Co-Ops Vote: Ensuring Rural America Is Heard P8-9 Manager’S Report Harvest Safety and Budget Blues

NOVEMBER 2016 VOL. 17 NO. 7

Co-ops Vote: Ensuring Rural America is Heard P8-9 Manager’s Report Harvest Safety and Budget Blues

I have several items to the items impacting your electric cooperative such as the Clean mention to all of you this Power Plan, an exhaustive list of new rules/regulations that our month, but first with the power supply organizations are dealing with and the impact of fall weather in the air, cooler new generation facilities on our power costs for your everyday temperatures, combines electrical needs. We always look forward to visiting with you rolling and leaves falling, we about any issues and items that you have on your minds and encourage all of you to keep we hope that you and your neighbors can make plans to attend SAFETY on your minds again this year. Brad Schardin with all of your fall activities We continue to work on our 2017 budget knowing that our General Manager around the farm, home and power costs for next year will be higher than what we have seen business. Please make sure over the past several years. We asked your board of directors to pay attention to overhead and underground power lines to allow us to utilize an outside rate consultant for our rate when you are outside doing your work. When moving that review for 2017 and beyond. Our rate studies and analysis grain auger, raising that ladder to clean those drain gutters will be done this fall and we hope to be able to inform all or digging that hole for those additional trees to shade your of you what our rates will look like early in 2017. One of house, please look up for overhead power lines or call 811 for the major drivers for our wholesale power supply cooperatives your underground locates to make sure you do not dig into is the impact of many rules and regulations implemented and an underground power line. I recently read an article from proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regu- our insurance provider indicating that there have been over 70 lating the carbon output of our coal generation power plants. electric contacts with cooperative lines throughout the United Our national organization provided oral arguments the last States and nine fatalities already this year. Please take time to part of September to the district court judges in Washington, do your jobs safely and give us a call if you have any questions D.C., on the Clean Power Plan and the over-reaching implica- that we can help you with at your electric cooperative. tions of that rule on all electric utilities. We will continue to I would like to encourage as many of you as possible to support an “all of the above” power generation philosophy so attend our Member Appreciation Days for some pancakes, that we can best utilize the resources available to us here in the fellowship and the opportunity to visit with us about your Midwest and throughout the United States for affordable and electric cooperative. This year we will be in Alcester on reliable electric power. Wednesday, Nov. 2, in Salem on Thursday, Nov. 3, in Last, but not least, I want to “Thank” all of our current and Viborg on Friday, Nov. 4, and at the Tea All Occasions on past Veterans out there for their dedication and support of the Saturday, Nov. 5. These events are designed to celebrate with freedoms that we enjoy here in the United States of America you Cooperative Month and visit with you about any issues each and every day. We sincerely appreciate your dedicated you have on your mind and those impacting your electric co- service! Happy Veterans Day to all of you! operative. This year we will have a handout for each of you on

2 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS Co-op News Harvest Safety and Budget Blues Southeastern Electric Co-op (ISSN No. 1531-1058) Manager Recognizes Avery Schupner as Brad Schardin [email protected] “Scholar Of The Week” Editor Southeastern Electric Cooperative is Brett Snyders pleased to announce Avery Schupner of [email protected] Tea Area High School as Touchstone En- Board of Directors ergy® Cooperative’s Scholar of the Week Don Heeren, President for the week of Sept. 11-17, 2016. She is Steve Holmberg, Vice Presi- the daughter of Art and Cassandra Sch- dent upner of Tea. Avery was given a financial Chris Hofer, Secretary award along with being spotlighted on Daryl Terveen, Treasurer KSFY TV. Lynell Hofer John Ostraat Southeastern Electric salutes Sch- Leslie Mehlhaff Pat Scheier upner for her example of hard work and Richard Olsen Johnathan high academic standards. Wildeboer Nominations for the award are submitted by area school principals and faculty, whose selections are based on excellence in the classroom and service in the community. www.southeasternelectric.com 1-800-333-2859 Find us online! www.southeasternelectric.com @SE_Electric Follow us on Twitter at @SE_Electric Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/southeasternelectric

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SOUTHEASTERN ELECTRIC COOP- ERATIVE CONNECTIONS is published monthly by Southeastern Electric Coop- erative, PO Box 388, 501 S. Broadway Like to Cook? Ave., Marion, SD 57043-0388 for its members. Families subscribe to South- eastern Electric Cooperative Connections Send Us Your Recipes as part of their electric cooperative mem- bership. Southeastern Electric Coopera- We are looking for original or your favorite recipes that are a hit at your house. Each month we will hold a tive Connections‘ purpose is to provide drawing from the recipes that are submitted for a $10 credit on the winner’s electric account. Please note that reliable, helpful information to electric cooperative members on electric coop- each month’s winner will then be entered in a yearly drawing for a grand prize at the end of the year, not at the erative matters and better rural living. annual meeting. Subscription information: Electric coop- All recipes that we receive will be forwarded to SDREA for erative members devote 50 cents from their monthly electric payments for a sub- possible publication in Southeastern Electric Cooperative scription. Nonmember subscriptions are Connections. Recipes for the October magazine should be available for $12 annually. Periodicals submitted by Oct. 28. You can E-mail your recipes to Postage Paid at Marion, SD 57043 and at additional mailing offices. [email protected] or mail them to Southeastern Electric, PO Box 250, Salem, SD 57058-0250. The last winner of the POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Southeastern Electric Cooperative $10 credit was Jeanne Stonefield, Sioux Falls, S.D. Connections, PO Box 388, Marion, SD Upcoming recipe topics are Holiday Treats in December, 57043-0388; telephone (605) 648- 3619; fax (605) 648-3778; e-mail sec@ Soups in January, Brunch in February and Seafood in March. southeasternelectric.com COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • November 2016 3 Safety Tips Reader Recipes

