SEPTEMBER 2017
VOL. 18 NO. 5
Game On!
Page 8-9
Co-ops Use Football Season to Connect with Members
Manager’s
Column
Cooperative Needs Engaged Members For all of you that attended the Bon Homme Yankton Electric 73rd annual meeting on August 22, I thank you. It takes a true effort to decide to attend this meeting. 73 years ago the annual meeting was a huge event for the area with attendance estimated over 2,000. Through the years it has dwindled down. In the 80’s attendance was around 1,000 stephanie Horst and now down to 500. Today, we General Manager Bon Homme Yankton Electric have members busy with family activities, we have seasonal members that may feel that this is not their “home” and that they don’t need to be engaged, we have members that are busy with farm chores, and members with other reasons not to attend. There are very important reasons we gather each year. (And no, it isn’t for free food and prizes–that is just a bonus). The bylaws of the cooperative require that we have this meeting of the members annually in support of education and the democratic process. The members learn about the issues that the electric industry is facing, the financial stability of the co-op, and where the cooperative is heading. Each membership has a vote to elect the board of directors that make important decisions on your behalf that affect the cooperative for years to come. Why do you need to know all of this? It is because as a member, you are part owner of Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association. If you own a car or a house, you are interested that it is running properly, that it is being taken care of and paid for.
2 September 2017 • Cooperative ConneCtions
These are some of the same reasons why I encourage you to come to the annual meeting, and become engaged with your electric cooperative throughout the year. It doesn’t matter if you are a small user or a large user; every member is collectively paying their fair share of the costs to keep the cooperative successful and each of you are equally important. There are going to be challenging times ahead that we need input from the membership or you the member-owner. There was a solar survey that was sent to some members on July 30. This is one of many issues that we need input from our membership. The survey results will be evaluated by the Board and management to understand the
Thank you again to all of the members that came to the annual meeting. I challenge you to stay engaged and encourage other members to take interest. needs of our members in this area and what we need to do as a cooperative to meet them. If you received a survey, please fill it out. If you did not get a survey and want to weigh in on this subject, please contact me. We need to hear from directors, employees and members in order for the Board to make good decisions that impact the cooperative’s direction and keep us financially healthy. It is a team effort. Thank you again to all of the members that came to the annual meeting. I challenge you to stay engaged and encourage other members to take interest.
Co-op
(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.
news
Gross KWH Taxes Paid to Schools South Dakota law requires that rural electric cooperatives pay a tax based on the number of KWHs sold in each local school district. This tax replaces the former 2% Gross Revenue Tax. School districts in our service area have received $265,670 in gross KWH tax as a result of electric sales to members of Bon Homme Yankton Electric in 2016. The table breaks down the gross KWH taxes paid by Bon Homme Yankton Electric, East River Electric on our purchases of electricity and Basin Electric’s tax based on KWH sales to East River on behalf of our members.
taxes From providers
Bon Homme Yankton Elec.$135,914 East River Electric 71,208 Basin Electric 58,548
Total
$256,670
taxes to schools Avon Bon Homme Scotland Menno Tripp-Delmont Viborg Irene Yankton
Total
4-1 4-2 4-3 33-2 33-4 60-5 63-2 63-3
$13,424 66,074 20,184 10,735 2,774 834 16,477 135,168
$265,670
Check out our website at: WWW.BYELECTRIC.COOP
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 • September 2017 3
Safety
Tips
Back To School Electrical Safety As many prepare for this upcoming school year, we want to share some electrical safety tips that are useful for students of all ages.
Elementary School Students Electricity can be exciting and interesting to learn about, but it is important that kids learn about electrical safety. Remind your children of the following tips: • Never throw shoes onto power lines, and definitely don’t try to get them off of the lines. • Writing utensils and other supplies like paperclips should never be placed in or near electrical outlets, even if you think the outlet isn’t working. • Make sure your hands and the area around you are dry before plugging something in. This is especially important in science labs where there are usually several sets of sinks, an eye wash, chemicals, etc. • When unplugging things from an electrical outlet, always hold the plastic base to pull the plug out. Never yank it out by the cord. Middle/High School Students • If you’ve just received the privilege of driving to school with your newly-obtained driver’s license, pay close to attention on those morning and afternoon drives for utility crews at work. Should you be involved in an accident involving a power line or pole, assume live electricity is outside of the car and use extreme caution. • Always steer clear of pad-mount transformers – the big green metal boxes. All electrical equipment on school property should be avoided due to the possible dangers of electrical shock. • Always be cautious in science classes, specifically the ones with labs. Sinks, eye washes, chemicals – it’s likely your hands or the area near you will be wet. Keep everything dry and use
caution when plugging in equipment.
