SCRTC Community Network March/April 2026

Strong Bond

Caverna programs forge career pathways

Rural Connections

By Shirley Bloomfield, CEO NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association

A Grateful Goodbye

This column is different than the others I’ve written over the years, because it’s my last as CEO of NTCA. When I began working at NTCA nearly 40 years ago, “broadband” wasn’t a household word. “Universal service,” while a longtime national goal, was a concept more than a mission. And “rural America” was too often an afterthought in conversations about connectivity.

Over the course of my career, I have watched the industry transform and a movement grow, powered by NTCA’s small, community-based providers. These providers are determined to bring advanced broadband to the communities they call home, even in places where the maps say it couldn’t be done and the economics didn’t work. Every day they do the extraordinary, proving what is possible when community comes first.

I’ve been honored to witness that perseverance firsthand. I’ve seen providers work through the night after storms so families could reconnect with loved ones. Thanks to their hard work building Smart Rural Communities, students in small towns can access educational opportunities far beyond their county lines. Farmers, small businesses and entrepreneurs use their fiber connections to grow, compete and thrive—without leaving the places they love.

Broadband is about more than technology. It’s access to health care, education, safety and economic opportunities. It’s the ability to stay rooted while reaching outward. And at its core, it’s about people, the NTCA members who make connectivity possible and the customers they proudly serve.

When I reflect on my many years with NTCA, I think about all of the people who shaped not only my journey, but the story of rural America itself. The CEOs who started out on construction crews or at finance desks, the family-owned companies now in their fourth generations, co-op boards that hold community meetings in gymnasiums, NTCA staff who pour every ounce of passion into serving members and the federal partners who understand what makes rural broadband so special.

As I step into my next chapter, I do so with deep gratitude, for the providers who serve with heart, communities that refuse to settle for “just good enough” and Americans who know that high-quality connectivity is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Thank you for reminding me every day why this work matters.

ADVANCING BROADBAND IN RURAL AMERICA

NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association works to build a better broadband future for rural America, representing about 850 independent, family-owned and community-based telecommunications companies. The tenure of Shirley Bloomfield, named CEO in 2010, highlights a time of significant industry achievement.

Shirley Bloomfield joins NTCA

1986

Congress passes the Telecommunications Act of 1996, codifying “universal service.”

Congress passes the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, investing over $7 billion to expand high-speed internet access. NTCA ramps up advocacy efforts as the Federal Communications Commission unveils its National Broadband Plan.

2009

USDA creates the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program.

2018

Congress passes the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, investing $65 billion into broadband.

2021 1996

NTCA members join the Keep Americans Connected Pledge to ensure Americans retain connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2010 2020

The Supreme Court rules the Universal Service Fund is constitutional, following lengthy defense by the FCC, NTCA and others.

2025

Keep Your Health on Track

Apps can be a helpful tool for managing medications

Story by MELANIE JONES

People who take just one pill a day may find it easy to remember. Adding in a few supplements makes the process a little more complicated. It’s not hard to understand how individuals who take multiple prescriptions may need some help keeping up with it all.

It isn’t simply a matter of remembering to take the pills or administer the injection. Some medications need to be taken at certain times of the day, while others require multiple, precisely timed doses. Certain drugs should be taken before eating, other treatments are taken with a meal, and still others instruct patients to take them on a full stomach.

Managing medications correctly is vital to staying healthy and living life to the fullest. Fortunately, there are digital tools that can help. Many of these apps also allow users to keep track of their vital signs and make notes about changes they notice in their health. With all this information at hand, doctor appointments can go much more smoothly.

Several free apps are available that not only remind users when to take their medicine but also offer information on how different drugs interact, track symptoms and even prepare a report for doctors. One warning—because they are free, some apps ask permission to share your data with drug companies so they can research drug compliance and effectiveness.

MY THERAPY

The My Therapy app has attracted attention in the last year, including being featured on ABC and in Wired magazine. The app allows users to set reminders, log when they’ve taken medicine or skipped it and track weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and other health indicators.

MEDISAFE

In addition to tracking prescriptions, schedules and health indicators and warning about potential drug interactions, Medisafe users can name a “Medifriend,” someone who will be notified if a dose is

missed. Users can also keep tabs on their children’s or other dependents’ medication information separately from their own. When adding medications to their Medisafe profiles, users can specify the shape and color of the drug, helping them keep straight which pill or capsule is which.

