Bon Homme Yankton Electric February 2020 Vol. 20 No. 10
Reasons to Love Your Electric Co-op Page 8
Outhouse Racing in Nemo Page 12
MANAGER’S COLUMN
Investments in Technology:
Efficiencies Improved At the December Board Meeting the Board approved the 2020 budget that the management team prepared. This budget is based on the activities planned for this year. Of the $10.3 million in expenses, we are estimating 62% for power costs, 18% for depreciation, taxes and interest, and 20% for day-to-day operations. A 4.2% margin is budgeted with revenues projecting to be $10.7. With revenues steady and controlled costs, I am pleased to announce that there will be not be a rate increase needed for 2020.
Stephanie Horst horst@byelectric.com
The preliminary year end numbers for 2019 look good and with the plan in place for 2020, it sure will be another successful year.
Operation construction projects that are scheduled for 2020 include new and upgraded services; cable replacement projects in the Scotland, Tyndall, and Avon areas; tree trimming in the Springfield area, pole inspection in the Avon area; and line patrol in the Springfield, Mission Hill, Yankton and BY Water substations. In addition to the regular work, we are updating work processes to be more efficient. This includes adding additional technology. One big project is converting our mapping system to digital. This is a huge task as GPS points are gathered on our facilities to be imported on the map and manipulate the information correctly. We are also going to a material management system that will include a material barcoding process to improve work order and accounting processes. Other endeavors include paperless service orders and implementing digital safety documentation. Every employee at the Cooperative will be operating in a new normal with these changes. I’m confident that our top-notch employees are ready for the challenge. Utilities are especially vulnerable to cyber threats, and your Board has recognized the need to protect Bon Homme Yankton Electric. We have partnered with East River Electric’s IT department in a Cyber Program. They will be monitoring the traffic on our network and alerting us and reacting to events. They will also provide cyber and IT support and education. We look forward to having this high-level expertise at our Cooperative. In 2020, we will be starting more youth and community outreach as we have a new employee on board. Jaclyn Arens has been hired as our Communications and Marketing Coordinator and will be spearheading these efforts. If your community or organization is interested in holding a youth or safety event, please notify Jaclyn at jarens@byelectric.com. She also will be heading up other membership programs and services. In the strategic planning goals, Broadband was identified as an issue with our membership. Our role in this will be to support current providers as they improve their services and extend their reach. One provider that we are currently supporting is Yankton Wireless. They now have high speed Internet available in the rural Tabor area and have upgraded their equipment to improve service in rural Yankton areas. You can reach them at 605-760-9764 for more information. The preliminary year end numbers for 2019 look good and with the plan in place for 2020, it sure will be another successful year.
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Cooperative Connections | February 2020
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. 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.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
2020-2021 Scholarships Bon Homme Yankton Electric is now taking applications for one $1,000 and two $500 academic scholarships for the 2020-2021 school year. The Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship is in its 30th consecutive year and is funded by Basin Electric Power Cooperative of Bismarck, ND.
Deadline: February 14, 2020, 4:30pm
Bon Homme Yankton Electric is offering the additional $500 scholarships. These scholarships are designed to recognize and encourage the academic and community achievements of the students in our area. Applicants must be a dependent of an active electric member and must be students enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate or graduate course of study at an accredited, two-year or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school. For more information and for a scholarship application form, contact Bon Homme Yankton Electric, your school’s guidance counselor or visit our website: www.byelectric.coop. Applications must be returned to Bon Homme Yankton Electric, PO Box 158, Tabor, SD 57063 by 4:30pm, February 14, 2020.
