Orange County REMC - February 2026 Indiana Connection

What’s driving electricity’s rising demand?

Orange County REMC’s

INDIANA’S

FORGOTTEN wetlands

Uncovering the history of the swamps that shaped our past

Geothermal isn’t just about comfort. It’s about energy independence, grid resilience, and good jobs.

Geothermal heating and cooling doesn’t just make homes more comfortable and efficient— they’re powered by a domestic, underground energy source that’s available 24/7, rain or shine.

Made in the USA: Our geothermal systems are built right here in America, supporting advanced manufacturing jobs.

Grid-friendly: While AI, EVs, and data centers push power demand to new heights, geothermal helps reduce peak load—easing the burden on our utilities.

Job-creating: From HVAC contractors and well drillers or trenchers to engineers and architects, geothermal supports a wide network of high-paying, skilled jobs in every community it touches.

Geothermal isn’t just smart for homeowners. It’s smart for the country.

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

visit us at waterfurnace.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

from the editor

Our new addition

If you read my column regularly, you know that I often talk about my family, especially my daughter, Gwen. On Dec. 29, Gwen became a big sister. Nolan Robert Davis, named after my grandfather, was born three weeks early, weighing a hearty 8 pounds.

I have to say, his early arrival caught me off guard. Whenever you’re having a baby, you may secretly hope they will come as early as possible, as long as they’re healthy, but they often prefer to stay past your hopeful eviction date. I am a type-A planner through and through, so I would have liked Nolan to stay put a little longer, but babies (and kids, for that matter) do what they want.

So far, Gwen has mostly ignored him but occasionally gives him a toy or sings him a song. By the time you read this, it will have been a couple of months since his arrival. Hopefully, she will like him more by then.

I admit to feeling a little concerned about the sibling dynamics. I’m an only child, so I never had to experience the addition of a sibling I didn’t ask for, but my husband, Brooks, is the oldest of four and assures me that Gwen will adjust just fine.

The year 2026 began differently than I expected, but it’s no less wonderful than I had planned. I also hear our surprise 2025 baby is great for our taxes. I hope your year is off to a great start and you’re looking forward to whatever 2026 brings.

Britt Davis Editor bdavis@indianaec.org

On the menu: May: Submit your favorite heart healthy recipes, deadline March 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

Giveaway: Enter to win a reader’s gift set for your book nook. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is Feb. 28.

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

VOLUME 75 • NUMBER 8 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 320,000 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

ADVERTISING:

American MainStreet Publications Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop

Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication.

UNSOLICITED MATERIAL:

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

$12 for individuals not subscribing through participating REMCs/RECs.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:

If you receive Indiana Connection through your electric co-op membership, report address changes to your local co-op.

POSTAGE:

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

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

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

for the perfect book nook

Indiana’s former wetlands once teemed with life and provided a refuge for those using the Underground Railroad. Now largely transformed into farmland and urban development, these areas reflect a forgotten natural landscape integral to Indiana’s past. Learn more in this month’s cover feature.

www.myremc.coop www.myremc.coop/internet

CONTACT US

Office: 812-865-2229

Toll-Free: 888-337-5900

Bill Payments: 855-938-3393

EMAIL

orangecoremc@myremc.coop

OFFICE HOURS

7 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday-Friday

MAIN OFFICE BUILDING 1

7133 N. State Road 337 Orleans, IN 47452

OPERATIONS/MATERIALS BUILDINGS 2 AND 3

8390 N. State Road 37 Orleans, IN 47452

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 208, Orleans, IN 47452

TO REPORT SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS, PLEASE CALL 855-865-2229, (OPTION 1) DAY OR NIGHT. Have the phone number associated with your account ready when reporting outages. Please limit after-hours calls to emergencies and outage situations.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Daniel Houchin, District 1

Randy Roberts, District 2

Carl Anderson, District 3

Thomas Lamb, District 4

Ben Lindsey, District 5

Brian Hawkins, District 6

George Key, District 7

REMC SENIOR STAFF

Matthew C. Deaton, General Manager/CEO

Billy Chastain, Operations Manager

Hannah Carter, HR and Benefits Administrator

Braden Mitchell, Network Engineering Manager

Cade Powers, Engineering and Member Services Manager

Charlie Rollins, Fiber Construction Manager

Montana Roberts, Marketing & Sales Manager

Ashley Terrell, Office Manager

Misty Tincher, Accountant

FACTORS DRIVING THE RISING DEMAND FOR ELECTRICITY

Across the U.S., the demand for power is climbing at one of the fastest rates in decades. As the economy becomes more reliant on electricity and data centers continue to pop up in many parts of the country, electric cooperatives are preparing to meet the challenges that skyrocketing demand brings.

The North American Reliability Corporation — the watchdog for the U.S. electric grid — recently released the 2025-26 winter reliability assessment, which echoed other recent reports, including longer-term outlooks that expect sufficient energy resources during normal conditions but potential supply shortfalls and outages under more intense weather conditions. Extreme weather, coupled with additional factors that are driving increased demand, creates challenges for electric utilities, including cooperatives, in their mission to provide reliable power around the clock.

