Lake Region Electric Association, We Are Not Only Listening, We Are Eager to Hear from You

Lake Region Electric February 2020 Vol. 20 No. 10

Reasons to Love Your Electric Co-op Page 8 Outhouse Racing in Nemo Page 12 MANAGER’S COLUMN

We Want to Hear from You We live in a device-driven world. Our smartphones, tablets, laptops and an assortment of other devices help us communicate and connect. Companies spend billions pushing out a steady drumbeat of messages and information and constantly bombarding us with one-way communication. But is anyone listening on the other end? At Lake Region Electric Association, we are not only listening, we are eager to hear from you. Whether you text us, respond to a survey or social media post, send an email or simply stop by and chat in person, we thrive on your feedback. Connecting with you helps us keep pace with our community’s priorities and needs. Because we are a cooperative, we have a different way of operating. Lake Region Electric Associa- tion exists to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to you, the members of the co-op. Equally Tim McIntyre important is our mission to enrich the lives of the members we serve. We hope you will consider us more than your energy provider, but instead, as a local business that supports this community and General Manager powers economic development and prosperity for the people. [email protected] You will notice that throughout the year, we create opportunities for you and other community members to attend co-op gatherings and events in order to hear from you. These include our annual meeting and the adult member Basin Electric Tour. Lake Region Electric Association also sponsors events for area youth such as the Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., and the Youth Excursion to North Dakota. We conduct various surveys to gather feedback so that we can plan for new initiatives, technical Lake Region upgrades and improvements on existing co-op programs and services. Our planning is led by local members just like you who understand the needs of the community and are looking out for the Electric long-term interests of the larger community. Additional ways that we try to reach the members of Association Lake Region Electric Association in order to gain feedback are by hosting a website: www.lakeregion.coop and our current social media page is Facebook. We are also looking into works to the possibility of hosting a Twitter account to update members on work being done, outages and continually storms. Our monthly publication, Lake Region Electric Ripples Cooperative Connections, lands in the homes and businesses of all of our members. Members often call our offices or stop by to share learn from our ideas, concerns and general input. We just love to hear from you! members about We are in the midst of significant changes in the energy sector, as technology and the drive for more their priorities renewables and a more balanced energy mix is impacting long-term planning. These are complex issues that we will be navigating in the coming months and years. This is why it’s so important that so that we can we hear from you and other community members as we plot our course for the future. better serve you. Lake Region Electric Association works to continually learn from our members about their priorities so that we can better serve you – because your electric co-op was built by the community, for the community. But we can only improve, adapt and effectively plan for the future if we have two-way communication. For our co-op and community to thrive now and in the future, we depend on hearing from you. I hope you will connect with us and let us know your perspective. You can always reach me directly by calling the Lake Region Electric Association office or emailing me at [email protected]. I’m listening. Thank you and God Bless, Tim McIntyre

Welcome Tyler Block Deborah Felstehausen Cary and Courtney Jane M. Larson Brassfield New LREA Gina Ruggieri Meri Erickson Members Jessica and Ryan Pearson

