February Cooperative Connections

West River Electric

February 2020 Vol. 20 No. 10

Reasons to Love Your Electric Co-op Page 8

Outhouse Racing in Nemo Page 12

MANAGER’S NOTE

A New Decade

2020 is here and going strong!

I am really having a struggle trying to get my head around the fact we are in a new decade; 2020 is here and going strong. I will celebrate my 10th anniversary as the CEO/ Manager here at WREA this year. It is difficult to think about where I was and how WREA and my family has changed in that time. Fun times though, I might add!

Dick Johnson dick.johnson@westriver.coop

Our kWH sales for 2019 will be flat when compared to 2018.

Our kWh sales for 2019 will be flat when compared to 2018. We started out strong early in the year but lost steam over the summer when our air conditioning sales tanked with the cooler summer. This didn’t make a large impact to our residential and farm members, but it had a pretty significant impact on our commercial members. Our margins for the year are lower than 2018. However, they are still very strong when compared to a 5-year average. We are discussing a bill credit again in March 2020 depending on how our December margins end. As in 2018, in 2019 we had $600,000 in revenue deferral funds brought back into margins that we feel we should give back to the members as RUS will not allow us to carry margins to future years. You will hear more about that in one of my future columns.

We recently approved our 2020 budget and work plan. Most of our major initiatives have to do with our culture of safety focus, our steady pace of new construction activities and increasing engagement with our members. I always like the good news; we don’t anticipate any rate increases needed in 2020! Rushmore handed us good news with our power costs dropping in 2020. With the many planned new services, we anticipate an increase in member revenue. We are budgeting $12.3 million in capital expenditures with $11.3 million of that for line projects. The largest expenditure will be for a line re-build that is needed going north on Creighton Road. We are purchasing a new transformer to increase capacity at our Rapid City substation. We are doing 2 underground rebuilds and 2 overhead rebuilds in the same area 10837700 to have a good handle on the cost differences in underground vs. overhead using the same type of soils and landscape. We felt this will give us a more accurate comparison of costs. The rest of our capital budget deals with needed technology upgrades for new servers, storage and replacement of old technology.

Dave Semerad, our long time Branch Manager, retired on January 8. We are going to miss Dave’s knowledge on many energy issues and especially his knowledge of the history of West River. With that change, we saw an opportunity to reorganize within departments. We promoted Veronica Kusser to the Manager of Marketing and Member Relations. She will now oversee both the marketing and member service departments in Rapid City. Amy Thompson has been promoted to Manager of Member Services. Her focus will be the continued engagement with the member on many billing and member focused issues. Robert Raker has been promoted to Manager of Communications and Public Relations. His new role will be to focus on member and public relations working closely with key accounts and economic development opportunities. These changes will help internal and external communication and efforts focused on what our “why” is; you our member. I am excited about the changes and look forward to great things in the future with these leaders.

I hope all our members have a wonderful and prosperous New Year in 2020. Always remember to stay safe in anything you do!

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Cooperative Connections | February 2020

YOUTH OPPORTUNITY

Deadline January 28, 2020

Scholarships Available For the 29th year, West River Electric is offering college scholarships to high school seniors’ graduating in May of 2020 as well as students currently in post-secondary education. This year we will be offering six scholarships. A $1,000 scholarship provided

by Basin Electric Power, our power generation cooperative, and five WREA $500 scholarships. All to be awarded to the students in April.

Applicants for the scholarships must be a member or dependent child of a West River Electric member and a U.S. citizen. They must be planning to enroll or in attendance in a full-time graduate or undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational/technical school.

Scholarship recipients will be chosen by a selection committee based on academic record, potential to succeed, leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, a statement of education and career goals, a written essay and an outside appraisal. Applications may be picked up at the cooperative offices, on-line at www.westriver.coop or at area high schools.

Completed applications and supporting documentation 243500 must be returned to West River Electric Association in Rapid City or Wall before 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. Winners will be announced in April. For more information, or to request an application, go to our website at www.westriver.coop, stop by or call us at 393-1500 or 279-2135. Applications are also available at the local high schools.

