APRIL 2015
VOL. 15 NO. 12
Co-op
News
Energy Camp Power-ful Experience Teens from all over South Dakota will join together this summer for the Youth Excursion to North Dakota on July 28-30, 2015. The students ride in a deluxe bus, stay in a nice hotel, eat healthy meals, enjoy social activities and tour the huge power generation facilities that provide electricity to Bon Homme Yankton Electric members. Best of all, Bon Homme Yankton Electric picks up the tab. Transportation, lodging and meals are paid for by Bon Homme Yankton electric as part of our commitment to tomorrow’s co-op leaders. Learn “The Story Behind the Switch” and see where your electricity is generated. Tour the Great Plains Synfuels Plant where coal by-products are turned into synthetic natural gas, the Freedom Coal Mine, Antelope Valley Station electric power plant and the Wilton Wind Farm. Spend time swimming, dancing and shopping with new friends from other rural electric cooperatives across the state. Students will leave for Bismarck, ND from Bon Homme Yankton Electric’s headquarters where they will receive transportation to meet the bus in Sioux Falls on July 28. The group returns late in the day on Thursday, July 30. Each participant will also receive a free T-shirt commemorating the fun event. Applying is the easiest part. The Youth Excursion
is available to current sophomores and juniors who are dependents of Bon Homme Yankton Electric members. Fill out the form below and send it to: Bon Homme Yankton Electric, PO Box 158, Tabor, SD 57063 by May 8, 2015. Three people will be randomly drawn to attend the 2015 Youth Excursion.
2 0 1 5 Yo u t h E x c u r s i o n Registration
Name: _______________________ Address: _____________________ _____________________________ E-mail Address: _______________ Parents/Guardian: ____________ _____________________________ Phone Number: _______________ School: ______________________ Circle: Sophomore Junior Circle: Male Female T-Shirt Size: ___ 2 April 2015 • Cooperative Connections
Board
Report
Operations Center Tour (USPS No. 018-973)
Bon Homme Yankton Electric Assn, Inc. PO Box 158 134 S Lidice Tabor, SD 57063 Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am to 4:30pm
To Report an Outage or For Internet Tech Support, Call: Local From Tabor, Tyndall and Yankton 605-463-2507 or Toll Free in South Dakota 1-800-925-2929 NOTICE: Electric bills must be paid by 10:00am on the 20th of each month to avoid a $10 late fee.
The board heard the 2014 Year End Financial report, tackled a light agenda and then took a tour of the Operations Center. Nicole Einrem, Office Manager, presented the final year end report. Partly due to the lack of any rate increases since 2012, margins were under the limit required by our lenders. This generated a withdrawal from the Margin Stabilization Plan to bring the 2014 ratios within guidelines. Capital credit allocation notices will go out after the books are audited by the Eide Bailly accounting firm. Einrem also updated the board on the computer conversion. The January usage electric bills were delayed in mailing due to the additional checking of the bills since it was the first time using the new system. The outage management system and the meter data management modules are the only segments left to
implement. Operations Manager Robert Ulmer took the board on a tour of the new Operations Center. The crew has finished moving in. The new building houses office space for the outside crews, line material storage, parking for the large trucks and a wash bay. The north building has been rearranged to house small trucks, resale material and shipping and receiving.
Welcome New Members Mission Hill Ronald Banks Tabor Anita Kay Kline Kokes Properties LLC Yankton Richard Strom Cedar County Veterinary Jon B Moser Corey Kotrous
Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections is published monthly by Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc., PO Box 158, 134 S. Lidice St., Tabor, SD 57063-0158 for its members. Families subscribe to Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership. Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connection’s purpose is to provide reliable, helpful information to electric cooperative members on matters pertaining to rural electrification and better rural living. Subscription information: Electric cooperative members devote $6.00 from their electric payments annually for a subscription. Nonmember subscriptions are available for $12 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tabor, SD 57063 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections, Bon Homme Yankton Electric, PO Box 158, Tabor, S.D. 57063 TELEPHONE (605)463-2507: FAX (605) 463-2419. Design assistance by TDG Communications, Deadwood, S.D.
PAY ONLINE @ WWW.BYELECTRIC.COOP Cooperative Connections • April 2015 3
SafetyTips
April Showers Bring... Hydroplaning What is hydroplaing? Hydroplaning is when your vehicle slides or skids on a wet road surface. Although it can happen on any wet surface, it is the most dangerous during the first 10 minutes of a light rain. Light rain mixes with the oily residue on the pavement and creates a slippery condition that can cause your vehicle to hydroplane. It is especially dangerous for vehicles driving faster than 35 miles per hour, such a car in the merge lane heading on to a highway. How do you reduce the risk of hydroplaning? You should always keep you tires properly inflated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Make sure that your tires are rotated so that their tread wears evenly. Replace old worn tires as needed. Pay special attention and slow down when driving in inclement weather. Leave extra space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you in case you need to stop suddenly. Adjust your traveling speed in accordance with the weather conditions. If possible, drive in lanes that are not flooded with water and stay clear of rain puddling in the roadway. Do not engage cruise control in bad weather, because it sets the acceleration automatically. What should you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane? If you feel your vehicle start to hydroplane, do not panic. The first thing to remember is to not brake or accelerate suddenly. If you brake or accelerate suddenly, it could cause your vehicle to spin out of control. Look for an empty space in the road ahead and steer gently in that direction. Ease off of the gas pedal slowly, so that your wheels can regain contact with the roadway. Drive safely!
