Get to the know the Board of Directors candidates and get the meeting details inside
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.
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
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.
kremc.com
CONTACT US
Local: 574-267-6331
Toll-Free: 800-790-REMC
EMAIL
mail@kremc.com
OFFICE HOURS
7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday–Friday
ADDRESS
370 S. 250 E., Warsaw, IN 46582
SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS
To report a service interruption after hours, please call: 574-267-6331 or 800-790-REMC
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John Hand Chairperson
Dan Tucker Vice-Chairperson
Pam Messmore Secretary/Treasurer
Tyler Bouse
Steve Miner
Rick Parker
Loretta Schafer
Todd Smith
Gabe Ayers
ENERGY TIP
CHECK FOR DRAFTS
While air sealing is often associated with keeping cold air out during winter, it’s just as important during summer. Tiny cracks and worn weatherstripping allow cool, conditioned air to escape and hot, humid air to seep indoors. This forces your air conditioner to work harder than necessary and increases energy costs. Take a few minutes to check for drafts, replace weatherstripping and seal leaks. – Energy.gov
Use your voice:
As an electric cooperative, Democratic Member Control is one of our core principles. As a member-owned not-for-profit organization, our members are the ones shaping our future. The primary ways members have the opportunity to use their voice each year are during the Annual Meeting and the board of directors election.
This year, we wanted to ensure that all our members could have the chance to vote, so for the first time, we are offering online voting, as well as in-person voting at the Drive-Through Annual Meeting. Members may vote online from May 26 to June 9. Visit kremc.com/about/annualmeeting to learn more about our candidates and cast your vote.
The Drive-Through Annual Meeting will take place on Thursday, June 11, from 3-6 p.m., right here at KREMC. Members will drive through our warehouse
and receive a $10 bill credit, a gift, and a free meal for attending. If you have already voted online, you are still welcome at the drivethrough event, but you will not be able to vote a second time.
Tune into our Annual Meeting
Broadcast on Thursday, June 4, at 7 p.m. on our KREMC YouTube channel and take a quiz after watching to have the chance to receive a $100 bill credit, a $50 Amazon gift card, a $25 Marathon gift card, or a $10 Starbucks gift card. Online quiz entries will be accepted through 5 p.m. on June 11, and winners will be announced the following day on June 12.
We are grateful for the consistent support of our membership in this community and look forward to seeing you at the DriveThrough Annual Meeting!
FOLLOW KOSCIUSKO REMC:
RATES
Residential and farm service
Service charge: $29.50 per month
TIM LANDRIGAN President and CEO
KREMC Rates and Rebates
REBATES
Electric water heaters 50 gallons or larger:
Gas to electric replacement: $125
Kilowatt-hour (kWh) charge: @$.0922 per kWh
Tracker charge: @$0.005741 per kWh
Outdoor lights*
40w LED: $8.75 per month
70w LED: $12.25 per month
New construction water heater: $125
Geothermal desuperheater: $50
HVAC:
Geothermal system installation: $250
Air-source heat pump system: $150
Programmable thermostat: up to $25
Visit kremc.com for complete guidelines and restrictions. Additional rebates can be found at powermoves.com
Presenting the 2026 KREMC Board of Directors candidates
Vote with confidence at the Annual Meeting
JOHN HAND, WARSAW Incumbent
John Hand attended North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and then attended North Carolina State University studying computer engineering. He returned to the Warsaw area after this, where his family dates back to the 1800s in this community.
He currently serves as the President of CK Finishing, a manufacturing company in Warsaw that was originally founded by his uncle in 1956 as Hand Industries. He started at Hand Industries in 1986 and in 200 became the president of the company. Along the way, he took up farming as well, and operates a family farm south of Warsaw.
As an active member of Valley Springs Fellowship Church, he handles the multimedia for the worship services. In addition to this, he has served on several local nonprofit boards and currently serves as the President of the Hand Family Foundation, which supports organizations throughout the community.
He and his wife Florell are proud parents of twins, Jessica and Dillion, both of whom grew up to work in this area. They also now have four grandchildren.
John has been on the KREMC Board of Directors for the past 10 years and would like to continue in this capacity. On top of his role at KREMC, he also serves as KREMC’s representative on the Wabash Valley Power Alliance board, which supplies the majority of KREMC’s power. These organizations are working diligently to keep member costs down and power reliable, and John Hand enjoys being part of this mission. He describes his core values as faith, family integrity, honesty, and community.
