Annual Meeting Moments

the
Southwestern
A SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MEMBER MAGAZINE
Annual
Meeting
Moments
Rates & Reliability
Top Agenda at
Southwestern’s 76th
Edwardsville
Improvements
Underway
The Co-op Connection
Harvesting Safety
Autumn Outings
OCTOBER 2014 • VOLUME 66 • ISSUE 10
the
Southwestern
A SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
MEMBER MAGAZINE
OCTOBER 2014 • VOLUME 66 • ISSUE 10
Inside This Issue
04 Edwardsville Improvements
In an effort to eliminate persistent blinks
in Madison County, line crews replaced
every lightning arrestor on Edwardsville
Substation's south feed.
05 The Co-op Connection
October is a month of celebration for every
co-op across the nation.
12 Members in Focus
A unique home and autumn sunsets
appear in this month’s Members in Focus.
14 Energy & Efficiency
It’s time to break out your home’s winter
coat. These simple steps will help you save
money while preparing your home for cold
weather.
16 Safety
Agriculture ranks among the nation’s most
dangerous occupations. These tips will
help you make it through harvest season—
and the rest of the year—safely.
pg. 6
18 Out & About
There’s no better time to hike Illinois than
fall. This month we put you on the trail of
autumn color.
20 Who-What-Where?
In August we sent you searching for a local
publisher, minister and martyr. This month
we reveal his identify, and take a peek at a
local haunt.
06 Annual Meeting of Members
Reports on rates, reliability and co-op
finances topped the agenda during
Southwestern Electric’s 76th Annual
Meeting of Members.
09 Board Election 2014
Three co-op members were elected to
Southwestern’s governing board at last
month's annual meeting. You'll find election
results here.
22 Co-op Kitchen
Nothing says autumn like pumpkin pie.
You'll find a time-tested recipe for this
traditional favorite in the Co-op Kitchen.
24 Area Events
Attend a fall festival in St. Elmo, savor
Harvest Thyme in Carlyle, hear vintage
voices in Alton, enjoy Highland's Art in the
Park, and meet Serengeti Steve at Outdoor
Day in Altamont.
On Account: We’ve hidden a memberaccount number in this issue (mailing label
excluded). If the account number belongs
to you, contact us within 30 days and we’ll
take $25 off your electric bill. Good luck!
On the Cover
Staying power. It’s the ability to stick around for the long haul.
Southwestern celebrated its staying power last month by hosting
its 76th Annual Meeting of Members (see page 6). Speaking of
staying power, the popular attraction at this year’s kids’ carnival: a
Velcro wall and sticky suit. Staying power, indeed.
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The Southwestern
Co-op
Reminders
October 1-31
Members who registered
their attendance at
Southwestern’s 76th
annual meeting receive a
$20 bill credit
October 1-31
Pick up a free Halloween
safety kit (while supplies
last)
October 1-31
National Co-op Month
November 11
Offices closed in
observance of
Veterans Day
November 27-28
Offices closed for
Thanksgiving
National Cooperative Month
S
ince 1930, co-ops across the United States have used October as an
opportunity to celebrate the cooperative movement. This year’s theme, The
Co-op Connection, celebrates the many ways co-ops connect with each
other, their communities, and the world.
At Southwestern Electric, we’re proud of our co-op history, our heritage, and our
connection to more than 30,000 cooperatives across America.
It’s evident that you’re pretty proud of your co-op, too.
Last month, more than 2,000 of you joined us in Greenville to celebrate
Southwestern Electric Cooperative’s past, present and future. “This organization
survives and functions well when people participate in it and are knowledgeable
about it,” board president Alan Libbra said during his address.
And participate you did.
More than 1,200 of you took time to vote. You listened intently to reports from
the directors and chief executive officer. You asked questions and offered comments.
Based on participation, it was one of Southwestern’s most successful meetings to
date. You’ll find more about the annual meeting on page 6.
A vital part of our job consists of reminding you to use power safely. In the pages
of our magazine, we’ve broadened our focus to include tips that range beyond
electrical safety. This month, we focus on agriculture. Yes, there are safeguards built
into modern agricultural machinery, but farming is still one of the most dangerous
occupations in America. Please take a moment to review the safety information on
page 16.
Finally, autumn is upon us. It's a beautiful time of year in our part of the world. The
air is crisp, the scents sweet, the shadows long and the season brief. Make the most of
every moment. In our Out & About section (page 18), you'll find some of our favorite
fall foliage trails. Go for a walk, shoot pictures, and send us a few. We’d love to see
autumn through your eyes.
As always, we appreciate your interest and welcome your comments. Thanks for
spending time with The Southwestern.
Joe Richardson, editor
[email protected]
525 U.S. Route 40, Greenville, IL 62246.
Phone: (800) 637-8667. Office Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Visit us on the Web at www.sweci.com.
Board of Directors
Alan Libbra, President ...................... Alhambra
Ann Schwarm, Vice President ........ Loogootee
Sandy Grapperhaus, Secretary ...... Collinsville
Barbara Tedrick, Treasurer ................ Vandalia
Richard M. Gusewelle ................. Edwardsville
Sandy Nevinger ............................... Greenville
Ron Schaufelberger ......................... Greenville
Ted Willman ..................................... Greenville
Randy Wolf ........................................ St. Elmo
Staff
Kerry Sloan ................. Chief Executive Officer
The Southwestern
Joe Richardson ..................................... Editor
e-mail: [email protected]
Mike Barns .................................... Art Director
e-mail: [email protected]
Satellite Locations:
St. Jacob Office
10031 Ellis Road, St. Jacob, IL 62281
St. Elmo Distribution Center
2117 East 1850 Avenue, St. Elmo, IL 62458
Southwestern Electric Cooperative reserves
the right to re-print member comments and
correspondence in its cooperative educational
and promotional materials.
The Southwestern (USPS 612-500) is
published monthly by Southwestern Electric
Cooperative, Inc. Periodical postage paid
at Greenville, IL. Subscriptions cost $5.50
per year. Comments or questions regarding
material in this publication may be mailed to
Joe Richardson, editor of The Southwestern,
c/o Southwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc.,
525 U.S. Route 40, Greenville, IL 62246, or
e-mailed to [email protected].
Postmaster: Send address corrections to
The Southwestern, 525 U.S. Route 40,
Greenville, IL 62246.
To report an outage, contact Southwestern Electric Cooperative at (800) 6378667. Please do not use e-mail to report outages; our e-mail accounts are not
staffed full-time. In the event of a widespread outage, Southwestern Electric
will post updates on its website at www.sweci.com. We’ll also send
reports to the following radio stations: 101.7 FM WGEL (Greenville),
106.1 FM WSMI (Litchfield), 105.3 FM WAOX (Staunton), 107.1
FM WKRV (Vandalia), and 96.7 WCXO (Carlyle).
On Account: If your account number is
5413004000, call us within 30 days to
receive a $25 credit on an upcoming
electric bill.
The Southwestern
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3
News & Notes
Edwardsville Improvements Underway
P
ower reliability issues were a focal point
of discussion during Southwestern Electric
Cooperative’s annual meeting last month. Kerry
Sloan, chief executive officer of Southwestern Electric,
explained the differences between momentary outages that
protect member homes and the co-op’s distribution system,
and blinks caused by mechanical failures.
Sloan specifically addressed members served by
Edwardsville Substation’s south feed, a source of frequent
blinks for members in the Edwardsville area. “What
they’ve experienced is absolutely unacceptable,” Sloan
said. “We did not react quickly enough. I apologize. It’s my
responsibility that it got to this level, and I’m going to see
to it that this and any situation like this gets fixed.”
Sloan addressed a packed gymnasium at Greenville
Junior High School in Greenville, Ill., during the
Southwestern deployed
line crews Sept. 6 to
implement system
upgrades on Edwardsville
Substation’s south feed.
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The Southwestern
co-op’s business meeting on Sept. 6. “We’re out there right
now—today—and we’ll be out there again tomorrow, and
all next week, replacing every single lightning arrestor on
the south feed in Edwardsville. We think that will go a long
way toward fixing the issue. If it doesn’t, we’ll do whatever
it takes, even if we have to put up new line,” he said.
“We’re going to get the job done, and we’re going to earn
your confidence again.”
