Rodeo High School Athletes Compete P8-9 Co-Op News Lacreek Electric Holds 68Th Annual Meeting

JUNE 2016 VOL. 17 NO. 2 Rodeo High School Athletes Compete P8-9 Co-op news Lacreek Electric Holds 68th Annual Meeting

Lacreek Electric held its 68th Annual Meeting in Martin, SD at the Old American Legion Auditorium on April 21, 2016 at 7PM. Lacreek served 500 member for a sit down meal. The kids at the meeting were treated to a movie at the local theater. There were 276 registered members at the meeting. There were 5 zones up for elections. Zone 3 West Bennett County Troy Kuxhaus, incumbent Zone 4 East Oglala County Connie Whirlwind Horse, incumbent and Zone 8 At Large Wade Risse, incumbent, all ran unopposed. There was an election in Zone 1 City of Martin between Ellis Rae Hicks incumbent and Tee Tetrault with Ellis Rae Hicks being elected and Zone 5 Jackson County between Aage (Melvin) Jorgensen incumbent and Neal Livermont with Neal Livermont being elected. Sherry Bakley and Ryan Pettit were recognized for 15 years of service. Vic Sim- mons General Manager of Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative was the guest speaker. At the conclusion of the meeting there were several prizes handed out and the $300 grand prize winner was Donna Thunder Hawk.

President Schultz with $300 Grand prize winner Donna Thunder Hawk.

General Manager Wayne Sterkel presented Ronda Rosane with a bouquet in honor of her 43-years of dedication to Lacreek. He announced that he and Ronda will be retiring at the end of this year.

Lacreek hires new employees

Lacreek has hired new employees to work at Lacreek. Damon Wan- gerin, Garrett Metzinger, Aarin Ainsworth have been hired as permanent apprentice lineman. Tyler Brown has been hired as temporary 1000 hour summer help.

Pictured above is Lacreek Billling Clerk Terri Gregg with member Alice Young. Alice won a 20-inch fan at the Pictured left to right: Damon Wangerin, Garrett Metzinger, Tyler Lacreek’s Annual Meeting. Brown and Aarin Ainsworth.

2 June 2016 • Cooperative ConneCtions Co-op news Neal Livermont is the new Zone 5-Jackson County Director

Neal Livermont is the new Director for Zone 5-Jackson County. Neal is the son of Butch and Judy Livermont. He grew (USPS No. 018-912) up on, and continues to operate the Livermont Ranch Southeast of Interior. Neal BOARD OF DIRECTORS is married to Dana and together they share four daughters. Neal was a member of Marion Schultz– President the band Country Rush for 20-years before retiring in 2014. He currently serves Ellis Rae Hicks – Vice President on the board of the Jackson County FSA, the Oglala Lakota Livestock and Land Donovon Young Man– Secretary Owner Association and the Interior Roping Club. Dean O’Neill – Treasurer Tom Schlack - Melvin Cummings Welcome to the Lacreek Family! Brent Ireland - Jerry Sharp Connie Whirlwind Horse - Wade Risse Troy Kuxhaus - Clarence Allen Neal Livermont MANAGEMENT STAFF Wayne Sterkel – General Manager Lacreek Sending Student to D.C. Sherry Bakley – Staff Assistant Josh Fanning – Member Services Director Jeremy Ring is the winner of the 2016 Washington D.C. Anna Haynes – Offi ce Manager trip. Jeremy is the son of Torey and Linda Ring. Jeremy Mike Pisha – Line Superintendent along with other participants from South Dakota will OFFICE PERSONNEL meet for an orientation meeting in Sioux Falls, S.D. Th e Ronda Rosane – Bookkeeper group will then fl y to Washington, D.C. Jeremy will Stacey Robinson – Secretary Amy Pisha – Clerk learn about government, the cooperative philosophy and Tracie Hahn – Clerk rural electrifi cation. He will also participate in touring Terri Gregg – Billing Clerk several historical places in the area. Jeremy qualifi ed for Kasi Harris – Billing Clerk this trip by simply fi lling out a “Data Sheet” and taking Lisa Jensen - Cashier/Receptionist an “Open Book” test on the history and organization of Jessica Cook-Cashier/Receptionist OPERATIONS PERSONNEL rural electrifi cation. Line Foreman - Landon Stout Lacreek would like to congratulate Jeremy and hope that he not only has a great Journeyman Linemen: Dane Claussen learning experience, but a wonderful time as well. Shane Mulloy - Ryan Pettit - Aaron Risse Jesse Byerley Apprentice Linemen: Jordan Bakley Lonny Lesmeister - Jordon Young - Basin Youth Trip Winners Aarin Ainsworth - Garrett Metzinger Damon Wangerin Lacreek Electric sponsors two area students for the South Dakota Rural Electric Glenn Smith – Maintenance Man Youth Excursion. Th e excursion will be July 25th through July 28th 2016. Gabe Earl Adair – Warehouse Man Th is institution is an equal opportunity Fanning and Fawn Cross were selected for this trip. provider and employer This publication is mailed the 15th of the month prior to the issue date. Layout is at least three weeks prior to mailing. LACREEK ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS is published monthly by Lacreek Electric Association, Inc., PO Box 220, Martin, SD 57551 for its members. Families subscribe to Lacreek Electric Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership. Subscription information: Electric cooperative members devote 50 cents from their monthly electric payments for a subscription. Nonmember subscriptions are available for $12 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid at Martin, SD and at additional mailing oﬃ ces. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Lacreek Electric Cooperative Connections, PO Box 220, Martin, SD 57551; Gabe Fanning Fawn Cross telephone (605) 685-6581; fax (605) 685-6957

