DECEMBER 2015
VOL. 16 NO. 8
Co-op
news
Generator Hookup Tips Hooking some of your home’s electrical circuits to an emergency generator means you can have lights and heat even during a power outage. But heed these safety tips if you decide to install a generator: ♦Install your generator outdoors under a protective weather shield, like a vented shed. Most of the units use the same kind of gasoline as a lawn mower, a fuel that emits deadly carbon monoxide fumes. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and can kill you in a matter of minutes if it seeps into your living space. ♦Store gasoline safely. Many generators are equipped with five-gallon tanks. But because power outages are generally few and far between, it is likely that the gas in your machine’s tank will go bad between uses. Keep a gallon of fresh gas in your generator’s tank and another gallon or two in a metal gas can-away from your house. Replace both every two to three months or add a fuel stabilizer. ♦Hire a licensed electrician to install the generator and a transfer switch-also called a double-throw. Improper installation can send electricity from your generator onto utility power lines, energizing wires that lineworkers believe to be out of service. If a lineworker is handling the line when it becomes energized, he or she could be killed and you could be held liable. ♦Buy a generator with enough capacity to run the appliances you will need while the power is out. If you plan to operate expensive equipment like a computer, double-check with your dealer to make sure the generator can safely power sensitive electronics. ♦Do business with a reputable company that offers a warranty. By following these tips, you will be prepared for an emergency and may save someone’s life. 2 December 2015 • Cooperative ConneCtions
THE VALUE OF
Electricity
Electricity is expressed on a daily basis using EIA 2013 Average U.S. Monthly Residential Bill of $111
$4.79 average cost of
a Big Mac® meal
$3.70 average daily cost of electricity Big Mac® is a registered trademark of McDonald’s Corporation. McDonald’s Corporation does not endorse or sponsor this material. Source: Economist.com, 2015
Board
Report
Collections Policy Revised (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.
The board approved the recommended changes to Policy 60-05 Past Due Accounts and Termination of Electric Service. Phone calls made to members with a past due account towards the end of the month will be eliminated as well as delivering a note to the premise if contact is not made. The new procedure will be to simply send out the regular late notices on the 20th of each month and then if the account is still past due by the disconnect date, one final attempt to make contact will be performed prior to interruption of electric service. The disconnect date which is at least 30 days after the statement is generated and will be printed on the late notice. This change in procedure lowers expenses and will provide more productive employee time. It will be the member's responsibility to contact the office to make any arrangements for payment past the disconnect date.
Welcome New Members Mission Hill Clint Ackerman Tabor Rick & Barbara Buxcel Timothy J & Kari Smith Michael A Crossman Utica Scott Swanson Willie Russaw Yankton Brian & Teresa Geary Ashley Dickes Dawn Williams Robert & Lesa Palsma Leeann Johnson Robert Hegdahl & Betty Maruska Crystal Mchenry Brunsing H.A.H. LLC William E Walton Jr
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 • December 2015 3
Current
issues
Safety
Tips
Thanks Extended to Space Heater Safety Cooperative Advocates In the past year, thousands of cooperative members in Minnesota and South Dakota joined other cooperative members across the country in telling the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about concerns over the EPA’s proposed “Clean Power Plan.” More than 1 million messages were sent in through Action.coop and TellEPA.com because EPA’s actions jeopardize rural America’s supply of safe, affordable and reliable electricity. EPA addressed a few concerns in its final rule. But the rule still has serious flaws. It is outside of EPA’s authority. It will force electric co-ops to close power plants that consumers should be able to rely on for decades to come. Most importantly, without these plants, many co-op members will face higher energy bills. Even though the rule is final, electric cooperatives aren’t giving up. Instead, cooperatives are filing suit, asking a federal court to turn back this harmful rule. For more information about this and how to stay involved, visit www.action.coop.
Kids’ Corner Safety Poster “Turn off all lights before leaving the house.”
