Kosciusko REMC - September 2024 Indiana Connection

Come to Family Safety Day on Sept. 14

Kosciusko REMC’s

A TRAILBLAZER

IN HER FIELD Elaine Smith traded a teaching career for the FBI and took on Chicago’s organized crime Page 20-23

SEPTEMBER 2024

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An inspiring lady

from the editor

One of the things I like most about my job is getting the opportunity to meet new people. I have met some interesting people in my short time at Indiana Connection, and Elaine Smith, profiled in our September feature, is no exception.

Elaine and her husband, Tom, came to our office so we could take photos for our feature story about her career in the FBI. After being a teacher for almost a decade, she switched careers and became one of the first female FBI agents in the Chicago bureau. During a tour of our office, she told Kiley (our photographer for this story) and me some stories about that time in her life.

Tom was also an FBI agent, and they said Elaine was the first FBI spouse to join the program after marrying an agent. They joked that some people thought her joining the agency would lead to a divorce, but over 50 years later, these high school sweethearts are going strong.

The Smiths have one daughter, and I thought it was amazing that their daughter was 7 years old when Elaine got a break in her case with Ken Eto and Chicago organized crime. She said that although it was a lot to juggle,

VOLUME 74 • NUMBER 3 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: 11805 Pennsylvania Street Carmel, IN 46032 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org IndianaConnection.org INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Steve McMichael President Dr. Richard Leeper Vice President Jamey Marcum Secretary/Treasurer

she and Tom had help from Tom’s mother to make sure everything was

John Cassady CEO

covered at home.

EDITORIAL STAFF: Britt Davis Editor

Elaine also mentioned that she had a soft spot for people who work with electricity. Her father worked to bring electricity to parts of Kentucky after the Rural Electrification Act in the 1930s. That experience allowed him to become an electrician in Chicago after WWII. Elaine said she will always be thankful for his electrician career because it enabled him to pay for her and her sister to attend college.

The Smiths are warm and engaging, and Kiley and I enjoyed talking to them.

I hope you take the time to read our feature inside and feel as inspired by her story as I do.

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.

Britt Davis Editor bdavis@indianaec.org

On the menu: December: “Leftover revamps” ­­—

you.

Submit your favorite recipes that utilize leftovers, deadline Oct. 1.

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

Giveaway: Enter to win a signed copy of, “A Gun in My Gucci” by Elaine Smith.

Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is Sept. 30.

Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, letters and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032.

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

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

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032. Include key number.

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

SEPTEMBER 2024

3

contents

SEPTEMBER

14

18

03 FROM THE EDITOR

12 INDIANA EATS Pick up a cup of coffee and a new furry friend at one of Indiana’s cat cafés

18 FOOD These bacon recipes add some sizzle to any time of day

14 COUNTY DeKalb County

20 COVER STORY Elaine Smith was a trailblazer in the FBI and took on Chicago’s organized crime

county

05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative 10 ENERGY Co-ops collaborate to power through outages

food

16 SAFETY Pay attention to power lines during fall harvest time

20

Indiana Connection

travel

cover story

26 PROFILE Ryan Stuthers, Tipmont

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

29

28 HOOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS 29 TRAVEL Retreat to beautiful Holtkamp Winery for an experience a decade in the making (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS) 30 DIY Budget-friendly ways to lighten and brighten your home (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS)

On the cover Elaine Smith, a former FBI agent, visited the Indiana Connection office in July.

Read more about Smith’s extraordinary career and her involvement with card shark and mob-informant Ken Eto in this month’s cover feature.

4 SEPTEMBER 2024

co-op news CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY AT

FAMILY SAFETY DAY

www.kremc.com CONTACT US Local: 574-267-6331 Toll-Free: 800-790-REMC EMAIL mail@kremc.com OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m.– 4 p.m., Monday– Friday ADDRESS 370 S. 250 E., Warsaw, IN 46582 SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS To report a service interruption after hours, please call 574-267-6331 or 800-790-REMC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tony Fleming, Chairman Dan Tucker, Vice Chairman John Hand, Secretary/Treasurer Tyler Bouse Pam Messmore Steve Miner Rick Parker Loretta Schafer Todd Smith

SYSTEM MAINTENANCE During fall months, HVAC technicians are typically less busy, making this an excellent time for maintenance and any necessary repairs before the winter months.

A qualified technician can clean filters, check for leaks and ensure all system components are working efficiently to keep your home cozy and warm when the temperatures begin to drop.

- Energy.gov

Use your Co-op Connections Card to save at local businesses Wings Etc. 3416 Lake City Hwy, Warsaw, IN 574-268-2299 wingsetc.com/warsaw Offer: 10% off purchase (Excludes alcohol)

FOLLOW KOSCIUSKO REMC ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM AND X

September brings more opportunities for our cooperative to engage with the community at some exceptional events we are proud to support. Family Safety Day is Saturday, September 14, at Warsaw Central Park. The Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory always does an outstanding job with this family-oriented function.

