Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections October 2016

OCTOBER 2016

VOL. 17 NO. 6

Annual Meetings Give

Members A Voice

P8-9

Manager’s

Column

Rate Pressure Studied

Merlin Goehring

General Manager Bon Homme Yankton Electric

As I write this article I can already feel the hints of fall in the air and the days are getting shorter. It seems like summer just started and it’s already gone.

I guess that is the way things go when we live in a northern climate, summer arrives late and leaves before most people are ready for the change. Also with this change in season comes fall harvest time and we want to make sure that you stay safe when harvesting and stay clear

of any power lines.

Basin Mid-Year Rate Increase For those of you who were at our Annual Meeting on August 16th in Tabor, you were given the news about Basin Electric raising its rates effective August 1st of this year. This is due to the lack of energy sales and also for the lack of revenues from their subsidiary businesses. One of those is Dakota Gasification where they produce synthetic natural gas and many other products from the use of coal. As you may know the price of oil and natural gas has hit some very low prices and this has created financial issues for Basin Electric due to the market prices being so depressed. So with both sales from members of electricity and the lack of revenues from the gas plant, Basin had to take steps to increase their revenues in order to meet their financial obligations.

Now for a little good news, if there is any, about this situation; we are fortunate that our power provider, East River Electric Power Cooperative had some reserves on hand to cover the mid-year increase and we will be using some of our margin stabilization funds to fill the gap as well. These reserves are some of the dollars collected in past years and were held as a financial cushion towards events like this, so for the remainder of the year we will be able to continue with our current rates and that is helpful.

2 October 2016 • Cooperative ConneCtions

However on the other side of things we have been advised that the rate increase by Basin Electric will stay in effect for 2017. Basin Electric’s Board of Directors took this step to insure their financial standing with their lenders and it will basically come down to the members at the end of the line paying for this. The directors and managers of area cooperatives who are members of Basin Electric continue to work with them on looking at rate strategies that would be less harmful than keeping the proposed rates in effect going beyond 2017 unless absolutely necessary.

We will continue to look at our budget this fall and what our power supply costs will be doing. As you may be aware our power cost is our biggest expense in our budget and we must keep in mind

We take rate increases and increased expenses very seriously and your board of directors will do what is right for the cooperative. that our local expenses have increased as well, so pressure on adequate revenue levels will continue into next year. Once we see our budgeted power costs in October, we will then be ready to move forward with setting our rates for the coming year.

We take rate increases and increased expenses very seriously and your board of directors will do what is right for the cooperative.

The board has already taken steps to review our rate design and in the near future we will see more costs attributed to the fixed costs such as revenues on facilities in place rather than just the amount of Kwh’s used. The average power bill will not see that much of a change based on the idea that increased facility costs could mean a lower rate on the energy component itself. We will continue to work on these items through the fall and first part of next year and we will keep you advised of any future changes through this publication. As always, if you have questions, please feel free to give us a call.

Board

report

Director Seated (USPS No. 018-973)

Bon Homme Yankton Electric Assn, Inc. PO Box 158 134 S Lidice St Tabor, SD 57063 Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am to 4:30pm

To Report an Outage Call: Local From Tabor, Tyndall and Yankton 605-463-2507 or Toll Free in South Dakota 1-800-925-2929 NOTICE: Electric bills must be paid by 10:00am on the 20th of each month to avoid a $10 late fee.

Before calling the regular board meeting to order, the board held their reorganization meeting. Robert Ruppelt was seated as the new director for district two. The following directors retained their office: Rick Koupal, President; Paul Voigt, Vice-President; Darrell Beran, Treasurer. David Sternhagen was selected to take over the office of secretary.

During the regular board meeting, the board heard the monthly reports including an update on the rate increases proposed by Basin Electric Power Cooperative.

They appointed Rick Koupal as delegate with David Sternhagen as the alternate to the CFC District 6 meeting that will be held in conjunction with the NRECA Region 6 meeting. David Sternhagen was selected to be the voting delegate to the Federated Rural Electric Insurance meeting also being held at the same time.

The board approved Resolution

2016-08-01 Basin Electric PURPA Waiver Support and Resolution 201608-02 CFC CSIF Request for Funds.

The board authorized participation in the CoBank Sharing Success matching grant program again this year.

