Harrison REMC - May 2026 Indiana Connection

Celebrating the Legacy of

INDY RACING

INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY MUSEUM REOPENS IN GRAND STYLE AFTER $ 60.5 MILLION RENOVATION

Your well could lower your heating and cooling costs.

If your home has a well, you may be halfway to a geothermal HVAC system.

Your water well can make switching to a WaterFurnace geothermal heating and cooling system easier and more affordable. An existing well can often serve as part of the geothermal loop field, reducing installation timelines and costs. WaterFurnace delivers:

• Steady, year-round heating and cooling that’s twice as efficient and lasts 40% longer than traditional HVAC

• Savings of up to 70% on home energy costs

• Long-lasting HVAC system that adds home value Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer to schedule a no-pressure home assessment for a personalized estimate.

Contact Your Local WaterFurnace Dealer

Delphi

Blue Fox Htg & Clg (765) 822-2200 bluefoxhvac.com

Farmersburg

Heady Htg & Clg (812) 696-2396

Flora

Camflo Htg & Clg (574) 967-4200 camfloheatingandcooling.com

Fort Wayne

Masters Htg & Clg, Inc. (866) 824-4328 mastersingeothermal.com

Greensburg Wallpe Htg & Clg (812) 663-7252 wallpegeothermal.com

Indianapolis Masters Htg & Clg by Van Valer, Inc. (317) 881-9074 mastersingeothermal.com

Jasper Hulsman Refrigeration, Inc. (812) 634-1492 hulsmanrefrigeration.com

Laotto T&T Plbg, Htg, A/C & Geothermal (260) 200-4003 tt-ph.com

Lebanon Blue Fox Htg & Clg (765) 859-0880 bluefoxhvac.com

Nappanee Crist Plbg, Htg, Electrical (574) 831-4630 cristnappanee.com

North Manchester Mars Refrigeration, LLC (260) 901-0057

North Vernon Air One Htg & Clg, Inc. (888) 346-1790 aironehvac.com

Ossian Collier’s Comfort Services (260) 622-6622 collierscomfort.com

Warsaw Colliers Htg & Air Conditioning (574) 203-2492 trustcolliers.com

Waterloo Gibson’s Htg & Plbg, Inc. (888) 754-1668 gibsonsgeothermal.com

Westfield Precision Comfort Systems, Inc. (317) 867-2665 precisioncomfort.com

West Lafayette Blue Fox Htg & Clg (765) 252-0051 bluefoxhvac.com

VOLUME 75 | NUMBER 11

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 300,000 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

Dr. Richard Leeper President Jamey Marcum Vice President

Melissa Menchhofer Secretary/Treasurer John Cassady CEO

EDITORIAL STAFF

Britt Davis Editor

Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication

Lauren Carman Communication Manager

Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator

Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist

Amber Knight Creative Manager

Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer

UNSOLICITED MATERIAL

Indiana Connection does not use unsolicited freelance manuscripts or photographs and assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited material.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

$12 a year 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.

A new look for your co-op magazine

In this month’s issue, you will notice a few changes to the magazine.

First, we have refreshed the magazine’s design. We have an almost entirely new magazine team, including myself, since the last redesign six years ago. Our team is always working to produce the best magazine possible for our readers, and we felt it was time to update the magazine’s appearance. The new design is cleaner, more modern, and better highlights our stories about Indiana’s electric cooperatives and their communities.

advertisers featured are trusted partners who support Indiana’s electric cooperatives in various ways throughout the year. Reducing the number of ads allows us to include more stories about our state and eliminate some of the fluff.

Although the magazine has changed its look, one thing that remains the same is our dedication to our readers. We will keep publishing the content you have come to expect from Indiana Connection, including our safety, food, and travel columns. We want this to be a magazine you look forward to receiving each month, and we hope this new design enhances your reading experience.

Second, we have decreased advertising in the magazine to offer you a more seamless reading experience. The

BRITT DAVIS | editor bdavis@indianaec.org

EMAIL: info@indianaconnectin.org

WEB: indianaconnection.org (fill out forms)

MAIL: 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, Indiana 46032

ON THE MENU: Submit your favorite recipes featuring spinach, deadline June 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

GIVEAWAY: Enter to win four tickets to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to our office address. The deadline to enter is May 31.

TRAVEL

Experience springtime blooms at

in all editions)

Motor Speedway Museum held a grand reopening in April 2025. The

museum features expanded exhibits, innovative design elements, and a variety of artifacts celebrating the legacy of Indy racing. Learn more in this month’s feature.

harrisonremc.com

CONTACT US

812-738-4115

812-951-2323

Fax: 812-738-2378

EMAIL

Click on “Contact Us” at harrisonremc.com

OFFICE AND LOBBY HOURS

7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday

DRIVE-THRU WINDOW HOURS

CURRENTLY CLOSED, DROP BOX AVAILABLE

STREET ADDRESS

1165 Old Forest Road, Corydon, IN 47112

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 517, Corydon, IN 47112

SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS

To report a power outage, please call 812-738-4115 or 812-951-2323.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David Poe (FLOYDS KNOBS) , President

