DECEMBER 2017 VOL. 18 NO. 8
A Joyful Sound
Concert on the Prairie Resounds in Hoven Page 8-9
Manager’s
Column
Counting Co-op Blessings The Holiday season is a time that most of us will reflect on the past year. We count our blessings and make resolutions for the upcoming year. Here at Bon Homme Yankton Electric we essentially do the same thing. The staff and Board are analyzing how the current year is performing financially, consider what the needs are for 2018 and put a stephanie Horst budget together. This budget General Manager Bon Homme Yankton Electric will be finalized at our December Board meeting and will serve as our road map for the year indicating what projects we will be doing and when. One blessing for electric cooperative members is receiving a capital credit check. We will be doing a capital credit retirement by the end of the year. The Bon Homme Yankton Electric Board strives to stay on a 20 year capital credit rotation. So what does that mean? It means that 20 years ago margins were allocated to the members. These allocations are now going to be paid out. If you were a member that received allocations at that time, you will be receiving a capital credit retirement check. For current members, keep in mind each year that there are allocated margins, in the future you will be receiving a check. We regularly send out allocation notices. If you have any questions or would like more information about your balance, contact the office. This is just one way being part of a cooperative is different than an investor owned utility. Another item for some members to watch for in January is your Idle Service statement. This is an annual bill for a service location that you have, but is not energized. Our Idle Service Policy was updated earlier this year to give clearer guidelines on how un-energized services will be handled. Some may ask, “Why do I need to pay anything? I don’t receive power at that location.” The Idle Service Fee is to keep your electric facilities in place and help maintain the line to your un-energized service. Another part of being part of an electric cooperative is that every member pays their fair share to keep the fixed costs of the cooperative and 2 December 2017 • Cooperative ConneCtions
line maintenance spread fairly across every location, energized or not. Office personnel are contacting members with un-energized locations to see what the member’s intent is. If the member plans to energize the location in the future, they will be billed the Idle Service rate of $300 in January for 2018. If you do not intend on re-energizing your un-energized location, we can retire your location. In other words, we will remove line, poles, meter loop, etc. for that location and you no longer will be billed. A request for a location to be rebuilt after it has been retired will be subject to all costs incurred to rebuild the service to that location which could be thousands of dollars. Bon Homme Yankton Electric strives to deliver reliable power to all members and maintaining line infrastructure to locations ensures this. Unmaintained infrastructure even to an un-energized service could cause reliability issues for other locations on the same line.
One key blessing to Bon Homme Yankton Electric that we must not overlook is the employees. I am proud to work with such upstanding people. Blessings of being part of an electric cooperative as stated above about getting capital credit retirement checks and all members treated fairly are only two. Being locally owned and operated and concern for community also come to mind. Having a voice is another. Your opinions matter. We recently had a solar survey conducted and later in this newsletter some information is provided in addition to future newsletters. So thank you to all that participated in the survey. One key blessing to Bon Homme Yankton Electric that we must not overlook is the employees. They care about the members and the work they do each day for them. The gratitude notes that we receive from members throughout the year can attest to their professionalism and hard work. The May 1st storm was where I saw firsthand how much they care for members and their dedication to their jobs. I am proud to work with such upstanding people. I hope you have a Blessed and Safe Holiday Season. Stay warm and well.
Co-op
news
(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.
HOLIDAY CLOSING
The Bon Homme Yankton Electric Office will be CLOSED for Thanksgiving, Thursday and Friday, November 23 & 24 Outage crews will remain on call 24/7
Capital Credit Refund Authorized by Board The Board of Directors approved a capital credit refund at the October board meeting. The actual figures will be finalized at the November board meeting with checks to be mailed out in December. Refund checks will be sent out to members starting with the remainder of the year 1997 and going forward from there. 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-0.
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 2017 3
Safety
Matters
Holiday Electrical Safety Make Safety the First Item on Your List
Kidsʼ Corner Safety Poster “Don’t do it!”
The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) offers the following tips to help keep you and your family safe from electrical hazards when buying and installing holiday lighting and decorations.
