality” is centered on a line running northeast through Indiana from Vincennes to Union City. The zone extends about 50 miles to either side. Totality arrives just after 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Totality, when the moon covers the entire sun and the sky darkens like nightfall, will last around 4 minutes in the center of the zone and lessen the farther to the fringe of the zone.

The Jarboes’ trip was kindled by Tim’s first rendezvous with a total eclipse in 2017, the last one to cross the United States. Its path of totality, which went just south of Indiana, passed through northern Georgia. He took off work to see it; Heather, a school counselor in Athens, was needed as students viewed the partial eclipse and couldn’t join him.

“That was an experience that made me want to come to Indiana for this one,” Tim said. “It’s so amazing when the lights totally go out like that. The frogs start bellowing. Bats are flying. All the nighttime mob gets active because they don’t understand. We wanted to make sure we both saw it this time.”

The two will not be alone in their pilgrimage to the zone. The rare celestial event will bring an influx estimated to be between several hundred thousand to as many as a million people to Indiana alone.

Everywhere along the path, from the west coast of Mexico to Texas to Indiana to Maine to the Canadian Maritimes, communities will be leaping and hopping on this moon shadow. Gatherings and festivals have been in the planning stages for a year or more. Music, food, and programs with special guests and speakers will all be part of a holidaylike celebration surrounding the brief but awe-inspiring show.

Vincennes will be among the first of Indiana’s cities to fall under the umbra, the moon’s darkest shadow, and is smack dab on the center line of that sweet zone of totality. Because of that, Vincennes will experience the longest totality in the state at 4 minutes and 5 seconds.

“The path goes right over the Lincoln Bridge that crosses the Wabash River,” said Sarah Wolfe, director of eclipse activities for Vincennes and Knox County. “It’s amazing. It’s like the universe handed us this little prize.”

Tim and Heather Jarboe are coming from Athens, Georgia, in their RV to view the April 8 total solar eclipse near to where he grew up.

“This cosmic alignment is unique,” noted Dan McGlaun, an “umbraphile” and eclipse aficionado from rural Hendricks County. He’s traveled the world to see 15 total eclipses since seeing his first one in 1991. “People should make sure they experience this because they will remember it. Little kids should write down their experience and put it in a time capsule. Then, 50 years from now, when they watch another eclipse with their grandkids, they can pull that out and remember.”

AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun’s light and shadowing part of our planet. It happens about once every 18 months. The narrow band of totality is usually around 9,000 miles long but only about 100 miles wide. So, while a total solar eclipse may occur every couple of years, a single given spot experiences totality just about once every 375 years.

Though this is the second total eclipse in seven years to have arched across the U.S. and garnered massive media attention, folks shouldn’t get used to them. After

April 8, the next solar eclipse over the contiguous United States won’t be until 2044, and it will only be over parts of North Dakota and Montana.

Meanwhile, this will be the first total eclipse visible anywhere in Indiana since Aug. 7, 1869. Indiana’s next time in the spotlight of totality, or deepest shadow, won’t be until Sept. 14, 2099.

For Earthlings to even experience the sublime perfection of a total eclipse is a cosmic coincidence — or, maybe, a wink and a nod from God. Consider the odds: The sun’s diameter is about 400 times larger than Earth’s moon, and the sun just happens to be about 400 times farther away from Earth than the moon. That makes the sun and moon appear to be the same size in our sky. When they align, it’s so precise that the moon blocks all the sun’s direct rays for just a few fleeting minutes. Yet, the moon’s still small enough to let us see the sun’s corona, that rarefied gaseous, ghostly glow we would never see otherwise.

Since the 2017 eclipse, McGlaun has parlayed his vast expertise gained over the years by chasing eclipses around the world and learning from

continued on page 22

Make eye safety your priority

Seeing a total eclipse can be a profound once-in-a-lifetime event. But make sure it’s not the last thing you ever see by following these viewing tips.

• When watching the partial phases of the solar eclipse with your eyes, you must always look through safe solar viewing glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a safe handheld solar viewer. No matter how dark, sunglasses are not safe. Safe solar viewers must comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard.

