OCTOBER 2015
VOL. 16 NO. 6
Manager’s
Column
Make Your Voice Heard! At the time of this writing school has just started and we just completed another annual meeting which was again well attended. I can’t help but think of the upcoming fall season and harvest beginning. Crops have looked great during the growing season and I think the yields will be pretty good again this year. Merlin Goehring As harvest season draws near General Manager Bon Homme Yankton Electric we want to remind everyone to be careful when you are around power lines. Be sure to leave yourself enough room in the field when transferring grain from combines to trucks and trailers so you do not come in contract with overhead lines. Also be aware of power lines on your yards and at your grain bin sites. A safe harvest is always a successful harvest, so be mindful of overhead power lines and be safe. October is also Cooperative Month in honor of all cooperatives, whether electric, farm supply or any other type of cooperative type businesses are operated for their members. We take time to acknowledge that we are in the business of providing service to our members and that is the only reason we exist. We ask for your continued support of your electric cooperative and hope that you’re enthusiastic about having a local membership in this cooperative as well. As owners of the cooperative you have an obligation to stay informed on what is taking place locally, statewide and nationally regarding events affecting you. We will continue to keep you updated on events and issues that are a concern for all of us. At the annual meeting in August we talked about the EPA rule released on August 3rd regarding the Clean Power Plan and the potential expense to 2 October 2015 • Cooperative Connections
you as a member in added costs. The final rule was over 1,560 pages long and there is a lot of information in that document that needs to be researched before any final cost analysis is completed. There will be information on what you can do as a member in helping us respond to this action taken. In this newsletter and future ones, you will see information on how you can respond to this new rule. The State of South Dakota will need to have a plan in place by 2018 to meet the EPA projected goals. What concerns most of us is the affect it will have on our power supplier and those emission requirements being made in the state of North Dakota and Wyoming where much of our power supply is generated. The recent rule is being challenged in court and we are asking you to sign a petition asking that the final rule be delayed until after the courts rule on this whole matter. In the mean time we will continue to make our voice heard by asking for petitions to be signed and letters to be sent over the internet. Please take the time to make comments and support your cooperative in this matter. On the operations side of things, I would like to mention that our pole testing is completed at this time and we will be replacing poles that have been rejected after inspection. Our crews will be doing this work into the fall time frame and they will also be finishing up some of their other line maintenance and building a few new services as they continue to be requested. For anyone looking at putting up grain handling facilities this fall, please call our office as soon as possible. We need to know the electrical needs of any new equipment including motor size. Many times equipment and motors are added without us knowing it and then we end up with a service that may be undersized for the type of load being used, so help us out and talk with our operations department when you make changes at your service site. Again, if you have questions on anything just give us a call or stop in to visit. Thanks.
Board
(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 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.
Report
Board Reorganizes, No Changes in Officers The board held their annual reorganization meeting with the previous officers retaining their positions: President Rick Koupal, Vice-President Paul Voigt, Secretary Ernest Namminga and Treasurer Darrell Beran. They welcomed the two new directors and authorized a special meeting stipend for the previously attended board meeting and director orientation. The IRS Tax Forms 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax and 990T Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return were presented to the board. The board authorized the signing of the tax returns which will be filed with the IRS. A contract for a new irrigation service was approved. The board selected delegates for several upcoming national and district meetings.
Welcome New Members Mission Hill Dale W Hebda Springfield Tom Hoesing Tyndall Jeremy D Bruna Yankton Al Fuller Alan Harder Beau Bunkers Eric Schmitz Julie M Kafka Justus A Chol Chris Gukeisen Kathy Kainrath Steven Condron Warren L Renter Andrea J Wohlenberg
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.
Statement of Non-Discrimination This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.
Cooperative Connections • October 2015 3
Safety
Tips
Paying Power Theft’s Price It’s often an “invisible” crime. Someone illegally hooks into a power supply, hooks up a line that has been disconnected or tampers with a meter to avoid recording electricity usage. Legitimate electricity consumers do not engage in these behaviors, so the impact of electricity theft – including the danger – is often unrecognized. Power theft carries deadly risks. Many thieves pay for the power they steal with their lives. Electricity theft is not just dangerous for those who steal. If you are on the same power line as someone who steals electricity, you could pay the cost for their theft too. The power line could become overloaded with electric energy, which could harm your electronics and appliances that are designed to receive a certain, steady amount of electricity. Electricity theft makes power service less reliable and lower quality for paying customers. Electricity thieves may also unknowingly feed energy back into the power line. This is dangerous for lineman who may assume that the power line they are working on is de-energized.
