Bon Homme Yankton Electric October 2019 Vol. 20 No. 6
Volunteers Answering the Call Page 8
Co-ops: Your Unique Source of Power Page 12
MANAGER’S COLUMN
Celebrate the Cooperative Difference:
October is Co-op Month When you think of October, pumpkins, Halloween and beautiful fall foliage naturally come to mind. But October is notable for another reason – it’s National Co-op Month! This is the time of year when cooperatives across the country including Bon Homme Yankton Electric celebrate who we are and more importantly, the member-owners we serve. Cooperatives are different than other types of businesses. When the market declines to offer a product or service, or does so at a very high price, co-ops intervene to fill the need.
Stephanie Horst horst@byelectric.com
We will continue to learn from our members about their priorities so that we can better serve you – because your electric co-op was built by the community, for the community.
Similar to how Bon Homme Yankton Electric was built by members 75 years ago who came together to bring electricity to our community, cooperatives are conveners for the common good. Your electric co-op exists to provide safe, reliable energy to you, the member-owners of the co-op. Equally important is our mission to enrich the lives of the members we serve. As a co-op, we are well-suited to meet the needs of the community because we are locally governed. Bon Homme Yankton Electric’s leadership team and employees live right here in the service territory. Our board of directors, who helps set long-term priorities for the co-op, live locally on co-op lines. These board members have been elected to the position by neighbors like you. We know our members (that’s you!) have a valuable perspective. That’s why we are continually seeking your input. Whether through community events, our social media channels or the annual meeting, we want to hear from you. Our close connection to the community ensures we get a first-hand perspective on local priorities, thereby enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments, such as high-speed broadband, solar programs, equipment and technology upgrades and electric vehicle programs. Another feature that sets our co-op apart from a traditional utility is one of our core principles, “Concern for Community.” We participate in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, where we take our community’s brightest young people to Washington, D.C. for a week-long immersion to experience democracy in action and offer scholarships. We also support economic development with the REED Fund to help organizations and small businesses with project funding. Ultimately, the larger community benefits from these programs because of you and your neighbors. You empower the co-op through your membership and through your participation in and support of these programs. We hope you will think of Bon Homme Yankton Electric as more than your energy provider that you own, but instead as a local business that supports this community and powers economic development and prosperity for the people. We will continue to learn from our members about their priorities so that we can better serve you – because your electric co-op was built by the community, for the community.
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Cooperative Connections | October 2019
Bon Homme Yankton Electric (USPS No. 018-973)
Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc PO Box 158 134 S Lidice St Tabor, SD 57063 Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm To pay by phone, call: 1-888-395-5315 To report an outage, call: Local call from Tabor, Tyndall and Yankton: 605-463-2507 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.
CO-OP NEWS
Thank You Notes Thank you for choosing me to be a recipient of your scholarship. It is a huge honor that I am immensely grateful for. The scholarship will be used for my studies at Wayne State College. Thank you again! Sincerely, Madison Hall B-Y Electric, Thank you for teaching about electrical safety at our Farm Safety Camp. The kids enjoyed your display and I think they took home some important information. We appreciate the time Bob and Ken took our of their day to do this for us! Katie Hauck & Mark Misar Bon Homme County 4-H Dear Bon Homme Yankton Electric, Thank you so much for choosing me to be on the trip to North Dakota. I have had a blast on this trip and I love doing all those fun things. I loved the waterpark, the amusement park and the riverboat cruise. I loved learning about where energy comes from and how coal is mined and used. I loved having a roommate and meeting new people. Thanks for the yummy food. I would love to do the trip again soon. Alexandra Corbit
Thank you Bon Homme Yankton Electric for allowing me to represent you on the Youth Excursion trip to Bismarck ND. I have learned many new things about how coal is turned into electricity from mining to the distribution and even about how land is reclaimed after coal extraction. This was made interesting and fun to learn about. I’ve made many great friends and memories on the trip thanks to you! Thanks again, Brooke Davis B-Y Electric and Bob, Thank you so much for allowing us to participate in the bus trip to North Dakota. We learned a lot and enjoyed the fellowship. Melvin and Marilyn Gimbel Bob Felber, We want to thank you and B-Y Electric for allowing us to go along on the bus tour of Basin Electric. It was a very informative and enlightening trip about what it takes to produce what we take for granted, electricity. We were treated and fed exceptionally good. Thank you again, Ron & Cathy Fystro
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.
