Census 2020: Be Counted

Southeastern Electric March 2020 Vol. 20 No. 11

Census 2020: Be Counted. It Matters. Page 8 Safety Shines at Stock Show Page 12 MANAGER’S REPORT

2020 Vision We just came back from the South Dakota Rural Electric Association (SDREA) annual meeting and legislative dinner in Pierre, S.D., where all the electric cooperatives in South Dakota have the opportunity to meet with our legislators to discuss key legislation. This year the electric cooperatives will be supporting legislation setting more defined rules for municipal utility takings of electric cooperative service territory. SDREA’s annual meeting theme was “2020 Vision” and as you can see, I used that for this newsletter and will use it for our 2020 strategic planning session in March and again for our annual meeting theme in Lennox, S.D., at the high school facilities on Thursday evening June 4, 2020. I know, you aren’t even thinking about the June annual meeting yet with the -20° degree wind chill/snow days we have experienced over the past month, but I am sure that a big share of you are thinking about the need for warmer weather!! Well, we are planning for that warmer weather for Brad Schardin our annual meeting and we encourage you to put that date on your calendar and plan to bring your neighbors for more information about your electric cooperative. General Manager [email protected] Thinking of that perfect “2020 Vision,” your board of directors took some extended time over the past couple months to look at your director representation on your elected board of directors. Over the past year, three board members (Leslie Mehlhaff – District 1, Richard Olsen – District 7 and Patrick Scheier – District 9) have indicated that they would not be seeking re-election at the 2020 annual meeting. Based on those discussions, the board felt that the timing was right to redistrict and that it could be accomplished at this time without any major board member disruption while reducing the board size from 10 board members down to nine. In addition to those two Thinking of that items, the board felt that redistricting could provide better representation for our members as a whole. Taking all those items into consideration, action was taken to redistrict and open two new perfect “2020 director districts while combining three existing districts into adjoining district areas. Please look at Vision,” your the article in this magazine for more details or refer to the recent billing insert sent to all members on the board-approved director redistricting. You will have two new director districts and a board of combined director district up for nomination/election beginning with nominating petitions directors took available as of Feb. 4, 2020. Those petitions are due by noon, April 20, 2020, and then your voting/election of those candidates to serve on your board of directors will be completed at the some extended annual meeting on June 4, 2020. time over the In addition to those items, we encourage you to take some time to study our 100 percent renewable past couple energy options through your electric cooperative. The Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) program utilizes the benefits of our power generation mix to provide members with certified months to look renewable electric power for your home, farm or business. Along with our current mix of hydro- at your director electric and wind power generation, your cooperative power supply system is accepting bids for up to 300 MW of electrical energy supplied from solar generation. With renewable energy resources representation becoming a bigger part of our power generation mix, Southeastern is allocated RECs each year on your elected based on our electric sales. Those RECs over the years have historically been sold on the open market to larger companies so that they can legally claim their facilities were utilizing renewable board of directors. energy. Traditionally, those companies like Amazon, Walmart, Facebook and others have purchased these RECs to meet their corporate goals and we are now making those RECs available to all Southeastern members. Please give us a call or go to www.southeasternelectric.com to sign up for purchasing RECs to support the renewable energy investments made by your electric cooperative power supply system. Last, but not least, we will be working hard to sharpen our “2020 Vision,” annual meeting reports and programs for you! We encourage you to plan ahead, look to the future and keep us informed of the activities that you have in the works for your home, farm or business expansions over the coming months! In addition to that, please give us a call with any questions you may have about your electric cooperative and, oh yeah, I can’t forget to have all of you “Think Spring” and we look forward to visiting with you again next month or somewhere in between!!!

2 Cooperative Connections | March 2020 NOTICE Southeastern Electric IMPORTANT NOTICE TO THE MEMBERS OF

(ISSN No. 1531-1058) SOUTHEASTERN From Board President Don Heeren General Manager: Brad Schardin [email protected] Based on the authority granted to the board of directors in the Bylaws and as part of our fiduciary duty to ensure equitable board representation Editor: Brett Snyders, from the membership, we have taken action to reconstitute the director [email protected] voting districts. This decision also coincides with the upcoming retire- ment of three directors from the board (Les Mehlhaff, Richard Olsen and Board of Directors Pat Scheier) when their terms expire in June 2020. In reconstituting the Don Heeren, President director voting districts, the board also acted to reduce the number of Steve Holmberg, Vice President director districts from 10 to nine. Please see the map of the new director Chris Hofer, Secretary voting districts below. Pat Scheier, Treasurer Director Voting District No. 1 will be up for election in June 2020 with Robert Wollmann no incumbent. District No. 1 shall consist of Wall Lake, Wayne, Sioux Leslie Mehlhaff Falls and Splitrock townships in Minnehaha County, S.D. Richard Olsen John Ostraat Director Voting District No. 2 will be represented by Robert Wollmann. Daryl Terveen Director Voting District No. 3 will be represented by Don Heeren. Johnathan Wildeboer Director Voting District No. 4 will be represented by Chris Hofer and up for election in June 2020. District No. 4 shall consist of Delapre www.southeasternelectric.com West Township in Lincoln County, S.D. 1-800-333-2859 Director Voting District No. 5 will be represented by John Ostraat. Director Voting District No. 6 will be represented by Johnathan Wildeboer. Director Voting District No. 7 will be up for election in June 2020 with no incumbent. District No. 7 shall consist of Delapre East and Springdale West townships in Lincoln County, S.D. Director Voting District No. 8 will be represented by Steve Holmberg. @SE_Electric Director Voting District No. 9 will be represented by Daryl Terveen.