2 Cooperative Connections | February 2020 NATIONAL NEWS Lake Region Electric Ripples 2020 Spending Package Equals Good

(USPS 018-904) News for Co-ops Board of Directors Kermit Pearson, President Congress passed the 2020 spending package that contained the RURAL Act, the Rodney Tobin, Vice President SECURE Act, and other key provisions for electric cooperatives and their consumer-members. President Trump then signed the bill. Thomas Steiner, Secretary Roger Kulesa, Treasurer RURAL Act Andrea Kilker Lake Region Electric Association has been working with other electric cooperatives Amy Kuecker across the country to pass the Rural Act. We previously shared information with our Mark Wismer members in the Lake Region Electric Ripples Cooperative Connections magazine as well as Danny Smeins, LREA Attorney on our Facebook page explaining what the RURAL Act is and why it is so important to our cooperative and our members. General Manager: Tim McIntyre The bill’s passage fixes a problem created in 2017 when Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which redefined government grants to co-ops as income rather than Staff capital. That change made it difficult for many co-ops to abide by the 15 percent limit Donna Sattler, Director of on nonmember income to keep their tax-exempt status. The RURAL Act once again Finance/Office Services Manager exempts grants from being counted as income and is retroactive to the 2018 tax year. Jim Grimes, Manager of Operations Without the fix, some co-ops would have had to start paying taxes this spring after Brett Kwasniewski, receiving grants in 2018 or 2019 to repair storm damage, bring high-speed internet to Manager of Member Services rural communities or invest in renewable energy and energy-efficiency programs. Many co-op leaders feared they would have to raise rates for members to pay the new taxes. Tim Gaikowski, Manager of Technology Services SECURE Act The Spending Package also included the SECURE Act, which will lower the premiums that electric co-ops in the RS Plan pay to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for low-risk defined benefit pension plans. This provision alone will save electric co-ops more than $30 million annually. Lake Region Electric Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Repeals Repeals the “parking lot tax,” which would have G Like us on Facebook: assessed taxes on about one-third of electric Lake Region Electric Association Inc. co-ops. LAKE REGION RIPPLES COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS is the Repeals the 40 percent “Cadillac tax” on employer monthly publication for the members of Lake Region Electric Association, Inc., PO Box 341, 1212 N Main St., Webster, health plans that will help protect health care SD 57274. Lake Region Electric Cooperative Connections’ purpose is to provide reliable, helpful information to benefits for all co-op employees. members on electric cooperative matters and better living. Subscription information: As part of their membership, The National Rural Electric Cooperative Associa- Lake Region Electric members devote 50 cents from their tion’s CEO, Jim Matheson, credits co-ops like Lake monthly electric payments for a subscription. Nonmember subscriptions are available for $12 annually. (USPS 018-904) Region Electric Association for helping get this Periodicals Postage Paid at Webster, SD 57274 and at additional mailing offices. legislation passed. “This success would not have been possible without the tireless commitment POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Lake Region Ripples Cooperative Connections and support of co-op members like you. Your powerful voices and real-world impact PO Box 341, Webster, SD 57274 Telephone 605-345-3379; stories cut through the clutter inside the beltway and forced lawmakers to action. These Toll Free 1-800-657-5869; Fax 605-345-4442 tremendous accomplishments highlight what is possible when the co-op network works E-mail: together toward solutions – all of which ultimately work toward the goal of keeping 24 hour Dispatching/Outage Line electricity affordable and reliable for member-consumers.” 1-800-657-5869 February 2020 | Cooperative Connections 3 SAFETY TIPS Getting Involved

The state legislatures of both Space Heater Safety Minnesota and South Dakota convened in early January. Need Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home to contact your legislator while in fires in the United States. More Pierre or Saint Paul? Here’s how: than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment Contacting Members each year. These fires result in of South Dakota’s hundreds of deaths, thousands Legislature: of injuries and millions of dollars in property damage. Go to http://sdlegislature.gov/ From there, you can search your Portable electric space heaters senator or representatives, see the committees which they are can be a convenient source of assigned and send them an email. Need to reach them by phone? supplemental heat for your home You can call and leave a message with the Senate at 605-773-3821 in cold weather. Unfortunately, or with the House of Representatives at 605-773-3851. You can they can pose significant fire also send a fax to 605-773-6806. and electric shock hazards if not used properly. Fire and electrical Contacting Minnesota Legislators: hazards can be caused by space For contact information on Minnesota house members, heaters without adequate safety visit: features, space heaters placed https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members near combustibles, or space heaters that are improperly plugged in. For contact information on Minnesota senators, visit: Safety should always be a top consideration when using http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members space heaters. Here are some tips for keeping your home safe and warm when it’s cold outside: Make sure your space heater has the label showing KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory. Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully. Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater. Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep, and don’t let pets or children play too close to a space heater. Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes. Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month. Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs. “Don’t let anything get near your extension Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and cords!” doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard. Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not Sierra Staufacker, 9 years old use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other Sierra is the daughter of Cory and Staci Staufacker, electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater. Balaton, Minn. They are members of Lyon-Lincoln Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place Electric Cooperative, Tyler, Minn. heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire. Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your poster not in use. is published, you’ll receive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged. Source: esfi.org 4 Cooperative Connections | February 2020 RECIPES Recipe and photo courtesy mccormick.com/recipes

BountifulBountiful BrunchBrunch

Pineapple-Zucchini Bread Grilled Fruit with Cinnamon

3 eggs 3 cups flour Oatmeal Crumble 2 cups sugar 1 tsp. salt 6 T. butter, softened, divided 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted 2 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. soda 2 T. light brown sugar 2 ripe plums, halved and 1 cup oil 1 cup crushed pineapple, 1 tsp. cinnamon, ground pitted drained 2 cups peeled and grated 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats zucchini Mix butter, brown sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Reserve Beat eggs, sugar, vanilla and oil. Mix in zucchini and dry ingredients; 2 T.; set aside. Add oats to remaining butter mixture, stirring until stir well. Fold in pineapple. Bake at 350°F. for 1 hour. Makes 2 loaves. well blended. Brush fruit with reserved butter mixture. Place Geraldine Dahlin, Beresford, SD cut-side down on grill over medium heat. Tent with foil or close grill lid. Grill 2 minutes or until grill marks appear. Turn fruit cut-side up; spoon oat mixture evenly on top of each piece. Return foil Apple Pie Breakfast Bake tent or close lid. Grill 3 minutes longer or until fruit is tender and topping is crisp. Serve topped with whipped cream or ice cream, 2 cans refrigerated French 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened if desired. Cooking over a campfire? Place grill grate over top of bread condensed milk campfire. Grill fruit as directed, rearranging hot coals as needed to 1 cup butter, melted 1 tsp. apple pie spice maintain even direct heat. Makes 4 servings