• Always inspect your eclipse glasses before use; discard the device if torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged. Always supervise children using solar viewers.

• If you usually wear eyeglasses, put your eclipse glasses on over them.

• When the moon completely blocks the sun during totality, it is safe to look directly at the eclipse without specialized eye protection. If you watch the eclipse with viewing glasses, it’s safe to remove them when the sun totally disappears. You must put them back on the first instant the sun reappears after totality.

• If you don’t have eclipse glasses, turn to the below websites for tips on indirect viewing methods.

• Do not use eclipse glasses or handheld viewers with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes. Those optical devices require a different kind of solar filter made for their concentrated magnification.

• Avoid ordering eclipse glasses from Amazon or other online marketplaces not listed as an endorsed vendor by the American Astronomical Society. Fake eclipse viewers sold online may claim to be ISO certified but are not, which can be dangerous for your eyes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please visit these websites:

• eclipse.aas.org

• eclipse.iu.edu

• eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse.html

• eclipse2024.org

• in.gov/dnr/places-to-go/events/ 2024-solar-eclipse

• purdue.edu/home/total-solar-eclipse/

• visitindiana.com/eclipse2024

continued from page 21

other experts into a full-time job. A Purdue-trained mathematician and computer scientist, he’s been a technical projects manager, school teacher, and private tutor. His Eclipse2017.org web page received a web-crashing 10 million hits a day leading up to that eclipse. His updated Eclipse2024.org site continues as a veritable smorgasbord of everything anyone would ever want or need to know about the eclipse and how to view it safely.

A unique feature on his site is a simulator, created from his own computations, that will accurately depict how the eclipse will appear in the sky from first contact, partial stages, totality, and then the passing out of partial for 140,000 locations along the path of totality. The entire eclipse sequence is animated in either real-time or can be sped up.

SOMETHING AMAZING

Though McGlaun is speaking at a big eclipse event in Texas on April 7, he’s planning to fly home to experience this one from his own yard with family and friends. For months and years, he’s been enthusiastically traveling around Indiana and elsewhere talking about this day and what it means.

One of his main messages is: Get to the zone of totality. Even though the moon will cover 90% or more of the sun’s surface in those areas of Indiana outside the zone of totality, even a crescent of sunlight makes a night-and-day difference in the overall experience.

McGlaun’s given over 100 presentations to schools, civic groups, planning and tourism commissions, and the like, encouraging folks not just to witness this one but also to welcome visitors and celebrate this special event. “You’re sharing something really amazing with so many other people,” he said.

“There is a tremendous amount of buzz surrounding the total solar

Path of Totality

SOLAR ECLIPSE

APRIL 8, 2024

100% Coverage*

2-----3-----4

* approximate duration in minutes

Union City

Indianapolis

Bloomington

Spring Mill State Park

Vincennes

and communications for the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, the state tourism office. She said the office is working with local, state, and federal officials to make sure communities and businesses will be able to meet the needs of the crowds the eclipse is expected to bring. “We are currently finalizing a checklist with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security,” she said. “IDHS is on it, and talking trash, traffic, toilets, and so much more.”

Along the path, communities will be hosting special events with music, and food and highlighting what makes each special. Some events in wellknown outdoor venues include:

Purdue University for an eclipse viewing event at the famed track. NASA will broadcast live, with experts sharing insights.

• Multiple Boone County locations are encouraging folks to “Get Mooned in Boone” with a wide range of familyfriendly events.

• The University of Southern Indiana in Evansville is hosting Solarpalooza, a multi-day event that will include a retired NASA astronaut, a full day of experiential learning, and more.

• Indiana University in Bloomington is opening its football stadium as a gathering location. Even “Star Trek” star William Shatner, Capt. James T. Kirk, himself, will be beaming himself down, as part of the star-studded

celebration. Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut will also be a guest. Like most schools in the zone, IU has canceled all in-person classes April 8.

