Steuben County REMC - Indiana Connection

CEO Kevin Keiser retires after 28 years

Steuben County REMC’s

From dreaming to

soaring Skyler Miser joins the family business as the Human Rocket for Ringling Bros. Circus

AUGUST 2025

Goodbye summer

from the editor

The summer heat is finally starting to cool off, and fall is just around the corner.

It’s time to say goodbye to summer and welcome all the new season’s fun activities. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for sweater weather, football, and bowls of chili.

VOLUME 75 • NUMBER 2 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.

To celebrate the end of summer, we asked Indiana Connection readers to submit their favorite summer snapshots for our photo contest. We received many great entries. Turn to page 26 to see our winner.

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

One of my favorite summer photos was taken two years ago during a vacation with my husband’s family to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Brooks

INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Steve McMichael President

is from a large family, and we try to take a summer vacation every other

Dr. Richard Leeper Vice President

year to spend time together. It was

Jamey Marcum Secretary/Treasurer John Cassady CEO

our daughter Gwen’s first vacation.

She was 9 months old at the time,

EDITORIAL STAFF: Britt Davis Editor

so Brooks carried her in a special

Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication

backpack while we hiked in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Lauren Carman Communication Manager Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator

As anyone who has vacationed with small children knows, sleep can be

Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist

elusive in a new place. About 10 minutes into our hike, Gwen fell asleep

Amber Knight Creative Manager

and stayed that way until we returned to the car. I guess the sounds of the mountains and the nearby stream made for a great natural sound machine.

Have a great summer photo, but missed the deadline for our contest? I would still love to see it. Send it to me at bdavis@indianaec.org.

On the menu: November: Submit your favorite

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

ADVERTISING: American MainStreet Publications Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication.

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

Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer

you.

Giveaway: Enter to win a copy of “Peru: Circus Capital of the World” by

Kreig A. Adkins. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is Aug. 31.

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.

AUGUST 2025

3

contents

AUGUST

12

18

03 FROM THE EDITOR

14 GRASSROOTS The process of attaching equipment to electric poles

county

05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative 10 ENERGY Electric devices add comfort to your campsite 12 COUNTY Johnson County

food

16 SAFETY Create a safety plan before planting a tree 18 FOOD Tomatoes bring vibrant flavor to any recipe

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Indiana Connection

20

30

outdoors

cover story 20 COVER STORY Skyler Miser expands her family’s legacy as the Human Rocket for Ringling Bros. Circus 26 PHOTO CONTEST Indiana Connection readers show us their favorite summer snapshots

28 HOOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS 29 TRAVEL Celebrate the end of summer at the Marshall County Blueberry Festival (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS) 30 OUTDOORS The butterflies of summer (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS)

On the cover Human Rocket Skyler Miser was launched from her first cannon at age 11.

In this month’s cover story, learn more about how the Peru, Indiana, native was inspired by her circus performer parents to join Ringling Bros.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FELD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

4 AUGUST 2025

Steuben County REMC news The Steuben County REMC office will be closed on Sept. 1.

calendar

Happy Labor Day!

Sep. 26, Dec. 26

Operation Round Up application deadlines: Youth Power and Hope Awards application opens: Aug. 1

EFFICIENCY Tip Replace your cooling system’s filter regularly to maintain strong airflow, boost energy efficiency, and extend the life of the unit. A clean filter means your system doesn’t have to work as hard, saving energy and lowering your utility bills. Changing filters regularly also reduces wear and tear on your cooling system.

SOURCE: ENERGY.GOV

Call Before You Dig

Board of Directors

Please call 811 at least two days before you dig.

GARY SHOUGH, President

Management Team KEVIN KEISER, CEO

Office Hours 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday

Contact Us PHONE

260-665-3563 Call our office 24/7/365 to report an outage.

STREET ADDRESS

1212 S. Wayne St., Angola, IN 46703

MAILING ADDRESS

DUSTIN EVERETTS,

Operation/Engineering

STEVE SMITH, Finance

(District 1, Millgrove and Greenfield townships)

GUS REED, Secretary/Treasurer (District 2, Jamestown Township)

KEITH KELLER

(District 3, Fremont and Clear Lake townships)

MIKE KURTZ

DAVE SHORT,

(District 4, Jackson Township)

How to Understand Your Electric Bill

(District 5, Pleasant Township)

Broadband Operations

Facilities charge.................................$19/month First 250 kWh........................9.9 cents per kWh

CARTER SNIDER NEASA KALME

(District 6, Scott and York townships)

KYLE STOCKWELL

Next 750 kWh........................9.1 cents per kWh

(District 7, Salem Township)

P.O. Box 359, Angola, IN 46703

All over 1,000 kWh................8.3 cents per kWh Wholesale power tracker...+$0.024329 per kWh

LARRY JACK, Vice President

EMAIL

CEO@remcsteuben.com remcsteuben@remcsteuben.com

WEBSITE

remcsteuben.com

Dusk to Dawn Light......................$10.30/month Indiana Sales Tax..........................................7%

Disconnection Charges: Electric DISCONNECT DATES ARE 2.5 WEEKS AFTER DUE DATE Reconnection Charge: $50 (7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.)

