We're sharing stories of how our customers, employees and retirees are Powering Beyond — using their energy to make our communities better.
In 2015, Kyle Maahs found a community with a style that matched his own. Maahs grew up watching his parents “drop everything” to help on the rescue squad, in the fire department and as the kind of neighbors anyone would hope for. He maintained that spirit, and built a life with people in Eastman, Wisconsin, who do as well.
“When you pull into town, there’s a sign that says, ‘the small town with the big heart,’” Maahs said, “and it really is probably the smallest town I know — about 400 people — with the greatest community support.”
A line mechanic for Alliant Energy, Maahs is a volunteer firefighter, a member of Crawford County Crime Stoppers, and active in the Eastman Community Club, which contributes to the town’s massive 4th of July celebration each year.
“That’s a big day,” he said. “This is a town of 400, but on the 4th of July it’s 5,000 or more. It takes a huge amount of volunteer hours to arrange, fundraise, and set up every year.”
Maahs has a sense of fulfilment from helping. With the fire department, he ends up supporting families through some of the toughest moments of their lives, which he recognizes as a profound connection—and as the way things are in a close-knit community.
“This is the strongest community I’ve been part of, and I love it,” he said. “Being able to help out feels like something I should do. It feels really good, too.”
Maahs’s volunteer efforts and commitment to his community demonstrate how he uses his energy for good. He has earned a 2021 VIP Award from Alliant Energy.