In addition, the IU Center for Rural Engagement awarded 30 rural organizations across 22 counties micro-grants of up to $2,000 to host arts, education, and cultural activities connected with the eclipse. The funding was provided through the Simons Foundation, a New York City-based organization advancing research in mathematics and basic sciences.

While gazing to the heavens may seem contrary to bringing people closer, Wolfe, at Vincennes and Knox County, noted that notion is what attracted her to the role as the eclipse activities planner a year ago.

“Professionally, I’m an artist,” she said. “When I heard about this job, there were many aspects that I found fascinating. I love the community engagement and the opportunities that the eclipse offers. I love data and logistics,” she said. “But more than anything, I truly feel that this eclipse is an opportunity for all of us to reconnect to our humanity and heal divisions that we’ve experienced. We’ve been forced apart so many times over the last four years. Here, we’ve got an opportunity to enjoy an awe-inspiring celestial event we get to experience together.”

SPECIAL PLACES AND PEOPLE

The most common question McGlaun is asked concerns the weather. While a total solar eclipse can be plotted to the day, hour, and location for centuries, the weather forecast for the next is not as predictable. On average, April 8 in Indiana is often cloudy. But April 8, 2023, provided “glorious” weather.

“Your eclipse day is going to be what it is,” McGlaun said. “If you are around people who are special to you in a place that is special to you, that is your story.”

He said getting to another location is much easier if you start in a rural spot away from traffic jams that are expected in congested areas. “But that’s part of your experience. It’s part of what happens. Sometimes you can do something about it, and sometimes you can’t. It is a true and God-honest metaphor for life: You get the hand you’re dealt, and you play.”

For the Jarboes, Spring Mill fits McGlaun’s criteria. The now-retired couple met at Indiana University. He was from Tell City; she was from North Carolina. Their extended trip north will also include visiting his family in Perry County, just south of the zone of totality, and old college friends near Indianapolis and in Ohio.

“I can remember going to Spring Mill with my family when I was little,” said Tim, who earned his teaching degree from IU and taught elementary school in Bloomington after graduation.

“One of the first field trips I ever took students on was to Spring Mill State Park,” he added. “So, it’s cool to go up there for the eclipse to the park where I started my career.” Soon after he and Heather married in 1985, they moved to Georgia where they established long careers in education.

For the Jarboes, visiting family and friends will mean a cloudy day on April 8 won’t make the trip all for naught. Plus, Tim is looking to even the bright side of a cloudy eclipse day. “Even if it’s cloudy, it’ll still get dark. That’s one of the neat things about being in the zone of totality,” he said. “Now, we might not see the corona of the sun, but we’ll experience the environment when suddenly every living thing says, ‘It’s time to wake up and start doing nocturnal things.’ You’re still going to have some of that experience. It’ll be an incredible event to be part of no matter what.”

“We wouldn’t miss it,” Heather quipped, “for the moon and the stars.”

Richard G. Biever is senior editor of Indiana Connection.

LAST MINUTE TIPS GLEANED FROM McGLAUN

Dan McGlaun has traveled the world to witness 15 total solar eclipses in the past 33 years. Only one attempt, in China, was “monsooned out.” Visit his website, Eclipse2024.org, to prepare for how to view the eclipse safely, what you will see, and when. Here, McGlaun offers two final fine points to keep in mind.

THE WEATHER: Sadly, the long-anticipated day can be spoiled by the weather. McGlaun suggests that if it’s overcast and raining, have a Plan B. Try to get as far out from under the weather while staying within the zone of totality. He said that’s why Indianapolis is a great place to plan to see it. Indy is a hub intersecting Interstates 65, 69, 70, and 74, plus it has multilane U.S. and state highways also spoking out in all directions.

If the weather is “iffy,” with puffy cumulus clouds, he said keep an eye out as the time of totality approaches. During 2017’s eclipse, he decided to bug out at the last minute as one huge cloud approached.

“We ran five or six miles south to outrun that cloud and made it just in time for totality to start. If you need to relocate, there are plenty of places and ways to do it. Just make sure you do it safely. Don’t stop on the side of the road, in the middle, or anything like that.”