Reconnection Charge: $200 (after 4 p.m.)

Deposit: $200 Returned check fee: $25

Disconnection Charges: Broadband DISCONNECT DATES ARE THE 9TH OF EVERY MONTH Reconnection Charge: $60 Returned check fee: $25

(District 8, Steuben, Smithfield and Grant townships)

MARC NELSON

(District 9, Otsego, Richland and Franklin townships)

AUGUST 2025

5

Steuben County REMC news

Steuben County REMC CEO announces retirement after 28 years Steuben County REMC announces with deep appreciation and gratitude the upcoming retirement of Kevin Keiser, Chief Executive Officer, effective Jan. 30, 2026.

During his remarkable 28-year tenure as CEO, Keiser has guided Steuben County REMC through a period of transformation and growth. Under his leadership, the cooperative modernized its electric

Serving this

infrastructure, embraced cutting-edge technologies, expanded

cooperative

broadband access across the region, and deepened member

and its

engagement. Keiser's unwavering dedication to safety, service, and stewardship has left a lasting legacy and positioned Steuben County

members

REMC for continued success in the years ahead.

has been

“Serving this cooperative and its members has been one of the greatest

one of the

honors of my life,” said Keiser. “I never imagined how meaningful

greatest

this journey would become, nor how strongly I would come to feel

honors of

towards the community, the employees, and our mission of providing reliable, affordable, and innovative energy and now broadband solutions in a way that improves the quality of life for everyone living in Northeast Indiana.”

Keiser’s leadership has left an indelible mark on Steuben County REMC, and his legacy will continue to shape the organization’s future.

6 AUGUST 2025

my life.

— K EV I N K EI S ER

Steuben County REMC news

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Steuben County REMC news

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energy

BOOT UP CAMP ELECTRIC DEVICES AND APPLIANCES CAN HELP CREATE A COMFORTABLE CAMPSITE

Many people enjoy escaping town

panels so that the battery can be

into the great outdoors, though

charged when not in use. While

not without energy-driven creature

not cheap, larger batteries can be

comforts keeping them company.

incredibly valuable for powering

This time of year, many people enjoy getting outside and into nature. It’s the perfect time to camp near the lake, in the woods, or with family and friends. Some campers cannot leave without devices that enhance their experience of nature. It could be something as simple as their phone, while others might bring several gadgets with them. Luckily, technological advancements have provided great options for comfort and power in

other devices you may want to use at the campsite.

RECHARGEABLE LANTERN OR LIGHT Energy-efficient lanterns and flashlights take advantage of LEDs,

mattress, adding extra comfort to your tent.

of websites to learn about devices

that they can be used again in the

that can help you get the most

evenings or overnight.

enjoyment from your campsite.

to campfire cooking. A portable

10 AUGUST 2025

rechargeable air pump to fill an air

rechargeable during the day so

cooktop offer a unique alternative

Some models also come with solar

a single charge. You can also get a

comforts. You can check out a variety

energized creature comforts.

phones and other small electronics.

many of which can last for hours on

of flashlights. Solar lanterns are

Devices such as an induction

use portable batteries to charge cell

rechargeable lithium-ion batteries,

necessarily mean without creature

help you enjoy camping with some

kit is a must-have! Campers can

fan models are equipped with

energy than older generations

COOKING APPLIANCES

with you, a solar panel and battery

comfort to your campsite. Some

Enjoying the outdoors doesn’t

energy grid. Here are a few ideas to

If you take devices or appliances

Rechargeable devices can add

which shine brighter and use less

peaceful, remote spots far from the

SOLAR PANEL AND BATTERY KIT

FAN AND AIR MATTRESS

induction cooktop can easily be transported and heat food in a pan. It will need an electrical power source — maybe a larger battery recharged with a solar panel — so check that the power source can meet the cooktop’s watt requirements.

by Brian Hawk Energy Advisor Noble REMC

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county feature

Johnson County Johnson County is home to Franklin College, one of Indiana’s oldest colleges.

Established in 1834, it was initially named the Indiana Baptist Manual-Labor Institute before the Indiana General Assembly renamed it. Notable alumni include Arch West, the marketing executive behind Doritos, and Robert Wise, an Academy Award-winning director and producer of “West Side Story” and “The Sound of Music.”

COUNTY FACTS FOUNDED:

A SISTER CITY IN BLOOM

1823

Kuji Alley in Franklin honors its sister-city relationship with Kuji, Japan, which began in 1960. The connection began with Franklin College alumna Thomasine Allen, who traveled to Japan in 1915 as a missionary. She taught in several cities before settling in Kuji, where she helped establish Christian institutions, including a kindergarten, hospital, church, and college. In recognition of her impact, the Kuji City Council named Allen an honorary citizen.

Today, Kuji Alley celebrates this connection with 800 metal cherry blossoms, 70 Japanese lanterns, a koi fish mural, and a traditional Japanese footbridge.