It’s a bustling, fun day offering a wide variety of health and safety resources, demonstrations, and activities for the kids. KREMC is excited to return as a sponsor of the event. Our linemen will be presenting a high-voltage, live-line demonstration with our newly constructed demonstration trailer. We’ll also have some other surprises at our booth that day, so make sure to stop by and say “Hi.” The Builders Association of North Central Indiana’s Homes on Parade is an event that our subsidiary, Kosciusko Connect, has supported for several years now. This year’s Parade features seven incredible area homes. We have more details about the event later in this issue of Indiana Connection.

Also in this month’s issue, you’ll find our yearly Operation Round Up funds report. Year after year our membership funds this grant program that does so much good in our community.

Be sure to follow our social media and visit the KREMC blog page on our website to read about the non-profit organizations that receive the Operation Round Up grants and how they put those generous contributions to good use. I promise you will find inspiration in the stories they have to share.

Once again, that important principle, concern for community is driving our activities here at the co-op, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Enjoy the remainder of the summer and make the most of all that our vibrant community has to offer.

KURT CARVER President and CEO

KREMC rates and rebates RATES

REBATES

Residential and farm service Service charge ............................$29.50 per month Kilowatt-hour (kWh) charge ......@$.0922 per kWh Tracker charge ...................... @$.006779 per kWh

Electric water heaters 50 gallons or larger: • Gas to electric replacement — $125 • New construction water heater — $125 • Geothermal desuperheater — $50

Outdoor lights* 40w LED........................................$8.75 per month 70w LED......................................$12.25 per month

HVAC: • Geothermal system installation — $250 • Air-source heat pump system — $150 • Programmable thermostat — up to $25 Visit kremc.com for complete guidelines and restrictions. Additional rebates can be found at powermoves.com.

SEPTEMBER 2024

5

co-op news

Meet one of our John H. Anglin Scholarship recipients Every year Kosciusko REMC awards 10 $1,000 John H. Anglin scholarships to members who are pursuing higher education. We always look forward to shining a spotlight on some of our scholarship recipients.

KREMC: Please tell us a little

way for me to put my talents to use. I

KREMC: Have you been involved

bit about yourself and your

will attend Indiana University this fall,

in any notable extracurricular

background.

eventually go to law school, and then

activities, volunteer work, or

become an attorney to help those

leadership roles that have shaped

around me.

your character and skills?

KREMC: Can you share some

From when I was young, I was told

My name is Katelyn Stump, and I am from Silver Lake, Indiana. I have always lived in Kosciusko County, and I have been involved in many organizations within my time in school dedicated towards helping to better my community. I did KYLA (Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy) and co-founded a non-profit dedicated to planting native trees locally through this organization. I was the secretary of the Student Council at TVHS and the president of my school’s chapter of National Honor Society. I was a team captain of the varsity swim team, involved in art club, mock trial, sunshine society, and JAG. I have always been very involved in my

details about the field of study you've chosen and why it

in my life. I have always been very

I decided to major in International

this somehow exempted me from

Law and Institutions and hopefully minor in Spanish because I would like to become an attorney to help my community. I find law to be immensely interesting, and I love the idea of taking something that interests me and making a career out of it. As an attorney, I would be able to reach areas of the community that tend to be overlooked, and I am looking forward

school as well as my community!

KREMC: What inspired you to

KREMC: Were there any specific

do you envision it contributing to

challenges or obstacles you faced during your educational journey,

your future goals?

and how did you overcome them?

I have always known that I wanted

The challenge that I tended to run

to attend college, even when I did not know where I would find myself.

Both of my parents went to college and encouraged me to follow in their footsteps, and due to my dedication to my academics, I feel confident that I will do well. I strive to leave the world a better place, and I feel as if attending college with the end goal of becoming an attorney is the best

6 SEPTEMBER 2024

entirely understand what that meant

resonates with you?

to dedicating my time to my career.

pursue higher education, and how

that I was a leader, but I did not

into was self-doubt. At times, I felt as

calm and reserved, and I worried that the role that so many thought I was capable of. When I became NHS president, Student Council secretary, and involved in KYLA, I realized the nuances of the term “leader.” I realized that I was capable of making tough decisions, speaking to and for my peers, guiding those around me, and ultimately changing things for the better. Every organization I was in taught me that I was capable of things I never realized, changing me into the person that I am today.

KREMC: Are there any professors, mentors, or role models who have had a significant impact on your academic and personal

if I got myself involved into so many

development?

organizations and so invested into my

My fifth-grade teacher, Jennifer

academics that I would inevitably fail at something, but I knew that I had to push through to get to my end goal.

I realized that it was okay to struggle at balancing everything, and allowing myself to say no or ask for help was perfectly healthy.

Gunder, has shaped me into the person that I am today, and I am forever grateful for her. I think that it takes a really special person to have such an impact on you from a fairly early educational age, but that is exactly what she has done

co-op news for me. She challenged me, trusted

proud of and the skills it helped

KREMC: Finally, what does

me, believed in me, and allowed me

you develop?

receiving this scholarship mean to

to understand myself better. She is the biggest advocate for kindness, and she embodies exactly what she teaches. I had this false notion that I was perhaps too kind or too soft, but Mrs. Gunder made me realize that caring is not a flaw, but in fact, the polar opposite. I have carried her lessons and kind nature with me throughout my time in school, and I would not be where I am today without her.