DAVID FERGUSON, LEESBURG Nominee
David Ferguson is a graduate of Purdue University, where he earned a degree in Agricultural Systems Management. Following college, he spent five and a half years working in the seed industry, gaining valuable experience in seed corn production at multiple locations across Indiana. In 2012, he returned to Kosciusko County to join Ferguson Farms, Inc.
He currently serves as President of Ferguson Farms, Inc., where he oversees day-to-day operations of the company’s trailer industry and trailer sales and rental shop. The business specializes in walking floor and belt trailers, offering sales, rentals, repair, and maintenance services. Through this role, he remains deeply involved in both the agricultural and wood industries and brings the perspective of a hands-on business owner and leader.
Beyond his professional work, he is actively involved in the community. He is a member of the Leesburg Lions Club, where he has previously served as president and is slated to serve again in the coming year. Through the Lions Club, he supports local initiatives including 4-H and various community projects throughout Kosciusko County.
He and his wife, Sarah, have been together for nearly ten years and enjoy living and working in the Kosciusko County community they call home.
He is interested in serving on the KREMC Board of Directors to help support and strengthen the community, particularly by contributing to the cooperative’s efforts to meet the county’s power and internet needs. Drawing on his experience running a complex, service-oriented business, he hopes to
help KREMC continue to grow and serve its members effectively. He describes his core values as honesty and integrity, with a strong belief in taking care of people, building a strong community, and lifting others up.
PAM MESSMORE, PIERCETON Incumbent
Pam Messmore is a long-time Kosciusko County resident with a deep commitment to community service and cooperative leadership. She is a graduate of Whitko High School and continued her professional development by completing banking coursework at Butler University and the University of Wisconsin.
Pam retired from Lake City Bank in March of 2023 after an impressive 37-year career. During her tenure, she served in a variety of roles including Customer Service Representative, Office Manager, and Retail Regional Manager. Through these positions, she gained extensive experience in customer service, operations, and leadership, all while working closely with individuals and businesses throughout the community.
Her commitment to Kosciusko County extends well beyond her professional career. While employed at Lake City Bank, Pam served on numerous local boards and organizations, including the Pierceton Chamber of Commerce, Health Care Foundation of Kosciusko County, Warsaw Education Foundation, Kiwanis Club, Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund, and the Kosciusko Leadership Academy. These roles reflect her longstanding dedication to strengthening the community and supporting local initiatives.
Pam has been married to her husband, Bruce, for 32 years. Together, they have two sons, two stepdaughters, and ten grandchildren, with whom she greatly enjoys spending time.
Pam has served on the KREMC Board of Directors for the past 16 years and is honored to continue her involvement with an organization that places a strong emphasis on caring for both its members and employees. She is proud to be part of a cooperative that works diligently to meet the evolving needs of the community. Pam describes her core values as honesty
and kindness, with a strong belief in doing the right thing for those she serves and continually working to make the community a better place to live and work.
NICHOLAS KING, WARSAW — Nominee
Nicholas King is a graduate of Lakeland Christian Academy, Class of 2005, and went on to attend the University of Dubuque, where he earned degrees in Aviation Flight Science and Aviation Management in 2009. He is also a licensed commercial pilot.
Nicholas has worked at the Warsaw Municipal Airport for more than a decade and has served as Airport Manager since 2013. In this role, he has led the airport through numerous infrastructure improvement projects, including power line lowering, runway expansions, and runway rehabilitation initiatives. He oversees complex budgets and multimillion-dollar capital projects while working closely with local and regional partners, and he takes great pride in serving the community through this leadership position.
In addition to his professional role, Nicholas is actively involved in the community. He works with the Warsaw Board of Aviation Commissioners and serves on the board of directors for the Warsaw Morning Breakfast Optimist Club, where he enjoys supporting youthfocused programs and giving back through serviceoriented initiatives.
Nicholas and his wife live on the west side of Chapman Lake with their son and dog, less than two miles from where he grew up. As a lifelong resident of Warsaw, he values the quiet, outdoor lifestyle and appreciates the strong sense of community and connection to nature that the area provides.
Nicholas is interested in serving on the KREMC Board of Directors because he believes in leadership through service and giving back to the community that has given him so much. Drawing from his experience managing complex operations, large-scale projects, and public resources as Airport Manager, he hopes to leverage those skills to serve KREMC members in a meaningful way.