Cooperative ConneCtions • June 2016 3 Safety tips

Kids’ Corner Safety Poster Summer Electrical “Keep extension cords out of high-traffic areas like doorways or walkways where they pose a tripping hazard.” Safety Tips: Lyla Michalek, 7 years old Outdoor Hazards Lyla is the daughter of Anthony Summer is the time when everyone wants to play outside, Michalek, Okaton, so it is important that everyone knows what possible electri- S.D. He is a cal safety hazards to avoid in the out-of-doors. Go around the member of West outside of your home and through your neighborhood with Central Electric your family and show them where telephone poles and electri- Cooperative, cal lines are located. Explain the following so that everyone Murdo, S.D. understands the dangers associated with them: • Never play near or touch a power line with any part of your body, a toy, a stick or any other object whatsoever. As- Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric coop- sume at all times that any power lines you see are live and erative (address found on Page 3). If your poster is published, you’ll receive a dangerous. If you see a downed power line, stay well away and prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names report it to your local utility company immediately. of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged. • Never approach an electrical substation (or downed power lines) for any reason whatsoever. Period. If a friend, family member or a pet has entered this area, do not try to rescue them yourself – call 911 immediately. • Never climb on or play around a utility pole. In fact, never post any signs or flyers on utility poles either as this can endanger you and utility workers that have to work on those poles. • Never throw shoes or articles of clothing up onto power lines and never try to

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t in wide open spaces like parks UR o or fields far away from power lines. Photo C • Kids love to climb trees in the summer, but they should never climb trees that are too close to power lines; even if the tree isn’t touching a line, the extra weight from someone climbing the tree could cause a branch to touch the line, which would be dangerous. In fact, if you feel that any trees in your yard or neighborhood are too close to power lines, talk with your local utility about having them trimmed or possibly removed. • Keep an eye on the weather. Almost 100 people die each year and another 500 are severely injured from lightning strikes. If a thunderstorm is approaching, go indoors and stay there until the danger has passed.

Source: rootelectric.com

4 June 2016 • Cooperative ConneCtions Reader recipes Dairy Delicious Becki’s Coconut Cream Cake strawberry Frozen Yogurt squares 1 white cake mix Frosting: 1 (14 oz.) can fat-free sweetened condensed Pinch ground cloves 3 eggs 3 (4 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, milk, divided 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen strawberries, 1/3 cup vegetable oil softened Non-stick cooking spray about 2-1/2 cups 1/2 tsp. coconut extract 1 cup powdered sugar 1 cup Post Grape-Nuts® or similar cereal 3 cups fat-free strawberry yogurt 1 cup sour cream 1 (8 oz.) container Cool Whip 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 (8 oz.) can coconut milk Measure 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk; set aside. Line 8x8-inch baking pan Combine the cake mix, oil, eggs, sour cream and coconut with foil; spray with non-stick cooking spray. In medium bowl, combine cereal, milk. Mix until well blended. Spread batter in greased and cinnamon, cloves and remainder of sweetened condensed milk. Spread cereal floured 9x13-inch pan. Bake at 350°F. for 25 to 30 minutes mixture evenly on bottom of pan, place in freezer. Place strawberries and yogurt or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. in a blender; cover and blend. Add 1 cup sweetened condensed milk; blend until For frosting, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Pour mixture over cereal, smoothing to edges of pan. Cover with foil smooth. Fold in Cool Whip. Frost cooled cake and sprinkle (or plastic wrap) and freeze 8 hours or until firm. Use edges of foil to loosen and with additional coconut. remove from pan; let recipe thaw for 5 to 10 minutes. Cut into squares and serve. Squares may be individually wrapped and stored in freezer for single servings. Becki Hauser, Tripp Makes 9 servings.