Applications Online at www.byelectric.coop
Applications available at your school's guidance office
For More Information Call: 605-463-2507
Mail Complete Application And All Supporting Documentation To: Bon Homme Yankton Electric PO Box 158 Tabor, SD 57063 Contact Marketing and Communications Coordinator Jaclyn Arens for more information at 605-463-2507 or email: jarens@ byelectric.com
February 2020 | Cooperative Connections
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SAFETY TIPS
Space Heater Safety Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States. More than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment each year. These fires result in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and millions of dollars in property damage. Portable electric space heaters can be a convenient source of supplemental heat for your home in cold weather. Unfortunately, they can pose significant fire and electric shock hazards if not used properly. Fire and electrical hazards can be caused by space heaters without adequate safety features, space heaters placed near combustibles, or space heaters that are improperly plugged in. Safety should always be a top consideration when using space heaters. Here are some tips for keeping your home safe and warm when it’s cold outside: p Make sure your space heater has the label showing that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory. p Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully. p Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater. p Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep, and don’t let pets or children play too close to a space heater. p Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes. p Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month. p Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs. p Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard. p Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater. p Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire. p Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use. Source: esfi.org 4
Cooperative Connections | February 2020
Getting Involved The state legislatures of both Minnesota and South Dakota convened in early January. Need to contact your legislator while in Pierre or Saint Paul? Here’s how:
Contacting Members of South Dakota’s Legislature: Go to http://sdlegislature.gov/ From there, you can search your senator or representatives, see the committees which they are assigned and send them an email. Need to reach them by phone? You can call and leave a message with the Senate at 605-773-3821 or with the House of Representatives at 605-773-3851. You can also send a fax to 605-773-6806.
Contacting Minnesota Legislators: For contact information on Minnesota house members, visit:
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members For contact information on Minnesota senators, visit:
http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members
KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER
“Don’t let anything get near your extension cords!” Sierra Staufacker, 9 years old
Sierra is the daughter of Cory and Staci Staufacker, Balaton, Minn. They are members of Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative, Tyler, Minn. 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 Recipe and photo courtesy mccormick.com/recipes
Bountiful Brunch Pineapple-Zucchini Bread 3 eggs
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. soda
1 cup oil
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
2 cups peeled and grated zucchini
Beat eggs, sugar, vanilla and oil. Mix in zucchini and dry ingredients; stir well. Fold in pineapple. Bake at 350°F. for 1 hour. Makes 2 loaves. Geraldine Dahlin, Beresford, SD
Apple Pie Breakfast Bake 2 cans refrigerated French bread
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup butter, melted
1 tsp. apple pie spice
1 (21 oz.) can apple pie filling 1 tsp. vanilla Bake loaves as directed on can; cool 20 minutes. Cut 1-1/2 loaves into 1/2-inch cubes to equal 7-1/2 cups. Reserve remaining 1/2 loaf for another use. Increase oven temperature to 375°F. In a 9x13-inch glass baking dish, evenly layer melted butter, apple pie filling and bread cubes. In a medium bowl, stir together milk, apple pie spice and vanilla. Pour over bread, pushing bread down to absorb liquid. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until deep golden brown and bubbly. Cool 15 minutes. Serve warm with maple syrup. (Note: You may also use day-old French bread cut into 1/2-inch cubes.)
Breakfast Casserole 1 (8 oz.) can crescent rolls
1-1/2 cups shredded cheese
1 (16 oz.) pkg. bulk sausage, cooked and drained
8 eggs, lightly beaten
16 to 32 oz. hash brown potatoes, depending on number of servings desired
1/2 cup milk 1 pkg. country-style gravy mix, prepared according to package directions
Press crescent rolls in a lightly greased 9x13-inch pan. Spread with sausage crumbles and veggies. Layer hash browns on top. Sprinkle with cheese. Combine eggs with milk; pour over all. Spread on gravy. Bake at 325°F. for 1 hour or until cooked through in the middle. Kim Jost, Agar, SD