College Students • Get in the habit of unplugging what’s not in use. It’s common practice, unfortunately, for college kids to load up electrical outlets and power strips with electronics and appliances. Many dorm and apartment rooms are fairly small there isn’t much room to spread these out. Many campus housing options are dated and aren’t equipped to handle today’s amount of electricity usage. • Use only approved electrical products with the mark of a recognized certification agency. • Choose a power strip with a heavy-gauge cord that are approved by a recognized certification agency. • Replace frayed or damaged extension cords with new ones. • Keep extension cords out from under carpet, rugs or furniture as this could damage the cord and also present a fire hazard. • Keep flammable materials such as books, paper and clothing away from heaters, stoves and other heating sources. • Never leave cooking appliances unattended. • Plug portable heaters and air conditioners directly into the outlet. If an extension cord is needed, to prevent overheating and risk of fire, use only one that is rated for this purpose to ensure that the cord can handle the electrical current. • Never remove the third prong from an electrical product. The third prong is the grounding device and is a critical safety feature. • Keep gadgets and cords away from bedding and curtains. The heat from a laptop charger or mini-fridge can start an electrical fire if left in contact with flammable material for too long. • Avoid overloading outlets or circuits as this can cause overheating that may lead to fire. Source: www.twielectric.com/recent/school-electrical-safety/
Kids’ Corner Safety Poster “Don’t put your finger in an outlet.” Paeton Thin Elk, 8 years old
Paeton is the child of Samantha Janis, New Underwood, 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. Editor’s note: As part of his senior experience project, Connor Guenot, a New Underwood High School senior, gave an electrical safety demonstration to the second-grade class at New Under4 September 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
wood Elementary School with a goal of teaching the kids about electrical safety in their daily lives. After the presentation, the kids made safety posters summarizing their learning experience. Above is one of the posters that was drawn.
Reader
Recipes
Garden Goodness Cheesy Vegetable Spaghetti Pie
Zucchini Cobbler 8 cups chopped, seeded and peeled zucchini 2/3 cup lemon juice 1 cup sugar 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
Crust: 4 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups sugar 1-1/2 cups cold butter, cubed 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, cook and stir zucchini and lemon juice for 15 to 20 minutes or until zucchini is tender. Add sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat; set aside. For crust, combine flour and sugar in a bowl; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir 1/2 cup into zucchini mixture. Press half of remaining crust mixture into a greased 10x15-inch baking pan. Spread zucchini over top; crumble remaining crust mixture over zucchini. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake at 375°F. for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Yield: 16-20 servings. Jean Osterman, Wheaton, MN
Saucy Chicken and Asparagus 1-1/2 lbs. fresh asparagus spears, cut-up 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 T. cooking oil 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper
1 can cream of chicken soup 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 tsp. lemon juice 1/2 tsp. curry powder 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Place asparagus in a greased 9-inch square baking dish. Brown chicken in oil; season with salt and pepper. Arrange chicken over asparagus. Mix soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice and curry powder. Pour over chicken. Cover and bake at 375°F. for 40 minutes or until chicken is tender and juices run clear. Sprinkle with cheese. Let set 5 minutes before serving. Shirley Miller, Winfred
Refrigerator Pickles
8 oz. spaghetti 1 T. olive oil 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms 1/2 cup thinly sliced green bell pepper 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion wedges 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced zucchini 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained 2 tsp. McCormick® Rosemary Leaves
