Blunt, S.D.

Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Phone: 605-962-6243 OR 1-800-640-6243 Web Site: www.oaheelectric.com

NOVEMBER 2016 VOL. 17 NO. 7

Co-ops Vote: Ensuring Rural America is Heard P8-9 Co-op News

My Electric Co-op Is Sending Me a Check! Capital Credit Retirement Statement of Ownership Only your local cooperatives make every consumer an owner of the business. Unlike other electric utilities, your co-op exists to make sure your needs are always met, not to make a profit. As a member-owner, you share in the profits in the form of capital credit refunds. The cooperative works hard every day to keep your rates as low as possible. But it’s sure nice to know that when there are profits, they go back to you! After reviewing the financial condition of your cooperative for the year, your board of directors approved a capital credit retirement of approxi­ mately $250,000. As a nonprofit electric cooperative, Oahe Electric allocates our annual operating margins, or profits, to members receiving service during the year. These margins (revenue in excess of expenses) are allocated using a propor­ tional ratio (using the dollar amount of electric service that each member purchases in a year compared to the total electric service purchased by all members) and are called capital credits. They are used by Oahe Electric for operating funds and paid back to our members as the financial condition of the cooperative permits and as bylaw provisions are met. In keeping with our attempt to run your business in the most efficient manner we can for the entire membership, your capital credits were cred­ ited directly to your bill again this year. This transaction will be on the bill you receive in November 2016. The amount credited will be listed in the Detail of Charges on your bill. Of course we still have to hand write some checks. Checks will be written for those members who no longer have an active electric account with us or current members whose capital credit re­ tirement dollar amounts are large enough that it would create an ongoing credit balance on their bill. If you cease to purchase energy from Oahe Electric Cooperative, please keep us informed of your address in future years. This will enable us to forward payment when the capital credits are refunded for the year or years of your membership. Your co-op is always there with you, reinvesting in your community. In an electric co-op, the people have the power! Got a Sub Meter? Please Leave Power Turned On Most of you remember when Oahe Electric was at your home to install the sub meter. This meter allows your heating and cooling usage to be billed at the reduced rate. A problem that Oahe Electric encounters from year to year is that some of these meters are being shut off. This is done by shutting off a breaker in your service panel and when this happens, the meter cannot record any usage at the reduced rate. Therefore, the electric usage consumed by your heating system is being billed to you at the regular residential rate. This causes two problems: First, the consumers call with a high bill complaint. Second, Oahe employees have to diagnose the situation. Oahe will try to contact the homeowner via phone. If the problem cannot be fixed via phone, then we have to visit each site and check breakers, wiring and so on. Please make certain that all of your electric breakers are turned on. All electronic equipment has a switch or thermostat that should be used for and during maintenance. DO NOT SHUT OFF YOUR BREAKERS unless it’s an emergency.

2 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS Manager’s Column This November, Let Your Voice Be Heard (USPS No. 019-042) Editors Russ Hohn and Sam Irvine

General Manager Low voter turnout has been a topic of conversa­ Rodney Haag tion for the last several election cycles. Since the