Darin Duncan (ELIZABETH) , Vice President

Craig Engleman (CORYDON) , Secretary/Treasurer

Pat Book (PALMYRA)

Leah Huber (BORDEN)

David Walther (LANESVILLE)

C. Todd Uhl (CORYDON)

Danny Wiseman (MAUCKPORT)

Roy Zimmerman (LACONIA)

DRIVE-THRU TEMPORARILY CLOSED

The Harrison REMC drive-thru is temporarily closed for payments due to remodeling. We apologize for the inconvenience and want to remind members that a secure payment drop box is available at the front of our office. Additionally, we offer multiple ways to pay your bill, including online, by phone, through our mobile app, or by mail.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Downed power lines pose a safety hazard

KNOW HOW TO SAFELY AVOID DOWNED POWER LINES

Power lines crisscross our countryside, bringing the benefits of electricity. But storms or accidents can knock them from their perch, putting them on the ground or within reach. Just because they’re down doesn’t mean they’re dead.

Keeping your distance from downed power lines and knowing what to do if you see one are the first steps to safety. There is no way of knowing whether a power line is still live, and if you happen to touch one that is, the consequences could be deadly.

If you see a downed power line, the first step is to move away from it and anything that may be touching it. Keep a distance of 35 feet because the ground around downed power lines may be energized. But if you are in a car, the first step is to stay put.

If power lines fall on the car, the car can become energized. People who are safe inside will remain safe — as long as they stay put. Opening a door and stepping out can kill the person leaving the car. Even if power lines are not on the vehicle, they could be hanging low. Fallen power lines are hard to see against trees and foliage, especially at night. Anyone stepping out of a car might walk into an energized line and be electrocuted.

Here are some other basic tips for safety:

• If you see someone in direct or indirect contact with a downed line, DO NOT touch him or her. Call 911 for assistance.

• NEVER attempt to move a downed power line or anything else in contact with it using an object such as a broom or stick.

• If your vehicle comes in contact with a downed power line while you’re in the vehicle, stay inside the car. Call 911 or honk your horn to get help. Tell bystanders to stay away from the vehicle.

(continued on page 6)

(continued from page 5)

Safely exiting a vehicle

If you must exit the vehicle for life-threatening reasons, such as if the car has caught on fire, follow these important steps.

• Open the door without touching the metal door frame.

• Jump out and away from the vehicle. Make sure you do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time with any part of your body or clothing.

• Jump with both feet together so both feet land at the same time. Maintain your balance.

• Shuffle away so the toe of one foot shuffles forward along the length of the other foot, ensuring both are in constant contact and always touching the ground.

• Keep shuffling 30 or more feet until you are safely away from the car and the power line.

• Be watchful for low-hanging power lines or lines on the ground.

• NEVER attempt to get back into a vehicle in contact with a power line after you are safely away.

Rebates

Below is a snapshot of the 2026 rebates. You can visit harrisonremc.com to view the complete guidelines.

It is important that you read all the requirements, as not all systems will qualify.

If you have any questions, please contact the office at 812-738-4115 or email Nick Geswein at ngeswein@harrisonremc.com.

AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMPS/ DUAL FUEL HEAT PUMPS

Rebates for new heat pumps, dual fuel heat pumps, or the replacement of an existing electric resistance heat, gas, A/C, or heat pump.

GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP

Rebates are offered for new geothermal heat pumps or the replacement of existing electric resistance heat, gas, A/C, or heat pumps.

ELECTRIC OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

Rebates are offered for new battery or plug-in electrical equipment. This includes lawnmowers (minimum of 36 volts), trimmers, rototillers, pressure washers, leaf and snow blowers, and chain saws.

DUCTLESS MINI-SPLIT HEAT PUMP

Rebates are offered for single-room or whole-home installations for new construction or the replacement of an existing electric resistance heat, gas, A/C, or heat pump.

HVAC ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT TUNE-UP

Rebates are offered for maintenance tune-ups for electric air source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, and central air conditioners.

HEAT PUMP/HYBRID WATER HEATERS AND WI-FI-ENABLED ELECTRIC STORAGE WATER HEATER

Rebates are offered for newly constructed heat pumps, hybrid water heaters, or the replacement of an existing water heater.

DAVID LETT CEO

TAKE THE SURPRISE out of energy bills

PREPAY

ELECTRIC:

A flexible way to pay for power

Would it be easier to make weekly or bi-weekly payments instead of one large monthly bill? If so, Prepay Electric may be a good option for you.

Harrison REMC’s Prepay Electric program lets residential members pay for electricity in advance and manage their account balances on their own schedule. You add money to your account as needed, and your electricity is used from that balance as energy is consumed.

WITH PREPAY ELECTRIC, YOU CAN:

• Eliminate deposits, monthly bills, and late fees

• Receive balance alerts by email or text message

• Pay what you want, when you want

Payments can be made online, by phone, or in our office, like filling up a gas tank. No security deposit is required. If an existing member switches to Prepay, any deposit on the account will be applied to the balance. Some restrictions apply.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

Call our office at 812-738-4115 or visit our website for details. Your account must be current, including any unbilled use, to enroll.

