June Cooperative Connections

West River Electric June 2019 Vol. 20 No. 2

Ready to Run: Road Races Marathons, and HalfMarathons Hit Region

Page 8

Celebrating Midsummer at Dalesburg Page 12

MANAGER’S NOTE

It has been a long winter

Finally, Spring is here Spring looks like it is finally here. Candidly I look at the calendar and our editors are wanting a column for mid-May. Where did the time go from Christmas to now? In fact, it went by so fast I never took the time to talk about how our 2018 went. We had the bill credit and other issues we have talked about in past columns, so I didn’t get 2018’s results highlighted.

Dick Johnson dick.johnson@westriver.coop

Remember your friends here at West River Electric want you to have a SAFE summer.

We had another good year as evidenced by the bill credit most of you should have received back on your March/April bills. Our sales for 2018 were 5.5% above 2017 at 303,668 mWh sold. We ended the year with 17,303 meters which was up 265 from last year. We actually built over 400 services but ended up with 265 net services connected.

Residential sales were 7% higher than 2017 with an increase of 22% in kWh sold on heat services. This shows how the weather affected our sales and ultimately your bills.

Our largest commercial members had an overall increase of 11% in kWh sales. That sector of our membership has been a help in increasing our total sales.

Revenues were 6.5% higher at $38.3 million compared to $36.7 million in 2017.

Margins for 2018 were $4.3 million which were just shy of $2.0 million higher. The main reason for the increase was allocations from our power supplier, Basin Electric.

We also had the revenue deferral funds from previous years we brought in that we credited back to you, the members, in a bill credit.

With slow, steady growth in new services, we ended the year with $123 million in assets with debt of $69.2 million leaving your member equity at $42.7 million for 34.6% equity in your cooperative compared to equity in 2017 of 32.9%; a nice healthy increase. We added over 15 miles of new underground but ended up with a net loss of 2.4 miles of overhead. Our large increase in plant was due to the addition of the new Box Elder substation coming in at $3.3 million.

Circling back to the sales above, I really like to look at what each member spent “on average” across our membership. Average usage for 2018 was 955 kWh per month compared to 932 kWh per month per member in 2017. The average bill for a residential member went to $124.00 from $117.11 the prior year. You can see how the weather impacted our member’s bills. The average per kWh cost for all rate classes was 12.5 cents per kWh vs. 12 cents in 2017. Part of the increase in per kWh revenue was due in a large part with the raise in base charges we did in 2018. Our residential members saw their per kWh charges at 13 cents compared to 12.6 cents last year.

NONE of this would have been possible without our great team of employees. They all worked very hard taking care of our members’ needs. They did it safely with only a few minor bumps along the road. We continue to build on our safety culture at work and hope to take that home. Thanks to the gals and guys for another successful year; we are truly blessed.

It is that time of year when we all are busy at our homes, farms, ranches, and businesses.

Please take the time to stay safe. One area to be extra safe is while using UTV’s and 4 wheelers. I hear of so many accidents this time of year with those handy vehicles we use for work and play. As I always say, I want you to continue to be our members! Have a SAFE summer.

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Cooperative Connections | June 2019

DIRECTORS INTENT TO SEEK RE-ELECTION TO BOARD

At the April 2019 West River Electric Board of Directors meeting, three incumbent directors let us know of their intent to seek re-election to the Board of Directors of West River Electric Association.

Candidates must be members of the cooperative and reside in the district they are seeking election from, be in good standing with the cooperative and not be employed or financially interested in a competing enterprise or major supplier to the cooperative.

Jamie Lewis of Rapid City for District 1, Marcia Arneson of Rapid City for District 2 and Sue Peters of Wall for District 3 have all chosen to seek re-election to the Board of Directors of West River Electric at the October 12, 2019 Annual Meeting of the membership of West River Electric.