Kidsʼ Corner Safety Poster Tricks, Treats and “Call before you dig.” Safety Make Halloween Crockpot a Scream! Creations It’s the time of year to stock up on sweet treats and fi ll the Crockpot Corn Butternut Squash and Apples yard and home with decorations as ghosts, goblins and caped crusaders plan their invasion of your neighborhood. Safe Elec- 2 (16 oz.) bags frozen corn 2 T. sugar 2 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/4 cup apple cider tricity urges everyone to make sure your costumed visitors are 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 tsp. salt 1-1/2-inch chunks (about 8 cups) 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar kept safe by following some basic electrical safety guidelines. 1/4 cup melted butter 1 tsp. pepper 2 apples, such as Braeburn or Gala, 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks 1 T. pumpkin pie spice Safe Electricity suggests the following to avoid potential Combine all ingredients in crockpot. Cook on HIGH (about 4 cups) 1 tsp. salt safety hazards: setting for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours. 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks 1 tsp. thyme leaves • Use only lights that have been safety tested and approved Beverley Allbee, Woonsocket 1/2 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup toasted flaked coconut by Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Look for the UL label on the box and on each string. Calico Beans Place squash, apples and onion in slow cooker. Mix remaining ingredients except • Make sure extension cords are in good condition. Use only Amy Cichosz, 9 years old coconut in small bowl until well blended. Pour over squash mixture. Cover. Cook UL-approved cords rated to carry the electrical load you will Amy is the daughter of Eric and Jill Cichosz, Spearfi sh, S.D. 1-1/2 lbs. ground beef 1 can butter or lima beans 3 to 4 hours on HIGH, stirring after 2 hours. Stir before serving. Sprinkle with connect to them. They are members of Butte Electric Cooperative, Newell, S.D. 1 lb. bacon, diced 1/2 cup ketchup toasted coconut. Makes 15 (2/3-cup) servings. • Before plugging in the lights, check each string for broken 1/2 cup chopped onion 3/4 cup brown sugar sockets, frayed cords, or faulty plugs. Replace damaged strings. 1 can kidney beans 2 T. mustard Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 116, Total Fat 4g, Cholesterol 8mg, Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric coop- Sodium 222mg, Carbohydrates 19g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Protein 1g • Keep electric cords out of high-traffi c areas. erative (address found on Page 3). If your poster is published, youʼll receive a 1 can pork and beans 1 T. vinegar • Don’t staple or nail through light strings or electrical prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names Pictured, Cooperative Connections cords. of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged. Brown ground beef, bacon and onion; drain. Combine all • Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or ingredients in crockpot. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. other fi rm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Denene Miles, Doland Crockpot Steak and Rice Use only insulated staples to hold light strings in place, not 1-1/2 lbs. round steak, cut into 1 can cream of chicken soup nails or tacks. Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken • Do not attach cords or lights to metal objects. bite-size pieces 1 can water • Outdoors, use only lights and cords rated for outdoor use. 1-1/2 lbs. chicken 8 oz. cream cheese Onion 1 cup rice • Cords should be plugged into outlets equipped with 1 pkg. Good Seasons Italian 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can golden mushroom soup 2 T. soy sauce ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Use a portable GFCI Dressing 6 to 8 oz. sliced mushrooms if your outdoor outlets don’t have them. GFCIs protect you 1/4 to 1/2 cup water Butter Brown steak with a little onion. Mix soup and water Please send your favorite from electric shocks. in crockpot. Stir in rice and soy sauce; mix well. Stir in browned steak. Cook on LOW 8 to 10 hours. May be holiday treat, • Always unplug lights before going to bed or leaving your Place chicken in crackpot. Mix Italian dressing and water cooked in oven for 1-1/2 hours. soup and together; pour over the chicken. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours home. Shirley Miller, Winfred brunch recipes • Do not run electrical cords across sidewalks or other walk- or LOW for 8 hours. After the chicken is cooked, remove from pot and set aside. Mix cream cheese and chicken to your local way areas that could trip or endanger trick-or-treaters. Indoors, electric cooper- soup into the liquid that remains in the crockpot. Stir until Western Crockpot Omelet avoid stretching cords across a room where people or pets can melted and heated through. Shred chicken and add to cream ative (address trip over them or become entangled. sauce. Saute mushrooms in butter. Add to chicken mixture. 1 (30 oz.) pkg. frozen hash 1 green pepper, chopped found on Page 3). Each recipe Serve over rice or noodles. browns, thawed 12 eggs Whether decorating or using extension cords in general, Tracy Romey, Oelrichs printed will be 1 lb. ham, cubed 1 cup 2% milk entered into a read the label on both the cord and the appliances that are 1-1/2 cups shredded Cheddar 1 tsp. salt plugged into it to make sure the cord can handle the load. If drawing for a Crockpot Hash Brown Casserole cheese 1 tsp. pepper prize in Decem- it can’t, use a higher-rated cord or unplug some appliances. 1 onion, chopped 2 rings smoked sausage, cut into 1 bag frozen hash browns ber 2016. All Remember that extension cords are meant for temporary, not entries must pieces 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese permanent, use. include your 1 onion, chopped 2 cups cream of chicken soup Grease a 5-quart crockpot. Layer half of hash browns, A safe celebration is the best celebration and following basic ham, cheese, onion and green pepper. Repeat layers. name, mailing electrical safety guidelines will help you avoid real scares and Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour over address, tele- keep your memories “boo-tiful” and fun. Place sausage in bottom of crockpot. Sprinkle with onions. potato mixture. Cook on LOW, covered, for 6 to 7 hours phone number Add hash browns. Spread soup over all. Sprinkle cheese on until set. Turn off crockpot. Let stand uncovered 15 to 20 and coopera- Source: safeelectricity.org top. Cook on HIGH 2 hours. minutes. tive name. Lynn Holzerland, Waubay Mary Jessen, Holabird

