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.
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July 2026
On the Cover
The ‘Glory’ of Love Greenville-based Eden’s Glory combating human trafficking with care, education and faith. Read our story on page 12.
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June 2026
On the Cover
Local high school students, from left, Caden Stewart of St. Elmo, Hayden Leek of Edwardsville and Joseph Krietmeyer of Vandalia got the full Springfield experience at this year’s Illinois Electric and Telephone Cooperatives Youth Day this past March. Read our story on page 12.
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May 2026
On the Cover
A storm cloud turns over a field in Altamont. We’re currently in the middle of storm season in the Midwest, and while they can be stunning, thunderstorms can also be dangerous. Read our story on storm safety on page 16.
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April 2026
On the Cover
A storm cloud turns over a field in Altamont. We’re currently in the middle of storm season in the Midwest, and while they can be stunning, thunderstorms can also be dangerous. Read our story on storm safety on page 16.
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March 2026
On the Cover
Right of way maintenance is one of the ways we work to ensure system integrity and power reliability – from transmission line corridors like this one down to local rights of way that provide a path for power to reach your home. Read our story about right of way maintenance on page 10.
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February 2026
On the Cover
A familiar figure stands watch on the courthouse square in Hillsboro. This month, we follow the trail of statues, markers and monuments that recall where Abraham Lincoln once stood. The journey begins on page 18.
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January 2026
On the Cover
Tire treads cut a path through a winter wonderland of freshly fallen snow on the General Dacey Trail along Lake Shelbyville in Shelby County. Read more about the Shelbyville destination in this month’s Out & About section on page 18.
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December 2026
On the Cover
Apprentice linemen Dawson Chesnut, Alex Goodin and Tucker Johnson collaborate on a challenge during the Lineworker’s Safety Rodeo held Sept. 25 in Springfield, Ill. See our story on page 12.
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November 2025
On the Cover
Twelve-year-old Elizabeth Scott attempts to move items on a crossarm using an insulated pole during family safety training at the co-op’s Greenville office on Aug. 8. Elizabeth is the daughter of Southwestern Electric Executive Assistant Brooke Scott and her husband, Zach. On the back cover, four-year-old Kash Garmon explores the interior of an Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter during the co-op’s family safety event. Kash is the son of Gauge and Josie Garmon of Sorento and the grandson of Southwestern Electric Member Services Representative Becky Spratt.
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October 2025
On the Cover
From left, Josie and Nora Sautman of Pocahontas pause for a photo during Southwestern Electric Cooperative’s 87th Annual Meeting of Members. Nora is the daughter of Josie and Ryan Sautman. Our annual meeting story begins on page 10.
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September 2025
On the Cover
Lineman Braden Clark illustrates the dangers of electricity during a live line demonstration offered on Safety Day. Held Friday, Aug. 8, at the co-op’s headquarters in Greenville, the third annual event provided a full day of safety training for co-op employees and their families. We asked the seven members of Southwestern’s Safety Day Planning Committee to share a few words about the event. You can read their responses on page 12.
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August 2025
On the Cover
The 87th Annual Meeting of Southwestern Electric Cooperative members will be held at the American Farm Heritage Museum in Greenville, Illinois, on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
Read the issue
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July 2025
On the Cover
With utilities across the country competing for select job candidates, Carrie Knebel, Vice President of Human Resources for Southwestern Electric, and Marissa Horn, Human Resources Administrator, have developed a talent acquisition strategy that combines social media awareness with in-person outreach and a renewed focus on showcasing what makes the co-op an exceptional place to build a career. Story is on page 12.
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June 2025
On the Cover
Southwestern Electric Foreman Polyphase Meterman & Tester Scott Fitzgerald works to untangle wire that had been downed during an April 2 storm. About 65 percent of tornadoes that strike in Illinois will appear from April through June. See our storm safety story on Page 14.
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May 2025
On the Cover
Student delegates representing 22 cooperatives from across the state pose for a photo at the Capitol during Illinois Electric and Telephone Cooperatives Youth Day. Three local students represented Southwestern Electric at this year’s event, which was held Wednesday, March 5, in Springfield, Ill. See our story on page 10.
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April 2025
On the Cover
Looking for an outdoor adventure? You’ll encounter a bevy of beasts, including bobcats, coyotes, vultures and eagles at TreeHouse Wildlife Center in Dow, Ill. The center is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of native wildlife, and the promotion of environmental awareness. See our story on page 15.
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March 2025
On the Cover
In September 2024, Southwestern Electric linemen joined crews from 17 states to help the victims of Hurricane Helene, including Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation in Alma, Ga. Our story begins on page 10. Cover photo courtesy Southwestern lineman James Rickermann.
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February 2025
On the Cover
The day dawns cold and colorful at Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville. With more than 40 acres of woodlands, wetlands and grassland habitats, the park offers opportunities to commune with nature in every season. You’ll find more winter wonders worth exploring in our Current Events section on page 26.
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January 2025
On the Cover
A sudden snowfall paints the trees and trails of Greenville’s Patriot’s Park in shades of winter. Snow or no, you’ll find reasons aplenty to venture into the cold in our Out & About and Events sections (pages 20 and 26). Take a moment and a breath, reflect on the year that was, then bundle up and head out to begin the year that will be. Here’s to your health, happiness and good adventuring.