605-463-2507
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. October 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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SAFETY TIPS
October is Fire Prevention Month The U.S. Fire Administration reports that fires kill more than 4,000 Americans each year and approximately injure 20,000 more. U.S. fire departments respond to nearly 2 million fires each year, with three-quarters of them occurring in residences. A home is often referred to as a safe haven. This month, make sure your home is protected from (and your family is prepared for) a fire. Here are 10 simple tips to help you avoid fires and reduce the risk of injury should one occur: Smoke Alarms – Smoke alarms are widely available and inexpensive. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home and test it monthly. Prevent Electrical Fires – Don’t overload circuits or extension cords. Cords and wires should never be placed under rugs or in high traffic areas. Avoid loose electrical connections by checking the fit of the plug in the wall outlet. If the plug loosely fits, inspect the outlet right away. A poor connection between the plug and the outlet can cause overheating and can start a fire in minutes. Keep Plugs Safe – Unplug all appliances when not in use. Follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions and use your senses to spot any potential disasters. If a plug is overheating, smells strange, shorts out or sparks – the appliance should be shut off immediately, then replaced or repaired. Alternate Heaters – Make sure there is ample space around any portable heating unit. Anything that could catch fire should be at least three feet away. Inspect your chimney annually and use fire screens to help keep any fires in the fireplace. Fire Safety Sprinklers – When combined with working smoke alarms, home fire sprinklers greatly increase your chance of surviving a fire. Create An Escape Route – Create and practice your escape plan with your family from every room in the house. Practice staying low to the floor and checking for hot doors using the back of your hand. Position Appliances Carefully – Try to keep TV sets, kitchen and other appliances away from windows with curtains. If there is a wiring problem, curtains can spread a fire quickly. Additionally, keeping your appliances away from water sources (like rain coming in from windows) can help prevent wiring damage which can lead to a fire. Clean Dryer Vents – Clothes dryers often start fires in residential areas. Clean the lint filter every time you start a load of clothes to dry or after the drying cycle is complete. Make sure your exhaust duct is made of metal tubing and not plastic or foil. Clean the exhaust duct with a good quality dryer vent brush to prevent blockage and check for lint build up behind the dryer at least twice a year. Be Careful Around the Holidays – If you fill your home with lights during the holiday season, keep them away from anything that can easily catch fire. Check all of your lights prior to stringing them up and dispose of anything with frayed or exposed wires. Conduct Regular Inspections – Check all of your electronic equipment and wiring at least once a month. Following these simple tips could potentially save your life or the life of a loved one. Pass this list on to your friends and family and make this fire prevention month count! Source: quickenloans.com 4
Cooperative Connections | October 2019
October is National Co-op Month.
KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER
“Be careful of snow cavities over electrical boxes.” Avery Bauman, 10 years old
Avery is the daughter of Pete and Bridget Bauman, Watertown, S.D. They are members of Codington-Clark Electric Cooperative, Watertown. 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.
RECIPES
Perfect Pasta Angel Hair Pasta with Italian Sausage and Herbs 1 lb. angel hair pasta 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage, casing removed 2 T. olive oil
1 tsp. McCormick Gourmet™ Parsley, Flat Leaf 1/2 tsp. McCormick Gourmet™ Organic Garlic Powder
1-1/2 cups chopped red onion
1/2 tsp. McCormick Gourmet™ Organic Fennel 8 oz. mushrooms, quartered Seed 1 tsp. McCormick Gourmet™ 1/2 tsp. Sicilian sea salt Organic Basil
1/2 cup grated Romano 1 tsp. McCormick Gourmet™ cheese Organic Italian Seasoning Cook pasta as directed on package. Drain well. Meanwhile, break up sausage in large skillet. Cook on medium-high heat 5 to 6 minutes. Remove sausage; drain fat. Rinse skillet and wipe clean. Heat oil in same skillet on medium heat. Add onions, mushrooms and seasonings; cook and stir 5 minutes. Add cooked sausage; cook and stir 5 minutes longer. Place pasta in large serving bowl. Add sausage mixture and cheese; toss to coat well. Serve with additional cheese, if desired. Makes 12 (1 cup) servings. Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 281, Total Fat 13g, Cholesterol 26mg, Sodium 374mg, Protein 10g, Carbohydrates 31g, Dietary Fiber 2g Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Taco Pasta Salad 1-1/2 lbs. ground beef, cooked and drained
1 pint grape tomatoes, sliced in half
4 T. taco seasoning
3 cups shredded lettuce
1 lb. rotini, cooked, drained and rinsed with cold water