Safe Electricity reminds that everyone can help prevent and reduce power theft: • Notify your electric utility immediately if you know of an illegally connected consumer. • Do not cut the seal on your meter base or tamper with your own meter for any reason. • Apply for a legal connection if you do not have one. • Remain aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activities to your electric utility. Most electrical theft crimes occur through meter tampering, bypassing meters and tapping power lines. Other less frequent crimes include tapping into neighboring premises, using illegal lines after being disconnected, self-reconnection without consent and electrifying fences. Possessing fraudulent electricity bills is also a federal crime and is punishable by law. Everyone is affected by power theft and detecting and reporting illegal activity will help reduce the price paid. Source: safeelectricity.org
Current Issues
S.D. Legislators Tour Basin Electric Facilities On July 29, a group of South Dakota legislators learned just what it takes to make the lights come on when they flip the switch. The group was learning about electricity, how it’s made and what types of challenges the industry is facing, specifically with forthcoming Environmental Protection Agency regulations. The 12 senators and representatives started their co-op and energy education July 28 at one of two cooperatives in South Dakota, East River Electric Power Cooperative in Madison or Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative in Rapid City, then traveled to Basin Electric headquarters, where they met and heard from Basin Electric representatives. They had an opportunity to see processes up close as they boarded a bus and drove north toward Basin Electric’s Antelope Valley Station, Dakota Gasification Company’s Great Plains Synfuels Plant and The Coteau Properties Company Freedom Mine. A highlight of the day was at the Freedom Mine. During their tour, the legislators were given the opportunity to see the inside of a dragline. “It’s that educational perspective. This tour brings the pieces of the puzzle together. And, it’s the impression of the scope and magnitude of what we do, how important it is and how environmentally conscious electric co-ops are about the way that we produce power,” said Ed Anderson, South Dakota Rural Electric Association general manager.
Kids’ Corner Safety Poster “Be Safe” Beau Michalek, 4 years old
Beau is the daughter of Anthony Michalek, Okaton, S.D., a member of West Central Electric Cooperative, Murdo, 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 Oct ob er 2015
•
cooperative connections
South Dakota legislators pose for a photo near a drag line bucket at Coteau Properties Company Freedom Mine.
Clarification In the September issue of this publication, the story on drive in theatres should have also included the Winner Drive-in Theatre on Hwy 18 at Winner, S.D. The theatre is open summers. The theatre’s phone number is 605-842-2913.
Reader Recipes
Pasta-A-Plenty Fettuccine Alfredo 1 lb. pasta 8 oz. whipping cream
Turkey Tetrazzini with Cheddar and Parmesan 1/4 cup butter 8 oz. Parmesan cheese
1 (12 oz.) pkg. whole wheat penne pasta 2 T. butter Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain. Combine 1/4 cup flour 3 cups low-fat milk cream and butter in saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat until butter is melted. Add to hot pasta, alternating with 1 cup fat-free low-sodium chicken broth Parmesan cheese, tossing to mix well. Serve hot. Variation: 1/2 cup dry white wine (or additional May add sautéed scallops, shrimp or mushrooms; season with chicken broth) sherry and freshly ground black pepper. Amy Schoenfelder, Cavour
Cheesy Chicken Manicotti 1 (16 oz.) jar Alfredo sauce 1-1/2 cups water 1/2 tsp. garlic salt 1 T. dried parsley 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning 3 large chicken breasts, cut lengthwise into 14 strips
1 (8 oz.) pkg. uncooked manicotti pasta shells (14 count) 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix pasta sauce, water, garlic salt and parsley. In an ungreased 9x13-inch glass baking dish, spread about 1 cup of pasta sauce mixture. In another medium bowl, sprinkle chicken strips with Italian seasoning. Stuff chicken strips into uncooked manicotti shells. Place stuffed manicotti shells on pasta sauce in prepared baking dish. Pour remaining sauce evenly over shells, making sure all shells have been coated with sauce. Cover with foil. Bake at 375°F. for 45 to 55 minutes or until pasta shells are tender. Remove from oven and sprinkle with shredded cheeses. Broil uncovered until cheese is melted and brown, about 4 to 5 minutes (watch carefully so it doesn’t burn). Anita Kochutin, Box Elder
Baked Spaghetti 8 oz. spaghetti, cooked 1 egg, beaten 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped 1/2 cup onion, chopped 1/2 cup celery, chopped 3 T. butter or margarine 1 cup sour cream
2 lbs. ground beef 1 cup tomato juice 1 (24 oz.) can Hunt's spaghetti sauce 1/2 tsp. garlic powder or salt 2 tsp. oregano 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Cook and drain spaghetti. Stir in egg and Parmesan cheese. Put spaghetti mixture in greased 9x13-inch pan. Saute green pepper, onion and celery in butter. Stir in sour cream. Spoon over spaghetti in pan. Brown ground beef. Add tomato juice, spaghetti sauce, garlic powder or salt and oregano. Spoon on top. Cover with foil. Bake at 350°F. for 30 minutes. Remove foil. Top with mozzarella cheese. Return to oven until cheese melts. Let rest 10 to 15 minutes. Jane Ham, Rapid City
1/2 tsp. pepper 2 cups sliced white button mushrooms 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 cups diced cooked turkey breast 1 cup frozen peas 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
Spray a shallow 2- to 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions. In large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in flour. Stirring constantly, cook about 2 minutes. Whisk in milk, chicken broth, wine and pepper; bring mixture to a boil. Stir in mushrooms, reduce heat and cook about 10 minutes, stirring frequently or until mixture thickens and mushrooms are softened. Stir Parmesan cheese, pasta, turkey and peas into milk mixture; spoon into prepared baking dish. Top with Cheddar cheese and cover loosely with foil. Bake at 350°F. for 45 minutes or until bubbling at edges and heated through. Serves 6. Nutrition information per serving: 490 calories; 9g total fat; 5g saturated fat; 90mg cholesterol; 370mg sodium; 57g carbohydrates; 6g dietary fiber; 44g protein Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Macaroni Coleslaw 1 (7 oz.) pkg. ring macaroni 1 (16 oz.) pkg. coleslaw mix 2 stalks celery, chopped fine 1 medium cucumber, chopped fine Dressing: 1-1/2 cups salad dressing 1/4 cup vinegar 1/4 tsp. pepper
1 medium green pepper, chopped fine 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped 2 medium onions, chopped fine 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. salt
Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold water. Put in large bowl. Add coleslaw mix, celery, cucumber, green pepper, water chestnuts and onion. In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Mary Jessen, Holabird
Bowtie Pasta Dish 6 oz. bowtie pasta 1 T. olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms Pepper 4 cups fresh spinach Parmesan cheese
Please send your favorite crock pot, holiday favorites and soup recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in December 2015. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.
Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain. Saute onion, garlic, mushrooms and pepper in olive oil. Add pasta and spinach; cook slightly until wilted. Top with Parmesan cheese. May also add sautéed chicken strips if desired. Lillian Schlechter, Scotland
cooperative connections
• Oc t obe r 2015
5
Co-op
News
Annual Meeting Highlights Three hundred and twenty four registered members showed their cooperative spirit by attending their 71st Annual Meeting on August 18th. Almost 600 people enjoyed the meal of pork loin sandwiches and potato salad. Board President Rick Koupal presided over the meeting. After the determination of a quorum, the meeting was called to order, the invocation was given by Director Paul Voigt and the Pledge of Allegiance was voiced. Allison Carda of Tabor performed a moving rendition of the National Anthem. General Manger M.J. Goehring introduced the Board of Directors and welcomed the members, former directors and employees as well as guests from other cooperatives that were in attendance. Treasurer Darrell Beran gave the Treasurer’s Report. He reviewed the 2014 financial report that was published in the newsmagazine as well as handed out at the registration desk. Attorney Sheila Woodward presided over the director election. The two incumbent directors, Joe Kostal and Matt Stone, did not file petitions as they are moving out of their district in the upcoming year. Newcomers David Sykora and John Lillevold ran unopposed and were seated as new directors by a unanimous voice vote.
In the President's Report, Rick Koupal reviewed the major projects that were completed in the past year. The first project was the conversion to a new software vendor, the National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC). While the conversion was time intensive, it resulted in efficiencies in work flow as well as enhanced online services. The second more obvious project was the completion of the new Operations Center building. The new energy efficient building houses the outside crew office, large trucks and line material. Koupal also reported that the cooperative achieved high marks in the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP). The cooperative is extremely committed to employee and member safety which is acknowledged by the marks given by NRECA and SDREA. General Manager M.J. Goehring called upon East River Electric General Manager Tom Boyko to provide some insight on the new EPA rules regarding coal fired power plans and carbon dioxide emissions. The following service awards were
presented at the annual meeting: Director Darrell Beran, 40 years; Bob Felber, 30 years. Joe Kostal who was unable to attend the meeting was recognized for 18 years of service to the John Lillevold cooperative and Matt Stone was thanked for his three years of service. Willis and Patty Gramkow of Yankton won the grand prize Deluxe Electric Cart Grill. Other prize winners are listed on page 7. David Sykora
M.J. Goehring presents Joe Kostal with a retirement clock after 18 years of service as a director.
Left: Darrell Beran recieves 40 year award from M.J. Goehring. Right: Bob Felber is presented with a clock for 30 years of service. 6 October 2015 • Cooperative Connections
Matt Stone receives thanks for his three years on the board.
Co-op
News
Prize Winners
Gerald and Mary Kuchta check out their new fan. Shirley Woods holds her new crock pot.
For more photos go to: http://www.facebook.com/ BonHommeYanktonElectric Grand prize winners Willis and Patty Gramkow.
Annual Meeting Prize Winners
Willard Gohering holds his new coffee maker.
Francis Serr is the lucky winner of a 170pc tool set.