DOSECAST

For people who have multiple medications to take at different times of the day, Dosecast may be the best choice. The app assigns a sound to each medication, so users receive prescription-specific reminder notifications. It also keeps track of when it’s time to order refills. Like the other apps, Dosecast also allows users to track key health indicators.

All these apps are on Google Play or Apple’s App Store. They also can interact with the health apps built into phones to provide a better overall picture of your health.

Spring Cleaning

Practical advice for broadband success

Spring cleaning might include neatening up the garage, preparing for a garden or straightening out a cluttered closet. It often takes some strategic planning and at least a little elbow grease. But there’s another type of annual cleanup that can make life easier, and it doesn’t even need much, if any, physical effort.

JEFF EATON General Manager

Over the past few years, how we use the internet has changed, expanding in ways that may seem surprising. The rise of artificial intelligence is a prominent example. So, the internet services that once supported email and basic web browsing now handle schoolwork, video calls, online shopping, security systems, streaming media and, yes, even AI-driven tools and resources.

This is the world South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative’s service was designed to serve—robust, reliable and scalable. We have the infrastructure to grow with your changing needs. But if you want to get the most out of your internet connection, you can help too. This is where a little digital spring cleanup comes in. And it’s easy.

Start with a practical step. Take stock of the number of connected devices you have. Include phones, tablets, smart televisions and security systems. Even look in places like the kitchen because a surprising number of appliances connect to Wi-Fi. Generally, when idle none of these devices stress your high-quality internet service. You have plenty of capacity.

But when everyone is home and those devices are in heavy use, you may notice a slowdown. Imagine a couple of kids gaming in one room, someone else streaming a high-definition movie down the hall and a student busy with homework on her laptop in another room.

After listing the number of devices on your network, consider if your internet service meets that demand. We’re happy to help. Contact SCRTC, and we’ll match the most affordable services to your needs. In many households, it can make a big difference.

Once that is complete, there’s a second task. Consider the location of your Wi-Fi router, which works best when centrally located and with few obstructions. Think of Wi-Fi as a radio signal rich with data transmitting throughout your location. Thick walls, devices like microwaves with disruptive signals of their own and simply the distance between the router and devices can make a significant difference in performance. Again, we’re happy to offer advice and support. There are solutions for any space.

And that’s it. Two steps to a broadband spring cleaning. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, and the gains can be profound. The goal is an internet service that fits seamlessly into the background. Students can focus on learning instead of waiting on screens to load. Families can easily stay connected with loved ones and access services. You’re even prepared if work comes home with you.

Enjoy the spring. Please let us know how we can help you make the most of our service. And thank you for being part of the SCRTC family. 

The SCRTC Community Network is a bimonthly newsletter published by South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative © 2026. It is distributed without charge to all customers of the cooperative.

South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative is a member-owned corporation dedicated to delivering advanced telecommunications technology to the people of Central Kentucky, including Adair, Allen, Barren, Edmonson, Green, Hart, LaRue, Metcalfe, Monroe, Nelson and Warren counties.

South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc.

1399 Happy Valley Road • P.O. Box 159 Glasgow, KY 42142-0159 270-678-2111 • scrtc.com

SCRTC BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Ralph J. Thompson, District I Bonnieville and Munfordville exchanges

Robert Thompson, District II Canmer and Horse Cave exchanges

Tim Coomer, District III Cave City and Hiseville exchanges

Ronnie Tucker, District IV Center, Edmonton and Summer Shade exchanges

Kevin Bradshaw, District V Glasgow and Temple Hill exchanges

Zack Kender, District VI Fountain Run, Gamaliel and Lucas exchanges

Anthony Wells, District VII Buffalo and Magnolia exchanges

Jeff Eaton, General Manager

Bobby H. Richardson, Attorney

Produced for SCRTC by:

On the Cover:

Caverna High School teacher Brad Davis works with welding students. The welding program is one of several pathways available for students interested in a career in the trades.

Incredible Opportunity

SCRTC sends student on Washington, D.C., Youth Tour

Story by MATT LEDGER

When SCRTC began accepting applications from students to represent the cooperative on the 2025 Foundation for Rural Service Youth Tour, Aleigha Nuetzman knew what she needed to do. Her sister, Abigail, went on a similar trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Farmers RECC.