Franklin facebook.com/ At the June 4, 2020, annual Orland ^_ Miner Co Lake Co ^_

^_Epiphany membership meeting in Lennox, Unityville southeasternelectric ^_ members will elect directors to

Spencer Salem SOUTHEASTERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS ^_Farmer ^_ ^_ represent Districts 1, 4 and 7. ^_Montrose is published monthly by Southeastern Electric Cooperative, DISTRICT 9 ^_Humboldt PO Box 388, 501 S. Broadway Ave., Marion, SD 57043-0388 Members in Districts 1, 4 and 7 McCook Co Emery Canistota Brandon for its members. Families subscribe to Southeastern Electric ^_ ^_ Rumpus Ridge ^_ Rockport Colony ^_ Ellis who are interested ^_ ^_ Sioux Falls Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative Bridgewater Pumpkin Center ^_ Stanley Corner DISTRICT 1 East Sioux Falls ^_ ^_ ^_ Rowena Hanson Co ^_ ^_ membership. Southeastern Electric Cooperative Connec- in running for a Minnehaha Co Dolton Monroe New Elm Springs Colony ^_ ^_ ^_Shindler Dimock ^_ tions‘ purpose is to provide reliable, helpful information to ^_ DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT 7 ^_Tea Harrisburg board position must ^_Clayton ^_ electric cooperative members on electric cooperative matters Marion ^_Milltown ^_ DISTRICT 5 Parker and better rural living. Subscription information: Electric Parkston ^_ ^_ ^_Chancellor circulate a nominating Tschetter Colony Lennox ^_ Freeman Wolf Creek ^_ cooperative members devote 50 cents from their monthly ^_ ^_ Naomi Worthing DISTRICT 3 ^_ ^_ Hutchinson Co ^_Canton electric payments for a subscription. Nonmember subscrip- petition and collect Turner Co Beardsley Hurley DISTRICT 6 ^_ DISTRICT 2 ^_ tions are available for $12 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid ^_Davis Lincoln Co Turkey Ridge Fairview at least 15 signatures ^_Olivet Menno ^_ ^_ at Marion, SD 57043 and at additional mailing offices. Tripp ^_ ^_ ^_Hooker Kaylor Maxwell Colony Viborg from members in ^_ ^_ Moe POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Southeastern James River Pearsons Corner ^_ ^_ ^_ Hudson Norway Center ^_ Electric Cooperative Connections, PO Box 388, Marion, SD Jamesville Midway (135) Centerville ^_ their voting district. Yankton Co ^_ ^_ ^_ Beresford Mayfield Irene 57043-0388; telephone (605) 648-3619; fax (605) 648-3778; Vedin^_ Corner^_ ^_ ^_ DISTRICT 8 e-mail [email protected] Petitions are available Alcester Clay Co Riverside ^_ Wakonda ^_ ^_ Empire Design assistance by SDREA ^_Emmet from Southeastern beginning Feb. 4, 2020, and Alsen ^_ Big Springs ^_Nora ^_ Union Co must be returned no later than Monday, April 20, 2020. ^_Midway (127)

Spink For more information, please contact Southeastern. ^_

March 2020 | Cooperative Connections 3 SAFETY TIPS

Extension Cord Safety Tips Not enough cord for your lamp or radio to reach the nearest outlet? Just plowing through the junk drawer for an extension cord? This may not be a good idea. Extension cords can be very helpful in delivering power right where we need it. However, regardless of the gauge or rating of the cord, an extension cord is a temporary solution, and is not meant to be used as a long-term extension of your household’s electrical system. Using extension cords properly is critical to your safety. With continuous use over time, an extension cord can rapidly deteriorate, creating a potentially dangerous electric shock or fire hazard. The Electrical Safety Foun- dation International (ESFI) offers the following tips for KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER staying safe from electric shock and electrical fires: @ Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground. @ Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring. @ Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors. If cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard. @ Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance. @ A heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have additional outlets installed where you need them. @ Multiple plug outlets must be plugged directly into mounted electrical receptacles; they cannot be chained together. @ Make sure the extension cord or temporary power strip you use is rated for the products to be plugged in and is marked for either indoor or outdoor use. @ The appliance or tool that you are using the cord with will have a wattage rating on it. Match this up with your extension cord and do not use a cord that has a lower rating. @ Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn. @ Never use three-prong plugs with outlets that only have two slots for the plug. Do not cut off the ground “Never fly anything near power lines.” pin to force a fit. This defeats the purpose of a three- prong plug and could lead to an electrical shock. Never Gage Cumbow, 12 years old force a plug into an outlet if it doesn’t fit. @ Use extension cords with polarized and/or three-prong Gage is the son of Ryan and Kyley Cumbow, Pierre, S.D. plugs. They are members of Oahe Electric Cooperative, Blunt, S.D. @ Buy only cords approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local Intertek (ETL) or Canadian Standards Association electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your poster (CSA). is published, you’ll receive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names of your parents. Source: esfi.org Colored drawings are encouraged.

4 Cooperative Connections | March 2020 RECIPES Recipe and photo courtesy mccormick.com/recipes

SeafoodSeafood SensationsSensations

Hot Crab Dip Crab Lasagna

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, 1/2 tsp. ground mustard 1/4 cup chopped onion 12 oz. cottage cheese softened 1 lb. lump crabmeat 1 stick butter 1 egg 1 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar 1 quart half-and-half 1 T. parsley 2 tsp. OLD BAY® Seasoning cheese 1/2 tsp. minced garlic 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, Old Bay Seasoning and ground 4 T. cream cheese 12 uncooked lasagna mustard in medium bowl until well blended. Add crabmeat; toss noodles gently. Spread in shallow 1-1/2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with 24 oz. pkg. imitation crab, Cheddar cheese and additional Old Bay Seasoning, if desired. Bake shredded 2 cups mozzarella cheese at 350°F. for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve with assorted crackers or sliced French bread. Makes 28 servings. Saute onions in butter. Add half-and-half, garlic and cream cheese. Prepare 9x13-inch pan. Assemble layers as follows: 1 cup sauce, top Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 110, Total Fat 10g, with lasagna noodles, 1/2 of cottage cheese mixture, 1/2 of crab, 1 Cholesterol 30mg, Sodium 181mg, Protein 5g cup sauce, lasagna noodles and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Cover with foil; refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350°F. for Pictured, Cooperative Connections 1 hour. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until bubbly and cheese starts to brown. Let set 10 minutes before serving. Seafood Casserole Jane Ham, Rapid City, SD