Did you know the refrigerator is one of the biggest energy hogs in your home? Use these simple tips on how to keep your fridge running efficiently. • REMEMBER TO COOL DOWN. Warm food in the refrigerator forces the appliance to adjust the temperature, using more energy. • A FULL FRIDGE IS A HAPPY FRIDGE. When your refrigerator and freezer are full, the appliance runs more efficiently. • KEEP IT CLEAN. Remember to clean dust and dirt from the coils behind or underneath the refrigerator. • TAKE COVER. Uncovered food and liquids release moisture and force the compressor to work harder.
Source: arifleet.com
Kids’ Corner Safety Poster
“Be careful with electricity – it can shock you!” Austin Waring, 8 years old Austin is the son of Jeremy and Ramona Waring, Colton, S.D. They are members of Sioux Valley Energy, Colman, S.D. Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your poster is published, you’ll receive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged. 4 Apr il 2015
•
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Photo source: General Electric
Reader Recipes
Appetizers & Beverages Cranberry Meatballs 1 (16 oz.) can jellied cranberry sauce 1 cup ketchup
Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Bruschetta 3 T. brown sugar 1 T. lemon juice 72 pre-cooked meatballs
In large saucepan, combine first 4 ingredients. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cranberry sauce is melted. Add meatballs and heat thru. Mary Jessen, Holabird
Yummy Fruit Dip 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar 1 tsp. vanilla
Mix together all ingredients; refrigerate. Serve with fresh fruit. Shirley Dreher, Clark
Pineapple-Strawberry Smoothie 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks 1 medium banana
1 cup pineapple juice 1 cup vanilla yogurt 1/2 cup strawberries
Combine all ingredients in blender. Serve in chilled glasses. Stephanie Fossum, Hudson
1 T. instant coffee 1/3 cup vanilla ice cream
Nutritional information for 1 piece: 68 calories; 5g fat; 1g saturated fat; 2mg cholesterol; 2g protein; 6g carbohydrates; 1g fiber; 121mg sodium Pictured, Courtesy of www.porkbeinspired.com
Vidalia Onion Dip 1 large Vidalia onion, chopped 1 cup mayonnaise
Glenda Morton, Sioux Falls
Sausage Dip
Rebecca Hauser, Tripp
Graduation Punch 1 (18 oz.) jar jam*
Unroll dough on greased cookie sheet; pat dough so perforations seal. Place Brie in the middle of the crescent rolls. Cover top of Brie with jam. Press dough evenly around Brie/jam – try to seal completely. Bake at 350°F. for 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 15 minutes. Serve warm with assorted crackers. *We prefer raspberry.
1 (10 oz.) can Ro-Tel tomatoes with green chilies
Brown and drain sausage. Add Ro-Tel and cream cheese. Put in small crockpot and cook until hot, stirring often. Serve with chips or crackers. Amy Schoenfelder, Cavour
1 (8 oz.) can crescent rolls 1 (8 oz.) round Brie cheese
1 cup grated Swiss Cheese
Mix together and place in baking dish. Bake at 350°F. for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Mix milk, cocoa mix and coffee in electric blender. Add ice cream and blend until smooth.
Baked Brie with Jam
1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1/3 cup blue cheese or feta cheese, crumbled (optional) About 1/3 cup olive oil 1 (16 oz.) pkg. French bread, cut in 1/4-inch slices
In medium bowl, stir together all topping ingredients; set aside. Brush olive oil on both sides of bread slices; place on baking sheet. Bake at 400°F., turning once, for 7 minutes per side or until crisp and golden brown; cool. Spoon about 1 T. topping on each toast round. Makes about 24 appetizers.
1 lb. bulk sausage 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
Mocha Cooler 2/3 cup milk 2 T. instant cocoa mix
8 to 10 slices bacon, crispy cooked and crumbled 3 to 4 roma tomatoes, (plum), seeded and chopped, about 1-1/3 cups 1 cup lettuce, chopped 2 T. fresh basil, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced
1 (6 oz.) can orange juice 1 (6 oz.) can lemonade 1 pkg. orange koolaid 2 cups pineapple juice
2 quarts water 1 cup sugar 1 (64 oz.) bottle ginger ale
Please send your favorite casserole, dairy and dessert recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on page 3). Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in June 2015. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.
