NOVEMBER 2016
VOL. 17 NO. 7
Co-ops Vote:
Ensuring Rural America is Heard
P8-9
Manager’s
Column
This November, let your voice be heard Low voter turnout has been a topic of conversation for the last several election cycles. Since the 1960s, voter turnout during presidential elections has seen a steady decline – with the occasional uptick here and there. In the 2016 primary election cycle, voter turnout in most states was only 21 to 30 percent, and this was a record year for primary Merlin Goehring voter turnout! In South Dakota, General Manager Bon Homme Yankton Electric we saw a voter turnout percentage slightly less than 22 percent. Some speculate the reason for the decline is because the average American is not as engaged in politics as they have been in the past. And who can blame us really? Often times, we may feel like candidates are not speaking to the issues we care about. Or perhaps we don’t feel like we understand enough about the candidates’ stances on the issues, or even the issues themselves. But we can change this. Here at Bon Homme Yankton Electric, we want to see civic engagement in our rural communities increase. We want to give you what you need to make informed decisions about candidates at all levels of government, not just the presidential race. And we want you to know more about the issues that could impact our local communities. America’s electric cooperatives are doing their part by informing co-op staff and members through Coops Vote, a nonpartisan campaign with one simple goal: increase voter turnout at the polls this November. By visiting vote.coop, you can learn about your candidates, access voter registration information and more. The future of rural economies depends on their ability to keep up with today's global economy, which is why access to broadband internet is a key topic of discussion this election season. Just 55 percent of rural Americans have broadband at home. Quick access to information is 2 November 2016 • Cooperative ConneCtions
crucial in finding a job, getting a better education and even gathering the information needed to make major health decisions. But there is a barrier: expensive costs. With the right state and federal policies, broadband technology can become available to all rural Americans, allowing families and businesses to communicate in new and faster ways. Electric cooperatives are already committed to providing affordable electricity to our communities, so helping provide affordable broadband access is a natural next step. We encourage you to visit vote.coop and take the pledge to learn more about the issues that impact us locally. Let’s work together to improve our communities by increasing voter turnout and changing our country, one vote at a time.
Co-op
news
There's An App For That (USPS No. 018-973)
Bon Homme Yankton Electric Assn, Inc. PO Box 158 134 S Lidice St 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.
We have received reports of members having trouble paying their bill online using our web site (www.byelectric.coop) which links to the SmartHub Online Services web page (byelectric. smarthub.coop.) Neither of these web pages are set up for mobile viewing so it can be frustrating to try and make a payment using a smaller device than a full size computer screen. The good news is that we already have a SmartHub app set up for use with Android and Apple devices and it is absolutely free! Just go to the Google Play Store or iTunes and search for SmartHub. Download and install the app.
When you start using the app, you will need to tell it what cooperative you are affiliated with. Just start typing "Bon" and Bon Homme Yankton Electric should pop up as an available cooperative. If you are already signed up for SmartHub Online Services, you can just log right in with your email address and password. If not, select the option to set up a new online profile. You can add text notifications, view your kwh usage and pay your bill in the app. Contact the office at 605-4632507 if you have any questions about SmartHub, Online Services or need additional support.
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 • November 2016 3
Safety
Tips
Tricks, Treats and Safety Make Halloween a Scream!
Kidsʼ Corner Safety Poster “Call before you dig.”
It’s the time of year to stock up on sweet treats and fill the yard and home with decorations as ghosts, goblins and caped crusaders plan their invasion of your neighborhood. Safe Electricity urges everyone to make sure your costumed visitors are kept safe by following some basic electrical safety guidelines.
Safe Electricity suggests the following to avoid potential safety hazards: • Use only lights that have been safety tested and approved by Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Look for the UL label on the box and on each string. • Make sure extension cords are in good condition. Use only UL-approved cords rated to carry the electrical load you will connect to them. • Before plugging in the lights, check each string for broken sockets, frayed cords, or faulty plugs. Replace damaged strings. • Keep electric cords out of high-traffic areas. • Don’t staple or nail through light strings or electrical cords. • Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples to hold light strings in place, not nails or tacks. • Do not attach cords or lights to metal objects. • Outdoors, use only lights and cords rated for outdoor use. • Cords should be plugged into outlets equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Use a portable GFCI if your outdoor outlets don’t have them. GFCIs protect you from electric shocks. • Always unplug lights before going to bed or leaving your home. • Do not run electrical cords across sidewalks or other walkway areas that could trip or endanger trick-or-treaters. Indoors, avoid stretching cords across a room where people or pets can trip over them or become entangled. Whether decorating or using extension cords in general, read the label on both the cord and the appliances that are plugged into it to make sure the cord can handle the load. If it can’t, use a higher-rated cord or unplug some appliances. Remember that extension cords are meant for temporary, not permanent, use. A safe celebration is the best celebration and following basic electrical safety guidelines will help you avoid real scares and keep your memories “boo-tiful” and fun. Source: safeelectricity.org 4 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Amy Cichosz, 9 years old Amy is the daughter of Eric and Jill Cichosz, Spearfish, S.D. They are members of Butte Electric Cooperative, Newell, 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, youʼll receive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged.