BUDGET BILLING:

Predictable monthly electric bills

Harrison REMC offers two Budget Billing options to help members manage their energy costs with more consistent monthly payments, rather than seasonal highs and lows.

HOW IT WORKS

Average budget billing

Your monthly payment is based on a rolling average of the last 12

months of electric bills, not just the current month’s use. Each new bill is added to the average, and the oldest month drops off, so the amount may fluctuate month to month.

Fixed budget billing

This allows the members to pay the same amount for 12 months. On the 12th month, the account is billed or credited for the accumulated budget balance difference that has developed over the 12-month period. The fixed amount is based on the electric account’s use for the previous 12 months.

Each year, your account is reviewed and reconciled to make sure payments match your actual energy use.

THINGS TO KNOW

Budget Billing is designed to reduce the stress of fluctuating electric bills and make monthly budgeting easier.

Easter Bunny visits Harrison REMC

Eighty children were excited to meet with the Easter Bunny when he visited Harrison REMC!

For many, this has become an annual tradition, and we are excited to see all the little ones each year!

Harrison REMC employees and directors would like to wish everyone a safe Memorial Day.

The REMC office will be closed on Monday, May 25.

Enhance safety in your home and workplace during National Electrical Safety Month

BY CHRIS ADAM

Electricity helps make our lives easier, but it also poses serious risks. May is National Electrical Safety Month — a time to focus on potential home electrical hazards and how to reduce the risk of injury or death for ourselves and our families. “We believe National Electrical Safety Month is an important opportunity to spread the word about serious risks such as shock and fire-related hazards,” said John Cassady, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “We want our neighbors to know the basics of electrical safety to create safer families, homes, and communities. We can each do our part to help one another.”

ELECTRICAL SAFETY AT HOME

It can be easy to overlook the importance of electrical safety and the risks associated with it while at home. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association and Electrical Safety Foundation International, contact with electricity is a leading cause of injuries and deaths in homes and workplaces.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY AT WORK

You should also consider electrical safety at your workplace. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of 150 workplace electrical fatalities occur each year. From 2011 to 2023, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported that 74% of workplace electrical deaths happened in jobs that are not electrical in nature.

National Electrical Safety Month highlights the importance of electrical safety, regardless of our location. By understanding hazards and following safety measures, we can reduce the risk of injury and fatalities. Safety begins with awareness and proactive action. Take the opportunity this month to educate yourself about electrical safety and ensure a safer environment for everyone.

THERE ARE MANY STEPS HOMEOWNERS CAN TAKE TO REDUCE RISK, SUCH AS:

• Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.

• Use only one heat-producing appliance plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.

• Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet, not into extension cords or surge protectors.

• Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets.

• Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician install additional receptacle outlets so that extension cords are no longer necessary.

HERE ARE SOME SAFETY TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND AT THE WORKPLACE:

• Be proactive about de-energizing equipment and take steps to ensure your work environment remains safe.

• Always de-energize and follow established lockout/tagout procedures to prevent injuries and save lives.

• Be sure to select the personal protective equipment (PPE) that is suitable for you and your specific circumstances.

• Each year, workers are injured or killed by circuits thought to be safely turned off. Always test before touching.

Reliable guidance you can trust

Co-op energy advisors help members save

Electric cooperative energy advisors provide unique services to co-op members. While their roles may vary depending on which co-op they work at, they all share the same goal: supporting members by resolving their electricity issues and improving their experience with their cooperative. Energy advisors do this in several ways.

ENERGY ADVISORS HELP TROUBLESHOOT CHALLENGES

Many calls to an energy advisor begin as a high bill complaint or another service question. Energy advisors can review a member’s electric bill and identify potential concerns. Bills tend to rise in winter and summer, when extreme

temperatures cause HVAC systems to run more frequently. Yet sometimes other issues can cause challenges. An energy advisor can review the situation and provide perspective.

THEY CAN ALSO HELP LOWER A HOME’S ENERGY USE

Energy advisors can speak with members about their homes, learn how their homes use electricity, and advise them on how to make energy-saving improvements. For instance, they may suggest adding more insulation to make a home more comfortable. Some electric cooperatives can even provide a home energy audit, which includes testing and in-depth analysis of the home. They can then provide the member with a to-do list of stepby-step suggestions to save energy and money.

ENERGY ADVISORS CONNECT CO-OP MEMBERS WITH PRACTICAL PROGRAMS

Many energy advisors work with businesses and homeowners on energy efficiency programs, potential incentives, and other offerings that can lower long-term costs. Energy advisors collaborate closely with members to identify programs that can best help them reach their goals.

Energy advisors are dedicated to helping co-op members. Visit your electric co-op’s website to learn about the programs they offer to help you reduce electricity and your bill.