6 T. butter, softened, divided 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted 2 T. light brown sugar 2 ripe plums, halved and 1 tsp. cinnamon, ground pitted 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats Mix butter, brown sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Reserve 2 T.; set aside. Add oats to remaining butter mixture, stirring until well blended. Brush fruit with reserved butter mixture. Place cut-side down on grill over medium heat. Tent with foil or close grill lid. Grill 2 minutes or until grill marks appear. Turn fruit cut-side up; spoon oat mixture evenly on top of each piece. Return foil tent or close lid. Grill 3 minutes longer or until fruit is tender and topping is crisp. Serve topped with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired. Cooking over a campfire? Place grill grate over top of campfire. Grill fruit as directed, rearranging hot coals as needed to maintain even direct heat. Makes 4 servings Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 290, Total Fat 18g, Fiber 3g, Cholesterol 45mg, Sodium 137mg, Carbohydrates 29g, Protein 3g Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Omelet in a Bag 2 large eggs
Green pepper, diced
Ham or bacon pieces
Mushrooms, chopped
Onion, chopped
Grated cheese
Tomato, diced
Jean Osterman, Wheaton, MN
Diced onion, green pepper and mushrooms, optional
Grilled Fruit with Cinnamon Oatmeal Crumble
Give each guest a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag and have them write their name on the bag with a permanent marker. Crack 2 eggs into each bag (not more than 2). Shake to combine them. Put out a variety of ingredients and let each guest choose what they want in their omelet. Shake the bag. Zip the bag after making sure to get all the air out. Bring a large kettle of water to a full rolling boil. Place the bags into the water. When the water begins to boil again, boil for exactly 14 minutes. You can usually cook 6 to 8 omelets at a time. For more, make another kettle of boiling water. Open bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake. Roxanna Streckfuss, Mansfield, SD
Please send your favorite seafood, appetizer and beverage 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 2020. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.
February 2020 | Cooperative Connections
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BOARD REPORT
WELCOME MEMBERS Tabor Ray Wolter Utica Dylan Manas Yankton Becky Verheul Lemonade Stand, LLC Loretta Sheldon Nicholes Simmermon Erika Billion Chelsea Sealey
Benefits of Membership
Capital Credit Refund Checks One of the benefits of being a member of an electric cooperative is receiving a refund of the capital credits that have been held at the cooperative in your name and used as capital for a number of years and then is returned in the form of a check. In December, 2,100 checks totaling $500,000 were mailed out to current and former members. In order to receive a refund check, you needed to be a member from 2000-2001 and accumulated capital credits that generated a check more than $25.00. Please cash your check as soon as possible. The checks expire in six months. If you find an old refund check that was not cashed, contact our office to see if a replacement check can be issued. It may have been added onto the next available refund. If you do move away and are no longer a member, we only ask that you keep us informed of your current mailing address at least 20 years into the future to make sure you receive all of your future refunds.
STATISTICAL COMPARISON NOVEMBER Number of Meters
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. 6
2018
2019
2019 YTD
3,838
3,865
Total Revenue
$971,004
$929,777
$9,684,187
Cost of Power
$540,979
$519,651
$5,658,231
Total Cost of Service
$803,638
$799,279
$9,190,442
kWhs Purchased
9,069,219
8,811,096
89,049,335
kWhs Sold
8,646,464
8,328,560
84,909,379
Line Loss %
4.30%
5.15%
4.37%
Residential Average kWh
2,003
1,830
Residential Average Bill
$206
$201
232 kWh
273 kWh
232/100%
271/99%
0/0%
2/1%
6,672
6,271
From grid
6,440
6,000
From solar
232
271
Solar % of kWh used
8%
10%
17 kWh
21 kWh
SOLAR STATS Solar Production Solar used by office Solar put back on grid Main office kWh used
Max solar production/day
Cooperative Connections | February 2020
2020 Rebate Updates Bon Homme Yankton Electric offers rebates and electric bill credits for members who install Energy Star® heating and cooling systems. To qualify for the geothermal and air source heat pump rebates, equipment must be new, at least two tons and have an HSPF rating greater than or equal to 8.5. It is also required to be at least ten years since your last rebate. Non-Commercial Electric Heat Rebates: 0 $600 Geothermal Heat Pump 0 $600 Air Source Heat Pump Ag or Commercial Electric Heat Rebates: 0 $50 per ton for heat pumps 0 $10 per kilowatt for other electric heating systems Electric Heat Discount: Separately metered electric heat and controlled air conditioning receives a credit of $.025 per kilowatt hour. Electric Water Heater Rebates: 0 $6 per gallon - Lifetime Warranty Units 0 $7 per month credit for controlled electric water heater. 50, 85 and 105 gallon water heaters available. Irrigation Load Control: 0 $750 Third Party Irrigation Controller NEW! Grain Dryer Management Systems: 0 $750 Third Party remote managed grain dryer management system. 0 The new system eliminates the need for an East River load control receiver. 0 Ability to receive automated notice from East River of shed and restore via email, text, or voice notification. Appliance rebates are no longer available. However, we encourage you to continue to purchase energy efficient appliances which will help reduce your energy consumption. For more information on any of these programs call your energy experts in the Member Service Department at Bon Homme Yankton Electric at 605-463-2507. Some restrictions apply and rebate programs are subject to change at any time.