KREMC: How do you plan to give back to your community or make a positive difference in society once you've completed your higher education?

The thing that I find really appealing

An academic achievement that I’m really proud of is placing third in

you, and how will it support your educational endeavors?

my class. I worked very hard in my

Receiving this scholarship was

academics, and I was so excited

immensely flattering and I am

when I found out my rank. I learned

beyond grateful for it. It feels as if my

a lot from chasing a good rank and it

efforts and achievements have been

helped me grow. My best friends were

recognized, and I feel much more

first and second, and I realized that

relieved about being able to achieve

I could be so overwhelmingly proud

my goals. Due to this scholarship, my

of them and myself, even though

higher education has become more

I did not end up where I strived to

affordable, allowing me to feel much

be. I learned that chasing glory in

more confident in my ability to pay for

the form of a number did not define

both my undergraduate schooling and

my character, it demonstrated my

law schooling. I am forever thankful

academic success. I was equally

for the opportunity to receive this

proud of myself and my academics.

scholarship and the time and effort put in by the board members to make this possible.

about law is that there are so many opportunities to help the world around me while doing something that I love, and I believe that providing justice for the people of my community will positively impact society.

KREMC: Are there any specific research projects, internships, or study abroad opportunities you're looking forward to pursuing during your academic journey?

Yes! My major requires me to both study abroad and hold an internship, which I find to be so exciting. I’m excited to get to explore more cultures while abroad, and I am ready to have some in-depth law experience through an internship!

KREMC: Can you share a significant academic achievement or project that you're particularly

SEPTEMBER 2024

7

co-op news

OPERATION ROUND UP GRANTS AWARDED BETWEEN JULY 1, 2023, AND JUNE 30, 2024 GRANTEE

DATE

AMOUNT

Hope’s Harbor Family Hospitality Homes

09/05/2023

5,000.00

Kosciusko Community YMCA

09/05/2023

2,500.00

Living in Transition Effectively

09/05/2023

1,500.00

Grace Village Health Care Facility

09/05/2023

3,246.00

Boomerang Backpacks, Inc.

09/05/2023

5,000.00

Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana

09/05/2023

2,500.00

Lutheran Social Services of Indiana, Inc.

09/05/2023

3,000.00

HearCare Connection, Inc.

09/05/2023

2,500.00

Combined Community Services

12/05/2023

5,000.00

Fellowship Missions

12/05/2023

5,000.00

The Diocese of Northern Indiana of Episcopal Church

12/05/2023

1,000.00

Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church

12/05/2023

3,000.00

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana, Inc.

12/05/2023

2,195.00

Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center

12/05/2023

2,500.00

Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory

03/05/2024

1,931.00

Little Lambs Preschool/Daycare Ministry, Inc.

03/05/2024

5,000.00

Tippecanoe Valley Middle School

03/05/2024

2,500.00

The Center for Whitley County Youth

03/05/2024

5,000.00

Warsaw Area Career Center

03/05/2024

3,000.00

Stillwater Hospice

03/05/2023

2,500.00

Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church

03/05/2024

5,000.00

The Mom of an Addict, Inc.

03/05/2024

1,000.00

Kate’s Kart, Inc.

03/05/2024

4,000.00

Baker Youth Club

06/04/2024

4,000.00

Cardinal Services, Inc. of Indiana

06/04/2024

2,000.00

Curriculum Opportunities and Resources for Educators (CORE)

06/04/2024

2,177.00

Joe’s Kids

06/04/2024

3,000.00

Kosciusko County Council on Aging & Aged, Inc. DBA Kosciusko Community Senior Services

06/04/2024

5,000.00

LifeTouch Ministries & Counseling Center

06/04/2024

2,000.00

Milford Food Bank

06/04/2024

5,000.00

Operation Read

06/04/2024

1,000.00

TOTAL

$98,049.00

8 SEPTEMBER 2024

DON’T MISS THE 2024 HOMES ON PARADE Kosciusko Connect is proud to return as the gold sponsor of the 2024 Homes on Parade. The event will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 20, 21, and 22. The Builders Association of North Central Indiana will feature seven incredible homes in Kosciusko County.

Tickets are $5 and allow entry into all seven Parade homes.

Veterans, Active-Duty Military and children under 12 are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at each Parade home, Warsaw and Plymouth Martin’s Super Markets, the BANCI office or online at buildnci.com.