(continued on page 8)
(continued from page 7)
His desire to serve is deeply rooted in his upbringing and values. Nicholas describes his core values as faith, family, and service and believes strongly in leaving a place better than he found it. He looks forward to carrying this mindset forward both professionally and as a role model for his son.
LORETTA SCHAFER, SYRACUSE — Incumbent
Loretta Schafer is a graduate of Purdue University, where she earned a degree in Food Science, and she is also licensed in health and life insurance.
Loretta currently works with McBride Cosaint Solutions, a life and health insurance company, where she assists individuals who are approaching or already in retirement with finding the health plans that best meet their needs. In addition to her work in insurance, she owns and manages rental properties and operates a horse farm, applying her business and management skills across multiple ventures.
Earlier in her career, Loretta spent more than 25 years in the manufacturing industry, holding roles that included plant management, production supervision, quality assurance, and safety compliance. Her experience includes work at several well-known facilities such as Purina, Kroger Dairy, Diamond Nut, and Morgan Foods. These roles provided her with a broad and deep understanding of production operations, regulatory requirements, and business management.
Loretta is actively involved in her community and faithbased service. She founded and continues to lead the hospitality ministry providing coffee and donuts at St. Martin DePorres Church and also serves by lecturing at Mass as well. In addition, she supports a number of local and regional charitable organizations, including the Milford Food Bank, Elkhart Faith Mission, Relevant Radio, as well as 4-H and FFA.
Born and raised in Syracuse, Loretta comes from a family rooted in hard work and service. Her father, Doc Schafer, was a large animal veterinarian who helped establish the veterinary clinic on State Road 15, and her mother, Ann Schafer, was a farmer—an uncommon role
for women of her generation. Growing up as one of six children, Loretta learned the values of strong work ethic, grit, integrity, and problem-solving at an early age.
Loretta is interested in continuing her service on the KREMC Board of Directors to build upon the progress made by the board and the KREMC team for the benefit of its members. She is proud of KREMC’s ability to keep electric rates significantly lower than investor-owned utilities and to exceed participation expectations with the cooperative’s internet service. She views this as an exciting time for KREMC and is committed to working diligently to keep rates low, expand opportunities through connectivity, and serve as a strong voice for the membership. Loretta describes her core values as transparency, dedication, honesty, and authenticity, with a strong commitment to staying informed and making well-informed decisions in the best interest of KREMC members.
RON GERBER, SYRACUSE Nominee
Ron Gerber is a graduate of Wawasee High School and has built his career around agriculture, trucking, and hands-on work in the field. He currently farms beef cattle and hay and also works as a commercial truck driver. Earlier in his career, Ron worked in excavation and dump truck operations, where he gained valuable experience working safely around utilities such as electric, gas, and communication lines.
Ron is actively involved in the agricultural community. He is a member of the Kosciusko Cattlemen’s Association, where he previously served as a director, and is also involved with the Indiana Beef Cattle Association.
Ron and his wife are raising two children, a son and a daughter, and are proud to call the Syracuse area home.
He is interested in serving on the KREMC Board of Directors because KREMC has been his family’s electric provider for most of his life and has consistently delivered reliable service at a reasonable cost. Ron would like to help ensure the cooperative continues on this positive path while representing the Syracuse area and its members. He describes his core values as honesty, integrity, and transparency.
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
Indiana Connection Readers’ Choice Awards
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.
Photos courtesy of the IMS Museum
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
At the Qualifying Zone, museum-goers can use machines to test their reflexes and simulate the experience of trying to qualify at Indy.
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.
The oval-shaped Mezzanine pays homage to broader aspects of the IMS experience, including artifacts and race-day traditions that encompass all forms of racing at the track.
Location Location Location
05/08/26
From high‑efficiency electric models to advanced heat pump water heaters, Richmond helps lower energy use and reduce monthly bills while meeting all of your hot water demands.
Want to learn more about our water heating technologies and how to save money on monthly bills? Learn how these products work with live demonstrations of Tankless Gas and Heat Pump Water Heaters.
Stop by a Menards store near you and check out our mobile showroom.
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.’”
Preparation drives reliability
PLANNING AHEAD
IS ONE OF THE WABASH VALLEY POWER TEAM’S MOST IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES
In Indiana, the month of May brings a familiar rhythm. The Indianapolis 500 captures our attention, and with it comes the language of racing, preparation, precision, teamwork, and strategy. Drivers don’t just show up on race day and hope for the best. Success is built through months of planning, testing, and coordination long before the green flag waves. Reliable electricity works much the same way.