Welcome new Members Avon Clay Lukkes Springfield Wayne Kniffen Tabor Terry L Angle Andrea Brown Yankton Aaron Ness Richard Wade Lucia F Yokimishyn Kevin Lockhart Linda M Trimble Dustin Bergstrom Cyril J Schrage

Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections is published monthly by Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc., PO Box 158, 134 S. Lidice St., Tabor, SD 57063-0158 for its members. Families subscribe to Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership. Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connection’s purpose is to provide reliable, helpful information to electric cooperative members on matters pertaining to rural electrification and better rural living. Subscription information: Electric cooperative members devote $6.00 from their electric payments annually for a subscription. Nonmember subscriptions are available for $12 annually. Periodicals Postage Paid at Tabor, SD 57063 and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections, Bon Homme Yankton Electric, PO Box 158, Tabor, S.D. 57063 TELEPHONE (605)463-2507: FAX (605) 463-2419.

Design assistance by TDG Communications, Deadwood, S.D.

statement of non-Discrimination This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.

Cooperative ConneCtions • October 2016 3

Safety

Tips

original

Fall Electrical Safety Tips As the calendar makes its way ever closer to October, we find ourselves preparing for fall. During this transitional period, when the kids are headed for school but the weather has yet to cool down, it’s a good time to review fall electrical safety.

When activities move inside, it’s important to consider the electrical hazards that become more prevalent as the temperatures begin to plummet. We’ve put together a list of practical safety tips for both inside and outside the home.

Outdoor Electrical Safety Electrical Wires – When using your ladder outside, especially for projects on the roof or rain gutter, be mindful of overhead electrical wires.

Battery Chargers – Unplug and store those battery chargers for yard tools that won’t be used until next spring.

Outdoor Devices – Protect outdoor electrical devices from moisture. Cover any exposed electrical outlets and check outdoor electrical cords for damage or a faulty connection.

Leaves/Debris – Keep fallen leaves away from outdoor outlets, power cords and outdoor lighting. Also make sure that tree debris is kept away from the air conditioner condenser.

Cold Weather Tools – Inspect the electrical tools that you will be using for fall yard work. Make sure to check the cords for wear and tear – and either repair damaged equipment or replace it.

Outdoor Lighting – Less sunlight in the fall will mean the exterior lights to the house will be on longer. Check the lights to ensure that the bulbs are the correct wattage and that any cords have not been damaged over the summer.

Indoor Electrical Safety Electric Blankets – Make sure that you inspect all of your electric blankets for worn areas both in the fabric and on the electrical cord. Never tuck an electrical blanket under a mattress or animals to sleep on them.

Space Heaters – If you use a space heater, inspect it and have a quick test run before running it this season. Be mindful of space heater placement. Always allow at least a foot of space around the perimeter of unit and never leave unattended toddlers in the same room with one.

Smoke/CO Detectors – Every season you should check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Since the fall usually means more inside activities, including cooking and use of the fireplace, it’s good practice to ensure the smoke detectors are working properly. If you own gas heater, stoves or other gasfueled appliances, make sure that you own CO detectors – and that they are working properly.

Light Bulbs – In the fall we start to lose daylight, which will mean more dependence on indoor lighting. Check the bulbs throughout the house to make sure they are the proper wattage for the size of the light fixture.

Source: www.universalhomeexperts.com 4 October 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

original

FOR JOBS

Vote YES on Amendment R

W H AT WILL

IT DO?

• Amendment R merely updates our Constitution’s language to reflect today’s marketplace for workers and employer needs.

• Employers will have an easier time finding specialized workers with a specific skill set.

• More students will have access to programs that bring themV immediate o t e Y E S employment. on Amendment R • Technical institutes and career education programs will have direct access to government decision-makers for support and funding.

• Amendment R improves communication and support among the career and technical education schools and their governing body.

• As workers fill positions that would otherwise have remained empty, South Dakota’s economy grows.

Vote YES on Amendment R

FOR JOBS

R for JOBS

Kidsʼ Corner Safety Poster “Always unplug your cord before putting a knife in to get the bread out..”