4 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • November 2016 5 Safety Tips Reader Recipes

4 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • November 2016 5

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • November 2016 5 Co-op News

Farm Safety, Don’t Forget! Winterize your October is Cooperative Month and don’t forget to look around. Poles, un- what better time to remind us of the derground cabinets and guy wires are not home for comfort safety issues that will affect us this har- always placed in convenient locations for vest season. farming. and savings Every year many farmers are killed It’s important to know what to do if blowing and when their farm equipment makes the vehicle comes in contact with one Before the cold winds start seeping into your home, take a few minutes contact with overhead power lines. These of these hazards. If you come in contact and a few simple steps to keep your home tragic accidents are preventable. Before with a pole guy wire and break it, call comfortable and your energy bills down. heading back into the fields, South- the utility to fix it immediately. (Do not • Have your heating system inspected by eastern Electric urges you to review the touch it or try fixing it yourself.) Also, a qualified contractor to ensure its safety and activities and work practices that take if your vehicle or equipment comes in efficiency. place around power utilities. contact with an energized power line, it • If you have a window air-conditioner, Many times farmers hire help for the is almost always best to stay in or away remove it before the cooler weather starts busy harvest season. Keep in mind that and wait until the electric utility arrives or cover it with an inexpensive, specially the hired help is not always aware of to make sure power to the line is cut off. designed cover. the power lines and other dangers that • Caulk around are present on the farm. Make sure that Southeastern Electric urges windows and doors everyone who is working on the farm you to review the activities and other openings is reminded or shown the location of that can let cold power lines on and around the farm. and work practices that take air seep into your Farm related accidents that involve place around power utilities. house. power line contact happen when loading • Keep your fireplace damper closed or preparing to transport equipment to Some ways of making your farm safer when the fireplace isn’t in use. fields, or while performing maintenance is by burying power lines around build- • Open your blinds, shades or drapes on on machinery. It can be difficult to esti- ings or busy pathways where many farm sunny days to let the warmth in and close mate distance and sometimes power lines activities take place. If planning a new them at night to keep that extra heat in your are closer than they appear. A spotter or building, bin or farm structure, contact home. someone with a broader view can help. Southeastern Electric for information on • Check your furnace filter monthly. Pay special attention when raising the minimum safe clearances from overhead • Be sure registers and returns aren’t arms of planters, cultivators, truck beds and underground power lines. Keep in blocked by any objects, such as furniture, and especially augers. mind you may also have to increase the drapes, etc. There are many different dangers transformer size too if you are adding • Install a programmable thermostat so excluding overhead power lines. Poles, load. that you can program it to lower the tem- underground cabinets and guy wires are If you have questions or concerns perature while you are away from home. among the other dangers that farmers please stop in or call us at Southeastern These are just some of the ways that have to deal with. While looking up Electric Cooperative. you can help conserve energy in your home before winter.

Here are some other helpful hints on conserving energy year around. • Repair leaking faucets right away. You would be surprised at the amount of water that is lost especially if it is the hot water. • Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. These new bulbs use 80 percent to 85 percent less electricity than the traditional bulbs. (LED bulbs are not recommended in enclosed fixtures)

6 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS News

Operation Manager’s Report The Differences Between Overhead and Underground Power Lines