NAMED FOR: John Johnson, an Indiana Supreme Court Justice

POPULATION: 170,614

COUNTY SEAT: Franklin

INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 41

Bargersville

Franklin

FRANKLIN’S SILVER SCREEN COMEBACK The Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin was built in 1922 as a silent movie house and Vaudeville venue. From the 1960s through 2000, it operated as the only movie theater in Franklin. After 78 years, the theater closed in May 2000 with a final showing of “Gone with the Wind.” In 2004, Franklin Heritage Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to historic preservation, reopened the theater, restoring the building and operating it as a community-focused venue. Now, the theater features films that are at least 10 years old with a focus on cult classics.

12 AUGUST 2025

YEAR-ROUND FESTIVAL FUN Nicknamed “Festival Country,” Johnson County hosts more than 1,000 festivals, concerts, and events annually, from weekly farmers markets to yearly traditions. In August, the Sertoma Club of Greenwood hosts WAMMfest, an annual summer festival celebrating wine, art, music, and microbrews. A little farther south, Bargersville hosts the Harvest Moon Fall Festival on Sept. 20.

Nicole Thomas is a freelance writer from Indianapolis.

All photos courtesy of Festival Country Indiana

HAVE A STORY SHINING A LIGHT ON YOUNG COMMUNITY LEADERS

IDEA?

Send submissions to Britt Davis at bdavis@indianaec.org.

Do you know a middle schooler who goes above and beyond to serve their community?

The Youth Power and Hope Awards recognize outstanding young leaders making a difference!

Up to five winners will each receive $500 and be featured in an upcoming issue of Indiana Connection.

Encourage your child to apply today! Simply complete the online application and share details about their community service.

Parents, please visit indianaconnection.org/youthpowerandhope to apply and learn more.

QUESTIONS?

youth@indianaec.org or 317-487-2235 Applicants must have a parent or guardian who is a member of an Indiana electric cooperative.

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, OCT. 3

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AUGUST 2025

13

grassroots PRIMARY WIRES

UNDERSTANDING ELECTRIC INFRASTRUCTURE:

STREAMLINING CONNECTIVITY

NEUTRAL WIRE

The essential steps for attaching equipment to REMC electric poles Utility poles seen along roadsides are commonly called “telephone poles.” However, most poles you see today are owned by the electric utility. In rural areas, pole attachments are critical to expanding broadband internet, telecommunications, and cable services. In communities served by REMCs, third-party providers often seek to attach cables, lines, or other equipment as a cost-effective option for their services.

The process of attaching to REMC-owned poles involves several steps designed to ensure safety, reliability, and joint-use access. Once a contract has been established between the cooperative and the attaching entity, they will move through several steps:

1. APPLICATION AND REVIEW An attacher, such as an internet service provider, submits an application to the REMC. The application includes detailed maps, pole identification numbers, proposed equipment specifications, and the intended use. The REMC reviews it to ensure it meets engineering standards, safety codes (such as the National Electrical Safety Code or NESC), and internal policies.

2. POLE SURVEY AND ENGINEERING ASSESSMENT The REMC conducts a field survey and engineering assessment. A pole is evaluated to determine if it can accommodate the new attachment without compromising its structural integrity or safety. The survey checks for adequate space in the pole’s "communications space,” required clearance from existing equipment and lines, and proximity to other utility infrastructure. If the pole is found to be unsuitable, a "make-ready" process is triggered.

3. MAKE-READY WORK Make-ready work prepares the pole for a new attachment.

This may include rearranging existing attachments,

14 AUGUST 2025

TELEPHONE, CABLE TV, AND FIBER WIRES

replacing the pole with a taller one, or upgrading supportive hardware. The REMC provides a cost estimate and timeline for this work. Once approved and paid for by the attaching party, the REMC or a licensed contractor completes the necessary work. This phase ensures all attachments meet safety standards and the pole remains stable and functional.

4. ATTACHMENT INSTALLATION Once the make-ready work is complete, the attaching party can install its equipment. This installation must comply with NESC guidelines, contract provisions, and REMC-specific standards. The REMC may inspect the installation to verify compliance with all standards and ensure it does not interfere with existing utilities.

5. ONGOING MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE After the attachment is installed, the attacher is responsible for maintaining its respective equipment while the REMC retains the right to inspect, audit, and enforce compliance over time. When new electric poles are installed to replace aging or broken poles, the attacher is required by Indiana law to relocate their lines to the new poles.

The Indiana REMC infrastructure continues to serve as the backbone for essential services, including broadband deployment. This pole attachment procedure ensures public safety, system integrity, and fair access.

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safety

C R E AT E A S A F E T Y P L A N

before planting a tree

Five steps to safe digging PLAN YOUR PROJECT

Trees can be beautiful additions to

safety, training, and compliance of

Before you contact 811, know the

a yard, but knowing how to plant

Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “Take

details of where you plan to dig.

one safely can be tricky. While you

the time to reach out to the Indiana

CONTACT INDIANA 811

may think of the potential dangers to

811 call center at least a few working

yourself when planting a tree, there

days before you start planting.”

You can reach out by phone

are also ways you can harm nearby power lines and other trees. Trees growing too close to electrical lines can cause momentary short circuits and flickering lights. When it storms, tree limbs that are too close to power lines can knock them out and threaten your safety.