Per Article V Section 4 of the bylaws of West River Electric a member may seek election to the Board of Directors of West River Electric by taking out a petition and have it signed by at least 15 members at least 120 days but not less than 60 days prior to the annual meeting. The deadline for petitions is August 13, 2019. No nominations are taken from the floor at the annual meeting.

West River Electric’s Annual Meeting will be October 12, 2019

WREA PAID OVER $485,869 TO AREA SCHOOLS West River Electric pays a kilowatt hour tax on all kWh sold throughout the cooperative. Under South Dakota law, a formula is used to calculate the amount of tax from the kWh’s 10635800 sold that is returned to the school district in which the electric services

were provided. West River Electric’s wholesale power supplier, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, also pays the kWh tax on their portion of the member’s power bill. In 2019, West River Electric will return $485,869.72 to area schools that operate in our service area.

Pennington County Schools received $403,275.87 Meade County Schools received $76,735.61 Jackson County Schools received $4,919.94 Ziebach Country Schools received $461.41 Oglala Lakota County Schools received $333.31 Haakon County Schools received $143.58

June 2019 | Cooperative Connections

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SAFETY TIPS

Summer Electrical Safety Tips for Kids As school begins to let out, families are starting to enjoy some outdoor time with their young children. Backyards, local parks and pools are great places to spend your summer days, but to ensure a happy, healthy and safe summer, parents should be aware of a few electrical safety basics to share with their children.

Be aware of power lines around you and always assume that wires are “live and dangerous.” Never touch an outdoor wire with any part of your body, toys or other objects.

Do not throw items such as gym shoes onto electric lines and equipment or try to retrieve items from around overhead power lines.

Fly kites and model airplanes and other toys in large open areas such as a field or a park – safely away from trees and overhead power lines. Also, do not attempt to retrieve balloons, kites or other objects that may get stuck on power lines or other electrical equipment.

Do not climb trees near power lines. Even if power lines are not touching the tree, they could touch during climbing when more weight is added to a branch.

Never climb a utility pole or play on or around electrical equipment.

Never post or tie signs, hang banners or tie ribbons or balloons onto utility poles or other electrical equipment. This can be dangerous to you and endanger utility workers.

Do not go into an electric substation for any reason – even on a dare. Electric substations contain high-voltage equipment, which can kill you. Also, never attempt to rescue a pet that goes inside.

Instead, call your local utility company.

Never try to rescue a family member, friend or pet that has come into contact with any electrical equipment – Call 911 immediately.

Keep electrical toys, appliances and tools at least 10 feet away from pools and wet surfaces.

Never touch any electrical toys, appliance and tools while you are wet or standing in water. Energy flows easily through water, like a puddle or a pool.

Source: www.ehstoday.com 4

Cooperative Connections | June 2019

KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER “Don’t stick toys in outlets” Jarron Kruger, 8 years old Jarron is the son of Jarrod and Cadgie Kruger, Dell Rapids, S.D. They are members of Sioux Valley Energy, Colman, S.D.

Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your poster is published, 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

Dairy Delicious Orange Cream Chiller 3 oz. orange juice concentrate 1 cup milk 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 small frozen banana

3/4 cup milk

1 tsp. honey

1 pkg. McCormick® Original Country Gravy Mix

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients; blend until smooth. Serves 2.

Stephanie Fossum, Hudson, SD

Rhubarb Dessert 2 cups flour

Filling:

2 tsp. baking powder

3 cups rhubarb

1/2 tsp. salt

1 (6 oz.) pkg. red gelatin

4 T. butter

Topping:

4 T. milk

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup flour 1/3 cup butter

Combine first 6 ingredients. Pat into a 9x13-inch pan. Distribute rhubarb over crust. Sprinkle gelatin over rhubarb. Mix together topping ingredients. Sprinkle over rhubarb. Bake at 350°F. for 45 minutes.