For more on Southwestern Electric Cooperative’s 76th
Annual Meeting of Members, see the story on page 6.
A Celebration Across The Nation
O
ctober is National Cooperative Month. For
Southwestern Electric and other co-ops
across the nation, it’s a month of celebration. Millions of co-op members across the U.S. will
observe Co-op Month with festivals, contests, and
consumer awareness campaigns. This year’s theme,
“The Co-op Connection,” celebrates the ways coops connect with each other, their communities, and
the world.
Cooperatives are owned and governed by their
members—the same people who use the co-op’s
goods or services. Profits, or margins, are distributed to members—not stakeholders—or reinvested
in the co-op or the community, often meeting needs
that might otherwise go unmet.
Co-ops range in size from small storefronts
to large Fortune 500 companies like REI and
Nationwide Insurance. Co-ops mean business. They
provide a viable alternative to the traditional business model for more than 130 million members
across the U.S.
Co-ops also mean connections. They strengthen
ties with members through education and networking opportunities. They connect with other cooperatives by observing the sixth principle of co-ops:
Cooperation Among Cooperatives. Co-ops connect
with policymakers through advocacy, and with
young people through education and leadership
programs. Through sustainable development, co-ops
connect with their communities and build brighter
futures.
Every October since 1930, co-ops have celebrated
the cooperative movement’s history and economic
impact. Cooperative Month provides a key opportunity to reflect on the legacy of cooperative impact
and the growth movement.
Worldwide, co-ops are recognized as a force
for positive economic and social change. At
Southwestern Electric, we’re proud of our cooperative structure, our co-op heritage, and our connection to more than 30,000 co-ops across the United
States.
The Southwestern
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5
Members packed the gym to hear addresses from Alan Libbra (above), president
of Southwestern Electric, and Kerry Sloan,
the co-op’s chief executive officer.
Below: First grade students from Greenville
Elementary School opened the meeting by
singing the Star-Spangled Banner.
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The Southwestern
Competitive
Rates and
System Updates
Top Agenda at
Southwestern
Electric’s Annual
Meeting of
Members
R
eports on rates, reliability and co-op finances
topped the agenda during Southwestern
Electric Cooperative’s 76th Annual Meeting
of Members, held Saturday, Sept. 6, at
Greenville Junior High School, in Greenville, Ill. More
than 2,000 people from Southwestern Illinois attended
the meeting.
Alan Libbra, president of Southwestern Electric
Cooperative, told members the cooperative was in a
strong position financially. “Things are back on track.
Our rates are steady through 2018. We’re paying capital
credits and we’re building cash reserves again. We made
some margins last year, and we’re probably making three
times that much this year,” Libbra said.
“If you look at our past financial reports, you’ll see two
years that look pretty bad—we lost about $20 million,”
Libbra said, referring to fiscal years 2011 and 2012. “We
generated cash reserves over the 10 years previous with
the idea of spending them over a five- or six-year period
as we transitioned into a new power contract. We knew
the cost of power in our new contract would be higher
than the one we were on.”
The board and management planned to use the co-op’s
cash reserves to offset member rate increases. But the
nation’s economic decline, and subsequent fall in power
demand and market values, depleted the reserves in just
two years. 
Southwestern dispatcher Kim Jackson kept future
co-op members supplied with cotton candy.
The Southwestern
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7
“There’s always a risk when you manage your own
business,” said Libbra. “Our power contract did not turn
out the way it was supposed to. But we’re an independent
co-op. We’re not tied in to a G&T.” G&Ts, or generation and transmission cooperatives, purchase or generate
power for distribution cooperatives like Southwestern.
“The people who are tied to G&Ts are looking at steady
rate increases over the next four or five years,” he said.
“We’re not.”
Libbra pointed out that Southwestern was one of the
few distribution co-ops in the country that possessed the
experience and ability to manage its own power supply.
“That means we have to sit on our own blisters when we
get our backside burned, but we also have the opportunity
to reach out and grab every opportunity we see on your
behalf—we have the flexibility to act when we need to.”
Kerry Sloan, chief executive officer of Southwestern
Electric Cooperative, said many people compare
Southwestern Electric’s rates to those of Ameren,
a neighboring investor-owned utility. Sloan said
Southwestern’s residential rates were only marginally
higher than Ameren’s, and that Ameren recently had been
granted nine years of rate increases, each in the neighborhood of 3 percent.
“It costs Ameren about the same as it costs us to build
one mile of electric line,” Sloan said. “When we build a
mile of line, we hook up about seven and a half customers per mile. They hook up more than 32 people per mile.
We bring in about $15,000 per each mile of line that we
build. They bring in $56,000.”
 Continued on page 10
Top: Barb Frerker, billing clerk, assisted members with registration. Center: Operations personnel Mike Willman (right) and Shane Healy
answered questions regarding right of way maintenance. Bottom: Members packed the gym for the business meeting.
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The Southwestern
Three Co-op Members Elected To
Southwestern’s Board of Directors
T
hree members of Southwestern Electric Cooperative
were elected to the co-op’s board of directors during
Southwestern’s 76th Annual Meeting of Members.
Southwestern members elected one director from each of the
co-op’s three voting districts.
For District I, incumbent Richard Gusewelle of Edwardsville
defeated challengers Karen Knackstedt of Alhambra and
Bart Pola of Maryville. Gusewelle received 691 votes, while
Knackstedt received 331 votes and 79 votes were cast for Pola.
Christopher Miller, a co-op member from Edwardsville,
announced his intention to run as a District I representative
in May. Miller withdrew his candidacy in late August after
accepting a job outside Southwestern’s service area. His name
was removed from the ballot.
In District II, incumbent Sandy Nevinger of Greenville ran
unopposed and was re-elected by acclamation.
From District III, incumbent Barbara Tedrick of Vandalia defeated challengers Van Boatman of Mulberry Grove and Larry
Weger of Vandalia. Tedrick received 582 votes, while Boatman
received 329 votes, and 173 votes were cast for Weger.
Each director will serve a three-year term on the board.
Richard Gusewelle
A member of Southwestern Electric Cooperative since 1966,
Richard Gusewelle has served as a director for District I since
1984. Gusewelle, who served as vice president of the board
of directors from 1996 to 2009, chairs both the Company
Operations & Labor Committee and the Community & Public
Relations Committee.
He also serves on the Business Development & Marketing
Committee and Scholarship Committee, and earned
Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership
certifications in 2001 and 2003 respectively, from the National
Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
Gusewelle works as highway commissioner for Hamel
Township. He and his wife, Joyce, reside southwest of Hamel.
A Southwestern member since 1977, Nevinger is a past
board member of the Bond-Madison Water Company, as well
as a lifetime member of the Bond County Memorial VFW Post
1377 Ladies’ Auxiliary. Sandy and her husband, Mike, live
northeast of Greenville.
Barbara Tedrick
As a teacher’s aide from Mid-State Special Education, Barbara
Tedrick interacted with students from every school in Bond
and Fayette counties. Tedrick, who retired in 2005, helped
teach elementary students for 15 years. As an educator, she
developed a unique insight into the needs of rural families and
their children.
During her tenure as a director on Southwestern Electric’s
board, the cooperative implemented educational programs
widely recognized for their impact and innovation, including Southwestern’s scholarship program, as well as electrical
safety demonstrations seen by tens of thousands of students
throughout Southwestern’s service area.
Tedrick serves on the Scholarship Committee and Company
Operations & Labor Committee. She is also the cooperative's
treasurer.
Tedrick has participated in numerous industry seminars at
the state and national levels, was recognized by the National
Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) as a
Credentialed Cooperative Director in 2003, and received her
Board Leadership Certificate from NRECA the same year.
Barbara and her husband, Rich, live south of Pittsburg.
Sandy Nevinger
Sandy Nevinger spent more than 30 years as an employee of
Southwestern Electric before running for the board in 2011.
As the cooperative’s director of member services and public
relations, she acted as a liaison to the membership and brought
member issues to the board and management team.
Nevinger also assisted in the development of cooperative
policies, procedures and bylaws, and dealt with rates, territorial
agreements, the media, and legislation that affected cooperative utilities. She serves on the co-op’s Scholarship Committee,
Business Development & Marketing Committee, and the
Community & Public Relations Committee.