Consider the best location

WAIT FOR THE MARKS

Once you know where you can plant

You must contact 811 at least two

to avoid underground utilities, then

working days before excavation so

consider the best locations that are

the member utilities have enough

a safe distance away from overhead

time to mark the approximate

lines. For instance, if you’re planting

location of the underground utilities

a small tree that won’t grow larger

on your property.

than 25 feet tall, planting it 25 feet

Look for potential dangers

away from power lines should be safe.

When planting a tree, consider

Larger trees must be planted farther

potential safety issues associated

from power lines.

with overhead and underground utility lines. Overhead utility lines are easy to see but can be extremely dangerous.

Underground utility lines can be tricky to see and could be buried very close to the ground’s surface.

That’s why Indiana Electric Cooperatives wants to remind you to contact the Indiana 811 call center.

This free service identifies the approximate location of buried lines on your property and prevents something bad from happening to yourself, your property, or your neighborhood.

or go online.

CHECK POSITIVE RESPONSE

Once the two full working days have passed, confirm that all utility operators have visited the property

Keeping trees away from these utility

by comparing the colors of the

lines not only keeps you safe, but

marks to the list of utilities provided

it also keeps the trees safe. Trees

by Indiana 811. All members are

planted too close to underground lines

required to use Indiana 811’s

can suffer root damage, and trees

Positive Response System.

planted too close to overhead lines

COLORS INCLUDE:

need regular pruning.

RED

Indiana’s electric cooperatives work

YELLOW

Gas-oil-steam

hard to provide reliable electric

ORANGE

Communications

service. You can help by following

BLUE

these simple guidelines when

GREEN

Sewer

PURPLE

Reclaimed water

WHITE

Proposed construction

managing the trees on your property.

Being aware of these dangers and how to avoid them can keep you,

Electric

Water

“Never assume the utility lines are

your home, and the trees safe.

DIG WITH CARE

buried deeper than you plan to dig,”

Chris Adam is a freelance writer from Lafayette. Source: indiana811.org

You can start your project

said Jon Elkins, vice president of

16 AUGUST 2025

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TA M A L E P IE Glenda Ferguson, Paoli 1½ lbs. hamburger 1 onion, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper 2 tsp garlic powder

FOOD PREPARED BY INDIANA CONNECTION STAFF PHOTOS BY KILEY LIPPS

18 AUGUST 2025

2 tsp chili powder, more or less to taste 2-14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes, do not drain 1 can creamed corn 1 package cornbread mix, such as Jiffy (and ingredients to prepare the cornbread batter)

Preheat oven to 375 F. Prepare a 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray. Brown the hamburger, onion, and green pepper and drain. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder.

Mix in the tomatoes and corn. Spoon the mixture into the casserole dish.

Prepare the cornbread according to the package directions. Pour it over the mixture in the casserole dish. Bake for 40 minutes or until the top is browned. To serve, spoon out the mixture and top it with fresh tomatoes, salsa, shredded cheese, or sour cream.

food TORTELLINI SOUP Emily Schilling, Zionsville 1 lb. hot roll sausage

2 large carrots, sliced

1 cup chopped onion

2 celery ribs, sliced

2 large cloves of garlic, chopped

1

6 cups beef stock (can use 6 beef bouillon cubes and 6 cups water)

1 tsp dried basil

16-oz. can tomatoes 8-oz. can tomato sauce

⁄ 2 cup dry red wine

2 tsp oregano 8 oz. cheese tortellini Parmesan cheese (optional)

1 large zucchini, sliced Brown sausage in a large skillet and drain. Add the onion and garlic and saute for 5 minutes. Combine meat, onion and garlic, beef stock, tomatoes, tomato sauce, zucchini, carrots, celery, wine, and spices in a large pot. Simmer about 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add tortellini. Cook until tender. Sprinkle with parmesan if desired and serve.

S TU F F E D TOMAT OES Marilles Mauer, Greensburg 4 tomatoes

2 tsp basil

⁄3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded

2 tsp parsley

1

3 Tbsp plain bread crumbs 2 ⁄2 Tbsp Italian bread crumbs

1 tsp oregano 1

⁄2 tsp salt

1

⁄4 tsp pepper

1

1

⁄4 cup minced onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp mozzarella cheese, shredded

2 Tbsp olive oil Preheat the oven to 400 F. Spray an 8x8 pan with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, combine parmesan cheese, both bread crumbs, onion, garlic, olive oil, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Cut the tops off and hollow out the tomato by removing the pulp and seeds with a spoon. Dice the pulp and add it to the bread crumbs mixture. Gently mix the ingredients until they are well combined. Fill each tomato with stuffing and place them in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle each tomato with a bit of olive oil.

Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake 10 to 12 minutes.

Serve warm.