Are you interested in going to D.C.

High School Juniors

June 18-25, 2020 more than 1500 students will travel to Washington DC to participate in the Rural Electric Youth Tour. During this action-filled week, students learn what it is like to be involved in politics, community service, cooperative philosophy and rural electrification. You will have the opportunity to meet with your elected representative in the US House and Senate and discuss the process of government and the issues that we face today, while increasing your knowledge about the electric cooperative utilities.

The student will be selected and sponsored by West River Electric. South Dakota Rural Electric Association (SDREA) coordinates arrangements for all South Dakota students. Among the sites that are toured are the National Cathedral, The White House, Washington Monument, U.S. Supreme Court, US Capitol, Ford’s Theatre, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, The Smithsonian, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

All area high school juniors whose parents or guardians are a member of WREA are eligible to apply for the Youth Tour. The funding of the tour is provided by WREA, which includes the student’s transportation, room and board, and sightseeing events. Students will be required to provide their own personal spending money.

Each student is required to submit an essay, not to exceed 500 words on “What does it mean to be an American?” All essays must be typed and include a cover sheet to include the students name, parents name, physical address, phone number and school they attend. West River Electric must receive all essays before January 30, 2020. If you have questions please contact Veronica Kusser at 605-393-1500.

February 2020 | Cooperative Connections

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SAFETY TIPS

Space Heater Safety Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States. More than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment each year. These fires result in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and millions of dollars in property damage.

Portable electric space heaters can be a convenient source of supplemental heat for your home in cold weather. Unfortunately, they can pose significant fire and electric shock hazards if not used properly. Fire and electrical hazards can be caused by space heaters without adequate safety features, space heaters placed near combustibles, or space heaters that are improperly plugged in.

Safety should always be a top consideration when using space heaters. Here are some tips for keeping your home safe and warm when it’s cold outside: à Make sure your space heater has the label showing that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory. à Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully. à Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater. à Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep, and don’t let pets or children play too close to a space heater. à Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes. à Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month. à Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs. à Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard. à Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater. à Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire. à Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.

Source: esfi.org 4

Cooperative Connections | February 2020

Getting Involved The state legislatures of both Minnesota and South Dakota convened in early January. Need to contact your legislator while in Pierre or Saint Paul? Here’s how:

Contacting Members of South Dakota’s Legislature: Go to http://sdlegislature.gov/ From there, you can search your senator or representatives, see the committees which they are assigned and send them an email. Need to reach them by phone?

You can call and leave a message with the Senate at 605-773-3821 or with the House of Representatives at 605-773-3851. You can also send a fax to 605-773-6806.

Contacting Minnesota Legislators: For contact information on Minnesota house members, visit:

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members For contact information on Minnesota senators, visit:

http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members

KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER

“Don’t let anything get near your extension cords!”

Sierra Staufacker, 9 years old

Sierra is the daughter of Cory and Staci Staufacker, Balaton, Minn. They are members of Lyon-Lincoln Electric Cooperative, Tyler, Minn.

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 Recipe and photo courtesy mccormick.com/recipes

Bountiful Brunch Pineapple-Zucchini Bread 3 eggs

3 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. soda

1 cup oil

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

2 cups peeled and grated zucchini

Beat eggs, sugar, vanilla and oil. Mix in zucchini and dry ingredients; stir well. Fold in pineapple. Bake at 350°F. for 1 hour. Makes 2 loaves.

Geraldine Dahlin, Beresford, SD

Apple Pie Breakfast Bake 2 cans refrigerated French bread

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup butter, melted

1 tsp. apple pie spice

1 (21 oz.) can apple pie filling 1 tsp. vanilla Bake loaves as directed on can; cool 20 minutes. Cut 1-1/2 loaves into 1/2-inch cubes to equal 7-1/2 cups. Reserve remaining 1/2 loaf for another use. Increase oven temperature to 375°F. In a 9x13-inch glass baking dish, evenly layer melted butter, apple pie filling and bread cubes. In a medium bowl, stir together milk, apple pie spice and vanilla. Pour over bread, pushing bread down to absorb liquid.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until deep golden brown and bubbly. Cool 15 minutes. Serve warm with maple syrup. (Note: You may also use day-old French bread cut into 1/2-inch cubes.)

