West River Electric November 2018 Vol. 19 No. 7
Veterans Sought: America’s Co-ops’ Hiring Program Page 8
MANAGER’S NOTE
It just can’t be!
The Annual Meeting is Over! That means we are headed into serious colder weather and that four letter word that starts with S. Thanks to all who attended our annual meeting. I hope you found it informational and maybe even were one of the lucky prize winners.
Dick Johnson dick.johnson@westriver.coop
What about current electric car owners who are on our service ? How many do we have?
Last month, I had the opportunity to hear J.B. Straubel, part of the founding team and the Chief Technical Officer of Tesla Inc. He was in Rapid City as a part of the John T. Vucurevich Foundation speaker series. He spoke about the infancy of their electric car company to where they are now and what their vision for the future is. Their vision at Tesla is for our world to become more sustainable and less dependent on fossil fuels. He talked about the use of lithium ion battery storage and how that can be paired with their solar shingles and solar panels to basically allow you to live off the grid. What does that do for us? I probably won’t see the results in full by the time I retire, but I could sure see some of the effects of it sooner than I think. You may be thinking Tesla doesn’t affect us much now so why worry. However, Tesla is planning on building a charging station in Wall on Main Street across from the Community Center. These charging stations are strategically placed by Tesla along traveled routes. Among many, they have stations in Mitchell, Chamberlain, Murdo and Rapid City. They have these stations every 150-200 miles but are placing more in other areas to give people the opportunity to have more options to charge. My colleague in Murdo tells me they are used for charging more than one would think, more so each year. These charging stations are “fast charge” stations that will allow the Tesla to be charged in about 20-30 minutes. These stations are free to owners of a Tesla car; part of the cost of buying one. Tesla pays the bill to the power providers. But what does that do for other people who own electric cars and need them charged when they are on the road? Tesla only offers it to their car owners. That is where we would come in. I recently attended a meeting where they had a panel of Minnesota electric coops that discussed their experience with electric cars. There has been a lot of chatter about our opportunity to put in charging stations for all of the other electric cars that come to our area. We would be able to charge a fee for a re-charge allowing us to sell more electric energy. What about current electric car owners who are on our service? How many do we have? Do we need to offer rates for people to charge their electric cars off peak? More questions than answers at this point. We are having conversations as we begin our budgeting and work planning for 2019 on whether West 10548800River should purchase an electric car to use. This would help us take another step towards becoming your trusted energy advisor. We could show you our data on how the car performs and what it costs to operate it in our environment, not an environment that is far away from here. The results might surprise many. We have several car dealers who are West River members that sell electric vehicles. Disruption in our industry! The fun never ends. Be assured, we discuss this on a regular basis at our Board table. Have a great fall.
2
Cooperative Connections | November 2018
An early day set of Belt & Hooks on loan from Derald (Mac) McElroy.
BELT & HOOKS What is the purpose of them? Mike Letcher mike.letcher@westriver.coop
From the very beginning of the overhead powerline back in the early 1900’s, and the telephone and telegraph days before that, the number one piece of equipment used by a lineman was his belt and hooks. While equipment has improved over the years, the basic design has remained the same.
hookon each end. The lineman would typically climb up to where he needed to be and then place the strap around the pole and hook it into his belt. This would allow him to use both hands to do his work while preventing him from falling off the pole. Due to safety concerns, OSHA changed the rules regarding lineman climbing poles and now require “fall arrest systems” which I will discuss next month.
The equipment referred to as “hooks” are a pair of metal shanks that go under the boot and then up the inside of the leg to just below the knee. They are held in place with a leather strap that goes around the heel and over the top of the foot as well as a leather, or now nylon and Velcro, pad and strap right below the knee. The metal shank has a spike, or “gaff” that is sharpened to a point. This is what sticks into the pole, and the metal shanks support the lineman’s weight as he climbs up the pole to reach the work area. The other piece of equipment is the belt. This is a thick reinforced leather belt with loops for a hammer and large wrenches as well as a pouch for smaller tools and a “nut bag” for nuts, bolts, connectors, and other small parts. There are two “D-Rings” for attaching a “scare strap”. This strap is used to hold the lineman in position while he performs his work. It is an adjustable reinforced leather strap with a snap
This is the type of Belt and Hooks that was used until recently. November 2018 | Cooperative Connections
3
SAFETY TIPS
Halloween Safety Tips Are your Halloween traditions a trick or a treat? The following helpful tips will let you know if real danger is lurking in your Halloween décor.
