Skip to main content
|
|
|
|
|

Daviess-Martin County REMC Completes Annual Bucket and Pole-Top Rescue Training

Written by Jacob Foster on . Posted in News.

It was a busy day at Daviess-Martin County REMC headquarters on June 10, 2026, as linemen completed their annual bucket and pole-top rescue training.

With temperatures near 90 degrees and high humidity, each lineman took turns performing both types of rescues in an impressive display of skill, stamina and industry knowledge.

What Is a Pole-Top Rescue?

The purpose of pole-top rescue training is simple: to prepare linemen to respond if a co-worker is ever injured or incapacitated while working on a utility pole. It is a situation no one wants to face, but practicing these rescue procedures each year helps ensure crews are ready when it matters most.

As part of the training, each lineman is required to conduct a mock radio call, notifying headquarters and emergency medical personnel of an on-the-job incident. After radioing for assistance and communicating that a pole-top rescue is underway, the lineman climbs the pole, secures the incapacitated individual—in this case, a weighted, life-size training dummy—and safely lowers them to the ground using rope rescue techniques.

What Is a Bucket Rescue?

Like a pole-top rescue, this situation involves an injured co-worker. However, instead of being incapacitated on a utility pole, the individual is in a bucket used to transport linemen to elevated work areas.

In this portion of the training, linemen are required to conduct a similar radio call prior to beginning the rescue. Following the mock transmission, each lineman takes turns operating the bucket truck controls to lower the training dummy to the ground. The bucket is then tilted to a position that allows the dummy to be safely removed.

Ten individuals from Daviess-Martin County REMC actively participated in this annual training, with each completing their rescues well within the required time frame. We are fortunate to have such an incredible crew on our team.

Summer Safety REMC

How to Stay Safe Around Water and Electricity This Summer

Written by Jacob Foster on . Posted in News.

Summer means more time at pools, lakes, and rivers, but with that comes a risk many people don’t think about — electricity around water. Whether at home or on a boat, electrical safety should always be part of your plans.

Pools and spas

Electrical devices should never be near pools. Keep fans, speakers, and other appliances away from the water. Use battery-powered or waterproof equipment instead.

If someone feels a stinging or tingling sensation in the water, it may indicate electricity is present. Do not enter the pool to help. Instead, shut off the power and use a non-metal shepherd’s hook to pull the person to safety.

Before using long-handled pool equipment, always check for nearby power lines. Pools and hot tubs should be at least 25 feet away from overhead lines.

Lakes and rivers

Avoid using extension cords near the shoreline or docks. Never swim near boats connected to shore power or near docks with electrical services. Faulty wiring can leak electricity into the water, causing paralysis and drowning.

If you notice tingling while swimming, exit the water quickly but do not touch ladders or other metal objects. If someone is shocked in the water, do not jump in after them. Turn off the power source and use an insulated object to assist from land. Call 911 immediately.

Boating safety

Boaters should always know where power lines are located. Use caution when raising masts or fishing poles to avoid accidental contact. When docking, enlist someone to guide the boat and ensure it remains at least 10 feet from power lines.

Boats should be equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and equipment leakage circuit interrupters (ELCIs). Portable GFCIs used near water should be labeled “UL-Marine Listed” and tested monthly.

To ensure safety, have your boat’s electrical system inspected by a certified marine electrician. Wiring should meet local and state codes, and all connections should be secured in a panel box.

Remember

Water and electricity can be a fatal combination. Stay alert, follow safety guidelines, and review them with family and friends before swimming, fishing, or boating.

Summer Starts With Safety: Daviess-Martin County REMC Delivers Hands-On Power Line Safety Demos

Written by Jacob Foster on . Posted in News.

Summer is in full swing, and students from area schools are enjoying their time away from classes. Whether biking or fishing at West Boggs Park or spending time at the municipal pools in Loogootee and Washington, they are likely to encounter electrical infrastructure, which makes it important that they understand the real dangers associated with electricity.

That’s why, before classes ended for the 2025–2026 school year, Daviess-Martin County REMC (DMREMC) was invited to share power line safety information with students at a local elementary school and at an educational camp.

The first stop was Barr-Reeve Community Schools, where journeyman linemen Jarrett Arvin and apprentice lineman Jeremy Maddox spoke with a group of second-grade students about basic power line safety. Both emphasized the importance of staying aware of their surroundings, including what is above and below them while playing outside.

The tabletop demonstration featured a series of real-world scenarios illustrating what can happen when someone encounters a live power line. Examples included downed poles caused by fallen trees, kites becoming entangled in power lines, and the dangers of digging near underground utilities.

Students remained highly engaged throughout the presentation, especially when viewing live electrical arcing safely performed by DMREMC-trained professionals.