Kaityn Waring, 11 years old
Kaityn was 11 years old when she submitted this safety poster. She is the daughter 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 D ecember 2015 2
• cooperaTive cooperative connecTions connections
Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States. More than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment each year. These fire result in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and millions of dollars in property damage. Portable electric space heaters can be a convenient source of supplemental heat for your home in cold weather. Unfortunately, they can pose significant fire and electric shock hazards if not used properly. Fire and electrical hazards can be caused by space heaters without adequate safety features, space heaters placed near combustibles, or space heaters that are improperly plugged in. Safety should always be a top consideration when using space heaters. Here are some tips for keeping your home safe and warm when it’s cold outside: • Make sure your space heater has the label showing that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory. • Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully. • Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater. • Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep and don’t let pets or children play too close to a space heater. • Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes. • Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month. • Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs. • Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard. • Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater. • Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire. • Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.
Reader
recipes
Holiday Favorites no Bake Fruit cake 1 pkg. small marshmallows 4 T. orange juice 4 dozen graham crackers, about 3/4 lb. 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
Peanut Butter and Grape Trifle 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/8 tsp. cloves 3/4 cup broken walnuts 1 cup light seedless raisins 1 cup candied fruit
Butter pan or jelly roll mold lightly. Mix orange juice and marshmallows in bowl; let stand until needed. Roll graham crackers into fine crumbs. Combine crumbs, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, walnuts, raisins and candied fruit. Add orange juice/marshmallow mixture. Press firmly into pan or mold. Chill 2 days. Keep in cool place. Need not keep in refrigerator. Rose Tucker, Hot Springs
No Bake Oreo Truffles 1 pkg. Doubled Stuffed Oreos 4 to 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
Almond bark, either chocolate or vanilla
Chop Oreos up finely in food processor or crush cookies in a plastic resealable bag with a rolling pin. Save some of the crushed Oreos for garnish. Using a spoon (or hands), mash softened cream cheese and crushed Oreos until well combined. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on parchment- or wax paper-covered cookie sheet. Place in freezer for 15 minutes. While balls are in the freezer, melt almond bark according to directions. Take Oreos out of the freezer and dip into almond bark. Place on parchment paper or wax paper. Garnish with reserved Oreo crumbs. Let almond bark set and refrigerate. Emily Luikens, Tea
choco-Mallow pizza 1 (12 oz.) pkg. real chocolate chips 1 lb. white almond bark, divided 2 cups miniature marshmallows 1 cup Rice Krispies 1 cup peanuts
1 tsp. vegetable oil 1 (6 oz.) jar red maraschino cherries, drained and halved 3 T. green maraschino cherries, drained and quartered 1/3 cup coconut
Melt chocolate chips and 14 oz. almond bark in large saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Stir in marshmallows, cereal and peanuts. Pour on greased 12-inch pizza pan. Top with cherries, sprinkle with coconut. Melt remaining 2 oz. almond bark with oil over low heat, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over coconut. Refrigerate until firm. Store at room temperature. Can also be made in the microwave. Mary Jessen, Holabird
1 (16 oz.) container nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt 3 cups red seedless California grapes, 8 T. creamy peanut butter plus more for garnish 2 T. honey 3 cups green seedless California grapes, 1 (8 oz.) container lite whipped topping, plus more for garnish divided 1/4 cup honey-roasted peanuts, chopped 1 (16 oz.) store-bought pound cake, sliced into (optional garnish) 1-inch cubes In medium bowl, stir together yogurt, peanut butter and honey until well combined. Gently fold in half of whipped topping. Set aside. In clear glass trifle dish or bowl, layer half each of pound cake cubes, peanut butter mixture, red grapes and green grapes. Repeat layers a second time and top with remaining whipped topping. Garnish with additional grapes (sliced in half ) if desired and chopped peanuts, if desired. Makes 14 servings. Nutrition information per serving (with peanuts): 313 calories; 15 g fat (5 g saturated fat); 42% calories from fat; 8 g protein; 38 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 73 mg cholesterol; 197 mg sodium; 206 mg potassium. Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Date pinwheels 1 cup butter or margarine 1-1/2 cups white sugar, divided 1 cup brown sugar 3 eggs 4 cups flour