Aleigha just needed to gather her thoughts to write about the impact of broadband internet on rural communities.

“In my essay I focused on how broadband technology in our area created educational opportunities and a new way of life,” Aleigha says. “The option of online education and social media marketing for local small businesses was the center of my essay. Without high-speed internet and broadband connection, many of the rural areas and businesses in and around Barren County would not have the platform or resources to expand their businesses and keep up with the digital age. However, with SCRTC service and broadband internet, the future for rural areas is bright.”

She was shocked to learn she won and is thankful to SCRTC for making it possible. “I was very excited and immediately told my parents and family but was nervous because I would be flying completely alone and spending a week with strangers,” Aleigha says. “FRS was great. They calmed my nerves, and I had the absolute best time on the tour.”

Her favorite parts of the trip were visiting the U.S. Capitol, the Four Gardens of Mount Vernon and the National Mall.

The trip immerses students in the city filled with historical monuments and modern leaders.

“I walked away from the trip with a lot more knowledge, as well as appreciation for our country,” Aleigha says. “After learning about them in school, being able to see the World War II, Korean and Vietnam war memorials and meeting influential people in person felt surreal.”

Aleigha is currently focused on a pathway in agriculture. She is an active member of the Barren County FFA

chapter and loves learning about and working with plants and animals. She is taking online dual credit classes through Southern Kentucky Community and Technical College and Western Kentucky University. “I plan to attend a university close to home and focus on a degree that will allow me to help others in my community,” Aleigha says. 

HOW TO APPLY

SCRTC is again teaming up with the Foundation for Rural Service in 2026 to sponsor a four-day Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C.

One student from SCRTC’s 11-county service area will join 100 peers from across America for an experience filled with learning, networking and once-in-a-lifetime moments. We look forward to welcoming this year’s student and helping him or her create memories that will last a lifetime.

Interested students must write an essay of no more than 500 words on the impact of broadband internet on rural communities. Essays must be double spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font, and any sources used must be cited. Entries can be emailed to Nicole.Randall@ scrtc.net or mailed to P.O. Box 159, Glasgow, KY 42142, Attn: Nicole Randall. The deadline is March 24, and the winner will be notified by March 30.

Find out more at frs.org under the programs tab.

Walk This Way

Enjoy the pedestrian-friendly side of Greenville

Story by LAURA MCGILL

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with unique urban views and abundant natural hues, Greenville, South Carolina, offers plenty of ways to set your own pace. Enjoy a laced-up, fresh-air visit when you create your personal walking itinerary with choices for foodies, art lovers, sports fans, history buffs and nature enthusiasts.

DOWNTOWN DIRECTIONS

Perfect for a stroll, the wide and welcoming sidewalks of Main Street invite

visitors to explore the local scene. Start at NOMA Square and fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Roost Free Range Kitchen. Then it’s time to start walking. Venture south to Falls Park on the Reedy to enjoy an urban waterfall. Get the best views from Liberty Bridge. Look up to appreciate the bridge’s unique single-suspension construction. Be sure to check the schedule for the Greenville Drive, the High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. They play home games on Main Street’s Fluor Field, which is modeled after Boston’s famous

complete

TRAIPSING THE TRAIL

With design and etiquette guidelines to safeguard children and those with mobility challenges, the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail provides 28 miles of natural beauty for all fitness levels. Take a casual walk, a jog or a bike ride to discover area parks, attractions, shops and eateries. Didn’t bring a bike? No problem. Greenville has several bike rental options.

Plan to spend several hours at Cleveland Park, home to the Greenville Zoo, Rock Quarry Falls and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Treat yourself to a scratchmade pastry and a craft coffee at Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, a popular spot along the trail.

FUN FESTIVALS

Celebrate scientists, chefs, pitmasters and painters. On April 4, iMAGINE Upstate STEAM Festival spotlights science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Remember to grab extra napkins to savor the dishes at Southern

Roots: A BBQ Reunion on April 11. The culinary experiences continue April 16-19 at Spring Fest with a series of foodie events. Catch your breath and get ready for Artisphere, May 8-10, featuring the works of visual artists representing many different mediums.

strenuous hiking challenge.