Several key factors are driving increased demand — including economic growth, expanded manufacturing, data center development, and increased electrification in transportation. Together, these trends are reshaping the amount of electricity we consume and how quickly utilities like Orange County REMC must adapt to meet future needs.

One of the biggest drivers of rising demand is increased electrification. More homes and businesses are transitioning to electricity for home heating, water heating, and transportation. Electric vehicles are becoming more common on the road, and many states are offering incentives to help consumers make the switch. Additionally, electric heat pumps are replacing traditional furnaces in many homes due to their efficiency. These

transitions result in increased energy use and pressure on the grid.

Economic and manufacturing growth are also contributing to higher electricity use. As businesses expand and new industries take root, especially in rural and suburban areas, the demand for reliable, high-capacity power is increasing. This growth brings jobs and investment, but it also puts new pressures on the electric grid.

Every day life is becoming increasingly energy-dependent as well. Smart appliances, connected devices, home offices, and entertainment systems are adding to overall consumption, even as efficiency improves.

Electric co-ops are responding to increased demand by planning carefully for the future — investing in grid modernization and offering programs and services to help co-op members conserve energy.

Orange County REMC, along with our power provider — Hoosier Energy, is exploring additional generation sources, strengthening transmission systems, and implementing technologies that help manage peak load.

Electricity powers nearly every aspect of today’s economy, and its role will only grow stronger. As electrification accelerates, long-term planning becomes more important than ever.

Orange County REMC is ready to meet rising demand in our local communities. Through innovation, investment, and collaboration, we are preparing for a more reliable and resilient energy future.

MATTHEW DEATON

General Manager/CEO

Rate schedule

How to compute your monthly electric bill: Use this information to figure your bill for electric use in January.

Rate Schedule for Standard Service

Standard Service Consumer Charge $36

Standard Service Energy Charge $0.1124 Wholesale Power Cost Tracker $0.0194187

Example for 1200 kWh Standard Service Consumer Charge $36

............................... $13.59

Example for 1200 kWh on Time-of-Use 300 kWh (On-Peak) and 900 kWh (Off-Peak)

2026 Timeline

for REMC director election

All REMC members who register and attend the Annual Meeting can vote for directors to serve the districts that are up for election in that calendar year. The information below details when deadlines occur in the election process. Incumbent directors whose terms expire in 2026:

District 1 — Daniel Houchin (teal on map)

District 5 — Ben Lindsey (red on the map). Does not intend to seek re-election.

• Letters of intent due by Feb. 5

Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards accepted.

Pay by phone at 855-938-3393. Visit myremc.coop for these services:

• Pay online

• Pre-pay your bill

• Sign up for recurring monthly payment

• Petitions of nominations due by April 21

• Full slate of candidates will be published in the May issue of Indiana Connection

• Election at Annual Meeting on June 5.

SCHOLARSHIPS

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

› The parents or legal guardians of the applicant must be a cooperative member who is also participating in Operation Round Up.

› Applicant must be a 2026 graduating senior and have maintained a cumulative grade point average of a C or higher, and provide a current high school transcript.

› There are six $750 scholarships available, one per graduating senior from Paoli, Springs Valley, Orleans, Mitchell, Crawford and West Washington high schools.

› Recipient must be eligible to enroll as a full time student in the fall of 2026. Proof of enrollment must be presented to cooperative.

› Applicant must submit application and transcript to cooperative no later than Feb. 13.

myremc.coop for more info and download an application.

VALENTINE’S DATE NIGHT IN, POWERED BY ORANGE COUNTY FIBER

This Valentine’s Day, skip the crowds and plan a cozy night in — made better with Orange County Fiber. From movies to music, fast and reliable fiber internet keeps your evening smooth from start to finish.

Streaming “Date Night” Ideas:

• Romantic Movie Night – Classics, romcoms, or your favorite love story in crystalclear HD

• Series binge – Pick a show and enjoy uninterrupted episodes together

• Stand-up or comedy specials – Laugh together with a favorite comedian

• Play together – Online co-op games or interactive shows for a fun twist

• Concerts and music documentaries – Stream live performances or behindthe-scenes music specials

• Cook-along date – Stream a cooking show or recipe video and make dinner together

• Trivia or game shows – Play along at home and see who wins bragging rights

So light the candles, grab the snacks, and press play.

This Valentine’s Day, stay in and stream with the fastest internet in town!

Power

SAVINGS!

Make the most of 2026 electric rebates

Apply for an Operation Round Up grant today

Is your nonprofit oranization seeking funding? Since 2003, the Orange County REMC Operation Round Up program has given back $652,250.38 to the community through this program.