Breakfast Casserole 1 (8 oz.) can crescent rolls

1-1/2 cups shredded cheese

1 (16 oz.) pkg. bulk sausage, cooked and drained

8 eggs, lightly beaten

16 to 32 oz. hash brown potatoes, depending on number of servings desired

1/2 cup milk 1 pkg. country-style gravy mix, prepared according to package directions

Press crescent rolls in a lightly greased 9x13-inch pan. Spread with sausage crumbles and veggies. Layer hash browns on top. Sprinkle with cheese. Combine eggs with milk; pour over all. Spread on gravy.

Bake at 325°F. for 1 hour or until cooked through in the middle.

Kim Jost, Agar, SD

6 T. butter, softened, divided 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted 2 T. light brown sugar 2 ripe plums, halved and 1 tsp. cinnamon, ground pitted 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats Mix butter, brown sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Reserve 2 T.; set aside. Add oats to remaining butter mixture, stirring until well blended. Brush fruit with reserved butter mixture. Place cut-side down on grill over medium heat. Tent with foil or close grill lid. Grill 2 minutes or until grill marks appear. Turn fruit cut-side up; spoon oat mixture evenly on top of each piece. Return foil tent or close lid. Grill 3 minutes longer or until fruit is tender and topping is crisp. Serve topped with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired. Cooking over a campfire? Place grill grate over top of campfire. Grill fruit as directed, rearranging hot coals as needed to maintain even direct heat. Makes 4 servings Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 290, Total Fat 18g, Fiber 3g, Cholesterol 45mg, Sodium 137mg, Carbohydrates 29g, Protein 3g Pictured, Cooperative Connections

Omelet in a Bag 2 large eggs

Green pepper, diced

Ham or bacon pieces

Mushrooms, chopped

Onion, chopped

Grated cheese

Tomato, diced

Jean Osterman, Wheaton, MN

Diced onion, green pepper and mushrooms, optional

Grilled Fruit with Cinnamon Oatmeal Crumble

Give each guest a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag and have them write their name on the bag with a permanent marker. Crack 2 eggs into each bag (not more than 2). Shake to combine them. Put out a variety of ingredients and let each guest choose what they want in their omelet. Shake the bag. Zip the bag after making sure to get all the air out. Bring a large kettle of water to a full rolling boil. Place the bags into the water. When the water begins to boil again, boil for exactly 14 minutes. You can usually cook 6 to 8 omelets at a time. For more, make another kettle of boiling water. Open bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake.

Roxanna Streckfuss, Mansfield, SD

Please send your favorite seafood, appetizer and beverage recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in June 2020. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.

February 2020 | Cooperative Connections

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FAREWELL DIRECTOR ELECTION

Dave Semerad with his last group of CSR’s before saying goodbye after 33 years of serving the members of West River Electric.

GOOD BYE, FAREWELL & GOOD LUCK Veronica Kusser Veronica.Kusser@westriver.coop

Dave with his first computer.

Dave Semerad began his career here at West River Electric in July of 1986. He was hired by Thor Sautter to fill the position of Member Services Advisor.

Dave grew up on the family farm in the Dickinson ND area where he learned about agriculture which has helped him in his work here at the coop.

He graduated from Dickinson High School, Dickinson.

He went on to attend North Dakota State Univeristy in Fargo ND where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanized Agriculture. After graduation Dave began working at Sheyenne Valley Electric Coop in Finley, ND, where he filled the role of Member Services Representative until being hired by West River Electric 7 years later.

