www.kvremc.com

CONTACT USToll Free: 800-552-2622

Local: 219-733-2511

CEO Dennis Weissdweiss@kvremc.com

OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m.– 4 p.m. Central Time

Monday-Friday

STREET ADDRESS 8642 W. U.S. Highway 30

Wanatah, IN 46390

MAILING ADDRESSPO Box 157, Wanatah, IN 46390

EMERGENCY POWER OUTAGESTo report a power outage, please call 800-552-2622.

We are available to serve you 24 hours a day. When calling,

please provide the name in which your account is listed. Also, please be sure

to check your fuses or breakers.

KANKAKEE VALLEY REMC STAFFDennis Weiss, CEO

Lori Young, Executive Assistant

Angie Swanson, Office Manager

Scott Sears, Director of Engineering & Operations

Jeff Newburn, Line Superintendent

Amanda Steeb, Communications and Marketing Director

Dave Howell, Director of Member Relations

Eric Duttlinger, Director of Metering

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/KVREMC

co-op news

Broadband & ConsolidationEXCITING OPPORTUNITIES AT YOUR CO-OP

Energy- Efficiency Tip

Aerate your laundryUse rubber or wool dryer balls,

which help separate clothing in the cycle, providing better airflow and a shorter drying

time. Wool dryer balls can help absorb moisture, which also reduces drying time.

SOURCE: ENERGY.GOV

Your cooperative is embarking on some exciting opportunities. Last year, your leadership team reviewed Kankakee Valley REMC’s strategic plan. This “road map,” established by the leadership team, identifies the co-op’s key areas of opportunity. Each area will strengthen and

advance our rural communities now and in the future.

One of our focuses is the digital gap in our rural communities. Bringing broadband to rural America is a priority for electric cooperatives. (Please see story on pages 22-24.) We already have the technology and infrastructure to design and build broadband networks. We also have a network of community partners to help us create sensible programs. For these reasons, your board of directors has tasked the cooperative leadership team with preparing a broadband business plan. The first segment of the project will connect our substations with a fiber ring, allowing for faster, more reliable communications. Our team is also evaluating construction options, with plans to begin this project before the end of the year.

We will also conduct a pilot program and feasibility study to fully understand what it takes to bring fiber to our members’ homes and businesses, and to other rural areas. To be a true high-speed internet provider, you must know the challenges, and the ins and outs of the business.

Those who attended the annual meeting heard about the progress of the Jasper County REMC and Kankakee Valley REMC consolidation. Since the meeting, the boards from both cooperatives have closely reviewed financial data and expected savings for the consolidated entity. Both cooperatives’ boards believe the consolidation will positively impact operating costs, and save you money. For that reason, the boards have recommended to take the consolidation proposal to the membership for a final vote. We’ll keep you informed with updates and a voting timeline.

Your leadership team is focused on providing value-added services that exceed our members’ expectations. All decisions are carefully evaluated to ensure they align with the cooperative’s strategic goals. Stay tuned for the latest progress on these exciting opportunities.

DENNIS WEISSCEO

CEOUpdate:

the processof consolidating

cooperatives

EXPLORE

RESEARCH

ANALYZE

DIRECTOR VOTE

INFORM

MEMBER VOTE

We always

explore

options

to improve

service.

Independent

companies

are compiling

financial

reports.

Your board

analyzes the

reports to

find benefits

and risks.

The board

votes on

combining

the two

co-ops.

We inform

you of the

decision

made by the

directors.

If the

directors

vote "yes," the

members

have the

final vote on

whether to

combine the

co-ops.

EXPLORE

RESEARCH

ANALYZE

DIRECTOR VOTE

INFORM

MEMBER VOTE

the processof consolidating

cooperatives

JUNE 2018 5

Center

PORTERCOUNTY

PULASKICOUNTY

LaPORTECOUNTY

STARKECOUNTY

ST. JOSEPHCOUNTY

MARSHALLCOUNTY

LAKECOUNTY

JASPERCOUNTY

co-op news

Right-of-way maintenance

TREE TRIMMING

KV REMC is conducting tree trimming maintenance along the

rights-of-way of our distribution lines. To provide members

with safe and reliable electric service, the REMC keeps trees

trimmed back year round to decrease outages caused by fallen

tree limbs during storms with high winds. We appreciate your

cooperation as we trim in your area. If you have any questions

or concerns, please contact our office.

Our contractors are working in the following areas (shown on

the map at right):

• Lake County: All areas served by KV REMC;

• Porter County: All areas west of State Road 2;

• Pulaski County: Cass, Rich Grove, Franklin, White Post, Jef-

ferson, and Monroe townships;

• Starke County: Railroad, Wayne and California townships.

TRIMMING AREAS

IN BROWN

Center

PORTERCOUNTY

PULASKICOUNTY

LaPORTECOUNTY

STARKECOUNTY

ST. JOSEPHCOUNTY

MARSHALLCOUNTY

LAKECOUNTY

JASPERCOUNTY

SPRAYING AREAS

IN YELLOW

Maintaining the rights-of-way along which Kankakee Valley REMC power lines pass is one of the “rites”

of spring and summer critical in keeping your safe, reliable power flowing. Here’s this summer’s schedule.