Light up safely over the holidays: • Choose the right light for the job: light strings and other decorations are rated for indoor or outdoor use. Read the package instructions and never exceed the recommended wattage. • Replace damaged electrical products (cords, plugs, ornaments). • Avoid plugging too many lights and decorations into an outlet. Overloaded circuits can overheat and start a fire. • Buy holiday decorations that have the mark of an accredited certification agency on the package. • Once the package is opened, remember to check for the appropriate approval sticker appearing on the cord for products incorporating light strings. Extension Cords/Plugs: • Avoid overloading circuits with plugs and extension cords – this can create overheating and result in a fire. Fuses that frequently blow and circuits that trip can indicate too many items are connected to the circuit. • Never remove the third prong on plugs – this “grounding pin” prevents shock in the event of electrical equipment failure. • Plug outdoor electrical decorations into Ground Fault (GFCI)-protected outlets. • Don’t run extension cords under carpets, through doorways or in places where they can be damaged by furniture • Keep outdoor connections above-ground and out of puddles; don’t run them across driveways and/or walkways. Installing Decorations: • No more than three light strings can be safely connected together in most cases – read manufactures’ instructions for directions. • Make sure bulbs don’t touch supply cords, wires, cloth, paper or any material that’s not part of the light string. • Use the proper clips for securing lights and decorations. Staples and nails can damage electrical cords. • Check for overhead power lines before using a ladder to put up decorations or when you’re hanging lights or decorations on trees. • Holiday decorations aren’t designed for year-round use and can deteriorate over time. Take them down when the holidays are over. Remember to: • Watch that children don’t put electrical decorations or cords in their mouths. • Keep an eye on pets that may chew or damage electrical cords. • Turn off holiday lights and decorations when you leave the house or go to bed. Source: esasafe.com 4 December 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Kimberly Messmer, 8 years old Kimberly is the daughter of Perry and Mabell Messmer, Whitewood, 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.
Every Second Counts:
Plan 2 Ways Out!™
Every Second Counts
Plan 2 Ways Ou
How fast does fire move? Very fast. You could have less than 2 minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. 7 steps to practicing your escape plan 1
How fast does fire move? Very fast. You could have les 2 minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sound 3 4
2
7 steps to practicing your escape plan 1
Draw a map of your home. Include all doors and windows.
Find two ways out of every room.
5
TEST
Make sure doors Draw a map and windows are notof your home. Include all blocked. doors and windows.
For more information about escape planning, visit: www.usfa.fema.gov and www.nfpa.org.
3
Choose an outside Find two ways out meeting place in of front every room. of your home.
Make sure doors and windows are not blocked.
5
6 Push the test button to sound the smoke alarm.
2
Practice your drill with everyone in the home.
TEST
Push the test button to sound the smoke alarm.
6
7 Get outside to your meeting place.
For more information about escape planning, visit: www.usfa.fema.gov and www.nfpa.org.
Click here to add image.
For more tips on planning for disasters, go to www.bready.sd.gov.
4
Choose an meeting pla of your
7 Practice your drill with everyone in the home.
Click here add imag
Reader
Recipes
Holiday Favorites Chocolate Fudge
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
Combine first 6 ingredients. 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 a greased 8x8x2-inch pan; cool. When firm, place on board and cut into squares. Wrap each square in waxed paper. Judy Jensen, Langford
Church Window Cookies 1 (12 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips 1 pkg. colored miniature marshmallows
1 stick butter 1 small pkg. chopped walnuts Coconut
Melt together chocolate chips and butter; let cool until barely warm. In a large bowl, mix together marshmallows and walnuts. Add chocolate mixture and stir. Pour half of mixture onto a piece of foil sprinkled with coconut. Shape into log by rolling in coconut. Wrap and refrigerate until set. Repeat with other half of mixture. Unwrap to slice. Donna Holland, Sioux Falls
Krazy Corn 1 bag hulless puff corn 1/2 cup butter 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/2 tsp. baking soda
Place puff corn in a large roaster pan. Bring to a boil butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Boil on low 5 minutes without stirring; remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and baking soda. Pour over puff corn. Bake at 250°F. for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread out onto wax paper to cool. Alana Neville, Milesville
Cowboy Christmas Biscuits
1 (8 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet baking chocolate 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
3 cups confectionersʼ sugar 1 T. McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract 1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts
Line an 8-inch square pan with foil, allowing foil to extend over sides of pan. Spray with no stick cooking spray. Melt chocolate as directed on package. Beat cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer until smooth. Gradually beat in sugar on low speed until well blended. Add melted chocolate and vanilla; mix well. Stir in chopped nuts. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or until firm. Use foil to lift out of pan onto cutting board. Cut into 25 squares or triangles. Store in refrigerator. Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 155, Total Fat 7g, Sodium 29mg, Cholesterol 10mg, Carbohydrates 21g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Protein 2g Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Mystery Bars 40 soda crackers 1 cup butter or margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar 2 cups milk chocolate chips
Line a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan with foil and coat with cooking spray. Place crackers in rows on foil. In a saucepan, melt butter; add brown sugar and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes. Pour over crackers and spread until completely covered. Bake at 350°F. for 5 minutes or until crackers float and bubble. Spread chocolate chips over hot bars. Let set for a minute. Spread the chocolate evenly. Cut while still warm. Verna Nelson, Wakonda
Indoor S’mores 2/3 cup light corn syrup 2 T. butter 1 (12 oz.) pkg. real milk chocolate chips 1 tsp. vanilla
1 (10 oz.) pkg. Golden Grahams cereal (about 8 cups) 3 cups miniature marshmallows
Gently stir together the first 3 ingredients just enough to moisten. Melt butter in bottom of a 9x13-inch pan. Pat dough out in pan. Before baking, cut into 12 to 15 biscuit squares. Bake at 425°F. for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm.
Butter a 9x13-inch baking pan. In a 3-quart saucepan, heat corn syrup, butter and chocolate chips just to boiling, stirring constantly; remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Pour over cereal in large mixing bowl; toss quickly until completely coated with chocolate. Fold in marshmallows, 1 cup at a time. Press mixture evenly in pan with back of buttered spoon. Let stand until firm, at least 1 hour. Cut into 1-1/2 inch squares – makes approximately 48 squares.
Jane Ham, Rapid City
Carlene Barber, Pierre
4 cups Bisquick 1 cup cultured sour cream
1 cup 7-Up 1/2 cup butter
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 2018. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • December 2017 5
Co-op
news
Solar Interest Survey Completed Bon Homme Yankton Electric recently conducted a survey asking cooperative members what they thought about solar energy. We appreciate all of our members that took the time and effort to fill out this survey. It shows that you care about your power cooperative, and we appreciate and respect your thoughts and opinions. Since the news and internet is buzzing about the potential for this technology as an alternative source of renewable power, we thought it was important to find out what our members think about it. Bon Homme Yankton Electric teamed up with 3 other local cooperatives - Central Electric, Mitchell; Charles Mix Electric, Lake Andes; and Dakota Energy, Huron - to ask some burning questions of our respective members. A total of 571 people responded to the survey, and they were very helpful in gauging our members’ knowledge, interest and potential for the use of solar energy at their location. What we learned from our members was very enlightening. Since most respondents own their single family home, they definitely have the location potential to install a solar system. However, 85% of the respondents are over 45 years of age, which by national statistics, means there is not a burning desire to adopt this new type technology. Yes, the younger generation tends to be the early adopters of new technology. An interesting ray of light was also shown on the opinions of members
towards solar powered generation. Most members believe that home systems are presently too expensive, unreliable or would under preform. The survey also gave rise to the fact that although very few members have already made the investment in a solar set up, about 5% could possibly warm up to the idea in the next few years. Two thirds of the members believe that solar energy is important to the eventual replacement of traditional fossil fuels, but many stated they believe it is presently more expensive than present power options. Finally, when members were asked what they felt were important aspects of installing solar system, they stated they would turn to their electric
6 December 2017 • Cooperative ConneCtions
cooperative. Members felt that it was important that the cooperative be involved with solar, by providing information packets, workshops on solar, payback calculations, safety information, or a “seal of approval” on systems that members purchase. Some even encouraged the cooperatives to be installers of these types of systems. We will continue to examine the survey results and spot areas where we can help our members. We have already discussed ways we can provide the education that interested members are looking for and intend to provide straight-forward, honest information to protect our members. We will continue to be conservative in our approach to solar systems so as not to eclipse our commitment to provide clean, safe and reliable electricity to our members. Thanks again to those that completed the survey!