1 (21 oz.) can apple pie filling 1 tsp. vanilla Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 290, Total Fat 18g, Fiber 3g, Cholesterol 45mg, Sodium 137mg, Carbohydrates 29g, Protein 3g Bake loaves as directed on can; cool 20 minutes. Cut 1-1/2 loaves Pictured, Cooperative Connections into 1/2-inch cubes to equal 7-1/2 cups. Reserve remaining 1/2 loaf for another use. Increase oven temperature to 375°F. In a 9x13-inch glass baking dish, evenly layer melted butter, apple pie filling and Omelet in a Bag bread cubes. In a medium bowl, stir together milk, apple pie spice and vanilla. Pour over bread, pushing bread down to absorb liquid. 2 large eggs Green pepper, diced Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until deep golden brown and bubbly. Cool 15 minutes. Serve warm with maple syrup. (Note: You may also use Ham or bacon pieces Mushrooms, chopped day-old French bread cut into 1/2-inch cubes.) Onion, chopped Grated cheese Jean Osterman, Wheaton, MN Tomato, diced

Breakfast Casserole Give each guest a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag and have them write their name on the bag with a permanent marker. Crack 2 eggs into 1 (8 oz.) can crescent rolls 1-1/2 cups shredded cheese each bag (not more than 2). Shake to combine them. Put out a variety of ingredients and let each guest choose what they want in their 1 (16 oz.) pkg. bulk sausage, 8 eggs, lightly beaten omelet. Shake the bag. Zip the bag after making sure to get all the air cooked and drained 1/2 cup milk out. Bring a large kettle of water to a full rolling boil. Place the bags Diced onion, green pepper into the water. When the water begins to boil again, boil for exactly and mushrooms, optional 1 pkg. country-style gravy 14 minutes. You can usually cook 6 to 8 omelets at a time. For more, mix, prepared according to make another kettle of boiling water. Open bags and the omelet will 16 to 32 oz. hash brown package directions potatoes, depending on roll out easily. Serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake. number of servings desired Roxanna Streckfuss, Mansfield, SD

Press crescent rolls in a lightly greased 9x13-inch pan. Spread with sausage crumbles and veggies. Layer hash browns on top. Sprinkle Please send your favorite seafood, appetizer and beverage with cheese. Combine eggs with milk; pour over all. Spread on gravy. recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on Bake at 325°F. for 1 hour or until cooked through in the middle. Page 3). Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in June 2020. All entries must include your name, Kim Jost, Agar, SD mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.

February 2020 | Cooperative Connections 5 CO-OP NEWS

6 Cooperative Connections | February 2020 YOUTH NEWS

Scholarship Opportunities Available Through LREA By Laura London Lake Region Electric Association is dedicated to supporting the youth in the communities that we serve! Education and Concern for Community are two of the Seven Cooperative Principles which Student Interns at guide us. One way that we show this dedication and concern is by providing scholarship opportunities Lake Region for youth who intend to further their education by attending a vocational Laura London program or a traditional college or university. Lake Region Electric [email protected] Association has a variety of schol- Webster Area High School student Louis Wiley arship opportunities available for recently interned at Lake Region Electric Asso- area students: The Duane Snaza ciation. Louis is the son of Jeff and Kristen Wiley Memorial Scholarship, the Basin and graduates in 2021. Louis chose Lake Region Electric Power Cooperative Scholar- Electric for his internship because he wanted to ship and the Charles Johnson Trust learn more about the electric industry. Scholarship. During his internship, Louis spent time with To apply for these scholarship several different departments. There are many opportunities, students must aspects to working in the electric industry and complete the required criteria and Lake Region Electric Association being a cooperative puts the scholarship application. Appli- another spin on things. General manager Tim McIntyre cations can be obtained from your explained the type of power we use at LREA and where high school counselor, by visiting that energy comes from. Brett Kwasniewski, manager our website (www.lakeregion.coop) of member services, talked with Louis about electrical or from the Lake Region Electric demand and other aspects of providing electricity to Association office. Applicants must our members. The IT Department taught Louis how to provide all the required information program and read a meter, such as those on your homes and businesses. If nothing else, and complete the scholarship appli- Louis should have a good understanding of how to read his electric bill when he’s on his cation. Submissions MUST BE POST- own and ready to pay bills. MARKED OR RETURNED BY FEB. Louis said that he especially enjoyed the hands-on experience and seeing how people 10, 2020, to Lake Region Electric work out in the field. Louis had the opportunity to get in one of the bucket trucks at the Association, PO Box 341, Webster, office; the Operations Department’s Dan Williams and Jim Grimes talked with him about SD 57274, in order to be considered not having a fear of heights and about safety when working in the electrical industry. One eligible for this scholarship. hands-on experience that Louis had was building an electric extension cord with Material For more information, visit our Clerk Leonard Deibert. website at www.lakeregion.coop or contact Laura London at Lake When asked about his future plans, Louis replied, “I want to go to Mitchel Tech or LATI Region Electric Association by email: for the energy program and I’ll decide exactly what area I want to go into.” Louis feels that [email protected] or by the things he learned at Lake Region will have a big influence on his future career choice. telephone: 605-345-3379 or Students wishing to intern with Lake Region Electric Association are encouraged to visit 1-800-657-5869. with their high school or college advisors. February 2020 | Cooperative Connections 7 CO-OP NEWS