KV REMC appreciates your cooperation maintaining its rights-of-way.

SPRAYING

Kankakee Valley REMC’s right-of-way spraying will begin in late

July and run to early August. Contract crews will be working in the

following areas (also shown on the map at right):

• Lake County: All areas served by KV REMC;

• Porter County: Union, Center, Washington, Porter, Morgan,

Boone, and Pleasant townships;

• LaPorte County: Western portions of Cass and Dewey townships.

The Daltons, Inc., based out of Warsaw, will be performing brush

and small woody-plant chemical vegetation control in these

areas for KV REMC. The Daltons is fully licensed and certified

to do this work by the Indiana State Chemist. Herbicides used will

be EPA-approved.

During the spray operation, The Daltons will take care to avoid

sensitive areas (such as front yards, tree plantations,

ornamental planting crops, gardens, lakes and streams) adjacent to

the right-of-way.

• Post a sign on the right-of-way at each end of your property that reads: “NO SPRAYING.” Make sure it’s legible and visible from the roadway.

• Make sure all the brush is removed within that site by July 13, and the site continues to be main-tained. If the brush is not removed, it must be treated as part of the management program.

• Call The Daltons, 888-267-7511, with your questions and/or concerns with this right-of-way spraying operation.

If you would prefer to maintain the right-

of-way adjacent to your

land in another way,

such as mowing, please

do these things:

6 JUNE 2018

The 2018 year has started with over $5,000 being given away to local non-profits through the Operation Round Up Trust organization. Here’s how your contributions are making a difference.

• Pulaski County Historical Society received a $750 grant to assist with building renovations at the new museum location and to purchase proper archival supplies to help save, protect and expand the longevity of valuable local history items. With the proper supplies, the historical society will be able to expand its active exhibits. The historical society plans to work with local schools to provide educational programs and field trips once the new location is completed.

• Noble Township Fire Department purchased a new thermal imaging camera with a $3,500 grant it received. Imaging cameras have become a

useful tool for firemen. The camera allows them to see through smoke, aiding in finding people trapped during a fire. With the help of the camera, firefighters can see areas of heat through doors, smoke and darkness.

• Hebron Volunteer Fire Department will outfit its EMTs with a Laerdal suction unit courtesy of a $995 grant. This unit will allow EMTs the ability to effectively maintain a clear airway for

patients during medical emergencies. This unit will include a disposable canister and patient tubing to assist patients quickly, providing lifesaving assistance.

Thank you to our members who round up their electric bills each month. Your contributions are making programs and services possible in the communities we all call home.

REMC’s annual drive to collect school supplies is underway

Kankakee Valley REMC’s fifth annual “Pack-a-Backpack” drive is

going on now until July 27.

As part of KV REMC’s focus on community, we can’t overlook

the opportunity to help student’s whose families might be

struggling with the start-of-the-year school supply purchases.

Last year we gave over 150 backpacks away to area elementary

and middle schools. This year we want to do even more!

To do this, we need your support in donating school supplies

and backpacks. These items will then be delivered to schools

before the start of the school year to hand out to children in

need. Supplies we will be collecting this year include: back-

packs, crayons, colored pencils, #2 pencils, glue sticks, glue,

rulers, school boxes, adult scissors, scissors (round tip), dry-

erase markers, Scotch tape, erasers, highlighters, boxes of

tissues, spiral notebooks and pocket folders. Supplies can be

dropped off at the following locations: Kankakee Valley REMC

headquarters in Wanatah, LaCrosse Public Library, Wanatah

Public Library, Union Mills Library and Kouts Library.

Next time you are shopping, visit the school supply aisle and

help support the Pack-a-Backpack program. Your donation

will help bring a smile to a student’s face as they start another

exciting year of school.

Pack-a-BackpackIS BACK!

$5,245Operation Round Up grants

Kankakee Valley REMC’s director of marketing and communications, Amanda Steeb, presents an Operation Round Up check for $995 to the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department for EMT equipment.

JUNE 2018 7

Kersting’s Cycle Center 8774 W. 700 N.

Winamac, IN

(574) 896-2974*10% off any purchase.

Excludes motorcycle sales, service and previously discounted items.

Discounts AT LOCAL BUSINESSES

Gary Southshore Railcats

One Stadium Plaza Gary, IN

219-882-2255*$1 off box seating,

Sunday-Thursday only. Not valid

Friday or Saturday.

Heinold & Feller Tire & Lawn Equipment1707 E. Lincolnway Valparaiso, IN

219-462-5191*10% off any auto repair and 5% off any car or light truck tire. Maximum discount of $50 per visit. 10% off any lawn equipment repair.$40 off any new riding equipment.

at your fingertipsWITH YOUR CO-OP CONNECTIONS® CARD

Look for this column each month as we feature local businesses offering an instant discount to

Kankakee Valley REMC members.

Just show your Co-op Connections® Card and enjoy!

