Cressa Kohrman, an 11-year-old student at North Decatur, was recently awarded one of the Youth and Power Awards from Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC) for her outstanding community impact. Cressa co-founded the World Helping Squad (WHS) with her friend, Malarie Schoettmer (also recognized), to help those in need. Her efforts have included donating toys, clothing and food to local organizations like the Riley Toy Closet, fire and police departments and shelters. Over the years, the WHS has raised funds for cancer patients, fulfilled wish lists for children and supported foster care initiatives. With Cressa's leadership and dedication, she hopes to inspire other to spread kindness and that small actions can create a ripple effect of positive change.
Through her work, Cressa has developed vital leadership skills like organization, resilience and bravery. Cressa's vision for the future includes expanding the WHS to help more people locally and globally, proving that anyone - no matter their age - can create change and build a kinder, more caring world. Cressa is the daughter of RSE members Laura and Travis Kohrman. If you would like to donate to WHS, please make checks payable to Cressa Kohrman, 8522 S. 550 E., St Paul, IN 47272.
Congratulations Courtney Mendoza!
Ten Indiana electric cooperative employees, representing six member cooperatives and one outside organization, have successfully completed the 2024 Leadership Edge Program. This program goes beyond traditional training, offering a comprehensive learning experience with measurable results to gauge its impact throughout the process.
A special congratulations to Billing Coordinator Courtney Mendoza on her achievement in completing the Leadership Edge Program!
(USPS 171-360
Contributors:
Cathy Rhoades and David Toll
Publication Office: 2777 S. 840 W. Manilla, IN 46150
Periodical Postage paid in Indianapolis, Indiana 46206
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to: ELECTRAWATT
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Chris Chastain, CEO & President, Honored for 25 Years of Service
At the 2024 Indiana Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting, Chris Chastain, CEO & President was celebrated for 25 years of service to the cooperative industry.
Chris's journey began at Harrison County REMC, where he spent seven years as a System Engineer. In 2006, he brought his expertise back to his hometown, joining RSE as VP of Engineering. His commitment has propelled him to his current role as President & CEO, where he continues to guide the organization. Congratulations Chris!
Youth Opportunities 2025
Exciting Opportunities for Students: Art, Adventure and Exploration Await!
Don't miss out on these exciting opportunities designed to inspire and engage students across Indiana!
Cooperative Calendar of Student Art Contest
Indiana Electric Cooperatives and Indiana Connections magazine invite K-12 students to participate in the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art Contest. This contest is open to all Indiana students, regardless of their electric service provider, offering prizes and the chance to be featured in the 2026 wall calendar. First-place winners from each grade will receive $200, and their artwork will be highlighted in the calendar. Honorable mentions will receive $75, and their artwork will also be featured in the calendar. The deadline to enter is February 28, 2025.
Camp Kilowatt: Fun, Learning and Leadership
RushShelby Energy will sponsor ten students to attend the annual Camp Kilowatt from June 4-7, 2025, at Camp Tecumseh in Brookston, Indiana. This four-day camp, designed for sixth-grade students, combines traditional outdoor camp experiences with educational activities focused on environmental stewardship, electrical safety and cooperative business models. Students interested in attending can apply online at CampKilowatt.org.
Questions? Contact Cathy Rhoades at 765-544-2938 or crhoades@rse.coop. Applications are due by March 3, 2025, and students do not need to be served by RushShelby Energy to participate.
Indiana Youth Tour: Explore Washington D.C.
RushShelby Energy will sponsor two students for the Indiana Youth Tour, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Washington, D.C., from June 15-22, 2025. This trip includes visits to iconic landmarks like the Flight 93 Memorial, Gettysburg Battlefield, Arlington National Cemetery, the Smithsonian museums and the National Mall memorials. Students will also have the chance to meet with Indiana's congressional delegation on Capitol Hill and participate in a special youth event hosted by National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
To qualify, students must live on RSE lines. Additional applicants will be placed on a waiting list for potential openings. Apply online at indianayouthtour.org. For questions, contact Cathy Rhoades at 765-544-2938 or crhoades@rse.coop.
RushShelby Energy Scholarships - Applications Due April 14, 2025
RushShelby Energy is offering two $2,000 scholarships for high school and homeschooled seniors graduating in May 2025. Applicants must be the child of an RSE member and reside in a home served by RSE. Scholarships will be awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement and an essay. For full details, visit www.rse.coop. The deadline to apply is April 14, 2025.
