Co-Mo Electric Cooperative was incorporated in May, 1939. Representatives from Cole, Cooper, Moniteau and Morgan counties formed the cooperative, hence the name Co-Mo.
An application submitted to the Rural Electrification Administration for funds to build lines and substations, resulted in a loan for $342,000 to build 360 miles of line to serve 672 members.
The total of today's investment for all facilities is $14,365,303 which includes 3,122 miles of line to serve 15,732 members. Benton and Camden counties are now included in the cooperative.
Today, rural farm members use an average of 743 KWH of electric power per month, as compared to 98 KWH per member per month in 1948.
Missouri Utilities completed a transmission line on Thanksgiving Day, 1924, to serve Tipton with electricity 24 hours a day. Few homes at that time were wired for electricity. Many miles of line have since been built. Missouri Utilities now serves several towns in Central Missouri and Southeast Missouri.
The Gas Service Company, a stock-holder-owned company, began distributing natural gas in Tipton in 1931. Dorsey Knorp has been serviceman here since 1954. Gas Service Company has approximately 875 customers in Tipton.
September 1, 1960 the M.F.A. Oil Company bought the Texaco Station on Highway 50 East and High Street. Doc Williams operated the M.F.A. Service Station until the present owner, Carl Blochberger, purchased it in March, 1961.
The Tipton 66 Service Station is owned by Jim Merriott. He opened the business on Highway 50 West in December, 1973.
Besides selling Phillips 66 gasoline and oil, he sells tires, batteries and accessories. He does tune-ups and lubrication as well as washers and polishes automobiles.
Tipton Fina is operated by Jerry and Ruth Sharp. They began business on Highway 50 West in November, 1975. Besides gas, they sell groceries, gift items, non-prescription drugs, pizza, and sandwiches, and fishing tackle.
Wolf's Texaco, located on the northeast corner of Highways 5 and 50 intersection, is owned by Jack Wolf. He began operating the business in February, 1976.
Previous owners include Henry Bell and Ernest Kempf, who operated a Sinclair Service Station at that location.
The Tipton Co-op Service Station on Highway 50 West is owned by Jim Wheatley and Bill Meredith. They also operate a general repair service there. Previously, they operated W & W Auto Service on Highway 50 East.
The Tipton Conoco Station is located on the northwest corner of the Highways 5 & 50 intersection. Tom Hendrix became manager in February, 1976. They do minor automotive repairs, car washes, etc., in addition to selling Conoco products.
Emil's Station and Cafe is owned by Emil Gerke. He purchased the business in 1975. Emil sells Sinclair gasoline on the southwest corner of the Highways 5 & 50 intersection.
Gasoline and LP distributors in Tipton are : Bixler Gas Company, owned
by Aubrey Bixler; M.F.A. Oil Company, Roy Knipp, bulk plant manager; Ag
Co-Op Services, Inc. :