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energy

Powering through outages Electric co-ops collaborate to ensure reliable electricity serves the community A flickering light during a

immediately. Generation and

substations when unexpected

thunderstorm may be the first

transmission cooperatives, which

incidents require longer repairs.

time people think about their

manage high-voltage power lines

These arrive on-site and provide

electric service.

transporting electricity from power

the electrical service the substation

plants, also monitor their lines

usually offers while the site is offline

and substations. They can detect

for service or repairs. The mobile

issues when they occur and resolve

substations can be invaluable to

them quickly.

quickly provide service while an

Fortunately, that flickering light can be a sign that the energy grid is performing as designed — minimizing service disruption to families and

emergency repair or maintenance

businesses.

is completed.

many people at your local electric

Technology quickens response while ensuring minimal disruption

cooperative and the generation and

New technology seems to be

transmission cooperatives serving

everywhere, and that includes

them are constantly planning and

the energy grid. Substations, for

investing in technology to ensure

instance, frequently have multiple

that electricity flows all day, every

transmission lines serving a site. If

day. When there is a mishap or

something unexpected happens, a

outage, they work quickly to resolve

changeover switch can detect the

the problem — many times without

issue and switch to the alternate

a service interruption to families and

line, ensuring continuous service

businesses. There are several ways

while the issue can be addressed.

that technology supports continuous

This can sometimes be the

service and minimal downtime during

momentary flickering lights that

outages and emergencies.

people may notice.

Real-time monitoring maximizes response time

Mobile substations provide service during outages

COO/Energy Advisor

Electric cooperatives monitor service

Generation and transmission

Fulton County REMC

in various ways to detect issues

cooperatives can dispatch mobile

Few people think about electricity until an outage occurs. Fortunately,

10 SEPTEMBER 2024

From parents’ morning coffeemakers to children’s nightlights, people expect their electrical devices, appliances, and systems to always work. Fortunately, countless people make it their job to ensure that the energy grid can reliably and safely deliver affordable power. They work to help power you through your day.

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county feature

DeKalb County Known as “The Home of the Classics,” DeKalb County in northeastern Indiana features four automotive museums honoring the county’s rich classic car heritage.

A CENTURY OF PICKLING The town of St. Joe has celebrated its Pickle Festival every July since 2000. Featuring a variety of activities like a pickle-eating contest and a volleyball tournament, the festival honors Sechler’s Pickle Factory, founded in 1921. Ralph Sechler leased two pickle-receiving stations for farmers to bring their cucumbers, and he initially shipped brined pickles Photo courtesy of St. Joe Pickle Festival to processors like the D.M. Sears Company in Fort Wayne. After this company went bankrupt during the Great Depression, Sechler and his wife, Anna, began pickling in their home kitchen. As their business grew, they converted their barn into a factory and established Sechler’s Pickles in 1948.

Today, the company remains dedicated to traditional pickling methods and continues offering its original 1920s recipes, like its Genuine Dills and Candied Sweet Orange Strip Pickles.

COUNTY FACTS FOUNDED: 1835

NAMED FOR: Johann de Kalb, a French military officer in the American Revolutionary War

POPULATION: 43,265

COUNTY SEAT: Auburn

Photo courtesy of Martha’s Popcorn Stand

INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 17 Photo courtesy of Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival

AUBURN’S TIMELESS TREAT Martha’s Popcorn Stand has been a downtown Auburn staple since the 1940s. Martha Falka, who worked at Auburn Automobile Company, opened her original popcorn business in a restaurant next to Carbaugh Jewelers, which remains on 7th Street in downtown Auburn. When a local car salesman donated his small office space to Falka, her popcorn stand moved in and has been there for over 70 years. The popcorn stand’s current owner, Jordan Yarde, serves fresh buttery popcorn and homemade caramel corn from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, from May to September.

12 SEPTEMBER 2024

REVVING UP HISTORY Every Labor Day weekend since 1971, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival celebrates automotive history with an 800-car cruise-in, live music, food trucks, and a collector car auction. The festival collaborates with the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum.

Founded in 1974, the museum is dedicated to preserving cars the Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg motor companies produced in the early 20th century. It is housed in an Art Deco building that was once the Auburn Automobile Company’s headquarters and showroom. It offers seven galleries across three floors with over 120 classic and antique luxurious cars.

Nicole Thomas is a freelance writer from Indianapolis.

Auburn

St. Joe

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE YOUTH POWER AND HOPE AWARDS OCT. 4 Indiana Connection and Indiana’s electric cooperatives are proud to sponsor the Youth Power and Hope Awards program. Since 2009, the program has annually honored Indiana youth in grades 5-8 for their community service. Past winners’ community projects have included raising money for Riley Hospital for Children and donating toys for its patients, collecting coats for the less fortunate, and providing police officers with stuffed animals to comfort children in crisis situations. Could a communityminded young person you know be one of our next winners? Encourage him/ her to apply!

Up to five qualified candidates will receive $500 and be featured in an upcoming issue of Indiana Connection, among other recognition.

For more information and to complete an application, visit indianaconnection.org/youthpowerandhope.

The deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 4.

MARKETPLACE Our Marketplace offers maximum exposure for your business or organization at a minimal cost.

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Indiana eats

A purrfect combination Pick up a cup of coffee and maybe a new furry friend at one of Indiana’s cat cafés After the first cat café opened in Taiwan in 1998 and became a global tourist destination, they spread like a

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fertile field of catnip throughout Japan, England, and

5015 Hwy 46, Unit O Bloomington, IN 47404

Canada. The first in the United States opened its doors

btownmeow.com

in California in 2014, acting as a bridge between shelters

Along with steaming or icy beverages and purring lap

and new homes for cats. Since then, more than a dozen cat cafés have sprung up across Indiana, offering food, beverages, and plenty of creative activities.