Mix together all ingredients except ginger ale. Add ginger ale just before serving. Jane Ham, Rapid City
Mary Contz, Hendricks, MN
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
• Ap r i l 2015
5
Energy Cents
Ideas
What You Need to Know About Backup Generators
Jim Dulley www.dulley.com
Dear Jim: When severe weather hits, I want to be prepared and I’m considering purchasing a backup generator for my home. What types would you recommend to take care of the entire house? – Jon H.
Dear Jon: These days, most families depend on electricity for nearly every activity, so purchasing a backup generator is becoming more common. Residential backup generators are called standby models because they are only used when electricity from the utility grid fails. They are designed to run for a relatively short period of time until power is restored. Outages like this usually last between a few hours and a couple of days. First, you must decide how much of your home you’d like to power in order to determine the size of backup generator you will need. There are common necessities, such as refrigeration and lighting, which you will definitely need. Others, such as air-conditioning, washing/drying clothes and vacuuming may not be top priority during a power outage. Backup generators are sized by their KW (kilowatt) electricity output. A 12-KW generator can power most electrical needs of a typical family of four. If you can eliminate nonessentials, a smaller, less expensive unit will be adequate and the fuel costs to operate it will be less. To get a rough idea of the size of generator you will need, list all electric items you want to power and total the wattages for all of these. Items and appliances with motors often require more electric current at start-up time, so remember to round up when determining the total wattage. A contractor or installation expert can also advise you on the proper size. It should be noted that installing a whole-house backup generator is not a do-it-yourself project. For convenience and safety (for both your family and your electric co-op’s emergency line workers), install an ATS (automatic transfer switch). This switch senses when the grid electricity goes off or the voltage drops below a critical point (also known as a brownout). It automatically disconnects your
home’s wiring from the utility grid and starts the generator. This occurs quickly, so there is very little down time. The ATS also runs the generator periodically (called exercising) to ensure everything is working properly. You may hear the generator start the exercise cycle, so don’t be alarmed – the power may not be off. If you have natural gas available at your house, this is the best fuel to power the backup generator. Natural gas engines run cleanly, require little maintenance and are relatively inexpensive to run. Also, if you have natural gas, you probably have a gas furnace for heat, so the size of the generator required is smaller. Another clean-running fuel for a backup generator is propane. Many homes with electric heat still have propane available for cooking. In order to power a whole-house generator, a larger propane tank would be required. Even though propane is considered a clean running fuel, it is more expensive to use than natural gas. A diesel engine-powered generator also requires a fuel tank. The shelf life of the diesel fuel is only a couple of years – even with a stabilizer – and the overall cost of installing a diesel generator will be higher. However, one advantage of using diesel is that you can always pour more fuel into the tank if you need to run the generator longer than originally expected. Another option is a smaller, less-expensive portable gasolinepowered generator with several electrical outlets. This will provide enough electricity for the refrigerator and several lamps. These models also provide enough power to operate the blower in a gas, propane or oil furnace for heat. Never attempt to plug this type of generator into an electrical output with a homemade double-male cord. This can backfeed 120-volt current into the grid, which is dangerous for utility line crews. For more information on backup generators, contact your local electric co-op or speak with a qualified contractor. The following companies offer backup standby generators: Baldor, 479-646-4711, www.baldor.com; Coleman Powermate, 888-977-2622, www.powermate.com; Cummins Onan, 800-888-6626, www.cumminsonan.com; Generac Power Systems, 888-436-3722, www.generac.com; and Kohler Power Systems, 800-544-2444, www.kohlergenerators.com.
Have a question for Jim? Send inquiries to: James Dulley, Cooperative Connections, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com. 6 April 2015 • Cooperative Connections
Co-op
News Classifieds May Issue Deadline: April 1, 2015. Email your classified ad to: by@byelectric.com. Members can post one free ad per year. Repeats or longer ads are $1/column inch. FOR RENT: 1 bedroom apartment. Tabor Manor. Contact John at 605-463-2478 or Gary at 605-463-2209.r FOR RENT: Tabor HRC, 2-bedroom townhome w/ single attached car garage, 1100 plus square feet, handicap Facility/ Accessible, washer and dryer hookups, dishwasher, lawn/snow maintenance provided. All one level living convenience. Please contact Jen Carda 605-463-2575.r Thinking about building a home? Don’t pick a floor plan or a builder until you’ve talked with the area’s ONLY Certified Aging-in-Place specialist, Certified Green Professional Builder and ENERGY STAR Partner Builder. Call 4 Life Homes today. 605-661-4488.r Beseda Hall, Tabor, SD for rent for any special occasion such as weddings, anniversaries, graduation or birthdays! For more information contact Linda Bares at 605-661-6220 or snlbares@gmail.com. FOR RENT: Outdoor parking available for boats, campers and vehicles at CS Storage in Tabor, SD Call 605-661-2568.1
Cody Auch Joins Crew Journeyman Lineman Cody Auch joined the Bon Homme Yankton Electric crew February 16, 2015. He graduated from power line school at Mitchell Technical Institute and was most recently employed by Charles Mix Electric Cooperative in their Platte outpost. Cody is originally from Lesterville, SD so he'll have no trouble figuring out our service area. He said he likes to fix things and will work on about anything that needs fixing. That mechanical ability will sure come in handy working as a lineman at our cooperative. Welcome to the Bon Homme Yankton Electric cooperative line crew Cody!