JAKE TAYLOR Energy Advisor LaGrange County REMC

A commitment to doing good

BY CHRIS ADAM

A few years ago, Andrew Turpen, owner of Junior’s Delicatessen in Batesville, Indiana, realized his career needed a change. While he enjoyed working in education, a discussion with his sister-in-law opened his eyes. Turpen knew he had the food-industry experience and knowledge to open his own quick-service restaurant.

“If my sister-in-law had never cared enough to encourage me to consider my options, I may have continued to struggle with my education career,” Turpen said.

With each guest, we have an opportunity to create a positive experience that can lead to more good.

–

Andrew Turpen

thejuniorsdeli.com

10a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday– Friday

10a.m. –6 p.m., Saturday

Andrew Turpen gives back to his community through Junior’s Delicatessen

“I took everything I had learned from the great leaders I had been fortunate enough to work with and the principles that came along with that and applied them to Junior’s.”

A focus on fresh Junior’s, which opened in June of 2022, is committed to using the freshest ingredients possible. “Freshness isn’t just a marketing scheme to us, it’s what we do every day,” said Turpen. “Our opening managers are in at 7 every morning, baking our locally famous French bread loaves, and prepping our produce for the day. We are also one of the few places left that offer free delivery.”

One of their most popular sandwiches is their Cuban, with hand-pulled smoked pork carnitas, ham, provolone, Dijon mustard,

extra pickles, and Hellmann’s mayo, all grilled to perfection on the panini press.

A vessel for good Junior’s has a great reputation for helping the community.

“I believe that Junior’s exists to be a vessel for good in our community,” said Turpen. “Since our opening, we have donated thousands of dollars of food and financial support to local organizations, youth sports teams, and local schools and their staff.”

Turpen said that a couple of missions Junior’s supports, which are personally important to him, are the Batesville Safe Passage Shelter and the Batesville Middle School 8th-grade Washington, D.C., trip.

“We want to be a place where people can get a delicious, fresh sub at a fair price that ultimately creates a good moment in their day,” said Turpen. “With each guest, we have an opportunity to create a positive experience that can lead to more good.”

Warrick County

BY NICOLE THOMAS

Warrick County’s first town, Newburgh, Indiana, was initially called Sprinklesburgh after its founder, John Sprinkle. By the 1850s, Newburgh had become one of the largest riverports on the Ohio-Mississippi River. Later, Newburgh served as a key stop on the Underground Railroad and was the first northern town captured by Confederates during the Civil War.

INDIANA’S LEX LUTHER

Actor Michael Rosenbaum was raised in Newburgh and attended Castle High School before earning a degree in theater arts from Western Kentucky University. He is best known for his portrayal of Lex Luthor on the television show “Smallville.” Rosenbaum is also a voice actor whose most well-known role is Wally West (The Flash) in the DC Comics animated “Justice League” series. In 2014, he wrote, directed, and starred in the comedy “Back in the Day,” which was filmed in Newburgh.

THE MAKING OF LINCOLN

When Abraham Lincoln’s family moved to Indiana in 1816, they settled along Little Pigeon Creek. This land was then a part of Warrick County before the area was redistricted into Spencer County two years later. As a young man, Lincoln would walk 17 miles to Boonville, Indiana’s courthouse, where he observed court proceedings and developed his interest in law. One attorney who particularly influenced him was John Adams Brackenridge, a prominent lawyer in southern Indiana. He not only loaned Lincoln law books but was also known for his oratory skills, and Lincoln regularly attended his closing arguments.

UNEARTHING WARRICK’S PAST

Warrick County is home to three key archeological sites — Angel Mounds, Yankeetown, and Ellerbusch. At Angel Mounds State Historic Site, grassy earthen mounds and preserved artifacts mark the site of what was once a thriving Native

American town, dating back 600 to 1,000 years. A few miles away, the Ellerbusch archeological site reveals the outlines of small homes, stone tools, and pottery shards from a tiny village connected to Angel Mounds. Farther east along the banks of the Ohio River, the Yankeetown archeological site has uncovered even older pottery and tools from Native people who lived roughly 1,500 years ago.

COUNTY FACTS

FOUNDED: 1813

NAMED FOR: Captain Jacob Warrick, an Indiana militia company commander

POPULATION: 63,898

COUNTY SEAT: Boonville

INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 87

Vote on the Best of Indiana

Indiana Connection is recognizing some of our readers’ favorite places in an upcoming “Best of Indiana” feature. Our readers have nominated their best-loved restaurants, festivals, and other places that make the Hoosier State great, and we have narrowed them down to three finalists in each category. Go to goiec.org/48bCk4O to vote on reader nominees in each category. You can also scan the QR code to download a paper ballot.

Indiana Best of

HEART SMART

FLAVORFUL RECIPES PERFECT FOR A HEART-HEALTHY DIET

Watermelon salad

GLENDA FERGUSON, PAOLI

2 cups cubed seedless ripe watermelon

2 cups arugula

1 cup sliced cucumbers

2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp. blue cheese or feta cheese Black pepper to taste

Toss watermelon with the arugula and cucumbers. Drizzle vinegar over the salad. Top with cheese. Season with pepper.

