JULY 2017
VOL. 18 NO. 3
Small Towns Give Unique Twists to
Summer Celebrations
Page 8-9
Manager’s
Column
Busy Summer Ahead I am often asked how we are coming along from the May Day storm damage. I am pleased to report that it is going better than expected. Our dedicated line crews along with an outside contractor, Highline Construction, Inc., have completed about 85% of the repairs in the last month. We are making a plan for the remaining stephanie Horst 15% and considering available General Manager Bon Homme Yankton Electric options to accomplish it. Once the water dries up in areas we can’t currently get to, we will be able to target those areas. Material and pole debris is still out there. Please be aware of this in the tall grass and where water is or has dried up. As the summer progresses, the rest of the storm rebuild and clean-up, and our regular construction will be keeping our linemen busy. While the linemen have their list of work weighting their days, our office employees have their own projects. Two years ago, we migrated to a new billing and accounting software vendor, National Information Solutions Cooperative. We are discovering ways to improve or complement our current office processes. Of course the learning curve can be clumsy at times, but the end result will be well worth it. Using technology to be more efficient is a goal that is being met throughout the cooperative, and will continue on in the future as more becomes available. Along with the day-to-day business and added projects, we are preparing for your annual meeting
2 July 2017 • Cooperative ConneCtions
which is fast approaching. We have a strong Tabor presence, probably because it is held in Tabor, but I challenge everyone throughout our service territory to attend your annual meeting on August 22. The meeting begins at 7:00pm, but come earlier to register and enjoy a smoked pork loin meal. Doors open at 5:00pm. More details will be advertised. So why am I encouraging you all to attend? Well, you as a member are part-owner having a vested interest and concern on how your cooperative is performing. Part of being a memberowner is choosing Board of Directors who makes important cooperative decisions. This year we have Districts 1, 4, and 6 that are up for election.
I challenge everyone throughout our service territory to attend your annual meeting on August 22. Petitions are due by June 22, 2017, and at that time we will know who will be on the ballot for these positions. Any member residing in a particular district is eligible to run for director of that district. If you are interested in serving on the Bon Homme Yankton Electric Board of Directors, please contact me for details. We have members from different backgrounds that the cooperative would benefit from the experience and talents that they have acquired throughout the years. Once you are on the Board, there is a training regiment to gain the needed knowledge and skills to be a good electric cooperative board member. So, don’t let not knowing anything about electricity hold you back. We need your contribution!
Co-op
news
Welcome Aaron Melichar (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.
Aaron Melichar started working May 1st at Bon Homme Yankton Electric as the plant maintenance person and custodian. This position was vacated by Bill Cap who retired earlier this year. He is originally from Tabor, serves on the Tabor Town Board and Tabor Fire Department. He was most recently employed at Tyndall Motors. Aaron and his wife, Becky, live in Tabor with their son Brodie.
SmartHub Online Services Enhanced You may now pay for your wiring department invoices online using your SmartHub login or the PayNow button using the website or mobile app. When using your SmartHub login, each invoice from the "store" will be listed as a separate item below your electric account(s). When using the PayNow button, only the items associated with the account you entered on the sign in screen will appear. If you enter the account number on the invoice, you will only see the invoices. If you enter your full electric account number, you will only see your electric accounts. Use the regular SmartHub login for full service and detailed account information. Make sure you know what you are paying for before posting your payment. Options: 1. Select specific electric accounts or invoices to pay. 2. Select the amount to pay. 3. Schedule your payment. 4. Choose a saved payment method
or use a new method to pay. Contact the Bon Homme Yankton Electric office with any questions regarding SmartHub Online Services.