1 tsp. soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 lb. dates, pitted 1/2 cup water 1 cup nuts
Cream together butter, 1 cup sugar and brown sugar. Add sugar mixture to eggs and beat. Add flour, soda and salt. Roll out to 1/2-inch thick. For filling, boil together dates, 1/2 cup sugar, water and nuts. Cool. Spread filling onto dough. Roll up and refrigerate before slicing. Bake at 350°F. for 10 to 12 minutes or until set. Linda Rauscher, Aberdeen
Hot Fudge sauce 1/2 cup cream 1/4 cup brown sugar 4 tsp. butter 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt 2.5 oz. bittersweet chocolate, cut into pieces
Please send your favorite soup and bread/breakfast 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 2016. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine cream and brown sugar, bringing to a simmer while whisking occasionally. Add butter and whisk until melted; remove from heat. Add chocolate, stirring until melted. Add vanilla and salt. Cool slightly and serve warm over your favorite ice cream. To store, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Lynn Holzerland, Waubay
De ce m b e r 2015 3 cooperaTiveconnections connecTions••De ce m b e r 2015 5 cooperative
Energy Cents
Ideas
Upgrading Your Heat System? Dear Jim: My heating and cooling system is 20 years old and it’s time to replace it. I am trying to decide which type of system is best. What do you recommend? – Russ H. Dear Russ: When changing the entire system, you have the option of many fuel types for heating. Electricity is the only cooling fuel option for an air conditioner or heat pump. Operating cost and comfort are the primary factors in selecting a new system. Efficiency and relative cost of the various fuels determine the operating cost. Fuel prices can fluctuate dramatically over time as we have seen recently with fuel oil and propane. A geothermal heat pump is the most efficient year-round system because it heats and cools using stored heat from the ground. I installed one in my own home last spring. Select a two-speed or variable-speed model for the best comfort. It continuously matches heating and cooling output to the house needs. The initial cost of a geothermal system is substantially more than other complete systems, but the utility bill savings easily pays back its higher cost. There still is a 30-percent federal tax credit for geothermal heat pumps installed before 2017. Install a heat pump instead of just a central air conditioner even if you plan to have a fossil fuel furnace (called a hybrid system). The installed cost of the system with a heat pump is not significantly more expensive and your annual utility bills will be lower. The advantage of a heat pump is it heats very efficiently during mild spring and fall weather. During these times, it runs instead of the furnace burners to heat the house. When it gets much colder, the furnace takes over. A heat pump cools as efficiently as a central air conditioner during summer.
Jim Dulley www.dulley.com
If natural gas is available in your area, a condensing furnace generally is the most cost effective choice. With the glut of domestic natural gas from fracking, there should be an adequate supply at reasonable prices for the foreseeable future. Efficiencies are as high as 97 percent. Since natural gas is not available in many rural areas, a propane or oil furnace provides equally comfortable heating. A propane furnace is almost identical to a gas one, but propane is typically more expensive to use and can be in short supply as it was several winters ago. Oil is readily available, but oil furnace efficiency is not as high and they require more extensive maintenance. Also consider alternative fuels such as firewood, corn, pellets, etc. for supplemental heating. Newer models are convenient to use and the fuel is renewable. For example, new dual-fuel wood furnaces automatically switch to gas or propane when the wood burns out over night. To compare operating costs, use the following heat contents and your local fuel costs: natural gas – 1,025 Btu/cubic foot, oil – 138,700 Btu/gallon, propane – 91,000 Btu/gallon, electricity– 3,414 Btu/kilowatt-hour, firewood – 22,000,000 Btu/ cord, and corn – 448,000 Btu/bushel. Divide your local cost per Btu by the various system efficiencies to compare operating costs.