Reader
Recipes
Crockpot Creations Crockpot Corn 2 (16 oz.) bags frozen corn 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup melted butter
Butternut Squash and Apples 2 T. sugar 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper
Combine all ingredients in crockpot. Cook on HIGH setting for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours. Beverley Allbee, Woonsocket
Calico Beans 1-1/2 lbs. ground beef 1 lb. bacon, diced 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 can kidney beans 1 can pork and beans
1 can butter or lima beans 1/2 cup ketchup 3/4 cup brown sugar 2 T. mustard 1 T. vinegar
Brown ground beef, bacon and onion; drain. Combine all ingredients in crockpot. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Denene Miles, Doland
Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken 1-1/2 lbs. chicken 1 pkg. Good Seasons Italian Dressing 1/4 to 1/2 cup water
8 oz. cream cheese 1 can cream of chicken soup 6 to 8 oz. sliced mushrooms Butter
Place chicken in crackpot. Mix Italian dressing and water together; pour over the chicken. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours. After the chicken is cooked, remove from pot and set aside. Mix cream cheese and chicken soup into the liquid that remains in the crockpot. Stir until melted and heated through. Shred chicken and add to cream sauce. Saute mushrooms in butter. Add to chicken mixture. Serve over rice or noodles. Tracy Romey, Oelrichs
Crockpot Hash Brown Casserole 2 rings smoked sausage, cut into pieces 1 onion, chopped
2 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-1/2-inch chunks (about 8 cups) 2 apples, such as Braeburn or Gala, peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks (about 4 cups) 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks 1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup apple cider 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted 1 T. pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. thyme leaves 1/2 cup toasted flaked coconut
Place squash, apples and onion in slow cooker. Mix remaining ingredients except coconut in small bowl until well blended. Pour over squash mixture. Cover. Cook 3 to 4 hours on HIGH, stirring after 2 hours. Stir before serving. Sprinkle with toasted coconut. Makes 15 (2/3-cup) servings. Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 116, Total Fat 4g, Cholesterol 8mg, Sodium 222mg, Carbohydrates 19g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Protein 1g Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Crockpot Steak and Rice 1-1/2 lbs. round steak, cut into bite-size pieces Onion 1 can golden mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can water 1 cup rice 2 T. soy sauce
Brown steak with a little onion. Mix soup and water in crockpot. Stir in rice and soy sauce; mix well. Stir in browned steak. Cook on LOW 8 to 10 hours. May be cooked in oven for 1-1/2 hours. Shirley Miller, Winfred
Western Crockpot Omelet 1 (30 oz.) pkg. frozen hash browns, thawed 1 lb. ham, cubed 1-1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped 12 eggs 1 cup 2% milk 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper
1 bag frozen hash browns 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese Grease a 5-quart crockpot. Layer half of hash browns, 2 cups cream of chicken soup
Place sausage in bottom of crockpot. Sprinkle with onions. Add hash browns. Spread soup over all. Sprinkle cheese on top. Cook on HIGH 2 hours.
ham, cheese, onion and green pepper. Repeat layers. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour over potato mixture. Cook on LOW, covered, for 6 to 7 hours until set. Turn off crockpot. Let stand uncovered 15 to 20 minutes.