Applications for the next round of donations are due Feb. 13. For information, visit myremc.coop/operationround-up

Jump into a new year and take advantage of Orange County REMC's 2026 electric rebates Enjoy savings on electric outdoor equipment, water heaters, an upgrade for your HVAC unit or just some TLC for your HVAC system

Call us or visit our website for more information.

812-865-2229 myremc coop/rebates

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: NOT JUST FOR HOMES

How a business can slash electricity costs

Think “energy efficiency” and what comes to mind? Often, it’s home improvements that can slash electricity use and costs.

However, often overlooked but no less important are the many ways that a business can save energy — and maximize its investments.

It can start with something as simple as lighting upgrades. Whether it’s switching to LED lighting or installing smart lighting controls, rebates and incentives are available.

Rebates are also available on Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for motors and pumps. Examples include HVAC supply and return fans, cooling tower fans, water pumps, and compressors. These rebates vary.

Some are based only on the VFD itself, while others might offer the option to include installation, auxiliary devices, and other costs. Though some of these rebates may require an application to be filled out prior to the project being started, others can be applied for upon completion.

Weather sealing and insulation improvements can help with heating and cooling efficiency.

Check with your local cooperative, as well as the manufacturer of the item being upgraded, to understand all the available rebate options, in addition to potential tax credits.

The Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED) also offers a number of loans and grants to businesses, which make energy efficiency upgrades more affordable.

There are also incentives available in conjunction with economic development groups, allowing businesses to optimize rates.

The next level of business incentives comes with distributed generation and distributed energy resources (DERs). This can include solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage, microgrids, and combined heat/power systems.

DERs often require a significant initial investment, so incentives such as tax credits, rebates, grants, and subsidies make this more financially appealing. Whatever form these financial incentives take, they can help encourage businesses to invest in energy efficiency upgrades. This not only helps a business’ bottom line, but it also reduces the local energy provider’s load. That ensures consumers like you can continue to have access to safe, reliable electricity.

by Carey Wade Senior Billing, MSR, and Key Accounts Coordinator Daviess-Martin County REMC

With more than 85,000 acres of farmland, Blackford County has 72,000 acres devoted to soybeans and corn. The remaining land is used to grow wheat, hay, and oats, and supports over 24,000 hogs and pigs.

Blackford County COUNTY FACTS

STANDING TALL IN MONTPELIER

The “Miami Indian” is a 25-foot fiberglass statue in Montpelier, Indiana, known for its appearance in the opening credits of the TV show “Parks and Recreation.” The statue was first installed at a Pontiac dealership in Indianapolis. It was later moved to a Native American museum at Eagle Creek Park before Miami leader Larry Godfroy donated the statue to Montpelier in 1984. It now stands near the historic Godfroy Reserve, which is land granted by an 1818 treaty to Chief François Godfroy and his people. The reserve once covered nearly 4,000 acres along the Salamonie River in Blackford County before being sold in the 1820s and 1830s.

A JOURNEY BEYOND EARTH

Kevin Ford, a native of Montpelier, is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and NASA astronaut. After earning degrees in aerospace engineering and international relations, he served as a fighter pilot and test pilot before being selected by NASA in 2000. He has spent 157 days in space across two missions — one as a pilot on the Space Shuttle “Discovery” and one as commander of the International Space Station (ISS). After his time as an astronaut, Ford became a pilot for United Airlines and now serves as a technical advisor for NASA’s ISS Advisory Committee.

HEART OF HARTFORD CITY

The Hartford City Courthouse Square Historic District serves as the historic and civic center of Blackford County. Its main building, the Blackford County Courthouse, is a Richardsonian Romanesque landmark built during the Indiana Gas Boom. Designed by Marion architects Arthur LaBell and Burt L. French, the courthouse features a 165-foot clock tower and stone walls, and it still houses local government more than a century later. The courthouse lawn includes several war memorials, including a World War I monument that is a reproduction of the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” sculpture.

By Nicole Thomas

FOUNDED: 1838

NAMED FOR: Isaac Blackford, the first speaker of the Indiana General Assembly

POPULATION: 12,112

COUNTY SEAT: Hartford City

INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 5

Youth Power and Hope Awards

Community service and compassion:

Across Indiana, young people are already serving, inspiring, and making real change in their hometowns, strengthening the communities we call home and carrying forward the cooperative spirit that unites us all.

For more than 15 years, the Youth Power and Hope Awards — led by Indiana Connection magazine — have honored outstanding fifth through eighth-grade students who demonstrate compassion, initiative, and commitment to community. This year’s winners continue that legacy of service, proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact.

LOGAN CONKLIN

Logan Conklin and his family are members of Clark County REMC and reside in Sellersburg. The son of Ken and Kelly Conklin, he is an eighthgrade student who demonstrates a remarkable heart for service and community.

Through Boy Scout Troop 10, Conklin has volunteered on a wide range of projects, including building pedestrian bridges, community gardens, and playgrounds, as well as collecting food for local pantries and assisting with public events. He also serves at St. John Paul II Catholic Church as an altar server and helps at church events throughout the year. Each Christmas, Conklin volunteers with the Salvation Army, giving his time to help families in need.

