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Mitch Werner Completes Final Step in Apprenticeship

Written by Daviess-Martin County REMC on . Posted in News.

Daviess-Martin County REMC (DMREMC) is proud to announce that Mitch Werner has completed the final step in his apprenticeship program. Since joining the cooperative, Werner has proven himself to be a dedicated and skilled lineman who consistently brings a strong work ethic and positive attitude to the job.

A third-generation lineman, Werner grew up in Dubois County, learning the trade from his father, Matt, who has worked for Dubois REC for more than two decades. His grandfather, Eugene, also followed the same path. Mitch joined DMREMC on Nov. 28, 2022, as a first-year apprentice and has spent the past four years working toward becoming a journeyman lineman.

Building a Career

Along with several hours of classroom training, Mitch has gained an abundance of hands-on experience throughout his apprenticeship. While serving members in our area, he has also gone above and beyond by assisting other cooperatives when the need arose. In January 2025, Mitch joined our Line Foreman, Luke Emberton, in assisting Southern Indiana Power after a winter storm left 4,300 of its members without power.

However, Mitch’s contributions to the surrounding community don’t stop there. He has also shared his experience and knowledge at a variety of educational events. In 2025, he participated in the Washington Touch a Truck event, where he showcased the cooperative’s bucket trucks and helped young community members learn more about the equipment lineworkers use each day. Mitch has also taken part in several live-line demonstrations at area schools and organizations.

The Finish Line

On July 23, 2026, Mitch completed his final skills assessment as an apprentice under the supervision of DMREMC management and Hoosier Energy. To earn the title of journeyman lineman, he was required to demonstrate that he could safely perform energized distribution work while following current rubber glove procedures. As part of the evaluation, he successfully completed a three-phase pole replacement.

Once Mitch completes his required 8,000 hours of fieldwork on November 1, 2026, he will officially become a journeyman lineman. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mitch on this accomplishment and look forward to watching him continue to grow and thrive at DMREMC.

Indiana’s Electric Cooperatives Remind Farmers to Consider Power Line Safety During Harvest Season

Written by Indiana Electric Cooperatives on . Posted in News.

As harvest season ramps up in Indiana, farmers and their crews are busy moving equipment to and from the fields. This increased activity, however, raises the risk of accidents, especially involving electricity.

Combines and grain augers are large pieces of equipment. People assume that everything will fit under the power lines, but that isn’t always the case. The biggest cause of electrocutions on farms is equipment accidentally touching power lines.

Here are some tips for farmers to protect themselves and their workers:

  • Observe your surroundings. Always check above and around before moving or raising equipment. Remember, power lines can sag, especially in hot weather. Maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet from all power lines and poles.
  • Never try to raise power lines to allow tall equipment to pass through. Even non-metallic objects like wood poles or branches can conduct electricity.
  • Measure the height of power lines and machinery. Know the distance between the ground and the power lines, as well as between the equipment, to avoid contact with one another.
  • Be cautious around power poles. Striking a pole can cause it to break, dropping live wires onto your equipment.
  • Lower the equipment properly. Ensure that equipment such as grain augers and other portable equipment is fully lowered before transport.
  • Use a spotter. When navigating near power lines, having a spotter can enhance safety by providing an extra set of eyes.
  • Plan your route. Stay informed about where power lines and power poles are on the property. If there’s any doubt the equipment will not fit under a power line, opt for an alternative route.
  • Stay put in emergencies. If you’re in equipment that touches power lines, assume the equipment and ground are energized. Stay in the cab and call for help. Tell others to stay away and do not let anyone touch the equipment. In the rare case of a fire and an emergency exit is necessary, jump clear without touching the ground and the equipment simultaneously, and land with your feet together. Then, shuffle with both feet together for at least 30 feet to avoid electrical shock.

Working the land has enough hazards in the work itself. With care and planning, moving to and from the fields shouldn’t be one of them.

Your Voice Matters: Take Our Member Survey

Written by Daviess-Martin County REMC on . Posted in News.

Understanding our residential member-consumers helps Daviess-Martin County REMC provide the reliable, efficient service you expect.

To better understand how electricity is used in our communities, Daviess-Martin County REMC is partnering with SMARInsights, an independent research firm, to conduct an online member-consumer survey.

The survey asks about the types of heating and cooling systems, electronic devices and household appliances used in your home. The information collected will help us develop plans to provide reliable and efficient electric service throughout our communities.

As a thank-you for participating, respondents will be entered for a chance to win one of five $100 Amazon e-gift cards.

Please have your Daviess-Martin County REMC account number available before beginning the survey.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to help us better serve our members and communities.

TAKE SURVEY

Student Art Contest Opens to Indiana K-12 Students

Written by Daviess-Martin County REMC on . Posted in News.

It’s time to let your creativity shine as Indiana’s electric cooperatives invite all Indiana K-12 students to enter the Wired to Create Student Art Contest.

Hoosier students will be tasked with creating artwork that shows the people, places or activities that help power our state and keep Indiana moving forward. This could include people, nature, agriculture, landscapes, businesses or moments from everyday life in your community.