1 tsp. McCormick® Garlic Powder 1 tsp. McCormick® Oregano Leaves 1 tsp. McCormick® Thyme Leaves 1/2 tsp. salt 8 eggs 1 (8 oz.) pkg. shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups), divided
Cook spaghetti as directed on package. Drain well. Meanwhile, heat oil in large ovenproof skillet on medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, bell pepper and onion; cook and stir 5 minutes or until tender. Add zucchini, tomatoes, rosemary, garlic powder, oregano, thyme and salt; cook and stir 10 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Beat eggs in large bowl. Add spaghetti and 1 cup of the cheese; mix well. Stir into vegetables in skillet. Cook on medium-low heat 5 minutes or until bottom is set. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake at 350°F. for 8 to 10 minutes or until center is just set and cheese is melted. Cut into 8 wedges to serve. Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 306, Total Fat 14g, Sodium 500mg, Cholesterol 234mg, Carbohydrates 27g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Protein 18g Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Sweet and Sour Onions 4 large onions 1/4 cup vinegar 1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup boiling water 1/4 cup sugar
Slice or chunk onions in baking dish. Mix remaining ingredients. Pour over onions. Bake at 300°F. for 1 hour or until onions are cooked through. Elaine Rowett, Sturgis
Pepper Salad
7 cups sliced, unpeeled cucumbers 1-1/4 cups vinegar 1 cup sliced onion 1 T. non-iodized salt 2 cups sugar 1 T. celery seed
1 small sweet onion 1 red pepper 1 yellow pepper 1 green pepper 1 orange pepper (when in season)
4 large tomatoes 1 pkg. Good Seasons Zesty Italian Dressing 1 (16 oz.) bottle Kraft Italian Dressing
Layer cucumbers and onions in pint jars. Dissolve sugar, vinegar and salt over low heat. Stir in celery seed. Pour over cucumbers. Refrigerate 2 days; will keep for months in refrigerator.
Cut onion and peppers into 1-inch chunks. Marinate in Italian seasonings and dressing several hours or overnight. Add chunked tomatoes just before serving. May add sliced black olives if desired.
Jane Ham, Rapid City
Caroline Bochman, Tyndall
Please send your favorite garden produce , pasta or slow cooker 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 2017. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • September 2017 5
Co-op
news
It’s all about YOUth!
the rural electric Cooperative Youth tour unites students in Washington, D.C. Forty-two South Dakota teens were among 1,825 teens from across the country participating in the Rural Electric Youth Tour June 8-15. Nathan Zimmerman of Yankton, SD was selected to represent Bon Homme Yankton Electric in Washington, DC. Started in 1963, the tour is designed to connect students to the Nation’s Capitol by not only seeing the sights but also engaging in educational opportunities and meetings with the state’s congressional delegation. “Over our week in Washington, we got to experience more landmarks and monuments than I even knew existed before the trip,” noted one participant.
Among the educational opportunities was the Congressional Insight, a simulation game which demonstrates the choices that congressmen and women are required to make and how they balance re-election, making deals with other representatives, and getting their own laws passed. A second session, ‘A Place for YOUth in the Cooperative World,’ took a look at different types of cooperatives and the role that individuals play in their operation. Students explored co-op principles, how co-ops help communities and many nonelectrical co-ops, like ACE Hardware and Land O’Lakes. The students participated in a large inspirational seminar with more than a thousand youth, talking about how co-ops are changing the greater world. During Capitol Hill Day, students attended one of five Senate committee hearings and observed the Senate in session. They also spent time meeting with Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds, and Rep. Kristi Noem. During their time with Nathan Zimmerman (center right) tours the Capitol building.
The 2017 South Dakota group meets with the congressional delegation. 6 September 2017 • Cooperative ConneCtions
the elected officials, students were able to ask questions. Bon Homme Yankton Electric youth programs represent our commitment to future co-op members and leaders.
Bon Homme Yankton Electric representative Nathan Zimmerman in front of the Washington Monument.
