Bon Homme Yankton Electric July 2020 Vol. 21 No. 3
A Fort Meade History Page 8
UL®: A Mark of Safety Page 12
PROPOSED BYLAW CHANGES
Proposed Changes to the
Bon Homme Yankton Electric Bylaws Bon Homme Yankton Electric’s Attorney, Sheila Woodward sent a letter to General Manager, Stephanie Horst summarizing the proposed changes to the Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association’s Bylaws that will be submitted to the Members for their consideration at the August 11, 2020, annual meeting. Many of the changes are cosmetic and are designed to make the Bylaws easier to read and understand for the Members. For example, we rearranged several sections so that they flow more logically. We also rewrote some sections to simplify the language. In addition to these changes, there are a few substantive changes that are addressed in the following paragraphs. A copy of this letter, the current Bylaws, the redlined changes to the Bylaws, and a clean version of the proposed Bylaws are available on the Bon Homme Yankton Electric website for members to review at www.byelectric.coop. Printed copies are also available by calling the office 605-463-2507.
Article One: Membership Section 1. Requirements for Membership: Changed to clarify that the Cooperative has three Membership categories – Individual, Joint, and Entity. Section 3. Conversion of Membership: Combined provisions regarding Joint Memberships that had been in other parts of the bylaws into one area. Section 6. Termination of Membership: Updated to refer to compliance with both state and federal law in addition to the Cooperative’s policies for Member self-generated electricity. Section 7: New section that addresses situations where a Member significantly reduces its use of electrical services. Under this provision, in that event the Cooperative could require the Member to reimburse the Cooperative its costs attributable to the previous services, subject to federal law. Section 8: Clarifies how the Cooperative may terminate the Membership of any Member who fails to comply with the bylaws or policies of the Cooperative.
Article Two: Rights and Liabilities of Members There are no significant changes in Article Two.
Article Three: Meeting of the Members Section 5. Voting: Addresses the process for permitting an Entity Member (e.g., a corporation, limited liability company, church, trust, or other similar entity) to vote. Each entity will be required to complete a form (the “Entity Voter Designation”) identifying the individual that can cast the Entity’s vote. The Cooperative will provide the form to each Entity Member prior to the annual meeting, and it must be returned to the Cooperative at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Once the form is completed, it will remain on file with the Cooperative until the Entity designates another individual to vote on its behalf. Section 5 was also modified to delete any references to voting by mail. South Dakota law prohibits votes by mail for director election, mergers or consolidations, or sales of Cooperative property. Consequently, there is limited opportunity to vote by mail in any event, and I am not aware of any votes by mail in the past decade or more. Given those restrictions, it seemed moot to include a provision that cannot practically be used. If South Dakota law changes, we could reinstate the mail-in procedure. Section 6. Order of Business: Allows the Board to appoint a standing three person “Election Committee” to count ballots during the annual meeting and resolve any issues that arise in voting procedures. The previous bylaws provided for an ad hoc appointment of voting “overseers” at the annual meeting. This provision allows the Board to do so in advance, and also sets up a process to contest any election.
Article Four: Directors Section 3. Nomination and Election of Directors: Adds a provision defining the term “primary residence” for purposes of determining whether a person lives in a particular Director District. Section 5. Removal of Directors by Members: Addresses challenges to a Director’s qualifications. This process could be used if, for instance, there is a dispute as to whether a current Director or candidate for Director has his or her primary residence in the Director District. 2
Cooperative Connections | July 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
PROPOSED BYLAW CHANGES Section 9: Updated the definition of a Director’s “immediate family” to include step-children, step-parents, and step-grandchildren.
Article Five: Meetings of Directors Section 4. Quorum: Clarifies that while participation in Director meetings in person is preferred, a Director may be “present” for a meeting if the Director participates via phone or videoconference that allows all Directors to hear and participate in the meeting. This process is allowed by South Dakota law in any event, but we wanted to clarify the bylaws to specifically include the provision.
Article Six: Officers Section 7. Treasurer: Updated to clarify the current role of the Treasurer. Section 10. Bonds of Officers: Added to provide a process for a Director to resign in the middle of a term.
Article Seven: Non-Profit Operation
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm
Sections 2, 3, 4, and 6: Revised to simplify and clarify the process for declaring and paying capital credits to the Members. The changes reflect the Cooperative’s current and past practices.
To pay by phone, call: 1-888-395-5315
Section 7: Clarifies that if a Member owes the Cooperative money for past-due services as of the date of determination of capital credits, the Cooperative may offset the money owed to the Member by the amount the Cooperative owes the Member for capital credit retirements.
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.