Youth Power and Hope Award winners exemplify the best of the next generation

Even when faced with challenges in school, Conklin remains dedicated to making a difference — proving that no obstacle can stand in the way of doing good. As he pursues a new diploma track designed for students with special needs, he looks forward to learning a skilled trade and continuing to make a difference in his community.

DIANE PATTON

Diane Patton and her family are members of Tipmont and live in Waynetown. The daughter of Lilly and Ryan Patton, she is a seventhgrade student who shares her love of animals with her community in inspiring ways.

Through 4-H and her family farm, Patton teaches others about goats, poultry, and other animals, focusing on proper care and safety. She presents at local events, schools, the Indiana School for the Blind, and community programs, giving hands-on experiences that educate and inspire students. Patton also mentors younger 4-H members through a dairy goat workshop she started with her sister and helps raise funds for her club through projects like Kiss the Goat.

Regarding her community service, Patton said, “Helping others is the right thing to do, and even young people can make a difference.”

Youth Power and Hope Awards

ALEXANDRIA SHORT

Alexandria Short is the daughter of Joy and Spencer Short of Convoy, Ohio, and her family are members of Paulding Putnam.

A seventh-grade student, Short has helped bring holiday cheer to thousands through the Van Wert 4-H Exchange Club’s Holiday Light Show. Since she was five years old, she has helped set up, operate, and maintain the displays, and now serves as the club reporter, sharing stories about the club’s activities.

Through her involvement, Short has gained leadership, teamwork, and technical skills while helping ensure the light show remains a cherished community tradition. Proceeds from the event support 4-H exchanges, local food pantries, hurricane relief efforts, and camp scholarships.

Regarding her community service, Short stated, “Giving back helps young people feel connected to the world we live in.”

DELANEY

SMALL

Delaney Small is the daughter of Whitney and Jason Small of Greenwood and is a member of JCREMC.

A sixth grader, Small, has turned a personal health challenge into a mission of kindness through her project, Laney’s Love.

After receiving a blood transfusion at age 10, Small felt called to give back. She began hosting community blood drives to raise awareness about the importance of donation in Indiana. Along with each drive, she collects funds to purchase toys for patients at Riley Children’s Hospital, a gesture inspired by the comfort she once received there. She also makes handmade bracelets with encouraging messages for blood donors.

Regarding her service, Small shared, “Helping others makes people feel part of a lasting impact. Even when you’re young, you can change someone’s life.”

GRACE WESTFALL

Grace Westfall is the daughter of Krista and John Westfall of Zionsville and is a member of Boone Power. A sixth grader, Westfall leads with compassion and initiative in her school and community. She serves as student council president and participates in the Best Buddies Program, where she partners with a student with special needs and attends events to foster friendships and promote inclusion.

Westfall also founded Kids Helping Kids, a school club that supports the Isaiah 117 House of Boone County, which provides comfort to children entering foster care. She has helped meet the home’s needs and raise awareness through lemonade stands, donation drives, and community outreach. Alongside her family, Westfall volunteers regularly at Wheeler Mission, the Zionsville Food Pantry, and the Indiana Diaper Bank, all to ensure others feel supported and cared for.

Regarding her service, Westfall said, “It’s important for young people to help others because it teaches skills, builds empathy, and makes a difference.”

BREAKER BOX BASICS:

Protecting your home from overloads

Your home’s breaker box may not be something you think about every day, but it’s one of the most important safety features in your home. Indiana’s electric cooperatives remind members to understand how their breaker panel works and to recognize the warning signs of electrical overloads.

“When too much electricity runs through a circuit, the breaker is designed to trip,” said John Cassady, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives . “That quick action shuts off power and prevents wires from overheating, which could otherwise lead to a fire.”

WARNING SIGNS OF OVERLOADED OUTLETS OR CIRCUITS INCLUDE:

• Lights that flicker, blink, or dim

• Warm outlet or switch covers

• Burning odors from outlets or switches

• Circuit breakers that trip often

• Crackling or buzzing sounds near receptacles

• Mild shock or tingling when touching appliances or switches

• Appliances or tools not running at full strength

If you notice any of these issues, check your breaker panel, usually located in the basement or garage.

A tripped breaker will be in the “off” or middle position. To reset it, switch it fully to “off,” then back to “on.”

Knowing which rooms and appliances are on each circuit can save time and stress when something trips. Indiana’s electric cooperatives suggest members take a few minutes with a notepad to map out circuits and label the breaker panel.

Extension cords may be a quick fix when outlets are limited, but heavy reliance on them often means a home needs additional outlets installed by a licensed electrician.

EXTENSION CORD SAFETY 101

Extension cords are meant for temporary use. Using extension cords correctly can reduce the risk of overheating and fire.