Co-op
news
ND Trip Unique Youth Experience Forty-one South Dakota students representing twelve electric cooperatives traveled to North Dakota to witness energy production and learn about cooperatives on July 24-27. This Youth Excursion is an investment made in young community leaders. This state’s cooperatives believe that investing in young members is an investment in the future and in the safety and success of our future energy and cooperative business model. Representing Bon Homme Yankton Electric were Olivia Warriner, daughter of Delos and Marietta Warriner of Yankton and Katie Hammond, daughter of Joe and Tina Hammond of Yankton. On the first day of touring, these students toured Basin Electric Power Cooperative and the National Energy Center of Excellence at Bismarck State College in Bismarck, N.D. There, they learned how energy is produced, marketed and delivered. This process was seen on a larger scale the next day when the students toured the North Dakota Energy Trail
in Beulah, N.D. Stops were made at the Katie stated, "Thank you B-Y Electric Coteau Properties’ Company Freedom for the chance to take this trip. It's one Mine, the Antelope Valley Station and of the best things I've done. I learned the Dakota Gasification Company’s so much on this trip along with meeting Great Plains Synfuels Plant. new people. It also gave me a chance to This excursion not only provided learn about new jobs that I didn't know the students with an education on existed. Thanks again for the chance to energy production, but it also offered take this trip." valuable understanding about the importance and influence of their local cooperatives. Topics such as the co-op’s business model and the benefits accrued by being a cooperative member were discussed and witnessed during the tours. It was an engaging experience that these students will remember when they become active community leaders and cooperative members. Olivia said, "Thanks for letting me come on this trip Katie Hammond looks inside the boiler at the Antelope Valley to learn more about where Power Station. electricity comes from. I had a lot of fun on this trip and look forward to more."
Olivia Warriner (left) and Katie Hammond (right) enjoy the riverboat excursion.
Olivia Warriner tries out a Segway.
Cooperative ConneCtions • September 2017 7
A Co-op Twist to Football Tailgating W Brenda Kleinjan
hen the Friday night lights glow on high school football fields this fall, many electric cooperatives take the opportunity to reach out to their members. Since 2009, Grand Electric Cooperative in Bison, S.D., along with its telephone cooperative arm, West River Cooperative Telephone Co., have made the rounds at area high school football games to meet their members face-to-face. “We started our tailgate parties in 2009, but prior to that, we hosted “block parties,” which were held at noon,” said Rachel Eggebo, marketing/tech specialist for the two cooperatives. She believes the block parties were started around 2003.
8 September 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
“We wanted to get out and converse with our members face-to-face rather than over the phone,” she said. “We started our tailgate parties because we realized not everyone could leave at noon to attend the block party. And, we wanted to communicate with our youth as well as our members,” Eggebo continued. So, armed with hotdogs, chips, ketchup and the rest of the fixings, co-op employees and directors made the rounds at high school games in northwestern South Dakota. This fall, the co-ops will make games in Lemmon, Buffalo, Faith, Newell and Bison. The grills churn out food about an hour
before game time, which varies by town and timing in the season. Adding a t-shirt gun to the mix just adds to the tailgating fun. “The interaction has been great for both our members and employees. Community involvement is a big part of our organization,” said Eggebo. To the south, West River Electric Association, headquartered in Wall, also uses area football games as a way to connect with members. The co-op hosts member appreciation days in some of its communities, but was looking for an inroad into the New Underwood area east of Rapid City, S.D. “We didn’t have anything in our New Underwood area. We started doing an appreciation day there, but we weren’t getting the younger crowd there,” said Veronica Kusser, manager of member services. In 2013, the cooperative decided to host a tailgate party before the Wall/New Underwood game. “We chose to do the Wall/New Underwood game because we serve both communities,” said Kusser. “We really got to meet the parents with kids – that age group that you have the toughest challenge to get ahold of,” she said. The 2016 game between the Tigers and the Eagles was held in Wall. “We set up tables and tents and served right at 1,000 hamburgers and hotdogs in a two-hour time frame,” Kusser said. The cooperative was also able to hand out Operation Round Up® checks to various organizations during the game. “We gave out our ORU funds at halftime of the football game – it really allows spotlight on involvement in community,” Kusser said. “We’re just there to visit with our members. At our appreciation events we’re promoting our different programs but at the football game, we’re there just to show our commitment to the community and our support to the younger generations,” said Kusser. “It gives them an opportunity to see that we are in their community.” The co-op also makes a donation to the local
school’s concession stand to offset any decrease in sales the stand may see. “We wanted to show that we care, that we appreciate them,” Kusser said. This year, the two teams face off on Aug. 18, so WREA was already planning its tailgate in the early summer. In northeastern South Dakota, FEM Electric Association in Ipswich starts the school year off with a truckload of bottled water. For the last eight to 10 years, the co-op has ordered bottled water labeled with the co-op’s logo and one of four safety messages. Each of the six schools in their service area are given about 60 cases of water which they can then sell at concession stands, use at school functions or however they see fit. “Several schools sell it at sporting events – it’s pure profit for them,” said Scott Moore, FEM’s general manager. “We’re getting our name out there, but more importantly, we’re getting a safety message into the hands of those holding a bottle.” The co-op also makes an appearance at baskeball games between its area schools. At select games, boxes of Cracker Jacks snacks, with a co-op sticker on them, are tossed out into the crowds. “That’s really gone over well,” Moore said.
