CO-OP NEWS

www.hcremc.com

CONTACT US 800-248-8413 Fax: 765-529-1667

OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday

STREET ADDRESS 3400 S. State Road 3 New Castle, IN 47362

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box D New Castle, IN 47362

A night deposit box is available 24 hours a day.

EMAIL hcremc@hcremc.com

SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS To report a power outage, please call 800-248-8413, day or night.

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Henry County REMC is to provide reliable, safe and cost-competitive electrical service to enhance the lives of our members and the communities we serve.

BILL DUE DATES Bills mailed Nov. 15 are due Dec. 4. Bills mailed Nov. 30 are due Dec. 12. Bills mailed Nov. 9 are due Nov. 27.y.

Know what’s below.

Call 811 before you dig!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ HenryCountyREMC

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

www.twitter.com/ HenryCountyREMC During this year’s Day of Caring, Henry County REMC employees partnered with Henry County – Remove Invasive Plant Species.

Giving thanks

AND GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITIES

During this month of November, I can’t help thinking about the things I am thankful for such as family, friends, a roof over my head and having the opportunity to serve the members of Henry County REMC. As your hometown energy cooperative, Henry County REMC strives to serve our members and give thanks to the communities we serve, no matter the time of year.

Last month, Henry County REMC partnered with United Way to do a project-based effort in Henry County, also known as Day of Caring. Day of Caring is an annual volunteer celebration when employees of HCREMC and members of the community come together to give thanks to the communities we serve. This year, our employees joined Henry County – Remove Invasive Plant Species (HC-RIPS) to remove invasive species from a Henry County woods near Big Blue River. Employees were given the task of removing what was referred to as “our number one enemy today,” honeysuckle! HC-RIPS strives for a county free of invasive plants and full of native plants that support birds, bees and butterflies ... as well as people. Now, Henry County REMC is a part of the effort!

This holiday season, I hope you find a way to give back to your community. Whether that be through food drives, donations, or giving a little bit of your time to someone in need. We are thankful for you, and this is just one way we are here to serve you and our local communities. Happy Thanksgiving!

Luke Lannan and Cody Walker pause after a long day cutting back invasive plants in one of our county’s heavily wooded areas. Henry County REMC employee Monica Sexton (left), along with another community volunteer, helped remove honeysuckle near Big Blue River.

MELISSA TRUE

2022-23 Board of Directors

DISTRICT 1 Brian Becker

Chairman

DISTRICT 2 Shane Young

Vice Chairman

DISTRICT 3 Nate LaMar

DISTRICT 4 (Vacant)

DISTRICT 5 Sam Sparks

Secretary

DISTRICT 6 Jamey Marcum

Treasurer

DISTRICT 7 Wayne Jester

DISTRICT 8 Jay Carr

DISTRICT 9 Curtis Poore

Be prepared for

WINTER STORMS

When winter temperatures drop and storms hit, it can be challenging to stay safe and warm. Winter storm severity varies depending on where you live, but nearly all Americans are affected by extreme winter storms at some point. Henry County REMC cares about your safety, and we want you to be prepared.

Heavy snow and ice can lead to downed power lines, leaving co-op members without power. During extremely low temperatures, this can be dangerous. During a power outage, our crews will continue to work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power, but there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself

Stay warm

Plan to use a safe alternate heating source, such as a fireplace or woodburning stove during a power outage. These are great options to keep you and your loved ones warm, but exercise caution when using, and never leave the heating source unattended. If you are using gasoline-, propane- or natural gas-burning devices to stay warm, never use them indoors. Remember that fuel- and wood-burning sources of heat should always be properly ventilated. Always read the manufacturer’s directions before using.

Stay fed

The CDC recommends having several days’ supply of food that does not need to be cooked handy. Crackers, cereal, canned goods and bread are good options. Five gallons of water per person should also be available in the event of an extended power outage.

Stay safe

When an outage occurs, it usually means power lines are down. It is best not to travel during winter storms, but if you must, bring a survival kit along, and do not travel alone. If you encounter downed lines, always assume they are live. Stay as far away from the downed lines as possible, and report the situation to our dispatchers by calling 800-248-8413 if possible.

Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous, and planning ahead can often be the difference between life and death. Henry County REMC is ready for what Mother Nature has in store, and we want you to be ready, too. For more winter safety tips, visit

www.ready.gov/winter-weather.

Welcome, new employees

Joanna Penticuff

Customer Service Representative FAMILY

Daughter of Patrick and Jacquelyn Penticuff of New Castle. Has one sister and three brothers.

Jordan Raley

Groundsman

FAMILY

Has one brother and two sisters. Excited to welcome his daughter, Oakley Leanne, this December.

FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB

Terminating the wire inside the J box and getting to know his coworkers.

FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB

Posting payments

HOBBIES

Hunting, golfing and spending time with family

HOBBIES

Watching NFL football, listening to gospel music, walking her dog

WHY HCREMC?

She is obtaining her degree in business and wanted a relevant office position

FAVORITE QUOTE

“Strive for progress, not perfection.”

WHY HCREMC?

Jordan chose HCREMC after job shadowing his sophomore year of high school. “HCREMC is everything I have looked for in a company. They’re compassionate towards you, want to see you advance in your career, and they’re family-friendly. HCREMC puts safety and family first!”

FAVORITE QUOTE

“Si Vis Pacem Bellum” which is Latin for “If you want peace, prepare for war”

2022 ANNUAL MEETING PRIZE WINNERS

Thank you to those who attended the Henry County REMC drive-thru Annual Meeting on Oct. 7. Hart Electric Lawn Mower Jacob Conyers Hart Electric Lawn Mower Butch Baker Hart Electric Lawn Mower Maurice True Weber Outdoor Electric Grill Jose Castillo $350 Billing Credit Jessica Stearns $300 Billing Credit Lana Smucker $250 Billing Credit Jay Davis $200 Billing Credit Nathaniel Neal $150 Billing Credit Nicholas Edwards $150 Billing Credit Philip Sachtleben $150 Billing Credit Kathy Luellen $150 Billing Credit Ronald Orebaugh $150 Billing Credit John Bittner $150 Billing Credit Barry Edstene $150 Billing Credit Katy Nelson $150 Billing Credit Robert Hayworth $150 Billing Credit Heather Bray $100 Billing Credit Jeffrey Fernung $100 Billing Credit Joel Magiera $100 Billing Credit Jeff Myers $100 Billing Credit Sarah Kieninger $50 Billing Credit Jeffrey Yergin 2022 UNPLANNED OUTAGE HOURS BY CAUSE

40% Transmission (Duke, Hoosier) 31% Trees

13% Public (Vehicles, Dig-Ins, etc.) 8% Animals

5% Design/Equipment Failure 2% Unknown

1% Weather