R for JOBS

Vote YES on Amendment R

FOR

JOBS

VOTE YES ON A M ENDM ENT R

FOR

JOBS

VOTE YES ON A M ENDM ENT R

Jacyne Romey, 11 years old Jacyne is the daughter of Tracy Romey, Oelrichs, S.D. She is a member of Black Hills Electric Cooperative, Custer, S.D. Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your poster is published, youʼll receive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged.

Reader

Recipes

revised

PlentyFOR of PastaJOBS

FOR JO B S

revised

Vote YES on Amendment R

Vote YES on Amendment R

Refrigerator Chicken Casserole

Sausage and Pepper Spaghetti Pie

2 to 2-1/2 cups diced cooked 1 small onion, finely chopped chicken 1/2 green pepper, diced 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked 1 (2 oz.) jar pimento, diced 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 (5 oz.) can sliced water 1 can cream of chicken soup chestnuts 1 soup can milk 8 oz. Cheddar cheese, grated Vote YES on Amendment R 1-3/4 cup chicken broth

FOR JOBS

8 oz. spaghetti 1 T. olive oil 1/2 lb. Italian sausage, casing removed 1 cup thinly sliced green bell pepper 1 cup thinly sliced onion wedges 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained V2otsps. t e Rosemary Y E S o nleaves Amendment R

FOR JO B S

1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. oregano leaves 1 tsp. thyme leaves 1/2 tsp. salt 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided 8 eggs

Mix together all ingredients in order given. Pour into well-greased 9x13-inch pan. Cover with aluminum foil.

Refrigerate overnight until ready to bake. Uncover and bake at 350°F. for 1 hour.

R for JOBS

Karen Huether, Tripp

Vote YES on Amendment R

Fettuccini Alfredo 24 oz. dry fettuccini pasta 1 cup butter 3/4 pint heavy cream Salt and pepper to taste

Cook spaghetti as directed on package. Drain well. Meanwhile, heat oil in large ovenproof skillet on medium-high heat. Break up sausage in skillet. Add bell pepper and onion; cook and stir 5 minutes or until sausage is browned. Add tomatoes, rosemary, garlic powder, oregano, thyme and salt; cook and stir 10 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Beat eggs in large bowl. Add and 1 cup of the Vote spaghetti YES on Amendment R cheese; mix well. Stir into mixture in skillet. Cook on medium-low heat 5 minutes or until bottom is set. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake at 350°F. for 8 to 10 minutes or until center is just set and cheese is melted. Cut into 8 wedges to serve.

R for JOBS

1 dash garlic salt 3/4 cup grated Romano cheese Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 367, Total Fat 19g, Cholesterol 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 246mg, Sodium 754mg, Carbohydrates 28g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Protein 21g

R for JOBS Bring a largeR pot for of lightly JOBS salted water to a boil. Add

Pictured, Cooperative Connections

Vote YES on Amendment R fettuccini and cook foron 8 toAmendment 10 minutes orRuntil al dente; Vote YES Spaghetti Corn drain. In a large saucepan, melt butter into cream over low Please send heat. Add salt, pepper and garlic salt. Stir in cheese over 1 can creamed corn 1 can whole corn medium heat until melted; this will thicken the sauce. your favorite 2 cups broken spaghetti 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese Add pasta to sauce. Use enough of the pasta so that all of crockpot, holi1 stick melted butter Onion, optional the sauce is used and the pasta is thoroughly coated. Serve day treat and VOTE YES ON AMENDMENT R immediately.VOTE Y ES ON A M END M ENT R V O T E Y E S O N A M Esoup N D Mrecipes ENT R

FOR

JOBS

FOR

JOBS

FOR

JOBS

to your local electric cooperative (address Nikki Larson, Hayti found on Page 3). Each recipe 1 lb. Brie cheese, rind removed 3 garlic cloves, minced printed will be and cut into small pieces 1/2 tsp. salt entered into a 4 large tomatoes, coarsely 1/4 tsp. pepper drawing for a 1 lb. ground beef 1/2 cup grated Parmesan chopped 1-1/2 lbs. uncooked linguine prize in Decem3 cups penne pasta, cooked and cheese, divided 1 cup choppedVOTE fresh basil Y ES ON AShredded M END Parmesan M ENT Rcheese V O T E Y E S O N A M E N D M E N T R V O T E Y E S O N A M Eber NDM E N T All R 2016. drained 1-1/2 cups shredded 1/2 cup olive oil entries must 1 (24 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce mozzarella cheese include your In a large serving bowl, combine Brie, tomatoes, basil, oil, name, mailing Brown beef and drain. Add pasta, sauce and 1/2 the garlic, salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature for address, teleParmesan cheese, mixing well. Spoon into a 9x13-inch up to 1-1/2 hours. Cook linguine according to package phone number baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses. Bake at 375°F. for directions; drain. Toss with cheese mixture. Sprinkle with and coopera20 minutes or until heated thru.

Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately. tive name.

Jillian Nedved, Harrisburg

Tomato Basil Linguine

FOR

JOBS

Stephanie Fossum, Hudson

Combine all ingredients; pour into buttered casserole. Bake at 350°F. for 25 minutes with lid off and an additional 20 minutes with lid on.

FOR

Pasta Bake

JOBS

FOR

JOBS

Mary Jessen, Holabird

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • October 2016 5

Co-op

news

Annual Meeting Highlights Three hundred and twenty one registered members showed their cooperative spirit by attending their 72nd Annual Meeting on August 16th.

Almost 600 people enjoyed the meal of Jim Kokes' pork loin sandwiches and Menno Dairy Bar potato salad.

Board President Rick Koupal presided over the meeting. After the determination of a quorum, the meeting was called to order, the invocation was given by Joel Finck and the Pledge of Allegiance was voiced. Allison Carda of Tabor performed a moving rendition of the National Anthem.

General Manager M.J. Goehring introduced the Board of Directors and welcomed the members, former directors and employees as well as guests from other cooperatives that were in attendance.

President Koupal asked for approval of the previous annual meeting minutes as published in the Cooperative Connections. He also presented the 2015 Audited Financial Report.

Attorney Sheila Woodward presided over the director election. In District 7, David Sternhagen was the only petitioner and was re-elected by an unanimous voice vote. Incumbant Director for District 2, Ernest Namminga was challenged by Robert

Ruppelt. Ruppelt won the election by a vote of 10588. Namminga was thanked for his nine years of service to the cooperative.

The joint President and Robert Ruppelt Manager Report included a review of events over the past year and some current issues such as power cost increases, cost of service, rate design and other events at the cooperative.

The East River Electric video report was presented.

The following service awards were presented at the annual meeting: Journeyman Lineman Travis Zomer, 15 years; Journeyman Lineman Tyler Suess, 5 years.

Kloucek Stock Farm, David and Carol Kloucek of Tabor won the grand prize Deluxe Electric Cart Grill with bonus rotisserie. Other prize winners are listed on page 7.

Grand prize winners David and Carol Kloucek.

Thank you for the $25.00 gift certificate and the good meal.

Ed Fejfar

Chris Gunderson is blown away by his new mini-wind tower. "Thank you so much for the Lasko Desktop Wind Tower won at the 72nd annual Meeting," Chris Gunderson.

Left: Travis Zomer receives a 15 year award from President Koupal. Right: Tyler Suess is presented with a certificate for 5 years of service.

6 October 2016 • Cooperative ConneCtions

"Thank you BY Electric for the slow cooker we won at the Annual Meeting," Alvin and Ruth Sternhagen.

Co-op

news

Prize Winners

We want to say "Thanks" for the good meal and the shop heater that we won at your annual meeting.

Thanks again, Preston and Caroline Bochman For more photos go to: http://www.facebook.com/ BonHommeYanktonElectric Melanie Ibarra is all smiles over her new waffle maker.

Annual Meeting Prize Winners Thank you so much for your generosity of providing this very usable gift of the Stanley Portable Vac. I have never thought of getting a small one like this, but it is so handy! I'm using it already! We are so glad we won it!

Thank you, also, for all the skilled people who work for your organization. We are lucky to have you and all that the co-op stand for.

Thanks for the great meal!

Dean and Vi Holman

Dear Members of BY Electric Board of Directors and the Employees as well, We appreciate your dedication to our cooperative. Thank you for the time spent to keep BY running smoothly.

Thanks also for the Cabela's gift card we won at the annual meeting.