www.byelectric.coop Welcome new Members Mission Hill Jason Pearson Springfield Louis C & Deana Devries Jr Utica Taylor Rueb Dawn Peterson Yankton Tony Bivens Jeremy J Tweedy Adam Thompson Julie Gallardo Joe Richey Kristen Kozak David & Jacqueline Holland Tonia Horn Ben Schmidt Martin Goding & Julie Bourgois
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 • July 2017 3
Safety
Tips
Electrical Safety Tips for the 4th of July It’s finally summer and in just a few days, the biggest holiday of the season arrives: the 4th of July! As you prepare for backyard BBQs and poolside fun, there are some important things to remember to make sure it’s a safe holiday. Whether you are hosting or heading over to a neighbor’s or relative’s house to celebrate, we have a few safety tips to share with you so that your friends and family enjoy your time together and avoid accidents:
Summer Holiday Poolside Electrical Safety Tips: Spending time in and around the pool is a big part of summer and celebration during the warmest months of the year. Regardless of whether you are hosting a get-together at your home or someone else’s, make sure the chances for accidents are minimal by following these simple safety steps: • Never run electrical cords over or alongside the pool. Water and electricity don’t mix! • If you are decorating the backyard, string party lights a minimum of three feet away from the pool or any water source. • Store and activate fireworks as far away from the pool as possible. • Never use a floatation device to support an electrical appliance (fan, etc.). • Never cross the pool exit or towel storage area with electrical wires. • Always use safety caps on electrical outlets near water. • When possible, use GFCI outlets to protect yourself and your electrical appliances outdoors. Electrical Power Line Safety Tips: Power lines run through neighborhoods and can even pass through overgrown trees. They’re often the most dangerous when you don’t even notice they’re there because you either see them all of the time or they are covered by tree canopies. Stay mindful and remember these safety tips when you’re spending time in the backyard or outdoor neighborhoods: • Never let kids (or adults for that matter) climb trees that are near power lines. • Make sure your trees are trimmed and out of the way of power lines running through your yard or near your home. • Never attempt to touch a downed power line. If there is one in your yard, call your local electric cooperative immediately. There can still be current running through the line and an active line is highly dangerous. Source: www.allstarelectrical.com 4 July 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Beatthe theExtreme Heat Beat Extreme Heat
During periods of extreme heat, hot weather mixed with outdoor activities can lead to dangerous situations. During periods of extreme heat, hot weather mixed with outdoor activities leadCDC, to dangerous situations. Accord According tocan the people can suffer heat-related illness when ing to the CDC, people can suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to properly to coolproperly themselves. During their bodies are unable cool themselves. During extreme extreme heat, follow these guidelines to protect yourself heat, follow these guidelines to protect yourself and your loved ones. and your loved ones. HEAT ALERT
Stay Informed: Check local news for extreme heat alerts.
Stay informed: Check local news for extreme heat alerts.
Stay Cool: If you do not have access to an air-conditioned space, visit a shopping mall or public library for a few hours. Call your local health department to locate heat-relief shelters in your area.
Stay cool: If you do not have access to an air-conditioned space, visit a shopping mall or public library for a few hours. Call your local health department to locate heat-relief shelters in your area.
Stay Hydrated: Drink (nonalcoholic) fluids regularly, regardless of your activity level. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Stay hydrated: Drink (nonalcoholic) fluids regularly, regardless of your activity level. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Don’t leave anyone (or Don’t leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle
parked vehicle.
pets) in a closed,
Do check on elderly friends
Do check on elderly friends and neighbors.
and neighbors.
Heat Stress: Heat Stress: Who’s at Risk?
Who’s AtageRisk? Adults over the of 65, children under the age of 4, individuals with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease and those without access to air conditioning. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Kidsʼ Corner Safety Poster “Never use a fork to get your toast out of the toaster.”
Atoya Howey, 9 years old
Atoya is the daughter of Valerie Howey, Hill City, S.D. She is a member of Black Hills Electric Cooperative, Custer, 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.