There are two methods of Cons: Susceptible to wind, ice and snow; more installing the power lines vulnerable to damage from trees and vegetation, that carry electricity to your which requires right of way trimming; vulnerable home, overhead and under- to blinks when animals and branches contact lines; ground. Southeastern Electric and susceptible to damage from vehicle collisions. Cooperative (SEC) members sometimes ask us why we use Underground construction one versus the other. More Pros: Not vulnerable to damage from tree John Euchner often than not they ask why branches; very minimal right of way clearing Manager of Operations and all power lines aren’t installed required; less susceptible to damage from vehicle Engineering underground. These are great collisions; not impacted by wind, ice and snow and questions that seem fairly less vulnerable to blinks when animals and branches straight forward, unfortunate- contact lines. ly the answer can sometimes be quite complicated, Cons: More expensive to build; susceptible to each method has its place. flooding; difficult to locate faults; expensive to re- Overhead line construction starts with the set- pair; can be difficult to enter switches and cabinets ting of utility poles. Poles can be set in nearly any because of being surrounded by fencing or land- type of terrain, even rocky. In the case of heavy scaping; fed by overhead lines which are vulnerable rock, special equipment is used to auger out the to outages and interruptions; limitations on voltages hole. If placement occurs in boggy or wet terrain, that can be buried underground and can be vulner- many techniques are available to set poles securely. able to dig-ins. Once the poles are in place, wires can be strung and then equipment – like transformers, fuses and Determining if power lines should be installed reclosers – are installed. Power can now flow. overhead or underground boils down to what is Underground line construction requires digging best for each situation. Underground lines might a trench that is deep enough to keep the lines well be ideal in situations where there is a desire to keep away from surface activities. Where the terrain is the poles and wires out of sight, such as a residential extremely rocky, underground lines may not be an neighborhood, park or historical area or when there option. Next, wires are laid in the trench directly are obstacles making it difficult for required pole or placed in conduits for protection. The trench is placement. filled in and the surface is restored to its original Overhead systems work well since they can be condition. Padmount transformers and additional installed along the road right-of-way or for small equipment are installed as needed, now the system electrical loads where cost of construction is a is ready to deliver electricity. concern. Let’s take a look at some the advantages and dis- The ultimate mix of underground and overhead advantages of each construction method, beginning construction used by Southeastern provides you, with overhead. our members, with the highest possible quality of service at the lowest possible price. Cost, appear- Overhead construction ance, reliability, maintenance and future upgrades Pros: Lower cost, quicker construction, easier to will drive which application is the better approach. spot damage and faults, less expensive to repair and As always, if you have future plans of electrical upgrade, can be built anywhere and can span over additions to your home, farm or business, please let many obstacles. With proper maintenance, overhead us know as soon as possible so we can better serve lines can have a service life of more than 50 years. your needs.

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • November 2016 7 Tackling the Decline in Rural Voting Through Co-ops Vote

With ElEction Day quickly approaching, than 560 electric co-ops representing all the states America’s electric cooperatives continue to build mo- in which co-ops operate are taking part in the mentum behind an innovative program to boost the effort. As of mid-August, 50 co-ops had achieved political clout of rural America. Called Co-ops Vote, “5-star status,” indicating they had undertaken at the non-partisan campaign has one simple goal: least five distinct program activities, such as hosting increase voter turnout at the polls this November. an employee engagement event or voter registration In the 2012 elections, rural voter turnout drive, building awareness of Co-ops Vote through dropped by 18 percent, twice the decline seen across newsletter articles, or promoting the campaign on By the nation as a whole. social media. Dan Riedinger Electric co-ops are deeply rooted in their com- Employees at West River Electric Association in munities, and that decline raised an alarm. Con- Wall, S.D., have worked to ensure that members cerned that the downward voting trend would con- who stop by the office are registered to vote. tinue, and could diminish the voice of rural America More than half a million people have seen news in future elections, co-ops sprung to action. about Co-ops Vote through social media, and sev- Participation in Co-ops Vote is strong. More eral thousand have taken the pledge to get out and

8 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS vote in this election. “America’s electric coopera- The maps below examine voter turnout in general elections since 2000 tives are leaders in the com- for South Dakota and surrounding states. The turnout is for Voting Eligible munities they serve through- Population (VEP) total ballots counted, unless otherwise noted. VAP stands for out the country,” NRECA Voting Age Population. The state’s overall ranking in terms of voter turnout is CEO Jim Matheson said. indicated on the top line. Source: http://www.electproject.org “Co-ops Vote focuses elected leaders on the people who are most invested in the success 2012 General Election Turnout of their own communities. With 42 million members in (VEP Total Ballots Counted) 47 states, electric co-ops are a MT: 14. ND: 23. powerful voice on national is- MN: 1. 63.5% 60.4% sues that have a local impact.” 58.6% Turnout b 76.4% Anyone can take the pledge Z 130 million ballots SD: 24. online by visiting www.vote. 222 million VEP CO: 27. 60.1% W IA: coop. The website provides a 240 million VAP 59% xoNE 20. 3(T). variety of voter resources and information on key issues, 61.1% L70.6% such as the importance of c https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EYjW8l4y-5xPbkTFjdjdpnxOCgVvB8rM_oqjtJhtQKY/pubhtml rural economic development z and the continuing need for safe, reliable and affordable 2008 General Election Turnout electricity. (VEP Total Ballots Counted) Support for the effort MT 18. extends well beyond the co-op ND: 27. MN: 1. 67.1% 63.6% community. When the Ken- 62.2% Turnout b 78.1% tucky Association of Electric Z SD: 22. 132.6 million ballots Cooperatives launched its 213 million VEP CO: 29. 65.6% W Co-ops Vote program, Ken- 231 million VAP 63.1% IA: 6. tucky Secretary of State Alison xoNE: 26. 69.7% Lundergan Grimes gave it her 63.7% L endorsement. “As a common- c wealth, we have work to do to zhttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1deCSqgLqrzFgpUa_S8Gk-8mKrPq47pkx1eqKwZGtSqA/edit#gid=1424011440 increase voter turnout in all of our elections, especially in 2004 General Election Turnout rural Kentucky where turnout (VEP Total Ballots Counted) is below the state average in almost every cycle,” she said. MT: 18. ND: 17.MN: 1. “I appreciate our electric 60.7% Turnout 65.2% 65.5% 78.8% cooperatives working hard to b 123.5 million ballots Z SD: 8. urge citizens in rural areas to 203 million VEP CO: 14. vote in this important elec- 69.4% W 220 million VAP 66.3% IA: 6. tion year. I am excited to be a xoNE: 24. 70.6% partner in their efforts as we 64.1% continue to work to get more cL Kentuckians to the polls.” zhttp://www.electproject.org/2004g Show your support for rural communities by join- 2000 General Election Turnout ing co-op members across the country in casting your ballot (VEP Total Ballots Counted) on Nov. 8. MT: 6. ND: 10. MN: 1. 62.6% Dan Riedinger writes on con- 55.3% Turnout b61.1% 70.1% sumer and cooperative affairs 107 million ballots Z SD: 15. for the National Rural Electric 194 million VEP CO: 9. 58.7% W Cooperative Association, the 210 million VAP 61.4% IA* Arlington, Va.-based service xoNE: 17. 63.2% arm of the nation’s 900-plus 57.8% L consumer-owned, not-for-profit http://www.electproject.org/2000g *Iowa’s figure is for VEP for Highestc Office, not VEP Total Ballots Counted electric cooperatives. z COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • November 2016 9 Co-op News