$1 OFF*

10% OFF*

10% OFF*

PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 30 for the “TRADING POST” listings.

co-op news

NO-COST TIPS

Close blinds and drapes during the day to keep heat out.

Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home. Set it to a higher temperature when you’re away.

Turn o� lights and ceiling fans when you leave a room.

LOW-COST TIPS

Plant trees and shrubs to shade the exterior of your home.

Replace disposable air filters (or clean permanent filters) once a month to maximize e­ciency.

Use solar lighting to brighten up your outdoor space. Solar lights are easy to install, low maintenance and provide free electricity.

Costs associated with cooling your home can make up a large portion of your summer electric bills. Stay cool and save money with these energy efficiency tips!

Summer Energy-Saving Tips

78

8 JUNE 2018

TO REGISTER FOR THE BLOOD DRIVE, GO ONLINE AND VISIT:redcrossblood.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 267:30 a.m. to NoonThe American Red Cross Blood Mobile will be on the east side of the Kankakee Valley REMC facility, 8642 W. US Hwy. 30, Wanatah.

We’ll see you there!

American Red Cross

Type “kvremc” for the sponsor code or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

Blood Drive

Kankakee Valley REMC news

FOR SALE: 10 ACRES,partial woods, located on Hwy 8 within Knox city limits. Can be subdivided for building or farming. $75,000. 574-806-1078.

FOR SALE: CHAIN LINK FENCE, various lengths and heights, heavy gauge, used. Great for back yard enclosure for dogs, goats, ducks, chickens, etc. 574-867-3800.

FOR SALE: CUT & SEASONED FIREWOOD. $45 per pick-up load. 219-465-7278.

FOR SALE: TRAC VACin great condition; CONCRETE SAWS; CONCRETE DRILLS; WEED WHIPPERS. 219-406-1469.

FOR SALE: TOOL BOX,black for pick-up truck, $40. BRAND NEW MUFFLER for 97 Chevy pick-up. Hardly used, $40. 219-242-3978.

FOR SALE: MAGNAVOX DVD RECORDER & 4 HEAD HI-FI STEREO. VCR converts standard DVD’s to HD quality by HDMI, used once, $50. 219-531-2982.

FOR SALE: FREEZER BEEF. Corn & grass fed, black angus cross. Quarter, halves and whole beef available. 219-331-9669.

FOR SALE: 1-ACRE PRIVATE WOODED LOT. Kouts. 219-766-3644.

WANTED: CHAINSAWS. Any condition. Any age. Running or not. Echo, John Deere, Homelite, Husqvarna, Stihl, Allis Chalmers, McCulloch, etc. 574-249-2785.

WANTED: OLD BOAT MOTORS, FISHING STUFF & GUNS. 219-928-6520.

FOR SALE: HUSQVARNA LAWN TRACTOR,Briggs & Stratton 24 HP engine, 48” deck, 3 blades, 109 hours, asking $700. Also, a 16 HP KOHLER COMMAND 16 ENGINE from a Scotts 16-42 lawn tractor, $100. 219-996-6334.

FOR SALE: LA-Z- BOY WHITE SWIVEL ROCKING CHAIR, $50 obo. 2-GREEN PLAID CUSHIONS originally from a platform rocker, $10 for both. COLLEGE SWEATSHIRTS: 3-black XL Purdue sweatshirts, like new; 2-gray L Purdue sweatshirts, like new; 1-red M Indiana University sweatshirt, never been worn, $5 each. 219-246-2498.

FOR SALE: SEMI TRUCK TIRES, various sizes-11-24-5, low profile 11-24-5, low profile 22-5, $100 to $50 each. 219-766-3644.

FOR SALE: WESTERN PLEASURE SHOW SADDLE, SHOW BRIDLE AND SHOW HALTER, all like new and lots of silver. ANIMAL WATER TANK, automatic, galvanized 2’ x 4’. 574-867-3800.

FOR SALE: 2007 JOHN DEERE X300 LAWN TRACTOR w/42” deck. Well maintained with records, 354.3 hrs. Valued at $1,500, priced at $1,000. 219-476-0323.

FOR SALE: HORMONE-FREE FREEZER BEEF. It doesn’t take a degree in “hamburgerology” to know we have superior beef. 219-996-3466.

Trading PostAs a service to our members, Kankakee Valley REMC publishes “Trading Post” on its locally-circulated pages of Electric Consumer.

Readers may submit two ads per REMC membership, per month. Please see below for more details!

TRADING POST ads appear in the order received and are printed as space allows. Advertisements for businesses will only be printed when space is available. Kankakee Valley REMC reserves the right to refuse printing of any ad. When submitting ad, please include your phone number.

KV REMC, Electric Consumer and its editors are not responsible for the condition or performance of any product or service herein stated, nor are statements within an endorsement. All ads must be submitted by the fourth of the month prior to the printing of the magazine. PLEASE SUBMIT ADS DIRECTLY TO KANKAKEE VALLEY REMC rather than to Electric Consumer.

Because of changes to KV REMC’s website, Trading Post will no longer be appearing online.

30 JUNE 2018