2 cups shredded cheese
1/2 small onion, minced (optional)
1 bottle Catalina dressing 1 bag nacho cheese tortilla chips, crushed
Stir together hamburger and taco seasoning. ln a large bowl, combine hamburger, pasta, onions, tomatoes, lettuce and cheese. Mix in dressing. Stir in chips. Serve immediately. Dawn Leibel, Glencross, SD
Smoky BBQ Chicken Salad 1 box Betty Crocker™ Suddenly Salad® Ranch and Bacon Pasta Salad Mix 1/2 cup frozen corn
1/4 cup barbecue sauce 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup mayonnaise
12 butter lettuce leaves, optional
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Empty pasta mix into a 3-quart saucepan 2/3 full of boiling water. Gently boil uncovered 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding corn during last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta and corn; rinse with cold water. Shake to drain well. In large bowl, stir together seasoning mix, mayonnaise and barbecue sauce. Stir in pasta, corn, chicken and tomatoes. Line serving plate with lettuce leaves. Top with salad mixture; sprinkle with green onions. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate 1 hour to chill. Jean Osterman, Wheaton, MN
Cheating Cheeseburger Macaroni 1-1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 cup water
1/2 pkg. baby carrots, finely chopped
1/4 cup sour cream, optional
2 cups macaroni, cooked 1 can cream of chicken soup and drained Cook ground beef and onion; drain. Add carrots and cook while macaroni is cooking. Mix soups, water and sour cream; add to hamburger. Simmer over medium heat for a few minutes. Stir in pasta. Serve immediately. Becki Hauser, Tripp, SD
Please send your favorite slow cooker, holiday or soup 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 2019. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name. October 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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ANNUAL MEETING
Annual Meeting Highlights Investments in electric infrastructure was the theme of the 2019 Annual Meeting. President Paul Voigt mentioned the focus on our aging assets identified during the strategic planning process in the President’s Report. He reminded us that a year ago at this time we identified a number of areas within our system that need attention. Next year our cooperative will complete its 75th year, and everything wears down with age. We have adopted a more aggressive approach on future construction work plans to address this aging infrastructure. General Manager Stephanie Horst reviewed the work completed in the previous year and what is scheduled for the 2019-2022 Construction Work Plan. She summarized the 2018 jobs which included 63 new services, 29 service upgrades, 2.5 miles of new underground cable and the retirement of 71 idle services. She also mentioned the 3.5 miles of overhead line converted to underground for the Prevailing Wind Park which was paid for by the wind farm. We also worked with the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) which called for moving nine miles of our underground cable along Highway 37 south of Tyndall. The next four years of construction is an estimated investment of $8.2 million into
Director Dave Sternhagen receives a 30 year award.
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our electric infrastructure. It includes 124 miles of line replacement and another SDDOT highway project on Highway 52 southwest of Tabor. Guest Speaker Tom Boyko, General Manager of East River Electric Power Cooperative, shared the projects they have scheduled in our service area on the transmission side. One of these is a new substation northwest of Yankton. They will also be building six miles of tie lines to the new Lancer substation. This will provide a new delivery point to their transmission system in the area to meet load growth needs, resolve low voltage issues and address reliability concerns surrounding Yankton. Another large investment in our area is the rebuilding of 3.5 miles of the Tabor tap line. This rebuild is needed due to the age of the current infrastructure as well as to improve service to the area. In other business, Secretary David Sternhagen determined that a quorum had been met and asked for approval of the previous annual meeting minutes as published in the Cooperative Connections. He then called upon Treasurer Robert Ruppelt to present the 2018 Audited Financial Report. Attorney Sheila Woodward presided over the director election. In Districts two and seven, Robert Ruppelt and David
Sternhagen were the only petitioners and were re-elected by an unanimous voice vote in their respective districts. The following service awards were presented at the annual meeting: Director David Sternhagen, 30 years; Office Manager Nicole Einrem, 30 years; Material/Meterman/Electrician Joe Renner, 25 years; Billing Tech Teresa Holland, 20 years; Electrical Contractor Kevin Meyer, 20 years; Lead Lineman Travis Gause, 15 years; Part-time Office Help Linda Schenkel, 5 years. James Plavec won the 75th Annual Meeting special grand prize of $275 credit on his electric bill and Howard and Mary Hajek won the grand prize Deluxe Electric Cart Grill. Other prize winners are listed on page seven.
