Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections October 2023

BON HOMME YANKTON BUTTE ELECTRIC OCTOBER 2023 VOL. 24 NO. 6

ERATIVE

CONNECTIONS

Dokken’s Dogs Training Dogs to Hunt Pages 8-9

Touchstone Energy Anniversary Pages 12-13

MANAGER’S COLUMN

Co-op: By the Community, For the Community

Stephanie Horst horst@byelectric.com

August 22nd, 2023, marked another successful annual meeting for B-Y Electric.

Even with temps over 100 degrees, 552 registered members attended the drivethrough annual meeting. Earlier this year, we conducted a survey to find out what annual meeting format was preferred; the traditional meeting at the Beseda Hall in Tabor with a meal and program or the drive-through with a meal certificate. The overwhelming preference was the drive-through format, so it was decided to do the drive-through meeting again. This year’s attendance, with nearly 20% of our membership participating, supported the survey results. It is hard to ignore engagement to that degree. The more members participating in the democratic process of the cooperative means more accurate membership representation. The meal certificate to locally owned businesses support the cooperative principle “Concern for Community” by pumping over $11,000 into the local economy. Thank you for attending and being part of this important annual event.

Stay tuned for details on the 2024 annual meeting.

October is Co-op Month which celebrates how successful the cooperative model is. In addition to more than 900 electric cooperatives nationwide, we also celebrate other co-ops including credit unions, housing co-ops, ag co-ops, lumber co-ops, food co-ops, financial co-ops, dairy co-ops, telephone co-ops and many more. Some notable businesses that you may not know are a co-op are Land O’Lakes, Cabot Creamery, FTD-Florists’ Transworld Delivery, Sunkist Growers, Inc., and R.E.I. (Recreational Equipment Inc.). All these businesses are locally governed by the members that own them. It is empowering seeing individuals coming together to accomplish things they cannot alone. The slogan I hear often is we are stronger together. I believe this is true for B-Y Electric. Back in the 1940’s members came together to create B-Y Electric to get electricity. And today, being part of B-Y Electric, and subsequently East River Electric

2 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | OCTOBER 2023

and Basin Electric, we collectively come together to provide safe, reliable, affordable electricity to our members. This three-tiered cooperative system has insulated our members from market volatility and political agendas that threaten reliability and affordability. I am confident that the cooperative model will continue to keep us strong in the future.

Back in the 1940’s members came together to create B-Y Electric to get electricity.

And today, being part of B-Y Electric, and subsequently East River Electric and Basin Electric, we collectively come together to provide safe, reliable, affordable electricity to our members.

Again, thank you for attending the annual meeting. This allows the Board, employees, and me to come face-to-face with who we are working hard for every day. We look forward to seeing you again next year! See pages 14 and 15 for more annual meeting highlights.

BOARD REPORT

ERATIVE

CONNECTIONS

BON HOMME YANKTON ELECTRIC (USPS No. 018-973) Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc PO Box 158 134 S. Lidice St. Tabor, SD 57063 Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm To pay by phone, call: 1-888-395-5315 To report an outage, call: Local call from Tabor, Tyndall, and Yankton: 605-463-2507 NOTICE: Electric bills must be paid by 10:00am on the 20th of each month to avoid a $10 late fee.

Board President: Paul Voigt Board of Directors Dave Sykora - Vice President Dave Sternhagen - Secretary Robert Ruppelt - Treasurer Dean Sternhagen John Lillevold Rick Cheloha General Manager: Stephanie Horst Operations Manager: Ken Carda Office Manager: Nicole Einrem Members Service Advisor: Aaron Melichar Editor: Chantelle Jungemann Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections is the monthly publication for the members of Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc, PO Box 158, 134 S. Lidice St., Tabor, SD 57063-0158. Families subscribe to Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership. The purpose of Bon Homme Yankton Electric

AUGUST BOARD MEETING The August board meeting was held on August 23, 2023 at 8am. All board members were present. Others present were the attorney, management staff and a guest employee.