I asked Dave to share some memories...he went on to say “when I started we would meet at Stucky’s for everything. We would pickup the electric bills at the airport when they came in, and then take them to Stucky’s where we met someone from Wall.

They would then take them back to Wall to be mailed from the post office there. Payroll checks were done the 15th and 30th of the month in Wall...we met at Stucky’s and mail was exchanged to get payroll to the employees. We met at Stucky’s a couple of times a week to exchange billing reports and any other mail by the pony express.” The internet has changed all of this. Today our bill state6

Cooperative Connections | February 2020

ments are mailed out of St Louis where they are printed. Payroll is deposited directly into our bank accounts and the billing reports are printed in our office, consequently there isn’t much mail to be delivered.

When Dave first started for West River Electric our members self read the meters and sent the reading in on the post card each month. Shortly after we hired meter readers who would read meters in towns and the more populated urban areas. Eventually the meter readers were replaced with our Turtle/Twacs reading over powerline carrier. That has been a big change for the coop.

Dave in 1986

Dave in 2007

Dave in 2018

Dave spent four years as the Member Services Advisor and in 1990 was promoted to the position of Branch Manager after Jim Pahl became CEO. This is the position that Dave has held since that time. He has had the opportunity to get to know and work with 25 different Board of Directors, 3 Managers, and 27 CSR’s (26 ladies and 1 man). He has seen West River Electric grow from 8,260 meters in 1986 to 17,639 meters today.

The growth we have seen since Dave came to West River Electric has been good for us. The Industrial Park was just getting a start and as you can see when you drive up Elk Vale Road the commercial businesses, hotels, grocery and gas stations have made the Valley a town of it’s own.

Over the years Dave has enjoyed the members, working with them on billing issues, rates and making the member experience a positive one, that was always his goal. He enjoyed the opportunity to represent WREA with the Chamber Ag Committee, Rushmore Electric Federal Credit Union, Consumer Credit Counseling and the Chamber Transportation Committee to name just a few. He made many friends over the years.

We want to wish Dave and his wife Michelle the best as they

Dave explaining the heat meter to retired CSR Vikki Parsons. hit the open road traveling, camping and enjoying retirement.

They plan to spend more time with their daughter Mikala and her husband Nate and son Tanner and his wife Sierra and their 2 grandbabies.Thank you, for 40 years of serving the Dakotas.

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CO-OP NEWS

REASONS TO LOVE YOUR ELECTRIC CO-OP Delivering More than Just Electricity Brenda Kleinjan editor@sdrea.coop

From reliable energy to community involvement, there are a lot of reasons why co-op members love their electric cooperatives.

Co-Ops Are Local, Community-Focused Organizations Co-ops have a rich history of serving their members and are facing the future with innovative ideas to help their members and grow their local communities.

Local people helping out. From billing clerks to line workers and every job in between, the people working at your local electric cooperative are the ones you’ll see in your communities. They are serving on volunteer fire departments and as first responders, serving on school boards and county commissions, as ushers at church and as youth sports coaches.

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Cooperative Connections | February 2020

Sioux Valley Energy employees get final instructions before embarking on their meal delivery routes.

CO-OP NEWS Some cooperatives have launched employee community service days where local communities or organizations benefit from a day of service, whether it be a town clean up, restoring a rural cemetery, delivering meals to shut-ins or helping others in need.

Keeping Members Informed Whether it’s through this magazine, which reaches members each month or through social media channels like Facebook and Twitter or mobile apps like SmartHub, cooperatives continually strive to inform their member-owners about events and issues that matter. From a quick post or tweet about why the power may have blinked or celebrating the achievements of area youth, co-ops are communicating with their members and connecting them to their community. As storms approach, co-ops offer helpful tips for preparing for inclement weather and how to deal with the aftermath of storms.

Helping Members Save Money Co-op demand response and load management programs have helped members save money for decades. And now, with interactive tools like SmartHub, an increasing number of co-op members are accessing information about their home’s energy use right from their mobile device or computer.

Several co-ops offer energy audits and other ways to reduce energy use.