BOARD REPORT
BOARD MEETING AGENDA December 2019 0 Call to Order 0 Designate Attorney to Record Minutes 0 Agenda 0 Minutes of the Previous Meeting 0 New Members & Cancellations 0 Capital Credits to Estates 0 Special Equipment Purchases 0 Closed Work Orders 0 Reports •0 Office-2020 Final Operating Budget, November Financials, Write-offs •0 Member Service Report •0 Operations Report •0 Safety Report •0 General Manager’s ReportEast River Manager’s Report, East River Member Survey, Power Bill •0 South Dakota Rural Electric •0 East River Electric Power Cooperative •0 Mid-West Electric Consumers Association •0 Board Leadership Workshop 0 2019 Audit Eide Bailly Engagement Letter 0 Policy 20-04 Director Fees 0 Policy 70-23 Incentive Rebates 0 Bylaw Articles 1 & 2 Review 0 NRECA Annual Meeting Delegates 0 NRTC Annual Meeting Delegates 0 RESCO Presentation 0 Executive Session 0 Set next regular meeting date 0 Adjourn
February 2020 | Cooperative Connections
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CO-OP NEWS
REASONS TO LOVE YOUR ELECTRIC CO-OP Delivering More than Just Electricity Brenda Kleinjan editor@sdrea.coop
From reliable energy to community involvement, there are a lot of reasons why co-op members love their electric cooperatives.
Co-Ops Are Local, Community-Focused Organizations Co-ops have a rich history of serving their members and are facing the future with innovative ideas to help their members and grow their local communities. Local people helping out. From billing clerks to line workers and every job in between, the people working at your local electric cooperative are the ones you’ll see in your communities. They are serving on volunteer fire departments and as first responders, serving on school boards and county commissions, as ushers at church and as youth sports coaches. 8
Cooperative Connections | February 2020
Sioux Valley Energy employees get final instructions before embarking on their meal delivery routes.
CO-OP NEWS Some cooperatives have launched employee community service days where local communities or organizations benefit from a day of service, whether it be a town clean up, restoring a rural cemetery, delivering meals to shut-ins or helping others in need.
Keeping Members Informed Whether it’s through this magazine, which reaches members each month or through social media channels like Facebook and Twitter or mobile apps like SmartHub, cooperatives continually strive to inform their member-owners about events and issues that matter. From a quick post or tweet about why the power may have blinked or celebrating the achievements of area youth, co-ops are communicating with their members and connecting them to their community. As storms approach, co-ops offer helpful tips for preparing for inclement weather and how to deal with the aftermath of storms.
Helping Members Save Money Co-op demand response and load management programs have helped members save money for decades. And now, with interactive tools like SmartHub, an increasing number of co-op members are accessing information about their home’s energy use right from their mobile device or computer. Several co-ops offer energy audits and other ways to reduce energy use. Appliance rebates, loans for heating and cooling equipment and reduced rates for some energy use
Co-op member service personnel receive training on blower door tests which can be a useful tool in a home energy audit.
are offered by some co-ops in the state. Check with yours to find out what programs could benefit you.
A participant on the 2019 Youth Excursion to North Dakota gives the view from the Antelope Valley Station power plant two thumbs up.