Reader
Recipes
Delectable Desserts S’mores Pie
Easy Cake Dessert 1 spice cake mix 1 can apple pie filling 3 eggs
6 T. sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Combine spice cake mix, apple pie filling and eggs. Pour half the batter into a 9x13-inch greased pan. Mix together sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle half over batter. Add remaining batter; top with sugar mixture and nuts. Bake at 350°F. for 30 to 35 minutes. Top with ice cream or whipped cream. Carolyn Saugstad, Alcester
Bourbon Peach Cobbler 2-1/4 cups plus 1 T. flour, divided 2/3 cup plus 1/2 cup sugar, divided 2 (16 oz.) bags frozen peaches, 6 cups
8 T. bourbon, divided 1 T. baking powder 12 T. butter 3/4 cup half-and-half 1 large egg
Butter bottom and sides of 9x13-inch baking dish. Combine 1 T. flour, 2/3 cup sugar, 4 T. bourbon and peaches in a medium bowl. Spread mixture evenly in bottom of baking dish. Whisk together remaining flour, sugar and baking powder. Melt butter in a medium bowl. Mix in half-and-half, egg and remaining bourbon. Stir the butter mixture into the dry mixture (add cinnamon if desired) and whisk until smooth. Drop dollops of batter over peaches evenly. Bake at 375°F. for 50 minutes or until top is golden and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Serve with ice cream. Cortney Reedy, Tea
Raspberry Poke Cake 1 white cake mix 1 (3 oz.) pkg. raspberry jello 1 (8 oz.) container whipped topping
1 cup hot water 1 (3 oz) carton raspberry yogurt 2 (10 oz.) boxes fresh raspberries
6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped 2 tsp. McCormick® Ground Cinnamon 1 T. plus 1 tsp. McCormick® Extra Rich Pure Vanilla Extract, divided 1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow creme 4 oz. (1/2 package) cream cheese, softened 1 (8 oz.) container whipped topping
Graham Cracker Crust: 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 7 T. butter, melted 1/3 cup sugar Filling: 3/4 cup heavy cream
For the crust, mix all ingredients in medium bowl. Press into bottom and up sides of 9-inch pie plate. Set aside. For the filling, bring cream just to boil in small saucepan. Pour over chocolate in medium heatproof bowl. Let stand 1 minute then stir until smooth. Stir in cinnamon and 1 tsp. of the vanilla. Pour into prepared crust. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until chocolate is firm. (Freeze 15 minutes for faster chilling.) Beat marshmallow creme, cream cheese and remaining 1 T. vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping until well blended. Spread evenly over chocolate layer in crust. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until ready to serve. Garnish with chocolate curls or toasted marshmallows, if desired. Yield: 8 servings Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 600, Total Fat 36g, Sodium 267mg, Cholesterol 75mg, Carbohydrates 65g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Protein 4g Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Easy Rhubarb Dessert 1 cake mix (strawberry, white, yellow or lemon) 3 cups sliced rhubarb
1 cup chopped walnuts, divided 3/4 cup brown sugar
Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Fold in rhubarb and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch glass pan. Sprinkle top with brown sugar and remaining walnuts. Bake at 325°F. for 30 to 40 minutes. Serve with lemon sauce, whipped topping or just plain. Elaine Rowett, Sturgis
French Coconut Pie 4 T. butter 2 eggs 1 T. all-purpose flour 3/4 cup sugar
1 cup milk 1 cup or 3-1/2 oz. can shredded coconut 1 9-inch unbaked pie shell
Prepare and bake cake according to package directions in a 9x13-inch pan. Remove from oven and poke holes in cake while warm with a wooden spoon handle or knife handle. Mix together jello and water, stirring until jello is dissolved. Pour over holes in cake. Cool. Mix whipped topping and yogurt together until blended; gently fold in raspberries. Spread evenly on cake. Refrigerate.
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, flour, sugar, milk and coconut. Pour into pie shell. Bake at 400°F. until firm, about 45 to 60 minutes.
Barbara Angerhofer, Hendricks, MN
Lynn Holzerland, Waubay
Please send your favorite salad, garden produce or pasta recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in December 2017. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • July 2017 5
Co-op
news
Co-ops In The Classroom What do socks, flashlights and bicycles have in common? All these materials were used to teach children at the Bon Homme Colony about electricity. Co-ops in the Classroom is a program offered by Bon Homme Yankton Electric’s wholesale power provider, East River Electric Power Cooperative. Jenny Gross, Communications Coordinator for East River, travels throughout East River’s service territory in eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota to teach children about electrical safety, generation, conservation and economics. During the course of the hour long presentations, Gross took the students on the journey of electricity at the atomic level, all the way to the hundreds of miles it travels from the power plant to our homes. A variety of hands-on demonstrations engaged the students. A Van de Graaff generator demonstrated the movement of electrons with some hair-raising results. “That one is always a crowd-pleaser,” said Gross. “Not only does it provide a visible and audible example of how electricity moves, students also get a kick out of seeing their hair stand up and shocking their friends. Sometimes we even get the teachers to join in.” Another device that invokes a lot of excitement is the Pedal Power bicycle generator. Students are asked to become power plants
6 July 2017 • Cooperative ConneCtions
as they provide the energy that produces electricity for lights and small household devices. “The Pedal Power turns the concept of electricity from something abstract into something tangible. By providing the energy needed to make a light bulb turn on, the students are able to quantify just how much more energy an incandescent light bulb requires than a CFL or LED,” said Gross. By the end of the presentation, students had developed a new understanding and appreciation for electricity. Co-ops in the Classroom will be back in area schools this fall.