Reorganization The board kept the officers the same for the upcoming year:
Check out our Facebook page for more photos from the 2019 Annual Meeting: facebook.com/BonHommeYanktonElectric
Service Awards (l-r): Travis Gause, 15 years; Nicole Einrem, 30 years; Teresa Holland, 20 years; Linda Schenkel, 5 years; Kevin Meyer, 20 years; Joe Renner, 25 years.
Cooperative Connections | October 2019
President Paul Voigt Vice-President David Sykora Secretary David Sternhagen Treasurer Robert Ruppelt
ANNUAL MEETING
Dawn Braunesreither claims a new waffle maker.
Caroline Bochman with a new air fryer.
Douglas Simmons has some grillin’ to do!
Prize Winners
James Plavec wins the Special Grand Prize of $275 electric bill credit.
Howard and Mary Hajek win the Deluxe Electric Grill.
Ben & Gloria Kollis with their new 3 in 1 vacuum.
DONATED BY
ITEM
WON BY
Border States
$10 Walmart Gift Card
Donald & Beth Namminga
Border States
$10 Walmart Gift Card
Joseph & Margaret Klimisch
Border States
$10 Walmart Gift Card
Dennis & Lyla Brandt
Border States
$10 Walmart Gift Card
Marlin & Donna Tusha
Border States
$10 Walmart Gift Card
Johnny Kerby
IRBY Electric
$25 Cabelas Gift Card
David & Ione Cap
IRBY Electric
$25 Cabelas Gift Card
Dorothy Cuka
IRBY Electric
$25 Cabelas Gift Card
Mildred Sternhagen
IRBY Electric
$25 Cabelas Gift Card
Larry Hovorka
RESCO
4 Volt Screwdriver
Barbara Ireland
RESCO
32 oz bottle
Michael Thomas
RESCO
40 oz bottle
Rick Cheloha
B-Y Electric
100' Extension Cord
Arlis Ded
B-Y Electric
Waffle Maker
Dean & Dawn Braunesreither
B-Y Electric
Work Light
Michael Bouza
B-Y Electric
Rechargeable Work Light
Richard & Carla Bahm
B-Y Electric
George Foreman Grill
Douglas Simmons
B-Y Electric
Fire Extinguisher
Joyce Sestak
B-Y Electric
3 cup Chopper
James & Mary Schuch
B-Y Electric
Alarm Clock
Robert Rolfs
B-Y Electric
3-n-1 Vac
Ben & Gloria Kollis
B-Y Electric
Hair Dryer
Peter & Lorraine Sorenson
B-Y Electric
Air Fryer
Preston & Caroline Bochman
B-Y Electric
LED Lamp
Roger Dvoracek & Ruth Sternhagen
B-Y Electric
Fan
Daniel & Jean Hunhoff
B-Y Electric
$25 Gift Certificate
Roger Hejl Ruth Berndt Allen Sinclair Art Cuka
Echo
LED Trouble Light
Edward Fejfar
WESCO
Cooler Bag
Lois Johnson
WESCO
Cooler Bag
James & Susan Thorson
Crescent Electric
Umbrella
Ben Kotalik
Crescent Electric
Bag Chair
Judy Wagner
Crescent Electric
Back Pack
Rodney Wiese
Crescent Electric
Football
Alvin & Ruth Sternhagen
Crescent Electric
UNO game & cards
Deon Stredde
East River Electric
Wifi Smart Bulb Socket
Larry & Marcene Kniffen
East River Electric
Power Bar
Linda Plaatje
October 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
Renville-Sibley Co-op Power Association Journeyman Lineman Clint Olson is a member of the Olivia Area Technical Rescue Team. Olson is in the center front holding the dalmation dog.
HELPING OUT AT NEW HEIGHTS AND TIGHT SPACES Co-op Employees Among Local Emergency Responders Brenda Kleinjan editor@sdrea.coop
As the chief of the Olivia, Minn., Area Technical Response Team, Renville-Sibley Co-op Power Association journeyman lineman Clint Olson combines some of his experience with the Danube, Minn.-based cooperative with his 15 years as a member of the Olivia Fire Department. Olson joined the OFD after being asked repeatedly by then-members of the volunteer fire department. “To be honest, the main reason for joining the OFD was so I wouldn’t be bugged anymore by past firemen asking me to join every time I saw them in public. Looking back, I am glad I did,” Olson said. Olson was tapped to lead the newly formed rescue team which was established in January 2019. The team is specialized in high-angle and low-angle (confined space) rescues. The team is made up of firemen all from different towns in 8
Cooperative Connections | October 2019
Many rural and small town fire departments throughout the Dakotas and western Minnesota rely on volunteers to fill the ranks of the much-needed service.