Roxanna Streckfuss, Mansfield, SD

Butter Pecan Pumpkin Dessert 3 cups pumpkin

1/2 tsp. cloves

3 eggs

1 (13 oz.) can evaporated milk

1 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Monkey Bread with Sausage

1/4 cup melted butter 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

3 (7.5 oz. each) cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits 1/2 lb. ground breakfast sausage, cooked and drained

Mix milk, gravy mix and melted butter with whisk in large bowl until well blended. Reserve 1/2 cup of gravy mixture; set aside.

Cut biscuits into quarters. Add biscuit pieces to gravy mixture in large bowl; gently toss to coat. Stir in 1-1/2 cups cheese and cooked sausage until well blended. Place biscuit mixture into greased 10-cup bundt pan. Pour reserved gravy mixture over top. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Cool in pan 5 to 10 minutes. To unmold, loosen sides of monkey bread from pan with a knife. Invert, cheese side up, onto serving plate. Makes 12 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 321, Total Fat 17g, Saturated Fat 8g, Sodium 855mg, Cholesterol 37mg, Carbohydrates 31g, Protein 11g, Dietary Fiber 1g Pictured, Cooperative Connections

Goat Milk Fudge 1 lb. powdered sugar 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup whole goat milk (may use cow milk) 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 cup nuts, optional

1 butter pecan cake mix

Combine sugar and cocoa in large microwavable bowl; make a well in the center. Place cut-up butter and milk in well; do not stir. Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes; add vanilla. Blend with stick blender or mixer until smooth; stir in nuts. Pour into greased 8x8-inch square pan. Refrigerate until firm; cut into squares.

1/2 cup butter, sliced thin

Jersi Kruger, 5 years old, Dell Rapids, SD

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Combine pumpkin and eggs. Add spices and salt to sugar. Blend sugar mixture and milk with pumpkin mixture. Pour into a 9x13-inch pan. Sprinkle cake mix over all. Top with butter slices and pecans. Bake at 350°F. for 40 to 45 minutes. Serve with whipped topping or ice cream.

Arlene BaanHofman, Corsica, SD

Please send your favorite dessert, vegetarian or garden produce 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 2019. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.

June 2019 | Cooperative Connections

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WREA SCHOLARSHIPS 2019 Recipients Chosen Veronica Kusser veronica.kusser@westriver.coop

West River Electric believes that communities are strengthened by investing in our future leaders. To support their continued learning, the Board of Directors of West River Electric and Basin Electric Power Cooperative have awarded scholarships since 1990 to young members pursuing a college degree or post secondary education.

The cooperative hopes the recipients will complete their education, return to their community and apply their skills locally.

The scholarships are for college and tech bound students across West River Electric’s service area.

The scholarships are available to high school seniors and others pursuing a college or vocational degree. This year one $1000 and four $500 scholarships were awarded. We also gave out six $500 scholarships to students who attended our Annual Meeting. Plans for the 11151400 recipients of the 2019 scholarships include studies in Pre-Law, Elementary Education, Political Science, Mechanical Engineering, Pre-Med, and Biology.

We want to congratulate all the graduates. It was difficult to choose the recipients of this year’s scholarships, as we had 17 well deserving students apply for scholarships. Thank you to our judges for their time in choosing the 2019 recipients.

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Cooperative Connections | June 2019

YOUTH $500 Scholarship

$1000 Basin

$500 Scholarship

$500 Scholarship

Joshua Hauf

Kristina Giesey

Shelby Ruland

Morgan Smith

$500 Scholarship

$500 Annual Meeting

$500 Annual Meeting

$500 Annual Meeting

Mercede Hess

Haley Anderson

Jade Hertel

Raiden Crawford

$500 Annual Meeting

$500 Annual Meeting

Kyla Sawvell

Jacob Bielmaier

Application Deadline

July 5, 2019

We invite our members to participate in a member to member contribution option that’s quick, inexpensive and unites the membership to help each other. Members volunteering for the Round-Up option agree to have their monthly bill rounded up to the nearest dollar with the extra pennies going to the program.