EYES ON THE PRIZE: Many things will happen in the few fleeting minutes of totality, which will arrive just after 3 p.m. Eastern Time. McGlaun said folks will be tempted to shoot photos and video. Unless you are a professional photographer with the proper lenses and gear, he suggests taking it all in with just your eyes and other senses, unencumbered.

“If you see it, you will be changed. It is a wonderful, spiritual, jaw-dropping, and amazingly terrifying experience. It’s something that we’ve been given the gift to see. And we should take advantage of these gifts. You’re going to be fumbling with stuff, and you’re going to miss out on what you’re supposed to be looking at, which is the most amazing thing you have ever seen. There are apps out there now that are designed to capture it, but I can guarantee you that you won’t capture what you’ve experienced. Look up from your phone and look up to the sky.”

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Back Pages My

Senior editor reflects on 35-year body of work covering co-ops

BY RICHARD G. BIEVER

“Don’t look back,” legendary baseball pitcher Satchel Paige used to advise. “Something might be gaining on you.” For most of us, that something is time. But in our headlong rush around life’s bases, a glance over the shoulder is sometimes appropriate. This is mine. This is my final issue as senior editor of Indiana Connection. After 35 years and two months, 422 monthly issues, I will be retired by the time this lands in mailboxes in March. My final day was Feb. 2, Groundhog Day.

I hope I won’t be waking every morning to “I Got You, Babe,” the Sonny and Cher oldie that awakened Bill Murray every day in the movie “Groundhog Day,” as he was stuck reliving the same day, over and over again. But, I do hope to work on improving myself a little each day as Murray’s character ended up doing with his daily do-overs.

Before pressing on to a new chapter, I’ve looked back on the past pages. In my (now old) office are two shelves holding all the bound volumes of this publication. The top row is all the issues from when it began in July 1951 to December 1988. It was originally called Indiana Rural News, then Electric Consumer. The bottom shelf picks up with January 1989, when I arrived, and runs to present as Indiana Connection. Over the past months, I found myself running my fingers across the books on the second shelf. Occasionally, I’ve pulled one out and wistfully thumbed through the pages. Reading stories I’d written when I was half my current age spun me back down the years — the way an old song does when it pops up on the radio. I recall the details and the people of that story — and that time and place in my life, as well. I’ve dog-eared many of these pages and memories in my mind.

The first story I worked on was for the February 1989 issue. I visited the edges of a coal mine in northern Daviess County on a misty, cold, gray January day. An entrepreneur, who was apparently part alchemist, set up a small-scale operation there that removed sulfur from coal using dry-cleaning fluid and old equipment from a chocolate factory he bought at auction. Though it sounded a little far-fetched, his efforts to take it utility scale were backed by groups in the electric and coal industries. Back then, burning high-sulfur coal was linked to acid rain falling on the Northeast U.S. and Canada. If this cleaning process

could keep Indiana’s high-sulfur coal viable and reduce acid rain, this was big. For a 27-year-old guy coming from a suburban Indianapolis newspaper — where covering interstate fatalities and murderers for four years had worn me thin — this was fulfilling and fascinating stuff.

Oy, how things changed in 35 years. Acid rain was solved in part by utilities and an act of Congress, but it was a sprinkle compared to global climate change linked to greenhouse gases that has dominated the electric industry since. Over the years, I’ve written about these concerns and the new technologies — wind and solar farms — that are cleaner, albeit less reliable, than fossil fuels. I’ve written about new considerations of nuclear power, development of hydrogen fuel cells and capturing waste gases from landfills and large dairy farms to generate electricity. And I’ve written about the co-op programs promoting energy efficiency and home construction techniques that reduce a home’s carbon footprint, save consumers money and make their homes more comfortable. That’s a feel-good story for everybody.

While energy topics were always important, I’ve written about other rural issues like healthcare, economic opportunities and the devastation caused by the scourge of methamphetamine. But my favorite stories have been the softer features about co-op consumers and Indiana.