Bob & Loretta Kortan

DONATED BY

ITEM

WON BY

B-Y Electric

Shop Vac

Dean & Viola Holman

B-Y Electric

Waffle Maker

Melanie Ibarra

B-Y Electric

Cordless Drill

Randal Heying

B-Y Electric

Smoothie Blender

Steve & Susan Shrader

B-Y Electric

2-Pack Plug Strip

Terry Wormsbecher

B-Y Electric

2 Slice Toaster

James & Mary Schuch

B-Y Electric

Hand Mixer

George Kostal

B-Y Electric

Can Opener

LeRoy & Marjorie Sayler

B-Y Electric

Blender

Shirley Woods

B-Y Electric

LED Trouble Light

Tammy Ruman

B-Y Electric

Crock Pot

Alvin & Ruth Sternhagen

B-Y Electric

Dremel

Terry & Eileen Sestak

B-Y Electric

Socket Set

Rodney Wiese

B-Y Electric

Fry Pan

Mildred Sternhagen

B-Y Electric

Wind Tower Fan

Chris Gunderson

B-Y Electric

Toaster Oven

Friedensburg Bible Church

B-Y Electric

$25 Energy Certificate

Allen Sinclair Edward Fejfar Aaron & Geralyn Hellmann Elmer Kuchta

ECHO

Binoculars

David Cap

Dakota Supply Group

Air Popper

Roger & Mary Prunty

RESCO

Grilling Set

Marlin & Donna Tusha

Irby

$25 Cabela's Gift Card

Gerald & Linda Dobrovolny Robert & Loretta Kortan

Wesco

Trouble Light

Al & Delra Ulmer

Crescent Electric

LED Bulbs

Tabor Amateur Baseball Lloyd Nedved

Crescent Electric

Portable Shop Heater

Preston & Caroline Bochman

Border States

Coffee Mug

Dean & Dawn Braunesreither

Border States

Duffle Bag

Richard & Sharleen Hovorka

East River Electric

Solar Charger/Radio

Pauline Hauck

Cooperative ConneCtions • October 2016 7

Members’ Democratic Participation

Co-op Annual Meetings Give Members a Voice E

By Brenda Kleinjan and Meghaan Evans

ach and every year, cooperative members are encouraged to attend their local cooperative annual meeting and exercise that most fundamental of democratic principles – the right to vote.

Your cooperative is not owned by far away investors, and it is not run by an appointed board of directors. It is run by a democratically elected board of directors – a board who is given the privilege to serve because of your vote.

A cooperative members’ vote is his or her say in the business dealings of their cooperative, whether it be their electric cooperative, telephone cooperative, grain or elevator cooperative or similar businesses.

That vote by the very same people using the business’ products and services is what sets co-ops apart

8 October 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

from other types of businesses.

Votes for candidates for local boards of directors are not typically flashy affairs with big campaigns.

In many cases, a nominating committee works to find interested people to stand for election. At other cooperatives, members petition to run for the board. The end result is that an individual is selected to represent his or her neighbors in making decisions that ensure their homes, farms/ranches and businesses are best served by the cooperative.

At the end of the day, the members hold the power with their vote.

The directors of your local cooperative are members of your community. They are concerned with the issues you face every day because they face them

Photo Courtesy Southeastern Electric Cooperative/Marion, S.D.

about what local individuals, working as a community, can do to address our most pressing challenges and take advantage of available opportunities.

The meeting also affords members the chance to visit with others in the co-op community – it’s also a great opportunity to learn about programs offered by the cooperative and get to know your co-op staff.

The annual meeting makes it possible for co-ops to gather feedback from members by providing a forum where they can let the co-op know how it can better serve you and your family.

A democratic and open election is one of the many elements that make electric cooperatives stand out from other utilities. Having a voice in who makes the major decisions that directly affect your life and your family is a right we all share as Americans. We all vote for our state and federal Congressional representatives, but not every American has the right to vote for those who will represent community interests within their electric utility. You have that right, so why not exercise it?

Rest assured, no matter what happens, electric cooperatives remain dedicated to providing you with safe, reliable and affordable electric service, but all cooperative members are encouraged to take part in helping their cooperative improve how it delivers that service.

Photo Courtesy Renville-Sibley Co-op Power Association/Danube, Minn.

Photo Courtesy Lake Region Electric Association/Webster, S.D.

too. And don’t forget – members of a local cooperative are eligible to run for the board – that includes you!

