The Carmi Kiwanis Club met February 12. President Jeremy Jordan opened the meeting. Barry Cleveland introduced his guest, Karrie Scott, 
and Caleb Hughes introduced his guest, Ryan Mitchell. Phil Stocke was the winner of the 50/50 drawing. Pancake Day will be February 18. Corn Day theme ideas need to be submitted by February 15.
Katelyne Wolff introduced Jakob (Jake) Campbell, President of Campbell Energy, and part owner of CDC Operations based out of Bridgeport, IL. Jake spoke about the changes and current status of the oil industry as it relates to the Illinois Oil Basin. The oil industry has seen many changes since 2008. Due to advancements by the United States Shell Industry, oil production in the US has increased.
Campbell Energy started as an oil service company, but in 2014 focused on oil production. Jake said that even though most of the easy oil has been found, they scavenge for the oil that is still here. His company drills primarily in White County. “We have been fortunate to drill in the right spots. We have a lot of good people.”
White County is the leading oil producer in the Illinois Oil Basin, which encompasses southern Illinois, southern Indiana, and western Kentucky. The oil industry as a whole is the leading employer in White County. Oil drilling contractors and service contractors still operate in the area. Grayville is getting oil-related business interest. When describing the current status of the local oil industry, Jake said, “There’s a lot more optimism.”
Jake’s well-informed presentation resulted in multiple questions from club members. Questions dealt with running out of oil, orphan wells, gas production, and leasing rights. The club enjoyed Jake’s program and thanks him for his service to the residents of Carmi, White County, and southern Illinois.