Diversifying Energy Resources
Cooperatives have a history of using an all-of-the-above approach to meeting members’ energy needs. The first utility-scale wind project in South Dakota was built by co-ops and several co-ops have solar demonstration projects to help members learn about solar grid interconnection and other aspects of the resource.
Investing in Youth When it comes to looking to the future, co-ops have the youth in their communities in mind. Each year, co-ops invest more than $100,000 in scholarships for students pursuing further education at colleges or technical schools. Dozens of students have the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C., for the annual rural electric youth tour, courtesy of their local electric cooperative. Several co-ops in the state send students on the four-day Youth Excursion to North Dakota each summer to explore energy careers and cooperatives. And throughout the school year, Co-ops in the Classroom and other safety demonstrations visit schools across the region to help younger students learn about using electricity wisely and how so be safe around it.
February 2020 | Cooperative Connections
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CO-OP NEWS
CLASSIFIEDS March Issue Deadline: February 1, 2020. Email your classified ad to: jarens@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. FOR SALE: Weslo Cadence Treadmill. Call 605-661-1208 or 605-661-2352.
Meet Jaclyn Arens Jaclyn Arens has joined the Bon Homme Yankton Electric team as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator. We are excited to welcome Jaclyn into this brand new position that will improve the way we communicate with you, our memberowners. Her job responsibilities will include improving and growing all of our communications efforts - especially online. Jaclyn is a recent graduate of Morningside College in Sioux City, IA. She majored in Communications and Advertising with a minor in business. Throughout college, she stayed busy by working as a social media intern at Chatterkick, leading the Morningside Entrepreneurship Group, and studying abroad in Cork, Ireland for one semester. In her free time, Jaclyn enjoys traveling to new places with friends, practicing yoga at Soul Story Yoga, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
Four Tips for Winter Safety It’s no surprise that winter months bring increased potential for fire risks and electrical safety hazards. During the coldest months, consumers are using additional electrical devices and appliances, like space heaters, electric blankets and portable generators. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 47,700 home fires occur each year in the U.S. due to electrical failure or malfunction. This winter, safeguard your loved ones and your home with these electrical safety tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International. 1.0 Don’t overload outlets. Overloaded outlets are a major cause of residential fires. Avoid using extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliance connections–they should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. If you’re relying heavily on extension cords, you may need additional outlets to address your needs. Contact a qualified electrician to inspect your home and add new outlets. 2.0 Never leave space heaters unattended. If you’re using a space heater, turn if off before leaving the room. Make sure heaters are placed at least three feet away from flammable items. It should also be noted that space heaters take a toll on your energy bills. If you’re using them throughout your home, it may be time to upgrade your home heating system. 3.0 Inspect heating pads and electric blankets. Look for dark, charred or frayed spots, and make sure the electrical cord is not damaged. These items cause nearly 500 fires every year. Electric blankets that are more than 10 years old create additional risks for a fire hazard. Do not place any items on top of a heating pad or electric blanket, and never fold them when in use. 4.0 Use portable generators safely. Never connect a standby generator into your home’s electrical system. For portable generators, plug appliances directly into the outlet provided on the generator. Start the generator first, before you plug in appliances. Run it in a well-ventilated area outside your home. The carbon monoxide it generates is deadly, so keep it away from your garage, doors, windows and vents.
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Cooperative Connections | February 2020
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 February 2020 | Cooperative Connections
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COMMUNITY
Nemo 500 Outhouse Races NAJA Shrine Transportation Fund for Kids Benefits from Outdoor Event Brenda Kleinjan editor@sdrea.coop
We called it the Nemo 500 because it sounded good. When one thinks of racing, cars, horses or motorcycles likely come to mind. But, in the Black Hills community of Nemo, outhouses – equipped with wheels, skis or both – are the vehicle of choice. While each outhouse must be equipped with a seat with one hole, there are additional basic requirements in this competition designed to raise funds for the NAJA Shrine Kids Transportation Fund. First, each outhouse will have a rider. And during the race, that rider will trade places with a teammate. “There always has to be someone on the throne,” said Ervin “Red” Alspaw, a Shriner with the Oasis of Deadwood and one of the contacts for the race. The outhouse must be at least five feet tall and the door (if there is one) has to stay open during the race. The outhouse must have four walls and a roof and the team’s name must be on each of the walls. “It’s a hoot,” said Alspaw. Money raised at the event helps Shriners cover the transportation expenses of some 630 children in western South Dakota who seek care at Shriners Hospitals 12
A team prepares to race their outhouse in the 2017 competition.