I’ve loved writing about Indiana’s connections to: Abraham Lincoln; Gus Grissom; “Old Ironsides” (the U.S.S. Constitution), whose new white oak timbers come from the woods at Crane Naval base; and baseball Hall of Famers Gil Hodges and Hank Aaron. I loved covering the school kids and teacher who successfully lobbied for the firefly as the state insect; and state DNR officials who let me tag along as they banded baby bald eagles and barn owls.

Memorable markers

After 35+ years, 422 issues of the monthly publication, it would be impossible to list all my favorite stories, or even a smidgen of them and not leave out dozens. My “favorite story” always felt like the one I was working on at the time. But some of the most memorable stories or projects include:

WILLIE WIREDHAND: ICON IN THE ‘PANTHEON OF SPOKESPLUGS’

I’ve loved the stories and photos I’ve gathered: from the Indiana Dunes National Park and the state parks; from the banks of the Wabash and Ohio rivers to the scenic highways and bicycle trails; and from venturing deep into Indiana’s commercial caves, voyaging across the night sky with Indiana’s astronomical societies, and looking at the sun with this month’s cover story.

We often asked readers to write the cover story for us in the form of short recollections. Topics have included holiday traditions and memories, World War II, the JFK assassination, the Beatles at the state fair, 9/11 and the joy of living in rural Indiana. And from 1996-2005, we asked readers to illustrate the December cover story, too, with a Christmas tree ornament contest. It was always my pleasure to edit the written memories, photograph the hand-crafted ornaments and then present those pages. The ornament contest introduced me to Maria Fedyniak, a consumer who created intricate, traditional pysanky eggs she learned to make as a little girl in her native Ukraine. She became a dear friend who patiently tried to teach my wife, Beth, our children and me the skill. And in these pages, I even had a chance to share the personal story of our two children, now both 26 years old, who Beth and I adopted as babies from a Russian orphanage near Ukraine.

One of my favorite scenes from my favorite baseball movie, “The Natural,” has Robert Redford as the mythical Roy Hobbs pondering the probability his playing days are done. He looks up from a hospital bed to the love of his life, played by Glenn Close, and earnestly sighs, “God, I love baseball.” I feel the same way about the career electric co-ops and you all reading this have given me. I’m going to miss being a part of all this. This is going to sound sappy, but it’s sincere, when I say: God, I love co-ops. And I’ve loved sharing these stories and these pages with you.

Mascot Willie Wiredhand has been connecting electric co-ops to consumers since the 1950s. Enthusiastically, I jumped on Willie’s bandwagon when I came aboard. Willie proved he could still endear himself to new generations teaching electrical safety, efficiency and even geography. He’s helped illustrate many of the stories I’ve written over the years. All the friendly folks we know at our local co-op eventually will retire. But Willie’s friendly shining visage will live on.

BRINGING OUR LIGHT TO RURAL GUATEMALA

Spending three weeks with a group of linemen as they constructed the power lines and wired the huts to electrify a a poor village in rural Guatemala in the spring of 2019 was unforgettable. Basking in this “National Geographic” photographer opportunity, I was never more proud of the people and the organization with and for whom I work.

VALERIE JAMES: A FOREVER SMILE

No single story I’ve written affected me as deeply as this one in the summer of 1997. Valerie James was an extraordinary high school senior from Wolcott who was beloved by her peers and their parents around the state for her leadership in FFA and 4-H. She died in a car crash a few weeks before the county fair. My story was going to be how the community planned to support her animals at the fair. But her grieving family invited me in like a friend to share the story of her smile and deep Christian faith. And the story became profoundly more. Though I never met Valerie, thoughts of her touch me to this day.

STUDENT ART CONTEST AND CALENDAR

In 1998, longtime editor Emily Schilling, who retired in 2023, and I shared an idea to turn an informational wall calendar we had been producing for co-ops into a medium to encourage and reward student artists. The calendar would be illustrated with the winning works from a student art contest we held. Given 12 months of a year/12 grades of school, the format seemed natural: each grade was assigned its corresponding month. Kindergartners were assigned the cover. After almost 100,000 entries over 26 years, the art calendar remained one of my favorite projects.