KEEP THESE TIPS IN MIND:

Keep cords away from water.

Show older kids how to plug in safely and never yank cords from the wall.

Avoid overloading cords with too many devices.

Replace cords that are cracked or damaged.

If your home relies heavily on extension cords, it may be time to add more outlets.

Sources: Electrical Safety Authority, Complete Electrical Solutions

Show your love with red velvet

Indulge in the rich and decadent signature flavor of red velvet, with a vibrant hue perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day this month

RED VELVET CHEESE BALL

1 stick of butter, softened

8 oz cream cheese

2 Tbsp brown sugar

½ cup powdered sugar

½ box of red velvet cake mix

Combine the butter and cream cheese. Add the brown sugar, powdered sugar, and the cake mix. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until firm, and then form into a ball. The ball can be rolled in mini chocolate chips. Serve with graham crackers or vanilla wafers.

RED VELVET POKE CAKE

Glenda Ferguson, Paoli

1 box red velvet cake mix, plus ingredients to make the cake (eggs, oil, water)

2 boxes vanilla pudding

4 cups milk

8 oz tub whipped topping, thawed

½ cup mini chocolate chips

Prepare the cake mix according to package directions and bake in a 9x13-inch pan. Cool the cake for a couple of minutes. Poke holes in the cake with a straw or a wooden spoon handle. Poke all the way down to the bottom.

Mix the contents of both pudding boxes with the milk and whisk until smooth. Pour the pudding over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Spread the top of the cake with thawed whipped topping and sprinkle with the chocolate chips.

RED VELVET FUDGE

Marilles Mauer,

Greensburg

2 cups white chocolate chips (more for optional topping)

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

2 Tbsp butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1-2 tsp red food color

½ tsp salt

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chips, condensed milk, and butter, stirring constantly until smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and salt until thoroughly combined. Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper, then spread the fudge mixture evenly into the pan. If desired, melt some white chocolate chips and drizzle over the fudge. Then take a toothpick to create a swirl pattern on top. Chill for at least 2 hours.

INDIANA’S FORGOTTEN wetlands

Uncovering the history of the swamps that shaped our past

By Stephanie Bernaba

Before Indiana became known for its farms and cities, it was a land primarily of water. When government surveyors worked across the territory between 1799 and 1834, they encountered massive tracts of soggy, poorly drained land where solid ground gave way to marsh for miles.

Northwestern Indiana spent half the year under standing water. Benton County was predominantly wetlands. Indiana was a landscape so dominated by wetlands, so teeming

with waterfowl, wild rice, and unknown depths, that today’s residents would barely recognize it as the same place.

These swamps have vanished, converted either into farmland or roads, or buried beneath suburban developments, but their stories reveal an untamed and beautiful terrain where people escaping slavery found refuge from bloodhounds, where locals attempted to harvest peat as their Irish ancestors had, and where naturalists discovered endless inspiration among the cattails and knotty growth.

FLETCHER’S SWAMP AND THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

Fletcher’s Swamp has completely disappeared, but it once covered approximately 200 acres just east of Indianapolis’ Old North Side, stretching between what are now called Cottage Home and MartindaleBrightwood. This wetland sat centered roughly where the I-65 and I-70 interchange would eventually be constructed. Today, the area near Massachusetts Avenue reveals no trace of its existence.

continued from page 21

A December 1889 description in the Indianapolis Journal painted a picture of a dismal swamp that even hunters couldn’t enter except during the harshest winter cold. Frost rarely broke through the dense blanket of moss and accumulated leaves that had built up over centuries, kept perpetually damp by underground springs.

During the 1830s, this forbidding swamp became a critical station on the Underground Railroad.

Calvin Fletcher, a Vermont native, lawyer, and farmer who controlled approximately 1,600 acres covering much of the Near East Side, worked actively against slavery and regularly allowed escaped slaves safe passage through his property.

Wetlands made ideal hiding spots because slave-hunting bloodhounds lost the scent in water and mud. Freedom seekers used removable wooden planks as stepping stones

across the swamp, eliminating their trails by taking up the planks behind them as they moved forward.

An 1889 Journal account captured Fletcher’s secret mission. A tenant farmer noticed Fletcher riding toward the swamp each morning carrying a sack. One sunrise, curiosity led the farmer to follow at a distance. Fletcher dismounted, walked into the vegetation, and called out. The swamp responded — vegetation waving, water splashing, and finally, a tall, muscular Black man emerged wearing clothes made from coffee sacks. He took the sack from Fletcher, exchanged a few inaudible words, and disappeared back into the swamp.

The swamp may also have sheltered unlikely refugees during the Civil War years. Confederate prisoners who escaped Camp Morton, a Union Army prison located just west of the wetland, found cover in the dense thickets and boggy ground. Stephen Keyes Fletcher claimed decades later

that escaped prisoners regularly hid in his father’s swamp.