THE BOARD APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA:

OTHER GOVERNANCE

• July 2023 Board Meeting minutes • New Members & Cancellations Review • Capital Credits to Estates Discounted Payment total - $3,118.41 • Closed Work Order Inventory - None • Review Special Equipment PurchasesNone

THE BOARD REVIEWED AND ACCEPTED:

• Member Service Report • Operations & Safety Report • Office & Financial Reports • East River Cyber Security/IT Report • General Manager Report -East River GM Report -Power Bill -Basin Financials -East River Qtr. Financial Summary • SDREA Board • East River Board • Basin Annual Meeting • Board Leadership Workshop • B-Y Electric Annual Meeting • Legal Report

FINANCIAL REPORT

JULY

cooperative matters and better rural living. Subscription information: Cooperative members devote 50 cents from their monthly electric payments for a subscription.

Non-member subscriptions are available for $12 annually.

Periodicals postage paid at Tabor, SD 57063.

Postmaster: Please send address changes to Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative Connections, PO Box 158, Tabor, Tabor, SD SD 57063; 57063; telephone telephone (605) (605) 463-2507.

463-2507.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and

TOTAL ELECTRIC REVENUE

YTD

2022

2023

2023

$1,294,318

$1,122,043

$7,018,805

Cooperative Connections is to provide reliable, helpful information to electric cooperative members on electric

• NRECA Region 6 Voting Delegate/ Alternate (David Sternhagen/Horst) • CFC District 6 Voting Delegate/ Alternate (Horst/David Sternhagen) • RESCO Voting Delegate (Horst) • CoBank 2024-2025 Nominating Committee Election Mail in Delegate (Horst) • 40-10 Easements Policy Reviewed • 40-03 Service to Mobiles Homes & Apartments Policy Rescinded • 40-01 Consumer Meter Tests, 40-05 Emergency Restoration Procedures, 40-08 Tree Trimming Policy Changes Approved • Executive Session Held • Next Meeting date set for Wednesday September 20, 2023, at 8:00 am.

COST OF POWER

$677,301

$646,240

$3,925,780

TOTAL COST OF SERVICE

$1,060,608

$10,374,765

$6,534,056

KWHS PURCHASED

11,688,753

9,483,550

62,847,724

RESIDENTIAL AVERAGE KWH

1,601

1,393

RESIDENTIAL AVERAGE BILL

$191

$180

employer.

Welcome New Members

Steve Kasik

Carol Anderson

Utica

Colette Pooley

Mandy & Dean Wagner

David Pelster

Christopher & Siobhan Hubbell

Yankton

John & Jeannette Schaefer

Tabor

Alex & Karyn Becker

Mariam Noguera

Kimberly Suppa &

AR3 Horsemanship LLC

Steven J Peterson

Avon

Mark Dvoracek Samuel Caba

Barbara Castedo Barney Edwards LLC

OCTOBER 2023 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 3

FIRE SAFETY

October is Fire Safety Month Is your workplace or home fireproof? Each year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) celebrates National Fire Safety Month in October. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2016, there were 88 occupational fatalities as a result of workplace fires or explosions. This is down from 2015, in which there were 121. While the statistics show that the number of fatalities due to fires or explosions in the workplace is on a downward slope, any number other than 0 is unacceptable and demands the attention from management, safety professionals and employees in every company. Not only do fires present a severe life safety hazard, they also can be detrimental to business success due to the possible destruction of business equipment and facilities. This campaign serves as a reminder to us all of the importance of fire safety awareness in both the workplace and our home lives.

The safety reminders communicated in the workplace can be easily translated to fire safety in the home. Establish a family emergency action plan, discuss escape routes with family members, and locate fire extinguishers in your home.

Additionally, conduct a mock fire drill with your family members to ensure you and your loved ones know how to get out safely. During this drill, outline meeting places that are at a safe distance from the home. Designate a neighbor to contact for help in the event of an emergency. Simple exercises such as the aforementioned could mean the difference maker in your family making it out alive in the event of a fire in your home.

Below are key components to ensuring your workplace and home are fireproof: • Eliminate Clutter – Exercise good housekeeping.

Clutter can easily become a fuel source in the event of a fire, allowing a fire to spread quickly. Furthermore, clutter can restrict access to emergency equipment and exit routes.