Salmon salad with avocado and chickpeas

SUETTA K. TINGLER, CORYDON

1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 avocado, peeled and chopped

1 (15 oz.) can salmon, drained with skin removed

2 celery ribs, diced

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp kosher salt or to taste

1/4 tsp ground black pepper or to taste

Combine the chickpeas and avocado in a large bowl. Mash until the avocado is smooth and creamy and about half the chickpeas are mashed. Add remaining ingredients and mix to combine. Adjust seasonings with additional salt and black pepper. Serve either on a bed of mixed fresh greens or with whole-grain crackers.

Mediterranean stir fry STAFF

SUBMITTED

1 pound chicken breast, sliced into thin strips

4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided

2 cloves of garlic, grated or minced

2 tsp Peri-Peri seasoning, divided (See recipe below.)

1/2 tsp salt

1 eggplant

2 medium zucchinis

1 sweet pepper or bell pepper

1 red onion

1 cup cherry tomatoes

6 cups fresh spinach

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, 1 teaspoon of Peri-Peri seasoning, and the salt to a medium bowl. Add the chicken strips. Marinate for 30 minutes or at least until you have finished preparing the vegetables. (This can be marinated overnight.) Wash, peel, core, and trim tops and bottoms off all of the vegetables. Slice them thinly and then cut them in thin short strips so that they cook evenly and fast. Set the vegetables aside in separate prepared bowls.

In a frying pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add the marinated chicken strips. Turn the chicken after 2-1/2-3 minutes. Saute until golden brown and cooked through. This should take 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken strips from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and add a handful of each of the sliced vegetables. Caramelize the vegetables for 1-2 minutes before you start to stir fry the vegetables. Stir fry in two batches, making sure the pan is not overcrowded. Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of seasoning, making

sure not to oversalt. Taste as you go, then set the vegetables aside next to the chicken. Add the last of the olive oil and toss in the cherry tomatoes, cooking until they blister and sizzle a little. Add the spinach and mix gently until wilted. Add the stir-fried vegetables and chicken back to the pan, mixing gently for a few moments to combine all the flavors. Serve immediately on its own or over rice or cooked grains. (Serves four.)

Peri-Peri seasoning

2 Tbsp sugar

2 Tbsp paprika

2 Tbsp onion powder

2 Tbsp garlic powder

2 Tbsp ground coriander

1 Tbsp salt

1 Tbsp dried oregano

1 Tbsp dried parsley

2 tsp ground ginger

2 tsp ground cardamom

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp cayenne pepper

Mix together well and store in an airtight jar. Makes a little less than a cup.

CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF

INDY RACING

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum reopens in grand style after $60.5 million renovation

BY BRIAN D. SMITH

In February 2025, only two months before the grand reopening of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, the most valuable car in the collection was no longer in the building — or even on the same continent. The 1954 Mercedes-Benz Streamliner, a legendary Grand Prix winner, sat on display in Stuttgart, Germany, at a museum devoted to Mercedes-Benz. But the gathering of nattily dressed spectators didn’t come to admire it — they came to buy it.

And in a stand-alone auction conducted by Sotheby’s, the car netted $53 million — the most ever paid for a Formula One car and the second-most paid for a car, period. But there was more. By the end of the month, 10 other venerable vehicles from the Speedway collection would also go on the auction block, one of them — a 1964 Ferrari — fetching $36 million. Then, on April 2, 2025, the biggest and most innovative IMS Museum in history opened to the public after a 17-month hiatus and a $60.5

million renovation. On display were nearly four dozen time-honored speed machines, led by the Marmon Wasp that Ray Harroun drove to victory in the inaugural Indy 500. Yet why did a world-class showcase for auto racing sell 11 of its best racing autos?

It’s a matter of mission, explained Communications Manager Kelsey Burr. Though the ’54 Mercedes and ’64 Ferrari achieved monumental milestones in motorsports, their tires never touched track at Indy.

Neither did Craig Breedlove’s Spirit of America, which blazed 600 mph across the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1965 to set a land speed record. It went for $1.3 million.

“The mission now is to celebrate and preserve the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500,” said Burr. “The cars we sold did not meet the mission of the museum.”

A WARM WELCOME TO GASOLINE ALLEY

The new Indy-centric institution asserts its identity even before visitors reach the first of its 10 galleries. Four green-and-white replicas of barn doors adjoin the entrance to Gasoline Alley, borrowing the longstanding nickname for the racing teams’ infield garage area. Though seemingly more appropriate for the stables at Churchill Downs, their rustic look and color scheme evoke the doors on the old wooden garages that housed Indy cars until 1985.

More history lies underfoot. The floor leading into Gasoline Alley begins as a crushed-rock-and-tar concoction, then switches to bricks and finally asphalt, recalling the progression of racing surfaces since the Speedway’s construction in 1909. To the right stand seven mock garages containing a rotating array of historic race cars from various decades; to the left are artifacts corresponding to each era — highlighted by the never-before-displayed articles of incorporation for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Company, as it was initially named. And in a nod to other types of racing at Indy, Gasoline Alley also features racing helmets from Formula One stars, notably Michael Schumacher, who won five of the eight U.S. Grand Prix races held at Indy.