Idle Service Policy Updated The objective of the idle service policy is to collect a monthly or annual minimum fee for non-energized services or to retire the service to reduce costs and liability of the cooperative. Many people may ask, "why do I need to pay for something I'm not using?" There are many other costs involved in having electric service available than just the kilowatt hours used and it is our goal to fairly distribute these fixed costs among all of the electric services we have built and continue to maintain over the years. The annual fee for idle services is now $300/year which will be billed out every January. If the service is reconnected after it has been designated as idle, a $180 reconnect fee will be assessed. If the landowner no longer wishes to have electric service available, they can elect to have the service retired. The operations department will physically remove the service. Current plans include merging our computer records with a valid list of idle services, sending out the agreements and a pro-rated invoice for the remainder of the current year. The landowner has 30 days to notify us that they do not wish to continue electric service. It would also help if anyone who receives a letter for land they no longer own, to contact our office so we can update our records.
Co-op
news
Yankton County 4-H Farm Safety Day 911. Do not try to get out of the vehicle Member Service Advisor Bob Felber unless it is more dangerous to stay in. If manned the electrical safety booth at it is necessary to exit, Bob demonstrated the recent Yankton County 4-H Farm the proper way to jump as far away from Safety Day Camp. He brought along the vehicle as possible and hop away Neon Leon and Lightning Liz who live with both feet together until reaching in Power Town to demonstrate electrical a safe distance. You never want to be hazards to the participants. touching the vehicle and the ground at He presented situations where the the same time. kids could come into contact with He called attention to the green boxes energized overhead lines such as moving they may see in their yard. Everyone a ladder, flying a kite, climbing a tree and vehicle accidents. They learned that Bob Felber quizzes the participants electricity is invisible to see if they know what to do if a and is always looking power line falls on their vehicle. for a path to ground. If you are in an accident with any electric equipment, the best thing to do is stay put. If you have a phone, call
should stay away from these boxes as they contain energized lines that run underground. While normally safe to touch, a loose wire or a car accident can energize the case. He reminded the participants it is required by law to dial 811 and have all underground utilities marked before digging to avoid coming into contact with underground cables. Bob Felber is available for safety demonstrations for any group of any age in our area using the Safety Town display or the larger outdoor safety trailer.
Caba Wins Scholarship
Bob emphasizes that you cannot see electricity and to watch out for all types of electrical equipment.
Future line workers enrolled at Mitchell (S.D.) Technical Institute, were awarded scholarships by the South Dakota Rural Electric Line Superintendents Association. Alex Caba of Tabor was selected to receive a $750 scholarship. Alex will get a head start with some on-the-job training while working for Bon Homme Yankton Electric this summer as a groundsman. Welcome aboard Alex and congratulations on your scholarship! Cooperative ConneCtions • July 2017 7
Unique Celebrations s
ummer brings a variety hometown celebra-
to many Main Streets in South Dakota and western Minnesota. Some celebrate heritage and culture such as wacipis in many western South Dakota communities to those celebrating ethnic groups such as Czech Days (Tabor, S.D.), Danish Days (Viborg, S.D.) and Æbleskiver Days (Tyler, Minn.) And then there’s the celebrations that just seem truly unique. In South Central South Dakota, the community of Burke opens its streets for a cattle drive of long-horned bovines as it kicks off its annual Burke Stampede and Rodeo July 14-16. In addition to rodeo performances, the celebration features a trail tions
Brenda Kleinjan
8 July 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
ride and cowboy cookout. Find out more at http:// www.burkestampederodeo.com/home.html The town of Custer in western South Dakota taps into its historical roots when it hosts Gold Discovery Days each July. The 2017 Gold Discovery Days, set for July 21 to 23 includes a Gold Nugget hunt for kids, the area’s annual bed races and also daily balloon rallies. For more information, go to www.visitcuster. com/chamber/events/custergolddiscoverydays/ Head north and east of Custer a few hours on July 23 and you’ll encounter the 41st running of the Reva Turtle Races. The races featuring the hard shell contestants bring dozens of people to the unincorporated town
PHOTOS BY CHAD COPPESS/SOUTH DAKOTA TOURISM
Left: Potato Wrestling is part of Clark’s Potato Days celebration. Below: Custer’s Gold Discovery Days feature bed races. Bottom: A variety of old tractors can be seen in use during the Twin Rivers Old Iron Festival in Delmont in September. Opposite page: Lawn mower races are featured in several communities. Cover: Longhorn cattle make their way into town for the Burke Stampede.