• Fire Extinguishers – Maintain the appropriate type and number of fire extinguishers. Conduct monthly and annual extinguisher inspections to ensure they are in good, working condition. Provide training for employees on the correct use of fire extinguishers.

• Chemical Safety – Use and store chemicals safely.

Read hazard warning labels and safety data sheets

4 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | OCTOBER 2023

to determine flammability and other fire hazards.

Ensure your chemical storage areas provide adequate ventilation for the storage of chemical or other hazardous substances.

• Waste Control and Storage – Limit the accumulation of flammable or combustible materials and residues as to prevent the risk for such materials contributing to a fire emergency.

• Exits – Ensure emergency exit route diagrams are posted and accessible in all areas of the facility for all employees to easily view. Additionally, ensure means of egress are well-lit with regulated exit signs and free from debris or clutter.

Remember it is always better to be proactive rather than reactive and it is best to alleviate hazards or hiccups in times of peace than in times of chaos. Utilize the above tips to reduce the risk for catastrophe or at least minimize the damage.

Source: Safety Resources, Inc.

Keep cords away from water!

Maddy Pannell, Age 12 Maddy Pannell advises people it’s not safe to plug in appliances around water. Maddy is the daughter of Scott and Kim Pannell from Sioux Falls, S.D., members of Southeastern Electric Cooperative.

Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your poster is published, you’ll receive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged.

RECIPES

PASTA PERFECT GARDEN HARVEST PASTA SHELLS Ingredients:

ITALIAN SPAGHETTI Ingredients: 1-8 oz. can tomato sauce 1-6 oz. can tomato paste 1 1/2 paste cans water 1 small onion, chopped 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. garlic salt 1/2 tsp. chili powder 3 shakes cayenne pepper 1/8 tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. basil 1 tsp. oregano 1/2 to 1 lb. ground beef

2 tbsps. vegetable oil 2 medium zucchini, shredded 1/2 cup finely shredded carrots 2 cups chopped fresh broccoli 1 small onion, chopped Salt and pepper 1 lb part-skim ricotta cheese 2 cups shredded mozzarella 1 egg, lightly beaten 1/4 cup grated parmesan 1 tbsp. dried basil 27.5 oz. jar pasta sauce 12 oz. pkg jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained

METHOD Combine all ingredients except ground beef. Cover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Brown beef and add to sauce.

Serve over cooked noodles. May add green peppers or mushrooms.

METHOD Heat oven to 350. In a large skillet heat oil, then saute broccoli, zucchini, carrots, and onions until tender. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine ricotta, mozzarella, egg, parmesan, and basil. Add vegetables and stir to combine. Spread 1 cup of the pasta sauce evenly in a 9’’ x 13’’ baking dish. Fill pasta shells with the vegetable and cheese mixture and arrange in the baking dish.

Spoon the remaining sauce over the shells. Cover and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes or until bubbly.

Gail Keating Flandreau, S.D.

Faye Chambliss Murdo, S.D.

CREAMY CHICKEN AND BACON PASTA Ingredients: 8 oz. spaghetti 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4inch chunks 2 tbsps. flour 4 slices bacon 1 cup milk 4 oz. (1/2 package) cream cheese, at room temperature 1 1/2 tsps. basil leaves 1 1/2 tsps. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. coarse ground black pepper

METHOD Cook spaghetti as directed on package. Drain well. Meanwhile, toss chicken with flour. Set aside.

Cook bacon in large skillet on medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Set aside. Remove all but 1 tbsp drippings from skillet.

Add chicken; cook and stir 4 minutes or until golden brown. Stir in milk, cream cheese and seasonings until well blended. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cut bacon into bitesize pieces. Add to skillet. Place spaghetti in serving bowl. Add chicken mixture; toss well. Serve immediately. mccormick.com Please send your favorite recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in December 2023. All entries must include your name, mailing address, phone number and cooperative name.

OCTOBER 2023 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 5

CO-OP NEWS

SAFETY FIRST! OR GAME OVER! - YANKTON SD ANNUAL RIVERBOAT DAYS PARADE Bon Homme Yankton Electric was excited to participate in the 40th Anniversary of Yankton Riverboat Days. This years theme was “Back to the Eighties”, B-Y Electric was ready with all the games from the period including; PAC-Man, rubiks cube, Nintendo, Checkers and Chutes and Ladders.

