Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative connections December 2016

DECEMBER 2016

VOL. 17 NO. 8

Spreading Good Cheer: Cooperatives Shine During Holidays P8-9

Manager’s

Column

Thankful for Benefits of Electricity On behalf of the staff and directors of Bon Homme Yankton Electric, I want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all have a great holiday and you can spend time with family and friends. This is the season when we take time out of our busy lives to enjoy our families and give thanks for the many blessings we have been Merlin Goehring given. General Manager One thing that we should be Bon Homme Yankton Electric thankful for is the availability of electricity and the benefits it brings to us every day. When people grumble or complain about their monthly electric bill they might be forgetting all of the work that electricity does for them every day of their lives. Can you imagine not having electricity to run your household or your farm? Some of you may remember the so called “Good Old Days” when things went at a slower pace, but that was also without electricity. If you ask someone that has lived without electricity or those benefits of having it they probably would not want to go back to those days. There are not too many people around that remember the days without electricity and yet these members are some of the best supporters because they know just how fortunate we are to have electricity when and where we want it. The benefits of electricity were the reduction of many mundane tasks which previously had been performed by manual labor. While we are now living in a better and more productive world, we have to give credit to those that came before us and how they kept improving machines and other devices that make our lives so much better today. Can you imagine no electric lights, refrigeration, radios, big screen televisions, computers, washing machines, dryers, cooking devices, shop tools, etc.? The list could go on and on but I don’t have enough room to list everything. However, the thing I want to talk about is the affordability and availability of this power source to you. Our current President’s administration has targeted the use of coal for electricity generation as being a bad thing and they would like to see many of the coal plants shut down. Regulations becoming more stringent on the emissions from power plants has put at risk the reliability and affordability of the power grid in some areas of the country. The change from the use of coal to natural gas being almost mandated by the 2 December 2016 • Cooperative ConneCtions

government makes you feel like the Charlie Brown and Lucy’s football kicking episodes. Lucy always says to Charlie Brown, “Trust me, I will hold the ball and you kick it.” As the story goes, at the last moment Charlie Brown is about to kick the ball, Lucy pulls the ball away and he lands on his back with a big painful sigh. The government told electric cooperatives back in the late 1970’s that we cannot use natural gas for generation since the supply is limited, so we should use the abundant energy supply of coal and provide a reliable energy grid for our country. So even though we have been following what the government had mandated, they now want to change the rules due to fracking and discovering almost an endless amount of natural gas. These changes come at a very high price. Emission control equipment has been added to our power generation and our power units have met the standards as established again by government agencies, either state or federal. Now here we go again; the rules change in the middle of the game. Now money spent on meeting the standards on power plants may be wasted as they may be subject to more shut downs creating stranded investments across the country. So while the “Clean Power Plan” issue has been heard again in district court, the ruling on this may not come out until 2017 with a potential Supreme Court hearing and ruling in 2018. We will keep you advised about this issue as it unfolds. In the meantime, we have also been hit with more bad news when it comes to our power costs. In August, Basin Electric, our power supply cooperative, had to increase their rates by nearly 12% to cover the financial requirements of their lenders. We will see an increase in our rate in 2017 due to the bad financial year at Basin Electric in 2016. As a cooperative, we along with all of the members of Basin and East River Electric will need to work together to get through this tough financial time. We hope that during our local budgeting process we will be able to keep our increased costs to our members at a minimum and the increase will probably start within a few months. While rate increases are never fun to put into place, you can be assured that your staff and board of directors are looking at all aspects of the business and most certainly the needs of the members. Bon Homme Yankton Electric will continue providing you with reliable electric energy well into the future and in doing so we will keep the interests of our members our top priority. As always, if you have questions or concerns please feel free to visit with us here at the office.

Co-op

news

Sykora Certified Director (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. 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.

Director David Sykora has recently earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) Certificate. This certificate is earned by passing a curriculum consisting of five courses designed to provide basic knowledge and skills required of cooperative directors. These courses include Director Duties and Liabilities, Understanding the Electric Business, Board roles and Relationships, Strategic Planning and Financial Decision Making. David has been a director for one year serving District 3 which is in the north central part of the Bon Homme Yankton Electric service area. David joins Darrell Beran, Rick Koupal, Dave Sternhagen and Paul Voigt who have all previously earned their CCD Certificate. Congratulations to David on this impressive accomplishment!