AUGUST 2025

19

From dreaming to

soaring Skyler Miser joins the family business as the Human Rocket for Ringling Bros. Circus

BY BRIAN D. SMITH

W

hen the 146-year-old Ringling

thought I had just watched my dream

65 mph and sailing 110 feet onto an

Bros. and Barnum & Bailey

fall apart in front of my face,” said

airbag. She’s already signed for next

Circus gave its farewell

the Peru, Indiana, native, now 21.

season, which starts in January 2026.

performance in 2017, Skyler Miser

“The ultimate dream for me was to

cried — not only for the past, but for

perform for Ringling.”

the future. Sitting in the audience with her parents in a Providence, Rhode Island, arena, the 13-year-old viewed acts ranging from jugglers to trained tigers as they took one last turn in the spotlight.

is back,” said Miser, the so-called

And eventually, that’s precisely what

Human Rocket who shoots from

happened. “The Greatest Show on

a cannon nicknamed the Ringling

Earth” reorganized, reimagined, and

Rocket. “This is all I’ve ever wanted

returned in September 2023, and

to do.”

Miser got her shot — literally. During a 62-city tour that ended in April 2025,

Her teary eyes perceived more than

she closed Ringling’s shows with a

the demise of an iconic circus. “I

human cannonball act, launching at

20 AUGUST 2025

“I’m just so grateful that Ringling

After the 2017 Ringling shutdown, the notion of this Indiana girl catapulting from small-town obscurity to circus

As the Human Rocket, Miser goes from 0 to 65 miles an hour in less than half a second as she’s shot 110 feet out of her cannon.

(Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment Inc.)

stardom seemed improbable, if not impossible. But maybe it was inevitable.

‘The Circus Capital of the World’ If working in the Ringling ring was

Though most parents would scoff at

her heart’s desire, she could hardly

the classic kid’s fantasy of running

have found a better training ground

away to join the circus, most parents

than Peru, Indiana — a community of

haven’t made a living as human

11,000 known as the Circus Capital

cannonballs. Miser’s dad and mom,

of the World. The big-top business

Brian and Tina Miser, have blasted

came to town in 1884 when local

from a barrel thousands of times, even

livery stable owner Benjamin E.

performing the stunt in tandem for

Wallace founded the creatively titled

Ringling from 2005 to 2010.

“Wallace and Co.’s Great World

Menagerie, Grand International Mardi Gras, Highway Holiday Hidalgo and Alliance of Novelties.” Later renamed the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, it evolved into the second-most popular circus in America (behind Ringling) while providing early employment for legendary clown Emmett Kelly and Hoosier funnyman Richard Bernard “Red” Skelton. continued on page 22

AUGUST 2025

21

continued from page 21 Wallace sold his circus to French Lick millionaire Ed Ballard in 1913, but his Peru winter quarters continued to

Miser was inspired to carry on the circus tradition started by her parents, Brian and Tina, who have blasted from a barrel thousands of times as human cannonballs.

(Photo courtesy of the Miser Family)

house animals and equipment for other circuses, including Ringling, through 1938. The sale of the property three years later seemingly severed Peru’s circus connection, especially when Ringling burned its surplus circus wagons and skipped town.

But in 1959, the city decided to capitalize on its heritage by staging its first circus festival, adding an amateur children’s circus a year later. Today, Circus City Days and the Peru Amateur Youth Circus take place annually during the third week of July, and the International Circus Hall of Fame, which features a museum of circus artifacts, encompasses five historic buildings once used as winter quarters.

The youth circus provides more than a summer diversion for Miami County kids. Brian said it jump-started his professional circus career, teaching him a repertoire of skills such as high wire and flying trapeze. “I would not be doing this if it weren’t for the Peru circus,” he said.

His success doesn’t surprise Kathi Greene, executive secretary of Circus City Festival Inc., who spent 27 years as a trainer for youth circus participants, including the Misers. “Brian was fearless,” she said. “He would try anything.” Tina exemplified a different sort of excellence: “She was very strong but also very elegant in her performance. Tina paid attention to the little things.”

Their daughter spent years watching her parents and their colleagues ply their trade professionally, and it showed when she joined the youth circus. “Skyler was special in her performance,” said Greene, citing her professional posture. “Her legs were always straight, toes pointed. Her form was always picture-perfect. That doesn’t mean every child of a circus performer will become one themselves, but Skyler was like a sponge, soaking it all in.”

Carrying on the family tradition Despite her aptitude, Miser’s parents never pushed her to do circus work. “That thought is always in the back of your head: ‘Wouldn’t it be great if she wanted to carry on the family tradition?’” said Tina. “But there was never a spoken expectation.” In fact, after her high school graduation, Miser almost found her way into a different kind of flying as she considered not only college but also the U.S. Air Force.

22 AUGUST 2025

Miser honed her skills as an aerialist and acrobat during her time in the Peru Amateur Youth Circus.

(Photo courtesy of the Miser Family)

However, the wild blue yonder took a back seat the day Brian received an email announcing the return of Ringling. With a human cannonball act in the plans, the circus asked Brian if he could provide a cannon and the training. He recommended his daughter for the job.

Miser heard the thrilling news that afternoon. “I’d just gotten home from school, and he told me, ‘We need to sit down,’” she recalled. “I thought I was in trouble.”