Have a question for Jim? Send inquiries to: James Dulley, Cooperative Connections, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com. 6 December 2015 • Cooperative Connections
News
Briefs
Assistance Available During Open Enrollment For families who need affordable health insurance coverage, now is the time to check out the options on the health insurance exchange in their state. Open Enrollment for health insurance begins on Nov. 1, 2015, and ends Jan. 31, 2016. Insurance exchanges were created through the Affordable Care Act to provide families with quality healthcare at an affordable cost. About 17.6 million uninsured people have gained health coverage as the law’s coverage provisions have taken effect. For many people, financial assistance in the form of tax credit subsidies and cost reductions is available to significantly lower health insurance premiums and other out-of-pocket expenses. The subsidy is paid directly to the insurance company on the consumer’s behalf, resulting in lower monthly premium costs and additional savings on deductibles and co-pays. Tax credit subsidies are based on a household’s modified adjusted gross income and are available to those earning between 100 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level ($24,500 to $97,000 for a family of four). Final premiums are based upon income, age, location and tobacco usage. Subsidies and cost savings are only available to those who enroll in a plan through the federally facilitated Health Insurance Marketplace (in South Dakota) or the State-based MNsure for those living in Minnesota. There are a variety of private plans from which to choose and each one provides at least 10 essential health benefits as required by the Affordable Care Act. Those who enrolled in a plan in 2015 should actively re-enroll during this period to update information and review the plan options which might have changed for the coming year. The process of getting coverage may be a bit confusing, so Navigators, Certified Application Counselors and agents in
each state are available at no cost. The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that nearly three in five of the uninsured are either confused about how the tax credits work or don’t know that they are available. Navigators and Application Counselors are trained staff from trusted community organizations who provide free face-to-face application and enrollment assistance. After Open Enrollment ends on Jan. 31, 2016, health insurance can only be obtained if a consumer has a qualifying life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period. These life Before youbirth climb of that ladderloss to string outdoor release events include marriage, child, of coverage, lights, check for overhead power lines from prison or a move to another state. Membersnearby. of federally Make sure tree limbs are not growing among recognized Indian tribes can enroll in a Marketplace plan at power lines, since they can also become energized. any time duringRemember the year. Atoqualifying consumer can from apply for keep at least 10 feet away Medicaid at anyoverhead time during year. linesthe at all times. For 2016, the penalties for non-coverage will be $695 per Have safe and happy individual or 2.5 percent of thea household’s income, whichever is greater. The penalty will be assessed when filing federal holiday season! income tax for 2016. Some exemptions are available to individuals in special circumstances. Local assisters can help with completing exemptions and appeals. Consumers who have questions about obtaining health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace or MNsure can find certified assisters in the following ways: • South Dakota Community Action Partnership Navigator Locator Line 1-855-371-4987 • Health Insurance Marketplace Call Center 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855889-4325). • www.healthcare.gov (enter: Find Local Help) • https://www.mnsure.org/ (click on Get Help)
LOOK UP & LIVE!
Dates to Remember Nov. 1, 2015 – Open Enrollment Begins. Consumers can purchase health insurance from the Health Insurance Exchanges or through an agent. Tax Credit Subsidies are only available to those who purchase a plan through the Health Insurance Exchanges. Dec. 15, 2015 – This is the last day to enroll in a plan if coverage is needed starting on Jan. 1, 2016. Jan. 31, 2016 – Final day of Open Enrollment for healthcare plans. After Jan. 31, 2016, health insurance can only be obtained if a consumer has a qualifying life event that will trigger a Special Enrollment Period.
LOOK UP & LIVE! Before you climb that ladder to string outdoor lights, check for overhead power lines nearby. Make sure tree limbs are not growing among power lines, since they can also become energized. Remember to keep at least 10 feet away from overhead lines at all times.
Have a safe and happy holiday season! Cooperative Connections • December 2015 7
Nora Store Holiday Harmonies Ring on Iowa Border
E By Mike Kjose
ach December, Christmas carols flow out of a carefully restored pipe organ at the Nora Store in rural Union County in southeastern South Dakota. For the past 25 years, Michael (Mike) Pedersen has opened the doors to his Nora Store to anyone that wanted to experience what Christmas really represents. It all began when Pedersen was given an old and disassembled pipe organ many years ago. “When I got it back to the store and had all the pieces laid out on the floor, I thought ‘now what do I do with it?’” Pedersen recalled.
8 December 2015 • Cooperative Connections
So Pedersen called some friends that he knew in the organ business and were also really good at putting things together. “They came over, looked at it and said looks like it’s all here, we should be able to put it together and it ought to work,” Pedersen continued. In the fall of 1989, the group started working on the organ as a long winter project and as time went by, things started looking real promising. Then, one evening while they were working, Pedersen got an idea and told those helping him, “We need to hurry this along!”