Students will be judged in four grade divisions: K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected from each grade division. Each first-place artist will receive $200, second-place artists in each grade will receive $100, and third-place artists will receive $50. One “Best of Show” winner will also earn an additional $100. That’s up to $300 in prizes!

The artwork will be judged on artistic merit, originality and creativity. Indiana public, private or homeschooled students in kindergarten through 12th grade during the 2026-27 school year are eligible. Students do not need to be consumers of a rural electric cooperative (REMC/REC) to enter.

“We are proud to be a part of recognizing and showcasing the artistic talents of our youth. We are excited to see what artwork will be submitted and think this is a great way to highlight our communities,” said Ryan Dant, CEO of Daviess-Martin County REMC.

A complete set of rules, instructions, required entry forms and additional contest information is available at goiec.org/artcontest.

All entries must be submitted online or postmarked by March 5, 2027.

Daviess-Martin County REMC Takes 5th Overall at 2026 IEC Linemen Rodeo

Written by Daviess-Martin County REMC on . Posted in News.

The 2026 Indiana Electric Cooperatives (IEC) Linemen Rodeo was held Aug. 20-21 and featured more than 113 linemen and 28 teams from across the state. Both days were packed with high-energy, nonstop action as competitors took on challenges that showcased their skills, stamina and precision.

Team challenges encompassed the first day of the event and included various tasks, such as a dead-end changeout, which tasked competitors with replacing three insulators. Other tasks included a cross-arm changeout, a team hurt-man rescue and a mystery challenge.

The Daviess-Martin County REMC team included Jarrett Arvin, Grant Horton and Mitch Werner. While it was anything but easy, the team was able to bring home some hardware by the time all was said and done. Daviess-Martin County REMC finished fifth overall among a strong field of competitors, capping off an excellent first day of competition.

Day two of the event was equally exciting, with four Daviess-Martin County REMC linemen competing in the individual challenges. Competitors included line superintendent Nathan Albright, along with Jarrett Arvin, Dwain Jolliff and Mitch Werner. Each competitor represented Daviess-Martin County REMC well and put their skills to the test against some of the best linemen in the state.

“These men did a fantastic job, and we are pleased to have them on our team,” said Ryan Dant, CEO of Daviess-Martin County REMC. “We are proud of the skills and knowledge demonstrated not only at the rodeo, but also in their work at our co-op day in and day out.”

The rodeo is held annually at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville, Indiana. In addition to watching the competition, spectators had the chance to browse a variety of booths, sample local favorites from area food trucks and learn more about linework from longtime industry professionals.

With another rodeo now in the books, linemen across the state will have another opportunity to put their skills to the test when the event returns in 2027.

Daviess-Martin County REMC Linemen to Compete at IEC Rodeo

Written by Daviess-Martin County REMC on . Posted in News.

Daviess-Martin County REMC linemen will compete at the Indiana Electric Cooperative Lineman Rodeo Aug. 20- 21 at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville. The two-day, family-friendly event showcases the skills and safety training of electric cooperative lineworkers.

The rodeo includes competitive events for apprentices, journeyman lineworkers and teams of three. Lineworkers will be tested on skills such as pole climbing, hurt man rescue and safely changing electric line hardware, rewarding excellence in safety, skill and knowledge.

Daviess-Martin County REMC is sending five individuals to the state competition, three of which will be patinating on one team. A total of 29 teams and 67 individual competitors from 23 Indiana electric cooperatives will compete in this year’s event.

The following linemen are representing Daviess-Martin County REMC at the rodeo:

  • Nathan Albright, Line Superintendent
  • Jarrett Arvin, Journeyman Linemen
  • Grant Horton, Journeyman Linemen
  • Dwain Jolliff, Journeyman Linemen
  • Mitch Werner, Apprentice Linemen

“This event allows our linemen to refine and demonstrate the skills needed to safely perform as a lineman,” said Denny Wilson, Director of Operations at Daviess-Martin County REMC. “Our linemen have a lot of pride in the work they do and it’s great they are able to demonstrate these skills in a competitive environment.”

The rodeo kicks off on Thursday, August 20, starting with opening ceremonies at 8 a.m., followed by team events from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event continues Friday with individual competitions running from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

There will also be a kids’ zone, sponsored by Hendricks Power Cooperative, featuring activities, airbrush tattoos and an ice cream truck.

Attendance at the event is free and open to the public. The entrance to the event will be located at Gate 5 of the Hendricks County Fairgrounds, off N. County Road 200 E.

Why Every Outdoor Project Should Begin with Safety

Written by Indiana Electric Cooperatives on . Posted in News.

Outdoor projects such as landscaping, fence installation, tree planting, and mailbox replacement can improve your property. They can also create serious safety risks if utility lines are not properly identified first. Before starting any project that involves digging, homeowners should think about utility safety both below and above ground.