1 (6 oz.) pkg. crab, tuna or 4 eggs, beaten salmon, drained Crab or Shrimp Salad 1 cup milk 1 cup shredded Cheddar Salt and pepper, to taste 1 (7-oz.) pkg. ring, shell or 1 cup diced cucumber cheese spiral pasta 1 cup Miracle Whip Paprika Onions, chopped 1/2 cup diced celery 1/2 cup Dorothy Lynch Spray an 8x8-inch pan or casserole dish. Combine seafood, cheese 1/4 cup diced onion dressing and onions. Put in pan. Beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour over 1 (8 oz.) container mock crab 1/2 tsp. salt casserole; sprinkle paprika on top. Bake at 350°F. for 30 minutes. Let or shrimp stand a few minutes before serving. 1/2 tsp. pepper Velma Schmitz, Bonesteel, SD Prepare pasta according to package directions. Toss together celery, onions, crab or shrimp and cucumbers. Add Miracle Whip, Red Salmon Spread dressing, salt and pepper. Chill. Joyce Hermans, Milbank, SD 1 (14 oz.) can red salmon, 1 tsp. liquid smoke drained 1/2 tsp. garlic salt 6 oz. cream cheese, Please send your favorite appetizer, beverage, softened Parsley flakes casserole or dairy recipes to your local electric Remove skin and bones from salmon; cut into small chunks. cooperative (address found on Page 3). Combine cream cheese, liquid smoke and garlic salt. Add salmon. Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing Shape into 2 or 3 balls. Sprinkle with parsley flakes. Refrigerate. Serve with assorted crackers. for a prize in June 2020. All entries must include your name, mailing address, phone number and June Herke, Watertown, SD co-op name. March 2020 | Cooperative Connections 5 MARKETING INFORMATION

Join the FUN! #YTDCSD2020 June 18-25, 2020

(Best of all, it’s free thanks to your local electric cooperative!)

TEENS: Head to D.C. This Summer for FREE!

Attention all area high school students and whose parents or guardians are members of Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Inc.: Here is your chance of a lifetime to experience an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., June 18-25. What makes electric cooperatives different from other utilities is that “giving something back to For More Information the community” is part of their business plan. Contact: Why do electric cooperatives bring high Brett Snyders school students to Washington? Because [email protected] it is important to learn about the political Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Inc. process to interact with your government. PO Box 250 The student who wins this trip will walk 220 W Hollister Ave Salem, SD 57058 away from this week as a better leader and a 605-648-3619 sense that they can make a difference. www.southeasternelectric.com The Rural Electric Youth Tour has brought @southeasternelectric high school students to Washington, D.C., Application Deadline: every June since the late 1950s. Students compete March 16, 2020 for slots for this unique opportunity and are selected for this program by their local electric cooperative. The featured speakers during National Youth Day provide insight to the important roles electric cooperatives play in their community. Students gain a personal understanding of American history and their role as a citizen by meeting their representative and senators and explore the sights around the nation’s capitol. During the trip, you’ll see tons of sites, meet teens from across the country and gain perspective on community and cooperatives. If you want to be part of the fun... Complete the Rural Electric Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., application form at https://southeasternelectric.com/programs/youth-tour and submit the completed application to Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Inc. before the March 16, 2020, deadline. How the Participant is Chosen… Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s Selection Committee will review and evaluate all applications received. Students may be asked to participate in an interview. The committee will select three students to represent Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Inc. at this year’s event.

6 Cooperative Connections | March 2020 CO-OP NEWS Energy Assistance May Be Available If you need help paying your electric utility bill, you may qualify for state or federal fuel assistance. Be sure to check with the Department of Social Services to see if you qualify for energy assistance. The Energy and Weatherization Assis- tance Program is designed to help lower-income households overcome the high cost of energy. YOUR CO-OP IS The program is operated at the local level by community action agencies or other local agencies since 1976. It can provide free home weatherization RENEWABLE! to anyone who qualifies. Eligibility is based on household income. Priority is Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Inc. is offering a new program to our members! given to the elderly and handicapped You now have the opportunity to power your home or business with 100 percent individuals and to families with small renewable energy. The energy we use to power the homes and businesses of our children. members comes from a diversified mix of coal, hydro, natural gas, wind, waste heat There is no cost for weatherization For More Information and nuclear. There’s no specific way to know which source energy comes from once assistance; however, funds are limited Contact: it’s created and sent out on the grid. However, when renewable energy is produced, so you may be placed on a waiting list. Brett Snyders a renewable energy credit (REC) is created and that REC represents the valuable Renters as well as homeowners are [email protected] eligible if the landlord gives written Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Inc. renewable attributes of that energy form. One REC is equivalent to 1 megawatt hour PO Box 250 (MWh) produced by a renewable energy source. permission for the work to be done. A contribution from the landlord may be 220 W Hollister Ave SEC has RECs available for purchase to offset your current usage with 100 percent Salem, SD 57058 requested. renewable energy through our REC program. The electricity you receive will still be 605-648-3619 the same reliable, affordable energy you’ve always received from SEC but, by going For complete qualification and appli- www.southeasternelectric.com cation information, contact your local 100 percent renewable, you’ll be supporting current and future renewable projects @southeasternelectric county welfare or community/citizen’s in our area. Application Deadline: action council below. March 16, 2020 How much does it cost? Weatherization $1 per MWh Help Example: If you use 1,200 kWh per month, participating in the REC program it Interlakes Community Action would add $1.20 + tax to your monthly bill. Lincoln and Turner counties 605-940-1909 Do I need to purchase any special equipment? McCook County 605-425-2271 No. Southeastern Electric Cooperative will continue to fulfill all your electric needs Rural Office of and you can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy. Community Services Where do the RECs come from? 605-935-7101 The RECs come from several wind farms in the region that supply renewable South Dakota Department energy to Southeastern Electric Cooperative. These include, but are not limited to: of Social Services Office of Energy Assistance North Dakota: PrairieWinds 1, Wilton 1 & 2, Baldwin Wind Project and Minot Wind Project 605-344-8604 (S.D. only) or 605-773-3668 Hutchinson County 605-387-4219 South Dakota: Crow Lake Wind, the Chamberlain turbines, Day County Wind 605-941-5833 or Farm and South Dakota Wind Project Lincoln/Minnehaha counties 605-367-4217 If you’re interested in participating in Southeastern Electric Cooperative’s REC McCook County 605-425-2271 program and supporting renewable energy production, please contact us at 800-333-2859. We’re excited to help you reach your renewable energy goals! Turner County 605-297-3251 March 2020 | Cooperative Connections 7 CENSUS 2020

Self-responses to the 2020 census begin March 12 online, by phone or by paper.