With surprise, the others said, “What’s the hurry?” Michael responded with, “I want to share this with the community and sing Christmas carols this Christmas.” That December, 26 years ago, was the first time Pedersen shared his antique organ and the first song played was “Jesus Loves Me.” As he gazes upon the pipe organ, Pedersen says he has no idea why he was blessed with this beautiful instrument or the ability to play it. But, what he does know is that he wants to “share those blessings with everyone that is willing to sing and celebrate Christmas.” When you come in the door, you are made to feel very welcome. “Come in, Come in, Come in,” Pedersen will greet visitors, adding “There’s no one to impress here, just pick up one of the music books and sing along.” He continues to instruct visitors, “If you don’t know the person you’re sitting with, you will before the night is over!” Pedersen rang in the 25th anniversary in 2014 by opening with that first song that started it all off: ‘Jesus Loves Me’. He also loves a little crowd participation and had different bells and horns on several chairs. The people gathered join in ringing sleigh bells to accompany songs such as “Jingle Bells,” one can almost envision the one-horse open sleigh pulling up to the front of the store. The crowds overflow the store’s main room, leaving many to stand on the building’s front porch or the roofed overhang that is large enough to park two vehicles (or vintage sleighs). Youngsters take delight in getting to sit close to Pedersen, with their eyes all wide-open, lit up and sparkling as they watch him play. A large potbelly stove adds warmth to the festive gathering and the walls and ledges of the store are adorned with holiday treasures, keepsakes and Christmas decorations. The experience combines to create a feeling of what rural holiday gatherings must have been like years ago when families, neighbors and friends would gather together during this season to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, to support each other though their communities and in their homes. Each year, this little community of five grows by 50 or 60 – and maybe more – for a couple weekends in December, to celebrate and sing praise to the true spirit and story behind Christmas.
Top: In 2014, guest musician Shawn Cable brought his accordion to accompany Mike Pedersen on the pipe organ. Center photo: A local violinist also provided accompaniment at a 2014 session. Below: The store’s front room fills to capacity quickly. Opposite Page: Young and old gather for old-time Christmas fun at the Nora Store. Cover Photo: The Nora Store sits at the corner of two paved roads at the intersection of 307th Street and 475th Avenue in Union County, South Dakota, not far from the Iowa border.
Nora Store Holiday Gatherings Nov. 27-29, Dec. 4-6, 11-13, Starting at 6:30 p.m. Also there is an afternoon event from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Sundays (Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13) Cooperative Connections • December 2015 9
Co-op
News
High School Rodeo Finalists Bon Homme Yankton Electric congratulates Cheylee Nagel and Rachel Blaha on their strong finishes at the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association’s finals this summer. Cheylee is the daughter of Blane and Cindy Nagel of rural Springfield and Rachel is the daughter of Anthony and Kathryn Blaha of rural Avon. Cheylee competed in barrel racing, breakaway roping, goat tying, pole bending (13th place) and team roping. Rachel showed her skills in reined cow horse (9th place) and girl's cutting. In recognition of their accomplishments, we are pleased to present them with a Touchstone Energy® shirt. Bon Homme Yankton Electric and South Dakota’s Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives are proud supporters of South Dakota High School Rodeo and we are proud of Cheylee and Rachel. Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives nationwide are committed to the core values of innovation, integrity, accountability and commitment to community. Student athletes such as Cheylee and Rachel embody our state’s future and many of these values. The dedication they've demonstrated to excelling in their sport has a very close tie to the commitment Bon Homme Yankton Electric has to our members. Rachel Blaha wrote, "Thank you Bon Homme Yankton Electric for sponsoring our short-go shirts. It is pretty cool that
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
Remember to close your fireplace damper (unless a fire is burning). Keeping the damper open is like leaving a window wide open during the winter, allowing warm air to escape through the chimney. Source: energy.gov
Member Service Advisor Bob Felber presents Touchstone Energy® shirts to Cheylee Nagel (left) and Rachel Blaha (right).
you do that for the Rodeo Association. Thanks so much for your support."
Classifieds January Issue Deadline: December 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-inPlace 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.r FOR RENT: Tabor Self Storage. Call 605-660-0247 or 605-6603497.r
HOLIDAY CLOSING The Bon Homme Yankton Electric Office will be
CLOSED for Thanksgiving, Thursday and Friday, November 26 & 27 Outage crews will remain on call 24/7 1 0 December 2015 • Cooperative Connections
Haase Heating & Cooling
Dan Haase
Heating, Cooling, Heat Pumps We sell the best and service the rest
GT Repair & Autobody Glenn Tycz Tyndall, SD 57066
605-589-3018
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We Repair and Install Windshields
Don Wynia’s Shop
Well drilling, repairing and cleaning Water Systems – Artesian Wells Sales and Installation
Call Don, 2 miles south of Tyndall
41566 306th St Tyndall, SD 57066
Earth-Coupled Heat Pump
Emergency Service Free Estimates
605-661-1960 Custom Matting & Framing Original Art/Gifts/Cards Handmade Glass Beads & Jewelry
1610 Main St
Tyndall, SD
605-589-4050
Open Wednesday through Saturday
Construction And Painting New Construction Remodel - Roofing Flooring
Jason Finck
Tabor, SD 57063
605-660-3204 Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home
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605-665-9679
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605-589-4176
An Authorized Independent Agent For
If only the future was predictable. Farming is always a gamble. You never know when bad weather or other problems will strike. The only thing you can be sure of—you need quality insurance protection. Call our office today for a competitive quote.