Each year, thousands of co-op members in South Dakota and western Minnesota will attend their co-op’s annual meeting. These meetings are designed for coop members to gather, share experiences, hear from co-op leadership and – perhaps most importantly – vote to elect the board members or approve bylaw changes.

Many co-ops seek to make these annual meetings community events, offering meals, kids’ activities and entertainment. Some also offer prizes to members.

The food, games and prizes are often considered the best parts of the meeting, but there is so much more to the event.

The annual meeting is an occasion to discuss and learn more about the issues affecting local communities and cooperatives? For example, in the past year, many cooperatives have talked about the federal Clean Power Plan. While national press coverage of the plan gives far-off perspectives, the co-op annual meeting gives attendees the opportunity to learn first-hand what impacts the plan may have on their local cooperative and, perhaps more meaningfully, on the members’ monthly electric bill.

The annual meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the topics that impact you and talk

Left: A banner hoisted between two bucket trucks welcomes members to their annual meeting in Lennox this June. Opposite Page: The annual meeting format allows members to learn more about issues facing their cooperative on a national, state and local level. Inset: Future co-op members, such as Brooklyn Kodet at her co-op annual meeting in Bird Island, Minn., in March, often win prizes selected just for kids.

Not every American has the right to vote for those who will represent community interests within their electric utility.

You have that right, so why not exercise it?

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • October 2016 9

Co-op

news

Celebrate National Co-op Month

Being part of a cooperative means being part of something special. Bon Homme Yankton Electric is celebrating National Cooperative Month in October, along with 40,000 other cooperative businesses serving more than 120 million people nationwide.

“Cooperatives Build” is the theme of this year’s National Cooperative Month.

Cooperatives Build Trust Most co-ops strive to adhere to seven key cooperative principles, which combine to help build trust between the co-op, its members and the community. For example, the first principle is Voluntary and Open Membership, which means that we are a voluntary organization open to all people to use our services and willing to accept the responsibility of membership.

The second principle, Democratic Member Control, gives members a voice in the cooperative’s policies and

decisions. Through the fifth principle, Education, Training and Information, we enable members to contribute to the development of our cooperative.

Cooperatives Build Community The seventh cooperative principle is Concern for Community. Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through employee involvement in local organizations, through charitable contributions to community efforts and through support for schools.

Cooperatives Build Jobs Cooperatives generate jobs in their communities, keep profits local and pay local taxes to help support community services. Cooperatives often take part in community improvement programs, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to benefit from the cooperative experience.

Cooperatives Build a Better World Through all of the above ways, cooperatives build a better world. With the seven cooperative principles binding these unique and diverse businesses, we can see that co-ops truly do build a better world. For more information, visit www.coopmonth.coop.

Thanks!

Dear Bon Homme Yankton Electric, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to go to North Dakota. I had a great time making friends, learning about how we get our electricity, and interacting with people. My favorite part about the trip was going to the coal mine and seeing all the big machinery.

Thanks again!

Sincerely, Dallas Lee Bon Homme Yankton Electric, Thank you for allowing me to experience the trip to North Dakota where I learned a lot about the energy industry. I was proud to represent our community and am glad to have seen the hard work put into our everyday lives.

Kaleb Crownover

Classifieds November Issue Deadline: October 1, 2016. Email your classified ad to: by@ byelectric.com. Members can post one free ad per year. Repeats or longer ads are $1/ column inch.

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Think Before You

Aim and Fire W By Brenda Kleinjan

Below: Each fall, a reminder to be safe while hunting greets visitors to FEM Electric Association in Ipwsich, S.D.

hether it’s carelessness or intentional vandalism, shooting at or near power lines or associated equipment can create big problems.

Any responsible hunter or outdoors person knows that before pulling the trigger, one is to be certain of what lies beyond one’s target.

“Be sure of what you’re shooting at,” said Roger Crom, a gun safety instructor from Watertown, S.D., who is also responsible for safety education for the state’s electric cooperatives.

“You have to be sure you know what your target is and what your back stop is,” Crom said, who has instructed about 150 students a year for the past two decades on gun safety.

“A .22 shell can travel about a mile-and-a-half and high-powered shells can travel 3.5 to 4 miles,” Crom said. And, shotguns can have a range of 90 to 100 feet, but the spray pattern widens out.