NINE LIVES CAT CAFÉ

regular and special events like bingo and Kitty Kids Camp.

The café was opened in November 2023 by Amber Moore and her daughter, Karrah.

1315 Shelby St. #1 Indianapolis, IN 46203

Visitors can view the cat lounge from the coffee shop side

ninelivescatcafe.com

whiskered little wonders from Bloomington Animal Shelter,

If you didn’t know that

or select a gift, from key chains to hoodies, to reflect their

a hug around the neck

love of cats.

by a gray feline with penetrating green eyes was exactly what you needed, Nine Lives Cat Café in the Fountain Square neighborhood of Weeble, the resident "Love Monster" at Nine Lives Cat Café

snugglers, Btown Meow Cat Café in Bloomington offers

Indianapolis is the place to discover that it is.

Among his adoptable peers, Weeble is the resident “Love

with a sweet treat, reserve a spot to socialize with the

CAT LADY CAFÉ 401 E. Colfax Ave., Suite 104 South Bend, IN 46617 catladycafesouthbend.com Kim Sult, owner of Cat Lady Café in South Bend, estimates that “rescue math” means that two lives are saved with every cat adoption — the one who has found a loving home and the rescued one who will take its place in the

Monster.” Nine Lives, opened by father and daughter Eric

cat lounge.

and Selena Hubbard in 2016 and purchased by Kelley

Through her connection with the Humane Society of St.

Niiyama in 2020, is the premier cat café in Indiana.

Joseph County, the Cat Lady Café has helped create more

Nine Lives offers cat-themed merch, brewed, iced, bubbly,

than 120 new cat parents since March 2023.

or blended drinks, and fresh treats from 4 Birds Bakery.

Human guests can enjoy lemonade blends, flavored lattes

It hosts special events, from comedy shows to “Yoga with Cats.” Through its two cat lounges and connections to three shelters to vet adoptive pet parents, around 2,000 cats and kittens have found forever homes through Nine Lives.

14 SEPTEMBER 2024

and brews from Bendix Coffee Roasters, baked treats from Thistle & Knead Gluten Free Bakery and The Cakery, and regular and special events, from “Crochet with Cats” to bingo, mini golf, and “Cat Chats” with local veterinarians.

THE REGION CAT CAFÉ

The Region Cat Café

281 W. 80th Place Merrillville, IN 46410 theregioncatcafe.com With her close friend, Chef Jason, and foster-based rescue, Second Chance 4 Pets, The Region Cat Café owner Linda Ramos has helped over 400 cats find new homes since December 2021.

Chef Jason freshly makes soups, desserts, and signature sandwiches — like croissant chicken salad and roast beef with caramelized onions — daily. A beverage menu offers specialty hot or iced coffees, cold and warm drinks, and even beer and wine. Events have included painting with cats, a book club, and a free class on safe essential oils for cats.

Veni Fields is a journalist and freelance writer from Virginia Beach.

The lounges within the cat cafés may have age restrictions and fees. Check out their websites and social media accounts for detailed information and photos of prospective adoptees.

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safety

Be safe around electricity when moving farm equipment

will fit under the power lines, but

• Lower equipment properly. Ensure

that isn’t always the case. The

that equipment like grain augers and

biggest cause of electrocutions on

other portable equipment are fully

farms is equipment accidentally

lowered before transporting.

touching power lines.”

To prevent such dangerous

near power lines, having a spotter

incidents, Indiana Electric

can enhance safety by providing an

Cooperatives offers the following

extra set of eyes.

safety guidelines: • Observe your surroundings.

Always check above and around before moving or raising equipment. Remember, power lines can sag, especially in hot

As harvest season ramps up in

weather. Maintain a minimum

Indiana, farmers and their crews

clearance of 10 feet from all

are busy moving equipment to

power lines and poles.

and from the fields. This increased activity, however, raises the risk of accidents, especially involving electricity, cautioned Jon Elkins, vice president of safety, training and compliance at Indiana Electric Cooperatives.

“Combines and grain augers are large pieces of equipment,” said Elkins. “People assume everything

• Use a spotter. When navigating

• Plan your route. If there's any doubt equipment will clear a power line, opt for an alternative route.

• Stay put in emergencies. If you’re in equipment that touches power lines, stay in the cab and call for help. Tell others to stay away.

In the rare case of a fire and an emergency exit is necessary, jump

• Never try to raise power lines

clear without touching the ground

to allow tall equipment to pass

and the equipment simultaneously,

through. Even non-metallic

then shuffle with both feet together

objects like wood poles or

for at least 30 feet to avoid

branches can conduct electricity.

electrical shock.

• Be cautious around power

“Working the land has enough hazards

poles. Striking a pole can cause

in the work itself,” said Elkins. “With

it to break and drop live wires

care and planning, moving to and from

onto your equipment.

the fields shouldn’t be one of them.”