Above: West River Cooperative Telephone Company area journeyman combination technician Bill Anders checks the aim of his son, Zack, as a t-shirt gun sends a prize flying at a Harding County Ranchers game back in 2012.
Left: Ann Ulrich of Faith arm wrestles Grand Electric Cooperative’s Steve Senn while GEC board president John Long looks on during the tailgate party hosted by GEC and WRCTC before a Faith football game in 2016. Also pictured are employees Bonnie Sander and Colle Nash. Right: Directors and employees of West River Electric Association in Wall served 1,000 hot dogs and burgers to fans attending the Wall Eagles/New Underwood Tigers football game in October 2016. COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • September 2017 9
Co-op
news
Third Party Controllers for Irrigation Systems: Putting Control Back Into Your Hands
Irrigators now have the opportunity to regulate their system controllers with third party load control equipment and will receive an incentive if they choose to do so.
How does it work?
• The third party equipment replaces Bon Homme Yankton Electric's current load control receiver. • The third party equipment is sold directly to the user or grower and is installed and maintained by the dealer. • The grower purchases the equipment and installs an app on their mobile device which allows remote access to their irrigation controllers. • The third party load control equipment is enhanced with technology that allows the grower to have several options and additional information to run their system to their specific needs. • The grower has the opportunity to opt-out or override a controlling period, but by doing so, the grower will be subject to pay the high demand charge if they override the control. • The user that purchases the third party equipment will receive a onetime $750 rebate per system from Bon Homme Yankton Electric.
Who do I contact for more information?
To receive additional information, please contact Member Service Advisor Bob Felber at 605-463-2507. He will provide information in regards to the program and will be able to direct you to the dealers that sell and install the third party controllers.
Irrigation Reminders As the irrigation season winds down, some irrigation systems have been getting a quite a workout in our service area due to the lack of rain. We would like to remind you that the load management control program is voluntary. Cutting the seals to override the control period in the load management control receivers for irrigation could result in a substantial charge for your irrigation service. If you think you are experiencing problems with your load management receiver, please call us prior to cutting the seal. This will give us the opportunity to fix the problem, should one exist. At the end of the season, we will be inspecting irrigation meters and load control devices. If any seals are found cut
or any other wiring for the load management receivers has been tampered with and we have not been notified, you will be billed the higher demand rate possibly for the entire season. The load management system is designed to shed electric load during peak times in the month, allowing your cooperative to save operating costs and continue to keep your rates as low as possible.
Irrigation Message Alerts
If you have any questions or want to receive notification by email or text message via mobile phone when your system is being controlled, please contact Bob Felber at 605-463-2507.
1 0 September 2017 • Cooperative ConneCtions
Classifieds October Issue Deadline: September 1, 2017. 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 Gary at 605-463-2209 or Ron at 605-463-2256.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 605660-0274 or 605-660-3497.r
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Killer Korn Camo Langford man develops new camouflage pattern
S Andrew Johnson Farm Forum
ometimes the best ideas show up in the strangest places. Just ask Jordan Deutsch, who came up with a new camouflage idea while farming. Three years ago, during harvest season, Deutsch was sitting in a tractor cab, grain cart in tow, as he waited for the combine to make its rounds in the cornfield. That’s where the idea to start Fallin’ Fowl Camo was born. “I was looking at the field and wondered why someone hadn’t come out with a corn or cornfield camo pattern,” he said. “I always felt other camo patterns were too dark and stuck out too much. I love Realtree and Mossy Oak for deer hunting and all that, but some of their newer waterfowl patterns don’t look anything like where we hunt up here, like cornfields.”