Trick: Costumes can catch fire! Avoid costumes with billowing or long trailing fabric. If you are making your own costumes, choose fire-resistant materials. Never use electrical products outdoors that are marked “for indoor use.” You could get shocked – or worse! Avoid using dried flowers, corn stalks, hay or crepe paper in your festive decorations. These items are highly flammable and could even be ignited by heat from a nearby light bulb or heater.
VISIT VOTE.COOP TO LEARN HOW TO BECOME A CO-OP VOTER.
Never block exits or escape routes.
Treat: Inspect all electrical decorations and extension cords before use. Discard any that are have cracked, frayed or exposed wiring.
KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER
Outdoor electrical decorations are increasingly popular. To reduce your risk of shocks, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) should be used wherever water may come into contact with electrical products. Replace traditional receptacles with GFCIs or use a portable one. Use only electrical lights and decorations that are approved for safe use by a nationally tested laboratory such as UL, Intertek (ETL) or CSA. Always turn off electrical decorations and extinguish any open flames before leaving home or going to bed. Use a flashlight or battery-operated candles in a jack-o-lantern. If you must use a real candle, use extreme caution as it can start a fire or burn someone. Curiosity leads to many things, not all of them safe. Protect children by installing tamper resistant receptacles in your home. This permanent, cost-effective solution prevents injuries and deaths caused by the insertion of foreign objects into outlets. Source: esfi.org 4
Cooperative Connections | November 2018
“Don’t mess with power lines.” Jackson Baumgarn, 8 years old
Jackson is the son of Casey and Anne Baumgarn, Webster, S.D. They are members of Lake Region Electric Association, Webster. 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
Crock Pot Creations 3-Bean Crockpot Casserole 1/2 lb. bacon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 lb. hamburger
1/2 cup ketchup
1 cup chopped onions
1 can pork and beans
1/2 tsp. salt
1 can lima beans
2 T. vinegar
1 can kidney beans
1 T. prepared mustard Brown bacon until crispy. Brown hamburger with the onions. Combine all ingredients in a crock pot. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Curry 4 bone-in chicken breasts, halves (about 2 lbs.), skin removed
1 medium Golden Delicious apple, unpeeled, cored and coarsely chopped
1 T. McCormick® Curry Powder
1/4 cup raisins
1 pkg. McCormick® Chicken Gravy Mix 1 (14.5 oz.) can chicken broth 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup McCormick® Onions, Chopped 2 McCormick® Bay Leaves, broken in half 1/2 tsp. McCormick® Garlic Powder 1 cup instant rice
Mary Ellen Luikens, Tea, SD
Triple Chocolate Surprise 1 (18 oz.) chocolate cake mix 3/4 cup oil 8 oz. sour cream
4 eggs
1 pkg. instant chocolate pudding
1 cup water 1 cup chocolate chips
Combine all ingredients. Spray crock pot with no stick cooking spray. Pour mixture into pot. Cook on LOW 6 to 8 hours. Betty Klingbile, Wall, SD
1 (16 oz.) jar unsalted peanuts 1 (12 oz.) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 oz. German chocolate bar, broken into pieces 3 lbs. almond bark, broken into pieces
Layer ingredients in crock pot in order given. Cook on LOW for 3 hours. DO NOT OPEN. After 3 hours, stir and cook an additional 5 minutes. Turn off crock pot and let cool at least 15 minutes. Stir and spoon heaping spoonfuls onto waxed or parchment paper. Let sit until set. Marcia Broone, Rapid City, SD
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 296, Total Fat 4g, Cholesterol 78mg, Sodium 600mg, Protein 35g, Carbohydrates 30g, Dietary Fiber 2g Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Crockpot French Dip Sandwiches
Juanita’s Crockpot Peanut Clusters 1 (16 oz.) jar salted peanuts
Rinse chicken and pat dry. Cut each breast half into 2 pieces. Sprinkle chicken with curry powder. Gradually stir gravy mix into broth in slow cooker until well blended. Add seasoned chicken and remaining ingredients except rice; stir well. Cover. Cook 8 hours on LOW or 4 hours on HIGH. Gently stir in rice. Cover. Cook 15 to 20 minutes longer on HIGH or until rice is tender. Remove bay leaves before serving. Makes 6 servings
3 lb. roast, beef or pork
1 (10 oz.) can beef broth
1 (10 oz.) can French onion soup
1 (12 oz.) can beer Swiss cheese
Cook above ingredients in crock pot on LOW for 7 hours. Shred meat with fork. Let set 30 minutes. Fill buns (I use steak buns). Top with Swiss cheese. Use the juice in crock pot for dipping, if desired. Jane Ham, Rapid City, SD
Please send your favorite holiday, soup or brunch 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 2018. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name. November 2018 | Cooperative Connections
5
COOP NEWS
ENNING APPRECIATION
Many of you, our members, that we serve in the Enning area have asked “are we coming to Enning this year?” We4698100 are coming to the area, the date has been set and we are getting ready for a crowd. We will be at the basketball games at the Meade County Community Center in Union Center on Friday, November 9, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. We can’t wait to see the kids play basketball, and have the opportunity to visit with our members. We will be setup and serving hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, cookies and a soda. We will be presenting Operation Round-Up checks to the organizations in the area who applied for funds. Wow, there are a lot of those to give out this year. Lane and Cody will be there as well, helping cook up the burgers. Come out, enjoy a burger and register for a chance to win a $75.00 bill credit.