REASONS TO LOVE YOUR ELECTRIC CO-OP Delivering More than Just Electricity

Brenda Kleinjan Sioux Valley Energy employees get final instructions before embarking on their [email protected] meal delivery routes.

From reliable energy to community involvement, there are a lot of reasons why co-op members love their electric cooperatives. Co-Ops Are Local, Community-Focused Organizations Co-ops have a rich history of serving their members and are facing the future with innovative ideas to help their members and grow their local communities. Local people helping out. From billing clerks to line workers and every job in between, the people working at your local electric cooperative are the ones you’ll see in your communities. They are serving on volunteer fire departments and as first responders, serving on school boards and county commissions, as ushers at church and as youth sports coaches.

8 Cooperative Connections | February 2020 CO-OP NEWS

Some cooperatives have launched employee are offered by some 10 Reasons to Love Your Electric Coop- community service days where local communities or co-ops in the state. erative A participant on the organizations benefit from a day of service, whether it Check with yours 2019 Youth Excursion 1. Reliable and affordable energy be a town clean up, restoring a rural cemetery, deliv- to find out what to North Dakota gives ering meals to shut-ins or helping others in need. programs could the view from the 2. Community involvement benefit you. Antelope Valley Station 3. Locally-elected directors Keeping Members Informed power plant two thumbs up. 4. Investments in Youth: Whether it’s through this magazine, which reaches Diversi- members each month or through social media fying Energy Co-ops will award more than channels like Facebook and Twitter or mobile apps Resources $100,000 in scholarships to college and technical school-bound students like SmartHub, cooperatives continually strive to Cooperatives have inform their member-owners about events and issues a history of using that matter. From a quick post or tweet about why the an all-of-the-above power may have blinked or celebrating the achieve- approach to meeting 5. Energy Saving Tips ments of area youth, co-ops are communicating members’ energy 6. Knowledgable advice. with their members and connecting them to their needs. The first utili- community. As storms approach, co-ops offer helpful ty-scale wind project tips for preparing for inclement weather and how to in South Dakota was deal with the aftermath of storms. built by co-ops and Helping Members Save Money several co-ops have solar demonstra- Co-op demand response and load management tion projects to help programs have helped members save money for members learn about decades. And now, with interactive tools like solar grid intercon- SmartHub, an increasing number of co-op members nection and other aspects of the resource. are accessing information about their home’s energy use right from their mobile device or computer. Investing in Youth Several co-ops offer energy audits and other ways to When it comes to looking to the future, co-ops have reduce energy use. the youth in their communities in mind. Each year, Appliance rebates, loans for heating and cooling co-ops invest more than $100,000 in scholarships for equipment and reduced rates for some energy use students pursuing further education at colleges or technical schools. Dozens of students have the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C., for the annual rural electric youth tour, courtesy of their local electric cooperative. Several co-ops in the state send students on the four-day Youth Excursion to North Dakota each summer to explore energy careers and cooperatives. And throughout the school year, Co-ops in the Classroom and other safety demonstrations visit schools across the region to help younger students learn about using electricity wisely and how so be safe Co-op member service personnel receive around it. training on blower door tests which can be a useful tool in a home energy audit.