Appliance rebates, loans for heating and cooling equipment and reduced rates for some energy use

Co-op member service personnel receive training on blower door tests which can be a useful tool in a home energy audit.

are offered by some co-ops in the state.

Check with yours to find out what programs could benefit you.

A participant on the 2019 Youth Excursion to North Dakota gives the view from the Antelope Valley Station power plant two thumbs up.

Diversifying Energy Resources

Cooperatives have a history of using an all-of-the-above approach to meeting members’ energy needs. The first utility-scale wind project in South Dakota was built by co-ops and several co-ops have solar demonstration projects to help members learn about solar grid interconnection and other aspects of the resource.

Investing in Youth When it comes to looking to the future, co-ops have the youth in their communities in mind. Each year, co-ops invest more than $100,000 in scholarships for students pursuing further education at colleges or technical schools. Dozens of students have the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C., for the annual rural electric youth tour, courtesy of their local electric cooperative.

Several co-ops in the state send students on the four-day Youth Excursion to North Dakota each summer to explore energy careers and cooperatives. And throughout the school year, Co-ops in the Classroom and other safety demonstrations visit schools across the region to help younger students learn about using electricity wisely and how so be safe around it.

February 2020 | Cooperative Connections

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COMMUNITY CARING

Mrs. Steiger of Valley View School applied for and received a Teacher Scholarship for her flexible seating classroom project.

“TO MOVE FORWARD, YOU HAVE TO GIVE BACK.” Veronica Kusser Veronica.Kusser@westriver.coop

This quote from Oprah Winfrey reflects the special bond and obligation that ties West River Electric to the community we serve. With Valentine’s Day approaching, we can’t think of a better time to express how much we love this community and serving you, the members of WREA. We know when we helped to bring electricity to Western South Dakota 80 years ago, the quality of life improved for everyone.

Through the years, other issues needed to be tackled, and we have been at the forefront of helping to address some of those issues.

We want to help meet the long-term needs of our community to ensure it continues to thrive – because just like you, we live here.

While our top priority is to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to you, equally important is our mission to enrich the lives of the members we serve. This focus to benefit the larger community is central to the way we operate as a cooperative.

West River Electric knows that electricity is a critical need for modern-day life, but it takes more than poles and power lines to make a community.

Over time, our co-op has evolved to meet the changing needs of our community, thereby improving the quality of life for everyone. And that can mean many different things. It can mean programs for South Dakota’s youth, such as education scholarships, teacher scholarships, youth excursion, Junior Achievement, 10

Cooperative Connections | February 2020

safety demonstrations or the youth tour, where we take our community’s young people to Washington, D.C. for a week-long immersion to experience democracy in action. It means volunteer coaching, being a part of the local ambulance or fire department and contributing to Operation Round-up, a program that helps non-profit organizations in our area. It means partnering with our local schools, booster clubs, chambers and rodeo clubs for the development of our youth programs and events.

Over the last couple of years our employees have helped members in the towns they live in doing a community caring project. We helped our members by trimming trees, cleaning up branches and twigs and painting fire hydrants – we couldn’t 9840400 do any of this without you, our members.

We all benefit from these programs because of you and your neighbors. You empower West River Electric through your membership and through your participation in and support of these programs.

As a local business, we are proud to power your life and bring good things to our community. We hope you will continue to guide our efforts by sharing your perspective as we plan for the future. The energy landscape is undergoing dramatic change fueled by evolving technology and consumer desires for more options. While the larger environment in which we operate is constantly changing, one thing remains the same. By working together, I’m certain that we can continue to do good things for our community.

Veronica Kusser, Manager of Marketing & Member Relations, Robert Raker, Manager of Communications & Public Relations and Amy Thompson, Manager of Member Services.

WITH RETIREMENT COMES CHANGE AT WREA Veronica Kusser Veronica.Kusser@westriver.coop

January 8, 2020, long time employee, Dave Semerad, retired.