Oahe Electric Board of Directors 1960s, voter turnout during presidential elections President has seen a steady decline – with the occasional Ken Gillaspie, 280-5015 uptick here and there. In the 2016 primary election cycle, voter turnout in most states was only 21 to Vice President 30 percent, and this was a record year for primary James Feller, 962-6207 Rodney Haag voter turnout! Secretary General Manager Some speculate the reason for the decline is Ross Sperry, 962-6141 [email protected] because the average American is not as engaged in politics as they have been in the past. And who Treasurer can blame us really? Often times, we may feel like Blaine Livermont – 945-2910 candidates are not speaking to the issues we care about. Or perhaps we Assistant Secretary don’t feel like we understand enough about the candidates’ stances on the Kirk Yackley, 605-258-2412 issues, or even the issues themselves. But we can change this. Here at Oahe Electric Cooperative, we want to see civic engagement Attorney in our rural communities increase. We want to give you what you need to David Larson make informed decisions about candidates at all levels of government, not just the presidential race. And we want you to know more about the issues OAHE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS is published monthly by Oahe Electric Cooperative, that could impact our local communities. Inc., PO Box 216, 102 S. Canford, Blunt, SD 57522, America’s electric cooperatives are doing their part by informing co-op for its members. Families subscribe to Oahe Electric staff and members through Co-ops Vote, a non-partisan campaign with Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership. Oahe Electric Cooperative one simple goal: increase voter turnout at the polls this November. By vis­ Connections’ purpose is to provide reliable, helpful iting vote.coop, you can learn about your candidates, access voter registra­ information to Oahe Electric Cooperative members on tion information and more. matters pertaining to rural electrification and better rural living. Subscription information: Electric cooperative The future of rural economies depends on their ability to keep up members devote 50 cents from their monthly electric with today’s global economy, which is why access to broadband internet payments for a subscription. Nonmember subscriptions is a key topic of discussion this election season. Just 55 percent of rural are available for $12 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid at Blunt, SD 57522 and at additional mailing offices. Americans have broadband at home. Quick access to information is crucial in finding a job, getting a better education and even gathering the POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Oahe Electric Cooperative Connections, PO Box 216, Blunt, SD 57522­ information needed to make major health decisions. But there is a barrier: 0216; telephone (605) 962-6243; fax (605) 962-6306; expensive costs. e-mail [email protected]; www.oaheelectric.com With the right state and federal policies, broadband technology can become available to all rural Americans, allowing families and businesses Oahe Mission Statement to communicate in new and faster ways. Electric cooperatives are already committed to providing affordable Oahe Electric delivers high quality, low-cost electricity to our communities, so helping provide affordable broadband electric service to our local member-owners. access is a natural next step. As a Touchstone Energy® Cooperative, we are We encourage you to visit vote.coop and take the pledge to learn more committed to meeting the highest standards of about the issues that impact us locally. Let’s work together to improve our customer satisfaction. communities by increasing voter turnout and changing our country, one We do business with accountability, integrity, vote at a time. innovation and commitment to community. As an electric co-op, we are part of America’s most trusted network of high quality energy providers.

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • November 2016 3 Safety Tips

Kidsʼ Corner Safety Poster Tricks, Treats and “Call before you dig.” Safety Make Halloween a Scream! It’s the time of year to stock up on sweet treats and fill the yard and home with decorations as ghosts, goblins and caped crusaders plan their invasion of your neighborhood. Safe Elec­ tricity urges everyone to make sure your costumed visitors are kept safe by following some basic electrical safety guidelines.

Safe Electricity suggests the following to avoid potential safety hazards: • Use only lights that have been safety tested and approved by Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Look for the UL label on the box and on each string. • Make sure extension cords are in good condition. Use only Amy Cichosz, 9 years old UL-approved cords rated to carry the electrical load you will Amy is the daughter of Eric and Jill Cichosz, Spearfish, S.D. connect to them. They are members of Butte Electric Cooperative, Newell, S.D. • Before plugging in the lights, check each string for broken sockets, frayed cords, or faulty plugs. Replace damaged strings. Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric coop- • Keep electric cords out of high-traffic areas. erative (address found on Page 3). If your poster is published, youʼll receive a • Don’t staple or nail through light strings or electrical prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names cords. of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged. • Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples to hold light strings in place, not nails or tacks. • Do not attach cords or lights to metal objects. • Outdoors, use only lights and cords rated for outdoor use. • Cords should be plugged into outlets equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Use a portable GFCI if your outdoor outlets don’t have them. GFCIs protect you from electric shocks. • Always unplug lights before going to bed or leaving your home. • Do not run electrical cords across sidewalks or other walk­ way areas that could trip or endanger trick-or-treaters. Indoors, avoid stretching cords across a room where people or pets can trip over them or become entangled.

Whether decorating or using extension cords in general, read the label on both the cord and the appliances that are plugged into it to make sure the cord can handle the load. If it can’t, use a higher-rated cord or unplug some appliances. Remember that extension cords are meant for temporary, not permanent, use. A safe celebration is the best celebration and following basic electrical safety guidelines will help you avoid real scares and keep your memories “boo-tiful” and fun.