Renville County, Minn. The county is home of several large ag industries, such as the Southern Minnesota Sugar Beet Cooperative and several large seed plants along with large bin set ups. “We saw a need for the Technical Response Team years ago and never could spark enough interest from the other towns in the county for funding. Finally, Olivia stepped up and funded the start up,” said Olson. “We firemen have trained in the past with some high-angle rescue trainings but knew it wasn’t proper and knew it’s a need being in a rural community.” Right after the team was established, the first call came in of a conscious victim who fell 40 feet down into a concrete seed bin. “There was no access from the bottom. After assessing the situation, we were able to get the victim up using ropes and mechanical advantage systems which consists of pulleys and anchor points through a small four foot by four foot access door. From there, we were able to rig a rope system on the catwalk outside in order to lower the victim to the ground 75 feet below,” Olson said. “Looking back, this is the first rescue like this in our area and we are glad we had the
training and equipment to complete the task,” Olson said. There are multiple regular trainings and extra trainings that go along with the fire department and the Olivia Area Technical
“Being in a smaller agriculture and rural community, fire departments in our area are struggling to fill positions, whether its lack of interest or time.”
To try to maximize departments’ effectiveness, departments have been training with our surrounding departments and assisting in mutual aid calls. “I highly recommend if you can join a local EMS in your community the benefits are self-rewarding. The knowledge you learn can be beneficial for you to share with your coworkers also no matter what field you are in.” The knowledge base that co-op linemen bring to a volunteer fire department can be beneficial, Olson noted, especially when it comes to electrical hazard recognition. “Multiple trainings have been done internally with our department on what action to take if a live wire is involved and also know where the disconnects are located and types of disconnects need to be opened in order to isolate before the utility company arrives,” Olson said.
rescue team, Olson said. The fire department trains twice a month while the OATRT team trains once a month. Olson notes there is a need for more volunteers in fire departments and ambulance crews. “Being in a smaller agriculture and rural community, fire departments in our area, are struggling to fill positions, whether its lack of interest or time,” Olson said.
Olson is one of three employees of Renville-Sibley who are members of their fire department or technical team. Fellow jounreymen linemen Brayden Fischer and Brandon Ochs are volunteer firefighters “I describe it has a brotherhood similar as a brotherhood at your electric cooperative,” Olson said.
RSCPA Journeyman Lineman Brayden Fischer is in the back row, fourth from right, while Journeyman Lineman Clint Olson is second from the left in the first row. Not pictrured is Journeyman Lineman Brandon Ochs.
October 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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CLASSIFIEDS November Issue Deadline: October 1, 2019. 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. 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. FOR RENT: Tabor Self Storage. Call 605-660-0274 or 605-6603497.
811 NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE AT SDONECALL.COM OR DOWNLOAD THE MOBILE APP.
WELCOME MEMBERS Avon
CO-OP NEWS
Welcome Jennifer Boska
Schmidt Bros Farm LLC Lesterville Eric & Sara Shoemaker Levi Kludt Menno Bryan Kludt Tabor Kendra & Jonathon Becker Kyle Shimer Utica Dillon Barger Yankton Alexandra Pagel Benjamin Conway Brenda Rueb Matthew D Egger Austin & Carrie Steinberg Barb Perk Logan Gores Cody Kirrman & Jatell Lambert Sharee’ Nelson Brendan Gramkow Chris Stibral Turnkey LLC Marie Auch Gregory Urwiler
Jennifer Boska started work on August 26 as our new Member Service Representative. Jenn will be supporting the members by phone and at the front counter. Most people may already know Jenn from her many years at the Tyndall grocery store. She was most recently employed at Country Ford. Jenn and her husband, Scott, live near Tyndall. She spends her free time running to the activities of her four children: Hunter, Hannah, Amelia and Max. Jenn replaces Linda Bares who left in July for another employment opportunity. Welcome to the cooperative family, Jenn!