After 33 years at West River Electric, 29 of those years he served as Branch Manager, Dave handed over the keys.

Veronica Kusser who has been with WREA for 25 years has accepted the position as Manager of Marketing and Member Relations. I will oversee the Member Services and the Marketing Departments in the Rapid City office.

I started my career with West River Electric in 1994 when Dave hired me as a CSR. I worked with the members taking payments and answering phone calls, entered meter readings each month and reviewed billing reports.

In May of 1999 I was promoted to Member Services where I worked with members on high bill issues, heat metering, cove heat and water heaters. In 2005 I was promoted to the Marketing Manager, where I oversee the Marketing Dept and work with Key Accounts, the production of the newsletter, promoting WREA and the products we offer. I look forward to the opportunity to work with the CSR’s and continue the relationship with our members.

Robert Raker began his career with West River Electric in May of 2008 as a Marketing Represenative. He has been promoted to Manager of Communications and Public Relations where he will be focusing on member and public relations working closely with key accounts and economic development opportunities. Robert is looking forward to the opportunity to be more closely involved with community activities.

Amy Thompson began her career as a CSR here at West River Electric when she was hired in September of 2007.

She was promoted to Office Supervisor in 2013 when long time supervisor Vikki Parsons retired. Amy has been promoted to Manager of Member Services where she will focus on member engagement on billing and account issues. Amy is looking forward to continuing a positive experience for all of our members.

We can’t wait to see what the next decade brings to the membership of West River Electric, we are all excited to be a part of this.

February 2020 | Cooperative Connections

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COMMUNITY

Nemo 500 Outhouse Races NAJA Shrine Transportation Fund for Kids Benefits from Outdoor Event Brenda Kleinjan editor@sdrea.coop

We called it the Nemo 500 because it sounded good.

When one thinks of racing, cars, horses or motorcycles likely come to mind. But, in the Black Hills community of Nemo, outhouses – equipped with wheels, skis or both – are the vehicle of choice.

While each outhouse must be equipped with a seat with one hole, there are additional basic requirements in this competition designed to raise funds for the NAJA Shrine Kids Transportation Fund.

First, each outhouse will have a rider. And during the race, that rider will trade places with a teammate.

“There always has to be someone on the throne,” said Ervin “Red” Alspaw, a Shriner with the Oasis of Deadwood and one of the contacts for the race.

The outhouse must be at least five feet tall and the door (if there is one) has to stay open during the race.

The outhouse must have four walls and a roof and the team’s name must be on each of the walls.

“It’s a hoot,” said Alspaw.

Money raised at the event helps Shriners cover the transportation expenses of some 630 children in western South Dakota who seek care at Shriners Hospitals 12

A team prepares to race their outhouse in the 2017 competition.

nationwide.

“We called it the Nemo 500 because it sounded good,” said Troy Saye, race organizer and owner of the Nemo Guest Ranch where the event is held.

“We stepped it off a few years ago and it’s actually about 970 feet.

You start at the restaurant and at midway everyone runs around the outhouse, retrieving a colored roll of toilet paper which must be placed in the correct order on a plunger.

Alliterations, euphemisms and creativity may make for memorable team names, but speed is the name of the game as the fastest team to complete the

Cooperative Connections | February 2020

Kids compete in the scoop shovel races.

COMMUNITY

The Rules OUTHOUSE RACE RULES and STRUCTURE

The costumed Sesame Streak team poses with their People’s Choice outhouse trophy after the 2016 race. race is the winner.

Winners in each of the age divisions get an outhouse trophy hand-made

by Troy and Willie Saye.

The Sayes created the event after a 2006 visit from Willie’s cousin, shortly after they bought the Nemo Guest Ranch.

Kids can compete in the Scoop Shovel Races, but competitors must provide their own scoop shovel.

If you’re going, check-in for the three divisions is at 10 a.m. and race time is 1 p.m. Preregister your team by Feb. 1 to receive a T-shirt.