GET COUNTED

Census 2020 Will The 2020 Census is accessible for everyone. CENSUS 101: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Shape Region’s Future We’re making sure that however you choose to respond—online, by phone, or by mail—that the census is accessible. You’ll receive an invitation to The 2020 Census is closer than you think! respond beginning in mid-March. You choose how you want to respond. Here’s a quick refresher of what it is and why it’s essential that everyone is counted. Brenda Kleinjan You can respond online in English or in 12 additional languages. The online [email protected] questionnaire is accessible, following the latest web accessibility guidelines. Everyone We’ll also have a video in American Sign Language available to guide you counts. through responding online. The census Census Day is coming April 1 and a push is being made in counts every person living in It’s about fair March to get people counted. the United You can respond by phone in English or in 12 additional languages. You can States once, only representation. also respond in English by TDD at 844-467-2020. once, and in the right place. Every 10 years, The census counts people where they are at on April 1, 2020. the results of the census are used to reapportion the The process opens March 12 when people can begin the House of By mid-April, we’ll mail a paper questionnaire to every household that Representatives, online completion of the census. Most people will have hasn’t already responded. (Some households will receive a paper determining how questionnaire along with the ﬁrst invitation in March.) many seats each received an invitation to respond to the census. The form state gets. We’ll have braille and large print guides available online to assist you with It’s in the will be mailed to USPS mailable addresses. Hand delivery completing the paper questionnaire. Constitution. will take place in cases where addresses are a rural/PO The U.S. Constitution mandates If necessary, you can respond in person beginning in mid-May. Census takers that everyone in the country be Box or non-USPS household unit. The card will have an will visit all households that have not yet responded. counted every 10 years. The first census was in 1790. address-specific code for responders to use, but they can We’ll have census takers available who can communicate in American Sign Language and additional languages. When the census taker visits to help still go online without the card. you respond, you can request that another census taker who communicates in American Sign Language returns, if you prefer. It’s about “The goal on March 12 is to have as many people as If you prefer, you may also choose to have another member of your $675 billion. It’s about possible go online and complete the census,” said Rob household interact with the census taker. redistricting. After each decade’s census, state Timm, partnership specialist with the Dallas Regional officials redraw the boundaries of the Responding is important. A complete count helps ensure that services like Medicare, congressional and state legislative Census Office/Field Division, Denver Region U.S. Census Medicaid, social security, and public transportation can support those who need them. districts in their states to account for population shifts. Responding is safe. All of the information you share with us is protected by law and Bureau. Timm has been focusing on western South Dakota The distribution of cannot be used against you. more than $675 billion businesses and government agencies in preparation for Responding is accessible. We’re doing everything we can to ensure the in federal funds, ways to respond are accessible for everyone. grants, and support to states, counties, and Taking part is Census 2020. communities are based on census data. your civic duty. People can also complete the census by phone or complete Any questions? Please visit 2020census.gov. That money is spent Completing the census This website is 508 compliant and accessible to on schools, hospitals, is mandatory: it’s a way a paper form. people of all abilities. roads, public works, to participate in our and other vital democracy and say programs. “I COUNT!” On May 1, the labor-intensive process of sending enumera- 8 Cooperative Connections | March 2020 GET COUNTED

tors door-to-door to count people begins. Officials in Sioux Falls estimated that the An estimated 1,200 people will be serving Census Key Dates community missed out on nearly $1,600 as enumerators through July. per person for every person missed in the March 12: 2010 census. “We know there are tracts with low response areas,” said Timm. Census Self-response begins The value of the census goes beyond officials are working to improve those and continues dollars. response rates. through July 2020. In Minnesota, the fate of the state’s 8th Each year, the federal government distrib- Congressional District is at stake. The utes more than $675 billion to states and April 1: Census Day U.S. House of Representatives is based on communities based on U.S. Census Bureau Dec. 31: Census population. Minnesota currently has eight data. According to the report, “Counting seats while Nebraska has three and South for Dollars 2020: The Role of the Decennial Counts Delivered Dakota and North Dakota have one seat Census in the Geographic Distribution to President each. of Federal Funds” by the GW Institute of “It’s not going to take a ton of your time Public Policy, South Dakota was allocated and it makes a difference for South more than $2.3 billion in 2016. This money The report, by Andrew Reamer, a research Dakota,” said Jake Droge, partnership represented the allocation of funds from professor at The George Washington specialist with the Dallas Regional Census 55 large federal spending programs guided University, noted that census-derived Office/Field Division, Denver Region U.S. by Census 2010 data. Of that $2.3 billion, datasets help define eligibility criteria for Census Bureau. Droge has been working nearly one-quarter was for U.S. Department various programs, compute formulas that with government agencies and businesses of Agriculture programs while one-third geographically allocate funds, rank project in eastern South Dakota. went to U.S. Health and Human Services applications based on priorities and set programs. interest rates for federal loan programs.

The 2020 Census is accessible for everyone. Census data are CENSUS 101: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Businesses use census We’re making sure that however you choose to respond—online, by phone, being used all data to decide where or by mail—that the census is accessible. You’ll receive an invitation to The 2020 Census is closer than you think! to build factories, Here’s a quick refresher of what it is and why it’s essential that everyone is counted. around you. offices, and stores, respond beginning in mid-March. You choose how you want to respond. which create jobs.