Co-op
news
Idle Service Fee Enforced Over the years, your cooperative has built service to some locations that end up disconnected or idle for long periods of time. Every utility deals with issues like this. Since your cooperative finances the majority of the plant investments over 30 plus years, Bon Homme Yankton Electric continues to pay for the principal and interest on that debt, records depreciation of those facilities on the books and incurs other costs associated with those services while they provide no offsetting revenues. Other costs include maintenance and upgrades to keep the service in prime working order. Another significant problem with idle services occurs when Mother Nature damages those facilities and we need to invest additional dollars rebuilding or repairing an idle service that is producing no revenue. Mother Nature can also create safety hazards on idle services that may go unnoticed over time and pose a danger to the general public. We have always had an idle service policy but billing for idle service was a cumbersome and manual process. We have spent the past several months computerizing the process to bill the annual idle service fee. Invoices have been sent out to bill out the remaining three months
of the current year. A bill for all of 2018 will be sent out in January. Accounts that are newly disconnected will receive a bill and the idle service agreement for the remainder of the current year. The recipient has four choices in regards to their disconnected service. 1) They can keep their account on active status if they plan to reconnect within a year. They would still pay the monthly facility charge and can reconnect at any time. The regular reconnect fee is $75 plus tax. 2) They can elect to pay the idle service fee and the cooperative will continue to maintain the lines for the possibility of a future reconnect. The idle service fee is one half of the monthly facility charge paid a year in advance. If the service is reconnected within the year, the reconnect fee is $180 plus tax. 3) They can ask that the service be retired. They have no use for electricity at the site now or in the future. There will be no payment required and the cooperative will remove the equipment at our convenience. 4) If they no longer own or never did own the property in question,
they can return the form stating such and pointing us in the direction of the current owners by providing a name and address. Failure to select an option, return the agreement or contact our office will result in an automatic request to retire the service. If you have any questions regarding the idle service policy, please contact our office at 605-463-2507.
Cooperative ConneCtions • December 2017 7
Sing a New Song
Christmas on the Prairie Brings Melodies to December Event
F
Brenda Kleinjan
or one afternoon each December, the population of Hoven, S.D., (population 408) swells as upwards of 1,000 people gather for the Christmas on the Prairie Concert. Attendees listen to the soaring high notes and the trembling low tones that reverberate throughout the 96-year-old building as the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra joins with choirs and soloists for a memorable musical journey. The concert has been held since 2003 at Hoven’s St. Anthony of Padua Church, which is also known as the Cathedral on the Prairie. According to a South Dakota Department of Tourism press release about the landmark, Saint
8 December 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Anthony’s ‘Cathedral of the Prairie,’ located in Hoven, S.D., was completed in 1921 at a cost of $250,000. The value of the church was estimated at $20 million in 2011. The church, believed to be patterned after churches typically found in Bavaria, boasts an intricate and ornate design that rivals any church for miles. The nave seats more than 1,000 people, and the church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places under the original parish name of St. Bernard’s. One can see the church’s spires from miles away in north central South Dakota. (The town of Hoven lies on the border of Potter and Walworth
Photos by Chad Coppess/South Dakota Tourism
counties, northeast of Gettysburg and southeast of Selby.) The 2017 concert will be the 14th annual pre-Christmas concert and will be held at 3 p.m. on Dec. 3. This year’s offering is titled ‘Hope is Born Emmanuel’ with narration based on Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” The performance will feature the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra conducted by Thomas Fortner and two choirs: the Regional All-Faiths Festival Choir directed by Michael Coyne and Northern State University’s Chamber Singers directed by Dr. Timothy Woods. Musical performances will include professional soloist Juan Ahumada along with guest soloist Lilly Karrer. The entire program will be narrated by Darrel Fickbohm. Ahumada is a tenor originally from Sioux City who will be singing with the Metropolitan Opera in January. Karrer, from Saint Louis, Mo., has ties to the area as her grandparents live in Hoven. Proceeds from the concert help with the maintenance of the church building, said choral coordinator Mary Lou Keller. “It’s a constant thing. There is one section that needs to be repaired. It’s a big job to keep it up,” Keller said, noting that about 250 families are affiliated with the church. Keller noted that the church was restored in the 1980s with 20,000 volunteer hours spent washing and restenciling the church. “Without the volunteers, it would have cost us millions,” she said. That volunteer spirit helps keep the Christmas concert going. “There are a lot of volunteers in Hoven,” Keller noted. From the members of the choir, to the community members serving the post concert gala at the Legion Hall, many in the community get involved. The concert has been held annually since 2003, with the exception of 2008 when a geothermal heating and cooling system was