Are You Up For the Challenge? Become A Bon Homme Yankton Electric Director Bon Homme Yankton Electric is making plans for its annual meeting. The meeting will be held August 18, 2015 in the Beseda Hall in Tabor. The director positions with three year terms expiring this year are districts three and five. Any person wishing to run for a directorship of Bon Homme Yankton Electric will need to file a nominating petition. The petition must have at least 15 signatures of members living in the appropriate district in Bon Homme Yankton Electric’s service area. Petitioners must reside in the district and have an active membership in the cooperative. The petitions are available in the main office and must be filed at the Bon Homme Yankton Electric office by 4:30 p.m. June 18, 2015. If you should decide to become a director, you should be aware of the responsibilities involved: 1. A director must be prepared to abide by and uphold the bylaws of the
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T96 cooperative. 2. Directors act as trustees for T95 the assets of the cooperative and protect its assets. T94 3. They formulate, approve and T93 review policies to provide T92 guidelines for the cooperative. 4. The board is responsible for sending representatives to the associations to which the cooperative is a member. 5. Directors are asked to lobby and remain informed on pertinent legislative issues. 6. A great deal of reading and studying as well as attending seminars is necessary to keep informed of current local and nationwide happenings and how they AVON
JEFFERSON
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may affect the cooperative. 7. The board reviews financial reports, work plans, audits, approves purchases and evaluates the cooperative operations. 8. An important quality required of directors is responding to member’s concerns and questions. They need to be available to their constituents. 9. A good director must have a genuine spirit of wanting to help at all times.
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS s April 2015 7
Don’t Just Dig It Simple Call to 811 Can Save Money, Lives
A
By Brenda Kleinjan
pril may be known for its showers, but it’s also a month set aside to raise awareness for safe digging. According to the Common Ground Alliance’s Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report, an underground utility line is damaged every six minutes because someone decided to dig but didn’t call 811. At that rate, in a 24-hour-a-day society, that’s more than 87,000 times in a year where people – someone’s mother or father, son or daughter – risked injury or costly damages. The 2013 DIRT Report found that nationwide there were an estimated 335,000 events involving dig-ins to utilities. The cause of those dig-ins were identified in about 75 percent of the situations reported in 2013. Of those events with causes listed, half were due to insufficient excavation practices, a quarter were because notification simply was not made and 16 percent were due to insufficient locating practices. The 2013 DIRT Report also noted that nationwide, occupants and farmers were the groups most likely not to call 811 prior to digging. Building a deck? Planting a tree? Installing a mailbox? 811 is the new number you should call before you begin any digging project. The federally mandated national “Call Before You Dig” number, 811, was created to help protect you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects. People digging often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked due to concerns about project delays, costs and previous calls about other projects.
8 April 2015 • Cooperative Connections
How does 811 work? When someone calls 811 in the United States, he or she is connected to the local one call center, where a representative collects information about the caller’s planned dig site. The one call center then communicates the information to the appropriate utility companies, which send professional utility locating technicians to identify and mark the approximate location of lines within a few days of the phone call. Once lines have been marked, the caller may dig safely around the marks. These assumptions can be life-threatening. Every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees or shrubs. If you hit an underground utility line while digging, you can harm yourself or those around you, disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and potentially be responsible for fines and repair costs. Homeowners often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires a call – even small projects like planting trees and shrubs. The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Digging without calling can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm you and those around you and potentially result in fines and repair costs. Calling 811 before every digging job gets your underground utility lines marked for free and helps prevent undesired consequences.
More Than Half of Homeowners Put Themselves at Risk by Not Calling 811 A 2014 survey by the Common Ground Alliance found that 51 percent of American homeowners who planned to dig in 2014 for projects that included landscaping, installing a fence or mailbox and building a deck or patio would put them selves and their communities at risk by not calling 811 to learn the approximate location of underground utilities. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities increases the likelihood of unintentional damage, which can cause serious injuries, service disruptions and repair costs. There are more than 100 billion feet of underground utilities in the United States, according to data compiled by CGA from various industry groups. That figure equates to more than one football field’s length (105 yards) of buried utilities for every man, woman and child in the U.S. The 2014 survey also found that homeowners will call 811 for certain projects, but not for all DIY landscape projects. Homeowners will not call 811 for the following DIY projects: • 84 percent – Planting shrubs • 63 percent – Planting a tree • 61 percent – Installing a pole for a basketball goal • 50 percent – Building a deck • 46 percent – Installing a fence • 45 percent – Digging a patio
(Editor’s Note: 811 should be called before ALL of these activities.)