The swamp’s fate was sealed, though, after the war ended. Hundreds of newly freed African Americans traveled north from Kentucky and other Southern states to Indianapolis. Calvin Fletcher allowed them to harvest timber for building cabins and cultivate small vegetable patches, paying them by the cord for the wood they delivered from the swamp’s edges.

Fletcher’s son, Calvin Jr., finally drained the remaining wetland during the 1870s by dredging it and connecting it to the “Old State Ditch.” Thousands of acres of Indiana wetlands met a similar fate when they were converted into conventional farmland.

BACON’S SWAMP: BROAD RIPPLE’S PEAT BOG

An 1891 newspaper identified Fletcher’s Swamp as one of two major

“bayous” affecting valuable property around Indianapolis’ expanding borders. The second was Bacon’s Swamp, which proved equally fascinating and more scientifically significant.

Broad Ripple now occupies the area where the sizable Marion County bog once existed. Google Maps still labels a small lake “Bacon’s Swamp,” but this is merely a manufactured remnant of what was once a freshwater wetland.

The Wisconsin Glacier’s retreat created both Fletcher’s and Bacon’s swamps approximately 20,000 years ago, leaving depressions that filled with water. Over time, these bodies filled with sediment and decaying plant material, while oxygen levels at their depths dropped, much as in the aging process of living organisms. Bacon’s Swamp matured into one of the southernmost peat bogs in the United States.

This swamp also took its name from a farmer who operated an Underground Railroad station. Hiram Bacon arrived from Williamstown, Massachusetts, in 1821 with his wife, Mary Blair. Despite studying law at Williams College, Bacon’s poor health led him west to survey for the government. After his assignment was complete, he chose to stay in Indiana.

The Bacons ran a sophisticated operation for assisting freedom seekers. A 1931 Indianapolis Star article detailed the arrangement: the house stood on the east side of the road, with the large barn on the west. Inside the barn, a wheat bin could only be accessed by ladder from outside and remained concealed beneath piles of hay. Another hiding

spot existed in the cider house bin. Freedom seekers remained there until darkness allowed them safe transport to the next station. At night, they hid in the peat bog directly across from the Bacon dairy operation.

Their 400-acre farm occupied approximately the same area where the Glendale Town Center stands today. During the mid-1800s, most of eastern Broad Ripple would have been covered in boggy terrain. By the 1930s, the farmhouse stood empty.

Walter C. Kiplinger, who was an Indianapolis chemistry teacher and tree doctor, wrote a detailed 1916 Indianapolis News article about the peat bog. His description focused on an area approximately one mile north of the State Fairgrounds, located near 50th Street and Arsenal Park. Kiplinger marveled at the depth and vastness of the peat, saying that it rivaled the most lavish Irish peat bogs. Local newspapers published serious proposals for peat harvesting from 1905 through the 1920s, before the idea was abandoned.

Europeans have burned peat for millennia. Though peat is not technically a fossil fuel, it produces odorless, smokeless heat. Rural Ireland and Britain relied on it as an affordable fuel source for centuries, and it also provides Scotch whisky’s smoky flavor.

During World War I, American and Canadian peat bogs exported sphagnum moss to Europe, where cotton shortages forced army doctors to experiment with peat-based wound dressings. The moss was also an effective natural antibiotic.

Central Indiana nearly joined the peat fuel movement during the early

1900s. E.H. Collins, a Hamilton County farmer located a mile north of the State Fairgrounds, promoted what he called “earth that would burn” during the summer of 1905. He estimated that his 30-acre bog contained approximately 400,000 tons of harvestable peat, and newspapers envisioned a future in which peat would become residents’ primary source of heat.

That future, sadly, never arrived. Indianapolis’ economic challenges and demographic shifts accelerated Broad Ripple’s suburban growth during the 1950s, placing increasing pressure on the remaining swampland.

In February 1956, three children died attempting to rescue a puppy that had fallen through ice on one of the swamp’s lakes.

continued on page 24

continued from page 23

Residents called for the “deadly swamp” to be condemned and eliminated. The soggy ground continued to challenge developers for decades, swallowing up roads in both 1914 and 1937. Eventually, only a small pond remained.

THE GRAND KANKAKEE MARSH, INDIANA’S EVERGLADES

While Fletcher’s and Bacon’s swamps were significant, the Grand Kankakee Marsh surpassed them in both size and scope. Kankakee Marsh earned the nickname “Everglades of the North” because it extended across northern Indiana.

Trevor Edmonson of The Nature Conservancy describes how the

landscape has changed: “Some say this was one of the largest inland wetland systems in North America. Looking around today, you need to squint hard and read the landscape carefully to detect its presence.”

The diverse patchwork of vast floodplains, wild creeks, thick backwaters, and wet meadows that once defined Northern Indiana can now be traversed without much notice. The same can be said for the fragmented, industrialized Calumet Region wetlands and the isolated pockets of creeks in Northeastern Indiana.