The average donation will amount to approximately $6 during the course of a year. Imagine if 50% of West River Electric’s nearly 14,000 members 4014500 signed up for Round Up, we would have $42,000 to be used to help local charities and organizations.

Your last bill of the year will show your total contribution for tax purposes. Your voluntary participation will help someone else.

Operation Round-Up is voluntary! Just fill out the form on the right and return it with your bill payment to West River Electric.

Operation Round-Up will be accepting applications for funding;

$500 Annual Meeting

Meghan Patterson

the deadline to apply is July 5, 2019. Anyone interested in applying for funds, please stop by to pick up an application at the Wall or Rapid City office, call 393-1500 or 279-2135 or go online to westriver.coop. To sign up to donate to Operation Round-up fill out the form below and return with your payment.

___ Yes I want to participate in Operation Round Up ___ Please send me more information Name ________________________________________ Address_______________________________________ City _________________________________________ State______ Zip_________ Phone _________________ Acct # ________________ I would like to donate an additional amount over and above the normal roundup amount of $________per month, please apply this to my bill each month.

Please return with your bill or fill out and mail to: West River Electric, PO Box 3486, Rapid City, SD 57709.

June 2019 | Cooperative Connections

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COMMITMENT

The Mickelson Trail Marathon takes runners through the scenic Black Hills.

RUNNING FOR FUN Marathons, Road Races and 5Ks Provide Challenge

By Jocelyn Romey jocelyn.romey@sdrea.coop

Among the runners lining up for the start of a well-known South Dakota marathon – the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon – will be a first-time runner with co-op ties.

Corey Hines, journeyman lineman from Butte Electric Cooperative in Newell, S.D., will be running the full Mickelson Trail Marathon for the first time this year. He started running recently for the fun of it and it snowballed into a marathon challenge, one he hasn’t backed down from.

Previously, Hines ran a half marathon in the same race eight years ago. Otherwise, he has had no competitive racing experience.

“I figured for whatever reason, God gave me the ability to run, so I will enjoy it while I can,” Hines said.

On June 2, Hines will be racing with more than 3,000 runners from across the nation as well as Canada, Germany, Russia and Denmark. These runners have the option of competing in the Mickelson Trail full marathon, half marathon or relay race. Beginning in Rochford, S.D., runners will experience the beauty of the Black Hills before finishing at the historical Engine House in Deadwood. Black Hills Electric Cooperative in Custer, S.D., is a sponsor of this event.

Other prominent co-op runners throughout the state are Russell Gall, manager of Charles Mix Electric Association in Lake Andes, S.D.; Dick Johnson, general manager and CEO of 8

Cooperative Connections | June 2019

Butte Electric Cooperative Journeyman Lineman Corey Hines has been training for the Mickelson Trail Marathon.

COMMITMENT Did you Know?

The modern marathon that many competitive runners enjoy has historical roots. The name itself is derived from a Greek legend in 490 B.C. that tells the story of a messenger who raced nearly 25 miles from the site of Marathon to Athens to deliver news of a Greek victory over invading Persians.

Unfortunately, the story ends poorly for the messenger who died from exhaustion after delivering his news.

From this legend, a formalized race called a marathon was created. The official length we know today of 26.2 miles was originated in the 1908 Olympics hosted in London when Queen Alexandra planned the route – which was consequently 26.2 miles. Since then, the length of the race stuck.

West River Electric Association in Wall, S.D.; and Tim McCarthy, general manager and CEO of Sioux Valley Energy in Colman, S.D. Gall has a history of competing in Tough Mudders, which entail a 12-mile run through various obstacles that include racing with a partner through mud, water, ice and electric fencing while climbing barriers, swinging from ropes, pushing blocks and lifting a number of heavy items.