You can respond online in English or in 12 additional languages. The online questionnaire is accessible, following the latest web accessibility guidelines. Everyone We’ll also have a video in American Sign Language available to guide you counts. through responding online. Local governments The census use the census for counts every public safety and person living in It’s about fair emergency the United preparedness. You can respond by phone in English or in 12 additional languages. You can States once, only representation. also respond in English by TDD at 844-467-2020. once, and in the right place. Every 10 years, the results of the Residents use the census to census are used to support community reapportion the initiatives involving Real estate House of legislation, quality-of-life, developers use the By mid-April, we’ll mail a paper questionnaire to every household that Representatives, and consumer advocacy. census to build hasn’t already responded. (Some households will receive a paper determining how new homes and revitalize old questionnaire along with the ﬁrst invitation in March.) many seats each state gets. neighborhoods. We’ll have braille and large print guides available online to assist you with It’s in the Your privacy completing the paper questionnaire. Constitution. is protected. The U.S. Constitution mandates It’s against the law for the If necessary, you can respond in person beginning in mid-May. Census takers that everyone in the country be Census Bureau to publicly 2020 will be will visit all households that have not yet responded. counted every 10 years. The first release your responses in any census was in 1790. way that could identify you or easier than ever. We’ll have census takers available who can communicate in American Sign your household. Language and additional languages. When the census taker visits to help In 2020, you will be By law, your responses cannot you respond, you can request that another census taker who communicates able to respond to the be used against you and can in American Sign Language returns, if you prefer. census online. It’s about only be used to produce If you prefer, you may also choose to have another member of your $675 billion. It’s about statistics. household interact with the census taker. redistricting. After each decade’s census, state officials redraw the boundaries of the Responding is important. A complete count helps ensure that services like Medicare, congressional and state legislative You can help. districts in their states to account for Medicaid, social security, and public transportation can support those who need them. You are the expert—we need population shifts. Responding is safe. All of the information you share with us is protected by law and your ideas on the best way to cannot be used against you. The distribution of make sure everyone in your more than $675 billion community gets counted. Responding is accessible. We’re doing everything we can to ensure the in federal funds, ways to respond are accessible for everyone. grants, and support to states, counties, and Taking part is communities are based on census data. your civic duty.

Any questions? Please visit 2020census.gov. That money is spent Completing the census This website is 508 compliant and accessible to on schools, hospitals, is mandatory: it’s a way people of all abilities. roads, public works, to participate in our and other vital democracy and say FIND OUT HOW TO HELP AT programs. “I COUNT!” 2020CENSUS.GOV/PARTNERS

March 2020 | Cooperative Connections 9 2020 VISION

Rep. Jamie Smith, D-Sioux Falls, discusses legislative issues as, from left, Rep. Lee Qualm, R-Platte, Sen. Kris Langer, R-Dell Rapids, Rep. Steve McCleerey, D-Sisseton, and Rep. Oren Lesmeister, D-Parade, listen. CO-OPS LOOK TO FUTURE Brenda Kleinjan Electric director John Long of Red Owl was re-elected as the association’s vice president. Kingsbury Electric director Richard [email protected] Abrahamson of Oldham was re-elected secretary of the associa- South Dakota’s electric cooperatives gathered in Pierre Jan. 16 tion. Cherry-Todd Electric Cooperative director Whitney Meek and 17 under the theme “2020 Vision: Our Family, Our Future” of Wood was elected as the association’s 20th treasurer, replacing for the South Dakota Rural Electric Association’s 78th annual West Central Electric director D.J. Mertens of Kennebec. Meek meeting. During the meeting, the more than 260 cooperative works for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and has been on the local leaders, which represented each of the state’s 31 electric cooper- co-op board since 2009. atives, heard presentations that focused on a variety of topics of concern to the state’s electric cooperatives. Legacy of Leadership Awards Presented “Our theme helped us on working together as a family, which Two men were recognized Friday at the South Dakota Rural will improve the future for all our members,” said SDREA board Electric Association’s annual meeting Jan. 17 in Pierre, S.D., for president Don Heeren of Parker. their contributions to electric cooperatives in South Dakota and the nation. Dan Lindblom of Rapid City and Verdon Lamb of On Thursday, cooperative directors attended a session on the Vienna, S.D., were each presented the SDREA Legacy of Leader- importance of grassroots advocacy and about safety initiatives ship Award. The award recognizes co-op leaders whose talents, among America’s electric cooperatives. A state legislative update dedication and commitment to their co-op, their communities was held prior to the evening’s Legislative Dinner, which saw and the larger co-op family stand out among many. This is the more than 400 people attend. seventh year the award has been presented. “Our legislative dinner is a great time for some conversations with Dan Lindblom served on the board of directors of Custer-based legislators. We were able to share our political agenda for the 2020 Black Hills Electric Cooperative for 27 years before retiring in session and address any concerns they may have,” said Heeren. June 2010. During his tenure, Lindblom held leadership positions Sen. Mike Rounds spoke to the group and video presentations were given by Sen. John Thune and Rep. Dusty Johnson. “It was nice to have Sen. Rounds with us again with his update on Washington, D.C., and to also thank him for the passage of the RURAL Act in December that will be beneficial for all our co-op members,” said Heeren. The meeting’s keynote address was given by Montana logger Bruce Vincent, whose presentation, “With Vision, There Is Hope,” discussed conservation and environmental stewardship and the need to get engaged. Board Reorganizes Verdon Lamb and Dan Lindblom Following the meeting, the board of directors held its re-organi- pose with their SDREA Legacy zational meeting. Southeastern Electric director Don Heeren of of Leadership Awards. Parker was re-elected as the association’s president while Grand