If you have a team but don’t have an outhouse to race in, contact When we first the Nemo Guest Ranch to started, we see if theirs is never imagined available.

“He said he had to get home for an outhouse race. We didn’t know what it was,” said Troy. it would take off The couple Advice for firstresearched time attendees? the way it did. the event and Arrive early, found that dress warm and several other be prepared for states held races. They developed a bit of a walk (late-comers have had their rules for the Nemo event. Early to park a half-mile away from the races were held just for fun or to event.) raise money for different organizaAttendance at the event varies with tions. The race has been a benefit for the weather, Saye said. Crowds range the NAJA Shrine Kids Transportafrom 1,000 people up to 2,400 people tion Fund for the last eight or nine when the race time temperature was years.

53 degrees.

The creative names don’t stop at the “You have got to see it to really enjoy race team names. It takes a certain it,” said Saye. fortitude to dip a spoon into some “When we first started, we never of the entries in the chili cook-off imagined it would take off the way it contest where cooks serve up three did,” said Saye. gallons of chili with names like “Presidential Poopers Chili” and Interested? Visit nemo500.com for “Dave’s Chunky Pork and Beef more information or contact the Chili.”

Nemo Guest Ranch at 605-578-2708.

1)à Outhouse can only be human powered. No electric-, solar- or gas-powered assistance.

The outhouse must have four walls, roof, doorway and seat with at least one hole. It may have a door, but the door must remain securely open during the race.

2)à The outhouse must be a minimum of nine square feet at the base and a maximum overall width not to exceed six feet (including grasping or pushing devices). A minimum height of five feet from the floor to the highest point of the roof.

3)à Any number and size of wheels or skis may be used.

4)à Any device for pushing or pulling the outhouse may be used except ropes. All pushing or pulling devices must be secured solid.

5)à Outhouses may be built form any material but glass and must be structurally sound.

6)à Each entry must have an outhouse name that is to be displayed on each side of the structure. Sponsors’ names may be displayed anywhere on the outside.

7)à There will be three age divisions. (Age divisions will be determined by average team ages. Add all team members’ ages and divide by the number of team members.) à Division 1: Ages 12 to 25 à Division 2: Ages 26 to 45 à Division 3: Ages 46 and over

Good to know: Teams consist of two to five people, one of much must ride inside the outhouse.

Safety gear including helmets are required for all members and ice cleats are recommended.

Outhouse passengers must be 12 years old or older. Handles or seatbelts are required for the outhouse passengers.

Teams’ dress is to reflect the theme of their entry.

Teams make a mandatory pit stop at mid race for a fire-drill. Each member must run around the outhouse three times and the rider must switch places with one of the pushers. Each team member will be required to place a colorcoded roll of toilet paper on a color-coded plunger in order of color scheme provided at race time. The race will be timed from start to finish, the objective is to get the lowest time to win.

February 2020 | Cooperative Connections

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NEWS BRIEFS

West River Electric is committed to the Membership that we serve. It is our goal to restore power in the most timely, safe and efficient manner possible. There is a method to the process that is used when we have a wide spread outage. Without power to the substation it is not possible to restore power to the residence. The most efficient way to do this is to start at the power supply. We thank you for your understanding and patience 2062901 when we encounter Mother Nature.

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West River Electric

NEWS BRIEFS

will be closed

February 17, 2020 for All Employee Training If you have an outage or other emergency, please call 279-2135 or 393-1500.

(USPS No. 675-840)

We have a linecrew on call 24/7.

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month

Our Mission: We are safety conscious, community oriented, and the trusted energy expert for our member owners.

Our Vision: We will achieve an ACSI score of 90 by 2024.

Are you using your fireplace efficiently?

Remember to turn 3053201 down the thermostat when burning a fire, and close the damper when a fire is not burning. Source: Energy.gov

Our Values: 1. Safety° 2. Accountability 3. Integrity° 4. Innovation 5. Commitment to Community This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Board President: Andy Moon

Did you change your phone number or email It is important to keep your information updated with West River Electric.