nationwide. “We called it the Nemo 500 because it sounded good,” said Troy Saye, race organizer and owner of the Nemo Guest Ranch where the event is held. “We stepped it off a few years ago and it’s actually about 970 feet. You start at the restaurant and at midway everyone runs around the outhouse, retrieving a colored roll of toilet paper which must be placed in the correct order on a plunger. Alliterations, euphemisms and creativity may make for memorable team names, but speed is the name of the game as the fastest team to complete the
Cooperative Connections | February 2020
Kids compete in the scoop shovel races.
COMMUNITY
The Rules OUTHOUSE RACE RULES and STRUCTURE
The costumed Sesame Streak team poses with their People’s Choice outhouse trophy after the 2016 race. race is the winner. Winners in each of the age divisions get an outhouse trophy hand-made by Troy and Willie Saye. The Sayes created the event after a 2006 visit from Willie’s cousin, shortly after they bought the Nemo Guest Ranch.
Kids can compete in the Scoop Shovel Races, but competitors must provide their own scoop shovel. If you’re going, check-in for the three divisions is at 10 a.m. and race time is 1 p.m. Preregister your team by Feb. 1 to receive a T-shirt.
If you have a team but don’t have an outhouse to race in, contact When we first the Nemo Guest Ranch to started, we see if theirs is never imagined available.
“He said he had to get home for an outhouse race. We didn’t know what it was,” said Troy. it would take off The couple Advice for firstresearched time attendees? the way it did. the event and Arrive early, found that dress warm and several other be prepared for states held races. They developed a bit of a walk (late-comers have had their rules for the Nemo event. Early to park a half-mile away from the races were held just for fun or to event.) raise money for different organizaAttendance at the event varies with tions. The race has been a benefit for the weather, Saye said. Crowds range the NAJA Shrine Kids Transportafrom 1,000 people up to 2,400 people tion Fund for the last eight or nine when the race time temperature was years. 53 degrees. The creative names don’t stop at the “You have got to see it to really enjoy race team names. It takes a certain it,” said Saye. fortitude to dip a spoon into some “When we first started, we never of the entries in the chili cook-off imagined it would take off the way it contest where cooks serve up three did,” said Saye. gallons of chili with names like “Presidential Poopers Chili” and Interested? Visit nemo500.com for “Dave’s Chunky Pork and Beef more information or contact the Chili.” Nemo Guest Ranch at 605-578-2708.
1)p Outhouse can only be human powered. No electric-, solar- or gas-powered assistance. The outhouse must have four walls, roof, doorway and seat with at least one hole. It may have a door, but the door must remain securely open during the race. 2)p The outhouse must be a minimum of nine square feet at the base and a maximum overall width not to exceed six feet (including grasping or pushing devices). A minimum height of five feet from the floor to the highest point of the roof. 3)p Any number and size of wheels or skis may be used. 4)p Any device for pushing or pulling the outhouse may be used except ropes. All pushing or pulling devices must be secured solid. 5)p Outhouses may be built form any material but glass and must be structurally sound. 6)p Each entry must have an outhouse name that is to be displayed on each side of the structure. Sponsors’ names may be displayed anywhere on the outside. 7)p There will be three age divisions. (Age divisions will be determined by average team ages. Add all team members’ ages and divide by the number of team members.) p Division 1: Ages 12 to 25 p Division 2: Ages 26 to 45 p Division 3: Ages 46 and over
Good to know: Teams consist of two to five people, one of much must ride inside the outhouse. Safety gear including helmets are required for all members and ice cleats are recommended. Outhouse passengers must be 12 years old or older. Handles or seatbelts are required for the outhouse passengers. Teams’ dress is to reflect the theme of their entry. Teams make a mandatory pit stop at mid race for a fire-drill. Each member must run around the outhouse three times and the rider must switch places with one of the pushers. Each team member will be required to place a colorcoded roll of toilet paper on a color-coded plunger in order of color scheme provided at race time. The race will be timed from start to finish, the objective is to get the lowest time to win. February 2020 | Cooperative Connections
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CO-OP NEWS
Kianna Knutson and Shane Binger left their 2018 wedding reception with a sparkler send off.