The survey also identified top reasons why people do not plan to call 811 before digging. Fifty-six percent said that they felt they already knew where utilities were buried on their property and 47 percent did not think they would dig deep enough to come in contact with utility lines, despite the fact that utilities can sometimes be just a few inches below the surface due to erosion and other topography changes. CGA’s 1,500 members, the U.S. Department of Transportation, most governors and many mayors have proclaimed April as National Safe Digging Month as a way to bring extra attention to the issue and reduce the risk of unnecessary infrastructure damage. As part of National Safe Digging Month, CGA encourages homeowners to take the following steps when planning a digging project this spring: • Always call 811 a few days before digging, regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property. • Plan ahead. Call on Monday or Tuesday for work planned for an upcoming weekend, providing ample time for the approximate location of lines to be marked. • Confirm with your local one call center that all lines have been marked. • Learn what the various colors of paint and flags represent at www.call811.com/faqs. • Consider moving the location of your project if it is near utility line markings. • If a contractor has been hired, confirm that a call to 811 has been made. Don’t allow work to begin if the lines aren’t marked.
Safe Digging Starts by Calling 811 From planting shrubs to building a fence, many outdoor projects require digging. This spring, electric cooperatives and the Safe Electricity program (www.safeelectricity.org) remind you to call 811 before the shoveling begins. This simple step could prevent serious injury or even save your life. “Outdoor projects take planning and preparation,” says Molly Hall, executive director of the Energy Education Council and its Safe Electricity program. “Part of that preparation is planning to avoid underground utilities and 811 helps both consumers and contractors to do this.” The 811 “Call Before You Dig” number is a free, national line that was created to help prevent people from coming into contact with underground utility lines during digging projects. When you call, 811 routes you to your local electric co-op’s locating service. Make sure to tell the operator where you plan to dig and what type of work you will be doing. From there, it takes a few business days for a professional to come mark your public utilities with flags or spray paint. If you are in a rush to complete a project, a few days might seem like a long wait. However, a small waiting period can spare you an injury that could take years of recovery. Even digging professionals can run into trouble with buried power lines. Tom Dickey, a contractor for an underground utility provider in Auburn, Ill., learned the dangers of underground electricity years ago when he was on the job. Dickey was asked to add a small task at the end of the workday – after his safety gear was already headed back to his shop in another truck. He made a decision that put time and efficiency above safety. With one accidental slip, he came in contact with lethal levels of electricity. Fortunately, Dickey survived, but even years later he still copes with the pain. Even if you previously had utilities located by calling 811, it is best to call before every digging project. Underground utility lines can shift and it is important to be certain of where they are. Cooperatives care about their members’ safety and urge you to start all outdoor digging projects the safe way—by calling 811. For more information about 811 and electrical safety, visit call811.com and SafeElectricity.org. Safe Electricity is the safety outreach program of the Energy Education Council, a non-profit organization with more than 400 electric cooperative members and many others who share the mission of educating the public about electrical safety and energy efficiency.
CGA is a member-driven association of 1,500 individuals, organizations and sponsors in every facet of the underground utility industry. Established in 2000, CGA is committed to saving lives and preventing damage to underground infrastructure by promoting effective damage prevention practices. CGA has established itself as the leading organization in an effort to reduce damages to underground facilities in North America through shared responsibility among all stakeholders. For more information, visit CGA on the web at www.commongroundalliance.com. Cooperative Connections • April 2015 9
Co-op
News
Local Scholar Touchstone Energy Cooperative Bon Homme Yankton Electric along with KSFY are pleased to announce that Calla Harper of Irene-Wakonda High School was selected as a Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week. Calla's segment aired on KSFY the week of March 1-7, 2015. Calla, daughter of Arlene Harper, has a 4.03 grade point average and is involved in many different activities such as student government, Oral Interpretation, drama, basketball statistics only to name a few. She has received many awards in recognition of her activities and academics. She is no stranger to Bon Homme Yankton Electric as she was selected as our 2013 delegate on the Youth Tour to Washington DC. Calla was nominated by Irene-Wakonda Guidance Counselor Cheryl Knudson and Principal Bruce Bailey. Cheryl wrote, "Calla is a hardworking, self-motivated and dedicated student." Touchstone Energy Cooperatives along with KSFY Television have joined together to recognize the achievements of high school seniors throughout the region. “Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week” has been celebrating the achievements of high school seniors since 2002. Recipients are highly motivated high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community. This program was founded on the four pillars of Touchstone Energy: Integrity, Accountability, Innovation and a Commitment to Community.
L-R: Bon Homme Yankton Electric General Manager MJ Goehring, Calla Harper, Guidance Counselor Cheryl Knudson.
What does it take to be a Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week? It’s not just about grades or athletic ability. It takes a well-rounded individual that excels in the classroom and the community. Calla received $100 from Bon Homme Yankton Electric in recognition of her many accomplishments.
