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Tag: Information

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.

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.

How to Stay Safe Around Water and Electricity This Summer

Written by Indiana Electric Cooperatives 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.

“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.