The marsh nurtured diverse wildlife. More than 500,000 acres of wetland habitats, including swamps, marshes, and shallow lakes, contained a wide variety of plants. Cattails, sedges,

water lilies, and various aquatic grasses grew throughout the marsh. These plants sustained numerous animal species, including migratory birds, waterfowl, turtles, frogs, and fish.

Beaver Lake in Newton County covered 28,500 acres in 1834. Railroads transported hunters, trappers, and fishermen from Chicago into the marsh, and the trains returned loaded with fish, game, and marsh grasses used for packaging materials. Hunting lodges operated throughout the area.

Native American tribes, specifically the Miami and Potawatomi, depended on the marsh long before settlers arrived. Its resources were harvested for food, and the wetlands were used for transportation and trade. They

also incorporated the marsh into their spiritual practices.

Significant changes began in 1884 with the implementation of dredging, river straightening, tiling, and ditching projects targeting the Kankakee River and its surrounding marshes.

Industrialization and agricultural expansion during the late 1800s and early 1900s resulted in the draining of hundreds of acres of marshland and the straightening of neighboring rivers. As a result, the ecosystem changed irrevocably, and the natural water systems never recovered.

By 1917, Beaver Lake had shrunk from 28,500 acres to 10,000 acres. Today, it exists only on maps.

The environmental consequences were severe. Shrinking wetlands reduced habitats for plants and animals. Migratory birds lost a vital stopover, and the waterfowl population declined sharply. Altered water flow and increased sedimentation lowered the water quality and harmed aquatic life. The loss of wetland plants also reduced water retention, leading to increased flooding in nearby communities.

WHAT’S LEFT

Wetland preservation is now a state priority, marking a reversal of years of destruction. Wetlands provide beauty, wildlife habitats, and naturally filter and replenish groundwater. Edmonson notes that these once swampy, undervalued areas are now among Indiana’s most cherished landscapes.

Recent years have seen restoration efforts for places like the Grand Kankakee Marsh, with organizations, environmental groups, and

government agencies collaborating to reconstruct wetlands, improve water quality, and restore habitats.

What The Nature Conservancy now calls the Efroymson Prairie at Kankakee Sands was once part of this vast wetland complex. The Nature Conservancy and other conservation partners recognize that not all is lost. Over the decades, they have worked urgently to protect, promote, and steward the remaining critical wetlands across Indiana.

At Kankakee Sands, they have restored some of the natural flow across many acres and have seen the ecosystem begin to recover. This recovery will take time, if not generations, to return to its natural state.

“A couple of decades ago, we could only really read about the lush and biodiverse wetlands of the Grand Kankakee Marsh,” Edmonson said. “Today, as I walk through a restored flooded sedge meadow and hear an American bittern calling and see a variety of frogs and flowers at my feet, I can begin to bring that history to the present. I am constantly in awe of what we can accomplish when we work together for nature. While people have significantly altered the landscape, we also have the power and opportunity to heal it.”

Indiana has established numerous nature preserves protecting wetland communities throughout the state. Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve in Monroe County protects vital bottomland forest habitat. Northern Indiana features several preserves, including the Crooked Lake Nature Preserve, which spans Whitley and Noble counties, the Loon Lake

Nature Preserve in Steuben County, and the Springfield Fen Nature Preserve in LaPorte County.

Twin Swamps Nature Preserve in Posey County protects important wetlands in southwestern Indiana. The Kankakee Fish & Wildlife Area maintains over 4,000 acres of habitat for migrating birds and other wildlife, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the Grand Kankakee Marsh.

For visitors, the Wet Prairie Trail at the Kankakee Sands Welcome area offers a glimpse into this recovered ecosystem. Edmonson particularly loves the wetlands in June, when the sedges are at their most robust, plants are blooming, and the insects and butterflies return.

Though large areas of Indiana wetlands have been lost forever, their storied history lives on. Thanks to widespread conservation efforts, the spark of life has finally returned, allowing Indiana’s wetlands to thrive once again.

Editor’s Note

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

The Limberlost Swamp near Geneva found an unlikely ally in author Gene Stratton-Porter. Despite the swamp’s dangers, she recognized its value as both a living laboratory and an inspiration for both her fiction and nature writing. We will explore Stratton’s remarkable life and legacy in the March issue.

Best of Indiana

Indiana Connection Readers’ Choice Awards

Indiana Best of

NOMINATION FORM

To celebrate the uniqueness of Indiana, please exclude national chains from your responses. Don’t forget to include the name of the town in which each answer is located. Feel free to tell us why you made your nomination. Use an additional piece of paper if needed.

BED AND BREAKFAST/COUNTRY INN:

Indiana Connection wants to recognize some of our readers’ favorite places in an upcoming “Best of Indiana” feature. To nominate your favorites, fill out the form below and mail it to Indiana Connection at 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032. You can also submit your nominations online at indianaconnection.org/2026-best-ofindiana-awards

Nomination forms are due by March 1. Our readers will vote on the top-nominated places in future issues. Send any questions to Editor Britt Davis at bdavis@indianaec.org. Help us showcase some of the places that make the Hoosier State great!