Article Eight: Encumbering or Disposing of Property Section 2. Other Disposition: Added to identify the process the Cooperative must follow under South Dakota law to merge or consolidate with another cooperative entity. Section 3: Updated to clarify the process the Cooperative must follow under South Dakota law should the Members elect to dissolve the Cooperative.
Article Nine: Seal There are no significant changes to Article Nine.
Article Ten: Financial Transactions Section 4 from the 2012 Bylaws which required notice to the Administrator of the Rural Utility Services each time the Cooperative made a rate change was deleted. This is no longer a requirement of federal law, and there is no one within the Rural Utility Services designated to receive such a notice.
Article Eleven: Miscellaneous & Article Twelve: Amendments No significant changes were made to Articles Eleven or Twelve.
SAVE THE DATE Annual Meeting: August 11th The Bon Homme Yankton Electric Annual Meeting will be held on August 11th in Tabor, SD. Due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns and uncertainties, the time and location are still being determined. Please check the August issue of this magazine for the official details. We will also provide information on our website byelectric.coop, our Facebook page www.facebook.com/BonHommeYanktonElectric, and our Instagram page www.instagram.com/bonhommeyanktonelectric.
July 2020 | Cooperative Connections
3
SAFETY TIPS
Summer Electrical Safety Tips The summer is a season almost everyone looks forward to – after all, who doesn’t love the warm temperatures that summer brings? Hanging by the pool, summer cookouts, and barbeques bring family and friends together. However, safety should still be your priority. If you don’t want to ruin your summer fun due to the lack of electrical safety in your home, we’ve put together a list of summer electrical safety tips to follow: Keep electronics away from the water – If you’ve got an outdoor pool, then you might be thinking about throwing a little get together with friends and family – a pool party if you will. However, think twice about putting your new speakers or mp3 player right by the poolside. All electronics should be kept at least 10 feet away from the pool or any other water source. It doesn’t matter how careful you are, accidents can and do happen. Use outdoor-rated extension cords – If you’re going to set up your mp3 player or smartphone outside to play some music while you grill out, make sure that you are using the right extension cord. What is the right extension cord? One that is rated for outdoor use. There’s a good chance it will be exposed to moisture outside – and an outdoor-rated extension cord will be able to handle small exposure to water. Inspect your extension cords for damage – Before using an extension cord, inspect it carefully for damage. The last thing you should do is use a damaged cord as it presents a safety risk – especially if you plan on using it outdoors. Any cracked extension cords or exposed wires should not be used outdoors. Install GFCIs – A GCFI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is a device that can help improve the safety of your outlets. Outlets that are near water sources, such as outdoor outlets or bathroom outlets, should have GCFIs installed. A GFCI will shut off the power to the outlet if the circuit is compromised, such as if it gets exposed to water, a spilled drink, etc. This will help to improve the security of your electrical appliances as well as the safety of those in your home. Trim your tree branches – If the branches on your property are growing a little too close to any power lines, have them trimmed to prevent any downed power lines during high winds or thunderstorms. Don’t fly kites or drones near power lines – If you have power lines that are located relatively close to your home, instruct your children (if you have any) not to fly their kites or model drones in this area. These types of airborne toys should be reserved for flight in wide open spaces, like the park. Know where your breaker box is – If there’s an electrical emergency in your home, then you’ll need to know where the breaker box is so that you can shut off the power in a hurry. Source: www.jaffeelectric.com 4
Cooperative Connections | July 2020
Four common culprits of electrical fires There are 24,000 electrical fires per year across the country. To reduce your risk for damage, check the following areas of your home: Electrical outlets: Faulty outlets are a leading cause of home fires. As outlets age, so do the wires behind them. Any loose, damaged or warmto-the-touch outlets should be repaired or replaced. Electrical wiring: Outdated wiring is another common cause of electrical fires. Frequently tripped breakers, flickering lights and burning smells are warning signs. If your home is more than 20 years old, it may not be able to handle today’s increased power load. If you
suspect your home’s wiring is outdated, contact a qualified electrician. Overloaded cords and outlets: Extension cords are not permanent solutions. If your big-screen TV, home theater system and other electronics are plugged into extension cords, it’s time to have additional outlets installed. Old appliances: Older appliances are more likely to have loose or damaged wiring, which means they’re more likely to catch fire. Check older appliances for damage and determine if it’s time to upgrade or replace. Also check to ensure you’re using appliance-grade outlets.
KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER
“No drone zone.” Alli Bares, 9 years old
Alli is the daughter of Tony and Angie Bares, Sioux Falls, S.D. They are members of Sioux Valley Energy, Colman, S.D. Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your poster is published, you’ll receive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged.