Knowledge is power Anyone who operates farm equipment and augers should be educated about safe operating procedures and hazards, including the possibility of coming in contact with electric lines. Be alert when you’re at work!

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food

Bring home the bacon

Bacon adds some sizzle to any time of day with these dishes

ROASTED POTATO SALAD Doris Anne Kahlert, Berne, Indiana 4 cups red potatoes Vegetable oil or cooking spray 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped 6 slices of bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled ¼ cup onion, finely chopped ½ to 1 cup of mayonnaise Salt and pepper Preheat the oven to 325 F. Scrub the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces, leaving the skins on. Roast on a lightly oiled baking sheet until tender, about 40 minutes. Cool.

Mix potatoes with eggs, bacon, onion, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to taste.

Chill thoroughly.

18 SEPTEMBER 2024

FOOD PREPARED BY INDIANA CONNECTI ON STAFF PHOTOS BY KILEY LIPPS

food BACON-WRAPPED CHICKEN BITES Jon Elkins, Martinsville, Indiana

1 lb. thick sliced bacon 4 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes 2

⁄3 cup brown sugar

2 Tbsp chili powder 1

⁄3 cup Franks hot sauce or to taste

Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix together the brown sugar, chili powder, and hot sauce. Marinate the chicken in the sauce while cutting the bacon strips in half to fit the chicken pieces. Wrap the bacon around the chicken.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.

SPINACH QUICHE

Patricia Piekarski, Harvey, Illinois

1 store-bought pie sheet, single crust, bake as directed ½ cup onion, chopped 6 slices of bacon, chopped 8 eggs, beaten ½ cup sour cream

¼ teaspoon salt Dash of pepper 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped 2

⁄3 cup mozzarella

cheese, shredded ½ cup Swiss cheese, shredded

½ cup milk In a skillet, cook onion and bacon until crisp, then drain. In a bowl, stir together eggs, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in onion mixture, spinach, and cheese. Pour the egg mixture into the hot baked pie shell. Bake 325 F for 45 to 50 minutes or until firmly set. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

SEPTEMBER 2024

19

Elaine Smith with her book, “A Gun in My Gucci.”

A TRAILBLAZER

IN HER FIELD Elaine Smith traded a teaching career for the FBI and took on Chicago’s organized crime

By Stephanie Bernaba Photos courtesy of Elaine Smith

E

laine Smith’s face holds a

The Smiths took some time to discuss

with whom she ultimately took down

thousand secrets, but one

her life on an early May morning

organized crime in Chicago.

would never know it at first

from their home in Carmel, Indiana,

glance. Sitting unassumingly on a

before heading to Chicago to consult

couch next to her greatest cheerleader

on a movie based on her life and

and husband, Tom, one would think

book, “A Gun in My Gucci.” The book

she’s sailed smoothly into retirement

chronicles her early career as one

after a relatively docile life.

of the FBI’s first female agents and her relationship with the mobster

20 SEPTEMBER 2024

Smith, one of the most prolific and accomplished women in FBI history, does not prefer the spotlight. She has been a most humble servant of the agency and does not take a single accolade she’s earned for granted.

FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO THE FBI

informants. After a botched mob hit

schoolteacher in Chicago during the

where Eto was shot in the head three

city’s infamous race riots.

In 1979, Smith was an elementary

times and survived, Smith was the

She shared that nothing, unfortunately,

school teacher. She followed Tom, an

only one to whom Eto would talk.

FBI agent, around the country, picking

With nothing else to lose, Eto declared

than some of the things she saw in

up teaching jobs each time he was

he was the property of the FBI and

Chicago during such a tumultuous

reassigned. When the couple learned

that he would spill everything he knew,

time. She even had her mobile 4th-

the FBI was recruiting female agents,

but only to Smith. During that time,

grade classroom burned to the ground

her husband encouraged her to join.

she came to know Eto, gathering

by rioters.

“Tom said women are starting to come

binders full of information that

into the forces, and I think you would

demolished every level of organized

could have been more disturbing

Smith also explained that as a young lady living in Chicago, she narrowly

be really good,” Smith remembered.

crime in Chicago.

With the unwavering support of her

During the True Crime Cases

said helped her begin to hone in

podcast with Lanie Hobbs on Aug.

on and commit details like license

3, 2020, Smith shared she was not

plate numbers and car makes and

afraid to take on such a dangerous

models to memory.

partner and high school sweetheart, and after over a decade as a teacher, Smith applied to become an agent.

According to Smith, the road to the

position due to her experience as a

escaped a kidnapping, which she

continued on page 22

position that would forever impact her life and country was decidedly tricky.

“When I joined the FBI,” Smith said, “there were so few women. In fact, in Chicago, there were six of us out of maybe 250 men, and they were not [our] friends. Most of them didn’t think that women would make very good agents.”

After earning her stripes at Quantico with only a handful of other women, Smith set out to take on organized crime.

THE RIGHT KIND OF CONFIDANTE Lacking confidence that she would be effective in her position, her supervisor assigned her an “old dog,” a cold case passed around from agent to agent but never solved. The subject of the case was Ken Eto, a JapaneseAmerican card shark who ran gambling operations all over Chicago.