Source: safeelectricity.org

4 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS Reader Recipes Crockpot Creations

Crockpot Corn Butternut Squash and Apples 2 (16 oz.) bags frozen corn 2 T. sugar 2 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/4 cup apple cider 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 tsp. salt 1-1/2-inch chunks (about 8 cups) 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 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 Combine all ingredients in crockpot. Cook on HIGH (about 4 cups) 1 tsp. salt setting for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours. 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks 1 tsp. thyme leaves Beverley Allbee, Woonsocket 1/2 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup toasted flaked coconut

Calico Beans Place squash, apples and onion in slow cooker. Mix remaining ingredients except coconut in small bowl until well blended. Pour over squash mixture. Cover. Cook 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 1 lb. bacon, diced 1/2 cup ketchup toasted coconut. Makes 15 (2/3-cup) servings. 1/2 cup chopped onion 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 can kidney beans 2 T. mustard Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 116, Total Fat 4g, Cholesterol 8mg, Sodium 222mg, Carbohydrates 19g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Protein 1g 1 can pork and beans 1 T. vinegar

Pictured, Cooperative Connections Brown ground beef, bacon and onion; drain. Combine all ingredients in crockpot. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Denene Miles, Doland Crockpot Steak and Rice 1-1/2 lbs. round steak, cut into 1 can cream of chicken soup Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken bite-size pieces 1 can water 1-1/2 lbs. chicken 8 oz. cream cheese Onion 1 cup rice 1 pkg. Good Seasons Italian 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can golden mushroom soup 2 T. soy sauce Dressing 6 to 8 oz. sliced mushrooms 1/4 to 1/2 cup water Butter Brown steak with a little onion. Mix soup and water Please send in crockpot. Stir in rice and soy sauce; mix well. Stir in your favorite browned steak. Cook on LOW 8 to 10 hours. May be holiday treat, 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 brunch recipes or LOW for 8 hours. After the chicken is cooked, remove Shirley Miller, Winfred from pot and set aside. Mix cream cheese and chicken to your local soup into the liquid that remains in the crockpot. Stir until Western Crockpot Omelet electric cooper­ melted and heated through. Shred chicken and add to cream ative (address 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 Tracy Romey, Oelrichs printed will be 1 lb. ham, cubed 1 cup 2% milk entered into a 1-1/2 cups shredded Cheddar 1 tsp. salt drawing for a Crockpot Hash Brown Casserole cheese 1 tsp. pepper prize in Decem­ 1 onion, chopped 2 rings smoked sausage, cut into 1 bag frozen hash browns ber 2016. All entries must pieces 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese include your 1 onion, chopped 2 cups cream of chicken soup Grease a 5-quart crockpot. Layer half of hash browns, ham, cheese, onion and green pepper. Repeat layers. name, mailing Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour over address, tele­ 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 top. Cook on HIGH 2 hours. minutes. tive name. Lynn Holzerland, Waubay Mary Jessen, Holabird

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • November 2016 5 Co-op News Directors Recognized for Training Achievements Thank You! Thank you so much for your generous contribu­ Oahe Electric directors Ken Gillaspie and Blaine Livermont were recently recognized for completion of portions of NRECA’s Director Certificate tion to Blunt Fest 2016! programs, which are specifically designed to help electric cooperative Bean bags were thrown, tacos were eaten and directors, at every stage of their service, understand their roles and respon­ 4-wheelers were driven! Poker was played, tag sibilities, stay up-to-date on the key issues and trends in the industry and was played, ribs were eaten and shopping was prepare them to meet the challenges facing electric cooperatives now and in the future. They are offered in three parts, taken in progression from done! Some lucky folks even won beef and a fundamental to advanced. Livermont completed the first level Creden­ pick-up! The weekend was a perfect blend of great tialed Cooperative Director Certificate while Gillaspie completed the next weather, great people and great times! level of Board Leadership Certificate. Many thanks for your continued support of NRECA director train­ Blunt Fest. We truly appreciate you. ing certificates were awarded to Ken Gil­ Crystal Kinkler, Blunt Fest Committee laspie, left, and Blaine Livermont, right, at Dear Co-op Members, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Thank you so much for your generous support Association Region VI for 4-H and for attending the premium sale. meeting in September. I plan to use my premium money towards covering the cost of my 4-H projects. Thank you, Ariana Schumacher