Lynn Holzerland, Waubay
Mary Jessen, Holabird
Please send your favorite holiday treat, soup and brunch 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 2016. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • November 2016 5
Co-op
news
Sharing Success The Czech Heritage Preservation Society is installing a new heating and cooling system into their museum in Tabor so that their exhibits can be preserved in a climate controlled environment. In addition to rebates and kwh credits available to members who install ENERGY STAR® rated equipment, Bon Homme Yankton Electric went one step further by applying for a matching grant from CoBank and the Sharing Success program. Under Sharing Success, CoBank will match contributions by our cooperative to the nonprofit organizations of our choice. CoBank first launched the program in 2012 in conjunction with the International Year of Cooperatives. It is one more way CoBank creates value for its customers, by partnering with them to strengthen the communities they serve. “We continue to believe that the best way for CoBank to make a meaningful impact in terms of corporate citizenship is to partner with our customers,” said Bob Engel, CoBank’s chief executive officer. “Across rural America, cooperatives of all kinds are supporting charitable organizations and working to advance the growth and development of their communities. Sharing Success enables CoBank to leverage that local knowledge and expertise and provide assistance to causes that our customers care deeply about.” The Sharing Success program is renewed on an annual basis and continues for twelve months or until the earmarked funds are depleted. The Czech Heritage group received $5,000 to be used towards the
Bon Homme Yankton Electric General Manager M.J. Goehring presents the grant to Czech Heritage Treasurer Steve Shrader. Pictured L-R: M.J. Goehring, Steve and Susan Shrader, Dennis and Sherry Povondra, Lumir and Marcella Ruman, Gary and Evie Kronaizl.
installation of their heating/ cooling system. The Yankton area Contact Center, Rural Office of Community Services/Bon Homme Food Pantry and R-Tec have all received Sharing Success grants through Bon Homme Yankton Electric. Bon Homme Yankton Electric is a proud supporter of our rural communities and strives to uphold the seventh cooperative principle "Concern for Community."
Check out our website at: WWW.BYELECTRIC.COOP 6 November 2016 • Cooperative ConneCtions
ALWAYS
CALL BEFORE YOU
DIG
One free, easy call gets your utility lines marked AND helps protect you from injury and expense. Safe Digging Is No Accident: Always Call 811 Before You Dig Know what’s below. Always call 811 before you dig. Visit call811.com for more information.
INSERT CALL CENTER LOGO HERE
News
Briefs
Petitioners State Their Case at Clean Power Plan Hearing A decision by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Expected in early 2017 Basin Electric Power Cooperative was represented at the oral argument of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan Sept. 27 in Washington, D.C. Anine Lambert, Basin Electric attorney, was present at the seven-hour hearing to observe the arguments regarding “State of West Virginia et. al v. EPA,” which was heard by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. As one of the petitioners challenging the Clean Power Plan, Basin Electric was afforded a few seats at the oral argument. According to Lambert, arguments of whether the EPA acted within the authority granted to them by Congress and whether the EPA properly interpreted the Clean Air Act ruled the morning arguments. The afternoon started off with constitutional arguments, specifically whether the EPA violated the separation of powers doctrine or infringed on the states’ authority to regulate intrastate generation and transmission of electricity. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s counsel was charged with the notice issues for the petitioners, Lambert said, arguing that the EPA violated the Clean Air Act and Administrative Procedures Act in promulgating a final rule that was not a logical outgrowth of the proposed rule. The day ended with arguments as to whether the rule is achievable as required by the Clean Air Act. “It’s hard to tell which issues, if any, will make or break the case,” Lambert said. A decision by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals is expected in early 2017. Regardless of the Circuit Court’s decision, the case is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States for a final ruling.
Resource Conservation Speech Scholarship Prizes Available Contestants in the 2017 state finals of the Resource Conservation Speech contest will be eligible to win a total of $2,300 in college scholarships. All South Dakota students in grades 9-12 are eligible to compete for $2,300 in higher education scholarships which are provided by the East River and Rushmore electric power cooperatives and the South Dakota Rural Electric Association. Scholarships are awarded to the top three finalists: first place is $1,100; second place is $750; and third place is $450. The theme for the 2017 contest is “Soil Health: What Will You Leave?” Contests are coordinated by local conservation districts. Local winners advance to area contests held in seven locations. The top area speakers compete at the state finals in Pierre on Saturday, April 22. The contest is sponsored by the South
Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA), in cooperation with Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives of South Dakota, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the South DaThe theme kota Association of Conservation for the 2017 Districts. contest is For more information on the “Soil Health: Resource ConWhat Will servation Speech Contest, contact You Leave?” your local conservation district or call Tiffany Shannon, SDDA natural resource specialist, at 605773-3623. An entry form and complete list of rules can be found online at: http:// sdda.sd.gov/conservation-forestry/educational-programs/resource-conservationspeech-contest/.