Statement of Ownership Hungry?Come see us at Appreciation Days!

In appreciation of our members,

will have a FREE Pancake and Sausage Feed.

Nov. 2 Nov. 5 Alcester City Auditorium, 5 to 7 p.m. Tea All Occasions (3/4 mile west of I-29 Exit 73) Nov. 3 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Salem Armory, 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 4 Viborg Community Building, 5 to 7 p.m. Come Hungry and don’t forget to register for a chance to WIN an all-expenses-paid, three-day member bus tour.

10 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS Board News

Title VI – Statement of Nondiscrimination Board Summary Report In accordance with Federal civil The board of directors of utility assistant for a full-time rights law and U.S. Department of position. Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regu- Southeastern Electric Coop- lations and policies, the USDA, its erative met on Monday, Sept. Marketing and Member Agencies, offices, and employees, 19, 2016, with all directors Services Manager Mark Neu 2016. Motion carried. and institutions participating in present. Also present were reviewed his written report • A motion was made and or administering USDA programs Manager Brad Schardin, At- and discussed manufacturing seconded to approve revisions ® are prohibited from discriminat- torney Alan Peterson and staff errors on a Marathon water to Policies 501, 502, and 503 ing based on race, color, national members John McDonald, heater order and the growth in as presented. Motion carried. origin, religion, sex, gender iden- John Euchner, Todd Nelson apartment building construc- • A motion was made and tity (including gender expression), and Mark Neu. tion in the Sioux Falls area. seconded to approve the pro- sexual orientation, disability, age, Manager Schardin in his Consumer Relations and posed retail rate schedules for marital status, family/parental sta- report reviewed with the IT Manager Todd Nelson re- Primary Voltage/Single-Phase tus, income derived from a public board the following items: viewed his written report and service as presented. Motion assistance program, political beliefs, • Discussed concerns and announced the implementa- carried. or reprisal or retaliation for prior issues surrounding a master tion of the pre-pay program • A motion was made civil rights activity, in any program metering variance issued by and line retention fee. and seconded to approve or activity conducted or funded by the South Dakota Public In his legal report, At- the proposed 2017 retail USDA (not all bases apply to all Utilities Commission for an torney Peterson reviewed rate schedules for POET- programs). Remedies and complaint apartment complex. director obligations associated Chancellor, NuGen-Marion, filing deadlines vary by program or • Reviewed additional de- with capital credit alloca- TransCanada-Freeman and incident. tails on the land options for the tions and retirements along Lewis & Clark-Bucksnort as Persons with disabilities who new Salem facilities and con- with the applicable portions presented. Motion carried. require alternative means of com- sensus was given to pursue a of the current board policy. • A motion was made munication for program informa- purchase agreement for the pre- He indicated the importance and seconded to accept the tion (e.g., Braille, large print, au- of documenting the board dis- proposed bid from Guernsey diotape, American Sign Language, ferred location along Hwy 81. etc.) should contact the responsible • Informed the board on cussion and approval process to conduct a rate and cost of Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at the recent SDRE manager’s for allocation and retirements service study. Motion carried. (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or conference and information in the minutes of the meeting. • A motion was made and contact USDA through the Federal on the renewal of mutual aid Board members consid- seconded to authorize all Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. agreements. ered and/or acted upon the directors to attend the CFC Additionally, program information • Discussed the status of following matters: Financial Workshop in Pierre. may be made available in languag- litigation on the CPP and • Consent Agenda Items: Motion carried. es other than English. lessons learned in Arizona for – The cooperative’s • A motion was made and To file a program discrimina- solar projects. expenditures for the seconded to authorize all di- tion complaint, complete the USDA • Updated the board on month of August rectors to attend the Yankton Program Discrimination Complaint several strategic goals and 2016 were reviewed. Legislative Forum. Motion Form, AD-3027, found online at objectives. – Accepted new mem- carried. How to File a Program Discrimina- • Reviewed the circulation bers as presented. • A motion was made and tion Complaint and at any USDA folder and various member- – Approved estate re- seconded to authorize the office or write a letter addressed related issues. funds for settlement of president, vice president and to USDA and provide in the letter CFO John McDonald patronage capital. attorney to attend the Sioux all of the information requested in reviewed his written report – Approved member loan Falls Legislative Forum. Mo- the form. To request a copy of the and the preliminary financial requests as presented. tion carried. complaint form, call (866) 632- report for August 2016. • A motion was made and • A motion was made and 9992. Submit your completed form Operations Manager John seconded to approve special seconded to authorize all di- or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Euchner reviewed his out- equipment summaries. Mo- rectors to attend the NRECA Department of Agriculture, Office age and safety reports and tion carried. Board Leadership Training in of the Assistant Secretary for Civil • A motion was made and Pierre. Motion carried. Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, commented on traffic-related SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; close calls, the backlog of seconded to authorize the of- The next regular monthly (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) work orders not incorporated ficers to represent the board at meeting will be held on email: [email protected]. into the mapping system and the Joint Director/Employee Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, at the departure of a temporary Committee meeting, Oct. 6, the Marion office.