David Sykora is recognized for earning his CCD Certificate.

$400,000 Refund Authorized The Board of Directors approved a capital credit refund at the October board meeting. The refund equals 5% of the total patronage which is approximately $400,000. Refund checks that will be sent out in November will be for the remainder of 1995, all of 1996 and about 67% of 1997. Checks will only be sent out to current and previous members if the amount of the check is over $25.00. Checks will not be issued to members with funds previously unclaimed, no valid address or belonging to an unclaimed estate. Capital credits are earned by members based on their electric purchases and

the amount of margins or profits. These funds are allocated to each member and held for a time and used as capital before being returned to the members in the form of a check. Contact our office if any information on your check is incorrect or if you received a check for a member that has passed away. Please cash your check as soon as possible. Checks that are unclaimed are eligible to revert to the cooperative after six years. The list of unclaimed capital credits can be found at http:// www.byelectric.com/content/unclaimedcapital-credits.

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 2016 3

Safety

Tips

Decorating Safety Indoor Lights and Electrical Decor • Always purchase electrical decorations and lights from reputable retailers. • Use lights approved for safe use by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. • Never connect more than three strands of incandescent lights together. • Consider purchasing LED lights, which use less energy and run cooler than traditional incandescent lights. • Before decorating, determine how many outlets are available and where they are located. Plan your displays accordingly. • Carefully inspect each electrical decoration. Cracked or damaged sockets, loose or bare wires and loose connections may cause a serious shock or start a fire. • Follow the manufacturer’s use and care instructions that accompany electrical decorations. • Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or electrical devices. They can overheat and cause a fire. • Make sure that cords are not pinched in doors, windows or under heavy furniture, which could damage the cord’s insulation. • Do not mount or support light strings in a way that might damage the cord’s insulation. • Always unplug electrical decorations before replacing bulbs or fuses. • Turn off all indoor and outdoor electrical decorations before leaving home or going to sleep. Outdoor Decorations • Make sure all extension cords and electrical decorations used for outdoor decorating are marked for outdoor use. • Match power needs (amperage) of electrical products with amperage rating of extension cords. • Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). If circuits are not GFCI-protected, portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold and require no special knowledge or equipment to install. • Inspect all lights, decorations and extension cords for damage before using. • Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, the house or other firm supports to protect them from wind damage, but take care not to attach the lights in a way that could damage the cord’s insulation. • Keep all extension cords and light strings clear of snow and standing water. • Make sure spotlights used to illuminate decorations are well-ventilated, protected from weather and a safe distance from flammable items. • Inspect ladders for loose or missing parts before using. • Use wooden or fiberglass ladders when decorating outdoors. Metal ladders conduct electricity. • Use the right ladder height, ensuring ladders extend at least three feet past the edge of the roof. • Exercise caution when decorating near power lines. Keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet from power lines. Source: esfi.org 4 December 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

Kids’ Corner Safety Poster

“Never touch a power cord with wet hands.”

Rebekah Sharples-Schmidt, 8 years old

Rebekah was 8 years old when she submitted this safety poster. She is the daughter of Glen and Riva Sharples-Schmidt, Wakonda, S.D. They are members of Clay-Union Electric, Vermillion, 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.

If storms down power lines, remember to

Stay away!