12 September 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Once harvest was complete, Deutsch took the initiative to explore what options were available for an upstart to introduce a corn-themed camo pattern, which he named Killer Korn, to the waterfowl market. “I checked with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and they told me to submit my ideas with some pictures to get the patent going,” said Deutsch, who is 25 and returned to the Langford area to farm with his extended family after receiving an agriculture degree from Lake Area Tech in Watertown. “We took a bunch of pictures, picked three, and a graphic designer from the USPTO meshed them together. Then we tweaked it three or four times from there until we got it where I wanted it and put a patent on it.”
Next steps
After receiving a patent on the Killer Korn pattern, Deutsch decided to also trademark his Fallin’ Fowl Camo brand name. “The next step was how to get the actual pattern onto clothing,” he said. “That was the tough part.” Deutsch said some exhaustive online research finally lead him to Jest Textiles, a New Jersey-based company that offered the printing and design services he’d need to screen the Killer Korn pattern onto material. “I got in touch with them and sent them the file for my camo,” he said. “They ran a sample, and once I got that back I wanted to tweak it a little bit more.” He said minor adjustments were necessary, as there were slight differences in color and size from how the pattern’s image looked on a computer screen compared to how it actually printed on clothing. As a result, Deutsch altered the color and scale of his pattern several times prior to settling on a final design. “As far as scale goes it really depends on the ground, but we averaged out what a corn ear would normally be,” he said. “Some are 7 or 8 inches, and some really big corn is 13 inches. We settled on 9 to 10 inches and went from there, blowing up the husk size so it was lifelike and would mimic what actual corn looks like in a field.” Through the process, Deutsch said he also came to another important realization. “There’s corn from North Dakota all the way to Texas, and not all corn is the same,” he said. “Some might have more green in it, while some varieties might be more red. Plus, corn in the fall has a totally different color than it does in spring after it’s been sitting around all winter. I finally had to bite the bullet and settle on a design.”
Long time coming
With the help of Jest Textiles, Deutsch had the Killer Korn camo pattern printed on some pants, hooded sweatshirts and beanies, and the first batches of his product started arriving in November and December. It’s been a long process for Deutsch, who said the idea for Fallin’ Fowl Camo first took off in January 2014. “Here it is, three years later, and I finally got it where I want it,” he said. “Now that I have my product, I’m trying to figure out which direction to go. I don’t want to go too far in the direction of selling it myself, but would rather have a licensing deal where companies can put it on whatever they want.” Deutsch said he’s working on a potential partnership with Heavy Hauler Outdoor Gear, a company from Kingsley, Iowa, that specializes in waterfowl products. “I’ve actually been working with Heavy Hauler and trying to work out a deal with them,” he said. “They’ve put the pattern on a sample blind, blind bag and gun case, and we’re working out the details. They make the Scheels-brand blinds along with some other products, and that was part of my dream, to invent something and see it in a store like Scheels or Cabela’s.” For Deutsch, a camo pattern that looks identical to corn fills a vacant need in the waterfowling world. He also believes it could mean less work in the long run for duck and goose hunters who
don’t take the time to properly stuff their blinds. Stuffing corn stalks and husks, wheat stubble and other vegetation into a layout blind’s exterior to help it melt into its surroundings is necessary while field hunting, but Deutsch said some hunters fail to do it properly. “Staying hidden is the key to waterfowl hunting, and I was sick and tired of people not stuffing blinds and ruining the hunt,” he said. “That’s why I came up with the pattern. I wanted something that blended in a lot better, because most of the time we hunt waterfowl in corn.”
Where to find Fallin’ Fowl Camo
RC Hunting Store in Aberdeen is selling Fallin’ Fowl Camo hoodies and beanies from its warehouse as well as through its online business at rchuntingstore.com. For more information on Killer Korn and other Fallin’ Fowl products, go to Facebook.com/fallinfowlcamo.