Riverboat Days was held August 18th, 19th, and 20th with the grand parade Saturday morning, arts festival all days, food trucks, live music, dancing, and fireworks

Stephanie Horst, Nicole Einrem, Valette Horst, Joe Vavruska, and Jozie Einrem attend 2023 Yankton Riverboat Days & Summer Arts Festival.

CLASSIFIEDS

Members can submit classified ads for the following categories: Giveaway, For Sale, For Rent, and Wanted Ads. B-Y Electric reserves the right to edit content or exclude ads due to space restrictions.

October Issue Deadline: September 1, 2023. Email your classified ad to: ebiz@byelectric.com

• FOR RENT: 1 bedroom apartment. Tabor Manor. Contact Susan Shrader at 202-841-8375 or Evie Kronaizl at 605-661-0327.

• Beseda Hall, Tabor, SD for rent for any special occasion such as weddings, anniversaries, graduation or birthdays! For more information contact Linda Bares at 605-661-6220 or snlbares@gmail.com

.

• FOR RENT: Tabor Self Storage. Call 605-660-0274 or 605-660-3497.

6 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | OCTOBER 2023

CO-OP NEWS

Electric Vehicles: Coop assists in local training for changes and challenges with EV’s

Avon Fire Department hosted Bon Homme County Volunteer Fire Departments from Tyndall, Tabor, and Springfield receive training on electric vehicles for first responders to be prepared for what they might come upon if an electric vehicle were to be involved in accident.

Several fire departments in our service area and neighboring areas are taking part in electric vehicle safety training.

Virtually every type of transportation now has an electric or alternative-fuel option in production or at least in development including those that will use the roads in co-ops’ territories like passenger, freight, side by sides, and fleet vehicles.

At the Avon Fire Department the training attendees departments were trained on a vast array of topics: recognizing an electric vehicle, making the scene safe, de-energizing the EV in the fronk (front trunk), and information regarding the potential safety hazards.

There were 3.2 million electronic vehicles on the road in 2020. That has grown to 10 million in 2022. These numbers are growing and are going to continue to grow. Making sure the proper training is available for our first responders to be well trained and kept safe when coming upon an accident involving an electric vehicle is a top priority.

OCTOBER 2023 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 7

DOKKEN’S DOGS

FOR THE LOVE OF HUNTING DOGS Source: Travel South Dakota

A Successful Hunt May Depend on Your Dog Shannon Marvel shannon.marvel@sdrea.coop

With numerous television appearances and A-list clients under his belt, Day County resident and Lake Region Electric Cooperative member Tom Dokken has become one of the premiere hunting dog trainers of our time.

But you won’t hear the modest pro brag about himself. Instead, Dokken gives credit to the hard work and the innate capabilities of the dogs themselves.

The 70-year-old Minnesota native has been professionally working with dogs over the last 50 years at his training facility, Dokken Oak Ridge Kennels, Inc. in Northfield, Minnesota.

It’s one of the largest gun dog training kennels in the region.

His love for hunting alongside a canine

companion harkens back to his teenage years when he’d tag along to go hunting throughout the country with his friend and his friend’s Labrador Retriever, Charlie.

“We were probably 16 years old when we started hunting together. He had a lab and I didn’t have one. We hunted with that dog just about every weekend.”

After a few years, Dokken decided it was time to get his own dog.

And to that dog goes all the credit, in Dokken’s eyes.

“I started training her then I started running field trials. I did really well, not because of me, but I had a good dog who did

8 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | OCTOBER 2023

really well on a national level,” he recalled.

After that, Dokken was hooked and knew training dogs was what he wanted to do for a living. He’s since established

An adult black lab out hunting

DOKKEN’S MITCHELLDOGS TECH

himself as one of the top hunting dog trainers in the world, even bolstering a line of dog training products – Dokken Dog Supply – which is carried in sporting good stores across the country.

“That’s just as a result developing products we wanted for training themselves,” Dokken said of his supply company.