RECIPES
Delectable Desserts Aloha Cake 1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix 4 tsp. McCormick® Coconut Extract with Other Natural Flavors, divided 1 pkg. (4-serving size) vanilla
Summer Peach Dessert instant pudding mix 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained 1 (8 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Prepare cake mix as directed on package, stirring in 3 tsp. of the coconut flavor. Pour into greased and floured 13x9-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F. for 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan. Prepare pudding mix as directed on package, stirring in remaining 1 tsp. coconut flavor. Spread pineapple and pudding over cake. Frost with whipped topping. Refrigerate 1 hour or until ready to serve. Makes 24 servings. Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 188, Total Fat 8g, Cholesterol 28mg, Sodium 221mg, Carbohydrates 27g, Fiber 0g, Protein 2g Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Buster Bar Dessert
14 graham crackers, finely crushed 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup melted butter
24 large marshmallows 1/2 cup milk 2 cups whipped topping 3 cups chopped peaches
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter until well blended; reserving a few crumbs for top. Press mixture into a 9x9-inch pan. Heat marshmallows and milk until melted; cool. Fold in whipped topping and peaches. Spread over crust, sprinkling reserved crumbs over all. Chill. Elaine Rowett, Sturgis, SD
Raspberry Delight 2-1/4 cups flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2 T. sugar
2 cups Cool Whip
3/4 cup butter, softened
Topping:
Filling:
1 (6 oz.) pkg. raspberry gelatin
1/2 cup butter
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1-1/2 cups Spanish peanuts, optional
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups powdered sugar
Crust:
1 tsp. vanilla
1-1/2 cups evaporated milk, divided
1 lb. Oreo cookies
In a bowl, combine flour and sugar; blend in butter with wooden spoon until smooth. Press into an ungreased 9x13-inch pan. Bake at 300°F. for 20 to 25 minutes or until set (crust will not brown). Cool. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread over crust. For topping, dissolve gelatin in boiling water; stir in raspberries. Chill for 20 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken. Spoon over filling. Refrigerate until set. Cut into squares; garnish with additional Cool Whip, if desired. Makes 12 to 16 servings.
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup melted butter
Melt butter in heavy saucepan. Add chocolate chips, stirring constantly. Put powdered sugar in mixing bowl; add 1/2 cup evaporated milk, stirring well. Add remaining evaporated milk. Pour mixture into melted butter and chocolate chips, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil, turn heat to medium and boil 8 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat; add 1 vanilla. Cool completely. For crust: Crush Oreo cookies; add butter, mixing well. Press into a 9x13-inch pan. Put pan into freezer. When frozen, quickly spread ice cream over cookie crust. Sprinkle peanuts over crust, if desired, before adding ice cream. Freeze for at least 2 hours. When ice cream layer is completely frozen, quickly pour cooled chocolate layer on top; return to freezer. Can be prepared several days ahead of time. Betty Leuthold, Magnolia, MN
2 cups boiling water 2 (10 oz.) pkgs. sweetened, frozen raspberries
Becki Hauser, Tripp, SD
Please send your favorite vegetarian, garden produce and 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 2020. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name. July 2020 | Cooperative Connections
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CO-OP NEWS
WELCOME MEMBERS Avon Scott Creech Menno Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of NY, Inc Tabor Michaela Kronaizl Tripp C&D Services Utica Dennis & Kaycie Klimisch Yankton Joshua & Melissa Pavlish Donna Novak Alhana Campbell Robert & Lorine Standen Savannah Avdoyan Donald J Kirrman Tyler O’Donnell
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
July Holidays July 1
International Joke Day
July 4
Independence Day
July 14
National Cow Day
July 17
World Emoji Day
July 26
National Aunt and Uncle Day
July 30
International Day of Friendship
July 31
National Avocado Day
July is
National Ice Cream Month
July 1-7 Clean Beaches Week
Cooperative Connections | July 2020
“What did the big flower say to the little flo wer?” - “Hi, bud!”
BOARD REPORT
May Board Meeting Highlights The May board meeting was held via Zoom on May 20th, at 8am. All board members were present. Others present were Attorney Sheila Woodward, General Manager Stephanie Horst, Office Manager Nicole Einrem, Operations Manager Ken Carda, and Communications/Marketing Coordinator Jaclyn Arens.