Three members of Southwestern Electric Cooperative were elected
to the co-op’s board of directors during Southwestern’s 76th
Annual Meeting of Members, held Saturday, Sept. 6, at Greenville
Junior High School. Pictured are (l-r) Kerry Sloan, Southwestern
Electric Cooperative’s chief executive officer, with directors
Barbara Tedrick of Vandalia, Sandy Nevinger of Greenville and
Richard Gusewelle of Edwardsville.
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9
 Continued from page 8
Sloan told members that Southwestern’s residential
rates were the sixth lowest among Illinois’ 24 electric
cooperatives. “Some of these co-ops aren’t paying back
their capital credits. And the co-ops currently below us
will be going up in the next few years. We aren’t. I’d love
for us to be the lowest and that’s our goal,” he said.
“Had we not been successful last year at getting out
of the power deal that went south on us because the
economy collapsed, your electric bill would be about $62
a month higher. That’s big money. But we did get it done.
We’ll be reaping the benefits from now on.”
Sloan also addressed power reliability issues in Bond
and Madison counties. He explained there are two varieties of momentary outages, or blinks. One indicates the
co-op’s distribution system is operating properly. “You’ve
got a storm coming through, a bolt of lightning hits the
line, and our breakers sense that. They momentarily open
to let that high voltage disperse, rather than go into your
house or our transformers. That’s what the system is designed to do. It takes what could be a full-fledged outage
and turns it into a nuisance blink.”
Animals coming into contact with power lines can also
cause protective blinks, Sloan said.
The second variety of momentary outage indicates
mechanical problems or right-of-way maintenance
issues. Sloan said some members served by the coop’s Pocahontas and Troy substations had experienced
blinks related to mechanical issues, but he believed
those problems were resolved. The cooperative was still
investigating blink reports from members served by the
cooperative’s Fruit Road substation, he said.
He turned the discussion to members served by the
cooperative’s Edwardsville substation. “What they’ve
experienced is absolutely unacceptable—and they’ll
be the first to tell you that,” he said. “We did not react
quickly enough. I apologize. It’s my responsibility that
it got to this level, and I’m going to see to it that this and
any situation like this gets fixed,” he said.
“We’re out there right now—today—and we’ll be
out there again tomorrow, and all next week, replacing every single lightning arrestor on the south feed in
Edwardsville. We think that will go a long way toward
fixing the issue. If it doesn’t, we’ll do whatever it takes,
even if we have to put up new line,” he said. “We’re
bringing in contract crews starting Monday to take over
our regular work, so people who want new service don’t
have to wait. We’re going to get the job done, and we’re
going to earn your confidence again.”
More information on the cooperativeʼs distribution
system upgrades will appear in future issues of The
Southwestern.
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The Southwestern
After voting (below),
members stopped
by the health fair
for blood pressure
and pulse oximetry
screenings
(above), then
packed the gym
for BINGO called
by Southwestern
retiree Karen
Watson (left) and
volunteer Brent
Whittaker.
Members interacted with canines provided by regional search and
rescue team SAR K9 CO-OP. Team representatives talked about
canine training and team services.
Drafted for photo duty, Southwestern volunteer Ali Potthast
captured kids at play in the recreational area.
Southwestern volunteer Paul File helped young attendees with
carnival games. Paul is the husband of Susan File, the co-op’s vice
president of member services.
Prizes and cotton candy
(above) were a hit with youth
who attended the event.
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11
P
hotos allow us to capture and
recall a moment. In pictures, we
relive a laugh, a smile, a winter
snow or summer sun.
Members In Focus is your invitation
to share those saved moments with
members of Southwestern Electric.
In these pages, you can open our eyes
to the people and places that mean the
most to you. This is your opportunity
to introduce Southwestern readers to
everything that makes your corner of
the world an exceptional place to live,
work and play.
Send us your shots of life in
Southwestern Illinois. We’ll publish
some of our favorite photos from
time to time in our Members In
Focus section. Your subject needn’t
be on Southwestern’s lines. If you’ve
taken a great photo, and you shot it
on the Highland town square instead
of the Brownstown back forty, send it.
We’d love to see it.
Submission Guidelines
Please include your name, address,
phone number or e-mail address, and a
brief description of the photo. We’d like
to know when and where it was taken,
what we’re seeing, and the names of any
people in your shot. Digital images must
be taken in high-resolution JPG or TIF
format (300 DPI or greater)—and make
sure the date/time stamp is turned off
before you shoot.
Digital images may be sent as e-mail
attachments or on a CD. Prints are also
welcome. Send photos by e-mail to joe.
[email protected] or by mail to
The Southwestern, 525 US Route 40,
Greenville, IL 62246. If you’re sending
prints, please make sure they’re copies
you don’t mind parting with, as we
won’t be returning them. Southwestern
Electric Cooperative interprets all
submissions as unconditional permission
to use the photos provided. We also
reserve the right to not use photos.
Finally, if you’re submitting a shot, it
needs to be your photo—shot by you.
Questions? Contact Joe Richardson at
[email protected] or Mike
Barns at [email protected], or
call (800) 637-8667.
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The Southwestern
Tim and Debbi Smith snapped this photo of their energy efficient dome home.
Tony Pals, resource conservationist for Fayette County Soil and
Water Conservation District, shot this photo of the cross at Wren
Bridge, between Ramsey and Wright's Corner, in Fayette County.
In June, Cari Hoover of Troy shot this photo of her son,
seven-year-old Jameson Chacon, holding their first
zucchini of the season.
Dennis Post of Highland sent his shot of autumn color reflected in
a pond near Grantfork.
Donna Turley of Greenville calls this photo “A harvest sunrise in
Bond County, IL”.
Recent rains darkened the bark of this walnut tree and
added to the lush, verdant feel of this scene shot by Sarah
Mulholland. Mulholland, who lives north of Greenville, took
this photo in her yard.
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Energy & Efficiency
Seal In $avings
Fall is the perfect time to break out your home’s winter coat
A
utumn has arrived, bringing relief to overworked home cooling systems
across Southwestern Illinois—and winter will be here before you know it.
Fortunately, a few simple and inexpensive tasks can help prepare your home
for the coming cold.
Plug the Leaks. Sealing leaks with caulk and weather-stripping will keep
more warm air inside when it’s cold outside. Leaks are most commonly found around
window and door frames, recessed lighting installations, pipes, vents and electrical
outlets.
Clean Out the Gutters. In winter, clogged gutter drains can form ice dams, which
cause water to back up and potentially seep into your house. After trees have shed
most of their leaves, make time to clear your gutters. Start by removing leaves and
debris, then rinse out the gutters with a hose.
Check the Furnace. Before winter sets in, make sure your furnace is working
properly. You’ll have better luck scheduling service before temperatures drop and
you’re competing with your neighbors for an appointment. Even if your furnace
seems to be in good working order, it’s a good idea to have it serviced annually.
Stock up on furnace filters and plan to change them regularly so your heating system
can operate efficiently.
Work on the Windows. Don’t let warm air escape through your windows. If you
have drafty windows, consider replacing them before cold weather hits. If window
replacement isn’t in your budget, pick up an inexpensive window insulator kit to
provide temporary coverage through the coldest months. Autumn is also a good time
to replace temporary window screens with storm windows, which provide an extra
layer of protection and warmth.
Protect the Plumbing. Protect your pipes from freezing (and possibly bursting)
by turning off the water at the shut-off valve, then turning on your outdoor faucets
to let them drain. If you haven’t already done so, drain any outdoor hoses and bring
them inside. If your home has uninsulated pipes that pass through unheated spaces,
wrap them with pre-molded foam rubber sleeves. Not only are outdoor faucets
vulnerable—pipes that run through attics, crawl spaces and exterior walls have the
potential to burst in subfreezing weather as well.
Reverse the Fans. It may seem strange to run your ceiling fans during the winter,
but this technique can save money on your heating bills. Most ceiling fans have a
small switch that reverses the rotation of the fan blades, pulling air up, instead of
propelling it down, to help circulate warmer air that collects near the ceiling.
Southwestern Electric Cooperative offers many ideas to help you improve the
energy efficiency of your home. To request a home energy audit, please contact
Southwestern Electric Cooperative’s energy advisors, John Winter and Marla
Pourchot, at (800) 637-8667.