Crom noted that one doesn’t shoot at water or

12 October 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

rocks. Or power lines, for that matter.

“The immediate danger in shooting at a line is that it could break and fall down putting the shooter or nearby people or animals at risk,” said Crom.

And, the damage isn’t always immediate.

“It can fray and cause problems down the line,” said Crom.

While the potential for damage caused by bullets to electric equipment is a concern, the frequency of the problem has been decreasing.

“It’s not as much as it used to be. During the earlier dove hunting times, people were shooting them off the power lines causing frays. Now, the rules for hunting call for further set backs,” said Crom.

According to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Park’s web page on mourning dove hunting, one is not to hunt doves on or within 50 yards of a public road nor is one to shoot at a bird that is not flying.

Left: Crews at FEM Electric Association in Ipswich, S.D., found bullet holes in an cabinet this fall. The damage from the bullets did not cause immediate outages, but did weaken the equipment.

Crom said most hunters are responsible, but that the “slob” hunters are causing the problems. “These are the ones shooting transformers or using a highpower rifle to shoot transformers or the insulators off of lines.”

Sometimes the damage caused by a poor decision is unintentional, such as when a hunter takes aim at birds sitting on a power line, assuming the spray of his or her shot won’t spread far or cause damage.

However, the BBs often hit the conductor, sometimes breaking the strands of wire that form the line or simply nicking a strand causing it to weaken and become vulnerable for failure at a later – and often inconvenient – time.

“Often, the dove hunters don’t even realize the damage they’ve caused,” said Rob Vetch, line superintendent at FEM Electric Association in Ipswich, S.D. “They shoot a dove and the BB penetrates the wire and weakens it. As time progresses, it wears that wire down.”

“Then, the temperature will hit 20 below and tension is on that wire and “poof ” – it breaks,” said Vetch.

Sometimes, the shot will cause the wire to fray which will be noticed during annual line patrols conducted by co-op crews to assess the condition of the co-op’s equipment.

“On line patrol, every year you run across frays that when they go up and make the repair, they know it was shot,” said Vetch.

While an errant shot can have devastating consequences, possibly more concerning are the vandals who purposefully take aim at co-op equipment.

“You often wonder why it’s being done,” said Vetch.

“To me it’s like a stupid kid doing something he shouldn’t be doing; they have a gun and looking for something to shoot,” said Vetch. “They’re not thinking of the damage it could cause.”

And, that damage creates risks that could potentially involve peoples’ lives.

When underground cabinets, transformers and even substations are shot at, the damage isn’t always

immediately apparent.

Just this September, FEM’s crews found evidence of a cabinet being shot.

“We have no idea when it happened. Our crews were out GISing our system,” said Vetch, referring to the process co-ops are using to record all electric equipment and its locations into geographic information systems.

“I look at my guys going in there, if something is knicked it could arc and injure them. Or, I could have one of my guys working on the other side of that equipment when it’s being shot,” said Vetch.

“It’s just plain being foolish,” said Vetch.

Vetch remains optimistic that the damage was not intentional and is more an issue of ignorance rather than intent.

“I hope that it’s the kid having fun and not the 40-year-old drunk or the person with a grudge,” said Vetch.

No matter the cause, it’s preventable and can be avoided.

“It’s just a matter of using common sense,” said Matt Eldridge, line superintendent at Oahe Electric Cooperative in Blunt, S.D. “Shooting so close to a power line is not a good idea,” said Eldridge. “It causes frays of the wire and makes the line weak.”

Like FEM’s employees, Oahe Electric crews don’t always find the damage right away.

“Usually, we find the damage during line patrol or when there’s an outage and the line burns down,” said Eldridge, noting that fall and winter seem to be the seasons with greater problems.

Left: A bullet dented portions of the electrical equipment inside the underground cabinet that FEM Electric Association crews found damaged by gunshots.