Some of the dogs Dokken has trained have hunted under some big names, including President George W. Bush and country music legend Hank Williams, Jr., along with many major professional athletes.

But it takes some prying to get that kind of info out of the humble Dokken, and he’s quick to emphasize that everyone that he does business with is treated the same, no matter what.

“Every customer is important. One person doesn’t get treated different than the other,” Dokken said.

His facility employs four full-time trainers, as well as office staff.

When Dokken isn’t training one of the 350 hunting dogs that come to his Minnesota training facility each year, he’s at home with his wife, Tina, in Day County.

“My wife and I live north of Webster.

That’s our connection with the area. I’ve hunted down in the Lily area for years.

We’ve had our place here 18 years or better,” Dokken explained.

“My mom’s family homestead is down in the Selby area, so as kids we’d be back on the farm for a good portion of the summer,” he added.

Dokken said his business trains pretty much any of the sporting, pointing and flushing breeds. But in the Upper Midwest, the more popular breed tends to be the Labrador Retriever.

Dokken has a special place in his heart for labs, which he described as a hardy breed able to withstand the punishing winter conditions known to challenge hunters in South Dakota during pheasant season.

And in South Dakota, pheasants are

king, according to Dokken.

“As far as population of pheasant – up in our area the weather sometimes knocks them back a little bit. Last year we had rain in December, which is a little bit of a factor when it comes to pheasant numbers,” Dokken said.

“The further south and west you get, the population changes too. Regardless, South Dakota numbers will always be top in the U.S.” Hunters who have a dog in their arsenal have a much greater advantage over those who do not. For one, they can flush birds out of thick cover and, unlike the average human, have an absolute blast doing so.

“Without a dog – if you’re a pheasant hunter – you’re not going to have the ability to get the birds up and get them out of higher and denser cover. Finding birds that you’ve shot is going to be a real challenge as well. A dog is a great conservation tool as well,” Dokken said.

From a training standpoint, Dokken advises dog owners to start teaching their hunting partners good habits when they’re really young.

The earlier the training begins, the more success you’re setting the dog up for down the line.

Dokken with two adult labs

“Try to buy the best bloodlines that you can because if you do, in most cases your success rate just gets higher.”

Dokken says it boils down to three things: teaching, repetition and reinforcement. For the human, practicing patience is crucial.

“A majority the time the dog is not in the wrong, it’s that the dog can’t understand what you want,” he said.

The entire job is a dream for Dokken and his team, and one he hopes to continue for decades more to come.

“It’s what we do,” he said. “It’s a labor of love.”

Source: Travel South Dakota

OCTOBER 2023 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 9

SAFETY NEWS

RIDE & DRIVE EVENT W/ EAST RIVER ELECTRIC’S MUSTANG MACH E

Bon Homme Yankton Electric hosted their first Ride and Drive Event on Tuesday, August 8th.

Members could come and check out an electric vehicle, get some information on EV’s, ask questions, and take their turn at the wheel for a cruise in the Tabor area. B-Y was happy to host an event for our members and allow them to take advantage of this opportunity. There was not any negative feedback but we might not see a huge influx of electric vehicles flooding the streets of our service area just yet.

How was it?

Rich Sutera, “Good, very interesting, rides nice, quiet thats for sure.”

10 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | OCTOBER 2023

How was it?

Steve and Susan Schrader of Tabor Susan, “Steve and I thought it was a quiet and a comfy ride. Impressed that it was so easy to learn to drive an electric car.”

CO-OP NEWS

2023 DAKOTAFEST The Annual Dakotafest was held August 15th-17th in Mitchell SD. Once a year Dakotafest provides one place to showcase agriculture-focused products, services and technologies from over 500 exhibitors.

South Dakota Touchstone Energy group organized live demonstrations and education information about electric grills, electric side by side, solar display trailer, and a mini split Douglas heat pump, Milwake power tools, and electric lawn mowers.

We look forward to seeing everyone at Dakotafest again next year August 20th-22nd, 2024.