The board reviewed: Reports from staff members as to the activities in their departments. • Office: Monthly Financial Report • Member Service/Communications Report • Operations Report • Safety Report • General Manager’s Report • East River GM Report • Power Bill Report Reports from board members • South Dakota Rural Electric • East River Electric Power Cooperative • NRECA Annual Meeting & Director Training Reports Executive Session: None
The board reviewed and approved the following items: Minutes of the Previous Meeting New Members & Cancellations Capital Credits to Estates in the amount of $6,622.23 Special Equipment Purchases totaling $47,838.37 Closed Work Orders in the amount of $707,648.50 Cyber Security Report Next meeting date set for Wed, June 17, at 8 am.
STATISTICAL COMPARISON APRIL Number of Meters
2019
2020
2020 YTD
3,841
3,868
Total Revenue
$760,395
$808,932
$3,670,035
Cost of Power
$426,556
$466,621
$2,216,831
Total Cost of Service
$791,069
$769,262
$3,546,178
kWhs Purchased
6,634,458
6,912,663
34,536,570
kWhs Sold
6,345,575
6,589,078
33,030,108
Line Loss %
4.05%
4.40%
4.00%
Residential Average kWh
1,370
1,378
Residential Average Bill
$164
$170
634 kWh
800 kWh
614/97%
771/96%
20/3%
29/4%
4,534
4,491
From grid
3,920
3,720
From solar
614
771
Solar % of kWh used
14%
17%
38 kWh
36 kWh
SOLAR STATS Solar Production Solar used by office Solar put back on grid Main office kWh used
Max solar production/day
July 2020 | Cooperative Connections
7
OUR REGION
The Old Fort Meade Museum details the history of Fort Meade, its residents, life as a cavalry officer and military history throughout the 66-year history of the fort.
FORT MEADE Historic Outpost Has Varied Past Susan Smith Contributing Writer
The fort provided an early customer base to the town of Sturgis, named for 7th Cavalry commander Col. Samuel Sturgis. According to fortmeademuseum.org, General Phil Sheridan, a Civil War Cavalry leader, selected the location after riding around the then-envisioned mile-square grounds and pointing to the location of future buildings with his saber. “The fort was established to provide protection for the stage lines and freight routes that came in here as well as the miners and the settlers that came into the area for the many gold locations in the Black Hills and the Deadwood area,� said Robert Kusser, current president of the Fort Meade Museum Board. Many of the buildings on the grounds of Fort Meade are from the 1900s. One building remains from 1878 A cemetery on the grounds is the and stables that were there from the beginning were final resting place for 200 soldiers rebuilt from wood to stone. Kusser said cannon who served from 1878 to 1942 wheels that are rimmed in steel but have wooden spokes were refurbished and ready for the coming tourist season. Artist Len McCann created figurines of soldiers that are on display in the museum. An exhibit of the U.S.S. Constitution is also on display. Unfortunately, COVID-19 sidelined many plans for the 2020 season, Kusser said. The museum will be opening for the summer 2020 as soon as possible. Unlike most forts of the era, where hardly anything of significance remains, Fort Meade is still involved with military training with the South Dakota Army National Guard, which holds officer candidate training each summer. When the fort was officially deactivated in 1944, the Veterans Administration was approached to take over the post hospital, the VA Black Hills Health Care System, which cares for veterans in a 200-mile radius and also maintains the complex. A cemetery overlooking the fort is the final resting place for 200-plus
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Cooperative Connections | July 2020
Photos by South Dakota Tourism
Fort Meade is still attached to the South Dakota National Guard, which holds officer candidate training at the fort each summer.
Named for Civil War Gen. George Meade, Fort Meade was built as a peacekeeping military outpost in 1878, two years after the infamous Battle of the Little Bighorn.
TRAIL DUST soldiers, family members and employees who served from 1878 to 1942, Kusser said. Streets that pass around the original parade field and buildings are still occupied and historically maintained. “We’re fortunate to still be able to maintain a visual presence of history,” Kusser said. The 4th Cavalry, one of the units stationed longest, and two separate times at Fort Meade, provided security when President Calvin Coolidge was at the game lodge in Custer State Park, a summer White House in the Black Hills, in 1927. The cavalry unit was deployed to the European theater in World War II. Kusser said beginning in June 1945, 113 POWs were housed at the fort. That number grew to 600 by 1946. They worked in the
Co-ops and the Old Nut Box There are few things more satisfying for a pack rat than to find just the right thingamajig at the bottom of a growing pile of doodads. I know a guy who has so much stuff stashed in his storeroom, it’s like walking through a dense jungle forest. You never know when you might need a backup buggy whip. Or the crusty motherboard of a Commodore C64. Or a clutch release bearing for a 1956 Farmall tractor. Every now and again, I’ll put him to the test… “I was looking for a book of Green Stamps from June of 1975. Can you sort through all that clutter and see if you can find one for me?” Or, “Hey, I need a 26-inch inner tube for a 1962 Huffy Aerowind bicycle. Can you help me out with that?” He hasn’t managed to fulfill any of my quirky requests so far, but he’ll spend all day and half the night searching.