being installed. “We skipped 2008 because of the installation. It was a blessing, because there was a blizzard that year,” Keller said, noting that favorable weather has graced the concert in the other years. The 60-member All-Faiths Choir began rehearsing for their role in the concert in October. While not all members are able to attend every practice, they all come together for the concert. “The choir represents 17 communities and they all love to sing. It’s good camaraderie. The music is good for the body and the soul,” Keller said. Rehearsals are led by Coyne, a former Hoven High School band and vocal teacher. The choir will perform three selections with the NSU Chamber Singers. But, Keller noted, all the components of the concert don’t come together until just before the performance. “The symphony orchestra comes the day of the concert and we all practice at 1 p.m. The doors open at 2:30 p.m. and concert is at 3 p.m.,” Keller said. “It always goes off well, but there is an extra adrenalin rush that gives it that success,” she said. “It’s been a blessing that we’ve done it. It’s evolved as an event,” Keller said. “The festival chorus becomes a family. There’s something about the ethos of music that draws people. This is what I call good music. We’re honored and pleased that we’re able to do it,” said Keller. She does have one plea for that first Sunday in Advent, though: “We pray for good weather!” For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ events/158024474696708/ or go online to www.hovensd.com.
Dec. 3 Christmas on the Prairie Ticket Information General $35 ~ Patron $125 Premium Pews $1,650 (seats 12) ~ Regular Pews $1,100 (seats 12) (Includes Gala Reception for Patron and Pew ticket holders) Call 605-948-2451 for Visa or Mastercard orders Or mail checks to St. Anthony’s Church,, PO Box 98, Hoven, SD 57450
Christmas at the Cathedral Enjoy great architecture and music with the 21st annual Christmas at the Cathedral Dec. 14 to 17 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls. Proceeds from the event will go toward the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House and the ongoing care and maintenance of one of South Dakota’s most significant civic and sacred landmarks – the Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Performance Dates: Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, 2017 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. About the St. Joseph Cathedral Construction on the cathedral began in the summer of 1915. The primary architect’s death in 1917 along with the start of the first World War slowed construction somewhat. The cathedral was completed and dedicated on May 7, 1919. Source: http://www.stjosephcathedral.net/about-us/history-ofthe-cathedral/
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • December 2017 9
Co-op
news
Local Scholar Touchstone Energy Cooperative Bon Homme Yankton Electric along with KSFY are pleased to announce that Michael Sees, a senior at Irene-Wakonda High School, was selected as a Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week. Michael's segment aired on KSFY the week of November 19-25. Michael has a 4.03 grade point average and is involved in many different activities including: cross country, track, choir, One Act, Boys State, Student Council. Michael was nominated by Irene-Wakonda High School Guidance Counselor Cheryl Knudson. She stated, "I am pleased to nominate Michael Sees for the Scholar of the Week. Mike is a super academic student, always seeks to over achieve, or go above and beyond." 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 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. Michael received $100 from Bon Homme Yankton Electric in recognition of his many accomplishments.
Michael receives $100 in honor of his achievements from Member Service Advisor Bob Felber.
1 0 December 2017 • Cooperative ConneCtions
Welcome new Members Mission Hill Nathan R Kuchta Tabor Matthew & Macey Schempp Stephanie Rivera Yankton Aaron Schoenfelder Brandy Beringer Heather Armstrong & Richard Allen Jared Schrempp Joan Shaputis John Ruud Monte James Rose Webb Signet Builders Todd Sullivan Wesley & Kaite Hinze
Classifieds January Issue Deadline: December 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 FOR SALE: 1998 Chevrolet 1500 single cab pickup. Four wheel drive with fiberglass topper. 100,500 miles. Very good condition. Call 605-463-2233.