Grants Available to 4-H Clubs and FFA or FCCLA Chapters Grant funding is now available through the Building Our South Dakota Rural Communities (BOSDRC) grant program of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. These grants were developed to demonstrate the importance of rural communities and the value of organizations that work together to improve rural life and are open to 4-H clubs, FFA chapters and Family Career and Community Leaders (FCCLA) of America chapters. “Any time we as a state can encourage our youth to get involved in their communities is a great thing,” says South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Mike Jaspers. “Not only does learning take place in the classroom, but also whenever our youth learn to take pride in their communities. When they see their efforts help those around them, it makes grant program such as this so worthwhile.”
Any 4-H club, FFA or FCCLA chapter in South Dakota can apply for the BOSDRC grant. Two types of grants are available. The basic grant is used for community improvement projects and is limited to $750 per project. The safety grant is used for projects that enhance public safety and is limited to $200 per project. Applications must be submitted or postmarked no later than Oct. 31, 2016. Grant awardees will be announced at the end of November. All applications must be submitted on the official forms for Fiscal Year 2017. Grant application forms and more information on the program, including reporting requirements, are available at http://sdda.sd.gov under the Agricultural Development tab and click on Finance Programs. Please call 605-773-5436 for questions on this grant program. COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • November 2016 7
Tackling the Decline in Rural Voting Through
Co-ops Vote W By Dan Riedinger
ith ElEction Day quickly approaching, America’s electric cooperatives continue to build momentum behind an innovative program to boost the political clout of rural America. Called Co-ops Vote, the non-partisan campaign has one simple goal: increase voter turnout at the polls this November. In the 2012 elections, rural voter turnout dropped by 18 percent, twice the decline seen across the nation as a whole. Electric co-ops are deeply rooted in their communities, and that decline raised an alarm. Concerned that the downward voting trend would continue, and could diminish the voice of rural America in future elections, co-ops sprung to action. Participation in Co-ops Vote is strong. More
8 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
than 560 electric co-ops representing all the states in which co-ops operate are taking part in the effort. As of mid-August, 50 co-ops had achieved “5-star status,” indicating they had undertaken at least five distinct program activities, such as hosting an employee engagement event or voter registration drive, building awareness of Co-ops Vote through newsletter articles, or promoting the campaign on social media. Employees at West River Electric Association in Wall, S.D., have worked to ensure that members who stop by the office are registered to vote. More than half a million people have seen news about Co-ops Vote through social media, and several thousand have taken the pledge to get out and
vote in this election. “America’s electric cooperatives are leaders in the communities they serve throughout the country,” NRECA CEO Jim Matheson said. “Co-ops Vote focuses elected leaders on the people who are most invested in the success of their own communities. With 42 million members in 47 states, electric co-ops are a powerful voice on national issues that have a local impact.” Anyone can take the pledge online by visiting www.vote. coop. The website provides a variety of voter resources and information on key issues, such as the importance of rural economic development and the continuing need for safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Support for the effort extends well beyond the co-op community. When the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives launched its Co-ops Vote program, Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes gave it her endorsement. “As a commonwealth, we have work to do to increase voter turnout in all of our elections, especially in rural Kentucky where turnout is below the state average in almost every cycle,” she said. “I appreciate our electric cooperatives working hard to urge citizens in rural areas to vote in this important election year. I am excited to be a partner in their efforts as we continue to work to get more Kentuckians to the polls.” Show your support for rural communities by joining co-op members across the country in casting your ballot on Nov. 8. Dan Riedinger writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.