6 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS Co-op News Pumpkins A-Glow at Grambihlers Halloween is just around the corner and the annual jack-o­ lantern carvings at the David and Anissa Grambihler residence on Grey Goose Road north of Pierre will be glowing orange again this year. This has been an annual event for many years and attracts visitors of all ages. In recent years, they have added a “haunted” cemetery to the display and plan on two in 2016. The best time to view the carvings is in the evening shortly after sunset. Most of the carved pumpkins are grown in the backyard at the lights turned on until shortly after 10 p.m. To find the the Grambihler residence. There is no way of knowing how pumpkins, go three miles north of Pierre following Highway many pumpkins will be grown each season, but there is an es­ 1804 and then turn right on Grey Goose Road for another timation of around 150 pumpkins this year. The final number 4.5 miles north. You can’t miss the lights once you get close. will be known once they are all carved, put out on display and Providing they have not tripped a breaker or blown a fuse, the finally counted. There were 300 pumpkins in the 2015 display. glowing orange carvings are visible from quite a distance. The Grambihler family and friends start preparing the carv­ Please feel ings about a week before setting them out for viewing. This welcome to walk starts out by “gutting” the pumpkins at the beginning of the around for a close week and this typically takes a few days. Carving commences up view and take about three days before the pumpkins are set out for display. It pictures. The generally takes better part of a day to move all of the pumpkins Grambihler family out of the carving shed into the yard and stringing the Christ­ would like every­ mas lights into the pumpkins. Thankfully, they have many one to be careful good friends and neighbors that assist in this process. and watch out for The current schedule is to have this year’s display ready other vehicles and starting on Saturday, Oct. 22, and available through Monday, pedestrians. Oct. 31; weather permitting. The Grambihlers plan to keep

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. CO: 27. 222 million VEP 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 CO: 29. 65.6% 213 million VEP 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 Nondiscrimination Question of the Month In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Burgess Wins This month’s question: Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in The Question of What is one thing you can do or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity the Month winner to reduce energy usage during (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, for the September the winter months? marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public 2016 publication assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or was Alice Burgess. Please submit your answer funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Congratulations via e-mail! E-mails can be sent Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. for providing the Person with disabilities who require alternative means of to [email protected] with communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, correct answer! She the subject line reading: Ques­ audiotape , American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the received an insu­ tion of the Month. A winner will responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202)720-2600 lated grocery tote (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service be chosen and they will receive at (800)877-8339. Additionally, program information may be full of great prizes! made available in languages other than English. a surprise gift. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_ filing_cust.html and at Like Us on Facebook! any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in You can now keep in touch with your cooperative on Facebook! the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request We will share with you the latest news, events, a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your power outage updates, energy efficiency tips, completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of money-saving rebates, load management Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: information, legislative alerts, safety tips and (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected] much more! We hope you “like” Oahe Electric USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Cooperative, Inc. on Facebook. ???? ? Local Co-op Connections Card Program Vendors Offer Savings