“My training was foremost running. I tell anyone wanting to do a Tough Mudder that the first thing you have to do is be able to run a 5k without stopping,” Gall said. “The second part of training for the Tough Mudder is upper body strength, as in lots of push-ups and pull ups.”

Johnson is another runner who began running half marathons around his 50th birthday during the half Mickelson Trail Marathon. He finds enjoyment in running to relieve stress.

“It’s something I can do pretty much whenever I can fit it in, although I do most of my running early in the mornings,” Johnson said. “I don’t especially like later in the day as I struggle to motivate myself to do it then.”

He also noted that running was good for his overall health, even while jokingly stating that you cannot “outrun a bad diet!”

McCarthy is a well-known runner in many national marathons and was featured in the October 1996 edition of Runner’s World magazine after participating in a marathon in Illinois.

“On any given day, I will run about three miles up to about a half marathon (13.1 miles) depending on the time I have and how I feel,” McCarthy said.

“Running is a place Medals commemorate some I can go to sort of the races Tim McCarthy has run over the decades. out a lot of things whether the issues I’m facing are personal or professional.”

Even though he has retired from his more competitive marathons, McCarthy is still addicted to running and says he runs for physical and mental health.

Tough Mudder Russell Gall, manager of Charles Mix Electric Association in Lake Andes, S.D., is a veteran of Tough Mudder races which combine a 12-mile run with an obstacle course. Gall said the obstacles encountered in the race rely on that strength. “The Tough Mudder had lots of obstacles with funky names.”

Here is a list of Gall’s (least) favorites: Funky Monkey – 30 feet of monkey bars over a pool of muddy water.

Augustas Gloop – traverse a small pool of muddy water, duck under obstacles and then climb the inside a 20-foot tube with water cascading down.

Hold Your Wood – Carry a big hunk of log for 300 feet Artic Plunge – slide down a 10-foot tube that ends in ice water. “And I mean ICE – as in bags and bags of ice are poured into the small pool of water so you have to swim through the cubes, and duck under two obstacle walls. I drank a lot of muddy water on that one since I kept inhaling as I tried to catch my breath.”

Hero Carry – carry one of your team mates for a couple hundred feet then switch off. “My daughter had blisters by the time we hit this obstacle, so I just carried her the whole way.”

Electro Shock Therapy – This obstacle is just as it sounds: you run through a 50- to 75-foot of mud over hay bales. There are electric fencing strings hanging down every three feet and yes they are connected to an electric fencer. “That one is tough as the first time I went through it, it knocked me down to my knees.”

Berlin Wall – A 20-foot high wooden wall that you have to ascend on one side, using a rope, go over the top and down the other side with another rope.

Block Ness Monster – Two 4-foot by 4-foot rolling pin blocks that are half submerged in a pool of muddy water. The teams have to push the block from one side and hang on it as you go over the top. This keeps it rotating so your team can make it over.

And a tie for the worst obstacle goes to: The Death March – In Colorado it was a 5 mile trek up the side of a mountain. “By the time we made it to the summit we were all sunburned and tired.”

Everest – It’s a half pipe about 15-foot high (Google Tough Mudder Everest) that you have to try to get over. “Mind you are wet and usually covered in mud so this obstacle is definitely a team effort. I would never have made it was it not for the group of strangers that pulled me up.” https:// toughmudder.com/obstacles June 2019 | Cooperative Connections

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CAN SMARTHUB HELP ME? Report an Issue?

Veronica Kusser veronica.kusser@westriver.coop

Overview

• If no issues are known about your service, only past outage information will display.

Nobody likes it when the power goes out. Not you. And definitely not West River Electric.

SmartHub makes it easy to check your service status and report service issues so everything is back up and running as quickly as possible.

This document tells you how to do it from SmartHub Web.

Check Your Status 1. Click the My Profile tab.

2. Click the Outages link on the far left.

The Outages page appears, displaying basic information on past outages.

3. Review your status.

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Cooperative Connections | June 2019

• If your service location is part of a known outage, you will see a message stating ‘Your power is out for the following’ and information about the outage will display.