DID YOU KNOW? Corn is a primary crop in the three counties near Fallin’ Fowl Camo’s Langford, S.D., base. Marshall County: • 58.9 percent of the county’s landmass is cropland. • 38 percent of that cropland was planted to corn in 2013 (120,000 acres) Day County: • 60 percent of that county’s landmass is cropland (395,0007 acres) • 33.9 percent of the cropland planted to corn in 2013. Brown County: • 77.9 percent of the county’s land mass is cropland (854,000 acres) • 43 percent (369,500 aces) was planted to corn in 2013. COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • September 2017 13
Investing in Educational Goals
Electric Cooperatives Award Hundreds of Scholarships
S
By Brenda Kleinjan
cores of college and technical school students heading to school this fall are having part of their tuition bill paid by scholarships from the region’s electric cooperatives. For the past 26 years, Basin Electric Power Cooperative has awarded scholarships to students in a nine-state area. More than 180 scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each were awarded to students in the region through Basin Electric’s Scholarship Program. A bulk of the scholarships are awarded to dependent children of Basin Electric member cooperatives. Twenty-five scholarships are awarded to dependent children of Basin Electric and subsidiary employees, 20 scholarships are awarded to dependent children of Basin Electric’s member cooperative employees, and 141 scholarships are awarded to
14 September 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
dependent children of member-system consumers. The Basin Electric scholarship program recognizes and encourages academic and community achievements of students in the region. It’s also considered an investment in the economic future of rural areas. Since the program’s inception, Basin Electric has awarded 4,554 scholarships worth about $4.5 million. While Basin Electric’s scholarships provide the foundation, electric cooperatives in South Dakota and western South Dakota have built even more opportunities for students. In 2017, cooperative collectively awarded nearly $120,000 in scholarships to 180 students. This amount includes the $39,000 in Basin Electric scholarships and augments it with scholar-
ships from Operation Round Up monies, Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week and other resources. While many of the scholarships are open to students in any discipline, some scholarships are targeted to encourage students to explore future co-op careers. Each year, the South Dakota Line Superintendents Association awards $4,000 in scholarships to future line workers, primarily at Mitchell Technical Institute in Mitchell, S.D. Other scholarships target engineering students. Typically, electric cooperative scholarship deadlines are in late January or early February.
Looking for more scholarships? Check out these tips from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid (https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/ finding-scholarships)
What kinds of scholarships are available? Some scholarships for college are merit-based. You earn them by meeting or exceeding certain standards set by the scholarship-giver. Merit scholarships might be awarded based on academic achievement or on a combination of academics and a special talent, trait or interest. Other scholarships are based on financial need. Many scholarships are geared toward particular groups of people; for instance, there are scholarships for women or high school seniors. And some are available because of where you or your parent work, or because you come from a certain background (for instance, there are scholarships for military families). A scholarship might cover the entire cost of your tuition, or it might be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Either way, it’s worth applying for, because it’ll help reduce the cost of your education. How do I find scholarships? You can learn about scholarships in several ways, including contacting the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend and checking information in a public library or online. But be careful. Make sure scholarship information and offers you receive are legitimate; and remember that you don’t have to pay to find scholarships or other financial aid. Try these free sources of information about scholarships: • the financial aid office at a college or career school • a high school or TRIO counselor • the U.S. Department of Labor’s FREE scholarship search tool • federal agencies • your state grant agency • your library’s reference section • foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups • organizations (including professional associations) related to your field of interest • ethnicity-based organizations • your employer or your parents’ employers