in eastern Harding County. Be sure to check the event’s Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/Reva-Turtle-Races-124003867629956/ for more information. In western Minnesota, the town of Tyler, Minn., proudly boosts its Danish heritage with Æbleskiver Days. The town celebrates the little sphere-shaped Danish pancakes with three shifts of volunteers cooking up the treats throughout the event. The celebration will also include a kickball tournament on July 22 and also a Cruise-In Car Show during Æbleskiver Days from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the fairgrounds in Tyler. A new addition to the town celebration this year is Rainbow Country Trolley. The 30-foot long trolley will be pulled by two Belgian draft horses. The owner/driver Gerry Buse will entertain with singing and music during the ride. The trolley will be available to ride from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The pick up and drop off sites are: the fairgrounds, the band shell, and Danebod. It will take roughly 30 minutes to go from the Fairgrounds to the Danebod, so please plan accordingly. To learn more about the event, go to https://www.facebook. com/aebleskiverdays The revving of lawn mower engines can be heard at celebrations across south central South Dakota as drivers in the Pukwana Mower Races make appearances at events in South Dakota from April through October. Find out more about the schedule at http:// www.pukwanamowerracing.com/race-schedule. html According to the Clark Potato Days site, “the potato is king in Clark, S.D., where local farmers grow bushels of the tasty tuber. That’s why, each year, the town throws a party in honor of its favorite over-used, under-appreciated starch.” The site goes on to promote the eastern South Dakota’s annual event by pointing out, “Mr. Potato Head is proud of Clark’s celebration, and will be making an appearance at this year’s festivities. The locals vie for top honors in a Best Decorated Potato
Contest. Past winners included an astronaut, farmer, race cars, and tooth. The Potato Dish Cooking Contests always bring out the best cooks in the county. And, the highlight of the celebration involves grown adults wrestling each other in mashed potatoes! “Besides all the potato stuff, the event features those smalltown festival activities that keep families and regular folks coming back year after year,” the site continues. Among the events during the celebration is Mashed Potato Wrestling, which starts this year at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 17. On Sept. 9-10, the community of Delmont, S.D., will host its Kuchen Festival and the Twin Rivers Old Iron Festival. The German dessert festival, which was first held in 1997, will be held Sept. 9 while the farm equipment festival is both days. Find out more http://www.delmontsd.org/kuchen_festival_and_twin_rivers.htm Be sure to check out other happenings in communities near you on the back page of this magazine.
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • July 2017 9
Co-op
news
May Day Storm Thank You Notes Bon Homme Yankton Electric would like to thank all of the members for their continued patience while we continue to work on storm cleanup and repair. We greatly appreciate all of our members! We've been through a few storms but each one hits fresh and we always learn a few new things. We know it was difficult for members to call in their outage when we only have three phone lines coming in and we're answering them with real, live employees, so we will be adding additional avenues to report outages in the next (hopefully never) major storm situation. As we finish up repairs, we are looking towards the future to plan projects in certain areas prone to storms and converting the overhead lines to underground. From the Members: Dear Men & Women of B-Y Electric, Thank you so much for your tireless service during the recent storm. We sincerely appreciate your hard work and devotion to duty to quickly restore our power! Sincerely, Joel & Linda Finck Thank you workers and staff for working so diligently on our electric this past week. We rarely consider electricity a convenience until we don't have it. Much appreciated, Jeff & Debbie Thompson Thanks to the men and women who helped to get our electricity back on. Thanks again, Eugene & Mary Kokesh B-Y Staff, Thank you for all the extra hours and efforts to restore our power. Don & Sharon Hauck
Thank you to everyone who had a part in getting our electricity back on after the recent snow storm. We know lots of long hours and hard work were put in. We truly appreciate all of you. Thanks again, Bernie, Tania and Ben Kostal To All at B-Y Electric, Just a quick note to say Thank you! Thank you! for bringing our electricity back on after the heavy snow. I'm still amazed that lines are down and poles broken, but we have electricity. Wow! That is great! Not sure how you did it but thank you! Take care and have a safe year! Great job! The John & Susan Goeken Family On the phone: Ron Sestak appreciates "the hard work of the line crew and courtesy and patience of the office staff. Thank you!" Ron Zimmerman says, "Thank you very much for getting the power on!" On Facebook: Delra Ulmer: Thank you for all your hard work today! We certainly appreciate our power being restored. It was a long day! Beth Robinson: Thank you to the crews working so hard to get everyone back on! Lynn Starzl: Thanks to the linemen for their dedicated service! Cathy Cuka: Thank you for all you do. Melissa Rucktaeschel: Thanks for all you do!! Julie Kriz: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Linemen and Electricians for getting our power restored!!! Justin Wagner: Great job guys! A lot of work in a short period of time. Thanks again for all you guys do!! Sharon Cuka: Thank you all! Connie Sip: Thanks to all of you for the long hours and the work that you do!