Reader

Recipes

Holiday Treats Almond Snowballs 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds 1 cup butter, softened 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2-1/2 cups all purpose flour

Peppermint Bars 1/4 tsp. salt 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided

Process almonds in a food processor 30 seconds or until very finely ground. Beat butter at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add vanilla and 1 cup powdered sugar, beating until blended. Combine flour, salt and almonds in a medium bowl; gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating until blended. Shape dough into 3/4-inch balls; place 2 inches apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake at 325°F. for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes. Transfer to wire racks and cool for 10 minutes. Roll warm cookies in remaining powdered sugar. Stephanie Fossum, Hudson

Chex Caramel Corn 1 bag popped microwave popcorn 3 cups Corn Chex 3 cups Rice Chex 1/2 to 3/4 cups honey roasted peanuts

Topping: 1/4 cup margarine 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 2 T. light corn syrup 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Pop corn; remove unpopped kernels. In large microwavable bowl, combine popcorn, cereal and peanuts. In medium bowl, microwave butter, brown sugar, syrup and vanilla on HIGH about 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute, until mixture is bubbling. Pour over cereal/popcorn mixture; stirring gently until evenly coated. Microwave on HIGH 5 to 6 minutes, stirring and mixing after every minute. Spread on waxed paper or cookie sheet to cool. Break up. Store in airtight container. Jane Ham, Rapid City

Can’t Fail Caramels 2 cups sugar 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 1 cup heavy cream

1 cup milk 1 cup butter or margarine 4 tsp. vanilla

Brownie: 1 (family-size) pkg. fudge brownie mix Chocolate Glaze: 12 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Peppermint Filling: 5 cups confectioners’ sugar 14 T. butter, melted 2 T. heavy cream 1 tsp. peppermint extract 1/8 tsp. red food coloring

Prepare brownie mix as directed on package. Spread in greased, foil-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F. for 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack. Meanwhile, beat filling ingredients in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended and smooth. Spread evenly over brownie. Refrigerate 30 minutes. For glaze, microwave chocolate and butter in microwavable bowl on HIGH 2 minutes or until butter is melted, stirring until chocolate is melted. Spread over top of brownie. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Cut into bars. Makes 36 servings. Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 258, Total Fat 14g, Saturated Fat 7g, Cholesterol 30mg, Sodium 104mg, Carbohydrates 31g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Protein 2g Pictured, Cooperative Connections

Pecan Delights 2-1/4 cups packed brown sugar 1 cup butter or margarine 1 cup light corn syrup 1/8 tsp. salt 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2-lb. whole pecans 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup milk chocolate chips 2 T. shortening

In a large saucepan, combine the first 4 ingredients. Cook over medium heat until all sugar is dissolved. Gradually add milk and mix well. Continue cooking until a candy thermometer reads 248°F. (firm-ball stage). Remove from heat; stir in vanilla until blended. Fold in pecans. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a greased or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Chill until firm. Loosen from paper. Melt chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Drizzle over each cluster. Cool. Ginny Jensen, Volga

Hopscotch 1 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup peanut butter

2 cups chow mein noodles 2 cups miniature marshmallows

Combine sugars, corn syrup, cream, milk and butter or margarine. Cook slowly, stirring constantly to 248°F. or when small quantity dropped in cold water forms a firm ball; remove from heat. Add vanilla. Pour into greased 8x8x2-inch pan or cookie sheet; cool. When firm, place on board and cut into squares. Wrap each square in waxed paper. Makes 1-1/4 pounds of caramels.

Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter over hot water. Mix in noodles and marshmallows. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let cool.

Judy Jensen, Langford

Belle Kvale, Lemmon

Please send your favorite soup, brunch and seafood 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 2017. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • December 2016 5

Energy Efficiency

Notes

Seal Tight, Ventilate Right

Patrick Keegan Collaborative Efficiency

Dear Pat: My family is planning to remodel our kitchen in the coming months. The remodel will be pricey, but we hope to incorporate energy efficient features that will help reduce our energy costs. What are some things we can do to make sure our kitchen is as energy efficient as it can be? – Carlos

Dear Carlos: Undertaking a remodeling project in any part of your home gives you the chance to make a space work better for your needs – including reducing your energy use. For many households, the kitchen is the heart of the home – meaning it is used the most – so incorporating energy efficiency measures here can have a real impact on your energy bills. Before starting a remodel, consider having a home energy audit completed by a certified professional. This energy assessment can help you identify major efficiency issues in your kitchen that you can address as you remodel. The audit can also identify other large efficiency investments your home may need that could make sense to invest in at the same time. For example, upgrading your heating and cooling system and duct work during the same time as your kitchen remodel could be more cost-efficient than completing two separate projects. Below are some additional tips and thoughts to consider while you go through your kitchen remodel:

Kitchen layout and design During a remodel, homeowners often want to expand the kitchen. However, bigger isn’t always better – and enlarging the footprint of your kitchen will likely mean higher heating and cooling bills. Consider whether a more efficient layout in your kitchen could prevent a need for expansion. The design phase of your project is also when you will decide on placement of your major appliances and kitchen features. There may be opportunities to shorten plumbing runs to make hot water delivery to your sink and dishwasher more efficient and to add plumbing insulation to reduce heat loss. Also think about heat sources in your kitchen and how they will affect your refrigerator – placing your refrigerator in a very sunny spot or next to your oven will make this appliance work harder and use more energy. Appliances If you are replacing any kitchen appliances, look for ENERGY STAR®-certified refrigerators, dishwashers and freezers 6 December 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

to help save energy. In particular, refrigerators that are ENERGY STAR®-certified will use about 10 percent less energy than standard models – and up to 40 percent less energy than a refrigerator from 2001. Once it is replaced, rather than moving your old refrigerator into the garage where it could use even more energy, ask your electric co-op how you can recycle it. They may even offer a program that hauls away your older appliance.

Lighting Many remodeled kitchens incorporate lots of windows to ensure a bright, naturally-lit kitchen. Using natural light can make your kitchen feel more open and reduce reliance on overhead lights, but beware of overheating the room in the summer. When thinking about your windows and lighting, consider your home’s climate and orientation and how to use natural light strategically. In addition to overall lighting, a kitchen needs bright task lighting. Installing individual task lights on separate switches can help minimize the energy you use for lighting. Throughout your kitchen, install ENERGY STAR light fixtures and bulbs, which are certified for energy savings, high quality and performance. Kitchen ventilation Increasingly, homeowners are installing professional-looking hoods above stoves in their remodeled kitchens. Be sure to pick a high-efficiency model sized for your needs and install it so that it vents directly to the outside. Remember that running a hood exhaust fan more frequently than needed can make your heating and cooling system work harder, as conditioned air is pulled outside. Overall comfort The kitchen is often a family’s gathering place, so installing zonal heat in this space could make sense – you could turn up the thermostat for the kitchen without warming the entire home. Other ways to ensure that the kitchen is a comfortable room for your family are to address any building envelope issues noted in your energy audit. For example, increase wall and attic insulation, address duct and air sealing needs, invest in efficient windows and install window coverings that help block hot summer sun and blustery winter wind. This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Amy Wheeless of Collaborative Efficiency. For more information on how to test and seal your ductwork, please visit: www.collaborativeefficiency. com/energytips.

News

Briefs

Prepare for Winter Now It may not seem like winter yet, but officials of the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management (OEM) say it is still time to make preparations. “Heavy snow and extremely cold temperatures can occur at any time of the year; we just don’t know when,” says Tina Titze, director of the Office of Emergency Management. “By preparing now, you can be ready if you have to deal with power outages, blocked roads and being forced to stay at home for several days.” Among the preparation tips OEM suggests are: • Monitor local weather forecasts when winter storms are approaching; • Make sure you have enough supplies, including food, prescription medication and batteries if you get stranded at home; • When traveling during the winter, make sure you have a winter survival kit in your vehicle and check road conditions before you leave. For more on making winter weather preparations, check out the new OEM winter weather guide at http://bready.sd.gov/ seasonal/seasonal.aspx. A new children’s book on winter weather preparedness, featuring OEM’s new mascot Tommy the Turtle, is also available at http://bready.sd.gov/ docs/Winter%20Weather%20 Book.pdf The Office of Emergency Management is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