10 Cooperative Connections | March 2020 on the local board and represented Black Hills Electric on the SDREA board ® for 23 years, including six as the association’s eighth board president. One of 2019 S.D. ACRE Lindblom’s greatest co-op accomplishments was guiding the South Dakota Rural Electric Association through turbulent times. Honor Roll Systems Verdon Lamb served on the board of directors of Codington-Clark Electric 100% Board and Management Cooperative for 39 years, retiring from the board in 2019. During those @ Black Hills Electric Cooperative, Custer, 100% CENTURY CLUB 39 years, he played an instrumental role in directing several important @ Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Tabor, cooperative policies, one of which was moving Codington-Clark toward 100% CENTURY CLUB underground construction plans. He also placed a priority on remaining @ Butte Electric Cooperative, Newell connected with and receiving input from Codington-Clark’s membership. He @ Cam Wal Electric Cooperative, Selby also served on the SDREA board for four years and on the East River Electric @ Central Electric Cooperative, Mitchell, 100% CENTURY CLUB Power Cooperative board for 24 years. @ Charles Mix Electric Association, Lake Andes 100% Employee Participation, all at CENTURY CLUB Years of Service Recognition @ Clay-Union Electric Corporation, Vermillion, Fifty-four cooperative directors and employees were recognized for 25 or 100% Board CENTURY CLUB more years of service to the state’s electric cooperatives. Those recognized, @ Codington-Clark Electric Cooperative, Watertown @ Dakota Energy Cooperative, Huron, 100% CENTURY CLUB, along with their years of service and the cooperative they are affiliated with, 100% Employee Participation include: 25 years: Joe Renner, Bon Homme Yankton Electric, Tabor; Dan @ Douglas Electric Kenoyer, Butte Electric, Newell; Travis Schroeder and Chris Larson, Clay- Cooperative, Armour, Union Electric, Vermillion; Jerry Sharp, Connie Whirlwind Horse and 100% Employee Participation Donovan Young Man, Lacreek Electric, Martin; Jim Grimes, Lake Region @ East River Electric Electric, Webster; Karen Salzer, Moreau-Grand Electric, Timber Lake; Jamie Power Cooperative, VanDerWerff, Rosebud Electric, Gregory; Ryan Hyland, Sioux Valley Energy, Madison, 100% Board Colman; John Euchner, Travis Miller and Troy Peters, Southeastern Electric, CENTURY CLUB, Marion; Ed Donnelly, Union County Electric, Elk Point; and Marcia Arneson, 100% Management Dick Johnson and Veronica Kusser, West River Electric, Wall; 30 years: Nicole PRESIDENTIAL LEVEL Einrem and Dave Sternhagen, Bon Homme Yankton; Chuck Even and Steve @ FEM Electric Smeenk, Butte; Robin Schmitz and Darrell Scott, Cherry-Todd Electric, Association, Ipswich, South Dakota ACRE® Chairman Mission, S.D.; Michelle Burggraff, East River Electric Power, Madison, S.D.; 100% Board PRESIDENTIAL Jerry Hammerquist, left, presents LEVEL, 100% Management SDREA Board President Don Heeren Tamara Kilcoyne, Grand Electric, Bison, S.D.; Neil Hahne, Mary Lou Kraft CENTURY CLUB, 100% Employee with the association’s certificate and Sheila Scherer, Moreau-Grand; Russ Hohn, Oahe Electric, Blunt, S.D.; Participation, 100% Board Spouse recognizing their support of the Vic Warnke, Rosebud; and Paul Feterl, Don Heeren, Mark Neu and Brett Participation political action committee. Snyders, Southeastern; 35 years: John Litzen, Cam Wal Electric, Selby, S.D.; @ Grand Electric Cooperative, Bison Beth Bottolfson and Mike Hauck, Clay-Union; Doug Case and Jeff Rud, @ H-D Electric Cooperative, Clear Lake, 100% CENTURY CLUB East River; Melissa Maher, Moreau-Grand; Mark Anderson, Sioux Valley; @ Lake Region Electric Association, Webster and Jerry Hammerquist and Wayne Shull, West River. 40 years: Tim Neises, @ Moreau-Grand Electric Cooperative, Timber Lake, 100% Central Electric, Mitchell, S.D.; Teresa Goehring, Steve Hofman and Paul Employee Participation Lambert, East River; Bob Dubbelde and Jason Peterson, Southeastern; and @ Oahe Electric Cooperative, Blunt Dave Semerad, West River. 45 years: Karen Willuweit, Rosebud. @ Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative, Rapid City @ Sioux Valley Energy, Colman, 100% Management CENTURY CLUB Director Training Recognized @ South Dakota Rural Electric Association, Pierre, Six cooperative directors were recognized for achieving the top level of 100% CENTURY CLUB, 100% Employee Participation training offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. @ Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Marion, 100% NRECA’s Director Certificate Programs are specifically designed to help Employee Participation electric cooperative directors, at every stage of their service, understand their @ Union County Electric Cooperative, Elk Point @ West Central Electric Cooperative, Murdo, roles and responsibilities, stay up-to-date on the key issues and trends in the 100% Management CENTURY CLUB, 100% Employee Participation industry and prepare them to meet the challenges facing electric cooperatives @ West River Electric Association, Wall, 100% CENTURY CLUB now and in the future. The six directors recognized for achieving Director @ Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative, Milbank, @ Gold level were: Dave E. Gross, Yale – Dakota Energy; Ross A. Kopren, 100% CENTURY CLUB Prairie City – Grand Electric; Kenneth L. Gillaspie, Pierre – Oahe Electric; 100% Board Mark E. Rogen, Garretson and Allan Weinacht, Colton – Sioux Valley @ Kingsbury Electric Cooperative, De Smet Energy; and Pat Scheier, Salem – Southeastern Electric. @ Traverse Electric Cooperative, Wheaton, Minn. Safety Recognized (Recognized in Minnesota) 100% Management Eight cooperatives and SDREA were recognized for completion of its three- year enhanced assessment process in 2019 as part of the Rural Electric Safety @ Lacreek Electric, Martin @ Northern Electric Cooperative, Bath Achievement Program: Black Hills Electric; Charles Mix Electric; Cher- ry-Todd Electric; Codington-Clark Electric; Kingsbury Electric Cooperative, South Dakota had 735 ACRE members in 2019. De Smet; Lacreek Electric; SDREA; Southeastern Electric; West Central Recognized contribution levels: Leadership Circle ($1,000); Presidential Electric; and Whetstone Valley Electric. ($500); Vice Presidents ($250); Century Club ($100); and Regular ($25). March 2020 | Cooperative Connections 11 COMMUNITY Boots, Broncs and Safety Electric Safety Remains a Tradition at Black Hills Stock Show®

Courtney J. Deinert [email protected]

“We’re just selling safety.”

