Between the Lines

SAVE THE DATE: Member Appreciation Day

Attention LMRE members! The date for our annual Member Appreciation Day is set. Join us on Sunday, June 22, at Cedar Point for a day of fun and thrills for the whole family.

Details on how to purchase tickets will be available in the April issue of Ohio Cooperative Living.

Board of Directors nomination petitions are still available for districts 3, 6, and 9 at the LMRE office just north of Spencer on State Route 301. Petition packets can be picked up Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Current District 3 Director Ken Diedrick will not be running for re-election in 2025. Members residing in this district who are interested in running are encouraged to reach out to the cooperative at 440-647-2133 with any questions about director tasks or expectations.

All petitions are due back to the LMRE office by 4:30 p.m. on March 10.

Click here to learn more about the petition process!

Stay informed with updated contact information

Stay connected by keeping your contact information up to date. Current contact information benefits you in multiple ways, including:

Faster outage reporting and response times
Timely alerts about planned outages and other important updates
Smoother customer service interactions
Improved access to member benefits and various programs

Ensure your phone number, email address, and mailing address are up to date so you can enjoy the benefits of staying connected. Reach out to LMRE at 440-647-2133 or lmre@fesco-oh.org to make any updates.

LMRE employees graduate from leadership program

Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative’s Manager of Key Accounts and Economic Development Audrey Flood and Journeyman Lineman Clint Slavec recently graduated from the Leadership Edge program, a statewide initiative designed to develop the next generation of electric cooperative leaders. Hosted by Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, the one-year program included six courses, two assessments, and a capstone project, with a focus on coaching employees, managing conflict, adapting communication styles, navigating difficult conversations, and

delivering results.

The dedication to professional growth shown by Flood and Slavec aligns with LMRE's commitment to providing top-tier service to our members. By investing in leadership development, we ensure our team is equipped with the skills to serve our community effectively. Congratulations on this

outstanding achievement!

Ladder Safety Month: Tips to stay safe

March is Ladder Safety Month, and as the days get longer, many homeowners are tackling improvement projects that require a little extra reach. Whether you’re cleaning gutters, painting walls, or fixing a roof, safety should always come first when using a ladder. A simple slip or misstep can lead to serious injuries—but following these precautions can help keep you safe:

Stay clear of power lines – Always look up before positioning your ladder. Maintain a safe distance from any overhead electrical wires around your home.
Inspect before you climb – Check for any damage, loose parts, or defects before stepping onto the ladder. A broken rung or weak frame can lead to a dangerous fall.
Set up on solid ground – Place your ladder on a flat, stable surface to prevent shifting or tipping. If necessary, use ladder levelers on uneven terrain.
Face forward and maintain three points of contact – When climbing, always face the ladder and keep two hands and one foot (or two feet and one hand) in contact with the ladder at all times.
Keep your hands free – Carry tools in a tool belt or use a bucket and pulley system to transport supplies. Holding items while climbing can throw off your balance.
Follow weight and height guidelines – Each ladder has a weight limit and safe usage height. Exceeding these limits increases the risk of accidents.

December outage report

LMRE experienced 15 outages in January with multiple contributing factors including weather, animals, vehicle accidents, and equipment.

Something to remember about outages is that while a problem, whether it be a broken pole, cutout, or downed wire, may only be affecting a small amount of members, our crews may have to temporarily shut power off to a larger number in order to safely make any necessary repairs. LMRE will do its best to notify members when these things must occur, but these decisions are often made as assessments are being done on the job site.

Click here to view the outage map

A look inside this month's Ohio Cooperative Living

The March issue of Ohio Cooperative Living is now available online! LMRE-specific information begins on page 17, and highlights include:

Key Co-op Topics with Ed: Building a stronger community with safety, reliability, and affordability
Kilo-whatt?? Understanding kilowatt-hours and their impact on your electric bill
Live line demonstrations - Sparking safety knowledge
Electric cooperatives bring unique value to their communities
January board meeting highlights

Find the digital here!

LMRE Homepage

Programs & Rebates

SmartHub

America's Electric Cooperatives PAC

Outage Information