She wasn’t, except with her preparedness. Miser had been shot out of a cannon exactly once in her life — when she was only 11. Her dad was building an 8-foot cannon for a Ringling clown from the United Kingdom, and after testing it with dummies, he sought a human projectile. “I asked her if she wanted to be the youngest person to be shot out of the smallest cannon,” Brian

Miser signs her Ringling Bros. contract.

(Photo courtesy of the Miser Family)

said, to which Miser eagerly replied, “Absolutely!”

Conditions were less than ideal, with snow on the ground and a gusty breeze that nearly proved hazardous.

“A big wind came and blew the airbag away,” he recalled, “but luckily it happened before she shot.”

The rest of the test went better, with Miser flying 18 feet and doing a belly landing on the airbag. “She had

home, Brian believed his daughter

It’s also one of the most dangerous.

had the right stuff for human rocketry.

But Miser, who thus far has avoided

“She’s a really good aerialist and

serious injury, has a couple of

acrobat, and she also did the flying

advantages over the average

trapeze,” he noted, “so we had

wannabe cannonball. Her dad has

confidence in her.”

designed and built every cannon she’s

Cannon training initially frustrated Miser, who “was really questioning if this was the right thing for me. It took a

ever used, and her parents’ real-world experience gives her instant access to experts.

couple of months, but I started getting

Not to mention veterans of nationally

more comfortable as I got more shots

televised talent and talk shows. Brian

The coolest job on Earth

under my belt.”

— billing himself as The Human Fuse

Of course, one junior cannon shot

She no longer questions her choice

as a preteen doesn’t qualify a young

of profession, saying there’s

lady for a full-time gig as a Ringling

“absolutely no doubt in my mind that

cannonball. But thanks to her high-

this is where I was supposed to be.

altitude performances in Peru’s youth

And lucky me, because this is the

circus and her trampoline training at

coolest job on Earth.”

perfect form,” said her father.

— wowed the judges on “America’s Got Talent” in 2019 by donning protective gear and getting set ablaze, then fired from a giant crossbow tended by Tina and Skyler. continued on page 24 AUGUST 2025

23

continued from page 23 He and Tina appeared together on “Late Show with David Letterman” in 2006, and in 2009, Tina and a fellow female cannonball were booked on “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien.”

not my back, it’s my hip. And if it’s not

Earth” — although the revamped

that, it’s something else.” But at least

version contains no wild animals or

her hearing hasn’t suffered. “I don’t

conventional clowns. “We had to sit

hear a loud bang when I’m inside the

down and rethink, ‘What do audiences

cannon,” she said, perhaps because

want?’ as well as keep with the circus

the explosion occurs outside the

tradition,” explained Brandon Glass,

device.

touring public relations manager. “The

Still, Miser doesn’t get complacent

Revamping Ringling

about her cannon before a

One of only two females in the world

performance. “I’m always checking it

who perform a human cannonball

like a newborn baby,” she said. “I have

act — her mom is the other — Miser

to put my life in its hands.”

represents a Ringling resurgence that

Her parents can attest to what happens when a stunt goes seriously awry. Tina once broke her shoulder in a bad landing, and Brian counts a total of 18 fractures, including five during a mishap in Japan after his cannon was imperceptibly damaged in shipping. “It shot me sideways, and I hit the edge of the airbag and bounced off,” he said. “But it worked out — I came back home to recuperate and met Tina.”

Even when Skyler’s forceful flight unfolds flawlessly, she feels the aftereffects. “There isn’t a single day I wake up that I’m not in pain,” said the 5-foot-3, 100-pound daredevil. “If it’s

seemed unlikely when the famous circus folded in 2017. A year earlier, Ringling owner Feld Entertainment had bowed to relentless protests and lawsuits from animal rights groups by retiring the circus’ 11 trained elephants. But that undercut ticket sales — a testament to the pachyderms’ popularity — and, coupled with the rising cost of rail travel, helped spur the decision to close.

Yet Feld Entertainment, which also stages Disney on Ice and Monster Jam truck shows, wasn’t ready to end “The Greatest Show on

show moves at the pace of TikTok. Everything is changing every 7 to 12 seconds.”

Miser’s act, which takes place at the grand finale of the two-hour show, exemplifies the new focus on superhuman feats and skills. It begins with her kneeling, then standing on the Ringling Rocket (her dad’s former “crossbow”) as it’s wheeled into the arena. She’s clad in what she affectionately calls her “supersuit” — a colorful bodysuit with white sides that covers everything but her head, hands, and feet. Long white gloves and red lace-up boots complete her work wardrobe.

A male and a female announcer trade lines designed to stoke the audience, such as “Please welcome Skyler and the Ringling Rocket!” and “Keep it going as Skyler prepares to fly!” Then

Miser’s act is part of the grand finale of the two-hour circus show.

(Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment Inc.)

24 AUGUST 2025

Miser personally designed her white “supersuit” for her performances.

(Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment Inc.)

comes rhythmic clapping, a 10-step countdown, and finally the command of “Fire!” as spotlights blanch the arena. The force propels Miser down the barrel and about 35 feet over the arena floor. She gracefully executes a swan dive that segues into a half-flip as her legs rotate above her head,

Exhilarating memories It’s been a season of exhilarating firsts

Her first performance in Indiana — at

her custom-designed outfit. “I couldn’t

Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse

believe I had my own Ringling Bros.

in December 2023 — attracted

costume!” she said. “I took hundreds

hometown support. “I had at least 25

and hundreds of pictures.”

people at every show, and many of

She also gasped at the first sight

fireworks shooting on both sides.

of her image on a billboard. “It said

5 minutes to me,” said Miser. “I feel every single motion. I go from 0 to

them a big hug.”

for Miser, as when she initially tried on

and she smacks the airbag with “It’s only 2 seconds, but it feels like

I remember running up and giving

Ringling Bros. circus was in town this weekend, and it had a picture of me flying out of the cannon.”

65 miles an hour in less than half a

Then there was her first circus

second, and I watch the airbag the

performance, which took place in the

entire flight until the end. The best

presence of her parents. “That show

way to land is not completely flat on

will forever live in my head. I started

your back, but on your upper back

to cry, but it was happy tears.

them watched me grow up in Peru.”

(Miser and her parents will return to Indy this month for an explosive appearance at the Indiana State Fair.)

And of course, nothing can erase the memory of her first cannon flight at age 11. “I landed on an airbag and let out a little squeal. Then I screamed, ‘That was awesome!’” she said. “I still feel like that every single show.”

and shoulders.”

AUGUST 2025

25

profile

SUMMER

snapshots In the May issue, we asked Indiana Connection readers to send photos that captured the summer season. We received many great submissions, and our team chose their favorites. Congratulations to our winner, Sarah Mikesell! Read on to learn more about our finalists.

Submissions edited for clarity.

S U B MI TT ED B Y

Sarah Mikesell

“This is one of my favorite photos of my grandson.

He's getting a drink from the water hose after playing outside. It was taken in New Salisbury, Indiana.”

Jacki and Nate Beemer SU B MITTE D B Y

S U B MI TT E D BY

Lyla Rose Brown

S U BM I T T E D BY

Robyn Jakes

“While walking in the woods near

“We were hiking through the open

“This is a photo of my great

our home in West Lafayette, my

canyons of Turkey Run State Park.

niece, Avery, outside enjoying

family came upon a sweet family

We never knew Indiana had such

the day and nature. I love the

of raccoons! They posed, and I

beautiful and varied topography."

expression on the frog's face.”

snapped the photo.”

26 AUGUST 2025

profile

S U BM I T T E D BY

Joan Brooks “A bee rests on a flower in my yard.”

SUB MITT ED B Y

Arla Gabrielse “Each summer, I host Grand Camp for my grandkids.

One of our activities during Grand Camp was to make tie-dye shirts, and just before the kids were leaving to go home, we gathered for a group picture.”

S U B MI T T E D BY

Andrea Worthington “This is a photo of my two

S U BM I T T E D BY

Patsy Wieser

“This photo was taken at sunrise the morning after some storms.

A beautiful sky brightens my day.”

kids and their friend taking in the sights and cheering on America at the Carmel Fourth of July parade, our favorite summer tradition every year.”

SUB MITTE D B Y

Brittany Hopf “I love sunflowers, and it makes me happy that my daughter loves them as much as I do.”

S U BM I T T E D B Y

Rhonda Cochran “This is a picture of my granddaughter having fun in July with her bubbles!”

AUGUST 2025

27

Wabash Valley Power news

WHERE DOES THE POWER COME FROM?

E

xplaining where power comes from

nothing but fossil fuels, like coal and

reason is

may seem simple, but it’s not. The

natural gas. From my vantage point, I

because of

am for everything.

government

act of turning on your lights is at the end of a long and complex journey.

The intricacies of getting power to that switch involve thorough and ongoing planning. There is not a day that goes by that my team at Wabash Valley Power Alliance is not monitoring the supply, demand, and transmission of power. Our job is to navigate the complexities and get electricity to your community. Then, your co-op delivers it to homes and businesses.

UTILIZING ALL THE POWER OPTIONS From the halls of Congress to town halls, power supply is a hot topic.

There are many options for, and opinions about, generating power.

Some fervently support renewables, like wind and solar, while others want

To meet the power needs of today and tomorrow, it is critical that we have a diverse portfolio. Basically, I do not want all our proverbial eggs in one basket. At last report, our portfolio shows about 67% of power supply is from fossil fuels, 11% nuclear, and 22% renewables, such as wind and solar. We get the power from generation resources — both gas and coal plants — that we own. We also have power purchase agreements, or PPAs, that allow us to lock in additional power over the long term.

MEETING THE NEEDS OF TODAY AND TOMORROW Over the last five years, our reliance on coal has gone down. Part of the

regulation, and part is because of the cost to maintain or upgrade old coal plants. I am bullish on natural gas. It is reliable, affordable, and can be dispatched to meet demand. Solar and wind resources are good, but we must accommodate times when the wind doesn’t blow or the sun doesn’t shine.

Even with those intricacies, at the end of the day, we need a diverse power mix to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.