The following week, journeyman linemen Dwain Jolliff and Tyler Bostock visited a group of young men during the Ebenezer Boys Camp at Camp Illiana. These students had spent part of their time at camp learning basic electrical concepts, which were reinforced through the safety demonstration.

The campers asked many thoughtful questions, creating a highly engaging learning environment for everyone involved. Questions ranged from utility location procedures to what it takes to pursue a career as a lineman.

By connecting real-world demonstrations with hands-on learning, DMREMC continues to reinforce the importance of electrical safety and help students build awareness that can last well beyond the summer months.

DMREMC Warehouse

“It’s Moving Day”: Daviess-Martin County REMC Completes New Warehouse

Written by Jacob Foster on . Posted in News.

Following months of hard work and recovery efforts, Daviess-Martin County REMC (DCREMC) is proud to announce the completion of its new warehouse facility and the official move into the building.

In the spring of 2025, a tornado swept through the Loogootee area, leaving behind a trail of destruction that heavily impacted DCREMC headquarters. While the primary office building sustained only minor damage, the cooperative’s warehouse was completely destroyed.

At 5 a.m. on March 15, 2025, crews arrived to find the building collapsed, with critical equipment buried beneath the rubble. Throughout the day, employees worked to recover salvageable supplies and materials needed to respond to the storm’s aftermath.

The storm caused significant damage across the service territory, with more than 105 utility poles impacted and approximately 1,200 members without power. With assistance from Southeastern REMC, Hendricks Power Cooperative, and WIN Energy, DCREMC crews restored power to all affected members within days.

Once restoration efforts were complete, attention shifted toward rebuilding. DCREMC partnered with engineers and contractors to design and construct a new warehouse facility that would better serve the cooperative’s long-term operational needs.

During construction, equipment and supplies were temporarily stored in cargo trailers and storage containers. Despite the limited space, crews continued daily operations while construction progressed.

In May 2026, employees officially began moving into the new warehouse. Unlike its predecessor, this upgraded facility features a large wash bay, a full bathroom, and an on-site washer and dryer, providing additional functionality and improved working conditions for employees.

The completion of the new facility marks a significant milestone in DCREMC’s recovery efforts and reflects the cooperative’s continued commitment to serving its members and communities.

REMC Annual Meeting 2026

Daviess-Martin County REMC Highlights Storm Recovery, Community Impact at 2026 Annual Meeting

Written by Jacob Foster on . Posted in News.

The 2026 Daviess-Martin County REMC annual meeting was held virtually on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Chairperson Brandt Schuckman called on Director Josh Dove to give the invocation. Director August Bauer then led the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance, after which Schuckman called the meeting to order.

Following Secretary John Edwards’ report, Daviess-Martin County REMC CEO Ryan Dant reviewed the past year’s cooperative activities.

“The year 2025 was unlike any other for our cooperative,” Dant said. “It challenged us, it strengthened us, and it ultimately reminded us of the extraordinary spirit that defines Daviess-Martin County REMC.”

Dant addressed the tornado damage sustained at the facility in March 2025, which caused minor damage to the office building and completely destroyed the warehouse. Additionally, more than 1,200 members experienced outages during the storms.

During this time, Daviess-Martin County REMC received assistance from Southeastern REMC, Hendricks Power Cooperative, and WIN Energy.

“Thanks to this remarkable teamwork, power was fully restored to every member within five days,” Dant said, adding that a new warehouse is nearing completion and will strengthen operations well into the future.

Despite these challenges, Daviess-Martin County REMC reached an important milestone in 2025 of 495,000 hours without a lost-time accident. Dant also reported that the cooperative returned $750,000 in capital credits to members who received electric service from 1997 to 1999.

Operation Round Up awarded $23,440 to local projects and organizations, bringing total giving since 2004 to more than $654,000.

“These contributions are made possible through the generosity of our members who choose to round up their bill each month,” Dant said, thanking members and volunteer board members for their stewardship.

In 2025, the cooperative’s commitment to youth remained a key focus. Throughout the year, hundreds of students learned about electrical safety through tabletop demonstrations conducted by lineworkers.

Daviess-Martin County REMC also sponsored eight sixth-grade students to attend Camp Kilowatt and one high school junior to participate in the Indiana Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.

“Investing in young people is an investment in our cooperative’s future,” Dant added.

He concluded his address by noting that the cooperative’s strength comes from the people, partners, and members it proudly serves.

Following the address, cooperative attorney Chris Goffinet delivered the legal report and oversaw the 2026 director election.

Two seats were open in 2026: District Three, covering Washington and Veale townships, and District Six, covering Halbert, Lost River, Mitcheltree, and Rutherford townships.

Both seats were retained by the incumbents, Brandt Schuckman (District Three) and August Bauer (District Six).