elvis pie Nutritional Facts Per Serving: Calories 200, Total Fat 0g, Sat Fat 0g, Cholesterol 5mg, Sodium 150mg, Total Carbohydrates 42g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Protein 7g, 1 cup creamy peanut butter 2 cups cold heavy cream, divided Calcium 20% Daily Value 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, 1 (9 inch) graham cracker Pictured, Cooperative Connections softened piecrust 1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup sugar, 2 large bananas, cut into Johnny Cake divided 1/4-inch slices Please send 1-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract Chopped roasted peanuts 1/2 cup butter 1 tsp. soda your favorite 3 eggs, beaten 1/2 tsp. baking powder dessert, salad Cream together peanut butter, cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar 1 cup sugar 1 cup flour and garden and vanilla at medium speed. In a separate bowl, whip 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup corn meal produce 1 cup heavy cream until soft peaks form. Carefully fold 1 cup sour cream recipes to your whipped cream into peanut butter mixture until completely local electric combined. Scrape half the filling into the piecrust and smooth with spatula. Layer sliced bananas on top of filling. Combine all ingredients. Pour into a 9x9-inch or 9x13-inch cooperative Spread remaining filling over bananas. Cover with plastic pan. Bake at 400°F. for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick (address found wrap and refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour. To make inserted in center comes out clean. on Page 3). topping, whip remaining cream and sugar together until soft Judy Jensen, Langford Each recipe peaks form. Spread over pie. Sprinkled with chopped nuts. printed will Lynn Holzerland, Waubay be entered potato salad Dressing into a draw- 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp. mustard ing for a prize French vanilla Coffee Mix in December 2 eggs Salt and pepper to taste 1/3 cup instant coffee 1/3 cup sugar 2016. All 1/4 cup vinegar 1 cup mayonnaise entries must 1 cup instant powdered milk 1/4 cup French Vanilla instant 3 T. butter include your 1/2 cup nondairy creamer pudding mix name, mailing In a saucepan, mix together sugar, eggs, vinegar, butter, address, tele- Combine all ingredients; store in a glass jar. For each serving, mustard, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; boil until thick. phone number put 3/4 cup boiling water in mug. Add 2 heaping tsps. of Cool. Add mayonnaise; stirring well. Toss with your favorite and coopera- mix; stir well. potato salad ingredients tive name. Mary Jessen, Holabird Mary Alice Bartel, Wolsey

Cooperative ConneCtions • June 2016 5 Energy Efficiency Notes Wash The Energy Waste Out of Your Laundry

Dear Pat: We have two finish drying your clothes, without using as much energy. kids, which means we do a Dry like with like: Heavy fabrics, like towels and blankets, lot of laundry – it never ends! should be dried separately from lighter fabrics, like T-shirts. What are some ways we can When using a dryer’s moisture sensor, the dryer will keep reduce our energy use in the running until the wettest (and probably heaviest) item is dry. laundry room? – Frank Rather than one towel extending the drying time for each of your loads of laundry, dry the towels together. Dear Frank: The aver- Live lint free: Clean the lint trap on your dryer regularly to age American family washes help air circulation. Periodically use a vacuum nozzle to clean Patrick Keegan about 300 loads of laundry the area under or behind the lint filter, where lint can also get Collaborative Efficiency per year – all that laundry caught. If you use dryer sheets, scrub the filter clean about uses a lot of energy! How- once a month – dryer sheets can leave a film on the filter that ever, there are some easy ways to reduce your energy use in the reduces air flow. laundry room. Remember safety: Your laundry room extends from the back Consider purchasing more efficient appliances: One of the of the dryer, down the dryer duct and all the way to the end biggest changes you can make is to purchase a new ENERGY of your dryer vent. Inspect your outside dryer vent regularly to STAR-certified washer and dryer. Washers with this certifi- make sure it is not blocked, and periodically work with a pro- cation use about 40 percent less water and 25 percent less fessional to clean your dryer ducts. Making sure the duct and energy than standard washers. ENERGY STAR washers can be vent are clear not only helps your dryer work more efficiently, top-loading or front-loading machines; however, front-loading but can also prevent a fire – more than 15,000 fires per year machines are generally more water and energy efficient, help- are sparked by clogged dryer ducts and vents. If possible, move ing offset any additional upfront costs. ENERGY STAR dryers the dryer closer to an exterior wall to shorten the length of the use 20 percent less energy than standard dryers. Visit ENER- dryer duct and make sure the duct is as straight as possible – GYSTAR.gov for more information about estimated water and this helps reduce the opportunities for clogging and increases energy use of all of their certified products. efficiency. Get out of hot water: The easiest source of energy efficiency in the laundry room is to stop using hot water. Almost 90 The average American family washes percent of the energy consumed by your washing machine is about 300 loads of laundry per year – all used to heat water – but most loads of laundry can be just as easily cleaned with cold water. Using cooler water is also easier that laundry uses a lot of energy! on your clothes. If you need to use hot or warm water on a particularly dirty load of laundry, a well-insulated water heater Use your solar-powered dryer: Going “old-fashioned” and air will help decrease the costs of using warmer water. drying your clothes will definitely reduce your energy use! You Do fewer loads! When possible, wash a full load of clothes. can also tumble dry clothes until damp, then line dry them un- However, when you must do a smaller load of laundry, remem- til fully dry – taking this step can prevent the “crunchy” feeling ber to adjust the water level settings on your machine. that line dried clothes can sometimes have. Help your dryer out: One of the best ways to reduce the There are many ways you can wash the energy waste out of amount of drying time is to get as much water out of the your laundry routine. Try a few of these simple tips, and “load clothes as possible in the washing machine—use a higher spin up” on the savings! setting to wring the extra water out of your laundry. When you are ready to dry, remember not to overfill the dryer so there is This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Amy Wheeless enough room for drying air to reach the clothes. of Collaborative Efficiency. For more information on identifying and sealing air leaks, please visit: www.collaborativeefficiency. Use your dryer’s features: If your dryer has a moisture sensor, com/energytips or email Pat Keegan at energytips@collabora- use it rather than guessing how long each load of laundry will tiveefficiency.com. need to dry. A dryer’s cool-down cycle uses the residual heat to