Billy Gibson editor@sdrea.coop
While my own garage is only mildly untidy, I did have one of those pack rat discovery moments recently when I was working on my son’s 2000 Honda 80R. Not that I’m much of a motorcycle mechanic, but I had to crack the carburetor open to clean out the pilot jet and discovered I needed a replacement bolt. I contemplated a trip to my local Hanks Hardware, but then I remembered what my Dad used to call “the nut box.” Not a very descriptive name, to be sure, but this nut box has some unique characteristics. First of all, it’s not really a box. It’s a round container made of heavy metal that my father had back when he was a young man and a pretty decent mechanic.
Belle Fourche region in agriculture, mainly to help with beet farming. They also did community work and helped convert the fort from an active military post to a veteran’s hospital by doing stonework and creating sidewalks. After his retirement from state government, Kusser was director of the Fort Meade Museum for several years. The three-story building he still oversees as board president houses numerous artifacts commemorating the history of the fort and recreating what life was like as a cavalry soldier. The museum is organized around the 66-year history of the fort, with most of that information on the main floor, Kusser said. The lower level includes more military displays and the top floor features a ballroom and views of Bear Butte, the parade field and a view of the prairie. The museum also contains information about the early days of the town of Sturgis. The Old Fort Meade Museum is located in the historic headquarters building 55, Sheridan Street on Fort Meade, one mile east of Sturgis on Hwy. 34.
And like any good pack rat, I’ve been hanging onto that thing through every change in address and spring cleaning session for decades. Another unique quality of the nut box is that over the years it has been repainted many times and many colors with the kind of paint that would trigger a code-red biohazard alert by today’s standards. But the nut box has been around so long even that super industrial strength paint is peeling off. Though I tried to mitigate the damage, a chunk of dime-thick paint flew off when I wedged open the top of the container. Clawing through a thousand nuts, bolts, screws and some stray nails, I lucked up and grabbed just the size I was looking for. Small victories, I know. That dip into the nut box came to mind when I received a package from a faithful Cooperative Connections reader. The note inside stated: “I’ve enclosed an ad from a 1961 newspaper you might be interested in. My mom kept some old newspapers in her boxes and I found it there.” The focal point of this gentle reader’s curiosity was a fulll-page spread featuring a caricature image of the sun wearing a pair of sunglasses, displaying a wide smile and sporting an incandescent light bulb for a nose. The headline read: “Casting light on what rural electric cooperatives really mean to South Dakota.” The page was filled with information about what rural electric co-ops are, what they aren’t, and why they’re good for the state. When it comes to the mission of rural electric co-ops, not much has changed through the decades. Our co-ops are still firmly committed to serving our members as they were on the day they were founded. Serving homes and businesses the safe, affordable, reliable power they need is what we’ve done and will continue to do. That’s a responsibility and a purpose that will be around even longer than that trusty old nut box. July 2020 | Cooperative Connections
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CO-OP NEWS
CLASSIFIEDS August Issue Deadline: July 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 605-4632256. Beseda Hall, Tabor, SD for rent for any special occasion such as weddings, anniversaries, graduation or birthdays! For more information contact Linda Bares at 605-6616220 or snlbares@gmail.com. FOR RENT: Tabor Self Storage. Call 605-660-0274 or 605-660-3497. FOR SALE: 2 year old Angus bulls. Grandsons of Traveler 124 and Grandsons of Rito 707. Contact Allen Bieremz at (605) 661-5624
Rick Koupal Retires From Board Rick Koupal has represented District 6 on the Bon Homme Yankton Electric Board of Directors for 18 years. He started his term in 2002, and during that time he also served 11 years on the East River Board of Directors and 4 years on the South Dakota Rural Electric (SDREA) Board of Directors. Rick decided to run for the board of directors in 2002 because he has been around Bon Homme Yankton Electric his entire life, and it felt like the right thing to do. He grew up just a block away from our main office in Tabor, and all his siblings worked at Bon Homme Yankton Electric at one time or another. Rick even worked at the cooperative in the summers through college. Having grown up around the cooperative, not much surprised him in his role as a director. However, he did learn about the complexity of the energy industry. As well as the large and sophisticated cooperative model that spans from local co-ops to national co-ops. Rick has many good memories from his time as a director and with all the people in the co-op world. He retires with an appreciation for the other board members and the employees at Bon Homme Yankton Electric due to their dedication to serving the membership. After 18 years of experience, Rick has some advice for members who are interested in running for a seat on the board of directors now or in the future. He says be prepared to dedicate time and energy to the job. There is a lot of learning, studying, and training to do the job. You will be able to meet many great co-op people from across the country, but you must remember that you are there to represent Bon Homme Yankton Electric members. You may have to make difficult decisions along the way for the best interest of the cooperative and the members. Rick says, “I feel privileged to have represented the membership for 18 years and honored to have represented my neighbors.” He plans to continue paying attention to energy news because it is something he will always feel passionate about.