JOIN US AT THE POLLS ON NOVEMBER 6
Our co-op’s No. 1 priority is providing members with safe, reliable and affordable electricity. But doing this job requires a lot more than stringing and maintaining power lines throughout our service territory. It requires political engagement. That may seem far removed from our core mission, but it’s absolutely essential to serving you, our members. That’s why we’re participating in a national program of America’s electric cooperatives called Co-ops Vote. Co-ops Vote encourages all co-op members to participate in national, state and local elections while educating political candidates and elected officials about the important role played by electric cooperatives in their communities.
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the service organization representing the nation’s electric co-ops, launched Co-ops Vote in 2016. Co-ops Vote started as a national non-partisan get-out-and-vote initiative that helped drive rural voter turnout in the 2016 presidential election. 6
Cooperative Connections | November 2018
Through this program, electric co-ops realized they had a unique advantage: As Co-ops, the civic virtue of voting in our DNA. We show concern for community - one of the seven cooperative principles - through participation in our democracy. Co-ops have another advantage. Elected officials and decision-makers across the political spectrum trust us because of the work the electric cooperative family has put into political engagement. When we all get involved, we can make things happen politically and in our local communities. Our participation in Co-ops Vote helps to ensure that rural issues remain 10779200part of the national discussion - and are supported by our elected officials. But Co-ops Vote isn’t just for co-ops. It’s for co-op members just like you. You can participate by registering to vote and committing to cast your ballot on Nov. 6. If you’re interested in getting more involved, just give us a call or visit www.vote.coop to learn more about the upcoming elections and access on-line tools that can help you participate.
The Directors ready to serve the members at Rapid City Appreciation.
RAPID CITY APPRECIATION Thank You to All Who Joined Us Veronica Kusser veronica.kusser@westriver.coop
We could not have asked for better weather. It was a beautiful day and we had a great turn-out from our membership. We had something for everyone. Wayne and Eric were teaching the kids to climb a pole. Cody, Tucker, Sanden and Skyler were giving bucket truck rides to the young and old alike. Lance and his crew were demonstrating the effects of coming in contact with high voltage lines as well as demonstrating making contact with power lines underground or overhead. Joel was back this year, he brought some clowning around friends from the Shriners, Pappy and Sparrky, with him to tie balloons and entertain the kiddos. It is always a good Jenny, Bonnie, Dawn and Roberta were on hand to answer time to have the questions about capital credits and even handed out a check or Shrine Clowns join two. Dwight and Garret were busy popping popcorn, and Ross us. and Kory were busy with the members answering questions at the technology table about the detection of 10539300outages, problems on the line and reading of the meters. Mike L, Mike O, Brandon and Tyler were busy cooking up the burgers and hot dogs while Howard, Jerry, Stan, Andy, Sue and Jamie were busy serving. Veronica and Doris Lauing presented $2700 in Operation Round-Up checks to the recipients in the Rapid City area. We had vendors galore that were here to help with all of your service needs. Thank you to them for being available.
Learning to climb a power pole was really fun!
It was a great day and we can’t wait to begin planning for the 2019 Appreciation Days. We will be celebrating serving our members for 80 years!