Fire Marshal Urges Safety With Christmas Decorations South Dakota Fire Marshal Paul Merriman encourages South Dakotans to enjoy the holiday season, but also to be careful with possible fire risks. “There are so many special activities going on in homes during the holidays,” says Merriman. “There are more family gatherings, more special meals and more features like Christmas trees, candles and lights. All those are good things, but they also increase the chance of home fires.” Among the safety tips that Merriman suggests can be used to reduce the risk of other holiday-related home fires include: • If you have a natural tree in your home, check the

amount of water in the stand each day. A fresh tree can take in up to a quart of water a day. • Place the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces and heaters and don’t place it in an exit path. • Never use candles on or near a tree. Make sure the lights you use are UL listed and not frayed or damaged. • Don’t use outdoor lights indoors or indoor lights outdoors. • Don’t overload electrical circuits. Use approved circuit strips and turn off all Christmas lights before leaving the home or retiring for the evening. • Put lit candles in glass

safety globes and keep lit candles away from drafty windows and doorways. • Avoid the temptation to burn cardboard boxes or holiday wrapping paper in a fireplace. Those materials burn at very high temperatures and not all fireplaces are suited to burn those materials. As always, Merriman says home owners should place working smoke alarms on each floor of the home. Twothirds of the home fire deaths results from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or working smoke alarms. The South Dakota Fire Marshal’s office is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • December 2016 7

Shining Brightly Electric Cooperatives Spread Cheer

S

Brenda Kleinjan

anta may have Rudolph with his nose so bRight, but several communities know that when it comes to spreading good cheer and lighting the way, their local electric cooperative shines through. At Renville-Sibley Co-op Power Association in Danube, Minn., the coffee is on and cookies are served for members stopping in at the co-op’s annual open house in early December. Lyon-Lincoln Electric in Tyler, Minn., also hosts a similar event in early December. While they’re at it, eligible members are able to pick up capital credit checks. Similar events are held at other cooperatives, whether it be one-day affairs at individual offices or as a general invitation to stop in for a cup of coffee or cider and possibly a treat.

8 December 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

Leading up to the holidays, cooperatives in Gregory, Milbank, Elk Point and elsewhere have served as drop off locations for contributions to local food pantries. These endeavors have gathered hundreds of pounds of much-needed food and cereal to help those in need. Each year, Northern Electric Cooperative in Bath, S.D., greets passersby on U.S. Highway 12 with a light display that stretches across the co-op’s south lawn. In recent years, co-op employees have also spearheaded a toy drive for the local Toys for Tots program. And, when it comes to lighting things up, co-ops like Grand Electric Cooperative in Bison, S.D., and Clay-Union Electric Corporation in Vermillion,

Tips from Elf on the Shelf At Central Electric Cooperative in Mitchell, S.D., Trixie, the Elf on the Shelf, visited the cooperative in December 2015. Her antics were shared on the co-op’s Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest feeds. Using a “Naughty or Nice” indicator, Trixie shared tips on energy efficiency and safety using the hashtags “#ElfontheShelf” and “TrixiesAdventures”. You can follow Trixie’s Adventures on Pinterest and Instagram too! Search CentralElecSD on Instagram or visit their Pinterest site at https://www.pinterest.com/centraleccoop/. S.D., lend a hand in hanging community holiday decorations. In Bison, the connection between the co-op and the holiday decorations has lasted more than a half-century, said Operations Manager Mike Lemburg. Lemburg knows the co-op has been hanging the decorations for the Bison Commercial Club for as long as he has worked at the cooperative. Conferring with his predecessor, Juell Chapman, Lemburg confirmed that the tradition started prior to Chapman’s 1967 start at the cooperative. Some time in late November, one will find employees of Grand Electric Cooperative and West River Telephone Cooperative working to hang the 25 to 30 decorations on poles throughout the community. “The Commercial Club bought them and we hang them up,” said Lemburg. Among the decorations that will adorn the community in northwestern South Dakota are candy canes, candles and tree shapes. The employees also put up the cooperative’s own decorations on the town’s north end. New to the community in 2015 was the addition of a parade of lights and a community meal. Proceeds from the event went to the community’s ambulance fund. And, throughout the season – and the entire year – the region’s electric cooperatives provide safe, reliable electricity to light many a holiday celebration in homes across the area. Left: Passersby on U.S. Highway 12 are greeted with a festive display on Northern Electric Cooperative’s lawn near Bath, S.D. Above: A patriotic toy soldier waves the flag at Northern Electric. Top: With more than a half century experience in hanging the holiday decorations along the streets of Bison, S.D., Grand Electric was among the entries in the communities inaugural light parade in 2015. Right and Cover: Trixie, The Elf on the Shelf, spread energy efficiency and safety tips through social media to members of Central Electric Cooperative in Mitchell, S.D., in 2015.