FREE Classified Ad Service
Members can submit classified ads for the following categories: Giveaway, For Sale, For Rent, and Wanted Ads. All ads must be received by the first of the month to be included in the following month’s issue. Ads will run one time unless resubmitted. Bon Homme Yankton Electric reserves the right to edit content or exclude ads due to space restrictions. Email ads to Jaclyn Arens at jarens@byelectric.com.
Rick Koupal with his wife Jean 10
Cooperative Connections | July 2020
ANNUAL REPORT
Financial Report For the Years Ending December 31, 2019 and 2018 Income Statement Operating Revenue
Balance Sheet
2019
2018
$6,834,342
$6,656,227
239,883
248,379
Irrigation Sales Commercial Sales
173,742 1,970,026
187,884 1,833,138
Large Commercial Sales
1,072,761
1,111,240
12,072 307,962 66,912 (370,987) 10,306,713
12,072 304,764 109,069 (76,189) 10,386,584
6,186,806 479,798
6,297,493 547,933
532,139
596,951
Farm/Residential Sales Seasonal Sales
Public Street Lighting Other Sales to Public Authorities Other Revenues Deferred Revenues Total Operating Revenue Operating Expenses Purchased Power Operations Maintenance Consumer Accounting & Collecting Member Service and Information Administrative and Office Expense Depreciation
217,015
213,794
192,209 769,344 990,262
131,422 750,686 977,323
Taxes
150,928
149,367
Interest on Long-Term Debt 513,177 Other Deductions 8,930 Total Cost of Electric Service 10,040,608 Margins
490,078 8,182 10,163,229
Operating Margins 266,105 223,355 Non-Operating Margins 90,484 61,684 East River Electric, Basin Electric 433,010 1,023,721 and Other Capital Credits Total Margins $10,538,925 $1,308,760
Assets (What We Own) 12/31/19 Investment in Lines, Buildings $34,752,989 and Equipment Less Accumulated Provision 11,629,110 for Depreciation Net Value of Plant 23,123,879 Investments in Associated Organizations Margin Stabilization Fund Non-Utility Plant Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts Receivable
Kilowatt Hours Sold Average Monthly Use Farm/Rural Residential Average Number of Consumers Miles of Line Consumers per Mile of Line
$34,060,189 11,162,100 22,898,089
6,910,894
6,724,804
1,014,978 1,102 4,922 1,131,621
643,991 1,619 457,603 1,095,879
672,796 12,764 18,770 33,408,306
499,817 14,691 24,838 32,361,331
Patronage Capital 10,538,925 Other Equities 1,349,507 Long-Term Debt 18,647,286 Current Maturities of Long 788,582 Term Debt CFC Line of Credit 0 Accounts Payable 692,355 Customer Deposits 68,048 Taxes Accrued 160,450 Other Current Liabilities 129,483 Customer Prepayments 18,692 Deferred Revenues-Margin 1,014,978 Stabilization Total Equities & Liabilities $33,408,306
10,318,931 1,313,195 18,017,588
Materials and Supplies Prepayments Deferred Debits Total Assets Liabilities (What we Owe)
765,316 0 889,577 66,853 158,607 162,911 24,362 643,991 $32,361,331
KILOWATT HOURS SOLD - 94,329,901
Comparative Statistics 2019
12/31/18
Street Lighting 0%
2018
94,329,901 93,866,459 1,710
1,707
3,847 1,298 3.00
3,806 1,296 2.93
Public Authorities 3%
Industrial 10%
Small Commercial 20%
Irrigation 1%
Residential Sales 65% Seasonal 1%
July 2020 | Cooperative Connections
11
YOUR SAFETY
Underwriters Laboratories Inc., (UL) sets safety standards for various products. The UL mark appears on billions of products globally.
A MATTER OF TRUST AND SAFETY The UL symbol marks safety of products for consumers across the globe Brenda Kleinjan Contributing Writer
Have you ever examined the hairdryer you use each morning? How about the coffee pot or the cords of your cell phone charger? Chances are they bear a circle with an “UL” inside. If not, they probably should. That UL symbol is not a talisman but rather an indicator that the product used has been tested and is designed to operate as intended safely.
