Norris 2024 Director eBallot
This year Norris Electric is having an election and your vote counts! Voting is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a U.S. citizen and as an electric cooperative member.
Select one candidate from each county:
Polls have closed.
Director Profiles
Gordon McClure
Address:
7840 N 1375 St Newton,
Jasper County
Family:
I am married to Denise for 42 years and have 2 sons, Tyler and Brent, and a daughter, Lanna.
Occupation:
Contract Swine Production, operate a feed mill, grain farm corn and soybeans.
Education:
Graduate of Newton Community High School
Other Affiliations:
I have been on the Jasper County Pork Producers Board, served at all officer capacity. I was on the Jasper County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Served on the State Pork Producers as Director. Served as a 4-H leader for 12 years and was on the 4-H Foundation Committee.
Why I want to be on the board:
It has been an honor to have served on the Norris Board and I want to continue my Leadership service to help make sound financial and operating decisions for the co-op. The co-op has been here for 86 years and counting, and I want to see it be a co-op for many years to come. I would appreciate your support for my continued service on the board.
Nathan Garbe
Address:
3540 N 2000th Street Dieterich, -Effingham County
Family:
I have been married to Kylie Garbe (daughter of Kent and Cindy Zumbahlen) for seven years and we have three children, one son and two younger daughters. Ryerson is 13, Huxleigh is four, and Wrenley is three.
Occupation:
I work for WMG Development, a commercial real estate developer and I am part of the Asset Management team. My wife, Kylie, is a family nurse practitioner at the SIHF clinic in Olney.
Education:
I graduated from Dieterich High School, received my bachelor’s degree in business management from Greenville University, and received my master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Greenville University.
Other Affiliations:
I am a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), I am a member/student of the Bell Leadership Institute, and I am a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Why I want to be on the board:
I believe that being on the Norris Electric board would be a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to my family and me. I see it as a chance to learn more about the co-op and help maintain the high level of success that it has experienced since its inception. I have lived in this community my entire life and believe that I can help express the desires and interests that those in the community would like to see and achieve through Norris. I want to be a part of Norris and help continue their growth by maintaining the high standard of service that their members view as world class.
Dave Thoele
Address:
13661 N. 1550th St. Teutopolis, -Effingham County
Family:
My wife, Shae, and I have been married for 7 years and we have 3 kids, Max 5, Mary 3, and Vera 1.
Occupation:
I own and operate TRACS Engineering. We provide controls and automation services for our industrial and municipal customers.
Education:
B.S. in Electrical Engineering from SIUC. Graduate from Teutopolis High School
Other Affiliations:
I’m a member of the Teutopolis Civic Club and Knights of Columbus. I’m also a member of the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Why I want to be on the board:
I want to participate in the community and feel that I would be able to contribute to the board at Norris Electric. The goal is to keep electric rates low and be able to maintain a reliable and quality service to Norris Electric customers well into the future. My background puts me in a good position to help navigate some of the upcoming challenges that the cooperative may encounter. I previously worked for Ameren as a Plant Engineer at Newton Power Station and a Research and Development Engineer at Ameren’s Technology Application Center. My current business provides engineering services that has included substation and generator controls for municipal customers, so I’m active in the industry and am able to understand some of the technical challenges present today and in the future.
Terry Van Dyke
Address:
2504 S Veterans Dr. Effingham, -Effingham County
Family:
Married to Kathy Van Dyke. Together we have 3 daughters and 1 son, all grown.
Occupation:
Proprieter of Heartland Ag Repair LLC in Effingham. My wife does Quickbooks online for a large trucking company.
Education:
Graduate of North Clay High School in Louisville, IL. Graduate of Lakeland College in Mattoon.
Other Affiliations:
I have served as the Past President of the Midwest Truckers Association, specifically in the Southern Region. Additionally, I dedicated 10 years of my time as a volunteer firefighter and contributed as a past member of the Caterpillar Safety Committee for over 4 years.
Additionally, I dedicated 10-plus years as a Past Township Board Member. I was on the nomination committee for Wabash Cooperative and I am a faithful member of Christ’s Church.
Why I want to be on the board:
I would like the opportunity to serve the people of Effingham County and be available to listen to the needs of the ones that live in the community in which I live.
I would be dedicated to doing the best I can for all of the cooperative.
As we look to the future, we need to make decisions that work best for our members and provide them with the leadership for the horizon and beyond.
I would appreciate that you consider me as a representative for you the people, that which the cooperative serves.
Ava Lemmon
Address:
2384 E 750th Ave, Oblong,
Crawford County
Family:
I have been married to Elijah (Abe) Lemmon for 21 years. I have a stepson, Haze (Bryly) Lemmon. Ezrah and Zeke Lemmon are our sons. We have a one-year-old granddaughter, Kat Lemmon.
Occupation:
I work as a substitute teacher for pre-K through 12th, as well as special education.
Education:
I graduated from Palestine High School and Vincennes University.
Other Affiliations:
My family and I attend Highland Avenue Baptist Church.
Why I want to be on the Board:
I was appointed to the board of directors on August 2022. I have enjoyed serving on the board alongside the other directors. If elected, I would like to continue to serve the members of my community. I am interested in learning all I have the opportunity to learn through classes offered. Norris Electric Cooperative is a wonderful organization to be involved in.
Scott Weiss
Address:
12186 Union Chapel Rd. Sumner,
Lawrence County
Family:
I have been married to Delores for 34 years and have a daughter, Macee Hill.
Occupation:
Republic Services Sumner Landfill Operations Manger
Education:
I graduated from Red Hill High School and attended LTC.
Why I want to be on the Board:
I have served on the board the past 6 years now. I am up for re-election this year. I have seen a lot of great change since becoming a director and would like to see the outcome of it all. I am looking out for our members along with the other directors to make sure that they are served right.