1 0 July 2017 • Cooperative ConneCtions
Classifieds August Issue Deadline: July 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 John at 605-463-2478 or Gary at 605-463-2209.r Thinking about building a home? Don’t pick a floor plan or a builder until you’ve talked with the area’s ONLY Certified Aging-in-Place specialist, Certified Green Professional Builder and ENERGY STAR Partner Builder. Call 4 Life Homes today. 605-661-4488.r Beseda Hall, Tabor, SD for rent for any special occasion such as weddings, anniversaries, graduation or birthdays! For more information contact Linda Bares at 605-661-6220 or snlbares@gmail.com.r FOR RENT: Tabor Self Storage. Call 605660-0274 or 605-660-3497.r
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Engineering Early Electrification
Retired REA Engineer Honored By South Dakota Governor
T
here aren’t many people left who remember
Ben Dunsmoor
what life was like in rural South Dakota in the late 1940s when the countryside was first electrified by cooperatives. However, Jim Duvall, who turned 100 years old on May 29, 2017, is the exception. “I was one of the pioneers out there,” Duvall recalled during a phone conversation in May from his Virginia home just days before his 100th birthday. Duvall grew up in McIntosh, S.D., but moved away for college and later a job with the Signal Corps in Chicago, Ill., inspecting radar equipment for bombers during World War II. After the war was over, Duvall started working as an engineer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Rural Electrification Administration. The
12 July 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
centenarian knows the exact day he started his job with REA; he reported to the St. Louis, Mo., office on Nov. 19, 1945. After spending a few months in St. Louis, Duvall was moved to Washington, D.C., and in 1947 he requested a transfer to South Dakota. He spent 13 years stationed in Aberdeen as a REA field engineer where he inspected new co-op lines that were being constructed and energized for the very first time following the war. “The transformers and wire and everything became available and lines could be staked out and construction could start again (after the war),” Duvall said. “Everything is flat (on the Great Plains) and there aren’t a lot of obstructions and a contractor could get a
lot done in a day, so it kept me busy.” During his time in Aberdeen, Duvall oversaw electric and telephone line construction loans and building projects in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. He very likely inspected Northern Electric Cooperative lines as the first poles, wires and meters were energized starting in 1945 with construction continuing through the late 1940s and into the 1950s. “A big part of my job was to make the final inspection and to make any modifications before the lines were energized and before the contractors got paid,” Duvall said. Following his work in South Dakota, Duvall was transferred back to Washington, D.C. where he became the REA Chief Engineer for the southwest and western regions. In 1959, he was given a Meritorious Service Award for his 13 years of service in Aberdeen. Duvall was also honored in 1958 and 1959 as ‘Engineer of the Year’ for the REA. This spring, South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard also honored Duvall for his role in electrifying rural America when he issued an Executive Proclamation proclaiming that May 29, 2017, Duvall’s 100th birthday, be known as Jim Duvall Day in the state of South Dakota. “It was really a terrific surprise and I felt so honored,” Duvall said. The proclamation was issued after Jim Duvall’s son, Don Duvall, called the offices of governors in the states his dad worked in during his career. Don Duvall asked the offices for a signed picture for his dad’s birthday. Governor Daugaard’s office instead reached out to Don Duvall and said they would like to issue a proclamation. Opposite Page: In this January 1959 photo, Dave Hamil, administrator of the Rural Electrification Administration, presents Jim Duvall a Meritorious Service Award for his 13 years as an REA field engineer. Duvall would later become the REA’s chief engineer. COURTESY PHOTO
“I said, ‘wow, this is a super surprise – I’m amazed you would pick up the phone and call me,’” Don Duvall said. “The Governor was very pleased to help celebrate Jim’s milestone in this way,” Gov. Daugaard’s Chief of Staff Tony VenHuizen said. “As the proclamation said, South Dakota is a strong state today because of the contributions of people like Jim Duvall. It’s hard to understate the transformative impact that rural electrification had on South Dakota.” Don Duvall said his dad enjoyed working for REA and took pride in overseeing early line construction for electric and telephone co-ops in rural South Dakota. Duvall said his dad would even point out his work during family vacations. “Whenever we were in a rural area, he would pull over and say that’s a REA line over there,” Don Duvall said. Jim Duvall retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1976 as a REA regional manager stationed in Washington, D.C., but he says his greatest memories and accomplishments came during his time as a field engineer in South Dakota. “My best days were actually in the field. I felt like I was doing something. I had my hands on,” Duvall said. And, as Duvall celebrates his 100th birthday at his home in Virginia, that is what he will remember about a career that helped electrify and connect the countryside. “It was interesting work and I enjoyed it.”