Koranda Well Company LLC Tabor, SD 57063 605 - 463- 2244
Jonsered Mowers - Raven Electric Mowers - Kohler - Briggs & Stratton Small Engine Repair & Major Welding & Pick Up Service
Art & Antique Gallery
Bohemian Farmers Mutual
R. Martin Koch, Secretary PO Box 206 Tabor, SD 57063 605-463-2558 1-800-868-1756
Sanders Heating & Cooling 300 W 17th Tyndall, SD 57066
605- 589-3228 1- 800-894-3228
Furnaces, Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Free Estimates Handicap and Accessible Home Modifications • Ramps • Grab Bars • Stair Lifts • Walk-in Showers www.4lifehomes.net • Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels
605-463-2786
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INSURANCE CLAIM SPECIALIST GENERAL CONTRACTOR • Roofing • Gutters • Siding • Painting • Windows • Doors
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HEATING & COOLING 920 Broadway Yankton, SD 57078
60 5 -6 6 5 -9 4 6 1
800-491-9461
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Warm Air, Air to Air, Geothermal Heat Pumps WE DO EMERGENCY HOME REPAIRS Cooperative Connections • December 2015 1 1
12 December 2015 • Cooperative Connections
Cooperative Connections • December 2015 13
Before the Storm L
ong before the winter winds howl and ice
By Brenda Kleinjan
and sleet accumulate, electric cooperatives are preparing and doing what they can to make sure they are ready to respond in case Mother Nature decides to knock out your power. For cooperatives, it’s a multi-layer preparation, from ensuring employees are available when bad weather is predicted to testing poles to ensure that they are in good condition to addressing potential problem areas caused by trees and other vegetation growing too closely to lines.
Timing is Everything Cooperatives staff key personnel to make sure
14 December 2015 • Cooperative Connections
that they are available nights and weekends to quickly respond to outages and problems. At times when particularly bad weather is predicted, additional crews will be asked to stay in the area for quick response. And, as many a spouse of a line worker will attest, if a storm rolls in, family vacations and visits are often shortened so that all hands are on deck to restore power quickly. And when damage is widespread, cooperatives rely on mutual aid agreements they have with neighboring cooperatives, other cooperatives in the state and even those in surrounding states. And, when storm damage is massive, crews will travel from several states away to assist with repairs.
Look Out for That Tree Trees may seem harmless on a calm, sunny day. But add a bit of wind or ice on a stormy night and those towering pillars may threaten your home’s electric supply. Every storm, a good portion of line damage is caused by wire breaks from trees and tree branches falling into the lines. Electricity interruptions can occur when branches break and fall across power lines, or when trees tumble onto power lines. When strong winds blow, limbs growing too close to power lines may sway and touch wires. These momentary power disruptions (commonly called “blinks” or ‘blips”) aren’t just mild annoyances – they can damage computers and other sensitive electronic equipment and leave digital clocks flashing. And then there’s arcing – when electricity uses a nearby tree as a path to the ground. That action poses hazards to anyone in the vicinity and could spark a fire. Most cooperatives employ a proactive tree-trimming program to cut back branches that may cause problems with the lines. The Strong Silent Type Wood poles battle a wide array of adversaries: acidic soil in the Midwest, heavy moisture in the South, and woodpeckers in the MidAtlantic. Utilities generally inspect poles on a 10- to 12year cycle to identify potential problems. Poles age differently depending on region, so RUS divided the nation into five decay zones. Poles in Zone 1 – Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and portions of Alaska, Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas – face the lowest risk of decay, while Zone 5 poles in Louisiana, Florida, Hawaii, and the coastal regions of Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia sustain the highest risk. Utilities generally replace 2 to 3 percent of aging and decaying poles every year. Natural decay, storm damage, and bird and bug attacks aren’t the only concerns. People shorten a pole’s lifespan, too. Several cooperatives use pole testing processes to identify potential weakened poles and replace them. Ready with a Plan In addition to the above, cooperatives also have Emergency Response Plans in place which are reviewed and updated. These plans cover a multitude of scenarios and contain information on topics from emergency contact numbers to lodging options for outside crews.