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • November 2016 11 Along the Trail South Dakota Leaders Line the Path

In a sEason of politics in a city built arounD ment and enlightenment of those living in and visit- politics, the South Dakota Trail of Governors ing South Dakota and its Capital city. The project emerges to bring the state’s top leaders to life in is believed to be unique in its tribute to a state’s bronze. governors. Rapid City has statues of U.S. Presidents By Since the placement of the first statues in 2012, throughout the downtown area of the city that is Brenda Kleinjan the trail has brought to life the vision of two Pierre, the gateway to Mount Rushmore. S.D., businessmen – LeRoy Foster and Rick Jensen The Trail of Governors Foundation to bring the – who dreamed of creating a lasting legacy of South vision for the statues to reality. Former governors’ Dakota’s governors. Combining a love of history families who had been identified were notified so with an appreciation of arts, the duo envisioned a that work could begin on statues for those individu- concept to bring the state’s past top leaders to life- als. The foundation is still missing a few families size scale. and help is requested from anyone with clues on the When completed, the trail of bronze statues will governors, particularly former governors Charles H. honor each of the state’s governors for the enjoy- Sheldon of Pierpont, Frank Byrne of Faulkton and

The plan is to erect statues for every South Dakota governor who has served the state and is no longer in office. The statues will be placed on city property, creating a trail from the Missouri River-front area, through downtown Pierre and continuing to and around the state Capitol

Contact Information

For more information on the Trail of Governors Foundation, please contact: 12 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS Trail of Governor’s Foundation 1714 N. Lincoln Pierre, SD 57501 Biographies of Governors with Statues Gov. Arthur Calvin Mellette Gov. Sigurd Anderson 1st Governor of South Dakota 19th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1889-1893 Years in Office: 1951-1955 William Bulow of Beresford. Birth: June 23, 1842, Henry County, Ind. Birth: Jan. 22, 1904, Arendel, Norway As the project progresses, governors’ families Death: May 25, 1896, Pittsburg, Kan. Death: Dec. 21, 1990, Webster, S.D. from across the United States share their personal stories of these South Dakota leaders. Foundation Gov. Charles Nelson Herreid Gov. Joe Foss members and artists continue piecing together 4th Governor of South Dakota 20th Governor of South Dakota each governor’s historical puzzle with details such Years in Office: 1901-1905 Years in Office: 1955-1959 as physical features, greatest accomplishments and Birth: Oct. 20, 1857, Madison, Wis. Birth: April 17, 1915, Sioux Falls, S.D. favorite pastimes. Death: July 6, 1928, Aberdeen, S.D. Death: Jan. 1, 2003, Scottsdale, Ariz. Among the South Dakota artists creating the sculptures are Lee Leuning, John Lopez, James Gov. Robert Scadden Vessey Gov. Nils Andreas Boe Michael Maher and Sherri Treeby. The foundation’s 7th Governor of South Dakota 23rd Governor of South Dakota goal is to unveil three bronze statues each year be- Years in Office: 1909-1913 Years in Office: 1965-1969 ginning in 2012 and to complete 30 statues within Birth: May 16, 1858, Birth: Sept. 10, 1913, Baltic, S.D. 10 years. Plans are to continue commissioning stat- Winnebago County, Wis. Death: July 30, 1992, Sioux Falls, S.D. ues as each future governor leaves office so the trail Death: Oct. 18, 1929, Pasadena, Calif. will wind its way through South Dakota’s future. Gov. Frank Leroy Farrar The governors guide visitors through Pierre’s busi- Gov. Peter Norbeck 24th Governor of South Dakota ness district and around the state Capitol Complex. 9th Governor of South Dakota Years in Office: 1969-1971 Private donations fund each statue with a donor Years in Office: 1917-1921 Birth: April 2, 1929, Britton, S.D. or donor group contributing $72,000 for one Birth: Aug. 27, 1870, Clay County, S.D. governor. Death: Dec. 20, 1936, Redfield, S.D. Gov. Richard Francis Kneip Some of the depictions of the governors draw 25th Governor of South Dakota upon iconic connections the governor may have had Gov. Warren Everett Green Years in Office: 1971-1978 with his place in the state’s history and culture. 13th Governor of South Dakota Birth: Jan. 7, 1933, Tyler, Minn. From his vantage point across the street of the Years in Office: 1931-1933 Death: March 9, 1987, Sioux Falls, S.D. state capitol, the state’s 29th governor, Walter Dale Birth: March 10, 1869, Miller, holds a branding iron, signalling his western Jackson County, Wis. Gov. Harvey Lowell Wollman South Dakota ranching roots. Death: April 27, 1945, Watertown, S.D. 26th Governor of South Dakota The state’s first governor, Arthur Mellette stands Years in Office: 1978-1979 on the lawn of the Hughes County Courthouse, Gov. Tom Berry Birth: May 14, 1935, Frankfort, S.D. gazing down historic Pierre Street to the banks of 14th Governor of South Dakota the Missouri River. Years in Office: 1933-1937 Gov. William John “Bill” Janklow Gov. Bill Janklow who served a total of four Birth: April 23, 1879, Paddock, Neb. 27th and 30th Governor of South Dakota terms as the state’s 27th and 30th governor, bran- Death: Oct. 30, 1951, Rapid City, S.D. Years in Office: 1979-1987 and 1995-2003 dishes a bull horn as he stares down the State’s Birth: Sept. 13, 1939, Chicago, Illinois Department of Transportation. Gov. Leslie Jensen Death: Jan. 12, 2012, Sioux Falls, S.D. The state’s 18th governor, George T. Mikkelson, 15th Governor of South Dakota attired in a crisp suit of the 1940s, is caught mid- Years in Office: 1937-1939 Gov. George Speaker Mickelson stride walking from the west side of the Capitol Birth: Sept. 15, 1892, Hot Springs, S.D. 28th Governor of South Dakota while his son George S. (governor No. 28) is on the Death: Dec. 14, 1964, Rapid City, S.D. Years in Office: 1987-1993 opposite end of the capitol grounds with his hand Birth: Jan. 31, 1941-Mobridge, S.D. outstretched in greeting. Gov. Harlan John Bushfield Death: April 19, 1993-near Dubuque, Iowa On the lawn of the Governor’s Mansion, gov- 16th Governor of South Dakota ernor No. 31 and now U.S. Senator M. Michael Years in Office: 1939-1943 Gov. Walter Dale Miller Rounds is depicted waiting the state’s pheasant hunt Birth: Aug.6, 1882, Atlantic, Iowa 29th Governor of South Dakota with his dog at his side and a shotgun in his hands. Death: Sept. 27, 1948, Miller, S.D. Years in Office: 1993-1995 For more information on the Trail of Governors Birth: Oct. 5, 1925, Viewfield, S.D. Foundation, please contact: Trail of Governor’s Gov. George Theodore Mickelson Death: Sept. 28, 2015, Dallas, Texas Foundation, 1714 N. Lincoln, Pierre, SD 57501 or 18th Governor of South Dakota call 605-454-0689. You Can also find information Years in Office: 1947-1951 Gov. Marion Michael “Mike” Rounds online at www.trailofgovernors.com. Birth: July 23, 1903, Selby, S.D. 31st Governor of South Dakota Opposite Page: Among the 19 South Dakota Governors me- Death: Feb. 28, 1965, Sioux Falls, S.D. Years in Office: 2003-2011 morialized with a statue along the Trail of Governors is Gov. Birth: Oct. 24, 1954, Huron, S.D. George T. Mikkelson, who, on Feb. 26, 1947, signed the South Dakota Electric Cooperative Act.