Duvall says his greatest memories and accomplishments came during his time as a field engineer in South Dakota.
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Balancing the Grid with Demand Response K By Scott Gates
eeping the lights on isn’t a cakewalk. Electricity, unlike other commodities, must be consumed on the spot – technology that will store it for future use, especially on any large scale, is still largely under development. And if the electricity being produced can’t keep up with what’s needed in real-time, brownouts or blackouts will follow. Many electric utilities work to avoid such problems through energy efficiency initiatives most often called load management or demand response. These
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programs allow the utility to reduce power consumption–and keep the lid on wholesale generation costs – by controlling when electricity gets used. On the residential side, utilities can interrupt electric service to water heaters, air conditioners, electric thermal storage units, and other specialized appliances in the homes of volunteer consumers. On the commercial and industrial side, service gets cut off to irrigation pumps, manufacturing equipment, and even entire businesses, some of whom
have installed backup generation. mer afternoons or cold winter nights, your home is using a In most cases, control takes place for a brief period (typicallot of electricity. When everyone’s air conditioners or furnaces ly just a few hours) during times of peak demand – the electric are on at the same time, demand for electricity is high. Your utility industry’s equivalent of rush-hour traffic. It’s then that electric cooperative purchases wholesale power based on how demand is at its highest, and power costs skyrocket because high that demand is,” the site reads. natural gas and other pricey standby generators are used. Load management helps keep rates affordable by shift“Nationally, electric co-ops are leaders in demand response,” ing select electricity usage from peak times to lower-demand says Ed Torrero, executive director of the Cooperative Research times. Network, a division of Arlington, Va.-based National Rural Load management is a means of controlling the amount Electric Cooperative Association. “Roughly 37 percent of all of electricity being used during times of peak demand. Peak co-op systems can direct-control appliances, chiefly electric demand is the greatest amount of electricity used at one water heaters and air conditioners. Overall, co-ops can control time by an electric system, normally when a large number of 6 percent of their peak load; some can control more than 25 customers are using appliances at the same time. These peaks percent.” determine how much we must pay for power. When periods An industrial consumer of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, of peak demand occur, load management reduces the demand Inc., based in central Texas, recently signed up to be a part of and lowers the cost to all members. a demand response program called “Load Acting as Resource.” Load management program has saved co-op members more In short, if more power is needed than $188 million in avoided wholesale system-wide, the participating consumer power costs since it launched in 1985. will go without for the greater good. More than 75,500 electric loads in The participant – an oil field owner homes, farms and businesses of member – foots a massive 25 MW power bill consumers throughout eastern South To Look At Your Cooperative’s to keep pumps productive. When the Dakota and western Minnesota curamount of available electricity dips into rently participate in the program. These Load Control/Demand Response Program the danger zone, Bluebonnet gets a call loads include electric water heaters, air from its wholesale power supplier to free conditioners, irrigation systems and Reason 1 up megawatts, and word trickles down other big energy users. Lower wholesale power costs for your electric from there. Special switches are attached to the cooperative — savings passed on to you. “We give the participating consumer loads when a member enters into the a courtesy call, and just say we’re shutprogram. Our dispatch center sends Reason 2 ting down,” explains Eric Kocian, Bluea radio signal to the switching units Reduced energy use is not only budget friendly bonnet manager of engineering. “From and shuts off power to the connected — it’s environmentally friendly, too. the time of the order, there’s 10 minutes units for short periods during our peak before we actually trip the breaker that demand. Typically, this happens on serves them.” hot summer