WONDERFUL WATERFALLS

Within an hour’s drive from downtown Greenville, enjoy the beauty of six more waterfalls. Easy views can be found at Wildcat Wayside Falls, a roadside pulloff. The middle portion of those falls is an easy hike, while the upper section calls

Greenville-area waterfalls are part of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, a geological feature where the Blue Ridge Mountains dramatically drop 2,000 feet to the Piedmont below. In total, the area is home to more than 50 waterfalls.

Plan your Greenville, South Carolina, trip at visitgreenvillesc.com or on Facebook @visitgreenvillesc. 

Built for the Workforce

Real-world training is shaping careers at Caverna High

Story by LAZ DENES

Brad Davis’ industrial maintenance lab at Caverna High School is not a typical classroom. There are control panels instead of desks, wiring instead of worksheets, and the low hum of machines mirrors what students will one day hear on a factory floor.

It was built with a clear understanding of what lies beyond the classroom. Brad arrived in January 2017 with no curriculum or lab waiting for him. He had no teaching experience, just more than a decade of hands-on industry knowledge

and the belief that students benefit most from training rooted in the real world.

The industrial maintenance program includes three pathways—maintenance mechanics, electrical maintenance and welding. Students rotate through electrical circuits, motor controls, fluid power systems, robotics, automation and welding. Scaled-down versions of industrial equipment, like conveyor controls and even a plasma cutter, give students valuable experience.

“I never set out to be a teacher,” Brad

says. “I just taught what I knew, taking what I did every day in the industry and brought it into the shop.” Before arriving at Caverna High School, he spent a dozen years working in industrial electricity and robotic programming. That background shaped a program that focuses more on application than theory. “The kids aren’t masters when they leave, but they’ve seen it, they’ve touched it, they know what it looks like,” he says.

SKILLS FOR TODAY’S INDUSTRIES

Brad stresses respect to his students, both for the work and for one another. His students compete successfully in SkillsUSA, earn jobs with local employers and continue their education at trade schools and technical colleges. Many go straight into the workforce, typically right in their own backyards.

Caverna High School is a short distance from major employers such as Dart Container, Sister Schubert’s and T. Marzetti. Those companies helped launch the program and continue to serve as partners providing tours, classroom visits and ongoing guidance to ensure training aligns with industry needs.

The broader vision behind the career and technology curriculum comes from Superintendent Amanda Abell. Under her leadership, Caverna formally took over the industrial maintenance program, added welding and invested heavily in state-of-the-art equipment.

“We were thrilled to bring someone straight from industry into the

classroom,” Amanda says of Brad, who earned his teaching credentials through Kentucky’s occupation-based certification pathway, allowing him to teach while completing coursework. “Realworld experience is invaluable. Brad can tell students exactly what it’s going to be like when they get out there.”

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS

Industrial maintenance is only one piece of a larger puzzle. Caverna offers career pathways in culinary arts, business and marketing, financial services, administrative support, computer science, biomedical science, graphic design, veterinary technology and education. Many programs provide dual credit or nationally recognized credentials, giving students a head start whether they enter the workforce immediately or continue their education.

Director of Student Achievement

Whitney Paul sees those options as essential. “College is still a great path, but it’s not the only one,” she says. “Career and technical education gives students access to high-demand, highwage careers and helps meet workforce needs right here in our community.”

Whitney says today’s students have opportunities that didn’t exist a generation ago, including fully equipped labs, industry-aligned curriculum and instructors with real-world expertise. “Trade education is not a fallback,” she says. “It’s a purposeful, respected pathway to success.”

Caverna’s career-ready—not just college-ready—philosophy is a defining principle. For Brad, the reward comes when a student sees what’s possible. “Most of our kids come from low-income families,” he says. “If I can help give them a head start or change the direction their family’s been on, that’s everything.”

Through hands-on learning, community partnerships and forward-thinking leadership, Caverna’s Career and Technical program proves opportunity doesn’t have to be far from home. 

SCRTC GENERAL SERVICES SUPERVISOR JOHNNY WHEELER

To find an example of where trade skills can lead, look no further than SCRTC General Services Supervisor Johnny Wheeler.

A self-described jack-of-all-trades, Johnny oversees the co-op’s fleet and equipment while still working hands-on as a mechanic. From service trucks and generators to lawn mowers and string trimmers, if it has a motor or needs fabrication, Johnny and his team are on the job. Welding, metal fabrication, trailer building, brake jobs, engine work—it’s all part of keeping everything running smoothly.