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • November 2016 13 Co-ops See Veterans as Key Players in Next Generation Workforce

America’s electric cooperatives have long en- Serve Our Country, a nationwide initiative to honor joyed a strong relationship with the nation’s armed and hire military veterans and their spouses. forces. The program was developed to help electric Most military bases are located in rural areas, cooperatives address a generational turnover in and the power systems at some bases are operated its workforce. Over the next five years, NRECA by electric cooperatives. A disproportionately large estimates electric co-ops will need to hire approxi- percentage of our nation’s troops – some estimates mately 15,000 new employees to replace retiring By Justin LaBerge suggest as high as 40 percent – come from rural baby boomers. America. Even the organization responsible for rep- Those new workers will fill roles in every depart- resenting electric cooperatives in Washington, D.C., ment, from line workers climbing poles to mem- the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association ber service representatives answering questions to (NRECA), was once led by a retired Army general. engineering and IT experts designing and managing Last year, America’s electric cooperatives began a smarter electric grid. a new chapter in their long history of support for In addition to the technical skills these jobs re- the military with the launch of Serve Our Co-ops; quire, electric cooperative employees must be hard-

14 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS working, disciplined, loyal, safety-conscious and ful in his answers. It was the perfect interview, you team-oriented – qualities that are common among might say.” military veterans. Sloan brings more than a strong résumé and pro- This summer, Serve our Co-ops; Serve Our fessional demeanor to his new position at Craighead Country celebrated a major milestone when former Electric. He also brings a love for the community Air Force Captain Jeremiah Sloan became the first and a desire to return to his roots. veteran officially hired through the program. “I grew up in northeast Arkansas,” Sloan said. The story of how Sloan landed his new job as “My family is a long line of farmers, and they’re ac- an electrical engineer at Craighead Electric Coop- tually on Craighead Electric’s lines. The whole rea- erative in Jonesboro, Ark., reads like the plot of a son my wife and I decided to separate from the Air Hollywood movie. Force was to return home and be close to family.” For several months, Craighead Electric CEO Though Sloan is the first veteran hired through Brian Duncan had been working to fill the position. the initiative, he won’t be the last. Several other Duncan advertised the veterans have been hired opening in local papers through the program. In and national job sites and addition to nationwide attracted a number of outreach through NRECA, highly qualified candi- approximately 50 electric dates. cooperatives across the Sloan’s application was country have already taken among those strong can- the pledge to join the ef- didates, but he wouldn’t fort on the local level. be available to start for The support of veterans six months when his Air and reservists extends far Force service ended. beyond the scope of the Duncan, hoping to fill formal Serve Our Co- the position sooner than ops; Serve Our Country that, made offers to two program into the routine other well-qualified ap- operation of many electric plicants, but was unable to cooperatives. come to terms with either. Two managers at AECI, a wholesale supplier of Shortly after the second candidate fell through, electric equipment owned by the electric coopera- Duncan attended a national conference for electric tives of Arkansas, were recently honored by the cooperative CEOs. One of the sessions featured two United States Marine Corps for their support of fellow co-op CEOs, one of whom was a 25-year a Marine Reservist working at the cooperative’s Air Force veteran, discussing the newly launched warehouse in Stillwater, Okla. In August, Russ Dil- veteran hiring initiative. ley and Eric Creekmore were presented the Patriot “The whole time they’re talking I’m thinking Award for giving AECI Truck Driver Michael Hen- about Jeremiah; we probably need to look at this derson the workplace flexibility he needs to serve in guy. For these guys coming out of the military, what the Marine Corps Reserves. better way to say ‘thank you’ than to give them a Serve Our Co-ops; Serve Our Country is an- job,” Duncan said. other way America’s electric cooperatives can show They scheduled an interview and it didn’t take concern for community while building a next gen- long for Duncan to realize the co-op had found its eration workforce that will deliver the exceptional next engineer in Sloan. service co-op members expect and deserve. “He was extremely professional. It was straight To learn more about the program and career op- down the line. ‘Yes, sir.’ ‘No, sir.’ Very detailed in portunities for veterans at electric cooperatives, visit his answers to all of the questions. Very thought- www.ServeVets.coop.