haase heaTinG & CoolinG
Dan Haase
Heating, Cooling, Heat Pumps We sell the best and service the rest
Scotland, SD 57059 605-583-4490
GT RepaiR & auTobody Glenn Tycz Tyndall, SD 57066
605-589-3018
Marine Boat Repair Aluminum & Fiberglass We Repair and Install Windshields Adventures of a Lifetime Travel and Cruise
Suzanne Stemper
605-661-9319 www.AdventuresOfALifetimeTravels.com AdventuresTravelAndCruise@gmail.com
Art & Antique GAllery Custom Matting & Framing Original Art/Gifts/Cards Handmade Glass Beads & Jewelry
1610 Main St Tyndall, SD
605-589-4050 Open Wednesday through Saturday
ConsTRuCTion and painTinG New Construction Remodel - Roofing Flooring
Jason Finck
Tabor, SD 57063
605-660-3204 opsahl-KosTel FuneRal home
Yankton, Tabor, Tyndall, Menno
605-665-9679
Preplanning will give you peace of mind and may save money
Medicare can be complicated. Cameron Insurance, LLC makes it easy. Call us to find a Medicare supplement plan that's right for you.
CameRon insuRanCe, llC Brad Cameron
An Authorized Independent Agent For This is a solicitation of Insurance. Wellmark Medicare supplement insurance plans are not affiliated with any government agency. To be eligible, you must reside in the service area of the plan. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Tyndall, SD 57066
605-589-4176
bohemian FaRmeRs muTual
R. Martin Koch, Secretary PO Box 206 Tabor, SD 57063 605-463-2558 605-589-3572
If only the future was predictable. Farming is always a gamble. You never know when bad weather or other problems will strike. The only thing you can be sure of—you need quality insurance protection. Call our office today for a competitive quote.
KoRanda Well Company llC Tabor, SD 57063 605 - 463- 2244 Well drilling, repairing and cleaning Water Systems – Artesian Wells Sales and Installation Earth-Coupled Heat Pump
Emergency Service Free Estimates
sandeRs heaTinG & CoolinG 300 W 17th Tyndall, SD 57066
605- 589-3228 1- 800-894-3228
Furnaces, Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Free Estimates Handicap and Accessible Home Modifications • Ramps • Grab Bars • Stair Lifts • Walk-in Showers www.4lifehomes.net • Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels
605-463-2786
FREE HOME DAMAGE ASSESSMENT following a storm
INSURANCE CLAIM SPECIALIST GENERAL CONTRACTOR • Roofing • Gutters • Siding • Painting • Windows • Doors
W-3018047 08-15
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 2017 1 1
All Aboard! Santa’s Coming to Town I
t’s
Jocelyn Romey
christmas time again! Colorful lights, hot chocolate, candy canes, Christmas music, Santa Claus and the wonderful feeling that tradition brings is part of the season. And many have made visiting the North Pole part of their Christmas tradition. In the Black Hills, the 1880 Train in Hill City, S.D., has turned into the Holiday Express. This is a holiday train that takes families on a one-hour tour to visit the North Pole. Travelers will ride on the historical train route and hear a special Christmas story unique to the experience. They will also
12 December 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
receive hot chocolate and treats as well as a small gift for each child and a visit from Santa. Holli Edwards, business development manager for the 1880 Train, said travelers are given the opportunity to relax in a heated car onboard the train while viewing the scenic hills and listening to a unique holiday story. She further described how holiday makers are afforded a view of the North Pole before Santa boards the train on the way back to the station in Hill City. At this time, Santa hands out goodies to the kids and poses for pictures. When asked what makes the Holiday Express
Photos by Chad Coppess/South Dakota Tourism
special and unique, Edwards said, “It’s seeing the memories that are being created. Most of the people we see come year after year…creating memories generation after generation. They create a tradition during the holiday season.” Edwards said about 9,500 people will ride on the Holiday Express this year – each trip accommodating 350 people. In all, 27 separate holiday trips will be made. Since this Christmas experience is popular for many families and tourists, she recommends travelers reserve tickets in advance in order to ensure a seat on the train. After the last trip on Dec. 23, the 1880 Train closes until May 7, 2018, when it will re-open for its regular, 20-mile round trip route from Hill City to Keystone. This train follows a portion of the historical route created in the late 1880s to service mines and mills located throughout the hills. The 1880 Train operates two steam and one diesel engine throughout the season. It is owned by the Black Hills Central Railroad, created by stockholders interested in continuing steam railroading. Along with the Holiday Express celebrating
Above: 1880 Train staff prepare the “Santa Express” for an evening run. Left: The No. 7 engine sports a festive wreath during the holidays. Below: Santa makes a visit to passengers aboard the train. Opposite Page: Santa and his elves pose for a photo with the train conductor.