Richard Biever leans in on his body of work — the bound volumes of 35 years with this publication. Biever started with Indiana Electric Cooperatives in December 1988, when the publication was called “Electric Consumer.” This is his final issue as senior editor. He retired Feb. 2.

HOOSIER ENERGY ANNOUNCES

W. EUGENE ROBERTS AND DANIEL L. SCHUCKMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Hoosier Energy announces the 2024 recipients of the W. Eugene Roberts and Daniel L. Schuckman Memorial Scholarships, given annually to students from Hoosier Energy member cooperatives attending the North American Lineman Training Center (NALTC) in McEwen, Tennessee.

Christopher Hollen from Whitewater Valley REMC and Logan Wilson of Daviess-Martin County REMC are this year’s winners.

Hollen grew up on a 150-acre cattle farm about five miles outside of Liberty, but he didn’t see his future in farming. What he did see was the REMC on his way to school every day with those big trucks planting the seed of becoming a lineman in his mind.

During his sophomore year of high school at Union County, he studied electricity at the career center in Connersville, fueling the idea of a career in the power industry.

Hollen made two visits to lineman schools, one in Cincinnati close to home and the other to NALTC. Five minutes into the drive home from Tennessee, he knew where he would attend.

“I was blown away,” Hollen said. “They talked lineman stuff, but beyond that, they talked about building your character, how to get a job, finances — it all really intrigued me…It was obvious that was where I needed to be.”

The decision would turn out to be just as obvious for Wilson, who grew up in Elnora. He got work experience in a lawncare business started by his older brother, which he continued along with his twin brother.

By his senior year of high school at North Daviess, Wilson knew he wanted to work outside. Doing what, he wasn’t sure yet.

While watching YouTube one day, a video about a lineman popped up, piquing his interest. Not knowing where to start, Wilson simply typed “top lineman schools” into his search. The first one to pop up was NALTC.

“I didn’t have any idea what to look for, but I kept reading about it and thought it would be a good fit,” he said. “It was the only one I looked at, and then I went to it.”

It was a decision he did not regret. As a matter of fact, his twin brother will be attending next semester, making Wilson a trendsetter for his family and his school.

Christopher Hollen (right) of Whitewater Valley REMC receives a certificate from Andy McComas of the North American Lineman Training Center.

Logan Wilson (right) of Daviess-Martin County REMC receives a certificate from McComas.

TACKLING MESSY spring projects

Before planning your spring cleaning or outdoor projects, consider ones you have perhaps been avoiding due to their “yuck” factor. Put on your grubby clothes, and let’s accomplish some messy or smelly but oh-so-satisfying DIY!

SKIP THE POPCORN

If you hate the look of popcorn ceilings, you are not alone. Not just unfashionable, they are also often unsightly and unsanitary. Dust, cobwebs, and years of kitchen or cigarette smoke can make them appear dingy. While not the tidiest process, popcorn removal is straightforward and requires simple tools.

Note: If your home was built before 1979, pick up an asbestos testing kit and test a small sample before starting this project.

Protect yourself from dust and debris with safety goggles and a dust mask or respirator. Secure plastic sheeting with painter’s tape to protect floors and fixtures. A sturdy ladder or scaffolding helps you safely reach a standard or cathedral ceiling. Fill a pump garden sprayer or spray bottle with hot water and soak small sections to moisten and loosen the popcorn. Then use a wide, flat-edged putty knife or drywall knife to easily scrape away the wet material.

Patch any imperfections in the newly bare surface with drywall joint

compound. Smooth them out with a sanding sponge and follow up with a damp sponge. Finally, grab a paint roller, roller covers, and an extension wand. Bare drywall is thirsty, so consider two coats of primer and up to two coats of ceiling paint. Roll up the debris in the sheeting and discard it.