Where there is a will there is a way to ride in a bucket! November 2018 | Cooperative Connections
7
ENERGY CAREERS
Military veterans meet with electric co-op leaders at a Veterans in Energy event. Veterans in Energy is a professional development group that was formed through NRECA’s Serve Our Co-ops; Serve Our Country initiative to help veterans transition into the energy workforce after they’ve been hired at electric cooperatives.
An Electric Co-op Mission to
HIRE VETERANS Paul Wesslund NRECA
Electric cooperatives are working to make even better use of a powerful source of energy – military veterans. “Veterans, active military and their spouses are some of our greatest assets as employees,” says Michelle Rostom, director of workforce development for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). “They are mission-driven. When we think about providing safe, reliable and affordable power, we know our veterans – whatever their job – are focused on making sure we are operating safely and that we are creating a reliable electric network for co-op members.” Rostom spends a lot of her time getting more veterans hired by electric co-ops in her role as program manager for NRECA’s initiative called “Serve Our Co-ops; Serve Our Country.” The program launched in January 2016 “to honor and employ veterans,” said Rostom. Since then, the program has been forming a coalition of co-ops and other groups to focus attention on the benefits of hiring veterans and to actually hire more veterans. In announcing the program, Jim Matheson, CEO of NRECA, 8
Cooperative Connections | November 2018
An NRECA Commemorative Coin Recognizes veterans hired through the Serve Our Co-ops; Serve Our Country program. On the Cover: A statue of South Dakota Gov. Leslie Jensen, who was governor in 1937-1939, stands in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building in Pierre. Jensen served in both WWI and WWII.
ENERGY CAREERS
said, “Our military veterans deserve our unending gratitude for their service to our country, on Veterans Day and every day. Veterans possess many of the qualities sought by electric co-ops, including a deep commitment to service and an uncompromising work ethic. More than 200,000 service members transition out of the military to civilian life each year and we’d like to tap into that talent to help fill the thousands of co-op jobs opening up.”
“They understand their role and they go out and execute it,” she says. “They bring leadership skills, they work in teams and look out for each other in that kind of ‘brotherhood.’ They work in all types of weather. They are disciplined. They show up on time. Those are professional competencies that not every job applicant brings with them, but you find them in the military.” The initiative grew out of broader strategic planning by NRECA. That plan envisioned that 25,000 jobs at electric co-ops would need to be filled in the next few years. “We are racing to make sure we have the right talent applying for our jobs,” says Rostom. Part of that work has been developing and distributing information to bring attention and advice aimed at connecting veterans with co-op jobs. A series of three checklists published by the program helps guide electric co-ops in setting up a veteran hiring effort. The checklists show co-ops how to recognize veterans, contact groups in their communities for broad-based effectiveness and bring attention to the skills and abilities veterans offer.
Military spouses make up another often-overlooked resource, says Rostom. “You’ll get resumés for a spouse and they will have big gaps in their experience,” she says. “They’ve put their career path
Our military veterans deserve our unending gratitude for their service to our country, on Veterans Day and every day. on hold to follow their spouse around the world with the military, so don’t just discount that resumé.” Rostom says, “They’ve had to move their family probably 10 times over the past 15 years, so they have to plan, they have to find housing, find schools, medical care – and they’re doing that without their spouse there, who is deployed somewhere. Often, they are volunteering, so they are community-focused, which is what we look for in the co-ops. In working with
groups of volunteers, they are managing people, they are probably managing a budget, they are securing vendors for events. There are a lot of skill sets that they bring.” Rostom continues, “Many are working on a degree while they are moving around the world. They are a phenomenal group of untapped talent we should consider. When you see that resumé, it doesn’t say military spouse, but I think it should. It totally changes the game – it shows the potential employer why their career has been put on hold. They are smart, educated, they are project managers, they work with diverse groups of people. They’re an untapped group of talent that we don’t always think about.” Through Serve Our Co-ops; Serve Our Country, electric co-ops are better positioned to increase their veteran workforce and support local veteran communities. To learn more about the program, visit www. servevets.coop. Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape.
U.S. Air Force Captain Jeremiah Sloan was the first official veteran hire of NRECA’s Serve Our Co-ops; Serve Our Country initiative. Sloan is an engineer at Craighead Electric Cooperative in Jonesboro, Ark.
Some of those skills and abilities might not be immediately obvious, says Rostom, like what they learn by having to change their job and their residence every few years. “They are trained to learn,” she says. “They change jobs every couple of years, so they learn to adapt.”