During the first week of February, people from across the region pull on their boots and gather in Rapid City, S.D., to celebrate the area’s deep history of cattle ranching at the Black Hills Stock Show. The Black Hills Stock Show is the second largest event in the state, after the Sturgis With the step of a pedal, Central Electric’s Pat Soukup illustrates the effects of elec- Motorcycle Rally. tricity when contacting a power line. On the vendor floor, you can find anything a cowboy or cowgirl would dream of. Among the leather boots, hides, The presentation is designed to educate saddles and hats for sale, you can also find elementary-aged children about the the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives of dangers of electricity, but all ages gather South Dakota booth. to see the demonstration. “We’re just selling safety,” said Todd As parents and grandparents pass by Eliason, assistant general manager at the booth, they’ll smile and nod, likely Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative in remembering the presentation from Rapid City, S.D. “We’ve been doing this for their earlier days. Parents with young more than 20 years.” cowboys and cowgirls along will nudge The booth features a tabletop safety them towards the booth to hear about demonstration, also known as “Neon the importance of respecting electricity Leon” or “Power Town.” The table demon- on the farm. stration features a model farmyard with Eliason recalls working at the safety a barn, house, overhead power lines, booth one year and a young boy pointed ground transformer and props such as tree at him and yelled, “That’s him!” branches, a ladder, backhoe and line down Eliason admits that his first thought was, on a tractor. “Oh, no. What did I do?” With the step of a pedal, the operator can “Neon Leon” and “Lightning Liz” However, the mother approached him in illustrate how electrocution can conduct electricity through the lines and tears, gave him a big hug and said, “My occur when approaching a tractor produce a shock or arch with the props. son hit a power line with a tractor, and with a downed power line on it.

12 Cooperative Connections | March 2020 COMMUNITY

The demonstration is designed Ranch Rodeo for elementary-aged children but draws crowds of all ages. Events because he saw your presentation, he knew trailer demonstration held Thursday One of the most popular events at the to stay in the tractor. He is here today evening in conjunction with the sheep dog Black Hills Stock Show is the Ranch because of you.” trials and mutton busting. Rodeo. Teams from a five-state region compete for more than $21,000 in Many cooperative representatives across In addition to the Stock Show, the Touch- cash and prizes. the state can share similar stories where stone Energy® Cooperatives of South Preliminary and final events represent children, farm wives Dakota provide real-life chores on the ranch and and equipment energy efficiency and provide unique entertainment. operators knew “My son hit a power safety education at @ Steer Loadin’ exactly what to line with a tractor, other events across do in a dangerous the state, including Teams must sort and load a steer into the trailer and shut and latch situation involving and because he saw the South Dakota the trailer. electricity because your presentation, State Fair and they saw one of Dakotafest. You can @ Range Doctorin’ the cooperative’s he knew to stay also likely find them Teams must head and heel a cow, lay it on its rib cage, “doctor it” on electric safety in the tractor.” at your local home presentations. and farm shows, the neck with medicine on a paint town festival, school stick and remove the ropes. “When watching events and more. @ Stray Gatherin’ the demonstration, the kids probably Teams must head and heel a steer don’t understand everything right away,” To request a safety demonstration in your and tie any three legs. says Patrick Soukup, manager of member community, contact your local electric services/marketing at Central Electric cooperative. @ Blake’s Trailer Loading Cooperative in Mitchell, S.D. “But it might Teams will have trailers loaded get them asking questions about electricity with horses in the arena. They must unload their horses, rope and they’ll go look it up or bring it up in two steers and load them into the conversation.” trailer. Kids rarely leave the booth empty-handed. @ Rope, Mug and Tie Attendees can count on taking home Teams must lay and tie down a a souvenir including pencils, rulers, designated steer. band-aids, plastic hardhats, stickers and a @ Head, Heel and Brand variety of different hand-outs to remind Teams must head and heel two them about the presentation. steers, lay each on its side, and Representatives from the electric coopera- brand them. tives from across South Dakota take turns @ Pendleton Ranch Bronc Ride operating the demonstration at the booth. A team member must ride a bronc During the Stock Show, the electric A young girl at the booth gets a for 8-seconds and can hang on closer look at overhead and under- with both hands if desired. cooperatives also facilitate the high voltage ground conductor samples.

March 2020 | Cooperative Connections 13 CO-OP NEWS

LIKE TO COOK? Send Us Your Recipes! We are looking for original or your favorite recipes that are a hit at your house. Each month we will hold a drawing from the recipes that are submitted for a $10 credit on the winner’s electric account. Please note that each month’s winner will then be entered in a yearly drawing for a grand prize at the end of the year. All recipes that we receive will be forwarded to SDREA for possible publication in Southeastern Electric Coop- erative Connections. Recipes for the April magazine should be submitted by March 3. The last winner of the recipe of the month was Alex Taralson of Sioux Falls. You may e-mail your recipes to brett@southeastern. coop or mail them to: South- eastern Electric, PO Box 250, Salem, SD 57058-0250. Upcoming recipe topics are Appetizers/Beverages in April, Casseroles in May, Dairy in June and Desserts in July.