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Surplus Items for Sale by Sealed Bid Bids Due by 4:30pm on Friday, September 30, 2016

Bon Homme Yankton Electric has the following items for sale via sealed bids. Items can be viewed by appointment by calling 605-463-2507. Drop off your sealed bid at the main office at 134 S Lidice St, Tabor or mail to: Sealed Bids, PO Box 158, Tabor, SD 57063. Bids will be taken until 4:30pm on September 30, 2016. Successful bidders will be notified. Bon Homme Yankton Electric reserves the right to refuse any or all bids. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

More photos are available at http://www.facebook.com/BonHommeYanktonElectric 1. John Deere Gx85 13Hp riding lawn mower with bagger- runs, needs battery 2. 8’x8’ brown insulated steel garage door with opener 3. 4 red lockers 4. 3 gray lockers 5. Four drawer file cabinet 6. 4 steel desks (Highest bidder gets choice of desk(s) and quantity, bid is for each) 7. 9’ long 2 door aluminum tool bin (108x20x14) 8. 8’ long shovel rack 9. 1000lb Tommy-Gate lift 10. Knipco portable heater 11. Craftsman 6Hp 30gal air compressor 12. McCulloch ProMac 650 chain saw with 20” bar 13. Assorted fittings 14. Paper storage shelf 15. 5 storage shelves assorted sizes (Highest bidder gets choice of shelving unit and quantity, bid is for each) 16. 19” Emerson TV with VCR player and stand (not pictured) 17.Boxes of assorted appliance parts (not pictured)

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Regional Dateline September 21-25 South Dakota Film Festival Aberdeen, SD, 605-725-2697

September 24 22nd Annual Radio Chili Cook-off, Watertown, SD 605-882-6269 September 24 South Dakota Women’s Expo Huron, SD, 605-353-7340 September 24 Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival, Rapid City, SD 605-716-7979

October 1 6th Annual Fall Fair 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Community Center, Springfield, SD Contact Carol Draughon at 605-369-2581

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHAD COPPESS, S.D. TOURISM

September 24 1880 Train Oktoberfest Express, Hill City, SD 605-574-2222

Events of Special Note

October 15-January 3 2016 Pheasant Hunting Season Statewide, Pierre, SD 605-223-7660

To have your event listed on this page, send complete information, including date, event, place and contact to your local electric cooperative.

Include your name, address and daytime telephone number. Information must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to your event.

Please call ahead to confirm date, time and location of event.

October 1 Bierbörse, Rapid City, SD 605-716-7979

October 13-15 Wild West Songwriters Festival Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876

September 24-25 Pioneer Power & Toy Show Menno, SD, 605-387-5166

October 1 Prairie Village Hobo Marlin Pumpkin Train, Madison, SD 605-256-3644

September 29-October 1 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival, Custer, SD 605-255-4515

October 8 Carrie Underwood: The Storyteller Tour Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288

October 15 Dare to Dream Conference Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn Convention Center, Rapid City, SD 605-361-3171, sdparent.org

September 30-October 1 Oktoberfest, Deadwood, SD 605-578-1876

October 8 Strawbale Winery Harvest Festival, Renner, SD 605-543-5071

October 1 11th Annual Custer Stampede Buffalo Art Auction, Custer, SD 605-673-2244

October 8 Oktoberfest, Aberdeen, SD 605-225-3441

October 1 27th Annual Buffalo Wallow Chili Cook-off, Custer, SD 605-673-2244

October 9 28th Annual Farm, Toy & Doll Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Codington County Extension Complex, Watertown, SD

October 15 Arts and Crafts Festival Faulkton, SD, 605-380-8444 October 15-16 Quilts on the Dakota Prairie Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday Noon to 4p.m.

Yankton Dakota Prairie Quilt Guild, Schroeder Ranch/Sassy Cat Quilting Co., 101 Sky Ranch Drive (5 miles north of Yankton on Hwy 81), Yankton, SD October 21-23 Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair, Sioux Falls, SD 402-331-2889

October 22 Chris Young in Concert, Swiftel Center, Brookings, SD 605-692-7539 October 24 Pentatonix, Sioux Falls, SD 605-367-7288 October 28-30 Zoo Boo, Sioux Falls, SD 605-367-7003 October 29 Zoo Boo, Watertown, SD 605-882-6269 October 29-30 Haunted Heartland Country Corn Maze, Harrisburg, SD November 3-5 S.D. Local Foods Conference Highland Conference Center Mitchell, SD, 605-342-2180 November 5 77th Annual Lutefisk Feed Summit, SD, 605-881-4377