6 June 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS News Briefs

2016 Resource Parkston High School Senior Conservation Speech Wins $1,000 Scholarship Winners Named Some of the area’s most impressive young people were honored Saturday, April 30, during the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives Scholar of the Year banquet held on the campus of Lake Area Technical Institute (LATI) in Watertown. The 35 students from The 55th annual State Finals of the Resource eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota were chosen throughout the school Conservation Speech Contest were held at the year as the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week. For the 14th year, the Scholar State Capitol in Pierre on Saturday, April 23, of the Week program recognizes students for academic achievement, co-curricular 2016. The theme of this year’s contest was involvement and community service. After they’re selected the students are featured “Why Manage Water for Conservation.” in weekly segments which air Mondays on KSFY Television and each student receives Winning first a $100 scholarship from their local Touchstone Energy Cooperative for being chosen place and a $1,100 as the Scholar of the Week. scholarship was Sydney Bormann, a senior at Parkston High School was the winner of a $1,000 Esther Swift. She scholarship sponsored by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Bormann plans to attend was sponsored by South Dakota State University in the fall. When she was selected as a Scholar of the the Gregory County Week earlier in the school year Bormann received $100 from Southeastern Electric Conservation District Cooperative, a local Touchstone Energy Cooperative. Caleb Whitmyre, a senior at and is a home- Webster Area High School, won a $500 scholarship. He plans to attend Northern schooled senior. She State University. A second $500 scholarship went to Sydney Gall from Scotland High is the daughter of School. She plans to attend South Dakota State University. David and Fawn Swift of Burke. Former WNBA star Olympia Scott served as the keynote speaker during the Receiving second place and a $750 scholar- event. Scott is a Stanford University graduate and member of the Stanford Hall of ship was McKayla Carda. She was sponsored by Fame who went on to play 10 seasons in the WNBA, winning two world champion- the South Brown Conservation District and is a ships. KSFY News anchor Courtney Collen served as the master of ceremonies. sophomore at Aberdeen Central High School. Touchstone Energy Cooperatives in eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota She is the daughter of John and Brenda Carda are part of a network of consumer-owned utilities which provide safe and reliable of Aberdeen. electricity to more than 115,000 homes and businesses. The cooperatives have spon- Receiving third place and a $450 scholar- sored the Scholar of the Week program since 2002. In that time Touchstone Energy ship was Reina Grimsley. She was sponsored Cooperatives have awarded over $75,000 in scholarships to high school seniors as by the Davison County Conservation District part of the Scholar of the Week program. and is a junior at Mitchell High School. She is the daughter of Ron and Misty Grimsley of Mitchell. The average American family washes Scholarships totaling $2,300 for the winners are provided by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives about 300 loads of laundry per year – all of South Dakota. The contest is co-sponsored that laundry uses a lot of energy! by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA), the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts. State contestants first participated in a local contest sponsored by their conservation district. Two students from each district were then eligible to participate in an area contest. From there, the top two winners from each of the designated areas were eligible to advance to the state finals. This year, nine contestants competed in the state finals. From left, Back Row: Tristan Hayes, Thomas Trautman, Caleb Whitmyre, Olympia Scott, Ryder Next year’s theme is “Soil Health: What Grantham, Austin Arends, Jared Hueser, Isaac Groft; Middle Row: Kendra Pikarski, Tasha Determan, Will You Leave?” For more information, contact Sydney Gall, Sydney Bormann, Morgan Carmody, Allyson Monson, Rebecca Burrows, Nicole Thomes, your local conservation district office or SDDA Hannah Noonan, Margaret Thares, Kristen Hoffman; Front Row: Madalyne Schuldt, Allison Tschet- ter, Jenna Erickson, Georgialee Quail, Abby Hora, Katherine Brockevelt, Allison Bich, Talitha Greaver, at 605.773.3623. Sophie Beers, Nicolette Kneeland.

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • June 2016 7 Competing with Heart S.D. High School Rodeo Athletes Hit the Arena

While many of the area’s high school for South Dakota High School Rodeo Association, athletes will have put their sports gear away for high school rodeo is at the heart of keeping the the summer having competed in their sport’s state spirit of the West going. event, the South Dakota’s high school rodeo athletes “It’s a good event and keeps the western heritage are just hitting their stride. alive in South Dakota is what we stress with the For high school rodeo athletes, June is their athletes,” said Rutten. By month. South Dakota regional rodeos are set for He notes that you’ll find the state’s high school Brenda the first two weekends in June with Buffalo, Wall, rodeo athletes competing in school events through- Kleinjan Highmore and Huron hosting events June 3-5 out the year from football and volleyball to basket- while arenas in Dupree, Sturgis, Fort Pierre and ball and wresting and golf and track. Watertown will welcome athletes June 10-12. In “The kids are involved in other sports in their Minnesota, regional rodeos are scheduled for week- school, too, but the high school rodeo is something On the cover: Siarra ends in May at Verndale, Long Prairie and Fergus the whole family travels together. It’s more of a fam- Johnson of Castle- Falls and June 4-5 in St. Peter with the state finals ily sport,” said Rutten. wood was the Barrel held June 10-12 in Hugo. Rutten estimates that 300 contestants will Racing Champion with No matter where they compete, the approxi- qualify for the state finals. And, in the stands will be 76.0 points. Below: Jeremiah Johnson of mately 450 members of the South Dakota High hundreds of family members and friends. Huron competes in School Rodeo Association will have their sights set “It’s a great fun family event, fun to compete in steer wrestling. on Belle Fourche, host of the 2016 South Dakota and fun to watch,” said Rutten. He placed 15th overall High School Rodeo Finals June 14-18. South Dakota’s Touchstone Energy® Coopera- in the 2015 finals. For Digger Rutten, public relations chairman tives have been supporters of high school rodeo Photos Courtesy CowboyImages.net ©CowboyImages.net