“Nice”: Always unplug indoor and outdoor decorations before leaving home or going to bed. Source: esfi.org “Naughty”: Peeking in the oven before the Christmas cookies are done! When the door is opened, the inside temperature can lose as much as 25 degrees, forcing your oven to work harder. Source: U.S. Department of Energy “Nice”: Water your natural Christmas tree daily. A dry tree can be a fire hazard. Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) “Nice”: Put on a sweater, shawl or grab a blanket before turning up the thermostat. During an eight hour period, you can save up to 1 percent per degree turned back. Source: U.S. Department of Energy “Naughty”: Leaving your dryer running while unattended. Each year, roughly 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported. The leading cause is failure to clean the lint vent. Source: United States Fire Administration “Nice”: Open the blinds on south-facing windows on a sunny day to let the sunlight heat your home and close at night. Source: U.S. Department of Energy “Naughty”: Leaving on electronics when leaving the room. TVs on average use more energy than the individual annual usage of clothes washers, dryers, freezers and cooking activities. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration “Naughty”: Leaving the refrigerator door open for extended periods of time. Your mother knew what she was talking about when she said this! Be intentional each time you open the door. COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • December 2016 9

Co-op

news

Local Scholar Touchstone Energy Cooperative Bon Homme Yankton Electric along with KSFY are pleased to announce that Jacob Hertz of Menno was selected as a Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week. Jacob's segment aired on KSFY the week of November 6-12. Jacob, son of Todd and Rose Hertz, has a 3.74 grade point average and is involved in many different activities including: Student Council President, FFA President, basketball, baseball, football, track, Quiz Bowl, One Act Play, Oral Interpretation, Character Counts Champion on Track. Jacob was nominated by Menno Public School 6-12 Principal Cameron Kerkhove. Kerkhove said, "Jacob Hertz is an overall wonderful leader in Menno. Jacob has leadership positions throughout many of our school organizations. The younger students look up to Jacob. His solid character was recognized and will be used to teach the younger students at our school." Touchstone Energy Cooperatives along with KSFY Television have joined together to recognize the achievements of high school seniors throughout the region. “Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week” has been celebrating the achievements of high school seniors since 2002. Recipients

HOLIDAY CLOSING The Bon Homme Yankton Electric Office will be

CLOSED for Thanksgiving, Thursday and Friday, November 24 & 25

Outage crews will remain on call 24/7

Bon Homme Yankton Electric General Manager M.J. Goehring presents a check for $100 to Jacob Hertz. Photo L-R: M.J. Goehring, Jacob Hertz, Principal Cameron Kerkhove.

are highly motivated high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community. This program was founded on the four pillars of Touchstone Energy: Integrity, Accountability, Innovation and a Commitment to Community. What does it take to be a Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week? It’s not just about grades or athletic ability. It takes a well-rounded individual that excels in the classroom and the community. Jacob received $100 from Bon Homme Yankton Electric in recognition of his many accomplishments.

Welcome new Members Avon David Browder Franklin G Thompson Scotland Lindsay Palmer Tabor Anna Taylor Harold Andersen Ricky J Volner Utica Brenda Heydon Yankton Chad Maas Dakota Plains Ag Center, LLC Dan Hiserote Ethan Smith Hans Lillevold Ken L Hansen Kevin Tooker Matthew O Greer Samuel Arens Shelbi Lee Steven Peais Tina Hartz

1 0 December 2016 • Cooperative ConneCtions

Classifieds January Issue Deadline: December 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 FOR SALE: Seasoned ash/elm firewood, $70 per pickup load. Call 605-660-5688.