SOLAR STATS Month Solar Production Solar used by office
August 723 KWH 711/98%
Solar put back on grid
12/2%
Main office KWH used
4,616
From grid
3,905
From solar
711
Solar % of KWH used
15%
Max solar production/day 10
32 KWH
Cooperative Connections | October 2019
Main Meter
Solar Meter
MARKETPLACE HEATING & COOLING
2401 Broadway Suite #3 Yankton, SD 57078
60 5- 665- 9 4 61 800-491-9461
Warm Air, Air to Air, Geothermal Heat Pumps
GT Repair & Autobody Glenn Tycz Tyndall, SD 57066
605-589-3018 Marine Boat Repair Aluminum & Fiberglass We Repair and Install Windshields
BOHEMIAN FARMERS R. Martin Koch, Secretary PO Box 206 Tabor, SD 57063
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
MUTUAL
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.
Sanders Heating & Cooling 300 W 17th Tyndall, SD 57066
Yankton, Tabor, Tyndall, Menno
605-665-9679
Preplanning will give you peace of mind and may save money
K CONSTRUCTION AND PAINTING New Construction Remodel - Roofing Flooring
Jason Finck Tabor, SD 57063
605-589-3228 1-800-894-3228 Furnaces, Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Free Estimates
Ready to buy or sell a home? I can help! Dean Sternhagen, Broker Associate 605-661-5828 dean@igotvision.com
Feel the power of data in your hands with SmartHub mobile and web apps. SmartHub allows you to view your usage data and manage your account right from your mobile device in a secure environment. Go to www.byelectric.coop and follow the link to the SmartHub site or download the free app on Google Play or iTunes.
605-660-3204 October 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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CO-OP MONTH
Your Unique Source of Power Paul Wesslund NRECA
Electric cooperatives belong to the people they serve – that would be you and your neighbors.
October is National Co-op Month.
You have a unique story to tell about yourself because you are part of an electric cooperative community. But if you’re like a lot of electric co-op members, you might not feel you know enough to tell that story well. So, here’s some help. About one in 10 Americans receives their power the way you do, from an electric co-op. Electric co-ops belong to the people they serve – that would be you and your neighbors. Electric co-ops were first developed in the 1930s because city utilities, owned by investors wanting to make a profit, ignored rural America – they didn’t think there was enough money to be earned there. So, people in rural communities met with each other and formed their own local electric co-ops. October is National Co-op Month, the time of year when cooperatives across the country celebrate the many ways co-ops are unique and more importantly, the members they serve. This year, we’re focusing on our ties to the local community. Your co-op was built by the community, for the community, so let’s take a look at what that means for you, the members of the co-op. Your co-op is here to stay. Since the co-op belongs to the members it serves with safe, reliable, affordable energy, it’s not going to move out of the country, or even across the state. It’s staying right where it is. Your co-op knows you. No two co-ops are alike. Across the country, there are more than 900 electric co-ops. Because each of those co-ops belongs to the people who live there, the co-op listens to the community they are a part of. Whether it’s
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Cooperative Connections | October 2019
Co-op lines are shaped by you, the members we serve, right here in our local community. working with the latest energy efficiency technologies or keeping the electric grid safe and secure, your electric co-op can offer solutions that make the most sense locally. Your co-op cares about your community. The co-op’s top priority is to power the community. It is not owned by far-away, or even nearby, investors looking only for a good return on their money. Your co-op also partners with local organizations on community events, fundraisers, youth programs and more. We’re your friends and neighbors. By investing in the local community, your electric co-op supports economic development and prosperity for all, right here at home. And these are just a few ways you and your electric co-op are one of a kind.
October 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
Spooky displays of all types are part of the annual Grey Goose Pumpkin Display near Pierre.
PIERRE FAMILY’S DISPLAY IS SPOOKTACULAR Hundreds of Carved Pumpkins at Center Stage Brenda Kleinjan
Photo Caption editor@sdrea.coop
A Pierre, S.D.,-area family has taken a fall tradition of pumpkin carving to new heights, and widths, with their ever-expanding pumpkin display.