8 June 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS for several years. The cooperative brand adorns barrels used in regional and state competitions in the Rushmore State. And, athletes who earn short go shirts through their performances Huron to Host National will carry a bit of co-op pride with them whenever they wear their shirt. As the short go shirt sponsors, the Touchstone En- Junior High Finals Rodeo ergy Cooperatives logo is stitched onto the shirt. Nearly 120 such shirts were awarded after the 2015 finals. According to Rutten, athletes qualify for the state final’s The South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron, S.D., has been short go by combing the scores earned at the regional rodeos selected to host the 2018 and 2019 National Junior High Finals Rodeo with the results of the first two go’s at the state rodeo. (NJHFR) by the National High School Rodeo Association. The NJHFR The top four point getters in each event qualify for the is the second largest rodeo in the world with approximately 1,000 national team while the 11 other athletes are recognized for contestants and over 1,500 entries. During these events, making the short go. three countries are represented including 42 U.S. states, five In South Dakota, rodeo athletes Canadian Provinces and the country of Australia. compete in bareback riding, barrel rac- While the official rodeo performances take place over the ing, breakaway roping, bull riding, boys’ course of seven days, the entire event encompasses a total cutting, girls’ cutting, goat tying, pole of 15 days from set-up to tear-down. Along with the rodeo, bending, reined cow horse, saddle bronc, comes one of the largest western trade shows in the nation. steer wrestling, team roping and tie- There are also a myriad of other contestant recreational and down. There is also a queen competition sporting activities including one of the fastest growing shoot- and shooting events. ing competitions in the U.S. Officials estimate the event will “High school kids aren’t running for have an economic impact of over $9.2 million for Huron money. They rodeo for the points and and the surrounding area. prizes,” said Rutten, noting some differ- “This is going to be a great undertaking for Huron ences between high school rodeo and pro and the SD State Fairgrounds,” stated Peggy Besch, SD rodeo. State Fair manager, “but, we are up for the task! This “It’s more the competition to see how will clearly be a partnership between the State Fair, the good you can be versus going for some City of Huron, Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau, Beadle money,” he said. County, businesses and organizations in the Huron area, Additionally, high school rodeo has and many volunteers.” events that one doesn’t see in some other “Not only is this event great for Huron and the SD levels of rodeo. State Fairgrounds, but it is great for the entire state,” said “Pole bending is something you see in Laurie Shelton, president and CEO of the Huron Chamber high school and 4-H rodeo, but not at & Visitors Bureau. “All of these people will be traveling some of the other levels,” Rutten said. “We through South Dakota. They will be stopping for fuel, food, have goat tying which you don’t see in the lodging and visiting the many tourist attractions along the pros and cutting and reined cow horse is a way.” new event for us.” The NJHFR is scheduled for June 24-30, 2018, and June Behind the scenes at the rodeos are 23-29, 2019, in Huron, S.D. dozens of volunteers who work to keep Rachael Created in 2004, the NHSRA Junior High Division was McCoy (top) and Lathen the sport going for the teens. Stevens (below) were established to bring the excitement of the sport to sixth, seventh, and Each one of the committees that hosts among recipients of eighth graders and to serve as a feeder system into the high school a regional rodeo has a committee of vol- the South Dakota High ranks of the Association. Today, all 48 states and provinces that belong unteers that puts on the regional rodeos. School Rodeo Association’s to the NHSRA also produce a Junior High Division as well, with over A state level board of directors helps short go shirts. McCoy 2,500 members in total now competing. Junior High Division students oversee things statewide, but regional earned her shirt in the compete in a variety of events, including Barrel racing, pole bending, committees and the state finals host pole bending event while goat tying, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, chute dogging, team committee are crucial to the program’s Stevens competed in the roping, ribbon roping, junior bull riding, bareback steer riding and success. saddle bronc event. They saddle bronc steer riding. “The regional meets are designed so were among nearly 120 Gallup, N.M., hosted the NJHFR from 2005 through 2013. The that they don’t have to travel more than SDHSRA athletes receiving rodeo moved to Des Moines, Iowa, for 2014-15 and the 2016 NJHFR short go shirts in 2015. 200 miles to compete,” said Rutten. is set for June 19-25 in Lebanon, Tenn., which will also host the 2017 For more on Minnesota High School rodeo, visit http:// finals. South Dakota’s state junior high finals were held May 13-15, www.mnhsrodeo.com/. For more information on South Da- 2016, in Rapid City. kota High School Rodeo, go to http://www.sdhsra.com/ ©CowboyImages.net