Before starting any digging project, homeowners should contact Indiana 811 online or by dialing 811 to have public underground utility lines marked. Underground utility lines may be closer to the surface than expected, making it important to locate them before digging begins.

Striking an underground utility line can cause injuries, outages, expensive repairs, or service disruptions for your neighborhood.

Indiana law requires contacting Indiana 811 at least two full working days before excavation begins, excluding weekends and holidays. After a request is submitted, utility operators will mark the approximate location of underground lines using paint or flags.

Indiana 811 marks public utility lines leading to the utility meter. Private utility lines, such as those connected to outdoor lighting, irrigation systems, detached garages, or fire pits, may not be marked and could require a private locator.

Homeowners should also look above ground before beginning outdoor projects. Ladders, long-handled tools, tree limbs, and other materials can come dangerously close to overhead power lines.

Trees and landscaping should never be planted too close to overhead power lines or utility poles. Trees growing into power lines are one of the leading causes of outages during storms and high winds. Branches contacting power lines can interrupt electric service and create dangerous conditions.

When planning landscaping projects, homeowners should also keep pad-mounted transformers and other utility equipment clear and accessible for utility crews. Shrubs, fencing, mulch, and decorative landscaping should not block access to electrical equipment.

Taking a few extra steps before starting a project can help protect your family, property, and electric service.

Source: Indiana 811

Recognizing Grant Horton: Daviess-Martin County REMC’s Newest Journeyman

Written by Daviess-Martin County REMC on . Posted in News.

At Daviess-Martin County REMC, we are dedicated to serving our members, which can only happen with the right people in the right places. Grant Horton has spent the past four years with Daviess-Martin County REMC (DMREMC) and recently took the next step in his career by earning the title of journeyman.

Horton joined DMREMC on February 1, 2022, and has been a valued member of our team ever since. Throughout his time with the cooperative, he has gone above and beyond on multiple occasions, working not only to keep the lights on for our members but also to assist other cooperatives in times of need.

In June 2024, Horton joined one of our other journeymen, Tyler Bostock, in assisting the Utilities District of Western Indiana REMC after a severe storm left more than 8,000 members without power. He again joined several members of our team in February 2026 to assist with widespread power outages in Mississippi.

In addition to his work in the field, Horton has demonstrated a strong commitment to our community through his willingness to help educate the next generation about power line safety. He has participated in multiple live-line demonstrations and represented DMREMC at the 2024 Washington Touch a Truck event, where he showcased our bucket trucks and helped community members learn more about the equipment we use each day.

On July 10, 2026, Grant completed his final assessment as an apprentice, demonstrating that he could safely perform energized distribution work while following current rubber glove procedures. As part of the evaluation, he successfully completed a three-phase pole replacement under the close supervision of DMREMC management and officials from Hoosier Energy.

A couple of weeks later, on Friday, July 31, Grant completed his required 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, earning the title of Journeyman Lineman.

He resides in Loogootee, Indiana, and enjoys hunting in his spare time. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Grant on becoming a journeyman and look forward to his continued success and many more years of service with DMREMC.

Local Students Experience History and Leadership Through Indiana Youth Tour

Written by Daviess-Martin County REMC on . Posted in News.

Daviess-Martin County REMC is committed to the communities we serve, and that includes supporting our local students as they learn and grow into young adults.

Each June, Indiana’s electric cooperatives sponsor an all-expenses-paid leadership experience to Washington, D.C., for high school seniors-to-be. In 2026, Daviess-Martin County REMC (DMREMC) had the opportunity to sponsor two local students for this trip.

Connor Bass of Washington High School and Dixie Riggins of Shoals High School were selected from a group of applicants to join their peers from across the state, embarking on a journey designed not only to strengthen their education and leadership skills but also to build new friendships.

During the seven-day trip, held June 14–21, the students visited Gettysburg, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr., and Franklin D. Roosevelt memorials. They also had the opportunity to meet with members of Indiana’s congressional delegation.

“This trip has been wonderful and has given me many new experiences and relationships that I will use moving forward. I have really enjoyed learning more about how Capitol Hill operates, as well as our country’s history,” Riggins said in a thank you note to DMREMC.

In addition to learning more about their government, the students also had the opportunity to take a deep dive into today’s electric utility industry.

“I learned so much and made a lot of new friends. I won’t ever forget this trip for the rest of my life,” Bass said.

Students interested in next year’s trip can apply beginning November 2, 2026. To learn more about Indiana Youth Tour, click here.

Utility Pole Testing Underway Near Washington

Written by Daviess-Martin County REMC on . Posted in News.

Daviess-Martin County REMC would like to make the public aware that a representative from American Energy Services will be working south of Washington starting on July 14, 2026. The representative will be conducting scheduled utility pole testing throughout our service territory.

This routine maintenance helps Daviess-Martin County REMC evaluate the condition of our utility poles and ensure the continued reliability and safety of our electric system.

For identification purposes, we have included a photo of the American Energy Services truck. A red four-wheeler may also be used to access utility poles in harder-to-reach areas.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as this important maintenance work is completed.

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