and cold winter days. The Reason 3 As technology moves forward, more co-op cycles off appliances in such a way Special rebates on select new equipment finesse can be employed in trimming that reduces the chance of inconvenienc— including electric water heaters. consumer loads. Advanced, or “smart,” ing the participating members. meters may make it possible to ofContact your local Touchstone fer lower electric rates when power is Energy® Cooperative to find out if they have a load control or demand response program and which abundant, such as later in the evening. With incentives like electric equipment or appliances (“loads”) you can enroll . At this, consumers could shift electricity use in simple ways to cut home, that could mean water heaters and air conditioners. On their monthly bill, such as washing clothes before bed instead the farm or at work, that could mean larger systems like irrigaof after work. tion units, bin fans and other industrial processes. In conjunction with smart meters, “smart” appliances could After you enroll, the electricity to the equipment will be detect when the electric grid becomes stressed and reduce remotely managed by your co-op to make efficient use of energy use – a clothes dryer could shut off its heater while electricity during peak times to keep costs low. continuing to tumble, for example. Load control typically happens on hot summer days and Cooperatives in eastern South Dakota and western Minnecold winter days. Loads are cycled off in such a way that sota have had a load management program for decades which reduces inconveniences. has saved members more than $188 million dollars. More than 70,000 member homes, farms and businesses The website, www.easyenergywins.com explains the benefit are already enrolled in the program and are saving money and of the program: “Think supply and demand: When demand for a product is energy right now. The more members who sign up, the more everyone saves. high, prices rise. The same is true for electricity. On hot sum-
THREE REASONS
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • July 2017 15
Regional Dateline
June 23-24 Senior Games, Mitchell, SD Contact Howard Bich at 605-275-6891 June 23-25 Badlands Astronomy Festival Interior, SD, 605-433-5243 June 23-25 Black Hills Bluegrass Festival Sturgis, SD, 605-348-1198 June 24 Growing Berries and Growing Hops, Wagner and Armour SD, 605-254-5640 www.sdspecialtyproducers.org June 24-25 Kite & Bike Festival Brookings, SD June 30 Naja Shrine Circus Bowman, ND, 605-342-3402 June 30-July 2 Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate 150th Annual Wacipi Agency Village, SD 605-698-8284 June 30-July 4 98th Annual Black Hills Roundup, Belle Fourche, SD 605-723-2010 July 1 Naja Shrine Circus Deadwood, SD, 605-342-3402
Events of Special Note July 14-16 Burke Stampede Rodeo Burke, SD, 605-830-5540
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAD COPPESS, S.D. TOURISM
June 23 148th Annual Midsummer Festival, Dalesburg Lutheran Church, Vermillion, SD 605-253-2575
August 19 Riverboat Days Bull Riding Tour, 7:30 p.m., Rodeo Arena West 31st St (Hwy. 50) Yankton, SD, 605-760-2153
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.
July 1-2 Prairie Village Railroad Days Madison, SD, 605-256-3644
July 9 Cruiser Car Show & Street Fair Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979
July 2 Naja Shrine Circus Phillip, SD, 605-342-3402
July 11-16 3-Wheeler Rally Deadwood, SD, 605-717-7174
July 3 Naja Shrine Circus Lemmon, SD, 605-342-3402
July 13-15 Black Hills Corvette Classic Spearfish, SD
July 6-9 22nd Annual Hot Harley Nights, Sioux Falls, SD 605-334-2721
July 14-15 Senior Games, Aberdeen, SD 605-216-2822
July 7-8 Senior Games, Madison, SD Bernie Schuurmans at 605-270-3327 July 7-9, 14-16, 21-23 Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, “Little Town on the Prairie” De Smet, SD, 605-203-0216 July 8-9 Summer Arts Festival Brookings, SD, 605-692-2787
July 15 Growing in Greenhouses and Selling in Boxes, Midland, SD 605-254-5640 July 19-22 Senior Games, Rapid City, SD Contact Kristi Lintz at 605-394-4168 July 21-22 Senior Games, Brookings, SD Contact Traci Saugstad at 605-692-4492
July 22 Holy Smoke Car Show O’Gorman High School Sioux Falls, SD www.holysmokecarshow.org August 10 Meat Goats and Growing Tomatoes in a Greenhouse Custer, SD, 605-254-5640 www.sdspecialtyproducers.org August 11-13 27th Annual Old Fashioned Threshing Show, Bahnson Farm, Humboldt, SD 605-526-3459 or 605-251-9974 August 18-20 Riverboat Days and Summer Arts Festival, Yankton, SD 605-665-1657 August 24-26 Senior Games, Watertown, SD Contact Jeremy Herrboldt at 605-882-6260