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • June 2016 9 Board news February Board Meeting Minutes The regular meeting of the board of directors was Febru- Washington, DC May 2nd – 4th with no one planning to ary 11th, 2016. attend at this time. Also present were General Manager Wayne Sterkel, Of- Discussion was held on the Rushmore Annual Meeting fice Manager Anna Haynes, Line Superintendent Mike Pisha, March 30th at The Lodge in Deadwood with Aage as the Del- Member Services Director Josh Fanning and Staff Assistant egate and Clarence as the Alternate. Sherry Bakley. General Manager Wayne Sterkel gave an update on current Routine monthly business consisted of approving the min- legal issues. utes of the previous board meeting and approving new mem- Discussion was held on the heat credit. A motion was bers. Anna presented the financial report for January. made, seconded and carried to approve a heat credit increase Anna reported on the new color copier; on speeches Feb. from $.015 to $0.02. 23rd, gave an update on the audit; on past due bills, collec- Discussion was held on the transmission line between Mar- tions and new website payments. tin and the Schwarting switch. A motion was made, seconded Mike reported on continued work in progress on the Shan- and approved to have a bid for this project. The Oglala Lakota non Sub, Schwarting, FEMA trailers, Reinsulating taps and County will build the road up before we build the line. on the DOT truck inspections and trucks that need work. The safety report was presented by Mike and Anna. Below is a verbatim insert from the Board of Bennett Donovan reported on the SDREA board meeting he at- County Commissioners Minutes: tended. BOARD OF BENNETT COUNTY Marion & Aage reported on the SDREA Annual meet- COMMISSIONERS MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS ing they attended and said Ellis Rae Hicks was honored with WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20th, 2016 25-years of Service by ACRE. MARTIN, SOUTH DAKOTA Wayne reported on the rate study; on the Basin and NPPD leases; gave an update on the annual meeting; about accrued Highway Department leave; on DOM and Cyber liability insurance; update on the The Board discussed a request from Lacreek Electric to not RSTUC; gave an update on the Gen Pro project at Uppercut do road work along 290th Street that would damage new Meat and that there is a policy meeting March 1st, at 10:00 poles Lacreek Electric plans to place. AM. Rocky Risse made a motion that within the next 30 years, Discussion was held on the Capital Credit Allocations. A Bennett County will not take more than 2 feet of dirt from motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the Capi- the north side of 290th Street. Wayne Bond seconded. tal Credit Allocations attached hereto. All Voted Aye. Discussion was held on the Capital Credit Retirement. A Motion Carried. motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the Capi- tal Credit Retirement attached hereto. A motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the Discussion was held on the NRECA CCD director courses 14 ½ miles of line Keller Construction contract from Potato April 6-8th in Pierre with Aage and Donovan planning to at- Creek to Kyle. tend. Discussion was held on the executive search and the Anna handed out the director 990 forms to be filled out. NRECA proposal and contract for services was presented for A motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the signature. General Manager informed the board of a 935.1 Write Offs totaling $22,721.72. executive search class available in New Orleans if anyone is Discussion was held on the upcoming Annual Meeting interested in attending. April 21, 2016 with everyone in agreement of the meal. The next board meeting will be March 22, 2016 at 1:30PM. Discussion was held on the Legislative Conference in Congratulations 2016 Graduates

10 June 2016 • Cooperative ConneCtions Co-op news $1000 Scholarship Winners March Board Chris Begeman is the winner of the scholarship sponsored Meeting Minutes jointly by Lacreek Electric and Basin The regular meeting of the board of directors was March Electric. Chris is the 19th, 2016. son of James and Jenny Also present were General Manager Wayne Sterkel, Of- Begeman. fice Manager Anna Haynes, Line Superintendent Mike Pisha, Member Services Josh Fanning, Staff Assistant Sherry Bakley Pictured to the right. and Kevin Doyle with Eide Bailly. Routine monthly business consisted of approving the minutes of the previous board meeting and approving new members. Anna presented the financial report for February. Miranda O’Bryan Anna reported that the office has been busy with audits, is the winner of the annual meeting preparations, collections and that the billing scholarship sponsored girls continue to streamline the billing process. by Lacreek Electric and Mike reported on the continued work in progress from Kyle Rushmore Electric. to Potato Creek, Wanblee Reinsulate, switches in Martin, Miranda is the FEMA Heavy Ups; on lineman resignations; that we have daughter of Chris and received applications for lineman and started interviewing Makaela O’Bryan. applicants and the work being done on the trucks. The safety report was presented by Mike and Anna. Pictured to the right. Tom reported on the Rushmore Electric meeting he attended. Marion and Troy reported on the NRECA Annual Meeting they attended. Donovan reported on the SDREA meeting he attended. Angie McDonnell Aage reported on Cooperative Day in Pierre that he attended. is the winner of the Wayne reported on the current director petitions submitted scholarship sponsored in the office; on the radio tower lease; on the Wanblee tap and by Lacreek Electric. on the RSTUC Forum April 1st. Angie is the daughter Kevin Doyle with Eide Bailly gave a report on the 2015 of David and Danielle Audit. A motion was made, seconded and carried to approve McDonnell the 2015 Audit Report. The board of directors drew for the Lacreek Scholarships and Pictured to the right. the winners were: Angie McDonnell and Chandler Bakley. The Basin Electric Scholarship winner is Chris Begeman and the Rushmore Electric/Lacreek Electric Scholarship winner is Miranda O’Bryan. General Manager Wayne Sterkel discussed the Load Control for Irrigations. A motion was made, seconded and carried to Chandler Bakley is the approve the controlled 2016 rate, attached hereto. winner of the scholarship Discussion was held about “on call” for outages. sponsored by Lacreek Discussion was held on the policy committee report. Electric. Chandler is the Member Services Director Josh Fanning gave an update on son of Mike and Sherry the upcoming Annual meeting. Bakley. Discussion was held on the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry. A motion was made, seconded and carried to approve joining the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Pictured to the right. Industry. Discussion was held on the Basin Electric Tour which will be sometime in June or July. Lacreek Electric would like to congratulate each graduate The next board meeting will be April 21, 2016 at 1:30PM. and wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavors.