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The Southwestern
Say It Isn’t So:
Fact and Fiction of
Home Energy Use
There are a lot of misconceptions
about energy efficiency—and we’ve
heard most of them. Here are three
common energy myths and the true
stories to debunk them.
Fiction: If an electrical appliance is
turned off, it isn’t using power.
Fact: Many electrical appliances
operate on standby power, which
means a small amount of electricity
is being consumed even when the
unit appears to be off. Any appliance
that uses microprocessors, or can be
turned on via remote control, falls into
this category. Power strips are a great
way to cut down on passive electricity
use. Just plug your “passive energy”
appliances into a power strip and flip
the switch to cut their power.
Fiction: I need to wash clothes in hot
water to get them clean.
Fact: Usually, that’s not the case.
Unless a load of laundry is especially
grimy, hot water isn’t necessary. In
most cases, cold water gets the job
done, especially if you use a detergent
formulated for cold water use. Waterheating accounts for 85 percent to 90
percent of the energy used to wash
clothes, so cutting down on the use
of hot water is a good way to save on
energy costs. Use cold water for the
rinse cycle; it rinses just as well and
it’s less likely to damage your clothing.
Fiction: My fireplace will cut down on
my winter heating bills.
Fact: Using a fireplace can increase
your home heating costs. Heat from
a fire is generally confined to the area
near your fireplace, making it an inefficient way to heat your home overall.
And warm air inside your home is
channeled up the chimney. If you
prefer to heat your home with wood,
think about a wood-burning stove.
Newer models are more energyefficient and burn more cleanly than
their predecessors.
APPROVED HVAC PARTICIPATING CONTRACTORS
AMK Heating & Cooling 
7067 Marine Rd.; Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 656-4116
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Marty
B & W Heating & Cooling, INC. 
398 Edwardsville Rd; Wood River, IL 62095
Phone: (618)254-0645
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Elizabeth Zangori
Barrett Heating & Cooling
500 Belle St.; Alton, IL 62002
Phone: (618) 465-3731
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Jay Barrett
Bell-O Service 
5909 Cool Sports Rd.; Belleville, IL 62223
Phone: (618) 234-3310
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Jerry Harrington, Jr.
Bertels and Company
P.O. Box 24; Moro, IL 62067
Phone: (618) 377-9008
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Tim Bertels
C & K Heating & Cooling
1116 Galaxy Dr.; Lebanon, IL 62254
Phone: (618) 537-9528
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Curt or Kevin Showalter
Climate Company
14106 Stolletown Rd.; Breese, IL 62230
Phone: (618) 526-2135
Contact Person: Dennis Timmermann
Culbertson Heating & Cooling
1001 W. Randolph; Vandalia, IL 62471
Phone: (618) 283-4679
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Dan Culbertson
Cummings Heating & Cooling
8030 Cummings Ln.
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 656-8953
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Tim Cummings
Den-Son, Inc. Cooling & Heating 
107 E. Center St.; Brighton, IL 62012
Phone: (618) 372-8375 or (618) 372-4356
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Rick Boren
Diehl’s Services
PO Box 449; Troy, IL 62294
Phone: (618) 667-1092
Contact Person: Carl Diehl
Elk Heating & Sheet Metal 
473 N. Wood River Ave.
Wood River, IL 62095
Phone: (618) 251-4747
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Brad McPherson
Ernst Heating & Cooling
202 W. State; Hamel, IL 62046
Phone: (618) 633-2244
E-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
Contact Person: Roger Ernst or Woody
Hunter Appliance, Heating & Air
1130 N. Fifth; Vandalia, IL 62471
Phone: (618) 283-3224
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Allen Hunter
Jansen’s Heating & Air Conditioning 
11984 East U.S. Highway 40
Effingham, IL 62401
Phone: (217) 347-5223
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Jerry Jansen
KCH Mechanical, Inc.
813 N. 3rd St., Effingham, IL 62401
Phone: (217) 347-5755
E-mail: kchambers77@ yahoo.com
Contact Person: Kevin Chambers
King Air Conditioning & Heating
401 Pearl St.; Godfrey, IL 62035
Phone: (618) 466-7574
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Chad Crouch or
Mike Edwards
Knearem’s Home Comfort Center
320 E. Main; Shelbyville, IL 62565
Phone: (217) 774-4933
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: John Knearem
Kufa & Son Heating & Air Conditioning
123 E. Main St.; Carlinville, IL 62626
Phone: (217) 854-4112
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Scott Kufa
Mark’s Heating & Cooling
1166 Mt. Gilead Rd.; Greenville, IL 62246
Phone: (618) 664-2499
Cell: (618) 410-4472
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Mark Focht
Merz Air Conditioning & Heating
509 S. Willow/P.O. Box 1305
Effingham, IL 62401
Phone: (217) 342-2323
Contact Person: Glen Freeman
Neuhaus Heating & Air Conditioning 
10235 Old Route 66; Litchfield, IL 62056
Phone: (217) 324-2818
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Brad or Todd Neuhaus
R & H Plumbing, Heating & Electric
123 N. Main St.; Altamont, IL 62411-1447
Phone: (618) 483-6158 or (800) 867-1858
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Phil Schultz
Sigman Heating & Air Conditioning 
6200 Old St. Louis Rd.; Belleville, IL 62223
Phone: (618) 234-4343 or (618) 234-9300
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Craig Pashia
Tiger Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning Services Inc. 
208 W. Main St.; Glen Carbon, IL 62034
Phone: (618) 288-6480
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Steve Helms
Toennies Service Company 
219 E. Main; Damiansville, IL 62215
Phone: (618) 248-5130
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Joe Jansen or Mike Toennies
Viviano Heating & Air Conditioning 
201 West Main St.; Collinsville, IL 62234
Phone: (618) 345-7498
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Cindy Viviano
Weeke Sales & Service
P.O. Box 53; Okawville, IL 62271
Phone: (618) 243-5333
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Steve Weeke
8086 Old U.S. Highway 50;
Breese, IL 62230
Phone: (618) 526-2302
Contact Person: Travis Toennies
WEIR Heating
111 Jerome Lane, Cahokia, IL 62206
Phone: (618) 660-6499
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Tom Weir
Winters Energy & Heating 
410 State St.; Alton, IL 62002
Phone: (618) 463-7799
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: Rick Winters
Yard Heating & Cooling
100 S. Spressor; Taylorville, IL 62568
Phone: (217) 824-4737
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Person: George Yard
This listing is intended solely for the convenience of
Southwestern Electric Cooperative members and
includes only those contractors who have notified
the co-op of their certification. Southwestern Electric
neither endorses nor sanctions these contractors.
The cooperative is not liable for nor guarantees their
workmanship, products or warranties.
Co-op Connections
discount provider
The Southwestern
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15
Safety
Harvesting Safety
Agriculture ranks among the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Between
2003 and 2011, nearly 6,000 agricultural workers died from work-related injuries. Harvest
season can be especially hazardous. Long hours, lack of sleep and mental fatigue can lead to
serious injuries. Here are a few suggestions to help you make it through the season safely.
Electrical Safety
Safety is often a matter of being aware of your environment
and eliminating or avoiding potential issues. Just as you’d survey a field before planting, take a minute to survey your work
site. Look up. Are there power lines nearby? They don’t have
to be directly overhead to pose a danger. Plot the movement of
your equipment around your farm. How many times are you
passing near power lines? You can avoid electrical contact accidents by rerouting traffic in ways that will keep you and other
workers far from potential points of contact.
Additional tips to keep in mind:
•When you're moving equipment, use a spotter—someone with a broader view of the equipment and its surroundings.
•Familiarize your coworkers with the location of overhead
power lines on or near your property.
•Keep in mind that non-metallic materials—lumber, tree
limbs, tires, ropes and hay—will conduct electricity.
•Plot your route in and out of fields, to and from bins and
elevators, and down public roads to avoid power lines. If
someone transports equipment for you, specify a safe route
and explain why certain routes are necessary.
•Use ladders with caution.
•Be aware of power lines and cords during
construction projects.
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The Southwestern
In Case of Contact
If you’re driving a tractor, combine, or other onboard machinery and it comes into contact with a power line, stay onboard.