The seven race cars in the gallery’s garages change periodically, but past selections have ranged from the 1964 Lotus of pole sitter Jim Clark, a fan favorite who finished first the following year, to the 1978 Texaco Star Wildcat driven to ninth place by Janet Guthrie, the first woman to qualify for the 500.

ARCHITECTURAL INNOVATIONS AND EXPANDED SPACE

At 80,000 square feet, the new museum is twice the size of its predecessor. Yet the structure around it didn’t expand at all — designers gained the additional 40,000 square feet by efficiently utilizing existing space.

That required more than just a few tweaks. “The museum overall was completely gutted,” said Burr. “None of this was here besides the floor and the support beams.” So where did planners find the extra space? “We got rid of the low ceilings and opened up the lower level,” she said. And they conjured up a gallery out of thin air, installing the 6,000-square-foot Mezzanine half a level above the Indianapolis 500 Winners Gallery and its lineup of champion Indy cars.

Oval-shaped to resemble the track, the Mezzanine pays homage to broader aspects of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway experience, including artifacts and race-day traditions that encompass all forms of racing at the track. For instance, visitors can view the PPG Trophy, an Art Deco creation that honors the winners of the NASCAR Brickyard 400. Another exhibit shows the surprising number of steps involved in creating a new face for the Borg-Warner Trophy, which displays the faces of all Indy 500 drivers who previously landed in Victory Lane. When sculpting a new one, the artist studies photographs of the driver’s face from different angles and models a clay likeness, then casts a replica in plaster and then in red wax. In the final step, a jeweler produces a trophyworthy double in sterling silver. The gallery also gives a tip of the racing helmet to the 500’s pre-race festivities, as evidenced by the display case honoring the performance of “Back Home Again in Indiana” before Indy 500 drivers start their engines. Gracing the case are sheet music for “Back Home Again” and a uniform from the

Purdue University All-American Marching Band, which customarily accompanies the vocalist in the song’s performance.

SECRETS IN THE BASEMENT

The easy access to the lower level may seem unexceptional nowadays, but only to museum newbies. For decades, it was a place of legend and mystique. “It used to be called the basement,” said Burr, “and you had to really know somebody to get down there and see it.” So what was down there? “A repository of rare, priceless, and one-of-a-kind racing and automotive artifacts and vehicles,” according to one source.

Then, several years ago, the museum began offering exclusive VIP basement tours, charging $150 for a half hour, but even then, the cellar remained secretive. Participants descended in groups of six and were prohibited from taking photos — yet the tours still raised $400,000 for the museum, a not-for-profit entity that has long operated independently of the Speedway.

Today, as part of the Winners Gallery, the former basement still contains rare and one-of-a-kind racing vehicles, and even a secret or two. Look closely at the walls, and you will discover that their banking matches that of the famed oval — 9.2 degrees. But you won’t pay $150 to enter, and no one will hassle you if you take pictures.

FUNDING THE RENOVATION

Speaking of fundraising, given that auction revenue for the museum’s 11 historic automobiles exceeded $100 million, it might seem logical to assume that the proceeds will more than cover the cost of the renovation.

But what’s logical is not always ethical in the world of museums. The American Alliance of Museums, which represents 35,000 museums and museum professionals, maintains strict rules pertaining to deaccessioning, the process of removing unwanted objects from museum collections.

Calling deaccessioning a “responsible practice” when an item no longer fits the mission of the museum, the Alliance nevertheless cautions that “if a deaccessioned object is sold, museum professional ethics require the proceeds from the sale be used only to acquire new objects for the collection or provide direct care of the collection.” As former IMS Museum President Joe Hale stated, “We can’t use the proceeds of that sale to build a new museum, but the proceeds will go to two functions: the care of the collection and to enhance our collection.”

In 2023, Hale launched the $89 million “The Stories Behind the Spectacle” capital campaign to fund the renovation of the museum and the construction of an $18 million, 60,000-square-foot Restoration and Event Facility near the track. The structure would replace a pair of nearly 70-year-old, 1,500-square-foot buildings now used to restore historic vehicles.

‘ULTRA-MODERN’ IN 1956

The IMS Museum celebrates its 70th birthday this year. Still, nearly a half-century of racing elapsed before it came into being — and even then, it had to share space with the track’s front office, previously located downtown. The new museum/administration building, situated on the southwest corner of the Speedway grounds, contained 8,000 square feet — only one-tenth the space of the current museum. However, the Indianapolis Star hailed it as an “ultra-modern structure,” citing features such as air conditioning, which was found in only 2 percent of American homes at the time.

Groundbreaking ceremonies for the museum took place in July 1955, but the mood wasn’t entirely jubilant. Thoughts of former Speedway President Wilbur Shaw, who died tragically in a plane crash the previous October, loomed large over the event, amplified by his wife’s presence as an honored guest. Speedway Owner Anton “Tony” Hulman had already announced that the museum would be dedicated to Shaw, whose contributions to the Indy 500 transcended the steering wheel.