Christmas, other special events are celebrated throughout the year on the 1880 Train. These special trips are made on holidays such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and July 4th. Other special trips include Rails and Ales, Wine Express, Old West Shootouts, Oktoberfest Express and more. Ticket reservations and information regarding the 1880 Train and its special event trips can be found through the main website – https:// www.1880train.com/. COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • December 2017 13
Co-op Mascots
Energize Co-op Presence for People of All Ages
F
Brenda Kleinjan
rom sports tEams to cErEal brands, mascots provide an entertaining way of connecting people with products and services. And your local electric cooperative has a team of mascots, thanks to national and regional partnerships. “They are the physical manifestation of what we as Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives are,” said Ruben Musca, Creative Director for Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. “The mascots get out as much as our staff does. Having those mascots out there is great.” CFL Charlie, with his corkscrew-like head, debuted about 10 years ago. At the time, compact fluorescent light bulbs were the best and most affordable of the efficient lighting options available. Charlie helped cooperatives promote the technology
14 December 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
as a more energy-efficient alternative to standard incandescent bulbs. As light-emitting diode (LED) bulb technology became more affordable and accessible, LED Lucy joined Charlie as the brand’s mascot. The two worked hand in hand for several years until Charlie’s retirement. In 2016, Solar Sam came on the scene to work with LED Lucy. While LED Lucy promotes affordable and efficient lighting options, Solar Sam talks about efficiency from a production side. “As it became more common to see solar panels we created Sam to teach about solar power,” said Musca. While the mascots’ original audience was children, their reach has expanded. “A lot of adults get a kick out of Lucy and Sam,”
The Golden Boy: Willie Wiredhand said Musca. “They are great at co-op events, at the office and in parades. They are just fun characters to bring out and help talk about how co-ops help people save money and save energy,” said Musca. “The mascots are very fun,” Musca continued, noting that they are booked solid for appearances across the country through 2018. “As times change we have to make sure we keep everything updated, too,” Musca said. Another familiar mascot in the Dakotas and Minnesota is Ed the Energy Expert. The chambray shirt and khaki pant clad Ed offers tips on energy efficiency and safety. He’s also a fixture in many cooperative offices, annual meetings and regional parades.
Familiar Faces: Solar Sam, CFL Charlie and LED Lucy are mascots used to promote electric cooperatives nationwide. On a regional basis, Ed the Energy Expert is a familiar face in eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota.
Willie Wiredhand, the little guy with a light-socket head, push-button nose and an electrical plug for his bottom and legs, celebrated 50 years as co-op spokes-character and mascot in 2001. He’s still the friendly and inspirational golden boy who symbolizes dependable, local, consumer-owned electricity. He’s appeared in just about every type of cooperative publication and promotional item: signage, stationery, newsletters, annual reports and advertising, coffee mugs, watches, shirts, baseball jerseys, beach towels, night lights, bobbleheads and more. Though his presence on both the local and national stage has diminished in recent years in light of more advanced co-op marketing, Willie remains a viable and valuable conduit of information between many co-ops and their consumers. “Willie is one of a long line of distinguished industrial spokes-characters that have been used to identify and personalize industrial products and services,” said Margaret F. Callcott, who has extensively researched and written about these gesturing little pluggers of the advertising world. “Many marketers of products and services would love to have a symbol as recognizable as Willie to distinguish them in the current marketplace. Those lucky enough to have these consumer icons at their disposal will do well to figure out how to leverage them in the new century.”