Cooperative ConneCtions • June 2016 11 Co-ops Vote Co-ops Launch Non-Partisan Voter Engagement Program

America’s electric cooperatives have launched cycle. a non-partisan, nationwide effort to promote civic “Through Co-ops Vote, we want to help our engagement and voter participation in the commu- members know when elections are, what’s at stake nities they serve. and how to make their voices heard,” Connor said. “Who folks vote for isn’t really as important as the By Jeffrey Connor, interim CEO of the National fact that they do vote.” Justin LaBerge Rural Electric Cooperative Association, unveiled the Co-ops Vote program in time for the 2016 election The Co-ops Vote initiative focuses on eight

VISIT VOTE.COOP TO LEARN HOW TO BECOME A CO-OP VOTER.

12 June 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS issues that are important to health and 435 House races had a margin of victory prosperity of communities served by of 20 points or more1, and 30 House electric cooperatives: candidates – 16 Democrats and 14 Re- Rural Broadband Access publicans representing 11 states – didn’t Hiring and Honoring Veterans even face an opponent in the general Low-Income Energy Assistance election2. Cybersecurity “Elections aren’t won and lost in Pledge to be a co-op voter Water Regulation November anymore,” Connor said. Rural Health Care Access “They’re really decided in primaries Find key election information Affordable and Reliable Energy months sooner, when fewer voters Renewable Energy recognize the opportunity to vote, fewer Learn about the issues “Electric cooperatives are perfectly de- participate and only a handful of issues signed to help address these important are up for debate.” Register to vote issues,” Connor said. “We can This results in a Congress make politics ‘local’ again where more members because civic engage- represent the extremes ment is part of our of each political party DNA.” and are less inclined A new website, to seek compro- vote.coop, offers mise and bipar- co-op members tisan solutions to information on problems. the voter registra- “The electric tion process in cooperative move- their state, dates of ment has always elections, informa- been non-partisan, VOTE.COOP tion on the candidates and our communities running in those elections, are facing too many chal- TAKE THE and explanations of the eight lenges to have a government PLEDGE key issues the campaign aims to address. crippled by bickering,” Coleman said. In keeping with its non-partisan “When our parents and grandparents set Commit today to make your goals, the initiative will not be endorsing out to electrify rural America, they didn’t voice heard on Election Day! specific candidates for office. have time to ask the person next to them Mel Coleman, president of NRECA about their views on economic or social Get reminders about the and CEO of North Arkansas Electric policy. Their economic policy was ‘we upcoming election.

Cooperative said the program would need to save this community’ and their Recruit your friends, family, help ensure the voices of rural Americans social policy was ‘let’s do it together.’ I and co-workers to become are heard. hope the Co-ops Vote program can help co-op voters today. “We want to make sure our govern- rekindle that spirit of cooperation.” ment knows that rural America mat- For more information about Co-ops ters,” Coleman said. “This campaign Vote and the impact of these eight key isn’t about divisive, partisan issues. It’s issues on the people of South Dakota, about real people in real places facing western Minnesota and north central real challenges. It’s about our co-ops liv- Nebraska, contact your local electric ing out the principles of our movement: cooperative or visit vote.coop. Concern for community and democratic control.” Justin LaBerge writes on consumer Connor cited partisan gridlock in and cooperative affairs for the National Washington, the explosive growth of Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the money in politics and the effects of ger- Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the na- rymandering as important reasons for tion’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for- launching the program. In 2014, 318 of profit electric cooperatives.

1 https://ballotpedia.org/Margin_of_victory_analysis_for_the_2014_congressional_elections 2 http://atr.rollcall.com/elections-2014-running-unopposed-congress/ VOTE.COOP

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • June 2016 13 NRECA Legislative Conference Brings Electric Co-op Messages to D.C.