The maps below examine voter turnout in general elections since 2000 for South Dakota and surrounding states. The turnout is for Voting Eligible Population (VEP) total ballots counted, unless otherwise noted. VAP stands for Voting Age Population. The state’s overall ranking in terms of voter turnout is indicated on the top line. Source: http://www.electproject.org
2012 General Election Turnout (VEP Total Ballots Counted)
bW Z xo
z c ZoW z c ZoW z c ZoW z c 58.6% Turnout 130 million ballots 222 million VEP 240 million VAP
MT: 14. 63.5%
ND: 23. MN: 1. 60.4% 76.4% SD: 24. CO: 27. 60.1% IA: 59% NE 20. 3(T). 61.1% 70.6%
L
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EYjW8l4y-5xPbkTFjdjdpnxOCgVvB8rM_oqjtJhtQKY/pubhtml
2008 General Election Turnout (VEP Total Ballots Counted) 62.2% Turnout 132.6 million ballots 213 million VEP 231 million VAP
MT 18. 67.1%
b
ND: 27. MN: 1. 63.6% 78.1% SD: 22. CO: 29. 65.6% IA: 6. 63.1% NE: 26. 69.7% 63.7%
x L
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1deCSqgLqrzFgpUa_S8Gk-8mKrPq47pkx1eqKwZGtSqA/edit#gid=1424011440
2004 General Election Turnout (VEP Total Ballots Counted) 60.7% Turnout 123.5 million ballots 203 million VEP 220 million VAP
http://www.electproject.org/2004g
MT: 18. 65.2%
b
ND: 17. MN: 1. 65.5% 78.8%
x L CO: 14. 66.3%
SD: 8. 69.4%
IA: 6. NE: 24. 70.6% 64.1%
2000 General Election Turnout (VEP Total Ballots Counted) 55.3% Turnout 107 million ballots 194 million VEP 210 million VAP
http://www.electproject.org/2000g
MT: 6. 62.6%
b
ND: 10. MN: 1. 61.1% 70.1%
x L CO: 9. 61.4%
SD: 15. 58.7%
IA* NE: 17. 63.2% 57.8%
*Iowa’s figure is for VEP for Highest Office, not VEP Total Ballots Counted
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • November 2016 9
Co-op
news
Thank You Notes Thank you so much for the electric fry pan I won at the annual meeting. Millie Sternhagen I would like to thank you for the blender that I won at the annual meeting. I also want to thank you for the great service I get from B-Y Electric!! Thanks! Shirley Woods Bon Homme Yankton Electric, Thank you very much for the surge protection cord that I won at the annual meeting and for the hard work everybody does at the Bon Homme Yankton Electric company to keep our electricity flowing. It's all greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Terry Wormsbecker
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF PUBLICATION STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (REQUIRED BY 39 U.S.C. 3685) 1. Publication Title:Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections 2. Publication No.: 018-973 3. Filing Date: 9/30/2016 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 12 6. Annual Subscription Price: $6.00 Members $12.00 Non-Members 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 134 S Lidice, PO Box 158, Tabor, SD 57063 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 134 S Lidice, PO Box 158, Tabor, SD 57063 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Address of Publisher, Editor & Managing Editor: Publisher: Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc. Editor: Nicole Einrem Managing Editor: Nicole Einrem 10. Owner: Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc.,134 S Lidice, PO Box 158, Tabor, SD 57063 11. Known bondholders/mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: Rural Utilities Service, National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, CoBank 12. Tax Status: Purpose, function and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months 13. Publication Title: 14. Issue Date of Circulation Below: Oct. 2016 Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections Avg. No. of Copies Each Single Issue 15. Extent and Nature Issue During Nearest to of Circulation Preceding 12 Months Filing Date A. Total number of copies (net press run) .................................................... 2941 ............................2942 B. Paid and/or Requested Circulation 1. Paid/Requested Outside County Mail Subscriptions .................... 2882 ............................2883 2. Paid In-County Subscriptions............................................................. 0 ..................................0 3. Sales Through Dealers, Carriers, Street Vendors &Counter Sales ........ 0 ..................................0 4. Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS ........................................... 0 ..................................0 C. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation................................................. 2882 ............................2883 D. 1. Free Distribution by Mail ................................................................ 49 ................................49 4.Free Distribution Outside the Mail ..................................................... 7 ..................................7 E. Total Free Distribution ............................................................................... 56 ................................56 F. Total Distribution ................................................................................... 2938 ............................2939 G. Copies Not Distributed ................................................................................ 3 ..................................3 H. Total ....................................................................................................... 2941 ............................2942 I. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation ................................................98% ............................ 98%
Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation as of October 1, 2016 1 0 November 2016 • Cooperative ConneCtions
Welcome new Members Avon Matthew Tjeerdsma Irene Frederic Janklow Lesterville Gregory P Ellinger Springfield Josh Irish Tabor Tischa Shank Mercedes Preheim Tom G Olson Wesley Kloucek Larry L Hovorka Carol Pulkrabek Utica Chad Schilmoeller Yankton Daniel O Dutcher Cody Siecke Jackie Kleinschmit Larry D Hixson Marina View Development, LLC Dennis Schrader James J Cuka Chelsea Sealey Marcus Long Stephanie Guenther
Classifieds December Issue Deadline: November 1, 2016. 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.r FOR RENT: Tabor Self Storage. Call 605660-0247 or 605-660-3497.r
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Along the Trail
South Dakota Leaders Line the Path
I
n a sEason of politics in a city built arounD
By Brenda Kleinjan
politics, the South Dakota Trail of Governors emerges to bring the state’s top leaders to life in bronze. Since the placement of the first statues in 2012, the trail has brought to life the vision of two Pierre, S.D., businessmen – LeRoy Foster and Rick Jensen – who dreamed of creating a lasting legacy of South Dakota’s governors. Combining a love of history with an appreciation of arts, the duo envisioned a concept to bring the state’s past top leaders to lifesize scale. When completed, the trail of bronze statues will honor each of the state’s governors for the enjoy-
12 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
ment and enlightenment of those living in and visiting South Dakota and its Capital city. The project is believed to be unique in its tribute to a state’s governors. Rapid City has statues of U.S. Presidents throughout the downtown area of the city that is the gateway to Mount Rushmore. The Trail of Governors Foundation to bring the vision for the statues to reality. Former governors’ families who had been identified were notified so that work could begin on statues for those individuals. The foundation is still missing a few families and help is requested from anyone with clues on the governors, particularly former governors Charles H. Sheldon of Pierpont, Frank Byrne of Faulkton and
Biographies of Governors with Statues
William Bulow of Beresford. As the project progresses, governors’ families from across the United States share their personal stories of these South Dakota leaders. Foundation members and artists continue piecing together each governor’s historical puzzle with details such as physical features, greatest accomplishments and favorite pastimes. Among the South Dakota artists creating the sculptures are Lee Leuning, John Lopez, James Michael Maher and Sherri Treeby. The foundation’s goal is to unveil three bronze statues each year beginning in 2012 and to complete 30 statues within 10 years. Plans are to continue commissioning statues as each future governor leaves office so the trail will wind its way through South Dakota’s future. The governors guide visitors through Pierre’s business district and around the state Capitol Complex. Private donations fund each statue with a donor or donor group contributing $72,000 for one governor. Some of the depictions of the governors draw upon iconic connections the governor may have had with his place in the state’s history and culture. From his vantage point across the street of the state capitol, the state’s 29th governor, Walter Dale Miller, holds a branding iron, signalling his western South Dakota ranching roots. The state’s first governor, Arthur Mellette stands on the lawn of the Hughes County Courthouse, gazing down historic Pierre Street to the banks of the Missouri River. Gov. Bill Janklow who served a total of four terms as the state’s 27th and 30th governor, brandishes a bull horn as he stares down the State’s Department of Transportation. The state’s 18th governor, George T. Mikkelson, attired in a crisp suit of the 1940s, is caught midstride walking from the west side of the Capitol while his son George S. (governor No. 28) is on the opposite end of the capitol grounds with his hand outstretched in greeting. On the lawn of the Governor’s Mansion, governor No. 31 and now U.S. Senator M. Michael Rounds is depicted waiting the state’s pheasant hunt with his dog at his side and a shotgun in his hands. For more information on the Trail of Governors Foundation, please contact: Trail of Governor’s Foundation, 1714 N. Lincoln, Pierre, SD 57501 or call 605-454-0689. You Can also find information online at www.trailofgovernors.com. Opposite Page: Among the 19 South Dakota Governors memorialized with a statue along the Trail of Governors is Gov. George T. Mikkelson, who, on Feb. 26, 1947, signed the South Dakota Electric Cooperative Act.
Gov. Arthur Calvin Mellette 1st Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1889-1893 Birth: June 23, 1842, Henry County, Ind. Death: May 25, 1896, Pittsburg, Kan.
Gov. Sigurd Anderson 19th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1951-1955 Birth: Jan. 22, 1904, Arendel, Norway Death: Dec. 21, 1990, Webster, S.D.
Gov. Charles Nelson Herreid 4th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1901-1905 Birth: Oct. 20, 1857, Madison, Wis. Death: July 6, 1928, Aberdeen, S.D.
Gov. Joe Foss 20th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1955-1959 Birth: April 17, 1915, Sioux Falls, S.D. Death: Jan. 1, 2003, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Gov. Robert Scadden Vessey 7th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1909-1913 Birth: May 16, 1858, Winnebago County, Wis. Death: Oct. 18, 1929, Pasadena, Calif.