Like you, I’m a co-op member. I expect the lights to come on, my home to stay comfortable, and my community to have dependable power every day. Most of the time, I don’t think twice about it. That’s exactly how it should be.
“ ” When power is dependable, it’s not by accident. It’s the result of careful planning and constant coordination.
As CEO of Wabash Valley Power Alliance, the work that makes that reliability possible is always front
and center for me. When power is dependable, it’s not by accident. It’s the result of careful planning and constant coordination behind the scenes.
Reliable electricity depends on generation and transmission working together seamlessly. Power must be produced at the right time and delivered across a transmission system capable of moving it efficiently to local co-ops. Keeping those pieces aligned takes continuous coordination, even though most of that work happens out of sight.
Planning ahead is one of the Wabash Valley Power team’s most important responsibilities. We look years into the future to understand how demand is changing, what resources will be available, and how the transmission system must perform to keep power flowing reliably. That long-term perspective allows us to make disciplined decisions rather than reacting when conditions are already tight.
In many ways, the decisions we make today are about races that won’t be run for years. New generation resources, transmission investments,
and system upgrades often take five, seven, or even 10 years to fully come online. The choices made now help ensure the system will be ready to meet future demand.
Preparation also means stresstesting our plans. We examine how the system performs during extreme weather, equipment outages, fuel constraints, and sudden changes in demand. Identifying risks early allows us to adjust course before small issues become bigger problems.
This month, drivers at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway measure success by crossing the Yard of Bricks and seeing the checkered flag. In our work, success looks a little different. It’s flipping the switch and seeing the lights come on, knowing families, farms, and businesses have the power they depend on every day. That may not come with a trophy, but for our members and our team, it’s what matters most.
JEFF CONRAD President and CEO
Wabash Valley Power Alliance
Spring into savings on your next home projects
During the spring months, we often find fresh motivation to tackle home improvement projects or even buy a new home. It is also the time of year to make sure your AC is ready to handle summer. Here are some local discounts you can access with the Co-op Connections App to help you achieve these goals.
Callaghan Homes
Discount: $1,000 off the retail price of a new home
Collier’s Heating and Air Conditioning
Discount: 10% off up to $25
Culligan Water Conditioning
Discount: 50% off rental installation; $0.25 off pick up price on household salt
Fahl Homes
Discount: $1,000 off the retail price of a new home
Flow-Tech Plumbing & Heating
Discount: $150 off a geothermal or air source heat pump install; $20 off next service call
Rabb/Kinetico Water System
Discount: 10% off in-store salt, filters, and prefilled 5-gallon water
Tired of the Runaround?
You deserve a better connection.
100% Fiber Internet. No Gimmicks. Honest Pricing. No Hidden Surprises. Local Support. No Corporate Games.
Dependable service you can trust, powered by people who work and live here just like you.
Ready to learn more? Scan the QR code or visit our website at kosciuskoconnect.com.
Mark your calendars for the Drive-Through Annual Meeting!
Our biggest event of the year, the Drive-Through Annual Meeting, is coming up next month! Here are all the details you need to know about the event and the board of directors election. Before the Annual Meeting, you should receive a ballot in the mail. This will provide a QR code for online voting if you choose to vote that way, or you can bring it to the Drive-Through Annual Meeting to vote in person.
Drive-Through Annual Meeting
The Drive-Through Annual Meeting will be held on June 11 from 3-6 p.m., at the KREMC building in Warsaw. Members who attend will receive a $10 bill credit, a gift, and a free meal. If you have already voted online, you are still welcome at the drivethrough event, but you will not be able to vote a second time.
Online voting
This year, we wanted to ensure that all of our members could have the chance to vote, so for the
first time, we are opening up online voting, as well as the opportunity to vote in-person at the DriveThrough Annual Meeting. Members may vote online from May 26 to June 9. Visit kremc.com/about/annual-meeting to learn more about our candidates and cast your vote.
Video broadcast
Tune into our Annual Meeting Broadcast on Thursday, June 4, at 7 p.m. on our KREMC YouTube channel and take a quiz after watching to have the chance to receive a $100 bill credit, a $50 Amazon gift card, a $25 Marathon gift card, or a $10 Starbucks gift card. Online quiz entries will be accepted through 5 p.m. on June 11, and winners will be announced the following day on June 12.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATION BALANCE SHEET
Years ended in December 31,
Years ended in December 31, 2025 and 2024
Financials are currently unaudited for year ended December 31, 2025.