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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

FREE HOME DAMAGE ASSESSMENT following a storm

INSURANCE CLAIM SPECIALIST GENERAL CONTRACTOR • Roofing • Gutters • Siding • Painting • Windows • Doors

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ©2012 Wellmark, Inc. SD-20-P-12

heaTinG & CoolinG 920 Broadway Yankton, SD 57078

60 5 -6 6 5 -9 4 6 1

800-491-9461

HOME REPAIR HOTLINE

605-661-4488

Warm Air, Air to Air, Geothermal Heat Pumps WE DO EMERGENCY HOME REPAIRS Cooperative ConneCtions • December 2016 1 1

Power Up Safely Back-up Generators Useful Tools if Used Properly

T By American Red Cross

he following infoRmation, developed by the American Red Cross with technical advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Fire Protection Association (publisher of the National Electric CodeÂŽ) and the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is provided to address questions about using a generator when disaster or emergency strikes.

How to Buy a Generator If you choose to buy a generator, make sure you get one that is rated for the amount of power that you think you will need. Look at the labels on light-

12 December 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

ing, appliances and equipment you plan to connect to the generator to determine the amount of power that will be needed to operate the equipment. For lighting, the wattage of the light bulb indicates the power needed. Appliances and equipment usually have labels indicating power requirements on them. Choose a generator that produces more power than will be drawn by the combination of lighting, appliances and equipment you plan to connect to the generator including the initial surge when it is turned on. If your generator does not produce adequate power for all your needs, plan to stagger the operating times for various equipment.

If you can not determine the amount of power that will be needed, ask an electrician to determine that for you. (If your equipment draws more power than the generator can produce, then you may blow a fuse on the generator or damage the connected equipment.)

Keep It Ready

How to Use a Generator at Home The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire. Follow the directions supplied with the generator. Every year, people die in incidents related to portable generator use.

Storage Short-Term Storage (2 to 3 weeks) • After each use, clean debris off unit. • Store in a spot in your garage or out-building where you can get to it easily when you need to use it.

Never Use a Portable Generator Indoors This includes inside a garage, carport, basement, crawl space or other enclosed or partially-enclosed area, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home. The CO from generators can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death, but CO can’t be seen or smelled. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY – DO NOT DELAY. Because you may have windows open to get fresh air while the power is out, be sure to place the generator away from windows, doors and vents that could allow CO to come indoors. To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. To protect the generator from moisture, operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands. It is a good idea to install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery back-up in your home, according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions. If CO gas from the generator enters your home and poses a health risk, the alarm will sound to warn you. Test the battery frequently and replace when needed. Be sure to turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite. Store fuel for the generator in an approved safety can. Use the type of fuel recommended in the instructions or on the label on the generator. Local laws may restrict the amount of fuel you may store or the storage location. Ask your local fire department for additional information about local regulations. Store the fuel outside of living areas in a locked shed or other protected area. Do not store it near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage. If the fuel is spilled or the container is not sealed properly, invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and can be ignited by the appliance’s pilot light or by arcs from electric switches in the appliance. Plug appliances directly into the generator. Or, use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads. Check that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and

There are several things you should do to make sure your portable generator is ready to start and provide power at a moments notice.

Long-Term Storage (2 to 3 months) • For longer-term storage, fill tank with fuel and add a gasoline stabilizer in the tank. • Perform scheduled maintenance per your owner’s manual. • If at all possible store it inside where it will be dry, protected and easy to get to. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions. Source: Briggs and Stratton DYK? Briggs and Stratton founder S.F. Briggs grew up at Watertown, S.D., and attended South Dakota State College, studying engineering.

that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin. Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as “backfeeding.” This is an extremely dangerous practice that presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the builtin household protection devices.

Future Generator Safety Considerations The only recommended method to connect a generator to house wiring is by having a qualified electrician install a power transfer switch. This switch must be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code® (NEC), which is published by the National Fire Protection Association, as well as all applicable state and local electrical codes. Call a qualified electrician or check with your utility company to see if they can install the appropriate equipment. For power outages, permanently installed stationary generators are better suited for providing backup power to the home. Even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded. This may result in overheating or stressing the generator components, possibly leading to a generator failure. Be sure to read instructions that come with the generator to make sure you operate it within its limitations for power output. Contact your local electric cooperative for more information about using a generator. COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • December 2016 13

Santa’s List for

Energy Conservation S By Department of Energy

anta’s list may be full of toys for good girls and boys, but ever wonder what his wish list for you would look like? Check out these tips for energy conservation that just may top the jolly old soul’s parchment.

dow frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration. • Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.