A product of vocational school in his native Monroe County, where he learned drafting and welding before entering the workforce, Johnny is approaching his 19th anniversary at SCRTC.

“I think there needs to be more of a push toward the trades,” he says. “There’s something rewarding about working with your hands and seeing what you’ve accomplished at the end of the day. I came in with no college education, but it just goes to show if the work ethic’s there, you can advance.”

ALWAYS PREPARED Scouting America readies kids to protect themselves online

Dozens of Scouts attend a Department of Homeland Security event about online safety.

Story by DREW WOOLLEY

In his days as a Scout, Justin Williams was always drawn to outdoor skills. He excelled at building fires and tying knots. He struggled more with identifying plants, and, even today, he says he still hasn’t picked up the knack for it. But as he got older, the leadership skills he was learning every step of the way stood out to him.

“Those are all important skills, but the thing we’re really coaching is how to work within a team, be good citizens for the future and make good, ethical decisions,” he says. “I thought I was just having fun. But I was really learning a lot of leadership skills that have benefited me throughout my life.”

Today, as scout executive for Scouting America’s Palmetto Council in South Carolina and den leader for a group of second graders, Justin is amazed at the technology available to young children. There’s even technology that could have helped him identify plants as a Scout.

As a result, while Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America, still emphasizes the importance of getting outside and working with others, the organization is increasingly recognizing the need to meet kids where they are with technology.

Just last year, it introduced its first merit badges for cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Others, like the Know2Protect badge, are specifically aimed at teaching Scouts about the importance of personal safety online.

“While we know there are a lot of benefits to technology, we also know that, unfortunately, there are people online who do not have our kids’ best interest at heart,” Justin says. “We need to help our kids recognize who is an ally, who is trying to do them harm and what to do when they encounter those types of people.”

THE NEW NORMAL

For Scouting America’s Chief Safeguarding Officer Glen Pounder, that work starts with the adults around each Scout. His office in Irving, Texas, provides training for all Scout leaders around the threats kids may face online—from cyberbullying and body image issues to pornography and sexual exploitation.

“One of our key mottoes is be prepared for life. There’s no life these days without the online space,” he says. “Our new normal as an organization is we have to be comfortable always looking for what is next, particularly with technology. I think it’s about landing the message in a way that is not creating fear. That this is just part of preparing for life.”

Starting from kindergarten, Scouting America encourages parents of new Scouts to have their own conversations with their children about general safety practices. As kids earn their annual ranks, they must complete six core components, one of which is additional safety training. Starting in fourth grade, that training includes lessons on what information they should not give out in online settings.

In addition, Scouting America partnered with the Department of Homeland Security in 2024 to build an awareness campaign about the risks kids face online. Scouts and their families can join in-person training sessions and activities or online presentations to learn how to prevent and report online abuse, earning them an exclusive Know2Protect patch.

Glen’s hope is that more widespread awareness and training within Scouting America troops can even help protect kids who are not part of the program.

“There’s a ripple effect outside of scouting. Each Scout has

friends, siblings and other non-Scouts around them that they share things with,” he says. “So, if you’ve got a million trained Scouts out there it makes it much harder for anyone who’s thinking about abusing their position of trust to get away with it.”

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER

While preventing these abuses from happening in the first place is the top priority, Glen emphasizes it is just as important for kids to feel comfortable speaking with an adult, whether it’s a parent or a Scout leader, if they do find themselves in one of these situations. If not, the outcome can be tragic.

Justin cites the example of an Eagle Scout in Spartanburg , South Carolina, in the last few years who took his own life. He had connected with someone online and shared compromising photos, only to have those photos used to exploit him.

“He didn’t think there was any other option, so he decided to take his own life,” Justin says. “When you think about the perfect kid, this is the kid that would come to mind. So, this isn’t something that only targets dysfunctional families. Criminals are getting smarter every day, and we just can’t take anything for granted.”

For Glen, that comes down to preparing kids for dangerous situations, trusting them to use the tools available to them and offering understanding if they find themselves in trouble.

“If we haven’t empowered these kids correctly, then the fear stays with them. We need to take that fear away,” he says. “Our focus is on prevention first. But then, if something happens, take a breath and then we’ll move forward. We know what to do, we’re going to get there. You’re not alone in this.” 

BADGE OF HONOR

Scouting America badges aren’t just for archery and pioneering anymore. Here are a few tech-savvy badges and patches today’s Scouts are collecting.

