EnerStar Electric Cooperative invites all active members to attend this year’s annual meeting at Paris High School on Saturday, June 7, 2025. A complimentary breakfast, catered by On the Tracks Café, will be served from 7:30 to 9:00 am, and the business meeting begins at 9:30 am. The annual meeting is an excellent opportunity to enjoy fellowship, learn about your co-op, and even win bill credits at the close of the meeting!
Unlike traditional utilities, EnerStar Electric is a not-for-profit cooperative owned by the people it serves. As a member-owner, you have a real voice - you can vote in board elections and even run for a seat yourself. Your vote helps shape your cooperative. That’s exactly how it should be.
Each year, co-op members elect fellow members from their districts to serve on the board of directors. The board oversees operations, sets policies, approves the budget, and guides the cooperative’s long-term plans.
At a previous annual meeting, co-op members voted to suspend the mail-in process for uncontested elections — saving unnecessary costs. In those cases, unopposed candidates are approved by a voice vote at the meeting. For contested elections, a ballot and return envelope will be included in this Official Notice. The notice will be mailed in early May.
For the 2026 Elections
- Voting Districts A and B - Candidates are running unopposed, and no ballot is enclosed.
- Voting District C – This is a contested election. For members residing in District C, your ballot and a postage-paid return envelope will be enclosed in the notice.
Meet the 2026 Board Candidates
John Henry, Candidate Voting District A-1
John Henry, Candidate Voting District A-1
Hello, my name is John Henry, and I am running to serve as a representative board member for District One of the Enerstar Cooperative. I graduated from Oakland High School in 2002 and Lakeland College in 2004 with a degree in agriculture production and management. With 24 years of farming experience, I co-own Henry Farms Inc., which operates in Douglas, Coles, and Edgar County. Additionally, I served as Sargent Township Road Commissioner from 2012-2022, and assisted my father, Mark Henry, in the role from 2001-2012. My wife, Christina, and I have been married for 17 years, with four children aged 4, 7, 11, and 13. We are active members of the Oakland Christian Church, where we have led Bible studies, vacation Bible school, and participate in after-school programs. I have also coached youth sports and serve on the Oakland Landmarks board, working to preserve historic landmarks. I decided to run for the Enerstar board at the request of a past board member who recognized my ability to serve our area. With experience as a road commissioner and farmer, I have worked alongside Enerstar linemen during outages and projects, appreciating the excellent work they do. I am committed to ensuring the cooperative continues to have informed, community-oriented leaders working together to provide excellent service. Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Thad Martin, Candidate Voting District B-6
Thad Martin, Candidate Voting District B-6
My name is Thad Martin and I have lived at 5960 Public Well Street for the past 20 years. I was born and raised in Paris and graduated from Paris High School. During both high school and college, I worked summers at EnerStar, as well as briefly after graduation. I graduated from Lake Land College with an Associate’s degree in 1993. I am currently self employed as a farmer in Edgar County.
I am a member of Masonic Stratton Lodge #408 and the Edgar County Farm Bureau. I have been married to my wife Mandy Martin for over 28 years and we have two amazing children, Chayse and Chloe.
My primary for reason for serving on the board is to help EnerStar continue to offer reasonable rates with reliable service. I care about the future of the co-op and want to continue to serve on the board and utilize the experience I got working at EnerStar. Because of my experience working for EnerStar and currently serving on the board, I feel I have a good understanding of how the co-op operates and am excited to continue looking for opportunities to benefit our members. In my opinion, some of the biggest challenges facing the co-op today are recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce, keeping up with technology in addition to new solar options and environmental battles.
My hobbies include watching Fighting Illini Sports.
Danny Gard, Candidate Voting District C-9 (Contested)
Danny Gard, Candidate Voting District C-9
Since December 2000, Dan Gard Jr. has served as Director of the southernmost district. He has served as Chairman of the Enerstar Board since 2012. Dan is an accredited Director through NRECA.
Dan is a lifelong resident of the West Union area. He graduated from Marshall High School and has farmed since 1973. He and his wife Barbara have three sons and daughter-in-laws and nine grandchildren.
Dan is a member of Zion United Methodist Church, the Marshall Cemetery Board, Marshall Masonic Lodge, and a trustee of the West Union Volunteer Fire Department. He also serves on the Wabash Valley Power Board in Indianapolis and represents Wabash Valley Power on the Illinois Electric Coop Association. Dan has previously served as Road Commissioner and trustee in Darwin Township. Dan said, “I enjoy being part of the Enerstar Board working together with the current board members, management and staff to provide the highest quality services at the lowest possible cost. We want to continually improve our plant and infrastructure and services to the customers. I am proud of our linemen and office staff for the job they do and the dedication they have to our cooperative members. I appreciate representing my district on the board and ask for your continued support in the upcoming election.”
Bryon Shotts, Candidate Voting District C-9 (Contested)
Bryon Shotts, Candidate Voting District C-9
I was born and raised in this area and have spent the last 20 years in Martinsville, Anderson township, with my wife, Karrie, and our children Vivienne (11) and Vaughn (9). We are members of the Martinsville Bible Church.
I have been a Veterinarian for 35 years. We operate the Casey Veterinary Service with a team of dedicated professionals. I received my Associate degree from LakeLand College followed by a Bachelor of Science and then a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from University of Illinois. In addition to my career in veterinary medicine, I have also been involved in agriculture as a producer and landowner focusing on corn and soybean production. Our family has recently added a growing herd of Scottish Highlands, Australian Murrey Grey and British White Parks that is becoming an area of focus for our children. These cattle breeds lead to very unique crosses and quality grass fed beef. As a Co-op director, I would strive toward diligent stewardship to keep the economic viability of uninterrupted service for the Co-op in the face of a changing energy landscape. Thank you for your valued consideration.
If you have any questions about the annual meeting or elections, please call us at 1-800-635-4145 - we’re happy to help!