February 2020 | Cooperative Connections 9 RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDIT (REC) PROGRAM

SHOWCASE YOUR SUPPORT FREQUENTLY FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY ASKED QUESTIONS

Lake Region Electric Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider & employer. CO-OP NEWS RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDIT (REC) PROGRAM

SHOWCASE YOUR SUPPORT FREQUENTLY FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY ASKED QUESTIONS

Sign up for Lake Region Electric’s REC program and What is a Renewable Energy Credit showcase your business’s support for renewable energy. (REC)? 1 megawatt hour produced by a renewable energy source equals 1 REC. Contact us to learn more! RECs are also called Green Tags and Lineman Jesse Pesall loads gifts donated they represent the valuable renewable for the Spirit of Christmas Tree. 605.345.3379 attributes of wind energy. [email protected] Do I need to purchase any special equipment? No special equipment is Lake Region Electric and needed. Lake Region Electric will fulfill all your electric needs while you enjoy the benefits of powering your business with The Spirit of Christmas POWER YOUR BUSINESS renewable energy. Laura London LREA’s Spirit of Christmas ON 100% RENEWABLE Where do RECs come from? Our RECs Tree were placed under come from several wind farms in our [email protected] the office Christmas tree region that supply renewable energy to Lake Region Electric Association employees donated gifts for before lineman Jesse Pesall ENERGY delivered them to the bank. our cooperative. local children this Christmas. The Spirit of Christmas Tree, We’re excited to help you reach your business’s sponsored by Webster Community Club, Dacotah, CorTrust and How much does it cost to power my Great Western banks of Webster was made available for those renewable energy goals! After signing up for our home or business on 100% renewable wishing to spread the Spirit of Christmas to those less fortunate. REC program, you’ll receive a REC certificate and energy? $1 per MWh. Example: If you use Tags could be picked up at any of the three local banks for gifts other promotional materials that you can showcase 1,200 kWh per month, participating in to be purchased. The children’s names are anonymous. The to your business’s customers. tag lists the child’s age and interests; children who wanted or the REC program would add $1.20 + tax needed clothing as their gift listed their clothing size. Some of the to your monthly bill. Christmas wishes were for Star Wars, Ninja Turtles, Legos, trucks, dinosaurs, balls, craft items, unicorns, hair and make-up items and clothing. Donna Sattler, LREA director of finance/office services manager, other kids who maybe don’t have as much as they do. This can stopped at Dacotah Bank shortly after Thanksgiving to pick a be a tough concept for smaller children who are constantly being few tags for the employees of Lake Region Electric Association asked, “What do you want for Christmas?” to purchase gifts for area children. The generosity of Lake Region Electric Association employees shone through and prompted a Vinson said the kids understood and even though the toys they second trip to get additional tags. Some of the employees took chose were so cool they wanted to keep them for themselves, they tags and purchased gifts themselves, while others chose to donate felt good about buying gifts and wrapping them for another child. money. The donated money was pooled together and Laura Lake Region Electric Association Lineman Jesse Pesall loaded purchased gifts while out doing some of her own Christmas the gifts up to haul to the bank. Material Clerk Leonard Deibert shopping. accompanied Jesse to deliver the gifts and said even though they Vinson Dargatz, an apprentice electrician at Lake Region, created weren’t wearing their Santa hats, the bank employees welcomed a learning opportunity for his children by taking them shopping them with open doors and directed them to the tree for drop-off. for a couple of gifts. He explained to the children that Christmas Thank you, employees of Lake Region Electric Association, for is a time for giving and they should feel good about giving to your generosity and concern for our community! Lake Region Electric Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider & employer. February 2020 | Cooperative Connections 11 COMMUNITY

Nemo 500 Outhouse Races NAJA Shrine Transportation Fund for Kids Benefits from Outdoor Event

Brenda Kleinjan [email protected]

We called it the Nemo 500 because it sounded good.