14 Cooperative Connections | March 2020 BOARD NEWS

SEC Board Summary Report The board of directors of Southeastern Electric Cooperative met dinator position and mentioned he is working closely with the on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, with all directors present. Also present Member Services Department personnel during this organiza- were Manager Brad Schardin, Attorney Alan Peterson and staff tional transition. members John McDonald, John Euchner and Todd Nelson. In his legal report, Attorney Peterson discussed a Colorado Manager Schardin in his report reviewed with the board the lawsuit making the use of cameras mounted on utility poles following items: without an applicable search warrant illegal. Another suit deemed Discussed the input obtained from the employee focus group that counties can legally charge fees to renew a franchise granting meetings, future staff-level discussions on organizational utilities access to county right-of-way. In addition, he noted the assessments, upcoming personnel changes with plans to fill recent change in overtime labor laws for exempt and non-exempt vacancies and the plans to expand the Sioux Falls office. status. Reviewed the upcoming meeting with POET, Central Electric, The board acted on the following motions: Northern Electric and East River personnel. A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent Discussed the plans to inform members of the reconstitution agenda. Motion carried. of the director voting districts in the upcoming Southeastern A motion was made and seconded to adopt Board Resolution Electric Cooperative Connections and bill stuffers. #2020-02 establishing the date, time and place for the 2020 annual meeting. Motion carried. Reviewed the upcoming visit with a representative from Sen. A motion was made and seconded to authorize the President Mike Rounds’ office, the election for a CFC Manager-Director and Secretary to execute a Non-Site-Specific Contract for 2020 from District 6 and plans to conduct a strategic thinking with Dave’s Construction. Motion carried. session with Steve Kettler. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the Affirmative Discussed snow issues at the Marion office and solar panel Action Programs as presented for the calendar year 2020. inquiries from members. Motion carried. Reviewed the circulation folder and various member-related A motion was made and seconded to approve a donation issues. to the Lincoln County 4-H Facility and Livestock Complex project that is to be located near Lennox. Motion carried. John McDonald reviewed his written report, the preliminary A motion was made and seconded to authorize Heeren, financial report for December 2019 and the POET self-generation Ostraat, Wildeboer and Wollmann to attend the NRECA report. Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) courses held in Operations Manager John Euchner reviewed his written report March. Motion carried. and provided the monthly safety and new services reports. He A motion was made and seconded to authorize all directors also discussed an outage on a WAPA 230 kV line that dropped and the attorney to attend the strategic thinking session tenta- power to several substations for three minutes and the approval tively set in March. Motion carried. of a conditional use permit by Lincoln County for East River to A motion was made and seconded to authorize Heeren and construct transmission facilities to the site of the Dakota Access Wollmann to attend the NRECA directors’ conference on Pipeline pumping station and the draft power factor policy behalf of the cooperative. Motion carried. proposed by the East River Power Factor Committee. A motion was made and seconded to authorize Holmberg to attend the NRECA Legislative Conference on behalf of the Consumer Relations, IT and Member Services Manager Todd cooperative. Motion carried. Nelson reviewed his written report and the cyber security reports. The next regular monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. He also discussed a job offer to be made for the metering coor- 20, 2020, at the Marion office.

March 2020 | Cooperative Connections 15 DATELINE

February 22 Cabin Fever Games, Yankton, SD, 605-665-8994

February 27-29 SD High School State Wrestling Tournament, All Classes, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-224-9261

February 27-March 1 35th Annual SD State Dart Tournament, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

March 8 Soup and Bingo Luncheon, travelsouthdakota.com Fundraiser for Alcester Pink Ladies, Alcester, SD, February 20-25: Black Hills Film 712-281-3369 Festival, Hill City, SD, 605-574-9454 Photo courtesy: Photo March 12-14 SD State B High School Girls March 20-21, 27-28 April 3-4 April 25 Basketball Tournament, Annual Schmeckfest, Forks, Corks and Kegs Food, River Rat Marathon, Yankton, Spearfish, SD, 605-224-9261 Freeman, SD, 605-925-4237 Wine and Beer Festival, SD, 605-660-9483 Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 March 14-15 March 21-22 or 800-999-1876 June 25-27 Gun Show, Davison County Gun Show, Codington County 31st Annual Red Power Round Fairgrounds, Mitchell, SD, Ag Building, Watertown, SD, April 4 Up, Fairgrounds, Huron, SD, 701-361-9215 701-361-9215 Pet Vaccination Clinic, Fire redpowerroundup2020.com Station, Co-sponsored by March 18, June 11, March 26 Lennox Lions Club and Dr. July 14 August 13 and October 8 Pancake Supper, Legion Ken Shaffer, $2 from each Rock Nobles Cattlemen 2020 Kids Mystery Dinner Theater, Hall, 4:30 to 7 p.m., Free will vaccination donated to Summer Beef Tour, Nobles Brookings, SD, 605-692-6700 donations, Sponsored by Lions Club, Dogs: Rabies, County Fairgrounds, Register Lennox Lions Club, Lennox, Distemper, Kennel Cough, Before June 1: $20, After June 1: March 19-21 SD, Contact Jane at Cats: Rabies, Distemper, $40, Worthington, MN, SD State A High School Boys 605-359-5485 Leukemia, Lennox, SD, 507-967-2380, www.mnsca.org and Girls Basketball Contact Lori at 605-647-5886 March 28 Tournament, Rushmore Plaza or Jane at 605-359-5485 To have your event SD High School All-State Band Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, listed on this page, send Concert, Mitchell, SD, 605-224-9261 April 4-5 complete information, 605-224-9261 Annual USD Wacipi, including date, event, March 19-21 Vermillion, SD April 2 place and contact to your SD State AA High School local electric cooperative. McCrossan Wildest Banquet Boys and Girls Basketball April 17-19 Include your name, Auction in the Midwest Tournament, Sanford Premier First Dakota Classic Archery address and daytime featuring Bonner Bolton Center, Sioux Falls, SD, Tournament, Yankton, SD, telephone number. from Dancing with the 605-224-9261 605-260-9282 Information must be Stars, 5:30 p.m., Arena, submitted at least eight Sioux Falls, SD, Tickets: April 18 March 19-21 weeks prior to your $75 each, 605-339-1203, Design Challenge, Sioux Falls, SD State B High School Boys event. Please call ahead www.mccrossan.org SD, 605-731-2348 Basketball Tournament, to confirm date, time and Barnett Center, Aberdeen, SD, location of event. 605-224-9261