Operation RoundUp - Small Change Making A Big Impact
As cooperatives, we stand by the seven cooperative principles that guide us, one of which is "Concern for Community." At RushShelby Energy, we've found the perfect way to embody this principle: Operation RoundUp.
This program turns small contributions from members into significant support for our communities. The concept is simple but impactful. Each month, RushShelby Energy rounds up your electric bill to the nearest dollar. The average member contributes just $11.88 per year - or just 99 cents per month. Yet, this small change adds up to make a big difference.
The spare change goes into the RushShelby Energy Rural Electric Community Fund, managed by trustees who ensure the funds are distributed to local organizations and causes where they're needed most. These contributions touch countless lives.
With so many charitable causes vying for attention, it can be difficult to decide where your dollars will have the most impact. Operation RoundUp simplifies the process. By participating, you join a collective effort that channels resources into the heart of our communities, addressing the greatest needs efficiently and effectively.
By contributing less than a dollar each month, you're making a meaningful investment in the well-being of your neighbors. Together, we're creating a brighter future - one rounded-up penny at a time.
Applying for an Operation RoundUp Grant
Each year, Operation RoundUp receives numerous grant applications, many of which unfortunately do not meet the necessary requirements. To increase your chances of success, we encourage applicants to carefully review the guidelines provided on the front page of the Grant Application Form and complete the brief eligibility survey below.
Pre-Application Checklist
Before starting your grant application, ask yourself these important questions. If you can answer YES to all of them, your organization may be a strong candidate for an Operation RoundUp Grant:
• Service Area - Are you located within the RushShelby Energy service territory in Bartholomew, Decatur, Fayette, Franklin, Hancock, Henry, Johnson, Rush or Shelby Counties?
• Organizational Type - Are you a not-for-profit organization, government entity, school district or college that has been granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service?
• Community Contribution - Does your organization enhance the overall health and/or welfare of the community?
• Inclusivity - Are your services nondiscriminatory in nature?
• Purpose of the Funds - Will the grant funds be used for something that remains with the organization?
• Local Benefit - Does this grant benefit residents of RushShelby Energy service area and surrounding communities?
Additional Requirements
While this survey highlights key eligibility factors, there are additional criteria and requirements for completing the application. It's essential to thoroughly review the Grant Application Form to ensure compliance with all guidelines.
How to Apply
Operation RoundUp Grant Application Forms can be found online at www.rse.coop. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to Jeremy Bohn at 765-544-2924.
By carefully following these steps, your organization will be well-positioned to submit a strong application. Operation RoundUp looks forward to partnering with organizations that make a positive impact in our communities.
Operation RoundUp: 2024 Grant Recipients
In 2024, Operation RoundUp continued giving back to our communities by awarding grants to a variety of local organizations. These grants support critical services, educational programs and cultural initiatives that benefit residents throughout our service territory.
This year's recipients include:
• Anderson Volunteer Fire Department
• Boys and Girls Club - Shelbyville
• Marietta Volunteer Fire Department
• New Horizons Rehabilitation
• PSI IOTA
• Rushville Public Library
• Shelby County Arts Festival
• Blue River Choir Corporation
• Manilla Community Volunteer Fire Department
• Metamora Volunteer Fire Department
• Posey Township Fire Department
• Rupert Kids Organization
• Rushville Township Volunteer Fire Department
• Shelby Senior Services
Thank you to members who participate in this program - it's your generosity that makes these grants possible.
Operation RoundUp: 2025 Grant Deadlines
February 6 May 1
August 7 November 6
Operation RoundUp - Luck of the Draw Scholarship Giveaway The Easiest Scholarship You'll Ever Win!
Operation RoundUp will be awarding four $2,000 scholarships to qualifying students at the conclusion of the 2025 annual meeting on Thursday, July 10th
Eligibility Requirements:
• Must be an active RushShelby Energy member or a dependent/legal ward of an active RushShelby Energy member.
• Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited two - or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the upcoming fall term.
• Open to graduating high school/home-schooled seniors and students up to 26 years old.
Ineligible Applicants:
• RushShelby Energy employees, directors and Operation RoundUp Trustees and their families.