Call Southwestern Electric Cooperative at (800) 637-8667.
We’ll dispatch a crew to de-energize the line so you can safely
move your machinery.
If your equipment catches on fire and forces you to abandon
the vehicle, leap as far as possible from the machinery. Don’t
allow your body to come into contact with the equipment and
the ground at the same time.
If you realize your machinery is touching a power line
after you’ve left the vehicle, don’t attempt to move it. Call
Southwestern Electric Cooperative at (800) 637-8667. We’ll
dispatch a crew to de-energize the line so you can safely move
the equipment.
Call 811 Before You Dig
If you’re planning a project that requires digging, call JULIE at
811 before you dig. Tell the operator where you're planning to
dig and what type of work you’ll be doing. The center will call
the necessary utilities. The utilities will send a locator to mark
the approximate location of your underground lines, pipes and
cables, so you'll know what's below and be able to dig safely.
Grain Bin Safety
Wondering when you should review grain bin safety
precautions with farm workers and family members? Now’s
the time, says Karen Funkenbusch, rural safety and health
specialist for University of Missouri Extension.
Grain bin entrapments are sad reminders that grain storage
can be deadly, Funkenbusch said. “It takes only five
seconds for a person to be caught in flowing grain, and less
than 20 seconds to be sucked into the center of the grain,
which acts much like quicksand,” said Funkenbusch.
A child can be buried in far less time.
“Grain’s weight and other properties make it difficult to get
out of a bin without assistance,” she said. “Grain resists
the force a rescuer uses to remove the victim. It takes more
than 325 pounds of force to raise a 165-pound mannequin
covered in corn.”
Farmers who’ve worked around grain bins all of their
lives might think this won’t happen to them. But the U.S.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that
at least 26 U.S. workers were killed in grain engulfments in
2010, the highest on record.
Since then, OSHA has inspected numerous bins and is
committed to changing the “it won’t happen to me” mindset,
Funkenbusch said.
Funkenbusch advises grain producers to design and install
reclaim systems that allow access to the grain without
having to enter the bins. She also recommends larger
service tunnels, at least 7 feet high and with good lighting
and drainage.
Install larger outside access doors, not a simple 24-inch
round opening in the side of the bin. Doors should be at
least 3 feet by 3 feet, with a platform and handrails installed.
Moist grain can form toxic gases and fumes. Bins should be
checked for these gases before entering.
Farm families should discuss safety measures with all
members, and children should never be near a grain bin.
Many grain bin accidents involve multiple fatalities because
of failed rescue attempts.
Grain handlers, bin manufacturers, safety experts and
others have formed a national Grain Entrapment Prevention
Initiative, which emphasizes six points in bin safety:
1. Develop a “zero entry” mentality. Stay out of the bin.
2. If you must enter, do not go alone.
3. Provide hands-on training for the entrant and observer.
4. Follow an entry permit.
5. Shut down and lockout.
6. Use a secure body harness lifeline.
“All augers and grain-moving equipment should be turned
off before anyone enters a bin,” said Funkenbusch. “Farmers
and their employees should never ‘walk down’ grain from
the bin’s sides to make it flow, or walk on crusted or bridged
grain, which can collapse under a person’s weight. If there is
crusted or bridged grain, workers should use a tool to probe
the surface from outside the bin.
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17
Out & About
On the Trail
of Fall Color
There’s no better season
to hike the wooded hills
and valleys of Illinois than
autumn. The air is crisp, the
evenings cool, and the fields
and forests paint the world in
palettes muted or bold. Our
advice? Don’t limit yourself
to a single trail or outing.
Take full advantage of the
season. We’ve listed some of
our favorite fall foliage trails.
Step outside. Explore. Take
pictures. Then send us a
few shots—we’d love to see
autumn through your eyes.
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Beaver Dam State Park (Plainview, Ill.) Located in
Macoupin County, seven miles southwest of Carlinville.
Beaver Dam State Park is home to some rare and
unusual white squirrels. Situated on Beaver Dam Lake,
the park has four miles of hiking trails, with one loop. For
more information, call (217) 854-8020.
Bremer Sanctuary (Hillsboro, Ill.) Located in
Montgomery County, about one mile north of Hillsboro.
Home of Hickory Hills Chapter of the Illinois Audubon
Society, Bremer Sanctuary is a protected area for birds
and other wildlife. The 203-acre property includes
several interconnected hiking paths, including the
two-mile Bluebird Trail. For more information, visit
bremersanctuary.org.
Eagle Creek State Park (Findlay, Ill.) Located in Shelby
County, four miles southeast of Findlay. Situated along
Lake Shelbyville, Eagle Creek State Park boasts three
marked nature paths through the forest as well as a
12-mile backpacking trail. For more information, call
(217) 756-8260.
Eldon Hazlet State Park (Carlyle, Ill.) Located in Clinton
County, three miles north of Carlyle. A favorite spot for
birdwatchers, Eldon Hazlet State Park offers three loop
trails, each about a mile long, through the woods and
along Carlyle Lake. All trails are closed from Wednesday
through Sunday during pheasant-hunting season. For
more information, call (618) 594-3015.
Hidden Springs State Forest (Strasburg, Ill.) Located
in Shelby County, about seven miles southwest of
Strasburg. Hidden Springs State Forest, formerly known
as Shelby State Forest, incorporates four marked trails
traversing a total of 5.5 miles. The aptly-named Big
Tree Trail features one of the largest trees in Illinois—a
sycamore measuring 78 inches in diameter. For more
information, call (217) 644-3091.
Horseshoe Lake State Park (Granite City, Ill.) Located
off Highway 111 in Madison County. Horseshoe Lake
State Park’s four-mile hiking trail, with loops of 1.5
and three miles, wanders through the natural area on
Walker's Island. Look for snowy egrets, great blue herons
and black-crowned herons. For more information, call
(618) 931-0270.
Pere Marquette State Park (Grafton, Ill.) Located in
Jersey County, five miles west of Grafton. This 8,000acre park is a great place to take in the beauty of
fall foliage. Pere Marquette State Park encompasses
approximately 12 miles of marked trails, with options for
hikers of all ability levels. The scenery at Pere Marquette
includes lush forests, towering bluffs and abundant
wildlife. For more information, call (618) 786-3323.
Ramsey Lake State Park (Ramsey, Ill.) Located in
Fayette County, one mile northwest of Ramsey. The
park centers on Ramsey Lake and covers nearly 2,000
acres of land. Ramsey Lake State Park has a one-mile
hiking trail, but many visitors also use the unmarked
fire lanes as walking paths. For more information, call
(618) 423-2215.
Shelbyville State Fish & Wildlife Area (Bethany, Ill.)
Located along the Kaskaskia and West Okaw Rivers
southeast of Bethany, Ill. Few locations can top the
Shelbyville State Fish & Wildlife Area for the viewing of
marsh, woodland and prairie birds. This park features a
4.5-mile nature trail that completely circles a waterfowl
area. Trails are not closed to hikers during hunting
season, so wear blaze orange during that time. For more
information, call (217) 665-3112.
Wildcat Hollow State Habitat Area (Mason, Ill.)
Located in Effingham County, two miles north of Mason.
Wildcat Hollow State Habitat Area encompasses 520
acres of forests and fields, and contains one 3.5-mile
hiking trail with a double loop. For more information,
call (618) 547-3381.
Wolf Creek State Park (Windsor, Ill.) Located in Shelby
County, eight miles northwest of Windsor. Directly
across Lake Shelbyville from Eagle Creek State Park,
Wolf Creek State Park boasts seven different hiking trails
along which deer, pheasant, rabbits, wild turkeys and
songbirds are frequently spotted. For more information,
call (217) 459-2831.
The Illinois Department of
Natural Resources offers
the following tips for hikers:
•Stay on designated hiking trails
•Don’t pick any flowers
•Confine your pet to a leash
•Wear comfortable hiking or walking shoes
•Take water with you on long hikes
•Use insect repellent to help ward off
mosquitoes and other insects
•Protect yourself from wood ticks (which may
carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever) and deer
ticks (which may carry Lyme disease)
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19
W
e penned the solution to our
August challenge—then
promptly scrapped it after
reading the many interesting, colorful
comments submitted by Southwestern
readers. In your own words, here’s the
solution to our August photo puzzle.