Cybersecurity Merit Badge

Introduces Scouts to various cyberthreats, including viruses, worms, social engineering and denial-of-service attacks. They learn to protect themselves with strong passwords, firewalls, antivirus software and encryption.

Artificial Intelligence Merit Badge

Helps Scouts explore what AI is, different types of AI and how to use it in everyday life. They are also challenged to discuss issues around data privacy, bias in AI systems and the ethics of this new technology.

Know2Protect Patch

Serves as a symbol of the Scout’s commitment to online safety and digital citizen ship through participation in the Department of Homeland Security’s Project iGuardian training. The training provides knowledge and skills to protect themselves against online abuse.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A TECHNICIAN

Blake Whorton enjoys keeping his community connected

Story by MATT LEDGER

Blake Whorton has been a broadband plant technician at SCRTC for the past two years, working out of the Canmer and Linwood areas.

“Every day is a new and different day,” he says. “I enjoy seeing new faces each day, taking on different jobs and trying to learn as much as I can to be the best technician I can be.”

Throughout the day, Blake and SCRTC’s other technicians respond to a variety of service calls ranging from troubleshooting a member’s connectivity issues to installing a fiber optic line for a new subscriber.

“Our departments do a great job working together, and SCRTC leaders train us to be as knowledgeable and equipped as possible,” he says. “It’s important that we install the service the way the customer wants it installed and that it works like it is supposed to.”

During fiber installations, technicians double check the speed, tidy all connections and leave feeling confident that the service is working well.

MARKING THE LINES

Blake also is dispatched to members’ properties to mark the location of SCRTC’s underground cables, so homeowners or contractors who are about to break ground on a project don’t accidentally cut vital connections. “The most important part is accurately locating fiber cables to avoid costly repairs and to keep everyone connected,” he says.

Many of SCRTC’s cables run near busy highways, which means technicians need to be extra alert and aware of their surroundings. Motorists are asked to please slow down when they see SCRTC crews working along the roadside.

“I enjoy serving our community,” Blake says. “There are many friendly people in our community that I enjoy keeping connected.”

Blake is the proud owner of a 2-year-old German shepherd named Trooper. He enjoys golf outings with friends, going to

church with family and streaming football, basketball and baseball games. He also enjoys comedy movies, especially Adam Sandler films. 

KNOW WHAT’S BELOW

Temperatures are rising, and cabin fever is subsiding. The days are getting longer, just like your list of chores. Some of those backyard tasks require a shovel and a call to Kentucky’s 811 program.

State excavation laws require homeowners and contractors to call 811 before digging. Starting a digging project haphazardly can damage expensive infrastructure and put lives at risk. Kentucky 811 notifies all utilities based on the address, allowing those stakeholders to safeguard their facilities.

To request utility lines to be marked prior to digging, visit kentucky811.org or call 811.

• Wait the required amount of time—not less than two full business days for normal requests, not counting the day of the call.

• Call 811 or 800-752-6007 to confirm all lines have been marked.

• Respect the marks and call for re-marking if needed.

• Dig carefully around the painted lines and flags.

BETTER BUSINESS

Farmers Energy Propane Plus’ longtime partnership with SCRTC

Story by JOHN CLAYTON

Farmers Energy Propane Plus and SCRTC forged a connection well over a decade ago. The arrangement was pretty simple, really. SCRTC provided Farmers with high-speed internet, phone and other services, and Farmers provided propane and products to SCRTC.

Over time, the relationship between the two businesses evolved into a true partnership, with Farmers counting on SCRTC for most of its marketing strategies through television advertising. “It’s all about relationships,” says Farmers General Manager Steve Morrison. SCRTC serves 11 counties in South Central Kentucky, while Farmers serves 14—most of which overlap SCRTC’s service area. With offices and showrooms in Glasgow and Munfordville, Farmers handles residential, industrial and commercial sales and service needs.

Steve says his company is not unlike SCRTC when it comes to personal service and deep roots in the communities it serves. “We have 5,500-plus customers, and one thing I will stand behind is they won’t find better service,” he says. “We’re a full-service provider in a small community where when someone picks up the phone, they will talk to a live person in their community who knows where they live and probably knows them or a family member of theirs. Those things mean a lot to people here.”