MUSEUM: PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS:

RESTAURANT:

TENDERLOIN SANDWICH (NAME THE SPECIFIC PLACE):

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Address: City: State: ZIP Code: Phone: Email: Electric Cooperative:

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Hoosier Energy news

PLAN PART of the

A maintained electric system ensures safe, reliable electric service

For the past 76 years, Hoosier Energy has been responsible for the safe and reliable transmission of electric service to its member systems.

To ensure it can continue its power supply commitment throughout 2026, Hoosier Energy will maintain regular inspections, and provide required scheduled maintenance and emergency repairs throughout its system. As part of the process, walk inspections, vegetation management, pole replacement, and helicopter patrols will take place.

These efforts may affect a portion of the electric transmission system located on or within proximity of your property. That may include easement areas and rights-of-way.

Reasonable efforts will be made to contact property owners before any scheduled maintenance or if access

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KEY RESTRICTIONS REGARDING EASEMENT AREAS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY

• No structure(s) shall be constructed or maintained within the easement area.

• Vegetation must be managed to industry standards and not present a safety concern to the public or the transmission line facilities.

• Reasonable ingress/egress to access transmission line easement areas and facilities.

• Contact the Real Estate Team (realestate@hepn.com) before any excavation or construction in proximity to an electric transmission line easement area. Members of the team will happily schedule an on-site meeting to review potential plans in order to avoid the possibility of safety, reliability, or accessibility issues. The Real Estate Team is available to discuss any concerns you may have about restrictions or access areas.

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SUGAR RUSH

Step into sweet nostalgia at Schimpff’s Confectionery in Jeffersonville

By Natalie Derrickson

Some say the “good old days” are gone, but at Schimpff’s Confectionery, they’re on full display and good enough to eat. In fact, most would insist on giving in to a sweet tooth during a visit to the number one candy store in America, according to USA Today.

Sugar sizzles against the walls of a copper pot while pillow candies crack and scatter across the butcher block, and eager shoppers attempt to whittle down their shopping list. This is a typical day at Schimpff’s Confectionery — sugar, history, creativity, and craft, honed across generations dating back to 1891.

Schimpff’s is well-known for several specialties: cinnamon red hots, hand-made chocolates, hard fish candy, and a regional favorite, Modjeskas — a gooey caramelcovered marshmallow. Outside the building, look up to spot the sets of red bricks flanking the second-story windows — markers of the 1937 flood that devastated downtown Jeffersonville and other riverside communities. Schimpff’s held on, rebuilt, and continues to deliver sweets, memories, and space

to enjoy one another’s company across generations.

Plan your visit with plenty of time to shop for sweets and learn about the history of candy-making. Call ahead to schedule a guided tour and learn what candy will be made in-store — you won’t want to miss the live demonstrations. Stick around and enjoy a deli lunch and a chocolate Coke, a Coca-Cola with chocolate syrup, at Schimpff’s classic soda fountain, in operation since 1921.

Schimpff’s is home to a candy museum filled with candy artifacts that Jill and Warren Schimpff, the recently retired fourth-generation owners, have collected. In 2025, the Schimpffs passed the torch to “Cousin Steve” Shepherd and his wife, Beth. The shop’s fifth generation of ownership continues the tradition, wonder, and delight that a landmark candy store should.

Create space for the perfect book nook

A cozy reading retreat doesn’t require a hefty renovation. With some strategic choices in your existing space, you can create the book lover’s haven that you’ve always dreamed of.

Plot your scene

The first step is choosing the right location. If you have a naturally setapart section in your home, such as an alcove, a window seat, or an empty corner of a room, it makes for an easy transformation. Other good options are an area next to a builtin bookshelf, a closet, or a space under the stairs. If needed, create a reading spot along a wall, nestled between bookshelves or cabinets. Next, pick furniture to create your cozy sanctuary. Deep chairs with a footstool add instant comfort. For a larger space, consider adding a daybed. If your space is limited, add furniture with built-in storage.

Tone is everything

Once you have the bones of the space set up, it’s time to make it special. Start with lighting — bright enough for you to read without eye strain, but dim enough for relaxation. If you lack space or an electrical outlet, use rechargeable or batterypowered disc lights.

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A space for every story

The final step in creating your nook is to provide storage for your books. If built-in or standalone bookshelves aren’t an option, install wall shelves. Unfinished boards can be stained or painted to coordinate with your decor. Brackets with a built-in rod provide a whimsical touch for draping plants.

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Renee Bedel is the kitchen designer at Gillman Home Center in Batesville, a Do It Best member. Do it Best is a Fort Wayne-based home improvement cooperative supporting thousands of hardware stores, home centers, and lumberyards throughout the U.S. and worldwide. Visit your local Do it Best store or doitbest.com for thousands of the best home improvement products.

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