STRIP AND START FRESH

Painted cabinets or furniture can seem dated, so try stripping them. If upcycling is your bag, this multipart (and time-consuming) process is well worth the effort. A heat gun helps soften up old layers of paint or varnish. Or pick up some paintstripping solution, heavy-duty rubber gloves, drop sheets, and a scraping tool when purchasing a new stain finish and applicators.

Next, chat with the experts at your local hardware store, review some online tutorials for extra confidence and give it a go. Set up extra tables or sawhorses in your garage to create

an assembly line and keep fumes out of the house. Finally, it’s a great time to update your pulls, handles, and hinges with a modern finish.

A WALL-VIVAL

Removing outdated wallpaper can be messy, but it’s easy with the right supplies. First, lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect your floors. If peeling off paper manually doesn’t cut it, grab a scoring tool to create small perforations in the paper. This allows a steamer or solvent to penetrate it and loosen the adhesive. Don’t be shy with remover solvent, as it may require a generous amount. After some time, use a wallpaper scraper or putty knife to gently remove long strips without damaging the wall underneath. Once all paper is removed, clean the wall with water and a small amount of dish soap. Repair any damage with spackle and sandpaper, then wipe down again before applying a fresh coat or two of paint.

By Brian Taylor

After 811? Respect the Tolerance Zone!

Busy dreaming of your spring projects? Contacting 811 is just the beginning.

Digging with care is just as important as contacting 811. The tolerance zone is an area where special care must be taken to dig near a buried utility. Regulations mandate a two-foot tolerance zone on either side of the marks on the ground and all around the utility itself.

If you can’t avoid digging near the paint or flags on the ground indicating a utility is present, it’s critical that you dig carefully with hand tools to avoid damaging the utility.

The size of the tolerance zone is always two feet plus half the width of the utility, so the size will change depending on the utility’s diameter.

The tolerance zone is an added safety feature designed to help you prevent hitting the buried utility!

Have more questions on safe digging? Visit our FAQs page to learn more.

Official Registration Card

PRESENT THIS CARD FOR THE FOLLOWING:

REGISTRATION • commerative 85th anniversary gift • PRIZE DRAWING

Detach and bring this card to the annual meeting on March 23.

voting instructions

The following voting options are available.

Voting began Feb. 21 and ends at 11:59 p.m. EDT on March 20.

VOTING BY MAIL

• Complete your paper ballot by filling in the boxes next to your selections.

• Mail completed ballot in return envelope provided to: Survey & Ballot Systems, P.O. Box 46430, Eden Prairie, MN 55344.

• Envelopes must be returned by March 20.

• Please allow sufficient time for delivery.

VOTING ONLINE

• To access the login page of the official SEIREMC 2024 Director Election, please type directvote.net/SEIREMC into the address bar located at the top of your internet browser screen.

• You will need your Member Number and Election Passcode to log in. (This information can be found on the ballot mailed to you.)

• Do not mail your ballot if you plan to vote online.

SMARTHUB: VOTE IN THE APP OR ONLINE

• App: Open your SmartHub app, log in and click the “Vote Now” button.

• Online: Log in to your SmartHub online account and click the “Vote Now” button.

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

Brad Bentle District 2

Kevin Grosse District 2

David Smith District 3

Mike Thieman District 6

Please bring this card with you to the annual meeting on Saturday, March 23.

Do not throw this card away!

Tear it off and keep it. It’s your ticket to the annual meeting.

Versailles, IN 47042

Interactive activities presented by:

Angela Dabney of Hoosier Energy

SEI

Generac

Rebate

Power

Energy

Hoosier

Lunch will be available from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. All

will go to the Hopewell Baptist Church for its “Operation Christmas Child” project fundraiser.

Lindsay Zehren of Resounding Joy Indiana BUSINESS

Reports on the state of the co-op

Special guest speakers include:

John Cassady, Chief Executive Officer of Indiana Electric Cooperatives

Donna Walker, President & Chief Executive Officer of Hoosier Energy DIRECTOR

Districts 2, 3, and 6

Must be present to win.