DONATED BY
ITEM
WON BY
B-Y Electric
Electric Skillet
Dennis Ded
B-Y Electric
Electric Fan
Gerald & Mary Kuchta
B-Y Electric
Electric Work Light
Dean Bardwell
B-Y Electric
Shop Vac
Donald Wynia
B-Y Electric
Black & Decker Mixer
Gerald Gunn
B-Y Electric
Griddle
Doug & Melissa Jelsma
B-Y Electric
66 pc Mechanics Set
Art Cuka
B-Y Electric
Blender
Tabor Manor
B-Y Electric
Weather Radio
Art Kotalik
B-Y Electric
Slow Cooker
Shirley Woods
B-Y Electric
LED Bulbs
Joey Bruna
B-Y Electric
LED Bulbs
David & Denise Vellek
B-Y Electric
$25 Credit on Electric Bill
Al Ulmer Pauline Hauck Robert Hejna Catherine Hunhoff
Echo Electric
Coffee Mug & Stocking Hat
Brian Neumayer
Dakota Supply Group
Crock Pot
John & Joyce Hauck
RESCO
$25 Walmart Gift Cards
Kristi Kocer Irene Kocer
WESCO
170 pc Mechanic Tool Set
Francis Serr
Crescent Electric
Mr. Coffee
Clifford Buseman
Crescent Electric
3 Pack Organizers
ARC Farms
Crescent Electric
Stanley Screwdriver Set
Marilyn Hejna
Crescent Electric
Indoor Floodlights
Ken Kloucek
East River Electric
Waffle Maker
Duane Rothschadl
Cooperative Connections • October 2015 7
Answering the Call Volunteers Vital to Local Fire Departments
A
cross the region when the fire whistle blows
By Brenda Kleinjan
Below: Lake Region Electric Association employee Leonard Diebert serves on the Webster, S.D., fire department. Cover: Cam Wal Electric Cooperative employees Robert Froning, Brent Reilley and Matt Hein all serve on local fire departments.
(or in many areas when the pager or radios start beeping) fire trucks mobilize, bringing much needed help to the scene of an emergency. And, in many communities, those answering the call will be members of their local volunteer fire departments. Throughout South Dakota and western Minnesota, volunteer fire departments make up the majority of the region’s fire fighters. In South Dakota, there were 8,065 certified volunteer firefighters in the state and 430 paid firefighters in 2014. Figures from the South Dakota Fire Marshal office show there are 367 volunteer fire fighting units certified in the state. There are a total of 785 fire departments in Minnesota. There are nearly 21,000 firefighters in Minnesota. Approximately 2,100 are career and the
8 October 2015 • Cooperative Connections
remainder are volunteer/paid on call firefighters. Few – if any – fire departments in the South Dakota are flush with volunteers; there’s room – and need – for more. Beneath the volunteer fire fighter’s helmet, one can find mechanics, farmers, bankers, lawyers, teachers, veterinarians, plumbers and even electric co-op employees. In communities of all sizes, volunteers from all walks of life are needed. “When the pagers go off you get that antsy feeling. There’s definitely an adrenalin rush that kicks in,” said Brent Reilley a journeyman electrician at Cam Wal Electric Cooperative in Selby, S.D., and a member of that community’s volunteer fire department. Reilley is one of three Cam Wal employees who double as volunteer firefighters. Journeyman linemen Matt Hein and Robert Froning are also
volunteer fire fighters, Hein with the Selby VFD and Froning with the nearby Java, S.D., department. All three men chalk up their work with the volunteer departments as just part of being a member of the communities where they live. “It’s a good public service. You have to put some time in, but it’s totally worth it,” said Reilley, one of about 16 fire fighters in Selby. The department is four fire fighters short of being at full strength. In high school and early in his work career, Reilley worked for a city in Minnesota. “All employees of the city were volunteer fire fighters, it’s just what you did,” said Reilley. So, when he moved west, it was a natural step to join the fire department, where he is now the group’s treasurer. For Hein, his dad was a volunteer fire fighter in his hometown of Wessington Springs, S.D. “I figured when I had a chance, I’d do it, too.” The experience has gone beyond fulfilling a sense of duty to one’s community for Hein. “I actually like doing it – I like to help.” “I don’t like to be the guy sitting at home and can’t go on the fire call,” said Hein. Froning is new to the area, having joined the
Java fire department earlier in the summer of 2015. However, as an employee at Grand Electric Cooperative in Bison, S.D., he spent four years on that community’s fire department. “When I moved, I just had to switch,” said Froning. The three noted that a majority of fires their departments see are brush and grass fires. And, in the summer of 2015, many of their calls have been to vehicle accidents. “Wildfire can be as dangerous or more dangerous than a structure fire,” Froning observed. As volunteer fire fighters, the men have monthly department and safety meetings along with annual fire schools to attend. In Webster, S.D., Lake Region Electric Association serviceman/warehouseman Leonard Deibert is the training officer for the Webster Volunteer Fire Department. Deibert noted that like other departments, Webster could use a few more volunteers to reach full strength. Those interested in becoming a volunteer fire fighter should contact their local department. “If you had something on fire you’d want somebody responding to the call. There’s assurance of somebody coming,” said Hein.
