12 area high school seniors were awarded a Children of Members Scholarship from Midwest Electric, Inc.

Press Release written and provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Columbus, Ohio, Dec. 11, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development in Ohio State Director Jonathan McCracken today announced an investment of $22.4 million in loans and grants to four Ohio recipients that are intended to improve Ohio’s rural electric, water, and solid waste management infrastructure. “Ohio Rural Development is committed to increasing investments in Ohio’s rural communities to ensure that they continue to have access to essential services like clean water and reliable, affordable power,” said McCracken. “These investments today underscore USDA’s commitment to ensuring our rural communities have the resources they need to be competitive, sustain economic growth, and improve the quality of life for their residents.”

July 11, 2024, Press Release from Midwest Electric: ST MARYS, OH — Midwest Electric recently donated $15,475 to 17 west-central Ohio charities and community projects through the cooperative’s Community Connection Fund. Thanks to the 90% of members who round up their electric bill and donate to this fund, Midwest Electric has provided $1,376,954 to 1,183 local charitable causes since 1998. The Midwest Electric Community Connection Fund is a voluntary charitable program.  Participating members monthly electric bills are rounded up to the next dollar, with the additional pennies deposited in the Fund. A Board of Trustees, composed of nine cooperative members and separate from the Midwest Electric Board of Trustees, oversee the application and allocation process.

April 3, 2024 Press Release from Midwest Electric: ST MARYS, OH — Twelve area high school seniors were awarded a Children of Members Scholarship from Midwest Electric, Inc. Two first-place students received $1,500, two second-place students received $1,000, two third-place students received $750, and six honorable mention students received $500 each toward their college education. The winners include:

Each spring, Midwest Electric grants $11,000 to West Central Ohio high school seniors through two scholarship programs: the Children of Members scholarship and the Touchstone Energy Achievement Scholarship. To apply, students must be a child or legal ward of a year-round residential Midwest Electric member and must be a graduating senior with all the basic credits for college, vocational, or technical school entrance.

Through the co-op’s Community Connection Fund, 13 area organizations split $13,500 during this round of funding. Some of the people getting a check on Friday included the Allen County Mounted Posse, The Children's Hunger Alliance, The New Knoxville Fire Department, and Voices of Prosperity. Nearly 90% of the Midwest members participate in the Community Connections Program, which has given away over $1.2 million since it began.

Midwest Electric held a member appreciation day on Monday morning, complete with a lunch and an electric safety demonstration for their customers. A second appreciation day celebration is planned for Tuesday afternoon. This is a way to thank the people in our area who help make things happen for Midwest Electric.