Photo by NRECA
Photo by NRECA
Hiring veterans is certainly a decent thing to do, but Rostom lists why it makes business sense as well.
beyond hiring, by helping veterans transition into the energy workforce.
Serve Our Co-ops; Serve Our Country also started a group called “Veterans in Energy,” a professional organization to go November 2018 | Cooperative Connections
9
Creighton Road has a new look after centuries. Photo
COMMUNITY.
courtesy of Jeff Kitterman.
Mayor Trullinger of New Underwood sharing a message before we get started.
NEW UNDERWOOD Community Care Project Veronica Kusser veronica.kusser@westriver.coop
Aimee was busy painting Fire Hydrants .
We had a beautiful day to get out and show the community of New Underwood just how much we care. We had seventy-five plus degree weather, very little to no breeze, and a group of West River Electric employees who were eager to get out there and do what needed to be done. Aaron and Byron were tasked with straightening the City of New Underwood Sign as you come into town, fence repair and painting the fence on the east side of Avenue A. They had those tasks done in quick order and moved on to help with painting bridges. Alicia and Amy were tasked with painting the walking bridges. This task seemed to take a little more time to complete, but when you have a chance, take a walk and check out the great job those ladies did. Dick and Aimee set out to paint the fire hydrants in town, looking at that project when they started I thought “oh�, they got the simple, easily accomplished project. Nope I did not
realize that there is a fire hydrant every 300 feet and they are all over town, yep, every street in town has three or four fire hydrants. You cannot miss the bright red hydrants. They look great! Dawn, Sallie and Cheryl were assigned the task of applying a coat of stain to the ramp/steps going into City Hall. Wow, it looks nice and is a definite invite to all coming in to pay their water bill!
Fixing and Painting the Fence on Main Street
10
Cooperative Connections | November 2018
Justin and Mike O, with the help of Brett Hansen from First Interstate Bank, were going through the alleys picking up old tires and other waste items that had been left over time. They made a few trips to the city dump, but were able to get a lot accomplished in a short amount of time. There was a
Painting the Walk Bridges in New Underwood crew of four, Joel, Matt K, Brandon and Derek who were assigned to cutting down dead trees. Without the help of the chipper crew of Tyler and Tucker, this task would have taken a lot more time.
Tree trimming crew taking down tree at the Bus Barn.
We had Dustin, Turner, Sanden and Tyler picking up branches and trimming trees and bushes. They assisted Tyson, Eric, Alex and Dakota with cleaning up along the flood ditch. We accomplished a great deal for our members in a short amount of time. Another big project, which took a tribe of people to accomplish, was the painting of the wall at the City Park. The saying “many hands make light work” was a true statement as Becky, Willy, Robert, Adam, Matt, Wayne and Dave accomplished the wall. They left a big white circle in the middle for a mural, and we are all anxious to see what will be accomplished there.
All that said, we did not accomplish this alone. We had a great group of members from the City of New Underwood who all pitched in to help. They were there to keep the supply line flowing, make sure that we did not cut down the wrong trees, show us where every fire hydrant was, which tires needed to be hauled and bushes that needed to be trimmed. Each and every one of them dug right in and worked alongside of us. Thank you for guiding us to a successful day Brett, Meri Jo, Mayor Trullinger, Kristie, Mel, Tim, Teresa, Tony, Larry, Karin, Danny, Jim, Shari, Monte, Mike, Jacob, Keith, Marvin. Last but not least, thank you to the students from New Underwood High School who joined us in picking up garbage around town. Like I said earlier “it takes many hands to make light work”. Thank You Everyone! Staining of the ramp at New Underwood City Hall
Presenting Operation Round-Up Funds to the Sami Jo Pool for a new Pool Heater
Painting of the wall next to City Park
Cleaning dead trees from the drainage ditch
Cutting trees was a big part of cleanup day.
Brett Hanson of First Interstate Bank joined in to help move dead branches
November 2018 | Cooperative Connections
11
ELECTION NEWS
Campaign buttons advocating a no vote on Amendment W are pictured.