As you may have read in these pages a few months ago, one remarkable achievement for us this year was our purchase of the St. Joseph Energy Center, a combined cycle natural gas plant, near South Bend. This is an excellent addition to our portfolio that will reap benefits for years to come. We are constantly evaluating opportunities to develop our portfolio to ensure there is power when you flip that switch.

If you have any topics you want me to cover, email me or my team member, Vicki Gardner, at v_gardner@wvpa.com with ideas.

Jeff Conrad President and CEO Wabash Valley Power Alliance

28 AUGUST 2025

travel

A celebration of summer There’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Marshall County Blueberry Festival Few things sum up summer better than live music, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and festival fare. All that and more await your arrival at the 59th Annual Marshall County Blueberry Festival this Labor Day weekend.

Supporting the community The blueberry harvest may have passed by late August, but the fun in Plymouth, Indiana, is just beginning. Coined the Blueberry Festival in honor of Marshall County’s agricultural history, the event now serves as a family-friendly celebration for the community.

“Get up early, come hungry, put on your walking shoes, and bring a big bag or wagon,” advised Tracy Houin, coordinator of the Festival Board.

“Every day of the festival, you will find activities for the kids, musical entertainment, and over 600 food, craft, and commercial booths to shop in. On Saturday, end the night with a drone show, and on Sunday, enjoy the fireworks show.”

An array of events Among the shops and sweets, there are plenty of events to take in, many of which help support worthy causes. The Blueberry Splash one-mile open swim funds swim lessons for kids in need, and souvenirs purchased at the Blueberry Store fund scholarships for the festival’s pageant winners.

Athletes can pre-register for the Blueberry Splash and the Blueberry Stomp 5K and 15K runs, although both offer day-of registration. Look for the festival mascot, Blueberry Hank, at the races and other events. Linger and admire the classics at the Hoosier Old Wheels, cheer the Stomp runners across the finish

line during the parade, and squeal with delight on your favorite carnival ride.

“We love putting together a festival that can bring joy to everyone,” said Houin. “We guarantee you will not be able to step onto our grounds and not find something you love.”

Natalie Derrickson is a writer based in Indianapolis.

The Marshall County Blueberry Festival runs from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, 2025, opening Friday at noon and 9 a.m. on the weekend, closing at 9 p.m. nightly. Admission is free, parking is $10, and complimentary round-trip tram service is available. For more details, visit blueberryfestival.org.

Photos courtesy of the Marshall County Blueberry Festival

AUGUST 2025

29

outdoors

Eastern tiger swallowtail

THE

butterflies OF summer

Monarch and oleander aphids on milkweed

There is a place along a snaky

and fritillaries, painted ladies and

buckeyes

bend on Big Raccoon Creek where

sulphurs along our roads and in our

and cabbage

I wander in the heat of late summer.

gardens, not realizing that miracles

whites, the

Like regular clockwork, I find treasure

are at play. We rake away our leaves

hackberry emperors and

in that spot, some as golden as any

too early, carelessly spray the weeds,

yellow swallowtails, I see most of all.

pirate’s loot, and as fleeting as time.

and often mow and clear where we

As the thistles and milkweed heads

should leave well enough alone, yet

dry and release their cottony loads

butterflies persist through a near-

and the leaves begin the process

poetic balance between beauty and

of drying and dropping, butterflies

toughness. An example of that vigor

congregate in wonderfully integrated

comes as early as late February

gangs to stick their needlelike noses

when I spot butterflies well before the

into the last nectars of the year. Yes,

last snows have fallen.

butterflies also pollinate, but it is an

Near the weathered trunk of a huge cottonwood that was deposited on the western bank by flood waters a decade ago, now high and dry above the usually shallow and green water of August, a hardy stand of milkweed and ironweed, goldenrod, white aster

accidental gift they give to us.

and woodland sunflowers, grows in

But along the creek, where I hear

the sand; it is blooming and bursting

only the wind and the chatter of

Although we feel the heat of summer

in full by mid-September, browning

crows, I am privileged to watch the

is still very much with us, and the

and windblown in October.

butterflies as they write the last

year has a way yet to go, butterflies

chapters of their lives. Some are

intuitively know their short lives are

already faded and ragged, and when

nearing an end. For that reason, I

I see their fragility, I understand why

return to that seemingly ordinary

most usually only survive about a

place on the creek, for there I see

week after they’ve unfolded their wet

something miraculous.

Although those wiry flowers draw a variety of insects, they also attract the last corps of butterflies we see until springtime. In this hot month, I walk there, kicking up dust and wiping the sweat from my brow with my forearm.

Like most things of value, I suppose, we take butterflies for granted. Year after year, we presume we’ll see monarchs and swallowtails, skippers

30 AUGUST 2025

wings for the first time.

Although some monarchs persist into the fall — their migratory generation often has longer lifespans of six to nine months — by late August and through the autumn, it is the

Mike Lunsford is a freelance columnist, feature writer, and photographer, primarily for the Terre Haute Tribune-Star and Terre Haute Living magazine. The author of seven books lives in Parke County with his wife, Joanie. Contact Lunsford at hickory913@gmail.com.

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