Congratulations to prize drawing
winners Eric Clifton of Belleville,
Sandee Kane of Glen Carbon, and
Shirley Volentine of Sorento. And thanks
to everyone who participated. We hope
to hear from you again regarding this
month's puzzle (see the photo on page
21). We're asking you to name the
destination. It's an 1800s home, storied
and suitable for the season. Good luck!
The picture is of Elijah P. Lovejoy. He
was an educator, minister, publisher, and
abolitionist. He has come down through
history as one of freedomʼs champions
by defending the freedom of speech. He
is best remembered as the editor of The
Alton Observer, a religious paper.
He was murdered by an angry mob
on November 7, 1837, while he and a
group of followers were trying to protect
his fourth printing press and equipment
from being thrown into the river as the
previous units had been.
He became quite outspoken against
slavery.
Reverend Elijah P. Lovejoy served
as moderator of the Session Meeting of
the Reno Bethel Presbyterian Church
at Reno, IL on May 27, 1837. He was a
renowned leader in Presbyterian Church
history.
The Bond County Historical and
Genealogical Societies presented a
plaque to the Reno-Bethel Presbyterian
Church on August 14, 2000, after they
had a meeting at the church explaining
some of this history.
—Shirley Volentine, Sorento
Having worked in Alton for many
years, I know well the history of Elijah
P. Lovejoy. I am often stumped by
the items in your Who, What, Where
section, even items like the Quade
Block, which I drive past almost daily,
but I suspect there will be many who
recognize this local hero.
Thank you all for an excellent
cooperative and a very enjoyable and
informative periodical.
—Andy Kamp, Moro
As an alumni of SIUE I spent many
hours studying in the Lovejoy Library
located on campus and was able to
become very familiar with his life story.
—Eric Clifton, Belleville
As you go down Broadway in Alton,
you can look directly up the hill on
Monument Street and see the Lovejoy
monument. It is quite impressive.
—Wanda Puleo, Illinois
Not only was he a minister killed
fighting for what he believed in but also:
- Started an abolitionist newspaper
called the Alton Observer.
- Abraham Lincoln referenced
Lovejoyʼs murder in his Lyceum
Address in January 1838.
- He is considered the first casualty
of the Civil War.
- He has been recognized with a star
in the St. Louis Walk Of Fame.
Truly an amazing part of our local
history! Thanks again for this great
feature!
—Matt Mentel, Carlyle
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The Southwestern
?
That's Elijah Lovejoy, an important
historical figure and the namesake
of the Lovejoy Library at SIUE. My
grandfather, Irving Dilliard, drove me
to Alton several times when I was quite
young to show me Lovejoy's grave and
teach me some history along the way.
And, of course, we always stopped by to
see the Alton Giant while we were there!
—Mark Schusky, Collinsville
The historical figure depicted is Elijah
Parish Lovejoy. He was an abolitionist
that was murdered in Alton on
November 7, 1837. He was defending
his publishing site of his anti-slavery
newspaper and was killed by a mob that
was pro slavery. Your photograph was
from the north side of the base of the
Lovejoy Monument at Alton Cemetery
located at 5th and Vine Street in Alton,
Illinois.
Mobs in the past had made attempts
to stop his anti-slavery publications by
destroying his printing press. When he
was murdered, the brand new printing
press that the mob attempted to destroy
was his 4th press. A piece of one of
his printing presses is on display in the
lobby of the Alton Telegraph at 111
Broadway, Alton.
Elijah Lovejoy's publishing
rights were established by the First
 Continued on page 27
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21
Have a recipe
to share?
Please mail recipes to: Co-op
Kitchen, Southwestern Electric
Cooperative, 525 US Route 40,
Greenville, IL 62246. Or you’re
welcome to email recipes to
Mike Barns at mike.barns@
sweci.com. When you send your
recipe, remember to include
your name and hometown so
we can credit you in print. If
you’ve taken a photo of your
dish, you’re welcome to include
that as well.
Thanks for sharing. We look
forward to dining with you.
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The Southwestern
Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients
1 can pumpkin
2 heaping tablespoons flour
1 cup sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ginger
2 eggs
1½ cups milk
2 shallow dish pie shells
Allspice
Directions
1. Mix together pumpkin, flour, sugar,
cinnamon, ginger, and eggs.
2. Add milk and mix well.
3. Pour half of mixture into each
pie shell.
4. Sprinkle top with Allspice.
5. Preheat oven to 425º and bake
for 15 minutes.
6. Drop oven temperature to 350º and
bake for 45 minutes or until done.
Hawaiian Nut
Bread
Ingredients
2¾ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup nuts
3 eggs beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup cooking oil
1 8 ounce can crushed
pineapple and juice
½ cup flaked coconut
2 mashed bananas
Directions
1. Combine flour, sugar, salt, and
baking soda and sift together.
2. Add nuts.
3. Add remaining ingredients and
blend together carefully by hand.
4. Stir until just blended.
5. Pour into 2 well greased and
floured loaf pans.
6. Preheat oven to 350º and bake
for 1 hour or until toothpick
comes out dry.
7. Cool on racks for 10 minutes
before removing from pans.
Cranberry Fluff
Ingredients
2 cups raw cranberries ground
¾ cup sugar
3 cups small marshmallows
2 cups diced unpeeled apples
1 cup grapes cut in halves
½ cup nuts chopped
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup whipping cream
Directions
1. Mix together cranberries, sugar,
and marshmallows and chill
overnight.
2. Add apples, grapes, nuts,
and salt.
3. Fold in cream, chill, and enjoy.
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23
Area Events
October 1-31 MOURNING COLONEL
STEPHENSON, Edwardsville. Colonel
Stephenson died in the house on
October 10, 1822 and visitors will get
a glimpse of the mourning customs
practiced by the family almost 200
years ago. Thursday - Saturday 10
a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sunday noon - 4 p.m.;
all tours are guided by a docent
and are not conducted after 3 p.m.
Adults $6; children age 6 - 12 years
of age $3; children 5 years of age and
younger are free. Colonel Benjamin
Stephenson House, 409 S. Buchanan
Street. Call (618) 692-1818 or visit
stephensonhouse.org.
October 3 & 4 Grande Levee &
Harvest Festival, Vandalia. Friday
evening will kick off the Grande Levee
with music and a ham and bean dinner
on the Vandalia Statehouse grounds.
Saturday will offer a full day of events.
The Harvest Festival will feature vendors,
merchant sidewalk sales, and activities
for kids, including inflatables and an RC
car exhibition. 300 - 500 block of Gallatin
Street. Friday 5 - 9 p.m.; Saturday 10
a.m. - 5 p.m. For information about the
Grande Levee, call (618) 283-1161; for
the Harvest Festival, call (618) 283-2728.
Visit vandaliaillinois.com for updates.
October 3-26 THE GREAT GODFREY
MAZE, Godfrey. Take an “a-maze-ing”
adventure through two mazes cut into
7 acres of corn. Fridays 6 - 10 p.m.;
Saturdays 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sundays
1 p.m. - dusk; Columbus Day 11 a.m.
- dusk. $6 for adults; $4 for children
ages 6 - 11; free for children age 5
and younger. Robert E. Glazebrook
Community Park, 1401 Stamper Lane.
Call (618) 466-1483 or visit godfreyil.org.
October 4 Airstravaganza,
Greenville. Spend the day at Greenville
Airport with local pilots, planes, antique
tractors and military vehicles. Enjoy
demonstrations and the Texas Twisters
Aerobatic Team. Call (618) 664-0926.
October 4 5-K RUN/WALK, Collinsville.
5-K Run on the Cahokia Mounds Trails.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, 30
Ramey Street. To register, call (618) 3447316 or visit cahokiamounds.org.
October 4 & 5 FALL FESTIVAL, St.
Elmo. Featuring pumpkin picking, live
music, fall crafts, hay rides, corn maze,
nature walk and kids’ activities. Saturday
9 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday Noon - 5 p.m.
Happy Hollow Farms, County Road 2250
south of St. Elmo. Call (618) 292-0984 or
visit happyhollowfarms.vpweb.com.