This summer, Serve our Co-ops; Serve Our Country, a nation- Cathy Cash and Denny Gainer contributed to this wide initiative to honor and hire military veterans and their report. Justin LaBerge writes on consumer and spouses, celebrated a major milestone when former Air Force cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Captain Jeremiah Sloan became the first veteran officially hired Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based through program. service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer- owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • November 2016 15 Regional Dateline October 15-January 3 Events of Special Note 2016 Pheasant Hunting Season Statewide, Pierre, SD October 19-31 605-223-7660 Country Apple Orchard Opens Monday thru Friday October 20 27249 SD Hwy 115 C&NW Historic Railroad Depot Harrisburg, SD, 605-743-2424 Box Lunch Day, Redfield, SD www.countryappleorchard.com 605-472-4550 [email protected] October 21-23 October 24 Autumn Festival, An Arts & Pentatonix, Sioux Falls, SD Crafts Affair, Sioux Falls, SD

605-367-7288 OF CHAD S.D. TOURISM COPPESS, COURTESY PHOTO 402-331-2889 To have your event listed on this page, send complete information, including date, event, place and contact to your local electric cooperative. October 28-30 Include your name, address and daytime telephone number. Information must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to your event. Zoo Boo, Sioux Falls, SD Please call ahead to confirm date, time and location of event. 605-367-7003

October 29 November 3-5 November 18-19 December 2-3 Zoo Boo, Watertown, SD S.D. Local Foods Conference Holiday Arts Christmas Craft Living Christmas Tree 605-882-6269 Highland Conference Center Show, Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aberdeen, SD, 605-229-6349 Mitchell, SD, 605-342-2180 Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 29-30 Masonic Temple, Mitchell, SD December 2-3, 8-10, 15-17 Haunted Heartland Country November 5 605-248-2526 Strawbale Winery Twilight Corn Maze, Harrisburg, SD 77th Annual Lutefisk Feed Flights 2016, Renner, SD Summit, SD, 605-881-4377 November 18-January 8 605-543-5071 October 30 Winter Wonderland, Falls Park Soup and Pie Supper November 11 Sioux Falls, SD, 605-275-6060 December 3 Tea Lions Club will be serving Veterans Day at Crazy Horse Holy Rocka Rollaz Christmas their Famous Bean and Ham Memorial, Crazy Horse, SD November 22-December 26 Concerts, Watertown, SD Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup 605-673-4681 Christmas at the Capitol 605-882-3877 and Vegetable Beef Soup to Pierre, SD, 605-773-3178 raise monies from 4 to 7 p.m. November 12 December 3 Community Hall, $7 adult Holiday Open House November 25-26 and Christmas Parade and Holiday $4 children under 10 Extravaganza, Sisseton, SD December 10, 17-18, 22-23 Gift & Craft Fair, Custer, SD Bring you old glasses to be 605-698-7425 1880 Train Holiday Express 605-673-2244 fitted so someone can see Hill City, SD, 605-574-2222 and your old hearing aids and November 17-19 December 10 batteries so someone can hear Crafty Gals Open House on November 26 Holiday Shopping Event and see!! That is what Lions is the Front Porch, Barn doors, I Love the ‘90s, Sioux Falls, SD Community Building about and much more!! They ladders – we have lots of new 605-367-7288 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., There will do alot of “rooaarin” on the ideas, Thursday and Friday be FCCLA students to entertain first Tuesday of every month at 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. November 26 children for a freewill 7 p.m. at Tea Community Hall to 3 p.m., 308 S Main Street Holiday Celebration and Winter donation so you can shop the 200 W Maple, Tea, SD Lennox, SD, 605-321-5699 Market, Rapid City, SD day away, Alcester, SD 605-716-7979 605-934-2851