Take Advantage of Heat from the Sun • Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

Adjust the Temperature • When you are home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable. • When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10° to 15° for eight hours and save around 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling bills. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature.

Cover Drafty Windows • Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your win-

14 December 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

Find and Seal Leaks • Seal the air leaks around utility cut-throughs for pipes (“plumbing penetrations”), gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. • Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows. Maintain Your Heating Systems • Schedule service for your heating system. • Furnaces: Replace your furnace filter once a month or as needed. • Wood- and Pellet-Burning Heaters: Clean the flue vent regularly and clean the inside of the appliance with a wire brush periodically to ensure that your home is heated efficiently. Reduce Heat Loss from the Fireplace • Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter; it allows warm air to go right up the chimney. • When you use the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly--approximately 1 inch--and close doors leading into the room. Lower the thermostat setting to between 50° and 55°F. • If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue. • If you do use the fireplace, install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warmed air back into the room. • Check the seal on the fireplace flue damper and make it as snug as possible. • Purchase grates made of C-shaped metal tubes to draw cool room air into the fireplace and circulate warm air back into the room. • Add caulking around the fireplace hearth. Lower Your Water Heating Costs • Water heating accounts for about 18 percent of the energy consumed in your home. • Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You’ll not only save energy, you’ll avoid scalding your hands. Lower Your Holiday Lighting Costs • Use light-emitting diode – or “LED” -- holiday light strings to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays. Source: http://www.energy.gov/energysaver/fall-andwinter-energy-saving-tips COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • December 2016 15

Regional Dateline November 18-19 Holiday Arts Christmas Craft Show, Masonic Temple Mitchell, SD, 605-248-2526

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

December 9-10 Sharpshooter Classic Winner, SD, 605-842-1533

November 26 Holiday Activities and Parade of Lights, Winner, SD 605-842-1533

December 10 Breakfast with Santa Watertown, SD, 605-882-6269

December 2-3 Living Christmas Tree Aberdeen, SD, 605-229-6349 December 2-3, 8-10, 15-17 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2016, Renner, SD 605-543-5071 December 3 Christmas Parade and Holiday Gift & Craft Fair, Custer, SD 605-673-2244

December 3 Potter Family Christmas Show Lead, SD, 605-584-2067

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 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 3 Holy Rocka Rollaz Christmas Concerts, Terry Redlin Art Center, Watertown, SD 605-882-3877

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAD COPPESS, S.D. TOURISM

November 18-January 8 Winter Wonderland, Falls Park Sioux Falls, SD, 605-275-6060

Events of Special Note

December 10 Frontier Christmas Lake City, SD, 605-448-5474 December 10 Annual Black Hills Cowboy Christmas, Lead, SD 605-584-2067 December 15-March 31 South Dakota Snowmobile Trails Season, Lead, SD 605-584-3896 January 12 The Ennis Sisters in Concert Spearfish, SD, 605-642-7973

January 12-14 16th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament, Mobridge, SD 605-845-2500

February 7-11 Winter Farm Show Watertown, SD, 605-886-5814

January 19-21 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876

February 10-11 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights, Renner, SD 605-543-5071

January 20-21 ISOC Deadwood SnoCross Showdown, Deadwood, SD 605-578-1876

February 11 Ben Folds with the South Dakota Symphony Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-6000

January 21 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer, SD, 605-440-1405

March 4-7 Summit League Basketball Championship Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288

January 27-February 5 Annual Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, Rapid City, SD 605-355-3861 February 4 Twenty One Pilots in Concert Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288

March 17-18 28 Below Fatbike Race Lead, SD, 605-584-3435 March 24-25, March 31-April 1 59th Annual Schmeckfest Freeman, SD, 605-925-4237