Check out the offers below from local Home/Garden softener or reverse osmosis drinking water system businesses that are part of Oahe Electric’s The Pink Petal, Pierre – 10 percent discount when you mention this ad. Payments made by Cooperative Connections Card Program! on cash-and-carry purchases (fresh flowers only.) credit cards do not qualify for discounts/specials. 605-224-1775 605-224-5111 Automotive Slumberland Furniture, Olson Plumbing Inc., Pierre – $50 discount Graham Tire Company, Pierre – Receive 20 percent off any regular on any electric boiler, Marathon water a 10 percent discount on regularly priced service Pierre – priced Lazy Boy items. Excluding heater, or fireplace.605-224-6436 work. Cannot be combined with any other offer. any special orders. 605-945-1997 Small Engine House, Pierre – 10 605-224-8643 percent off parts and labor. 605-224­ Napa Auto and Truck Parts/Farnam’s Retail 5815 Genuine Parts, Inc., Pierre – Receive 10 per­ Fastenal, Pierre – 10 percent The Garage Door Guy, Pierre – cent to 50 percent off retail price. 605-224-8624 off of fasteners and 5 percent off on all other Receive a 10 percent discount on all service work. products. 605-224-4060 Food/Convenience Store 605-222-3104 Gator’s Pizza Pasta and Subs, Pierre Services Sports/Recreation – Purchase any large pizza at regular price and Airtech Heating and Cooling, Pierre – $50 Petersen Motors Inc., Pierre – 10 percent receive a FREE order of breadsticks. ($5.30 value.) discount on any new heat pump or $15 discount on discount on regularly priced Harley Davidson motor 605-224-6262 any service call. 605-945-0160 clothes. 605-224-4242 Grey Goose Store, Pierre – Receive a free Apryl’s Animal House, Pierre, SD – 10 per­ Teton River Traders Gun Shop LLC, Fort 20 oz. fountain soda or coffee with the minimum cent off of grooming or boarding. 605-224-9203 Pierre – 2 percent discount (Payments made by cred­ of a $30 gas or diesel purchase. 605-945-0794 Envirotech Waste Services, Pierre – it cards do not qualify for discount.) 605-224-1371 The Corner, Onida – Buy one medium Tornado Receive a 10 percent discount when paying for one The Great Escape Inc., Pierre – 10 percent and receive the second for $3. 605-258-2400 year’s service. 605-224-4804 discount on parts and accessories if total is more Inman’s Water Technologies, Pierre – than $100. 605-224-5632 Health/Fitness and Beauty Receive a 15 percent discount on the rental price of Anytime Fitness, Pierre – Receive a free a water softener and/or reverse osmosis drinking two-week mini-membership. 605-224-4011 water system by paying a year in advance. Receive You can read more about these and other Lotus Spalon, Pierre – 15 percent off 10 percent off of the purchase price of a new water discounts at www.co-opconnections.com or visiting products only. 605-494-1114 www.oaheelectric.com and clicking on the link 10 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS Member Services Report Colder Weather/Energy Tips

Many years ago, I can inexpensive. remember people from an • Clean your chimney and check your ventilation system. older generation saying, Remember to either remove window air conditioners or seal “Where has the summer around them with caulk or tape. If they are not removed, cover gone?” I now fully under­ with an insulated jacket. For a minimal cost, you can upgrade stand what they were talking insulation in your exterior walls, crawl spaces, basements and about. Summer slipped away attics. Several installation methods make this much easier than very quickly in 2016 and fall most people think. Outlet and light switch boxes should have a is upon us. foam insulation gasket placed behind them. If you heat or cool During late summer and a building that has single pane windows, consider replacing early fall, I have taken many them with energy efficient double pane windows. phone calls and have had • Check your water heater. Place your hand against the Russ Hohn numerous conversations surface of the heater. If it feels warm or hot, the energy used Member Services Manager regarding ways to reduce to heat water is escaping. Wrap the heater with an insulated [email protected] energy consumption and blanket. If you’re building a new home or remodeling, locate how to save money. I enjoy these conversations because they your water heater as close to the kitchen and laundry room as remind me of things that I need to do to reduce my electrical possible. Heat is lost as usage as well. the water moves through ? High energy bills are necessary if we want to stay comfort­ long pipes. Set your water ? able in our home right? Not at all! There are plenty of ways to heater thermostat at 120 reduce your energy costs without reducing your comfort. degrees. • Furnace filters are often • Have you seen the forgotten and when they be­ price of LED bulbs lately? come clogged they restrict air The price is significantly flow. This causes your HVAC less than a year ago! Light­ system to work harder which ing is often overlooked costs you more money. Some when it comes to saving filters are easy to change and money. In our geographic should be changed monthly area, we have a substantial amount of time when lighting is while others are more complex and need to be changed once needed in our homes and buildings. Please spend some time a year. Familiarize yourself with the location of your filter and and count the number of bulbs and their wattages that you service it when needed. If you would rather not do this, call a have in your structure. Just about any bulb type is now avail­ HVAC technician and they will take care of it. If you think an able in LED. Do you still have incandescent bulbs in your area of your home is not as comfortable as it should be, make buildings? Replace them ASAP. You will appreciate the imme­ sure to call a technician and check for proper airflow. Obstruc­ diate energy savings. Use LED tions in the ductwork or leakage will make your system run for bulbs for holiday decorations longer periods of time, costing you more money. also. • Consider a programmable thermostat. When everyone’s • Lastly, if you have at home it heats the house to your desired setting. But when concerns about inadequate you’re at work, it can be programmed insulation or air infiltration in to switch the temperature to 10 to 15 your building, call me at 800­ degrees cooler to save energy. If you’re 640-6243 or 605-280-3375. away for an extended period of time, We can set up an appoint­ you can also communicate/monitor ment for using a thermal the temperature of your home via imaging camera that will help smart devices such as cell phones, lap detect such issues. tops or computers. As always, thank you for • Seal leaks around doors, windows your patronage and contin­ and attic hatches. Heat from your ued support! home escapes out of these cracks. Have a safe and happy fall Cost of materials for this task is season!