YOUTH TOUR SPARKS Participants Make Lifetime Connections Brenda Kleinjan editor@sdrea.coop
The annual Rural Electric Youth Tour is billed as a trip-of-a-lifetime, which it is for the thousands of teenagers who have participated since it began in 1963. But for a certain few, the weeklong trip filled with congressional visits, sight-seeing and co-op educational opportunities was more life altering than they possibly dreamed.
Kianna and Shane, 2011 Kianna Knutson and Shane Binger participated in the 2011 trip. Kianna, from Philip, S.D., represented West Central Electric Cooperative in Murdo, S.D., while Shane, from Tulare, S.D., represented Northern Electric Cooperative in Bath, S.D. During the week of travel, the two would talk some and share experiences. A visit to the Pentagon Memorial was particularly memorable for the two. “For me, we hit it off right away on the tour,” said Kianna. “But we went our separate ways. Whenever I’d head west, I’d try to stop in Philip and see her,” said Shane. “We kept in touch until we got to SDSU together.” They started dating while attending South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. Shane graduated in December 2015 and Kianna in May 2016 and the two married in September 2018. They live in Redfield, S.D., and Kianna works in Aberdeen while Shane works in Tulare. “The Youth Tour was one of my most favorite trips,” said Kianna. “It was a great way to meet people and make friends. It turned out one of them stuck for life.” 14
Cooperative Connections | February 2020
A sign at the Bingers’ wedding reception highlights the sparks taht started with their 2011 Youth Tour.
CO-OP NEWS
For Shane, an additional outcome of the trip was that it sparked an interest in politics. “It was an opportunity to see congresspeople as actual people. That drove me to go back and intern with Sen. John Thune in 2015,” said Shane.
Riley and Kailee, 2009 Riley Schwader and Kailee Koester attended the 2009 Youth Tour together. Riley, of Winifred, S.D, represented Central Electric Cooperative in Mitchell, S.D., while Kailee of Redfield, represented Northern Electric. They married in June 2014 on the heels of that year’s Youth Tour, which Riley’s sister participated (as did Kianna Knutson’s sister.) The Schwaders live in Howard where they raise their two sons and where Kailee teaches fourth grade. The family was recently featured in a “ReEnergizing Rural” commercial talking about the Co-ops in the Classroom project.
Doug and Roberta, 1973 Roberta Johnson, a 4-Her from Parker, S.D., chosen to represent Turner County and Doug Stoebner, a 4-Her from Olivet, S.D., selected to represent Hutchinson County, met on the 1973 Youth Tour as the delegates for Turner-Hutchinson Electric Cooperative (now Southeastern Electric Cooperative), based in Marion, S.D. “We started dating on Thursday, Oct. 18, 1973, when he asked me to go to the Hobo Week street dance at SDSU,” said Roberta, noting that Doug often wondered how she could remember the date. “I told him it was easy to remember because it was two days before her sister got married.” Things clicked for the two and they made plans to marry. “If I hadn’t been the South Dakota Pork Queen, we probably would have been married in December of 1975. But I needed to be single to compete at the national level, so Doug was willing to wait until the national competition was held in March of 1976. When someone else was crowned the national pork queen, Doug and I moved forward with our wedding
The Youth Tour was one of my most favorite trips. plans and were married on Father’s Day, June 20, 1976. Even without the title of pork queen, I could still educate others about the nutritional value and versatility of pork when I became involved with the Porkettes.” The two graduated from SDSU with majors in ag education and home economics education and were preparing to head to Marietta, Minn., when an opportunity to take over his grandparents’ farm came up. “Entering farming had been a long-range goal, but when the farming opportunity arrived earlier than expected, we accepted. So, once again, Turner-Hutchinson Electric influenced our lives since they provided the electricity for our home and farming operation. We continued farming until June of 2006 when Doug had surgery for brain cancer. Initially, we were told the life expectancy for this type of treatable, but not curable, cancer was 18 months to two years. But by God’s grace and through hundreds of prayers, he has outlived that life expectancy by 11 years,” said Roberta. The two moved into Menno in 2008 where Roberta continues teaching high school family and consumer sciences and middle school social studies.