“When people see that UL mark on the product when they’re shopping – when they see that mark of safety – they know they can trust it has been certified by a third-party organization as safe,” said Jonette Herman, a Standards Engineer/Project Manager for Underwriters Laboratories Inc., based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Herman, a South Dakota native, develops safety standards. UL maintains more than 1,600 safety standard documents that define how they test and certify that a product is safe. As an organization, Underwriters Laboratories is dedicated to fostering safe living and working conditions to people throughout the world. 12
Cooperative Connections | July 2020
UL is involved with the safety certification of energy storage related products, including photovoltaics.
YOUR SAFETY
“We do that through science and hazard-based safety engineering,” said Herman. Simplified, Herman says they look at an object and determine where the hazards might be. “I grew up in Pierre. In high school, I always thought I’d be good at making sure that things work the way they should,” said Herman. That led her to the University of Minnesota where she pursued a degree in electrical engineering. “I remember looking at my hairdryer and seeing that UL mark and wondering what it was about. After college, I moved out to North Carolina and found that UL was located there,” Herman said.
look at the product and how it’s used,” Herman said. Worldwide, UL has more than 14,000 employees. In the non-profit portion of UL which Herman works, there are more than 200 people dedicated to research and education. Today, Herman’s work focuses on wire positioning devices, motors and generators and energy storage, and energy distribution, among other areas. “We’re constantly seeing new technologies introduced. All this innovation inherently creates risk.”
Jonette Herman Standards Engineer/Project Manager Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
That was 27 years ago. Since then Herman has worked on making products from chainsaws to appliances to motors and batteries safer. “Several years ago, I worked on the chainsaw standards. We were finding a lot of those injuries were due to fatigue and the operators not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). That’s when accidents were occurring,” Herman said. UL continued to analyze the equipment. “Instruction manuals include important information that people should read,” Herman said. But, knowing that many people don’t read the manuals, UL seeks to ensure that “safety is built into the product as much as possible.” “That’s part of that safety-based hazard approach. We
More than 400 panels and committees work with UL in developing the standards for various products. The panels and committees are comprised of an array of stakeholders including producers of the products, regulators and consumers. “It’s important for consumers to educate themselves. How do they know a new product is safe? Looking for that certification on the product is helpful to the consumers.”
UL is working to make lithium ion battery storage safer. Herman cautioned that excessive damage to a product with a lithium ion battery, such as caused by repeated dropping, could cause it to go into thermal runaway, causing it to overheat and potentially catch fire.
July 2020 | Cooperative Connections
13
CO-OP NEWS
Congrats 2020 Graduates! Congratulations to all the students who graduated this spring! It certainly wasn’t a typical senior year, but local schools made the best of it to honor their students. Graduating seniors at Bon Homme High School received a banner to honor their achievement. The banners were hung in Tyndall, Tabor, and Springfield. Bon Homme Yankton Electric donated money to help the Tyndall and Tabor students purchase banners (Springfield had already raised enough money). Kevin Meyer and Wes Kloucek hung the banners in Tabor.
Kevin Meyer and Wes Kloucek hanging graduation banners on S. Lidice Street in Tabor.
Wes Kloucek in the bucket truck and Kevin Meyer observing for safety
Youth Tour Gift Basket Bon Homme Yankton Electric selected Alexandra Corbit to attend the 2020 Youth Tour to Washington D.C. Unfortunately, the Youth Tour was canceled due to ongoing concerns with the COVID-19 Pandemic. This past school year, Alexandra was a junior at Yankton High School. She is involved in the National Honor Society and has participated in community and high school plays. She also works part-time at Vishay, and she volunteers at the Yankton Area Banquet, the Red Cross “Sound the Alarm!” Program, and at concession stands during football games. Alexandra was chosen to attend the Bon Homme Yankton Electric Youth Excursion to Bismark, ND in 2019. Alexandra plans to attend ISU in Ames, IA, and her goal is to become an industrial designer. Her parents are Lance W. Corbit and Shelly M. Larsen-Corbit.
Alexandra Corbit
As a small token to make up for the lost opportunity, Bon Homme Yankton Electric delivered Alexandra a gift basket made up of gift cards to local small businesses, snacks, and a few small electronics.
Letterbox
Follow Us on Instagram!
Thank you so much for the scholarship of $250. This will definitely help me as I plan to attend UNL for forensic science. Thank you for supporting local seniors.