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

akota gov- ed the state and is no longer in office. eating a ound the state Capitol

oundation, please 12 November 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 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 21-23 605-223-7660 Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair, Sioux Falls, SD October 20 402-331-2889 C&NW Historic Railroad Depot Box Lunch Day, Redfield, SD October 22 605-472-4550 Chris Young in Concert, Swiftel Center, Brookings, SD October 24 605-692-7539 Pentatonix, Sioux Falls, SD

605-367-7288 OF CHAD S.D. TOURISM COPPESS, COURTESY PHOTO 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 18-19 December 2-3 December 10 Zoo Boo, Watertown, SD Holiday Arts Christmas Craft Living Christmas Tree Frontier Christmas 605-882-6269 Show, Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aberdeen, SD, 605-229-6349 Lake City, SD, 605-448-5474 Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 29-30 Masonic Temple, Mitchell, SD December 2-3, 8-10, 15-17 December 15-March 31 Haunted Heartland Country 605-248-2526 Strawbale Winery Twilight South Dakota Snowmobile Corn Maze, Harrisburg, SD Flights 2016, Renner, SD Trails Season, Lead, SD November 18-January 8 605-543-5071 605-584-3896 November 3-5 Winter Wonderland, Falls Park S.D. Local Foods Conference Sioux Falls, SD, 605-275-6060 December 3 January 12-14 Highland Conference Center Holy Rocka Rollaz Christmas 16th Annual Ice Fishing Mitchell, SD, 605-342-2180 November 22-December 26 Concerts, Watertown, SD Tournament, Mobridge, SD Christmas at the Capitol 605-882-3877 605-845-2500 November 5 Pierre, SD, 605-773-3178 77th Annual Lutefisk Feed December 3 January 19-21 Summit, SD, 605-881-4377 November 25-26 and Christmas Parade and Holiday Snowmobile Rally December 10, 17-18, 22-23 Gift & Craft Fair, Custer, SD Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 November 11 1880 Train Holiday Express 605-673-2244 Veterans Day at Crazy Horse Hill City, SD, 605-574-2222 January 20-21 Memorial, Crazy Horse, SD December 9-10 ISOC Deadwood SnoCross 605-673-4681 November 26 Sharpshooter Classic Showdown, Deadwood, SD I Love the ‘90s, Sioux Falls, SD Winner, SD, 605-842-1533 605-578-1876 November 12 605-367-7288 Holiday Open House December 10 January 21 Extravaganza, Sisseton, SD November 26 Breakfast with Santa Bark Beetle Blues Crawl 605-698-7425 Holiday Celebration and Winter Watertown, SD, 605-882-6269 Custer, SD, 605-440-1405 Market, Rapid City, SD 605-716-7979