Ethan and Vanessa, 2012 Ethan Ryberg of Buffalo Lake, Minn., was selected to represent McLeod Co-op Power in Glencoe, Minn., on the 2012 Youth Tour, the same year that Vanessa Peterson of Rosholt, S.D., was selected to represent Traverse Electric Cooperative in Wheaton, Minn. The two traveled with the Minnesota Youth Tour delegation that year. While the two lived three hours apart, they began dating that fall and in 2013, they attended North Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D., together, majoring in pharmacy. After their 2019 graduation, they have settled in the Bemidji area where they both work. Electric cooperatives in South Dakota and Minnesota are once again taking applications for the annual Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. The 2020 participants might not find their future mate, but they will definitely have experiences of a lifetime.
The Schwaders live in Howard where Kailee teaches. They were recently featured in the electric cooperative “ReEnergizing Rural” campaign.
February 2020 | Cooperative Connections
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DATELINE
December 15-March 31
South Dakota snowmobile trails season, Lead, SD, 605-584-3896
January 24-25
Pro Snocross Races, Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876
January 25-26
Photo courtesy: travelsouthdakota.com
Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Gun Show, National Field Archery Building, Yankton, SD, 701-361-9215
January 31-February 2
12th Annual Winterfest of Wheels, Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-231-3100
January 31-February 2 Winterfest, Lead, SD, 605-584-1100
January 31-February 9
Annual Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, Rapid City, SD, 605-355-3861
February 1
Lake Hendricks Fishing Derby, Hendricks, MN, 507-828-2113
February 1
Living History Fair, Brookings Renegades, LATI, Watertown, SD, 605-693-4589, dhuebner@ itctel.comÂ
February 1-2
Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Gun Show, Dakota Event Center, Aberdeen, SD, 701-361-9215
February 8-9
Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Gun Show, Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD, 701-361-9215
February 10-16
Frost Fest, Brookings, SD, 605-692-6125
March 14: 28 Below Fatbike Race, Ride and Tour, Lead, SD, 605-641-4963
February 14
Snow Ball, Brookings, SD, 605-692-6700
February 15-16
Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Gun Show, Ramkota Hotel, Pierre, SD, 701-361-9215
February 21
KORN and Breaking Benjamin, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111
February 21-22
Mardi Gras Weekend, Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876
February 22
Cabin Fever Games, Yankton, SD, 605-665-8994
February 22-23
48th Annual Farm, Home & Sports Show, Ramkota Hotel, Pierre, SD 605-224-1240
February 26
The Harlem Globetrotters, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Barnett Arena, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111
February 27-March 1
April 3-4
March 14-15
April 17-19
35th Annual SD State Dart Tournament, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111 Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Gun Show, Davison County Fairgrounds, Mitchell, SD, 701-361-9215
March 18, June 11, August 13 and October 8
Kids Mystery Dinner Theater, Brookings, SD, 605-692-6700
March 20-21, 27-28
Annual Schmeckfest, Freeman, SD, 605-925-4237
March 21-22
Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Gun Show, Codington County Ag Building, Watertown, SD, 701-361-9215
March 28
Annual Ag Day at the Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-6000
Forks, Corks and Kegs Food, Wine and Beer Festival, Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 or 800- 999-1876 First Dakota Classic Archery Tournament, Yankton, SD, 605-260-9282
April 18
Design Challenge, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-731-2348
April 25
River Rat Marathon, Yankton, SD, 605-660-9483 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.