We would like to be able to keep you updated on planned outages or other important information that may affect your service. Contact us at 279-2135 or 393-1500 to make changes to your information.

Locate Your Account Number If you locate your account number anywhere in this issue of the West River Electric Cooperative Connections you will be a winner.

There will be five account numbers placed randomly throughout the Connections. If you spot your account number and notify our office before the 10th of the next month, you will receive a $10 credit on your next bill.

West River Electric Office Hours Rapid City Office

Wall Office

3250 E Hwy 44, Rapid City, SD Monday-Friday 7:00 am-5:00 pm 605-393-1500

1200 W 4th Ave, Wall, SD Monday-Friday 7:00 am-5:00 pm 605-279-2135

A night depository is available at both offices for your convenience.

Board of Directors Stan Anders – Vice President Jamie Lewis – Secretary Larry Eisenbraun – Treasurer Jerry Hammerquist Howard Knuppe Marcia Arneson Chuck Sloan Sue Peters CEO and General Manager: Dick Johnson – dick.johnson@westriver.coop Editor Veronica Kusser – veronica.kusser@westriver.coop WEST RIVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS is the monthly publication for the members of West River Electric Association. Members subscribe to Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership for $6 a year.

West River Electric Cooperative Connections purpose is to provide reliable, helpful information to electric cooperative members on matters pertaining to rural electrification and better living. Nonmember subscriptions are available for $12 per year. Periodicals Postage paid at Wall, S.D., and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to West River Electric Cooperative Connections, PO Box 412 , Wall, SD 57790-0412.

Other correspondence to: West River Electric Cooperative Connections, PO Box 3486, Rapid City, SD 57709; telephone (605)393-1500, Exts. 6519, 6517, 6531 or 6522; fax (605)3930275; e-mail veronica.kusser@westriver.coop.

February 2020 | Cooperative Connections

15

DATELINE

January 23

CLM Charity Poker Tournament 2020, Blind Lion Speakeasy, Murphy’s, Rapid City, SD

January 24

Live2Lead: Rapid City, Rushmore Plaza Holiday, Rapid City, SD

January 25

January 31

Rodeo Rapid City PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour 2020, Barnett Arena, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

January 31-February 9

Black Hills Stock Show, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

February 12

Rapid City Area Schools Region 8 Solo & Ensemble 2020, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

February 15

Acrylic Pouring by Lusis Art, Pottery 2 Paint, Rapid City, SD

February 17

West River Electric will be closed for All Employee Training. Call 279-2135 or 393-1500 in the event of an outage or other emergency.

February 18-20

1st Annual Lakota Food Summit, Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn, Rapid City, SD

Photo courtesy: travelsouthdakota.com

Skates and a Movie, The Mighty Ducks, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

March 14: 28 Below Fatbike Race, Ride and Tour, Lead, SD, 605-641-4963

February 21

KORN and Breaking Benjamin, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

February 21-22

Mardi Gras Weekend, Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876

February 22

Skates and a Move – The Little Rascals, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

February 22

J. Laiten Weed High School Honors Orchestra, First Congregational Church, Rapid City, SD, 605-341-6425

February 22-23

48th Annual Farm, Home & Sports Show, Ramkota Hotel, Pierre, SD 605-224-1240

February 26

The Harlem Globetrotters, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Barnett Arena, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

February 27-March 1

35th Annual SD State Dart Tournament, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

February 28

Sara Evans Say The Words Tour, Fine Arts Theatre, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

February 29

Last Day of Skate Beach Party, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

March 3

RCCA presents Young Irelanders, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Fine Arts Arena, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

March 6-7

West River Singles Pool Tournament, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

March 6-8

BH Rapid President’s Cup 2020, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

March 8

Broadway Rapid City Million Dollar Quartet, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Fine Arts Theatre, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

April 3-4

Forks, Corks and Kegs Food, Wine and Beer Festival, Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876 or 800- 999-1876

April 18

Black Hills Gold & Treasure Show, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD

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.