Gov. Nils Andreas Boe 23rd Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1965-1969 Birth: Sept. 10, 1913, Baltic, S.D. Death: July 30, 1992, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Gov. Peter Norbeck 9th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1917-1921 Birth: Aug. 27, 1870, Clay County, S.D. Death: Dec. 20, 1936, Redfield, S.D. Gov. Warren Everett Green 13th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1931-1933 Birth: March 10, 1869, Jackson County, Wis. Death: April 27, 1945, Watertown, S.D. Gov. Tom Berry 14th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1933-1937 Birth: April 23, 1879, Paddock, Neb. Death: Oct. 30, 1951, Rapid City, S.D. Gov. Leslie Jensen 15th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1937-1939 Birth: Sept. 15, 1892, Hot Springs, S.D. Death: Dec. 14, 1964, Rapid City, S.D. Gov. Harlan John Bushfield 16th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1939-1943 Birth: Aug.6, 1882, Atlantic, Iowa Death: Sept. 27, 1948, Miller, S.D. Gov. George Theodore Mickelson 18th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1947-1951 Birth: July 23, 1903, Selby, S.D. Death: Feb. 28, 1965, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Gov. Frank Leroy Farrar 24th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1969-1971 Birth: April 2, 1929, Britton, S.D. Gov. Richard Francis Kneip 25th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1971-1978 Birth: Jan. 7, 1933, Tyler, Minn. Death: March 9, 1987, Sioux Falls, S.D. Gov. Harvey Lowell Wollman 26th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1978-1979 Birth: May 14, 1935, Frankfort, S.D. Gov. William John “Bill” Janklow 27th and 30th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1979-1987 and 1995-2003 Birth: Sept. 13, 1939, Chicago, Illinois Death: Jan. 12, 2012, Sioux Falls, S.D. Gov. George Speaker Mickelson 28th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1987-1993 Birth: Jan. 31, 1941-Mobridge, S.D. Death: April 19, 1993-near Dubuque, Iowa Gov. Walter Dale Miller 29th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1993-1995 Birth: Oct. 5, 1925, Viewfield, S.D. Death: Sept. 28, 2015, Dallas, Texas Gov. Marion Michael “Mike” Rounds 31st Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 2003-2011 Birth: Oct. 24, 1954, Huron, S.D.
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • November 2016 13
Co-ops See
Veterans as Key Players in Next Generation Workforce
A
By Justin LaBerge
merica’s electric cooperatives have long enjoyed a strong relationship with the nation’s armed forces. Most military bases are located in rural areas, and the power systems at some bases are operated by electric cooperatives. A disproportionately large percentage of our nation’s troops – some estimates suggest as high as 40 percent – come from rural America. Even the organization responsible for representing electric cooperatives in Washington, D.C., the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), was once led by a retired Army general. Last year, America’s electric cooperatives began a new chapter in their long history of support for the military with the launch of Serve Our Co-ops;
14 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Serve Our Country, a nationwide initiative to honor and hire military veterans and their spouses. The program was developed to help electric cooperatives address a generational turnover in its workforce. Over the next five years, NRECA estimates electric co-ops will need to hire approximately 15,000 new employees to replace retiring baby boomers. Those new workers will fill roles in every department, from line workers climbing poles to member service representatives answering questions to engineering and IT experts designing and managing a smarter electric grid. In addition to the technical skills these jobs require, electric cooperative employees must be hard-
working, disciplined, loyal, safety-conscious and team-oriented – qualities that are common among military veterans. This summer, Serve our Co-ops; Serve Our Country celebrated a major milestone when former Air Force Captain Jeremiah Sloan became the first veteran officially hired through the program. The story of how Sloan landed his new job as an electrical engineer at Craighead Electric Cooperative in Jonesboro, Ark., reads like the plot of a Hollywood movie. For several months, Craighead Electric CEO Brian Duncan had been working to fill the position. Duncan advertised the opening in local papers and national job sites and attracted a number of highly qualified candidates. Sloan’s application was among those strong candidates, but he wouldn’t be available to start for six months when his Air Force service ended. Duncan, hoping to fill the position sooner than that, made offers to two other well-qualified applicants, but was unable to come to terms with either. Shortly after the second candidate fell through, Duncan attended a national conference for electric cooperative CEOs. One of the sessions featured two fellow co-op CEOs, one of whom was a 25-year Air Force veteran, discussing the newly launched veteran hiring initiative. “The whole time they’re talking I’m thinking about Jeremiah; we probably need to look at this guy. For these guys coming out of the military, what better way to say ‘thank you’ than to give them a job,” Duncan said. They scheduled an interview and it didn’t take long for Duncan to realize the co-op had found its next engineer in Sloan. “He was extremely professional. It was straight down the line. ‘Yes, sir.’ ‘No, sir.’ Very detailed in his answers to all of the questions. Very thought-