Generator for Sale Bon Homme Yankton Electric is accepting sealed bids for this Olympian/CAT generator. This generator is designed to be in an enclosure (not included). • Diesel • 50 kw • 3 Phase • Voltage 120/240/208 • 400amp Auto Transfer Switch • 400amp Manual Transfer Switch • 314 Actual Hours Contact the Operations Center to inspect the generator in person. Submit your sealed bid to: Sealed Bids, Bon Homme Yankton Electric, PO Box 158, Tabor, SD 57063 by 4:30pm on May 15, 2015 to be considered at the May board meeting. Bon Homme Yankton Electric reserves the right to refuse any and all bids.
WWW.BYELECTRIC.COOP 1 0 April 2015 • Cooperative Connections
Thank You Note
Dear Bon Homme Yankton Electric, Thank you so much for the scholarship you awarded me for Scholar of the Week. I appreciate all of the opportunities you have provide me and the other students in our area. Thank you for everything! Sincerely, Calla Harper
Summer is right around the corner! Have you changed your home’s air filter? Filters get loaded with more and more particles as they do their job. This actually has the effect of making them more efficient, but it also increases resistance and reduces airflow. Remember to check filters once a month. Source: EnergySavers.gov
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Warm Air, Air to Air, Geothermal Heat Pumps WE DO EMERGENCY HOME REPAIRS Cooperative Connections • April 2015 1 1
Home Safe Home A
s adults look toward the future to envision
By Lacey E. Brown SDSU Extension Gerontology Field Specialist
how they will spend their golden years, they think about spending time with family or enjoying wellearned leisure. They often envision spending those years in the home where they raised their children and spent their working years. One in five houses in South Dakota was built prior to 1940. Rural areas have higher rates of these homes (26 percent compared to 14.1 percent in more urban areas). This is important to consider as we plan for our retirement because older homes were not often constructed with accessibility in mind. Accessibility refers to the ability to enter and use a building and its features by people with disabilities. Features of homes that pose challenges for people with disabilities: Multilevel Steps to enter building Narrow doors and halls Electrical outlets placed near the floor Small bathrooms Poor lighting
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Laundry room in the basement Lack of bedroom on main floor Split level Round door knobs Age and disease are two different processes, however, older age does increase the chance of developing chronic disease or disability. Adults who experience these challenges may find it difficult to remain in their home with modifying it. Home modifications are an essential component of any retirement plan. We are often concerned that home modifications will make our homes look like a nursing home. Nothing could be further from the truth. Modern contractors are very skilled at making home modifications for accessibility while maintaining visual appeal. In fact, grab bars can be disguised as towel rods or toilet paper dispensers. The key is to evaluate our homes prior to the need for modification and include the cost of modifications in our retirement plans. See more at: http://igrow.org/healthy-families/aging/ should-home-modifications-be-part-of-our-retirement-plan/#sthash.TmIACqEp.dpuf
Elements of Universal Design/Home Modification What is Universal Design? Universal design is a worldwide movement that is based on the idea that all environments and products should be usable by all people, regardless of their ages, sizes or abilities. Because this movement applies to everyone, the concept of universal design is known around the world as “design for all,” “inclusive design,” and “life-span design.” An important component of universal design is the maintenance of aesthetics. In other words, to create something that is still “visually pleasing” to others despite being accessible to everyone. Function does NOT have to sacrifice beauty. As a result, universally designed homes and public buildings can be just as beautiful and welcoming as any other design approach. Increasingly, experts are referring to the concept of universal design as the “wave of the future.” It is the hope of universal design advocates that eventually all buildings, homes and products will be designed to meet the needs of everyone.
By Christine A. Price
Photo by ©iStock.com/sdominick
Ohio State University Extension State Specialist, Gerontology, Department of Human Development and Family Science
Why Home Modification? Whether you are building a new home or repairing or renovating an existing home, you too can incorporate, through home modification, characteristics of universal design. Home modification can vary from building a new home with universally designed features, to simple installation of lever door knobs on an older home to more complex structural changes in an existing home, such as installing a walk-in shower or an accessible ramp. The goal of home modification for existing homes is not to entirely redesign the home but to make a range of changes or repairs that result in your home being a comfortable, user-friendly and safer place to live. Implementing universal design home modifications can result in a home that you can remain in as you age. This concept is often referred to as “aging in place.” The idea behind “aging in place” is to enable individuals to live independently in their homes for as long as possible. The goal is to avoid having to relocate simply because one’s home is too difficult to get around in. What are the Principles of Universal Design? A group of universal design advocates from the Center for universal design at North Carolina State University developed seven principles of universal design. These principles can be applied to evaluate existing environments or products, serve as guidelines in the development or renovation of existing environments, and serve to educate consumers and professionals wanting to understand the characteristics of this design approach. Principle 1: Equitable Use – The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. Principle 2: Flexibility in Use – The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. Principle 3: Simple and Intuitive Use – Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills or current concentration level. Principle 4: Perceptible Information – The design
communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions of the user’s sensory abilities. Principle 5: Tolerance for Error – The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. Principle 6: Low Physical Effort – The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue. Principle 7: Size and Space for Approach and Use – Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation and use, regardless of the user’s body size, posture or mobility. The American Association of Retired Persons provides a list of common challenges individuals encounter and some universal design features that may serve as possible solutions (www.aarp.org/universalhome/solutions.html). Below are some examples: Limited Lifting or Flexibility • Install lever faucet handles or single lever faucets that are easy to turn. • Choose u-shaped drawer handles for cabinets and drawers that are easier to grasp. • Consider decorative grab bars in the shower or by the toilet and tub to increase safety. • Replace standard light switches with rocker switches that are easier to use.