BASIN ELECTRIC MEMBER SYSTEM SCHOLARSHIPS Recipient Cooper Timm Kristen Rezac Megan Andersen Logan Schaefbauer Bailey Moody Kristan Soukup Troi Valburg Alexa Montagne David Wang Alexander Thyen Cassandra Koel Haley Bialas Anne Knofczynski April Hoffman Elisa Kaitfors Julianna Kari Devon Sievers Hallie Tolzin Samantha Loomis Alecia Vogl Trevor Sik Jadyn Woodward Roman Orr Porter Jones Jon Schulte Hannah Juracek Matthew Eigenberg Marissa Morris Jessica Lupkes Elena Giorgio Peyton Kuchenbecker Joslyn Jessop Cade Venhuizen Kadon Leddy
Co-op Black Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc. Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc. Butte Electric Cooperative, Inc. Cam Wal Electric Cooperative, Inc. Central Electric Cooperative, Inc. Charles Mix Electric Association, Inc. Cherry-Todd Electric Cooperative, Inc. City of Elk Point Clay-Union Electric Corporation Codington-Clark Electric Cooperative, Inc. Dakota Energy Cooperative, Inc. Douglas Electric Cooperative, Inc. East River Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. FEM Electric Association, Inc. Grand Electric Cooperative, Inc. Grand Electric Cooperative, Inc. H-D Electric Cooperative, Inc. Kingsbury Electric Cooperative, Inc. Lacreek Electric Association, Inc. Lake Region Electric Association, Inc. Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative, Inc. Moreau-Grand Electric Cooperative, Inc. Northern Electric Cooperative, Inc. Oahe Electric Cooperative, Inc. Renville-Sibley Cooperative Power Association Rosebud Electric Cooperative, Inc. Sioux Valley Energy Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Inc. Traverse Electric Cooperative, Inc. Union County Electric Cooperative, Inc. West Central Electric Cooperative, Inc. West Central Electric Cooperative, Inc. West River Electric Association, Inc. Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Member Cooperative Employee Scholarships Mattisen Kelley Black Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc. Tori Gaer Butte Electric Cooperative, Inc. Jocelyn Nestande Renville-Sibley Cooperative Power Association Michelle Lanam Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Caylie Gronwold Traverse Electric Cooperative, Inc. Paige Johnson Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. Other Scholarships In addition to these scholarships electric cooperatives awarded nearly $79,000 in additional scholarships to 140 other students.
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • September 2017 15
Regional Dateline
August 18-20 Riverboat Days and Summer Arts Festival, Yankton, SD 605-665-1657 August 18-20 Black Hills Steam and Gas Threshing Bee, Sturgis, SD 605-490-2024 August 18-27 Central States Fair Rapid City, SD, 605-355-3861 August 19-20 Annual Threshing Bee Rosholt, SD, 605-537-4426 www.rosholtthreshingbee.com August 24-27 Kool Deadwood Nites Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 August 24-27 Prairie Village 55th Annual Steam Threshing Jamboree Madison, SD, 605-256-3644 www.prairievillage.org August 26 Sizzlin’ Summer Night Car and Motorcycle Show Aberdeen, SD, 605-226-3441 August 26-27 Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival, Hot Springs, SD 605-745-4140 August 29-September 3 Mustang Rally, Sturgis, SD 605-490-1663
Events of Special Note August 19 Riverboat Days Bull Riding Tour, 7:30 p.m., Rodeo Arena West 31st St (Hwy. 50) Yankton, SD, 605-760-2153
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTHEASTERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
August 18-19 Southern Hills Music and Arts Festival, Custer, SD 605-440-0640
August 23-27 Corn Palace Festival Mitchell, SD, 605-995-8430
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.
August 31-September 4 South Dakota State Fair Huron, SD, 605-353-7340
September 9 Sidewalk Arts Festival Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7397
September 2 20th Annual Southern Hills Triathlon, Hot Springs, SD 605-745-3494
September 9 Foothills Bud Light Bull Bash Wessington Springs, SD 605-770-4370
September 3 Studebaker Car Show Custer, SD, 605-673-2244
September 9-10 Harvest Festival, including Kuchen Festival Delmont, SD 605-505-0535 www.twinriversoldiron.org
September 7-10 State Senior Games Sioux Falls, SD, Contact Howard September 9-10 Bich at 605-275-6891 or Annual Grape Stomp Festival sdsrgames@gmail.com With the Wind Vineyard and Winery, Rosholt, SD September 8-9 605-537-4780 Ribs, Rods & Rock n’ Roll www.withthewindwinery.com Vermillion, SD, 605-624-2021 September 9-10 September 8-10 Beef N Fun Festival James Valley Threshing and Mobridge, SD, 605-845-2500 Tractor Show, Andover, SD jvthreshers@gmail.com September 9-10 Quilt Show, Hill City, SD 605-574-2810
September 13 South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame Banquet Watertown, SD, 605-945-2269 September 14-16 St. Joseph’s Indian School 41st Annual Powwow Chamberlain, SD 605-234-3452 September 15-16 NESD Celtic Faire and Games Aberdeen, SD, 605-380-5828 September 15-16 Deadwood Jam, Main Street Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 September 15-17 German-Russian Schmeckfest Eureka, SD, 605-284-2332 September 15-17 Dakota Western Heritage Festival, Fort Pierre, SD 605-222-0079