South Dakota Fire Service Demographics (2013 statistics) 29 and Under: 19.44% 30-39: 25.34% 40-49: 22.31% 50-59: 23.64% 60-69: 8.37% 70-79: 1.72% 80 and over: 0.18%
National Firefighter Statistics (2011 Data) The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides a variety of national statistics about career, combination, and volunteer fire departments, which makes it possible to identify trends in U.S. fire departments by comparing the data from annual reports. Estimated number of firefighters: 1,100,450 (career: 344,050, volunteer: 756,400) • Seventy-three percent of career firefighters are in communities that protect a population of 25,000 or more. • Ninety-four percent of the volunteers are in departments that protect a population of less than 25,000 and of these departments, about 50 percent are located in small, rural departments that protect a population of less than 2,500. Source: National Fire Protection Association, U.S. Fire Department Profile Through 2011
Home Fire Inspection Checklist Oct. 4-10 is National Fire Prevention Week. Use this Home Fire Inspection Checklist to make your home safer. r Is your local emergency phone number on your telephone? r Can your house number be seen from the street so that emergency vehicles can find you? r Do you have a smoke detector in your home? Do you test it monthly? Helpful hint: Change the batteries when you change your clocks – in the spring and fall. r Do you practice Operation EDITH (Exit Drills In The Home) at home? r Do your parents talk to your babysitters about the family EDITH plan? r Is there a fire extinguisher in your home? Does everyone know where it is and how to use it? r Are matches and lighters kept in a safe place away from children? r Do you know that you should never run if your clothes catch on fire and that you should “STOP – DROP – ROLL”? r Do you have a screen on your fireplace? Is it closed at all times? r Is your yard clear of old tree branches, litter and weeds? r Do you sleep with your bedroom door closed to prevent the spread of fire?
Cooperative Connections • October 2015 9
Co-op
News
Where's My Electric Bill? The office has been fielding quite a few calls regarding the delivery of the electric bills each month. As part of our new software program as well as an effort to curb costs, the electric bills are no longer mailed from the office in Tabor. The first working day of the month, the automatic meter readings are used to calculate the new amount due. The data file is then transferred to the mailroom in St. Louis, MO where they are printed and ready to ship in the next 24-48 hours depending on the time they received the file and our place in the print queue. Irrigation and other special bills are
mailed a couple of days later from Tabor. If you sign up for SmartHub notifications, you can receive a text, mobile notification or email when your bill is ready to view online. Contact our office for questions regarding SmartHub online services. If you have not received your bill by the 15th of the month, please contact our office. We have signed up for ActivTrace tracking service for each bill as it is scanned by the Post Office. Not all bills are scanned at all stops but it can help narrow down the window of what happened during the delivery sequence.
Celebrate Cooperative Month When it comes to “buying local,” cooperative businesses stand out. That’s because cooperatives are locally grown by everyday people who join together to solve a problem or meet a need. Did you know the co-ops in your community are owned and democratically controlled by people just like you? Adaptable and time tested, cooperatives are everywhere and operate in every industry including agriculture, energy, financial services, food retail and distribution, health care, child care, insurance, housing, purchasing and shared services, telecommunications, and more. While many businesses are strictly motivated by profit, cooperatives exist first and foremost to deliver quality goods and services to their members.
Correction
Revenues returned to the co-op’s member-owners in the form of enhanced services or dividend checks. Education is one of the seven principles that guide all cooperatives, so members are encouraged to actively participate in setting policies and making decisions for their co-op. From attending an annual meeting to serving on the co-op’s board of directors, people who belong to cooperatives can have a real stake in their economic destiny. So why sit on the sidelines and be just a consumer when you can take an active role in a co-op? Solve a problem. Participate. Join. Take ownership! October is Co-op Month.
1 0 October 2015 • Cooperative Connections
Dennis Dejong was misidentified in this photo from the Basin Tour in the September 2015 issue of Cooperative Connections. We apologize for the error.
Classifieds
November Issue Deadline: October 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 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 SALE: 2 year old Frigidaire smooth top electric oven. Call 605-660-5688. FOR RENT: Tabor Self Storage. Call 605660-0247 or 605-660-3497. Interested in the history of Tabor’s Beseda Club? Now available a book of photos and clippings featuring the 78 year history of the Club from its origin in 1935 to 2013. Cost of the book is $25.00 plus a $4.00 mailing charge. If interested contact Loretta Kortan at 605-463-2320 or rlkortan@hcinet.net.
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We Repair and Install Windshields
Don Wynia’s Shop
Koranda Well Company LLC Tabor, SD 57063 605 - 463- 2244
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Well drilling, repairing and cleaning Water Systems – Artesian Wells Sales and Installation
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605-660-3204
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300 W 17th Tyndall, SD 57066
Handicap and Accessible Home Modifications
Yankton, Tabor, Tyndall, Menno
Cameron Insurance
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Furnaces, Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Free Estimates
Tabor, SD 57063
Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home
Wellmark Has You Covered, No Matter What Your Stage of Life.
Bohemian Farmers Mutual
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605-463-2786
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Warm Air, Air to Air, Geothermal Heat Pumps WE DO EMERGENCY HOME REPAIRS Cooperative Connections • October 2015 1 1
Scaling EPA’s Power Plan Mountain Increased Electric Costs Expected from Regulation
T
By Ben Dunsmoor
Below: Sen. John Thune held a meeting with utility leaders in Aberdeen in August to discuss the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan. Opposite Page: Sen. John Thune listens to comments from attendees. Photos by Ben Dunsmoor/ Northern Electric Cooperative
he Clean Power Plan which was announced by the Environmental Protection Agency and President Barack Obama at the beginning of August will change the way electric cooperatives deliver power to their members. The big question that is still being analyzed, however, is just how much the new environmental rules will affect cooperatives, rates and the reliability of the electric grid. “The rule that was released is a very, very high mountain for Basin Electric,” said Basin Electric Power Cooperative senior legislative representative Steve Tomac during a meeting with South Dakota Sen. John Thune in August. The plan calls for a dramatic reduction in emissions from coal-fired plants and a shift to renewable energy resources. Power generators will be required to reduce carbon emissions by 32 percent from 2005 levels by the year 2030. Generators are also required to convert 28 percent of their portfolios to renewable sources by 2030 under the new rule.