Women have always made a impact in agriculture, both on and off the field. B-Y Electric Member, Julie Walloch (second from the left) of Lesterville, SD was one of the top five finalists recognized for the critical role women play in ag for the 2023 Dakotafest Women Farmer/Rancher of the Year. Congratulations Julie!

A group working the South Dakota Touchstone Energy Cooperative booth enjoying all Dakotafest has to offer, South Dakota State University ice cream!

B-Y ELECTRIC MEMBERS VISITING DAKOTAFEST BOOTH

B-Y Electric Board President, Paul Voigt and his wife Tracy, learn about the electric side by side.

Leo and Linda Pedersen entering to win the electric weed eater and leaf blower.

David Hovorka enjoying the good eats made on the electric grill by Aaron Melichar.

OCTOBER 2023 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 11

Touchstone Energy Celebrates 25 Years with Commercial Debut Frank Turner frank.turner@sdrea.coop

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives is encouraging member electric cooperatives and their memberowners to pop some popcorn, settle in, and join them in celebrating the organization’s 25th anniversary on Nov. 29, when they’ll debut their

newest line of 2024 commercials.

The historic milestone will commemorate a quarter-century of Touchstone Energy’s drive to establish a universal brand – seen on t-shirts, logos, and even soaring hot air balloons – for co-ops nationwide. Select commercials from the lineup, which will feature on the Touchstone Energy website, will highlight the local South

12 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | OCTOBER 2023

Dakota prairie landscape and local co-op employees with Sioux Valley Energy.

Touchstone Energy Board of Directors President and Sioux Valley CEO Tim McCarthy said he is glad to see South Dakota being represented on a national scope. “We are excited to be celebrating this historic milestone,” said McCarthy. “Touchstone Energy continues to be an invaluable resource for co-ops in South Dakota and throughout our nationwide network.”

Touchstone Energy’s journey began 25 years ago when a group of movers and shakers recognized the need for an outward-facing organization that would connect the image of

TOUCHSTONE ENERGY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

co-ops across the nation. Although individually small, cooperatives from all around the nation believed a unified brand would broaden and strengthen their presence. Together, these co-ops owned and operated more distribution lines than any other sector in the electric utility industry and served more than half of the American landmass. On Nov. 26, 1998, 17 founding co-ops established Touchstone Energy, powering through a time of regulatory uncertainty.

“In the late ‘90s, there were some revolutionary things happening in the energy industry,” said Jana Adams, executive director of Touchstone Energy. “The cooperatives really wisely said: as individual entities we are small, but if we come together and create a recognizable brand, we will have a better opportunity to compete in this evolving energy landscape.”

From the start, Touchstone Energy was set on making an impression.

By purchasing six iconic Touchstone Energy branded hot air balloons and sponsoring notable events such as the famous NASCAR Talladega 300 race, Touchstone Energy quickly transformed into a nationally recognizable brand.

To date, Touchstone Energy’s membership has grown to nearly 700 co-ops, which now reaches more than 30 million member-owners across 46 states. Along with this remarkable growth, Touchstone Energy has enhanced its services, including advertising, social media management, and web development, among others.

Over time, Touchstone Energy’s wide range of services, said Adams, have become a crucial communication resource for their membership.

“Our first national ad was in the early 2000s, and to this day, we run advertisements in every single zip code served by a Touchstone Energy cooperative,” said Adams. “We are

constantly innovating and giving our cooperative members the opportunity to highlight the great work they do and the achievements they have.”

Looking back on the last quarter century, Adams said Touchstone Energy is thrilled to connect to its original roots and celebrate its longstanding service to co-ops across the country.

Touchstone Energy celebrates 25 years while producing new commercials in South Dakota.

“We encourage everybody to join us on Nov. 29 for our 2024 national ad premier and to celebrate the 25 years behind us, but more importantly the many years ahead of us where we continue to work together,” she said.

OCTOBER 2023 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 13

CO-OP NEWS

Bon Homme Yankton Electric 2023 Drive Thru Annual Meeting Bon Homme Yankton Electric’s Annual Drive Thru Meeting was held August 22nd.

Despite the August heat we were happy to have 552 registered members attend.

Members were greeted by board members, staff, and management.

