The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges everywhere and our youth are certainly no exception. The cancellation of 2021's Youth Tour and Touchstone Energy Camp are but two of many missed opportunities. However, many other opportunities are still available. Here are a few you may want to share with the young people you know.

Tipmont director and board chairman Jerry Peevler passed away on December 31, 2020. Peevler was Tipmont’s District 6 director covering eastern Montgomery County and western Fountain county.

Cindy Bass retired at the end of 2020 after 13 years of service. During her time at Wintek, she worked in telecommunications support and billing.

Tipmont REMC will be closed on the following dates in observance of the Christmas and New Year's holiday:

Jeff Wilcox will retire at the end of this year after 35 years of service. During his time at Tipmont, he’s served as a lineman, line working foreman, serviceman and a substation technician. He also oversaw the construction of Tipmont’s Battle Ground office that opened in 2009. Prior to joining Tipmont, Wilcox was employed with Public Service Indiana (now Duke Energy) for eight years.

Former Tipmont REMC Lineman Ralph Winger passed away on Oct. 29. Winger retired from Tipmont in 2004 after 39 years of service.

In 2018, the Purdue Center for Regional Development completed an impact study focused on rural broadband to help Tipmont’s leadership decide whether we should offer this service. As Ron Holcomb mentions, the study found a 400% rate of return. We already see the results in action!

Tipmont REMC and Wintek powered by Tipmont named Jeremy Konkle, PE as its chief operating officer and Jennifer Rufatto as its chief marketing officer.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced last week Tipmont REMC will receive more than $16 million in grants from the second phase of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program. The program is designed to foster broadband infrastructure investment in unserved areas of the state.

Tipmont REMC will be closed Friday, July 3, 2020, in observance of Independence Day.