Be Ready for Winter Weather and Extreme Cold While the danger from winter weather varies across the country, nearly all Americans, regardless of where they live, are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in their lives. That could mean snow or subfreezing temperatures, as well as strong winds or even ice or heavy rain storms. One of the primary concerns is the winter weather’s ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time.
Prepare for Winter Weather x Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and window sills to keep the warm air inside. y Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify winter weather. z Freezing Rain creates a coating of ice on roads and walkways. a Sleet is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery. b Winter Weather Advisory means cold, ice and snow are expected. c Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two. d Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon. e Blizzard Warning means heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill. f Frost/Freeze Warning means below freezing temperatures are expected. g Thoroughly check and update your family’s emergency supply kit before winter approaches. h Include adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm. i If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to leave. j Visit NOAA for more weather-related information. Make a Plan k Plan to stay inside and make it on your own, at least for a period of time. l If you have a wood burning fire place, consider storing wood to keep you warm if winter weather knocks out your heat. Stay Informed m Listen to NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed of winter weather watches and warnings. n Also monitor commercial radio, television and the Internet. For a full description of what to listen for, and an explanation of different weather terms, refer to the NWS guide. o Keep in mind that during a severe winter storm it could be hours, or even days, before emergency personnel are able to reach you. For more information go to: http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather Cooperative Connections • December 2015 15
regional Dateline
November 20-January 10 Winter Wonderland, Falls Park Sioux Falls, SD, 605-275-6060 November 21 Annual Buffalo Auction Buffalo Corrals on Wildlife Loop Road, Custer, SD 605-255-4515 November 21-22 37th Annual Winterfest Civic Arena, Aberdeen, SD 605-626-7081 November 27 Shawn Cable and Erik Apland Concert, Redlin Art Center Watertown, SD, 605-882-3877 November 27 Uptown Holiday Lighted Parade, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Watertown, SD, 605-886-3040 November 27-28 and December 12, 19, 20 and 23 1880 Train Holiday Express Hill City, SD, 605-574-2222 November 28 Greater Madison Area Show and Sell, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Madison, SD, 605-256-2454 November 28 Holiday Celebration and Winter Market, 1 to 6 p.m. Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979
Events of Special Note November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Pierre, SD 605-773-3178
Photo by Chad CoPPeSS, Sd dePartment of touriSm
November 20 Lighted Parade and Chili Cook-Off, 6 to 9 p.m. Sisseton, SD, sissetonchamber @venturecomm.net
December 5 Christmas Parade and Holiday Gift & Craft Fair, Custer, SD 605-673-2244
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.
November 28 Williams and Ree Deadwood, SD, 605-559-1188 November 28-29 Holidazed and Confused Comedy Show, Mobridge, SD 605-845-2500 December 3 Christmas with the Celts 8 to 9:30 p.m., Deadwood, SD 605-559-1187 December 4-5, 10-12, 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015, 5 to 10 p.m. Renner, SD, 605-543-5071 December 5 Breakfast with Santa, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sioux Falls, SD 605-367-7003 December 5-6 Living Christmas Tree 7 to 9 p.m., Aberdeen, SD 605-229-6349
December 6 Phillips, Craig & Dean in Concert, 7 to 9 p.m. Watertown, SD, 605-753-0282
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament, Mobridge, SD 605-845-2500
December 7 Motley Crue Final Tour 7 to 11:45 p.m. Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop, Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. CST Mission, SD, 605-259-3252 ext. 3
December 11-12 Sharpshooter Classic 6:30 to 9 p.m., Winner, SD 605-842-1533 December 12 Breakfast with Santa 8 to 10 a.m., Watertown, SD 605-882-6269 December 15 The Oak Ridge Boys: Christmas Night Out, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Deadwood, SD, 605-559-1187 December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season, Lead, SD 605-584-3896
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 12:45 to 8:30 p.m. Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert, Eureka, SD jalvarez@mmgyglobal.com