Smith had made his acquaintance three times, introducing herself and chatting with him as an exercise in “getting out there” to talk to potential SEPTEMBER 2024

21

“When you solved an old dog,” Tom explained, “it’s really kind of a badge you wear. You solved the case.”

Solving that case propelled her to unprecedented success as a female in the agency, leading to multiple awards and eventually to her expert status in financial fraud and money laundering.

“They did recognize her quite a bit,” Tom explained. “She had a supervisor who completely backed her.”

“For some reason, I developed an ability to follow money,” Smith said.

“I became qualified as an expert in money laundering. I had a real interest in banking and flow.”

“Then they wanted her to go to Boston when they were doing the Whitey Bulger investigation,” Tom added.

“And she declined because she didn’t want to move around.”

The couple had one daughter, Kim, now 52, and vowed to provide stability for her, so they declined cases that

Ken Eto walks out of the hospital under federal protection after the murder attempt.

would take them away from home.

continued from page 21

Her relationship with Eto, over time,

A PIVOTAL ROLE IN THE 9/11 INVESTIGATION

Though she found that experience

also took on tender notes.

Smith took on a significant role after

particularly jarring, it helped prepare her for such a unique and demanding career.

However, she said that as an agent, she had been smart enough to avoid physical conflict.

“I hopefully always presented myself as friendly and approachable and not in an antagonistic way. And I think my husband taught me that,” she said.

“I thought they would always know that you have the upper hand, you’re the one with the gun, you’re the FBI

“I was like his daughter,” she said.

“He treated me wonderfully. I felt very beholding to try to take care of him.”

Smith advocated for Eto to receive a benefit to help him survive after his ordeal with the mob, which he was later awarded.

Sept. 11, 2001. After the attacks on the Twin Towers, she was tasked with reconstructing the financial histories of the 9/11 terrorists.

She explained that she was supervising a team of 26 during the attacks. She told her team that no one was leaving — they would work night

“When he passed away, I was unable

and day until the case was solved.

to attend his funeral, but I wrote a

She recalls this period as cooperative

memorial for him telling his family that

but highly stressful.

they will never really know what he did to provide justice.”

The case — and the event — took such an enormous emotional toll on

agent, you have backup. You have

Being handed the previously

her that she did not truly feel it until

no reason to be arrogant or act like

unsolvable Eto case was fortuitous

much later.

a jerk.”

for Smith.

22 SEPTEMBER 2024

“I didn’t realize actually how traumatic it was for me until a year later,” Smith said. “I was giving a speech, and I was

Smith receives her FBI credentials from her husband, Tom, who was an agent himself.

talking about it, and I burst out crying.

I think probably the most traumatic experience I ever had was working on that case and trying to solve it.”

Smith shared that at that time there was no training on how to endure some of the more difficult aspects of being an FBI agent.

“Nobody trained us for 9/11,” she said.

“Nobody trained you to see a dead body. Nobody trained you for when one of your informants is shot three times, rolled in a rug, thrown in an alley, and set on fire. No one can ever train you for that.” out if you have the right management,”

“Elaine’s story is amazing. I was struck

social network for helping her through.

Smith said.

by what a pioneer she was within the

In 2022, after 22 years of service to the FBI, 15 of which served

A MOVIE DEAL IN THE WORKS

concurrently with her husband,

The Smiths have been working with

bring down some of Chicago’s biggest

movie producer Donna Gigliotti since

mobsters — it’s a movie, for sure.”

She credits her husband and her

Smith retired. Since then, she has been invited to various speaking engagements to discuss her life in the agency, what it was like to be a trailblazer in her field, and to encourage women never to give up on their dreams.

2015 on a movie based on “A Gun in My Gucci.” Gigliotti is known for her work on Silver Linings Playbook (2013), Hidden Figures (2016), 80 for Brady (2023), and Shakespeare in Love (1998), for which she earned an

“Women should not be reticent about

Academy Award, among others.

trying, becoming an FBI agent,

Smith will continue to provide

or tackling different professional positions. You can always try to work it Smith in one of her classrooms in 1973. She worked as a teacher for over 10 years before joining the FBI.

consultation on the film and help groom actors for their roles. She is hopeful the movie, which will be released commercially, will come to fruition this year.

“I’m very grateful to have the book come to life on the screen,” she said.

FBI ranks in the 1980s. Add to that her unlikely alliance with Ken Eto — that these two outsiders managed to

After a storied career as one of the country’s first — and top — female FBI agents, Smith has shifted her focus to simpler things. She and her husband, both 79, enjoy spending time with their two granddaughters. The oldest is a senior at Indiana University, and the youngest is a freshman in high school.

She shared that the most important lesson she’s learned on this journey was to remain grounded in what is important.

“Your family and dear friends are the most important things in life,” she said.

“All the rest of it you can deal with, but

When asked if she would make a

they should always be number one on

cameo, Smith noted that she was too

your agenda.”

shy to appear in the film.