• Past recipients of RushShelby Energy Scholarships or Luck of the Draw Scholarships.
Application Process:
• Complete the application - Available online at www.rse.coop.
• Submit the application - Bring the completed application and proof of enrollment to the Operation RoundUp booth at the annual meeting.
• Deadline - Applications must be submitted by 7:00 PM on July 10, 2025.
• Winner Selection - Winners will be drawn at 7:15 PM, prior to the Grand Prize Drawing.
• Must be present to win.
If you qualify and are interested, make sure to prepare your application and attend the meeting on Thursday, July 10th.
Winter Storm Preparedness
Winter storms can be unpredictable and may leave you without power. Knowing how to stay warm and prepared during an outage can make all the difference.
Seal in the Warmth
• Close Off Unused Rooms: Keep doors to unused rooms closed to concentrate on warmth in the areas you use most. Avoid opening doors to the outside unless absolutely necessary.
• Use Blankets and Layers: Dress warmly in layers and use emergency blankets to stay insulated.
Prepare a Winter Storm Safety Kit
A well-stocked safety kit can be a lifesaver during extended outages. Aim to have at least two weeks of supplies, including:
• Bottled water
• First aid kit/medicine
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlights
• Battery-operated or hand-crank radio
Stay Prepared for the Unexpected
• Emergency blankets
• Extra batteries
• Toiletries
Winter storms can leave you stranded while traveling. Consider keeping a smaller version of your safety kit in your vehicle with similar essentials. Items like a snow shovel, ice scraper and extra blankets can also be critical on the road.
To Report an
Outage
In the event of a power outage, it's important to report it through the appropriate channels so crews can work quickly to restore service. Outages can be reported by calling 800.284.3452, text outage to 55050 or use SmartHub.
Being prepared and knowing how to conserve warmth can help keep your family safe during winter storms.
Quick Links
2026 Planner Contest
We're excited to announce that entries are now open for the 2026 Planner Photo Contest! This is your chance to showcase your photography skills and have your work featured on the cover of the 2026 Planner. The winning entry will also receive a $250 bill credit! Additionally, 12 honorable mentions will be selected to represent one of the months of the 2026 Electrawatt Newsletter and will receive a $50 bill credit. The deadline to enter is August 22, 2025. More details are available at www.rse.coop. Don't miss this opportunity to share your talent and earn rewards!
On the Cover
Congratulations to Robin Richardson, one of the Honorable Mention winners of the 2025 Planner Contest! Robin's wintery scene of RSE linemen hard at work is proudly featured on this months cover.
Our Gift to You
Energy Efficiency Tip
Taking steps to help your home heating system run more efficiently can reduce energy use and lower your winter bills. Check to see if any air vents around your home are blocked by furniture, curtains or other items. Obstructed vents force your heating system to work harder than necessary and can increase pressure in the ductwork, causing cracks and leaks to form. If necessary, consider purchasing a vent extender, which can be placed over a vent to redirect air flow from underneath furniture or other obstructions.
Source: energy.gov
Get ready for the new year! Our 2025 planners, pocket calendars and Farmers' Almanacs have arrived and are now in the lobby. Whether you're planning your daily activities, tracking important dates or looking for timeless farming wisdom, we've got you covered. Stop by and pick up yours today and start preparing for a productive and organized 2025!
Mini-Member Puzzle
ENERGY SAVINGS SCAVENGER HUNT
Saving energy at home is a great way to help the environment (and save money). With the help of an adult, look for ways you can save energy around your home. Use the tips below to get started, then check off the areas where you've identified ways to save!
TASK: Bright Ideas
Ensure your home uses energy saving LED bulbs. If you find incandescent or CFL bulbs, replace them with LEDs.
TASK: Sealed for Savings
Check windows to make sure they are closed and locked. Sealed windows help prevent air leaks, which saves energy.
TASK: Empty Rooms
Turn off lights and ceiling fans in unoccupied rooms to conserve energy.
TASK: Slay Energy Vampires
Energy vampiers are devices that consume energy even when they're not being used. Unplug these items, like phone chargers and tablets, when you're not using them.
TASK: Set to Save
Check the thermostat to see if it can be adjusted a few degrees (either lowered in winter or raised in summer) to conserve energy used for heating and cooling your home.