Cars were lined up by 5:00 pm, so employees opened up and started registering members ahead of the 5:30 pm posted registration time.

After registering and turning in their prize drawing postcard, members received a ticket to pick up their ballot and attendance gift.

The following station was turning in the ballot and receiving a $20 meal certificate for one of the following restaurants: The Keg, Joe’s Substation, and El Tapatio.

Election Committee: Darrell Baren, Robert Felber, and Susan Schrader

BUSINESS MEETING

Board President Paul Voigt went live on Facebook to call the annual meeting to order at 5:30 pm.

At 7:30 pm, the business meeting continued live on Facebook with Secretary Dave Sternhagen verifying that a quorum was reached by exceeding 50 registered members. He also announced that the Official Notice of Annual Meeting was certified by General Manager Stephanie Horst as it was mailed to the members on July 28, 2023 and was contained within the Cooperative Connections Newsmagazine.

The financial report and the minutes of the 2022 Annual Meeting were also published in the newsmagazine. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved by a vote of the members on the same ballot as the director election.

Attorney Sheila Woodward presided over the election of the directors.

B-Y Electric board and employees welcoming members to each station of the drive thru annual meeting.

14 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | OCTOBER 2023

CO-OP NEWS

Members attending the 2023 Drive Thru Annual Meeting, Member, “I like getting to put faces to the names of those who work for us every day.”

The election judges verified a valid election took place and tallied the votes to confirm that Paul Voigt, District 1, Dean Sternhagen, District 4, and Rick Cheloha, District 6, were reelected for another three year term.

Having no further business to conduct, President Voigt adjourned the business meeting and called upon Dean Sterhagen, and Robert Ruppelt to draw for the grand prizes.

You only needed to be registered but not present to win. The grand prize was five $100 bill credits.

PRIZE WINNERS

Hunter Cameron Mark & Judy Rutter Kenneth Becvar Jim Neu Betty Grate Congratulations to these members and we hope they enjoy seeing the credit on their electric bill.

OCTOBER 2023 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 15

OCT 14

Oktoberfest Leo Lonney Polka Band 6 p.m.

Menno, SD 605-660-1839

OCT 19-21

Oct. 7-8

Fort Pierre Horse Races Stanley County Fairground 605-223-2178

SEPT 22-23

Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair 9 a.m.

Davison County Fairgrounds Activity Center Mitchell SD 605-359-2049

SEPT 22-24

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.

Coal Springs Threshing Bee Meadow, SD 605-788-2229

SEPT 23

German Fest Webster, SD 605-380-0588

SEPT 23

Springfield Dakota Senior Meals Fall Festival 9 a.m.

Springfield Community Building Springfield, SD

SEPT 24

Annual Bazaar & Fall Fest 4-7 p.m.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Wagner, SD

SEPT 30

Day of Wellness 10 a.m.

Sturgis Armory Sturgis, SD

SEPT 30

Mission Quilt and Bake Sale Zoar Lutheran Church Revillo, SD

SEPT 29-30

Junkin’ Market Days Ramkota Exhibit Hall Sioux Falls, SD 605-941-4958

OCT 6-7

Holman Acres Pumpkin Fest & Vendor Show Philip, SD 605-441-1060

OCT 7

Spirit of Dakota Award Huron Event Center Huron, SD 605-352-6073

Fall Fundraising Rummage Sale Spearfish Senior Center Spearfish, SD 605-642-2827

OCT 21

Fall Festival 11 a.m.

18473 U.S. HWY 83 Onida, SD 605-788-2229

OCT. 28-29

Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Association Ramkota Hotel Exhibit Hall Sioux Falls, SD 605-731-9155

NOV 11

Sisseton Area Merchants & Crafters Holiday Extravaganza Sisseton, SD 605-698-7425

NOV 12

Lutefisk, Lefse & Meatball 4-7 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran Church Chamberlain, SD 605-730-0553

NOV 24

Parade of Lights 7 p.m.

Dakota Avenue Huron, SD 605-788-2229

OCT 12-19

“In Flanders Fields” Art Exhibition & Silent Auction Vermillion Public Library Vermillion, SD Note: Please make sure to call ahead to verify the event is still being held.