Gigliotti told Ann Marie Shambaugh of

“A Gun in My Gucci” is available wherever books are sold.

Current Publishing in January 2023, SEPTEMBER 2024

23

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24 SEPTEMBER 2024

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25

profile PROFESSIONAL PROGRESSION:

FAST TRACK TO ENGINEERING AND LEADERSHIP SUCCESS When Ryan Stuthers was pursuing an electrical engineering degree at Anderson University, he wasn’t sure what type of electrical engineer he wanted to be. “There are a lot of avenues you can take in that career field,” he said.

Though he was exposed to most avenues, one he had never heard about was electric cooperatives.

“I had no idea what an electric co-op was,” the Terre Haute native admitted. But passing through a career fair on campus his junior year, he ran into Ann Mears, careers and youth partnerships director at Indiana Electric Cooperatives.

That day, Mears introduced Stuthers to Indiana’s electric cooperatives. “I thought it was a fascinating concept and couldn’t believe I didn’t know anything about it.”

Their brief conversation led to followup emails and phone calls. Those led to a job shadowing opportunity at WIN Energy REMC and his “a-ha” moment. “They gave me an overview of not just co-op-specific things but all of the concepts that fall within the realm of distribution engineering, all of the technologies and their history and how it’s advancing,” he said. “What piqued my interest the most was connecting theory — the vast array of electrical engineering concepts from various college classes — to real-world application.”

Hardly a month after graduation, Stuthers was hired as Tipmont’s distribution engineer. Today, he’s the distribution system engineering supervisor. Like most jobs at electric

26 SEPTEMBER 2024

cooperatives, his positions covered many broad areas and have allowed him to pursue his diverse interests in electrical engineering concepts. The positions also gave him responsibility over engineering and advancing technology, which was unique among his college classmates who took other paths.

Stuthers said there’s never a dull moment. “When I first started, I think I can almost quote myself saying something naïve along the lines that I will have this job figured out in a year. I was very wrong. Because there continues to be new things to learn and new challenges.”

With his latest position, he said, “I’ve taken on a leadership role. You have to be able to communicate with lots of different people. Whether that’s people in member services, operations, other personnel in the office, or members. You must interact and engage with those people and be able to explain concepts that are pretty difficult to explain.”

Looking back, he noted that’s one aspect of his liberal arts university education he wasn’t sure he would use. Despite being on an engineering track, his professors emphasized the importance of communication, leadership skills, and empathy. Like all the engineering concepts, those skills serve him well today, too. “It’s crazy I’ve found myself in a position that emphasizes that so much — along with the technical expertise. The co-op is like a fast track to building interpersonal and leadership skills.”

RYAN STUTHERS

Distribution System Engineering Supervisor

Tipmont

2019 JOB SHADOW Job Shadow

WIN Energy REMC

2020 HIRED Distribution System Engineer

Tipmont

2022 PROMOTED Lead Distribution System Engineer

Tipmont

2023 PROMOTED Distribution System Engineering Supervisor

Tipmont

INTERESTED IN AN ELECTRIC CO-OP CAREER? Visit WePowerIndiana.org.

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Wabash Valley Power news reported last year that by 2026, more than 2 million new skilled construction workers will be needed.

“Sometimes students didn’t like to sit and study or read a book, but they could work with their hands in an amazing fashion,” Taylor said. “When those kids get in those circumstances when they can work with their hands and build something, it was something that they took pride in.”

In its spring report, HBI cited data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program showing that half of payroll workers in construction earn more than

A winning lottery ticket Trades career paths available amidst nationwide worker shortage Before conducting home energy

plumbing, and electrical work. Other

audits as LaGrange County REMC’s

trades, including welding, were also

Energy Advisor, Jake Taylor was

part of the program. The lessons

involved in building houses — from

involved learning by experience, with

breaking ground to handing the keys

students helping to build houses from

to the new homeowner. He also

beginning to end.

taught a trades class to many of the young builders working on them and showed them the potential of a career.

28 SEPTEMBER 2024

The construction workforce shortage appeared following the 2008 home mortgage crisis when many people left homebuilding and related trades, said Brian Kerkhoff, president of KA Components and chairperson of workforce development for the Builders Associations of Greater Lafayette. The shortage has grown as high school graduates pursued construction or trades industries.

electricians making six figures right now,” Taylor said. “Same with really well.”

framing, heating and cooling,

quartile range.

college or careers outside the

teaching at Fremont High School and

The lessons included carpentry,

the U.S. median wage and the top

that have gone on to become

plumbers and others. They are doing

school students a variety of trades.

at least $76,980. Both are well above

“I’ve got several kids in my programs

Taylor spent more than a decade Impact Institute, which teaches high

$58,500, while the top quarter makes

“We call it a winning lottery ticket,” Kerkhoff said of a career in the construction industry. “Turn in your ticket, if you will, at one of many

The program provided a career

companies building our communities

pathway for many students interested

with the potential to achieve a

in the trades, filling a significant need.

successful and gratifying career.”

The Home Builders Institute (HBI)

co-op news

SEPTEMBER 2024

29

co-op news

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30 SEPTEMBER 2024

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