12 October 2015 • Cooperative Connections
North Dakota-based Basin Electric Power Cooperative – the primary supplier of electricity to South Dakota electric cooperatives – is dissecting the 1,500-page rule to figure out what impact it will have on its facilities and the consumers down the line. “I think it’s going to take us some time to figure out exactly what they (EPA) have done with this thing,” said South Dakota Rural Electric Association General Manager Ed Anderson. Republican South Dakota Sen. John Thune met with Anderson along with Tom Boyko, manager of East River Electric Power Cooperative, and managers from Northern Electric Cooperative, FEM Electric Association, Lake Region Electric Association, Cam Wal Electric Cooperative, Steve Tomac of Basin Electric, investor-owned utility representatives and managers from 3M in the middle of August to discuss the plan and what can be done to modify, delay or stop the regulations that pose major challenges to the power industry.
Energy experts predict the biggest initial impact will be more expensive electricity for consumers. “It’s going to affect rates at the end of the day, but the big question is how much,” Thune said. “We’re looking from a Congressional point of view what the best way is to approach this.” The concern, however, isn’t just about the impact the plan will have on electric rates and the economy, but also the reliability issues that could be on the horizon as electric generators scale back coal-based power production in favor of more wind and solar sources. “It comes down to that base load and reliability. Will the power be there when we need it most?” said Northern Electric General Manager and CEO Char Hager. According to Basin Electric’s 2014 Annual Report, the cooperative generates 55 percent of its electricity using coal-fired power plants. Nearly 17 percent of its electricity comes from wind farms scattered throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa. More than 5 percent of the cooperative’s generation comes from hydro-electric sources and Basin Electric gets about 18 percent of its electricity from plants fired by natural gas. Tomac says it will be difficult to meet the requirements of the Clean Power Plan by the 2030 deadline. “We all know we have to operate in a carbon-constrained world and we’re going to do that,” Tomac said about the effect of the new rule on Basin Electric. “But, I don’t think we can build enough compliance resources in that short of time. I don’t know physically if that’s even in the realm of possibility.”
Efforts To Challenge The Rule There are already efforts to throw roadblocks in the way of the new rule. One of the efforts was launched about a year ago before the Clean Power Plan was even finalized South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley joined with a dozen other states in a lawsuit backed by West Virginia that claims the EPA doesn’t have the authority to impose these regulations on states. “For anybody who flips a light switch or turns a heater on, this is a very big deal,” Jackley said. Jackley anticipates South Dakota joining in future litigation
challenging the rule once the announced Clean Power Plan is officially registered. “We all recognize the importance of protecting our environment and developing energy efficiency, but I am concerned the EPA has exceeded its authority granted by Congress and reduced the decision-making authority of our State,” Jackley said. In Congress, Thune and South Dakota Republican Sen. Mike Rounds are co-sponsors of the Affordable Reliable Energy Now Act (ARENA). The legislation would prevent the EPA from implementing the new regulations until all legal challenges have been settled. “If we can get a stay and buy a year, and get a different administration, maybe we can get a delay from 2030,” said Tomac. ARENA would also prevent the EPA from implementing new technology-based standards until that technology has been tested for one year at various power plants throughout the country. Governors would also have the authority under ARENA to reject the plan if they believe it will have a negative impact on economic development, grid reliability or electric consumers in their states. “The ARENA Act is a common-sense solution that gives states additional time and flexibility to comply with new rules. It also protects taxpayers from bearing the brunt of the rule through higher electric bills,” Rounds said. ARENA has already passed the Environment and Public Works Committee and now heads to the Senate. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a similar piece of legislation in June called the Ratepayer Protection Act of 2015. South Dakota Republican Rep. Kristi Noem supported the bill. Theses efforts to delay, modify or stop the Clean Power Plan would essentially buy power generators more time as they determine a strategy to continue the delivery of affordable and reliable electricity to cooperative members in South Dakota and across the country. “We’re going to have to fight back and we’re going to use everything we can to do that,” Tomac said. Cooperative Connections • October 2015 13
Committed to the 2015 Inductee Keith Hainy
Meet the Inductees Four new members were inducted into the South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame on Sept. 16 during a ceremony held in Deadwood, S.D. Together, these four men have dedicated more than 150 years of service to cooperatives of various types in South Dakota. The South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame now consists of these four individuals – and 63 others – whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the cooperative form of business in the state.