Longtime nReCa geneRal manageR Clyde t. Also part of the conference was a series of forums Ellis put it best, electric cooperative officials said on hot topics in Co-op Nation and addresses by at the kickoff of the association’s 2016 Legislative regulatory and political experts. Conference: “We support our friends and stand by Connor noted that co-op issues have changed in them. If they’re not our friends, we will make them the 80 years since the dawn of rural electrification. our friends.” Then, it was a matter of stringing wires and mount- That was the message delivered to 1,500 co-op ing poles to bring power to unserved parts of the directors, managers and staffers at the annual country – the so-called “last mile.” NRECA Legislative Conference – use their roles Now, the role of co-ops in the communities as community leaders to sway support for co-op means expanding the availability of broadband, priorities on Capitol Hill. building economic opportunities and helping com- “Time, money and gridlock are all working over- munities prosper. By Steven Johnson and time against us,” said NRECA interim CEO Jeffrey “We’re going to conquer the next mile because Michael W. Kahn Connor, who referred to Ellis during his May 2 we are electric cooperatives and that’s what we do,” ECT Staff Writers remarks. “What cuts through the noise is what you Connor said. have – influence, involvement, engagement and The 114th Congress was not in session during trust.” this year’s conference. But Kirk Johnson, NRECA The three-day conference at the Hyatt Regency senior vice president of government relations, said on Capitol Hill in Washington included briefings buttonholing congressional staffers can be as impor- by NRECA lobbyists on issues for co-op leaders to tant as sitting down with elected officials. raise in face-to-face meetings with senators, con- That’s because high stakes legislation and regula- gressmen and their staffs. tion in Washington could affect co-ops’ ability to

14 June 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS NRECA Legislative Conference Key ‘Asks’ at 2016 NRECA Legislative Conference Brings Electric Co-op By Steven Johnson | ECT Staff Writer Some 1,500 electric cooperative leaders advanced key co-op issues to members of Congress and their staffs at Capitol Hill meetings during the 2016 NRECA Legislative Conference, held May 1-3 in Washington, D.C. Messages to D.C. Here’s a rundown of the key “asks” for co-ops: provide reliable, affordable electricity “We need to be the ones looking out for our cooperative members’ EXTEND GEOTHERMAL CREDIT destinies because if we don’t do that for ourselves, someone else will do it Tax credits for highly efficient geothermal heat pumps to us,” he said. expire at the end of 2016. Co-ops help their members save Travis Kavulla of Montana, president of the National Association of energy and money by promoting geothermal heat pumps. Regulatory Utility Commissioners, said co-ops provide local leadership Co-ops asked lawmakers to extend the geothermal tax that’s an antidote for increasingly centralized decision-making in energy credit. policy. “It’s important for all of you to stay engaged,” he said. SUPPORT COAL ASH LEGISLATION A bill introduced by Sens. John Hoeven, R-N.D., and Making the Case for Co-op Drones Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., would prevent the Environmental When it comes to drones and electric cooperatives, “we probably have Protection Agency from reversing course on its coal ash one of the best uses for this technology in the country,” Keith Dennis regulations and require states to implement the EPA rule said. That’s at the heart of NRECA’s efforts to make it easier for co-ops to through a permitting program. Co-ops sought more Senate fly drones. sponsors for S. 2446. “We have power lines that cover three-quarters of the nation’s land mass,” said Dennis, NRECA senior principal, end use solutions and stan- SUPPORT FEMA REAUTHORIZATION dards. “It’s a natural fit for us.” Co-op leaders sought Senate support for H.R. 1471, a Speaking at a May 2 NRECA Legislative Conference forum on drones, bill passed by the House that cuts red tape. Without FEMA, Dennis updated co-op leaders on the association’s efforts to change the many electric cooperative consumers living in disaster- status quo. Currently, when co-ops want to fly a drone it’s considered stricken areas could face significantly higher electric rates. commercial use, so a Section 333 Exemption has to be obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration. Among the many requirements is a BETTER LAND MANAGEMENT pilot’s license. Federal land management policies complicate co-op “We’re really looking at finding a streamlined process for how we can efforts to ensure reliable service by maintaining rights of operate this technology in a cost-effective way,” said Dennis. way on or near federal property. H.R. 2358, introduced by A bill passed by the Senate in April would ease restrictions. It directs Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., and Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., the FAA to provide guidelines for the safe operation of drones used to passed the House in December and would streamline the protect and maintain critical infrastructure. process. Co-op leaders asked senators to support the bill, “The FAA’s top priority is safety of the airspace,” Dennis said, so the Electricity Reliability and Protection Act, as part of a NRECA is stressing safety. final energy bill. “We’re in very safe areas. We don’t have a high density population. We’re not trying to fly over cities,” Dennis said. “We’re trying to fly over OPPOSE POLE ATTACHMENT LEGISLATION rural areas, in rights of way that we already have access to and that people Discussion draft legislation before the House Energy don’t generally go in.” and Commerce Committee would extend federal regula- There are amazing things that co-ops could be doing with drones, if tion of attachments to electric co-op power poles. Co-op allowed. The list includes safely surveying damage after emergencies. leaders asked their officials to maintain the federal pole “Having critical infrastructure that needs to be repaired when power attachment exemption for electric cooperatives and remove goes out, in a fast way, to keep the power running – that’s actually a language that would increase regulation. health, safety and welfare issue. So we have a really good case for being part of this discussion,” said Dennis. JOIN NEW CAUCUSES “We really need to have some certainty on how we can go forward.” Legislative Conference participants asked representa- tives to join two new House caucuses to help promote Left: South Dakota co-op leaders met with members of Sen. John Thune andn Mike co-op priorities. The Rural Broadband Caucus will focus on Rounds’ staff (pictured) as well as a member of Rep. Kristi Noem’s staff. Left: Travis bridging the digital divide while the Co-op Business Caucus Kavulla of Montana, president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commis- will focus on promoting the co-op business model. sioners, addressed the gathering.

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