RELIABLE PARTNER

Nicole Randall, marketing, sales and public relations executive at SCRTC, agrees. “Farmers is a great community partner,” she says. “Any time that you can get local businesses out into the community it builds trust.”

Farmers was Nicole’s first client after she arrived at SCRTC 12 years ago. What started as a business relationship between Steve and Nicole soon became a friendship. “She knows how we treat people and the communities we service,” Steve says. “She’s very in tune with all of that.”

Steve says the connectivity SCRTC provides Farmers helps the business operate more smoothly. Meanwhile, SCRTC’s ad insertion platform helps put Farmers’ name in front of thousands of prospective customers throughout the region.

“We are in 11 counties, and we have over 8,000 TV households,” Nicole says. “We have a huge reach and excellent pricing, so it is a good business decision to use SCRTC’s TV advertising to reach our local populations.”

By marketing through SCRTC’s ad insertion offerings, Farmers’ ads appear on networks like ESPN, Fox News and CNN. “The amount of exposure and the bang for the buck we get is just

FARMERS ENERGY PROPANE PLUS

The company is a full-service propane provider supporting residential and commercial customers. Stores in Glasglow and Munfordville also offer everything from grills and smokers to stoves and fireplaces.

175 Donnelly Drive, Glasgow

270-678-2444

51 Raider Hollow Road, Munfordville

270-524-2444

farmerspropaneplus.com

Follow Farmers Energy Propane Plus on Facebook.

incredible,” Steve says. “I’m not sure I would even consider another option. I’m just that loyal to them, and they’ve been that supportive of Farmers Propane.”

by

THE BANK Treat

Yourself

Rich desserts shouldn’t cost a fortune WITHOUT BREAKING

For many Americans, going to the grocery store can be stressful since prices don’t seem to be coming down. But we still want to have our cake and eat it too. So, it’s nice—and entirely possible—to treat ourselves to something sweet at the end of the meal without breaking the bank. There are some tricks to keep in mind to help you stay on budget while still satisfying your sweet tooth. For example, if a recipe calls for pecans, walnuts, a less expensive alternative, can be substituted. And use store brands whenever possible—a cost-saving practice that always saves pennies.

Food Editor Anne P. Braly is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

CHOCOLATE BANANA BARS

1/2 cup butter 1 cup sugar

egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups mashed banana

1 1/2 cups flour

Preheat oven to 350 F.

teaspoon baking powder

teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup baking cocoa powder 1 cup chocolate chips

Mix the butter, sugar, egg, vanilla and banana. Then add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Put half of the mixture into a separate bowl and add the cocoa powder.

Grease the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch pan and pour in the cocoa mixture. The mixture will be thick, just try and spread a thin layer across the bottom. It will rise and make a beautiful, thin bar. Use a smaller pan if you want a thicker bar, however, it will need to bake longer to get the middle done.

Spread the rest of the batter on top of the cocoa mixture. Sprinkle the top with as many or as few chocolate chips as you like.

Bake for about 30 minutes or until the top is browned and a toothpick comes out clean.

BLUEBERRY COFFEECAKE

2 cups white sugar

1 cup butter, softened

2 eggs

1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup plus 10 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup pecans

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease and flour a 9-inch Bundt pan. Beat sugar and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in sour cream and vanilla extract. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir into butter mixture until just blended. Fold in blueberries.

Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan. Combine brown sugar, pecans and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle half of the mixture over the batter in the pan.

Spoon remaining batter on top, then sprinkle on remaining pecan mixture. Use a knife or thin spatula to swirl the mixture into the cake.

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Let cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting. Invert carefully onto a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

TROPICAL TWISTER

2 cups frozen pineapple chunks

4 ounces pineapple juice

2 scoops vanilla ice cream

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit more pineapple juice. Scoop into bowls and, if desired, garnish with additional chopped pineapple and a dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately. Makes 3 servings.

STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM PIE

1 prepared 9-inch pie shell, graham cracker or pastry crust, baked and cooled

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup whipped topping, thawed

4 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and halved 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 tablespoon shortening

Bake crust at 350 F for 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely.

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is fluffy. Gradually add the sugar and almond extract, beating until fully combined. Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until smooth.

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the cooled pie crust. Arrange the strawberry halves, cut side down or pointed side up, over the filling.

In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the strawberries and cream filling.

Refrigerate the pie for at least 1-2 hours or until it is set and chilled before serving.