ful in his answers. It was the perfect interview, you might say.” Sloan brings more than a strong résumé and professional demeanor to his new position at Craighead Electric. He also brings a love for the community and a desire to return to his roots. “I grew up in northeast Arkansas,” Sloan said. “My family is a long line of farmers, and they’re actually on Craighead Electric’s lines. The whole reason my wife and I decided to separate from the Air Force was to return home and be close to family.” Though Sloan is the first veteran hired through the initiative, he won’t be the last. Several other veterans have been hired through the program. In addition to nationwide outreach through NRECA, approximately 50 electric cooperatives across the country have already taken the pledge to join the effort on the local level. The support of veterans and reservists extends far beyond the scope of the formal Serve Our Coops; Serve Our Country program into the routine operation of many electric cooperatives. Two managers at AECI, a wholesale supplier of electric equipment owned by the electric cooperatives of Arkansas, were recently honored by the United States Marine Corps for their support of a Marine Reservist working at the cooperative’s warehouse in Stillwater, Okla. In August, Russ Dilley and Eric Creekmore were presented the Patriot Award for giving AECI Truck Driver Michael Henderson the workplace flexibility he needs to serve in the Marine Corps Reserves. Serve Our Co-ops; Serve Our Country is another way America’s electric cooperatives can show concern for community while building a next generation workforce that will deliver the exceptional service co-op members expect and deserve. To learn more about the program and career opportunities for veterans at electric cooperatives, visit www.ServeVets.coop.
This summer, Serve our Co-ops; Serve Our Country, a nationwide initiative to honor and hire military veterans and their spouses, celebrated a major milestone when former Air Force Captain Jeremiah Sloan became the first veteran officially hired through program.
Cathy Cash and Denny Gainer contributed to this report. Justin LaBerge writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumerowned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • November 2016 15
Regional Dateline
Events of Special Note
October 15-January 3 2016 Pheasant Hunting Season Statewide, Pierre, SD 605-223-7660
October 24 Pentatonix, Sioux Falls, SD 605-367-7288 October 28-30 Zoo Boo, Sioux Falls, SD 605-367-7003 October 29 Zoo Boo, Watertown, SD 605-882-6269 October 29-30 Haunted Heartland Country Corn Maze, Harrisburg, SD November 3-5 S.D. Local Foods Conference Highland Conference Center Mitchell, SD, 605-342-2180 November 5 77th Annual Lutefisk Feed Summit, SD, 605-881-4377 November 11 Veterans Day at Crazy Horse Memorial, Crazy Horse, SD 605-673-4681 November 12 Holiday Open House Extravaganza, Sisseton, SD 605-698-7425
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAD COPPESS, S.D. TOURISM
October 20 C&NW Historic Railroad Depot Box Lunch Day, Redfield, SD 605-472-4550
October 21-23 Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair, Sioux Falls, SD 402-331-2889 October 22 Chris Young in Concert, Swiftel Center, Brookings, SD 605-692-7539
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 18-19 Holiday Arts Christmas Craft Show, Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Masonic Temple, Mitchell, SD 605-248-2526 November 18-January 8 Winter Wonderland, Falls Park Sioux Falls, SD, 605-275-6060 November 22-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol Pierre, SD, 605-773-3178 November 25-26 and December 10, 17-18, 22-23 1880 Train Holiday Express Hill City, SD, 605-574-2222 November 26 I Love the ‘90s, Sioux Falls, SD 605-367-7288 November 26 Holiday Celebration and Winter Market, Rapid City, SD 605-716-7979
December 2-3 Living Christmas Tree Aberdeen, SD, 605-229-6349
December 10 Frontier Christmas Lake City, SD, 605-448-5474
December 2-3, 8-10, 15-17 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2016, Renner, SD 605-543-5071
December 15-March 31 South Dakota Snowmobile Trails Season, Lead, SD 605-584-3896
December 3 Holy Rocka Rollaz Christmas Concerts, Watertown, SD 605-882-3877
January 12-14 16th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament, Mobridge, SD 605-845-2500
December 3 Christmas Parade and Holiday Gift & Craft Fair, Custer, SD 605-673-2244
January 19-21 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876
December 9-10 Sharpshooter Classic Winner, SD, 605-842-1533
January 20-21 ISOC Deadwood SnoCross Showdown, Deadwood, SD 605-578-1876
December 10 Breakfast with Santa Watertown, SD, 605-882-6269
January 21 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer, SD, 605-440-1405