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One of the greatest race drivers in history, Shaw won three Memorial Day classics and placed second on three other occasions. And his off-track accomplishments proved at least as significant. Not only did he convince Hulman to buy the deteriorating two-and-a-half-mile oval in 1945, but as its president and general manager, Shaw spearheaded the comeback of Indianapolis’ namesake race and racetrack with improvements such as the installation of steel-and-concrete grandstands in place of the aging wooden seating.

Even after his passing, Shaw remained prominent when the museum opened its doors in 1956. Only six historic cars greeted the first visitors to enter the racing shrine, whose exhibits were described as “far from complete.” But not far from the iconic Marmon Wasp stood the Maserati that Shaw piloted to victory in 1939 and 1940.

The museum also featured photos of the winning cars and drivers from previous races, trophies, and other 500 memorabilia dating back to the early 1900s, as well as a Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. display showcasing the evolution of racing tires at Indy.

The Speedway unveiled its new museum on the first day of qualifications, offering a hard-to-beat admission price — free with the purchase of a $1 ticket to enter the track, and more than 10,000 spectators went for it. (Ticket prices would remain ridiculously low for decades — only $5 for adults in 2014 — but are now $25 for adults and $18 for kids 6 to 16.)

The “steady stream of visitors” continued even after the 1956 race, with about 3,500 filing through during the Labor Day weekend, wrote the Shreveport (Louisiana) Journal, adding that the new museum was “rapidly winning recognition as one of the nation’s top tourist attractions.” A guest register showed representation from all 50 states, as well as 25 countries, ranging from Australia to Mongolia.

UPGRADING AND UPDATING

Talk of moving the museum to larger quarters began as early as 1963, when Hulman paid $100,000 to the Town of Speedway for 15 acres across the street from the original building. But ultimately the museum stayed put until 1976, when — amid the hoopla over the nation’s 200th birthday — it relocated to a new 96,000-squarefoot, two-story building inside the oval. The Chicago Tribune embraced both the hype and the necessity of

The renovated museum delivers fun experiences for race fans of all ages.

the move, reporting that Hulman “built it not only to honor the Bicentennial, but because facilities and parking space at the first museum, opened in 1956, had become inadequate.”

In 2016, foreshadowing the recent renovation, thenExecutive Director Betsy Smith voiced concern that the museum had barely evolved in 40 years and was overdue for an update. “The lighting, the technology — it’s vintage 1976,” she told the Star. “I’d like to get some technology in here and some video so that visitors could really experience racing.”

The current galleries provide just that. At the Starting Line Experience, guests enter a room where an 80-by20-foot LED screen plays a seven-minute video that re-creates the sights and sounds of race day traditions as experienced by Indy drivers on the front row. The video begins with the cannon firing and concludes with the green flag that signals the start of the race, including the “Drivers, start your engines” command that sends the cars roaring to life. Note that this gallery comes with a warning sign cautioning visitors about excessive volume (earplugs are recommended) and flashing lights.

Meanwhile, at Qualifying Zone, museum-goers of all ages can channel their inner A.J. Foyt or Danica Patrick on machines that test reflexes and simulate the experience of trying to qualify at Indy — all the way down to estimated speed and even accidents. The pit stop challenge enables motorheads to learn the tools of the trade, and a play area caters to the youngest future recipients of the Borg-Warner Trophy.

The new museum is already delivering results, as evidenced by attendance figures. Before the renovation, the facility drew about 140,000 visitors annually. However, 2025 saw 150,000 during the first six months following its reopening, said Burr. “Guests have been absolutely loving it,” she said, and some even take the time to express it. “My favorite feedback was, ‘I brought my 3-year-old child and my father-in-law in his 60s, and they both spent hours here.’”

Some heroes wear hard hats

INDIANA LINEMEN AID MISSISSIPPI CO-OP AFTER WINTER STORM

Back in January, Winter Storm Fern blanketed the southern United States with damaging ice, unusually cold temperatures, and widespread power outages.

As a result, electric cooperatives did what cooperatives always do — they put the principle of Cooperation Among Cooperatives into action.

After the storm, linemen from five Hoosier Energy member cooperatives headed to Mississippi to help the Tishomingo County Electric Power Association

repair its decimated electric infrastructure and restore power to over 12,000 members. In all, Mississippi saw over 150,000 outages statewide.

The linemen who represented Hoosier Energy, the state of Indiana, and their electric cooperatives were Chris Woods, Wyatt Binkley, and Bo Simpson of Clark County REMC; Grant Horton, Jarrett Arvin, Dwain Jolliff, and Jordan Kaiser of DaviessMartin County REMC; Tyler Allen and Andrew Weidenbenner of Dubois REC; Max Rickelman, Jarrett Hawhee, Jim Applegate, and Eric Faulkenberg of Southern Indiana Power; and Mike Rich, Alex Schnepper, Chance Kelley, and Mike Harmon of WIN Energy REMC.

