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Why Every Outdoor Project Should Begin with Safety

Written by Daviess-Martin County REMC 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: DMREMC’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.

Remembering Larry Brochin: A Legacy of Service to REMC and Beyond

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

Daviess-Martin County REMC has proudly served our members for nearly a century, and during that time, many dedicated employees have devoted their careers to keeping the lights on in our communities. Among the many dedicated employees who have served our cooperative, one name continues to stand out: Robert Lawrence Brochin, better known to most as Larry.

Larry was a proud patriot who honorably served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. After returning to civilian life, he began what would become a long and distinguished career with Daviess-Martin County REMC. He started as a lineman in 1966 and worked his way into management before retiring in 2002 after 36 years of dedicated service.

Larry’s commitment to serving others extended well beyond his career at the cooperative. He had a passion for mentoring young people and spent many years coaching cross-country at Washington Catholic High School, as well as girls’ middle school basketball. Those who knew him best described him as someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand and volunteer whenever needed.

On June 14, 2026, Larry passed away at the age of 86 in Washington, Indiana. He was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, and a member of the IBEW. Throughout his life, he exemplified dedication, service, and integrity.

His contributions, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to our members helped shape Daviess-Martin County REMC into the cooperative it is today. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, and his service to our country, cooperative, and community will not be forgotten.

Important Notice: SmartHub System Update Scheduled June 17

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

Daviess-Martin County REMC will have a scheduled SmartHub update on Wednesday, June 17, at 9 p.m. EDT.

During this update, payment processing will be temporarily unavailable for approximately 10 minutes, with a brief interruption expected between 8:55 p.m. and 9:05 p.m. EDT. Additional downtime may occur depending on system activity during the transition.

Once the update is complete, members will need to update their SmartHub mobile app to continue using the platform.

We appreciate your patience as we complete this update to improve your experience and ensure continued reliable service.

If you have any questions, please contact our office.

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

Written by Daviess-Martin County REMC 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.

How to Stay Safe Around Water and Electricity This Summer

Written by Daviess-Martin County REMC 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 Daviess-Martin County REMC 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.

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

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

Following months of hard work and recovery efforts, Daviess-Martin County REMC (DMREMC) 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 DMREMC 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, DMREMC crews restored power to all affected members within days.

Once restoration efforts were complete, attention shifted toward rebuilding. DMREMC 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 DMREMC’s recovery efforts and reflects the cooperative’s continued commitment to serving its members and communities.

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