Keith Hainy built a career grounded in agronomy and crop science and dedicated to grain cooperatives in northeastern South Dakota. After spending his first 20 years at South Dakota Wheat Growers in Aberdeen, ultimately serving as director of operations, he began the second phase of his co-op Keith Hainy career as general manager of North Central Farmers Elevator in Ipswich, S.D., in 1997. During his tenure at North Central, he negotiated nine mergers, formed four limited liability corporations and started five new businesses in five locations. When he retired in 2012, NCFE had 250 employees and sales of $540 million. Sales and volumes for the co-op had increased 700 percent under Hainy’s watch. In his nomination, it was written, “Keith’s passion for the cooperative system led him to be an integral force in the establishment of Dakotaland Feeds LLC in Huron, S.D., in 2000. The feed processing plant is owned by three partners – all cooperatives – including NCFE, SDWG and Land O’Lakes. “When the need for community housing became an issue in Ipswich, S.D., the headquarter city of NCFE, Hainy again worked with other cooperatives to find a solution. NCFE joined with Valley Telephone Company and FEM Electric to form Dakota Rural Development LLC which in turn purchased land and created a housing development for the construction of new homes. He and his wife, Kristi, live at Aberdeen, S.D.
– From the South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame Nomination Form
14 October 2015 • Cooperative Connections
Roy Ireland served electric cooperatives on the local, state and regional level for 27 years. Ireland was first elected to the local Lacreek Electric Association board in 1988. In 1992, he was selected to represent LEA on the board of cooperative’s transmisRoy Ireland sion cooperative, Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative in Rapid City, S.D. In 1996, he was selected as REPC’s board member to its regional generation and transmission cooperative, Basin Electric Power Cooperative in Bismarck, N.D. That same year, he also began representing BEPC on the Pierre, S.D.based South Dakota Rural Electric Association’s board of directors. During his tenure on the LEA board, the coop’s membership grew from 4,814 members to 6,576 members and the cooperative’s miles of line increased from 2,842 miles to 3,149 miles. The kilowatt hours sold by the cooperative in that time frame more than doubled while total revenues increased from $4.4 million to $12.9 million. During his time as a board member, Ireland has served as president and vice president for LEA, REPC and most recently BEPC, serving as president from 2011 to 2013. “His keen knowledge and experience with engineering and agriculture gave him a credible and strong voice during his service,” noted BEPC CEO Paul Sukut in a letter supporting Ireland’s nomination. Ireland and his wife, Barb, live at Martin, S.D.
1988 1991 1994 J. Evan Rasmussen Clifford G. Bell (1904-2000) Philip Testerman (1905-1990) Warren Moe (1925-2011) Max Farrar (1897-1980) John Skage (1904-1989) 1992 1986 1995 1989 Ken Holum (1915-1998) Albert Schramm Quentin E. Louden Darrell Moseson John A. Cink (1911-2002) (1916-2000) Oscar C. Johnson Warren G. Grebner Herman D. Holt (1880-1965) 1993 (1909-1986) 1990 Clement J. Kloucek 1996 J.E. Krull Sr. (1909-1999) (1925-2005) 1987 Vernon L. Berg (1920-1998) Lawrence Stoley S. Douglas Murphy John Riedy (1911-2001) Leo P. Flynn (1908-2001) (1901-1987) (1904-1996) August Dahme (1901-1980) 1985 Arthur Jones (1905-1985) Emil Loriks (1895-1985)
The South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame provides recognition for a person contributing in especially significant ways to the enhancement of the cooperative idea, its broader acceptance or to the substantial advancement of cooperative enterprise in any of its various forms.
2015 Inductee Roy Ireland
Cooperative Spirit 2015 Inductee Rod Renner
2015 Inductee Carlyle Richards
Under Rodney Renner’s leadership as board chairman, Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative in Wall, S.D., became one of the nation’s largest telecommunications cooperatives. The co-op serves nearly one-third of the state’s land mass and has nearly 31,000 cooperative Rodney Renner members. Renner was first elected to the board in December 1972 and has served continuously since. He has twice served as the organization’s chairman, a position he still holds. “In addition to his contributions to Golden West and its members, Rod has also had an impact on rural telecommunications service at the state and national level... Rod has willingly given his time and talent through the South Dakota Telecommunications Association and through his work with the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association. Year after year, Rod travels to many areas, including Washington, D.C., to meet with legislators and other policy makers. He advocates for regulatory initiatives aimed at ensuring the technology needs of rural communities are met in order to grow and prosper,” wrote Golden West General Manager/CEO Denny Law in Renner’s nomination. Additionally, Renner has been a speaker and presenter at NTCA conferences to share his knowledge and expertise as a rural telecommunications cooperative director. Renner lives at Wall, S.D.
Carlyle Richards, an Aberdeen attorney, has a legal career that spans 54 years, most of which left him wellversed in cooperative law in South Dakota. During his legal career, Richards has been the legal counsel to South Dakota Wheat Growers Association and many other cooperatives, Carlyle Richards including North Central Farmers Elevator and Full Circle Ag. His work has made him the “leading cooperative legal expert” in South Dakota. In nominating Richards, the South Dakota Wheat Growers Association wrote, “Richards embodies the spirit, foundation and purpose of a member-owned cooperative. He has lived his life and focused his law practice on providing counsel to meet the needs of his cooperative clients and their member-owners. “There is no attorney that has been more valuable to South Dakota’s cooperatives than Mr. Richards,” the SDWG continued. “Carlyle’s understanding and support for the cooperative and the principles by which we operate is no secret to the South Dakota Association of Cooperatives and the many co-ops that he has served,” wrote SDAC Executive Director Brenda Forman in her letter supporting Richards’ nomination. “Carlyle is a true believer in the cooperative structure and the benefits provided to their members and communities,” Forman wrote. Richards and his wife, Rev. Sheila Richards, live at Aberdeen.