In addition to clearing rights-ofway and replacing poles, these linemen also made friends with the four-legged creatures they

encountered along the way. From cats and dogs to pigs and sheep, as well as a cow — which the crew from Southern Indiana Power dubbed as pasture supervisor Bessie Watts — these men made a difference.

For one family, having the Daviess-Martin crew come from Indiana to Mississippi created a full-circle moment.

“Not all heroes wear capes, some wear hard hats,” the family wrote. “We have never been so happy to see anyone in all of our lives. After 13 days with no power, these guys came in and saved the day! We moved to Mississippi from Tell City, Indiana, four years ago. It was kind of cool that linemen from Indiana restored our power.”

Another cooperative principle in action — Concern for Community — even if it is hundreds of miles from home. That’s what electric cooperatives do.

Botanical bliss

BY NATALIE DERRICKSON

EXPERIENCE VIBRANT SPRINGTIME BLOOMS IN ALL THEIR GLORY AT ELKHART’S WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS

Despite the frost of winter, ruffly, sunny daffodils and show-stopping tulips command spring’s arrival, carpeting once-barren earth with confirmation that the new season is here. These gorgeous blooms and more welcome guests gazing in the Spring Garden at Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart, whose north promenade is known for its vibrancy — the bright yellow forsythia, purple redbud clusters, pink and white magnolia, and dogwoods awakened from their winter rest.

Transport yourself into lush mops of peony blooms in the English Cottage Garden as you make your way to the Japanese Island Garden, but not before you notice the fish, over 20 varieties, that call the garden ponds and Christiana Creek home.

“Our Japanese Island Garden is a must-see in all seasons,” said Kyle Strain, Wellfield’s manager of public horticulture. “The north hill is carpeted in pink blooms of creeping thyme in May and June. The waterfall is a particularly beautiful feature, and the well-pruned pines provide elegance throughout the year.”

Wellfield is an accessible, familyfriendly destination. Its walking paths allow ample space for walkers and those traveling on wheels at any age. With ample seating throughout the gardens, plus the allowance of food, visitors can spend the day at the gardens. The Children’s Garden features a waterfall and offers arguably the best view of the gardens, in a tree house located in a grand sycamore tree.

The result of a community service project conceived by the Elkhart Rotary Club in honor of the international organization’s 100th anniversary, Wellfield Botanic Gardens is a regional gem. Botanic gardens are more than just beautiful; they’re a botanically diverse ecosystem lovingly designed and cared for by professionals. Located on 36 acres, half of which is water, the site has historical and community significance — the 13 active wells on site provide the bulk of the community’s drinking water.

Wellfield Botanic Gardens is open year-round, welcoming guests and members from 12 to 5 p.m. Pets of members with approved registration are also welcome. For information on special events, workshops, membership, and educational opportunities, visit wellfieldgardens.org

Upgrades for a more sustainable yard

CREATING A SUSTAINABLE YARD BENEFITS THE ENVIRONMENT AND YOUR WALLET

BY PAT SULLIVAN

A sustainable yard can be costeffective and better for the environment. One of the most important sustainability strategies is using native plants for your area’s climate and soil type. Indigenous plants require less water to maintain and contribute to the ecosystem. To ensure pollinators always have food, plant flowers that bloom throughout the year. Mixing plants with different root structures helps aerate the soil and prevents nutrients from being drawn from the same soil layer. Some good companion plants are sunflowers, zinnias, and marigolds. Plant perennials. Not only will they improve each year, but they will also help you save money.

To enrich your soil, try using natural weed-controlling methods, such as mulching with a 2 to 4-inch layer of biodegradable products, like cardboard or newspaper. Another great option is to use corn gluten meal. Apply this in the spring before the weeds begin sprouting. It may take a few years of consistent application to reach the full weedcontrol potential, but the benefits will be well worth it.

REDUCE, REUSE, RETHINK

Water conservation is an easy money-saver. For a big impact, consider drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to the root zone of plants through pipes, tubing,

and emitters. This system delivers water exactly where it’s needed and reduces evaporation and runoff. For a simpler method, set up a rain barrel on an elevated stand and connect it to a downspout. Position the overflow hose to direct excess water away from your home’s foundation. If your barrel doesn’t already have one, install a spigot for easy retrieval.

For a fertilizer alternative, try composting. Start by making a bin out of reclaimed wood or wire mesh. Along with fruit and vegetable scraps, add healthy grass clippings, deadheaded flowers, twigs, and dried leaves. A nutrient-rich compost should have alternating layers of green material (nitrogen-rich) and brown material (carbon-rich), with a ratio of three parts brown to one

part green. Place the bin in a full-sun location to speed decomposition, turning it weekly.

To save energy, switch to an electric mower and string trimmer. There are a variety of models, both wired and battery-operated.

Pat Sullivan is the owner of Sullivan

Hardware & Garden, family-owned and communityfocused since 1954, offering premium grills, patio furniture, lawn and garden products, and expert service.

(This article is for informational purposes only. Indiana Connection and Do it Best assume no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, or for injuries, property damage, or the outcome of any project.)