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The Southwestern is your source for news and information about Southwestern Electric Cooperative and the communities we serve. Our award-winning monthly publication includes articles on energy efficiency, health and safety, co-op features, and local events. You can read our latest issues by clicking on the cards below.
2020
July
RECHARGE IN TROY
Southwestern’s new EV charging stations in Troy will play an important role in promoting widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Billboards encouraging EV drivers to recharge in Troy appear on I-55 at Livingston and I-70 at Vandalia. Our story begins on page 8.
June
Making The Grade
Crews combine earth-moving machinery with GPS precision to prepare the site for Southwestern’s Maple Grove Substation. Located near the I-55/I-270 interchange in Madison County, Maple Grove will ensure power quality and reliability for thousands of members.
May
On The Cover
April
On the Cover
Lineman Tyler Meseke makes infrastructure improvements outside St. Peter in Fayette County. Tools, training and technology equip Southwestern employees to operate safely and efficiently in the field. In March, the co-op reviewed CDC hygiene and habit recommendations with its workforce. You can read about Southwestern’s response to the coronavirus on pages 4 and 5. For the latest information, go to sweci.com.
March
On the Cover
Crews clear right of way in Fayette County south of Herrick. Southwestern’s right of way maintenance program ensures system integrity and power reliability. Read more about the co-op’s maintenance work on page 8.
February
On the Cover
Crews move a 25-ton transformer into place at Southwestern’s new Vandalia Substation. See our story on page 10.
January
On the Cover
Two-year-old Maggie McNelly, daughter of Kate and Zach McNelly of Edwardsville, patiently poses for a silly Southwestern photographer at Edwardsville Township Community Park’s Sixth Annual Touch-A-Truck event. See our story on page 8.
2019
December
On the Cover
Winged victory stands atop the Lovejoy Monument at Alton City Cemetery. On December 14, more than 500 veteran graves in adjoining Alton National Cemetery will be decorated with balsam wreaths (backdrop photo) for the holiday season. See the Wreaths Across America entry on page 25 of our event listings.
November
On the Cover
More than 150 years after his death, Abraham Lincoln is still larger than life. You can view this 37,000-pound, 31-foot art installation outside the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, in Springfield, Ill., through September 2020. For more information, see our story on page 18.
October
On the Cover
Adam Simmonds, journeyman lineman, resets a fuse during a live line safety demonstration at Southwestern Electric Cooperative’s 81st Annual Meeting of Members. Kyle Hails, maintenance foreman, Leo Dublo, construction foreman, and Simmonds worked as a team to demonstrate the dangers of electricity at one of the meeting’s most popular activities. Our annual meeting story begins on page 6.
September
On the Cover
The Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower in Hartford, Ill., offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River bottoms from platforms stationed at 50, 100 and 150 feet. For more on the tower, see page 18.
August
On the Cover
Southwestern’s 81st Annual Meeting of Members is just days away! Join us for breakfast then spend the morning learning about your electric cooperative. The 81st Annual Meeting of Southwestern Electric Cooperative members will be held at Bond County Community Unit #2 Junior High School in Greenville, Illinois, on Saturday, September 7, 2019. The business meeting will begin at 10 a.m.
July
On the Cover
Sunlight pierces the canopy above a shaded path near an ancient tree at Lincoln Memorial Garden in Springfield, Ill. Perched on the southeast shore of Lake Springfield, the Garden offers six miles of trail traversing 100 acres of woodland and prairie. See our story on page 18.
June
On the Cover
Rob Nesbit, construction foreman, tests his skills during a Hurtman Rescue simulation in May. The exercise requires linemen to strap into their climbing gear, scale a 35-foot pole, and safely lower a 150-pound mannequin to the ground—all while racing the clock. Simulations and training exercises like this ensure that our crews are equipped to act safely and swiftly in emergency situations and as they perform their duties day to day.
May
On the Cover
Chris Schmid, apprentice lineman, and Adam Simmons, journeyman lineman (back cover), sharpened their safety skills as they practiced power restoration tactics during a drill held at Southwestern Electric Cooperative’s Greenville office in October. While National Electrical Safety Month is observed by various industries in May, safety is the top priority of Southwestern employees every day of the year. For electrical safety tips you can implement at home, see page 16.
April
On the Cover
The forecast calls for plenty of sun. Last year at this time, 60-some members owned solar arrays. Today, 85 of you produce power with interconnected cogeneration projects. If you plan to go solar, contact Southwestern. Julie Lowe, energy manager for Southwestern Electric, oversees the cooperative’s cogeneration interconnection process. She’ll help you sort out the responsibilities and opportunities that come with connecting a cogen project to the co-op’s distribution system. As Lowe says in this month’s cover story, “It’s never too early to call.” You can read more about cogeneration on page 12.
March
On the Cover
Gary Bloemker, assistant chief of Hamel Volunteer Fire Department, displays the district’s battery-powered spreader. Battery-operated extrication equipment helps first responders free accident victims swiftly and effectively. The department is applying a $1,000-Operation Round Up grant toward the purchase of a ram that will round out its kit of portable lifesaving tools. See the story on page 12.
February
February
Crews position an A-frame structure at Southwestern’s new Vandalia Substation. Located north of Vandalia, the substation is scheduled to be energized this spring. See our story on page 6.
January
On the Cover
We shot this scenic of snow geese near Southwestern’s new Vandalia Substation, now under construction. If you’ve caught yourself making a mental inventory of eagles, geese, and other birds in our area, consider putting your sharp eye to good use during the Great Backyard Bird Count. For details, see page 18.