1997 Ben Radcliffe G.L. Moseson (1894-1973)
2000 Keith Taylor (1923-2002) Joseph Hieb
2003 Brian Meyer (1943-2003) Don Paulsen
2006 Dennis Hagny Robert Rademacher
2009 Delbert Bushong Owen Jones
1998 J.D. Lynd (1933-2013) George A. Hargens, Jr. (1921-1999)
2001 Robert A. Johnson Donald N. Olson (1928-2006)
2004 Ed Fritzsche (1923-2005) Dean Rasmussen
2007 Leroy Schecher Ralph Schreurs Merlin VanWalleghen
2010 Jake Boomsma Milo Gilbertson Barry Jensen
1999 Raymond M. Judy (1919-1997) Virgil Fodness
2002 Vincent Erz Donald Wynia
2008 Charles Olsen Donald Fieber
2011 Jeffrey L. Nelson Wayne Wright
2005 Robert Ching (1924-2012) Darrell Henderson Alex Stoeser (1925-2000)
Do you know a co-op member, board member or manager who has distinguished himself or herself in one or more of the following? ■ Plays or played a key role in organizing a local or regional cooperative; ■ Provides or provided extensive and effective service on one or more cooperative boards; ■ Provides or provided outstanding work in the area of cooperative management; and/or ■ Provides or provided outstanding leadership through government or other public service on behalf of cooperatives and their members. If you answer yes to any of these questions, please nominate that person for the 2016 Co-op Hall of Fame recognition. Nominations are typically due by June 1 each year. Find out more at www. sdac.coop. 2012 Luverne Crosser Gary French Ron Minnaert Larry Wilson 2013 Thomas Hueners John D. Johnson Loren Noess 2014 Gene Kroell John Van Beek Harvey Wollman
Cooperative Connections • October 2015 15
Regional Dateline
September 18-19 Deadwood Jam, Main Street Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 September 18-20 North Country Fiber Fair Watertown, SD, 605-956-7909 September 19 Harvest Moon Festival, Volga, SD 605-690-1501
Events of Special Note September 26 Family Health and Safety Festival, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. First Presbyterian Church Sioux Falls, SD, 605-371-1000
PHOTO COURTESY OF HEALTH CONNECT OF SOUTH DAKOTA
September 17-18 St. Joseph’s Indian School 39th Annual Powwow Chamberlain, SD 605-234-3452
October 3 Fall Fair, Community Center 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m Springfield, SD, Contact Carol 605-369-2581, 605-464-9592
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.
September 19-20 NESD Celtic Faire and Games Aberdeen, SD, 605-380-5828
September 26 Living History Fall Festival Groton, SD
October 3 DSU Trojan Days Madison, SD, 605-256-5146
September 23 Shania Twain, Sioux Falls, SD 605-367-7288
September 26 South Dakota Women’s Expo South Dakota State Fairgrounds Huron, SD, 605-353-7340
October 3 FestiFall/CandleLight Walk Canton, SD, 605-987-2263
September 23-26 NSU Gypsy Days Aberdeen, SD, 605-626-3011 September 24-26 Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival Custer, SD, 605-255-4515 September 25 Annual Buffalo Roundup Custer State Park, Custer, SD 605-255-4515 September 25 Buffalo Wallow Chili Cook-off Custer, SD, 605-673-2244 September 25 Badger Clark Cowboy Music & Poetry Gathering Hot Springs, SD, 605-745-4140
September 26 Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival, Rapid City, SD 605-716-7979 September 26-27 Pioneer Power Show Menno, SD, 605-387-5770 September 29 REO Speedwagon Deadwood, SD, 605-559-1188 September 30-October 4 South Dakota Film Festival Aberdeen, SD, 605-725-2697 October 2 Elton John and His Band Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288
October 3-4 Quilt Festival, Watertown, SD 605-753-0229 October 4 The Beach Boys, Deadwood, SD 605-559-1188 October 8-10 Wild West Songwriters Festival Deadwood, SD, 605-559-1187
October 23-25 Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair, Sioux Falls, SD 402-331-2889 October 30-31 Haunted Heartland Country Corn Maze, Harrisburg, SD 605-743-5984 November 6-7 Northern State University Culturefest & Wacipi Aberdeen, SD, 605-626-3011 November 7-8 17th Annual Gun Show Redfield, SD, 605-472-4550
October 17-January 3, 2016 2015 Pheasant Hunting Season Opens Statewide, Pierre, SD 605-223-7660
November 14 Merchants & Crafters 18th Annual Holiday Open House Extravaganza, Sisseton, SD 605-698-7425
October 18 Buffalo Ridge Chorale, 4 p.m. St. John Cantius Church Wilno, MN, 605-479-3438
November 21 Buffalo Auction, Buffalo Corrals on Wildlife Loop Road Custer, SD, 605-255-4515