Of ‘loyal servants’ and gods Willie’s actual birthdate is traced to Oct. 30, 1950. He was the creation of Andrew McLay, a free-lance artist for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in Washington, D.C. “We were toying with ideas for a rural electrification symbol,” recalled William S. Roberts in a tribute to McLay, who died of cancer at age 52 in 1974. Roberts was editor of Rural Electrification magazine, NRECA’s trade publication, in the 1950s. “I had tossed out the idea that the symbol ought somehow to portray rural electric service as the farmer’s hired hand, which in those days was almost the entire PR story we had to get across. Drew picked up both the idea and a sketch-pad one night at our home after a couple of beers.” Sprawled out on Roberts’ living room floor, McLay gave birth to “Willie the Wired Hand.” NRECA’s membership selected Willie as their animated ambassador at their national meeting in February 1951. Willie’s name was soon shortened to “Willie Wiredhand.” In the grand order of the spokes-character cosmos, Willie falls under the “product personification.” “These characters,” Callcott said, “were usually cast as ‘loyal servants’ of the consumer, deriving credibility from a message of dependability and devoted service.” Though Willie symbolized co-op friendliness, he also embodied co-op spunk, willing to stand up for what was right in the face of impossible odds. “He’s small, but he’s ‘wirey’” became part of Willie’s trademark which was granted by the U.S. Patent Office later in 1957. The registration allowed Willie to become the beloved character he remains today. Editor’s Note: This excerpt is from “Willie Wiredhand’s life story: Perky mascot Willie Wiredhand keeps plugging away for electric co-ops and consumers” written by Richard Biever of the Indiana Electric Consumer. Find the full story, go to http://www.electricconsumer.org/golden-boy/ COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • December 2017 15
Regional Dateline November 24-December 23 1880 Train Holiday Express Hill City, SD, 605-574-2222
December 1 HOT 93.1 Ugly Sweater Skate Party, Main Street Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979 December 1-2 Festival of Trees, Lead, SD 605-584-2067 December 1-2, 7-9, 14-16 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights, Renner, SD 605-543-5071 December 2 Christmas Stroll and Holidazzle Parade Spearfish, SD, 605-717-9294 December 2 Christmas Parade, Custer, SD 605-673-2244
December 15 Jazz Sessions: A Green Dolphin Jazzy Christmas Concert Spearfish, SD, 605-642-7973
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.
December 9 Frontier Christmas Lake City, SD, 605-448-5474 December 9 Black Hills Cowboy Christmas Lead, SD, 605-584-2067 December 15 HOT 93.1 Lights on the Ice Teen Night, Main Street Rapid City, SD 605-716-7979
December 2-3 Living Christmas Tree Aberdeen, SD, 605-229-6349
December 15-17 Sioux Empire Wacipi Sioux Falls, SD 310-922-1886
December 3 Christmas on the Prairie St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Hoven, SD 605-948-2451
December 15-March 31 South Dakota Snowmobile Trails Season, Lead, SD 605-584-3896
December 11 Holiday Jam with the Hegg Brothers, Pierre, SD 605-224-8699, holidayjam.com
November 21-December 25 Christmas at the Capitol Pierre, SD, 605-773-3178
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAD COPPESS, S.D. TOURISM
November 25 Holiday Celebration and Winter Market, Rapid City, SD 605-716-7979
Events of Special Note
December 23 Skates and a Movie, Main Street, Rapid City, SD 605-716-7979
December 31 HOT 93.1 Downtown Countdown, Main Street Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979
February 9-10 Mardi Gras Weekend, Main Street, Deadwood, SD 605-578-1876
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Year’s Eve Dance, Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center Aberdeen, SD, 605-370-4588
February 15-17 Sno Jam Comedy Festival Sioux Falls, SD siouxfallssnojamcomedyfest@ gmail.com
January 1 Portland Cello Project Concert Spearfish, SD, 605-642-7973
February 16-18 2018 National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic Sioux Falls, SD, 651-209-4933
January 19-20 ISOC Deadwood SnoCross Showdown, Deadwood, SD 605-578-1876 January 26-February 4 Annual Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo, Rapid City, SD 605-355-3861 February 6-10 Winter Farm Show Watertown, SD, 605-886-5814
February 24 Annual Outhouse Races and Chili Cook-off Contest Nemo, SD, 605-578-2708 March 3-6 Summit League Basketball Championship, Sioux Falls, SD 605-367-7288 March 16-17, 23-24 60th Annual Schmeckfest Freeman, SD, 605-925-4237