October 5 RIPSON BRIDGE FESTIVAL, Sorento. Enjoy down home cookin’, live
music and old time crafts and games. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is free. Bring a
lawn chair so you can sit and listen to the music. Ripson Bridge is located south
of Sorento and north of Old Ripley. Take Highway 140 to Old Ripley and head
North. Call (314) 566-0599 or visit ripsonbridgefestival.com.
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Information appearing in the Area
Events calendar is provided by the
events’ organizers or taken from
local community websites. Please
call to verify information regarding
any event you plan to attend.
Dates, times, and other details are
subject to change.
October 4 & 5 HARVEST THYME
FESTIVAL, Carlyle. Experience a variety
of food vendors, craft vendors, unique
furniture, fall and Christmas décor, Texas
hold ’em tournament, Harvest Thyme
Princess, bounce houses and pumpkin
patch. Saturday 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.;
Sunday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. City Park. Visit
carlylelake.com.
October 4, 11, 18, 25 Vintage Voices,
Alton. Actors and historians from the
Alton Little Theatre will bring to life
the women and men who shaped the
city’s rich history. 1 - 3 p.m. Adults
$12; Students $6. Tickets will be
available at the Alton Visitor Center,
online at altonlittletheater.org, and at
the front gate of the City Cemetery
each Saturday, beginning at 12:45 p.m.
National Cemetery, 600 Pearl Street. Call
(618) 462-3205.
October 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 24, 31;
November 1 MCPIKE MANSION
HAUNTED TOURS, Alton. Learn the
history of the McPike Mansion, look at
photos of the mansion and paranormal
activity, then tour the grounds and
crypt. Tour lasts about 90 minutes. All
proceeds go toward the restoration of
the mansion. Adults $20; children 13-17
years of age $10; children 6-12 years
of age $5. McPike Mansion, 2018 Alby
Street. For more information, call (618)
462-3348 or visit mcpikemansion.com.
October 10-12 ST. MARY’S
OKTOBERFEST, Alton. Polkas, German
food, live music, and inflatables for the
kids. Friday festivities begin at 6 p.m.;
Saturday at 1 p.m.; Sunday at noon.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 519 East
4th Street. Call (618) 465-4284 or visit
stmarysoktoberfest.com.
October 10-12, 17-19 LITTLE SHOP
OF HORRORS, Breese. A theatrical
presentation by Clinton County
Showcase. All performances begin
at 8 p.m. except for the last Sunday
showing, which is at 2 p.m. $10 for
adults; $9 for students, senior citizens
and active military personnel (with valid
identification). Historic Avon Theatre,
535 North 2nd Street. For reservations,
call (618) 526-2866 or visit
ccshowcase.com.
October 10 - December 31 WORKING
WILDFOWL: DECOYS, CARVINGS
AND THE WATERFOWL TRADITION,
West Alton. Working Wildfowl is an
original exhibit showcasing vintage and
contemporary wildfowl decoys, duck
calls and artwork. The center is open 8
a.m. - 4 p.m. daily, but please check the
website for seasonal changes. Audubon
Center at Riverlands, 301 Riverlands
Way. Call (636) 899-0090 or visit
riverlands.audubon.org.
October 11 APPLE FEST, Centralia.
Jump toys, face painting, straw maze,
music, food for purchase. 10 a.m. - 4
p.m. Schwartz Orchard, 1942 Copple
Road. Call (618) 532-8058.
October 11 CELEBRATE CENTRALIA,
Centralia. A festival of wine, art,
and music will feature local artists,
musicians, food vendors, award winning
wineries and vineyards from the area,
and craft beer brewers. Beer and wine
tasting tickets will be available. 3 - 9
p.m. Centralia Carillon Bell Tower Park,
114 North Elm. Call (618) 533-7623 or
visit celebratecentralia.com.
October 11, 17 & 18, 24 & 25 31
HALLOWEEN WALKING TOUR, Alton.
Take a Halloween walking tour of the
most haunted town in America. Bring
cameras, recorders, flashlights, and any
ghost hunting equipment you may have.
7 p.m. Admission is $35. Mineral Springs
Haunted Tours, 301 East Broadway
Street. Call (618) 465-3200.
October 11 & 12 ARMED FORCES
TRIBUTE, Vandalia. The event will
include military vehicle displays, living
history encampments, WWII & Vietnam
battle re-enactments, weapons &
equipment demonstrations, swap meet,
military collectibles, and food vendors.
Sonneman & Greer Parks. Call (618) 2831152 or visit vandaliaillinois.com.
October 11 & 12 ART IN THE PARK,
Highland. Artists compete for more than
$10,000 in prizes and will feature original
works in a wide range of art mediums.
The event features food, drinks, live
music, art demonstrations and activities
for kids. Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.;
Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission
is free. Lindendale Park, 2025 Park
Hill Drive. Call (618) 654-4727 or visit
highlandartscouncil.org.
October 11 & 12 FALL FESTIVAL AND
HILL’S FORT LIVING HISTORY EVENT,
Greenville. Enjoy fall fun including the
children’s costume contest, pumpkin
painting, games, face painting, train
rides, prizes, food, and the Lil’ Red
Barn. Event will also include re-enactors
of 1812, an Armed Forces display,
crafters, and vendors. American Farm
Heritage Museum, 1395 Museum
Avenue. Call (618) 664-9733 or visit
americanfarmheritagemuseum.com.
Southwestern Illinois
Pumpkin Patches
Braeutigam Orchards, 2765
Turkey Hill Lane, Belleville. Call
(618) 233-4059 or visit zexton.com/
braeutigamorchardswebsite.
Daniken Tree Farm, 781 Illinois Route
140, Pocahontas. Call (618) 664-4067
or visit danikentreefarm.com.
Eckert’s Farms: 951 South Green
Mount Road, Belleville; 20995 Eckert
Orchard Road, Grafton; 2719 Eckert
Orchard Lane, Millstadt. Call (618)
233-0513 or visit eckerts.com.
Happy Hollow Farms, 1697 North
2250th Street, St. Elmo. E-mail
[email protected] or
visit happyhollowfarms.vpweb.com.
Relleke Pumpkin Patch, 473
Sand Prairie Road, Granite City.
Call (618) 797-6858 or visit
rellekepumpkinpatch.com.
Rhodes Family Farm, 8863 Dustman
Road, Worden. Call (618) 307-4989 or
visit rhodesfamilyfarm.com.
October 12 APPLE A DAY BICYCLE
RIDE, Marine. Apples are in abundance
on this pleasant pedal through the
rural Madison County countryside on
short, medium, and long routes along
flat to gently rolling terrain with no
big hills. Upon returning, riders can
pick apples and enjoy fresh baked
fruit pies, barbecue and drinks for
purchase. Registration 7:30 - 9:30
a.m. Pre-registered Trailnet members
$8; non-members $13; $3 child. Day
of ride Trailnet members $10 member;
non-members $15; $3 child. Mills Apple
Farm, 11477 Pocahontas Road. For
more information, call (314) 436-1324
visit trailnet.org.
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October 3 & 4 CHILI COOK-OFF,
Belleville. Activities include chili
tastings, live music, a classic car
show and youth singing competition.
Downtown around the fountain and
along Main Street. Call (618) 2332015 or visit bellevillechili.com.
October 17 CHILI FEST, Effingham.
Nearly two dozen businesses
will host either a complimentary
chili tasting stop or other treats
and refreshments throughout the
evening. Festival goers will be given
ballets to vote for their favorite chili.
Live entertainment will be provided
throughout the night. 4 p.m.
Downtown Effingham on Jefferson
Street. Visit visiteffinghamil.com.
October 18 FALLFEST & CHILI
COOK-OFF, Alton. Local chili
experts will compete for the honor
of “Best Chili” and the coveted
“People’s Choice” awards. Visitors
can view and purchase the creations
of local artists and enjoy a craft
beer and wine tasting event. Noon
- 10 p.m. Admission is free, tickets
required for tastings. Downtown in
the parking lot next to New Frontiers
Furnishings, West 3rd Street. Call
(618) 463-1016.
October 25 CHILI & SOUP
COOKOFF, New Baden. There will
be a Tasters’ Choice competition
for both chili and soup with prizes
awarded in both categories.