When one thinks of racing, cars, horses or motorcycles likely come to mind. But, in the Black Hills community of Nemo, outhouses – equipped with wheels, skis or 2019 Division1 both – are the vehicle of choice. A team prepares to race their Dance with the While each outhouse must be equipped outhouse in the 2017 competition. Nut Crapper - with a seat with one hole, there are addi- Summerset tional basic requirements in this competi- Division 2 - tion designed to raise funds for the NAJA Crapper Flapper of Shrine Kids Transportation Fund. nationwide. B ele fouche First, each outhouse will have a rider. And Preisdential during the race, that rider will trade places “We called it the Nemo 500 poopers - Stink with a teammate. because it sounded good,” said Troy Saye, race organizer and “There always has to be someone on Chili owner of the Nemo Guest Ranch the throne,” said Ervin “Red” Alspaw, a where the event is held. Dave’s Chunky Pork Shriner with the Oasis of Deadwood and adn Beef Chili - Lead one of the contacts for the race. “We stepped it off a few years ago and it’s actually about 970 feet. Presidential Poopers The outhouse must be at least five feet tall You start at the restaurant and at Chili - Box Elder and the door (if there is one) has to stay midway everyone runs around open during the race. Sugar Shack, Rapid City the outhouse, retrieving a colored The outhouse must have four walls and a roll of toilet paper which must be roof and the team’s name must be on each placed in the correct order on a of the walls. plunger. “It’s a hoot,” said Alspaw. Alliterations, euphemisms Money raised at the event helps Shriners and creativity may make for cover the transportation expenses of some memorable team names, but 630 children in western South Dakota speed is the name of the game as Kids compete in the who seek care at Shriners Hospitals the fastest team to complete the scoop shovel races. 12 Cooperative Connections | February 2020 COMMUNITY The Rules OUTHOUSE RACE RULES and STRUCTURE 1) Outhouse can only be human powered. No electric-, solar- or gas-powered assistance. The outhouse must have four walls, roof, doorway and seat with at least one hole. It may have a door, but the door must remain securely open during the race. 2) The outhouse must be a minimum of nine square feet at the base and a maximum overall width not to exceed six feet (including grasping or pushing devices). A The costumed Sesame Streak team minimum height of five feet from the floor poses with their People’s Choice outhouse trophy after the 2016 race. to the highest point of the roof. 3) Any number and size of wheels or skis may be used. race is the winner. Kids can compete in the Scoop 4) Any device for pushing or pulling the Shovel Races, but competitors must outhouse may be used except ropes. All Winners in each of the age divisions provide their own scoop shovel. pushing or pulling devices must be secured get an outhouse trophy hand-made solid. by Troy and Willie Saye. If you’re going, check-in for the three 5) Outhouses may be built form any material divisions is at 10 a.m. and race time The Sayes created the event after but glass and must be structurally sound. is 1 p.m. Preregister your team by a 2006 visit from Willie’s cousin, 6) Each entry must have an outhouse name Feb. 1 to receive a T-shirt. shortly after they bought the Nemo that is to be displayed on each side of Guest Ranch. If you have a team but don’t have the structure. Sponsors’ names may be an outhouse to displayed anywhere on the outside. “He said he had 7) There will be three age divisions. (Age race in, contact to get home for divisions will be determined by average When we first the Nemo an outhouse team ages. Add all team members’ ages and Guest Ranch to race. We didn’t started, we divide by the number of team members.) see if theirs is know what it Division 1: Ages 12 to 25 never imagined available. was,” said Troy. Division 2: Ages 26 to 45 The couple it would take off Advice for first- Division 3: Ages 46 and over researched the way it did. time attendees? the event and Arrive early, Good to know: found that dress warm and Teams consist of two to five people, one of several other be prepared for much must ride inside the outhouse. states held races. They developed a bit of a walk (late-comers have had Safety gear including helmets are required for their rules for the Nemo event. Early to park a half-mile away from the all members and ice cleats are recommended. races were held just for fun or to event.) raise money for different organiza- Outhouse passengers must be 12 years old or Attendance at the event varies with tions. The race has been a benefit for older. Handles or seatbelts are required for the the weather, Saye said. Crowds range the NAJA Shrine Kids Transporta- outhouse passengers. from 1,000 people up to 2,400 people tion Fund for the last eight or nine Teams’ dress is to reflect the theme of their when the race time temperature was years. entry. 53 degrees. The creative names don’t stop at the Teams make a mandatory pit stop at mid race “You have got to see it to really enjoy race team names. It takes a certain for a fire-drill. Each member must run around it,” said Saye. fortitude to dip a spoon into some the outhouse three times and the rider must of the entries in the chili cook-off “When we first started, we never switch places with one of the pushers. Each contest where cooks serve up three imagined it would take off the way it team member will be required to place a color- coded roll of toilet paper on a color-coded gallons of chili with names like did,” said Saye. plunger in order of color scheme provided at “Presidential Poopers Chili” and Interested? Visit nemo500.com for race time. The race will be timed from start to “Dave’s Chunky Pork and Beef more information or contact the finish, the objective is to get the lowest time Chili.” Nemo Guest Ranch at 605-578-2708. to win.

February 2020 | Cooperative Connections 13 Shane - we were in different groups Kianna - We made friends K - for me we hit it off S - we went our separate ways. S - we kept in touch until we got to SDSU together. CO-OP NEWS

Just wound up in Kia - Entrepreneursih

S = econ degree

Did biz competitions together after we started dating. Business idea competition. ki took it to an entrepreneurship contest in SF - Governors Giant business competition

S - i had gone the year or two before before 4H. I think it was the Pentagon Memorial K - not the most romantic place -

Kianna Knutson and Shane Binger S - things just hit off there. left their 2018 wedding reception with a sparkler send off. It just made sense right from the start.