Bon Homme Yankton Electric has started an Instagram account as another way to communicate with our members and the community. We plan to use Instagram to promote upcoming events, behindthe-scenes content, and photos from the field. To follow Bon Homme Yankton Electric on Instagram, search for our Instagram handle @bonhommeyanktonelectric in the Instagram app and click follow! 14
Cooperative Connections | July 2020
Dear Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative,
Sincerely, Cassie Voigt
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60 5- 665- 9 4 61 800-491-9461
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605-665-9679
Preplanning will give you peace of mind and may save money
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605-463-2244 Well drilling, repairing and cleaning Water Systems – Artesian Wells Sales and Installation Earth-Coupled Heat Pump
Emergency Service Free Estimates
BOHEMIAN FARMERS R. Martin Koch, Secretary PO Box 206 Tabor, SD 57063
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.
Ready to buy or sell a home? I can help! Dean Sternhagen, Broker Associate 605-661-5828 dean@igotvision.com
Sanders Heating & Cooling 300 W 17th Tyndall, SD 57066
605-589-3228 1-800-894-3228 Furnaces, Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Free Estimates
ALWAYS
COOPERATIVE COLLABORATION Our region’s local Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives and Dakota State University partner together in the Connected Home Project. Smart home technology changes rapidly. This groundbreaking research project is exploring technologies that will be included in the next generation rural home. It is also developing solutions that will allow electric cooperatives to play an integral role in helping consumers optimize their energy use.
CALL BEFORE YOU
DIG
One free, easy call gets your utility lines marked AND helps protect you from injury and expense. Safe Digging Is No Accident: Always Call 811 Before You Dig
July 2020 | Cooperative Connections
15
Register to Win! Bring this coupon and mailing label to the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives booth at the South Dakota State Fair to win a prize!
Your Phone Number: _____________________________________________ Your E-mail Address: _____________________________________________
Note: Please make sure to call ahead to verify the event is still being held.
August 4-6
D
Minnesota Farmfest, 28269 Hwy 67, Morgan, MN 800-827-8007 www.ideaggroup.com/ farmfest
ELE C N CA
South Dakota State Fair: Perfect Vision of Fun, 1060 3rd St. SW, Huron, SD 800-529-0900 www.sdstatefair.com
July 3:
Independence Day celebrations at Mount Rushmore National Memorial www.nps.gov/moru/planyourvisit/ independence-day-events.htm
July 3, 18, 25 and August 1, 22
The Murder of Miss Kitty Comedy Mystery Dinner Theater, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Deadwood, SD, 605-580-5799
June 19, 26 and July 3, 10
River City Friday Nights, 6 to 10 p.m., Live music, beer garden, vendors, food trucks, games and activities, Main Street, Chamberlain, SD, 605-683-9051
June 27
Railroad Day, Prairie Village, Madison, SD, 800-693-3644
July 21-25
98th Annual Days of ’76 PRCA Rodeo, Arena, Deadwood, SD, 1-888-838-BULL, www.DAYSOF76.com
July 23-24
Jr. Miss Rodeo South Dakota Pageant, The Lodge and Days of ’76 Rodeo, Deadwood, SD, 605-641-8604, jrmissrsd@gmail.com
July 24-25
July 31-August 1
Plein Air & Arts in the Garden, Wessington Springs, SD, 605-354-3826
August 1
Rockin’ Ribfest BBQ Competition, Wessington Springs, SD, 605-505-1135
August 1
Foothills Classic, Wessington Springs, SD, 605-350-1687
Senior Games, Brookings, SD, Contact Traci Saugstad at 605-692-4492
August 8-9
Variety Show, Prairie Village, Madison, SD, 800-693-3644
July 18-19
July 26
August 8-10
15th Annual Car Show Langford, SD, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 605-493-6597
Red Power Round Up, Fairgrounds, Huron, SD, 605-460-0197
July 18-21
July 31-August 1
August 22
June 28
Charles Mix Saddle Club Fourth Annual SDRA Rodeo, Geddes, SD, 605-680-1580 Senior Games, Rapid City, SD, Contact Eric Holmes at 605-394-4175
Senior Games, Yankton, SD, Contact Kristi Hauer at 605-665-4685
Threshing Show, Twin Brooks, SD, www.threshingshow.com
World of Outlaw Sprint Car Races plus Wissota MWM, Dakota State Fair Speedway, Huron, SD, 605-352-4848
September 7
Hidewood Valley Steam Threshing Show, 1 p.m., 47326 183rd Ave., Clear Lake, SD, 605-881-8405
September 12-13
Fall Harvest Festival, Delmont, SD, 605-928-3792, www.twinriversoldiron.org 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.
Photo courtesy: travelsouthdakota.com
September 3-5