Families will find a craft fair, truck
equipment display, and bounce
houses for children. New Baden
Village Park, 1103 East Hanover
Street. Call (618) 588-3813 or visit
newbadenchamber.com.
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October 12 HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR,
Alton. This annual self-guided tour
features some of Alton’s most the
beautiful homes, interesting buildings,
and churches. Noon - 5 p.m. Tickets are
$12 and can be purchased at the Alton
Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau at
200 Piasa Street. For more information,
call (618) 463-5761.
October 17-19, 23-26 ALTON LITTLE
THEATER: KOSHER LUTHERANS
COMEDY, Alton. A theatrical
presentation by the Alton Little Theater
Company. Tuesday - Saturday at 7:30
p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. Adults $15;
students $8. Alton Little Theater, 2450
North Henry Street. For tickets, call (618)
462-6562 or visit altonlittletheater.org.
October 18 COMMUNITY BANQUET,
Altamont. Mardi Gras themed event
featuring Blooze Brothers Band, buffet
meal, community awards, and dance.
6 p.m. $50 for individual non-reserved
tickets or reserved tables of 8. Carriage
House Event Center, 8 West Carriage
Lane. Call (618) 267-6537 or visit
altamontchamber.com.
October 18 HAUNTED HAYRIDE,
Marine. Local 4-H clubs will provide
spooky sites as a fund raiser. You will
have the opportunity to vote for the
spookiest site with a prize going to
the winning club. There will also be a
campfire, music, games, and concession
stand. Hayrides begin at 7 p.m. and take
about 30 minutes with the last ride at 9
p.m. Hayrides are $5 per person. 11477
Pocahontas Road. Call (618) 887-4732
or visit millsapplefarm.com.
October 18 OUTDOOR DAY, Altamont.
There will be a birds of prey presentation
by the Illinois Raptor Center, a reptile
presentation by Serengeti Steve,
Native American dancing by the
Kaskaskia River Dancers, fishing,
archery, and games. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Ballard Nature Center, 5253 East U.S.
Highway 40. Call (618) 483-6856 or visit
ballardnaturecenter.org.
October 18 SEAN’S TRAIL RUN,
Altamont. Sean’s Trail Run is held in
memory of Sean Niebrugge. Sean had a
great love of nature and being outdoors.
Although Sean was only 14, he touched
many hearts and through Sean’s Trail
Run we can keep his loving spirit alive.
The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. All
proceeds go toward the Family Care
Fund at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Ballard Nature Center, 5253 East U.S.
Highway 40. For more information or to
register, visit seanstrailrun.webs.com.
October 18 & 19 GRAFTON
RENDEZVOUS, Grafton. See pre1840 history come to life with period
dress and demonstrations of archery,
tomahawk and knife throwing, and
traders selling items of the period.
Admission is free. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Grafton Riverfront, Front Street. Call
(618) 372-8672.
October 19 BRIAN OWENS AND THE
MUSIC OF MARVIN GAYE, Lebanon.
Hear the beloved and soulful music of
the legendary Marvin Gaye performed
by the Saint Louis Symphony Youth
Orchestra and Brian Owens. 3 p.m.
Adults $15 adult; seniors $12 senior;
students and children $5. The Hett
Center for the Arts, 400 North Alton
Street. Call (618) 537-6863 or visit
thehett.com.
October 19 LECLAIRE PARKFEST,
Edwardsville. A celebration of the
Leclaire National Historic District.
Festival will include live entertainment,
wine and beer garden, festival food,
crafts, display of farm equipment, and
activities for children. Narrated trolley
tours run every half hour. Noon - 5 p.m.
Admission is free. Leclaire Lake Park,
800 Block of Hale Avenue. Call (618)
656-1294 or visit historic-leclaire.org.
October 24 HAUNTED MUSEUM, Alton.
Dress up and celebrate the spirit of
Alton’s rich history and fascination with
the paranormal. The museum will be
transformed into a place of mystery and
frightening fun. Owls from the Treehouse
Wildlife Center will join the trick-or-treat
fun this year. Serengeti Steve will be
performing from 8 - 9 p.m. Get up close
and personal to creepy-crawly creatures.
Take a nighttime lock and dam tour. This
event is open to all ages, $5 per person
suggested donation. The National Great
Rivers Museum, 2 Lock and Dam Way.
Call (618) 462-6979.
October 25 FALL FESTIVAL, Collinsville.
This day is packed with family fun,
including trick or treating, a chili cookoff from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., a children’s
costume contest at noon, and a pet
parade at 2 p.m. Downtown Collinsville,
221 West Main Street. Call (618) 5581372 or visit downtowncollinsville.com.
October 26 OKTOBERFEST, Aviston.
Celebrate Oktoberfest with German style
food and music by George Portz and
His Friends of Bluegrass. Noon - 6 p.m.
Admission is free. Hidden Lake Winery,
10580 Wellen Road. Call (618) 228-9111
or visit hiddenlakewinery.com.
October 26 WITCHES NIGHT OUT,
Lebanon. Restaurants and shops will be
open. A fortune teller will be strolling the
street. The spooky music and historic
buildings provide a haunted backdrop
for some wicked good fun. Costumes
are encouraged. 4 - 8 p.m. Admission is
free. 221 West St. Louis Street. Call (618)
537-8420 or visit lebanonil.us.
November 1 & 2 BAND BOOSTER
ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR, O’Fallon. More
than 350 booths with talented artists and
crafters from across the region. Saturday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. - 4
p.m. Admission is $4; children $2. All
proceeds benefit the O’Fallon High
School band program. O’Fallon High
School, 600 South Smiley. Call (618)
632-3507.
November 2, FAMILY STYLE PORK
SAUSAGE DINNER, Marine. Adults $10,
children ages 4-10, $4. Serving 11 a.m.
to 5:30 p.m. Marine United Church of
Christ, 111 N. Center Street. Call (618)
887-4465 or visit www.marineucc.org.
 Continued from page 21
Amendment of the United States Constitution. “The Free Press clause
protects the right of individuals to express themselves through publication
and dissemination of information, ideas and opinions without interference,
constraint or prosecution by the government.” This clause is often called
“Freedom of the Press.”
Here is some historical information obtained from the archives of the
Alton Telegraph: “1837 was a devastating year for the community and The
Telegraph’s enterprising editors. The Rev. Elijah Parish Lovejoy was editor of
the St. Louis Observer, the newspaper of the Presbyterian Church in Missouri
and Illinois. He was fearless in his support of the law and in the righting of
public wrongs. He soon became a bitter foe of slavery. He left St. Louis in fear
for his life and moved to Alton, as slavery was prohibited in Illinois.
Angry slavery sympathizers destroyed his presses and threw them into the
Mississippi. The Observer became a powerful national voice for the abolition
of slavery. But slavery proponents prevailed. Lovejoy was murdered by a mob
on Nov. 7, 1837, defending a newly arrived press. Many men tried to protect the
press and Lovejoy within the Godfrey-Gilman warehouse on the river.
Thus fell the first American martyr to freedom of the press. Lovejoy’s
memory and his ideals are kept alive today by the Telegraph and a memorial
organization. Lovejoy’s statement, “the fittest place for a man to die is when
he dies for man,” guides The Telegraph’s mission today as it has for 177 years.
One of Lovejoy’s last statements, “I can die at my post, but I cannot desert
it” has become the credo of crusading editors everywhere. Many historians
considered Lovejoy’s murder an early shot of the Civil War.”
My Dad, Bill Brunner, was a lifelong newspaper man for the Alton
Telegraph. As a child, I had the opportunity to visit the newspaper office many
times. I was always fascinated by Elijah P. Lovejoy history and the piece of the
printing press in the Telegraph’s lobby.
My dad is buried in Alton Cemetery not far from the Lovejoy Monument.
This is only fitting for a man that had a lifelong commitment to quality
journalism.
—Linda Brunner Mauck, Maryville
The answer to this month’s “Who-What-Where” contest is Elijah P. Lovejoy.
He was a good man. It’s such a shame that those stupid yo-yos killed him.
—Eileen Rhodes, Worden
If you sit on the concrete bench at his monument in Alton—and whisper—
whoever is on the opposite side can hear what you said!
—Chris Reinhart, Bethalto
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