2014 - at SDSU K was a soph and S was a junior Married in September 2018 YOUTH TOUR SPARKS wanted people out of the venue by midnight Lindsey Binger (Shane’s sister in law) - started with a spark in Washington DC, Participants Make Lifetime Connections Made a could K works in Aberdeen; S works in Tulare, Wilbur-Ellis; Redfield - in town there in Redfield. Brenda Kleinjan A sign at the Bingers’ wedding reception highlights Lot longer for Kia (45 minutes door to door) [email protected] the sparks taht started with The annual Rural Electric Youth Tour is billed as a trip-of-a-lifetime, their 2011 Youth Tour. K - one of the most favorite trips going in because just great way to meet people and make friends; turned out one of them stuck which it is for the thousands of teenagers who have participated since it for life. began in 1963. But for a certain few, the weeklong trip filled with congres- never planned on finding a lifelong partner, but definitely make friends. sional visits, sight-seeing and co-op educational opportunities was more S - still look back on fun things that happened on that trip and friends we made. life altering than they possibly dreamed. K - doing fun things with the people Kianna and Shane, 2011 S - from the start the electric trip was a lot of fun. Kianna Knutson and Shane Binger participated in the 2011 trip. Kianna, from Philip, S.D., represented West Central Electric Cooperative in perfect amount of time Murdo, S.D., while Shane, from Tulare, S.D., represented Northern S - that day we went to Capitol Hill. We went to see Rep. Noem speak on the floor. She had a passionate speech on protecting ag. Electric Cooperative in Bath, S.D. We caught up with her in the hallway; she didn’t w During the week of travel, the two would talk some and share experi- The person ahead of her... ences. A visit to the Pentagon Memorial was particularly memorable for the two. Opporutnity to see congress people as actual people. That drove me to go back and intern (with Sen. Thune) “For me, we hit it off right away on the tour,” said Kianna. K - May 16; S December 15; “But we went our separate ways. Whenever I’d head west, I’d try to stop in 2015 intern Philip and see her,” said Shane. “We kept in touch until we got to SDSU together.” They started dating while attending South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. Shane graduated in December 2015 and Kianna in May 2016 and the two married in September 2018. They live in Redfield, S.D., and Kianna works in Aberdeen while Shane works in Tulare. “The Youth Tour was one of my most favorite trips,” said Kianna. “It was a great way to meet people and make friends. It turned out one of them stuck for life.”

14 Cooperative Connections | February 2020 CO-OP NEWS

For Shane, an additional outcome of the Ethan and Vanessa, 2012 trip was that it sparked an interest in The Youth Tour was Ethan Ryberg of Buffalo Lake, Minn., politics. one of my most was selected to represent McLeod Co-op “It was an opportunity to see congress- Power in Glencoe, Minn., on the 2012 people as actual people. That drove me to favorite trips. Youth Tour, the same year that Vanessa go back and intern with Sen. John Thune Peterson of Rosholt, S.D., was selected to in 2015,” said Shane. represent Traverse Electric Cooperative plans and were married on Father’s Day, in Wheaton, Minn. The two traveled with Riley and Kailee, 2009 June 20, 1976. Even without the title of the Minnesota Youth Tour delegation that pork queen, I could still educate others Riley Schwader and Kailee Koester year. about the nutritional value and versatility attended the 2009 Youth Tour together. of pork when I became involved with the While the two lived three hours apart, Riley, of Winifred, S.D, represented Porkettes.” they began dating that fall and in 2013, Central Electric Cooperative in Mitchell, they attended North Dakota State Univer- S.D., while Kailee of Redfield, represented The two graduated from SDSU with sity in Fargo, N.D., together, majoring in Northern Electric. majors in ag education and home pharmacy. economics education and were preparing They married in June 2014 on the heels of to head to Marietta, Minn., when an After their 2019 graduation, they have that year’s Youth Tour, which Riley’s sister opportunity to take over his grandparents’ settled in the Bemidji area where they participated (as did Kianna Knutson’s farm came up. both work. sister.) “Entering farming had been a long-range Electric cooperatives in South Dakota and The Schwaders live in Howard where goal, but when the farming opportunity Minnesota are once again taking applica- they raise their two sons and where arrived earlier than expected, we accepted. tions for the annual Youth Tour to Wash- Kailee teaches fourth grade. The family So, once again, Turner-Hutchinson ington, D.C. The 2020 participants might was recently featured in a “ReEnergizing Electric influenced our lives since they not find their future mate, but they will Rural” commercial talking about the provided the electricity for our home and definitely have experiences of a lifetime. Co-ops in the Classroom project. farming operation. Doug and Roberta, 1973 We continued farming until June Roberta Johnson, a 4-Her from Parker, of 2006 when S.D., chosen to represent Turner County Doug had surgery and Doug Stoebner, a 4-Her from Olivet, for brain cancer. S.D., selected to represent Hutchinson Initially, we were County, met on the 1973 Youth Tour as the told the life expec- delegates for Turner-Hutchinson Electric tancy for this type Cooperative (now Southeastern Electric of treatable, but Cooperative), based in Marion, S.D. not curable, cancer “We started dating on Thursday, Oct. 18, was 18 months to 1973, when he asked me to go to the Hobo two years. But by Week street dance at SDSU,” said Roberta, God’s grace and noting that Doug often wondered how she through hundreds could remember the date. “I told him it of prayers, he was easy to remember because it was two has outlived that days before her sister got married.” life expectancy by 11 years,” said Things clicked for the two and they made Roberta. plans to marry. The two moved “If I hadn’t been the South Dakota Pork into Menno in 2008 Queen, we probably would have been where Roberta married in December of 1975. But I The Schwaders live in continues teaching Howard where Kailee needed to be single to compete at the high school family teaches. They were national level, so Doug was willing to wait and consumer recently featured in until the national competition was held in the electric cooperative sciences and middle March of 1976. When someone else was “ReEnergizing Rural” school social crowned the national pork queen, Doug campaign. studies. and I moved forward with our wedding