ELECTRIC CO-OPS JOIN FIGHT AGAINST W Brenda Kleinjan brenda.kleinjan@sdrea.coop
South Dakota’s electric cooperatives, through their statewide association, the South Dakota Rural Electric Association in Pierre, have joined with more than 30 other South Dakota-based groups and individuals opposing an amendment to the South Dakota constitution. Voters in November will decide the fate of Amendment W, which is titled “An initiated amendment to the South Dakota Constitution changing campaign finance and lobbying laws, creating a government accountability board, and changing certain initiative and referendum provisions.” A “yes” vote would change South Dakota’s constitution. A “no” vote leaves the constitution as is. “Amendment W creates an entirely new article of the South Dakota Constitution and declares that the new article is superior to all other sections of the constitution. It creates a non-elected tribunal called “The State Government Accountability Board,” forces the 12
Cooperative Connections | November 2018
South Dakota’s constitution was adopted on Oct. 1, 1889.
ELECTION NEWS legislature and Governor to fund it and allows that board to go to court for more money,” said David Owen, president of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Owen is the head of a coalition of South Dakota groups that have formed the “W is Wrong” statewide Ballot Question Committee opposing the amendment. “No other state has anything like Amendment W,” Owen said. “Only two other states even mention an ethics board in their constitution and neither of them overrides the legislative process for funding and oversight.” The SDREA board – comprised of local South Dakotans elected by their neighbors to serve on their local electric cooperative board and then elected to serve on the statewide board – has historically been engaged on advocating on behalf of their member-owners. SDREA was formed in 1942 to help cooperatives bring electricity to the state and continues to work to give voice to the 120,000 co-op members in the state. In Minnesota, the Minnesota Rural Electric Association does similar work on behalf of Minnesota electric cooperatives. The SDREA board consists of members of multiple political ideologies and parties. “In reaching their conclusion to oppose Amendment W, the SDREA board walked through the proposed language thoughtfully and considered its potential ramifications carefully,” said Ed Anderson, general manager of the South Dakota Rural Electric Association. “With any proposed initiated measure or constitutional amendment this complex, a thoughtful, reasoned consideration of all possible effects is the only responsible approach to take and I applaud them for their effort.” To see the amendment in its entirety, along with other measures voters will be deciding on in November, go to https://sdsos.gov/ elections-voting/upcoming-elections/general-information/2018ballot-questions.aspx
Who Backs W? Promoters of Amendment W claim to be a South Dakota group calling themselves “Represent South Dakota.” Financial reports from 2017 and from this year’s pre-primary report show that the effort has been funded from a Massachusetts organization known as “Represent US.” For calendar year 2017, the Amendment W campaign reported to have raised $369,588; and spent $362,348 – leaving a balance of $7,240
2017 notable contributions were: Represent US – Florence, MA – $121,000 End Citizens United Non-Federal – $15,000 (in-kind) Donated by Represent US – $47,238 Plus a supplemental report that is 191 pages of individual contributions – many multiple $1, $3, $5 listings – totaling $233,588 and not one from South Dakota. The last eight donations were responsible for 50 percent of the total. This report sets the stage of a deceptive claim that there are thousands of supporters of Amendment W who gave small contributions. Right before the primary election the Amendment W campaign reported they had raised an additional $26,681 and spent $33,084 – with a new balance of $837.40.
Why is W Wrong? Amendment W creates an entirely new Article of the South Dakota Constitution and declares that the new article is superior to all others sections of the constitution and all other provisions of law. The Amendment bluntly states that “if there are any conflicts with any other provisions of the constitution and the new article, this article shall control.” Amendment W gives the new article control over the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the constitution. To further secure this power the amendment uses the phrase “notwithstanding any other provision of the constitution” four times including a specific reference to Article II – which states “The powers of the government of the state are divided into three distinct departments, the legislative, executive and judicial; and the powers and duties of each are prescribed by this Constitution.” Amendment W creates an inquisition style board called “The State Government Accountability Board” and gives it unprecedented powers including taking anonymous complaints about campaign violations and a long list of other powers including (but not limited to): (l) Investigate any allegation of bribery, theft, or embezzlement of public funds, or any violation of this Article, ethics rule, or state law related to government ethics, campaign finance, lobbying, government contracts, or corruption by any elected or appointed official, judge, or employee of any state or local government and to issue subpoenas related to the investigation; This inquisitional board will have authority over all “non-federal elected officials” starting with the Governor and ending with members of road districts and irrigation districts and political precinct chairmen and chairwomen. The reach of the new board includes every public employee working for state, county and local governments including townships. The members of the board are required to disclose the conflicts of interest and are expected to recuse themselves from participating in any investigation that deals with those conflicts unless “the board member’s vote is necessary to resolve the matter”...meaning that a member of the board with a conflict of interest will only vote when it matters most. The Amendment uses the constitution to appropriate and annual budget for the new board of $389,000 (increasing with inflation) which is in direct conflict with the other provisions of the Constitution that require that appropriations be in the annual budget or a separate spending bill and passed with a 2/3rds majority of both the Senate and House of Representatives. The new board is also empowered to intervene in any civil lawsuit. “The board may intervene as a matter of right in any civil action involving any government entity, agency, or instrumentality alleged to be in violation of any mandate or prohibition under this Article and to and in any civil action relating to the board’s powers or the sufficiency of resources provided for the board’s implementation and operation.” Source: http://www.wiswrong.com/amendment-w.html November 2018 | Cooperative Connections
13
COOP NEWS
(1)
(2) (3)
mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov
Be sure the breaker to the heat meter is on so you receive the maximum benefit of the electric heat rate for the heat season. We ask that you leave the breakers on to these meters year round. 9850400Without power, the automated meter reading system cannot detect trouble with the meter or get readings. If you have any questions regarding this, please call us at 393-1500 or at 279-2135. If you have electric heat, but do not have a heat meter, contact Member Services at 393-1500 to find out how to start saving money.