Limited Mobility • Install a bath/shower seat or tub with a transfer bench to ease getting in and out of the bath. • Use transition wedges at door thresholds to avoid tripping. • Give sidewalks and driveways a textured surface to increase traction and stability. • Use handrails on both sides of stairways. Limited Vision • Purchase appliances with large print controls. • Install lighting near outside walkways, stairs and entrances. • Use nightlights where appropriate. • Install under-the-cabinet lights, or task lighting, over kitchen counter work areas. Remember, a home that has universal design features is a home that fits everyone’s needs, whether they are young or old, short or tall, with physical limitations or without. Cooperative Connections • April 2015 13
Living in an Inventors’ Paradise E
nterprising inventors will be flocking to
By Brenda Kleinjan
Minneapolis, Minn., in late April for the Inspire™ 2015 Innovation Expo. Since 1958, the Minnesota Inventors Congress, based in Redwood Falls, Minn., has presented this internationally known event that showcases innovation and provides an opportunity for aspiring, emerging and established inventors to move from ideas to manufacturing to the marketplace. Inventors have the opportunity to get their inventions in front of investors, manufacturers, licensing agents, product scouts, and consultants from the US Patent and Trade Office, US Small Business Administration, and LegalCORPS at Inspire, 2015
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Innovation Expo, April 30 and May 1 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. According to organizers, the information exchanged at this event can be instrumental in successfully bringing marketable products through the invention development process. At the 2011 Expo, Inventor Greg Amundson of Scandia Minnesota made the connections he needed to help bring his Easy Caulk peel and stick caulk strips to the marketplace. Amundson says, “My success started at this show.” His company, Cornerflex, is now selling Easy Caulk via amazon.com and they are about to launch three new products. And in 2013 Sequence® board game inventor Doug Reuter
was the Grand Prize winner, for his new game QB8. “Innovation is a driving force behind the U.S. economy,” said Program Director Deb Hess. “Inventors from across the country come to test market their products at our show and attend our Inventing Success™ Workshops, hosted by experts who teach the product development process.”
Pitch the Experts Panels Pitch the Experts Panels are scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. both days. Inventors, innovators and idea creators are invited to participate in a “Pitch the Experts” panels. Sponsored by the United Inventors Association, the “Pitch the Experts” panel gives inventors the opportunity to practice, refine and gather feedback on their products from national product scouts – and potentially secure real licensing opportunities. Inventors interested in pitching the experts must first submit their new consumer product entries for formal review and selection by April 10, 2015. Up to 20 inventors, each day, will be selected to pitch their inventions in 4-5 minutes to the expert panel, and receive feedback on the spot. Exhibitors showcasing a consumer goods product at Inspire will be given a priority status in the selection process. The “Pitch the Experts” panel includes local and national experts and product scouts: Among the experts invited are: • Michael Antino. Founder and CEO of leading DRTV marketer, Merchant Media • Scott Hynd. QVC On-Air Product Expert, Proformance Marketing • Trevor Lambert. President, Enhance Product Development and Lambert and Lambert. • Warren Tuttle. Outside Contractor and Open Innovation Liaison for Lifetime Brands and Techtronics Industries NA; President, Monashee Marketing • Matt Becker. Target Corporation. Buyer • Carrie Jeske. Inventor, investor and distribution licensee New Design Corner scheduled for Thursday Industrial Designers from Enhance Product Development will be in the New Product Design Corner from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday April 30 and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Industrial Designers from Enhance will provide free 20-minute design consults for any inventor wanting to flesh out their invention concepts. Enhance Product Development (www. enhancepd.com), is based in Minneapolis, and will provide professional “ideation” sketching. Nondisclosure Agreements will be signed and all designs completed during the consult will be emailed to the inventor. Stop by the booth during expo hours to reserve your spot, as it will be offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. For any questions regarding the New Product Design Corner, please e-mail Enhance at support@enhancepd.com or call them toll-free at 877.99.ENHANCE.