February 2020 | Cooperative Connections 15 DATELINE

December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season, Lead, SD, 605-584-3896

January 24-25 Pro Snocross Races, Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876

January 25-26 Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Gun Show, National Field Archery Building, Yankton, SD, 701-361-9215

January 31-February 2 travelsouthdakota.com 12th Annual Winterfest of Wheels, Convention Center, March 14: 28 Below Fatbike Race, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-231-3100 Ride and Tour, Lead, SD, 605-641-4963 Photo courtesy: Photo January 31-February 2 Winterfest, Lead, SD, February 14 February 27-March 1 April 3-4 605-584-1100 Snow Ball, Brookings, SD, 35th Annual SD State Dart Forks, Corks and Kegs Food, 605-692-6700 Tournament, Rushmore Plaza Wine and Beer Festival, January 31-February 9 Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 Annual Black Hills Stock Show February 15-16 605-394-4111 or 800- 999-1876 & Rodeo, Rapid City, SD, Dakota Territory Gun 605-355-3861 Collectors Gun Show, March 14-15 April 17-19 Ramkota Hotel, Pierre, SD, Dakota Territory Gun First Dakota Classic Archery February 1 701-361-9215 Collectors Gun Show, Davison Tournament, Yankton, SD, Lake Hendricks Fishing Derby, County Fairgrounds, Mitchell, 605-260-9282 Hendricks, MN, 507-828-2113 February 21 SD, 701-361-9215 KORN and Breaking Benjamin, April 18 February 1 Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111 March 18, June 11, Design Challenge, Sioux Falls, Living History Fair, Brookings August 13 and October 8 SD, 605-731-2348 Renegades, LATI, Watertown, February 21-22 Kids Mystery Dinner Theater, SD, 605-693-4589, dhuebner@ Mardi Gras Weekend, Brookings, SD, 605-692-6700 April 25 itctel.com Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 River Rat Marathon, Yankton, March 20-21, 27-28 SD, 605-660-9483 February 1-2 February 22 Annual Schmeckfest, Dakota Territory Gun Cabin Fever Games, Yankton, Freeman, SD, 605-925-4237 SD, 605-665-8994 To have your event Collectors Gun Show, Dakota listed on this page, send Event Center, Aberdeen, SD, March 21-22 February 22-23 complete information, 701-361-9215 Dakota Territory 48th Annual Farm, Home & including date, event, Gun Collectors Gun Show, place and contact to your Sports Show, Ramkota Hotel, February 8-9 Codington County Ag local electric cooperative. Dakota Territory Gun Pierre, SD 605-224-1240 Building, Watertown, SD, Include your name, address Collectors Gun Show, 701-361-9215 and daytime telephone February 26 Convention Center, Sioux number. Information must The Harlem Globetrotters, Falls, SD, 701-361-9215 March 28 be submitted at least Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Annual Ag Day at the eight weeks prior to your February 10-16 Barnett Arena, Rapid City, SD, Washington Pavilion, event. Please call ahead Frost Fest, Brookings, SD, 605-394-4111 Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-6000 to confirm date, time and 605-692-6125 location of event.