Daylight Savings Time
WREA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
If you have a heat meter, you started getting heat credit with your September reading.
14
Cooperative Connections | November 2018
Set your clocks back by one hour!
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Person with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape , American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202)720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_ filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
Do You Have A Heat Meter?
Don’t forget to fall back on November 4!
West River Electric Association, Inc. Statement of Nondiscrimination
NEWS BRIEFS
West River Electric will be closed
Tuesday October 30 for employee training and
November 12 for Veteran’s Day If you have an outage or other emergency, please call 279-2135 or 393-1500. (USPS No. 675-840)
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
Our Mission: West River Electric Association, Inc. shall strive to continually improve customer service and satisfaction by providing safe, reliable, efficient and reasonably priced electricity and services, while leading in the development of our community for the well being of our members.
Got holiday leftovers? When possible, use the microwave to reheat food. Microwaves use as much as 80 percent less energy than a standard oven. Source: energystar.gov.
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.
November 2018 | Cooperative Connections
15
DATELINE
October 5-31
Rapid Valley United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch, 5105 Longview Dr, Rapid City, SD, 605-393-1526
October 19-22
October 20-January 6:
Pheasant Hunting Season, Statewide, Pierre, SD, 605-223-7660
RC Kennel Club Dog Show, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115
October 20
Photo courtesy: travelsouthdakota.com
Rapid Valley United Methodist Church Community Rummage Sale, 5103 Longview Dr, Rapid City, SD, 605-393-1526
October 20
Wall Rodeo Booster Club Fundraiser, Wall Golf Course, Wall, SD, 605-798-2525
October 20
SD State High School Boys and Girls Cross Country Meet, Sioux Falls, SD
October 21
November 3
Black Hills Works Gala, LaCroix Hall, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115
November 3
Rapid Valley United Methodist Church Hoe Down Party, 5105 Longview Dr, Rapid City, SD, 605-393-1526
Minneluzahan Senior Citizens Center Fall Rummage Sale, Senior Center, 315 N 4th Street, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-1887
October 25
November 4
Badlands NP Public Meeting, Community Center, Wall, SD
October 27
SD State High School All State Chorus & Orchestra Concert, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD
October 30
West River Electric will be closed for employee training, Call 605-279-2135 or 605-393-1500 in case of an outage or other emergency
November 1
Harlem Globetrotters, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115
Wall Community Center Craft Show, Wall, SD, 605-279-2665
November 6
Reminder to all Registered Voters to get out and vote.
November 8
Gary Allan In Concert, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115
November 8-10
SD State High School Football Championship, Dakota Dome (USD), Vermillion, SD
November 9
Theresa Caputo Live The Experience, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115
November 12
West River Electric will be closed for Veteran’s Day, Call 605-279-2135 or 605-393-1500 in case of an outage or other emergency
November 14
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City SD, 605-394-4115
November 15
Jerry Seinfeld, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115
November 15-17
SD State High School Volleyball Tournaments, Sioux Falls, SD
November 20-21
Elf The Musical, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115
November 22-23 and December 24-25
West River Electric will be closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas, respectively, Call 605-279-2135 or 605-393-1500 in case of an outage or other emergency
December 1
Rapid City Garden Club’s 57th Annual Wreath Sale, Canyon Lake Activity Center, Canyon Lake Senior Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-343-0710
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.