Since 2005, the Grambihler family has been turning its farm north of Pierre into a Halloween extravaganza. The display is typically open the last 10 days of October, concluding on Halloween. The family is involved in all aspects of the process, including growing the hundreds of pumpkins that are carved into a variety of jack-o-lanterns. The display can be seen from Gray Goose Road just north of Pierre. The best time to visit is in the evening, after the sun is setting. All the pumpkins put on display are grown on the Grambihler farm and started right from seed. The different kinds of pumpkins raised are quite extensive and have many different shapes and sizes. The final number will be known when they are put out on display. In preparation of the display, the Grambihler crew picks the good from the bad pumpkins. The week before they are set up, the pumpkins are gutted and set aside. As soon as all the pumpkins are cleaned, they are ready to be carved. Typically, the carving process starts three days before they are to be set out on display. 14 Cooperative Connections | October 2019
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
Frankie will be making his debut in the 2019 Grey Goose Pumpkin Display near Pierre. The Grambihler family and other volunteers work many hours with the pumpkins. The display is all set up the week before Halloween. Creating the display generally takes all day, from setting up the decorations to setting the pumpkins in a line and stringing LED lights through them. Directions to the 2019 Pumpkin Display are as follows: Turn onto Highway 1804 and go north for 5 miles, then turn onto Grey Goose Road and continue going north for about 4.5 miles. The glowing orange lights from the display are visible about a quarter-of-a-mile down the road and if you get lost, ask directions at the Grey Goose Store! Please be mindful of the property owners. The Grambihler families along with all the volunteers are dying for you and your families to walk around and enjoy the lit jack-o-lanterns, spooks and goblins! Watch for other vehicles and pedestrians and have a safe Halloween! For more information on the display, visit https://www.facebook.com/GreyGoose PumpkinDisplay/
October 2019 | Cooperative Connections
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DATELINE
May-September
Last Thursday of the Month Bragging Rights, 5:30 p.m. to Dusk, East of the Meridian Bridge, Yankton, SD 57078 https://www.facebook.com/ missouririverassoc/
September 19-21
Photo courtesy: Oahe Electric Cooperative
St. Joseph’s Indian School Powwow, Chamberlain, SD, 605-234-3452
September 20-22
German-Russian Schmeckfest, Eureka, SD, 605-284-2332
September 21
Annual Watertown Radio Chili Cook-off, Watertown, SD, 605-882-6269
September 21
AgriCulture on the Square, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. MDT, Free, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-1722
September 21-22
North Country Fiber Fair, Watertown, SD, 605-956-7909
September 21-22
Northern Plains Indian Art Market, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-856-8193
September 21-22
Pioneer Power and Toy Show, Menno, SD, www.pioneeracres.com
September 25-28
Black Hills Plein Air Paint-Out, Hill City, SD, 605-645-7196
September 26-28
Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival, Opens at 10 a.m., Game Lodge grounds, Custer State Park, Custer, SD, 605-255-4541
September 26-29
September 29
October 19-January 5
56th Annual Buffalo Roundup, 6:15 a.m., Buffalo corrals, Custer State Park, Custer, SD, SD 605-255-4515
October 3-6
October 25-27
September 27-28
October 5
October 31-November 2
September 27-29
October 5
South Dakota Film Festival, Aberdeen, SD, 605-725-2697
September 27
Corn Palace Challenge Bulls and Broncs PRCA Extreme, Mitchell, SD, 605-995-8430 SiouxperCon, Sioux Falls, SD, www.siouxpercon.com
September 28
Wheelin’ to Wall, Wall, SD, 605-685-3882
September 28
Living History Fall Festival, Groton, SD, 605-715-7117
September 28
Ninth Annual ROCS (Springfield Dakota Senior Meals) Fall Festival, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Community Center, Springfield, SD, 605-464-7379, DSMFallFest2018@yahoo.com
Fall Volksmarch at Crazy Horse Memorial, Crazy Horse, SD, 605-673-4681 South Dakota Festival of Books, Brookings, SD, 605-688-6113 Harvest Festival, Chamberlain, SD, 605-234-4416 Prairie Village Hobo Marlin Pumpkin Train, Madison, SD, 605-256-3644
October 11-13
Black Hills Powwow, Rapid City, SD, 605-341-0925
October 11-13
Black Hills Horse Expo, Rapid City, SD
October 19
4th Annual Fall Festival, East Pierre Landscape and Garden Center, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pierre, SD, 605-224-8832
Pheasant Hunting Season, Statewide, Pierre, SD, 605-223-7660 Autumn Festival, An Arts and Crafts Affair, Sioux Falls, SD, 402-331-2889 Ringneck Festival and Bird Dog Challenge, Huron, SD, 605-352-0000
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.