About Minnesota Inventors Congress Inventors need reliable information to successfully bring a marketable product through the invention development process. In 1985, the Minnesota Inventors Congress opened a year-round office and through its knowledgeable staff, inventors are taught that the most importance investment they can make is to learn how successful inventors develop marketable products. By directing inventors to reliable resources MIC helps them understand that by being intimately involved in the process they will be able to make the best decisions for them. MIC also provides information that is available from the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Federal Trade Commission about invention promotion firms. (However, MIC is not a law firm and does not provide legal or patent, trademark or copyright advice.) MIC will provide potential inventors with easy to understand information that will teach them how to: • Find information to protect your intellectual property. • Know where to spend your money wisely and where it will be most valuable. • Identify companies who have a mutual interest in your product. • Avoid invention promotion companies. MIC contends that being an educated inventor is the best investment inventors can make to protect their intellectual property and bring a product successfully to the market. The Minnesota Inventors Congress provides helpful information guiding each inventor through the process of obtaining patents to marketing products. We facilitate professional workshops at minimal costs to the inventor. Finally through fellowship with other inventors our members enjoy encouragement to succeed. We sincerely look forward to meeting with you! Inventor protection. The MIC provides access to information that is available from the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Federal Trade Commission about invention promotion firms. Unlike forprofit invention development companies, the volunteers and staff of this organization do not derive any financial benefit from assisting inventors in protecting, developing and marketing their inventions.
There is no list of people waiting to pay you for your idea! Inventors need to prove to a company that you can make them money and there are steps you can take to make sure you are spending your money the right way. Let us do the direct you to reliable resources who can help you learn the product development process that successful inventors use to develop marketable products. Private business needs to focus on developed products and their own bottom line. This is why Minnesota Inventors Congress was founded. Today, as a non-profit organization, MIC stands in this gap as it has for over 50 Years! We have met annually in June ever since 1958! For more information about Minnesota Inventors Congress located in Redfield, Minn., visit www.minnesotainventorscongress.org or call 507627-2344. Cooperative Connections • April 2015 15
Regional Dateline
Events of Special Note
March 18-22 State 8-ball Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115
March 21-22 Spring Craft Show Watertown, SD, 605-882-1734 March 21-22 Curt Carter Gun Show Watertown, SD, 605-793-2347 March 27-29 Black Hills Home Show Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115 March 28-29 Little Britches Rodeo Rapid City, SD, 605-341-7900 www.centralstatesfair.com April 6 Shrine Circus, Huron, SD 605-225-4841 April 9-11 Shrine Circus, Aberdeen, SD 605-225-4841 April 9-11 Forks, Corks and Kegs Food and Wine Festival Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 www.deadwood.org April 11 Spring Fling Home & Garden Show, Hot Springs, SD 605-745-4140
April 23-26 Shrine Circus, Sioux Falls, SD 605-336-1117
PHOTO COURTESY OF NAJA SHRINE
March 21-22 Farm Toy and Collectibles Show, Aberdeen, SD 605-225-4841
April 20-21 Shrine Circus, Chamberlain, SD 605-336-1117
May 1-3 Shrine Circus, Rapid City, SD 605-342-3402 To have your event listed on this page, send complete information, including date, event, place and contact to your local electric cooperative. Include your name, address and daytime telephone number. Information must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to your event. Please call ahead to confirm date, time and location of event.
April 11-12 Dakota Territory Gun Show Rushmore Hall, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD 605-394-4115 April 18 LATI Auto Club Car Show Watertown, SD, 605-882-5284 April 18 Lunafest Film Festival Custer, SD, 605-517-1664 www.lunafest.org April 18-19 Annual AMA Coins Show Sioux Falls, SD, 605-321-9195 April 18-19 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4101 April 23-25 Black Hills Fiber Arts Fair Rapid City, SD, 605-791-0711 www.blackhillsfiberartsfair.org
April 25 RiverRat Marathon and Bike Ride, Yankton, SD www.riverratmarathon.com April 27-29 Shrine Circus, Mitchell, SD 605-336-1117 May 2 S.D. Coin & Stamp Club Show Watertown, SD, 605-886-4609 May 2 Spring Market and Boats, Jets and Pets, Rapid City, SD 605-716-7979 May 6-10 Black Hills Film Festival Hill City, SD, 605-574-9454 www.blackhillsfilmfestival.org May 9-10, 16-17, 24-25 NE Area Pari Mutual Horse Racing Aberdeen, SD, 605-715-9580
May 20-23 Shakespeare Garden Planting Festival Wessington Springs, SD 605-539-1529 shakespearegarden.blogspot.com May 22 Williams & Ree Comedy Show, Watertown, SD 1-800-658-4717 May 23-24 Black Hills Music Festival Spearfish, SD, 605-645-1880 www.bhmusicfest.com May 23-24 SDRA Foothills Rodeo Wessington Springs, SD 605-770-4370 June 20-21 Parrot Festival, Black Hills Parrot Welfare and Education Center, Belle Fourche, SD 605-892-2336 blackhillsparrotwelfare.org