BILLING NEWS

5. Click the Report Outage button.

A message displays confirming your report was received.

Report an Issue 1. Click the My Profile tab.

2. Click the Outages link on the far left.

The Outages page appears.

3. Click the Report an Outage link below the Outages heading.

6. Click the Close button to return to the Outages screen.

The Report an Outage window appears.

4. Enter any useful information about your outage in the Comments field. This includes any unusual sights, sounds and smells, or when the outage began.

“Powering You For a Brighter Future”

Commitment to Community Operation Roundup is a voluntary program that does just what the name implies. Each month we “round up” the electric bills of participating members to the next highest dollar.

The funds are then administered back into the community to charitable projects for organizations by an independent board of directors.

No funds shall in any way be used to support any candidate for political office or for any political purpose.

Operation Round-Up will be accepting applications for funding; the deadline to apply is July 5, 2019. Anyone interested in applying for funds, please stop by to pick up an application at the Wall or Rapid City office, call 279-2135 or 393-1500 or go online to westriver.coop.

“Powering you for a Brighter Future”

June 2019 | Cooperative Connections

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COMMUNITY

Celebrating Midsommar For 150 Years, Dalesburg Community Has Gathered in Celebration Brenda Kleinjan editor@sdrea.coop

It was important to the first Swedes who came to Dakota Territory in the 1860s.

For the past 150 years, the community of Dalesburg in the southeast corner of South Dakota has gathered to celebrate Midsommar with a distinctly Scandinavian flair.

Every summer, the community holds the Dalesburg Midsommar Festival to honor its heritage and to celebrate its future.

The first Swedes arrived in the area of Dakota Territory in 1868, so the first Midsommar was celebrated June 24, 1869, said Ron Johnson, a member of the committee who organizes the Dalesburg Midsommar Festival set for Friday, June 21.

“We have oral history written down in the 1940s that the first Midsommar picnic was held in 1882,” said Johnson, noting that Midsommar was observed before that picnic.

Johnson noted that one settler’s memoir noted that a Swedish man arrived by train in Beresford and then headed southwest until he encountered the Midsommar 12

A Moeller pipe organ was added to the Dalesburg church in 1916.

gathering at Dalesburg.

By 1896, the festival had expanded to include a ball game and foot races.

“It was considered important to the first Swedes that came to this county,” said Johnson.

Around World War I, the festival moved to the grounds of the Dalesburg Lutheran Church.

“The holiday observance is older than the church,” Johnson said.

The Clay County church, located north of Vermillion, was formed in 1871 to serve a largely Swedish community in what was then Dakota Territory.

The congregation first met in a

Cooperative Connections | June 2019

Dancing around a midsummer pole with ring dances is part of the celebration.

COMMUNITY

Weather permitting, Midsummer performances take place on the grounds of Dalesburg Lutheran Church. sod house before building it’s first church in 1874. By 1897, the current sanctuary was constructed.

The farming community of Dalesburg (in Swedish: Dalsborg) is from Dalarna – the name of the province from where many of the first homesteaders came in central Sweden. Today the residents of the Dalesburg Community are served by the Vermillion, Beresford, Centerville, and Burbank Post Offices.

About 600 people attend the festival each summer. More than 300 people eat at the Scandinavian smörgåsbord held in the church’s basement while others visit one of several food stands on the church grounds at 30595 University Road, Vermillion.

“The smörgåsbord supper features Swedish-American dishes typical of what people ate 100 to 125 years ago,” Johnson said. “We still try to remember these old recipes and things.”

Several community members gathered in May to help make potatis korv, a Swedish potato sausage that will be served in June.

The festival starts at 1 p.m. and concludes with a ballgame that night.

This year’s featured performer is Church Suchy, a performer and songwriter from Mandan, N.D. “He does stories about rural life in the 1950s into the 1970s,” said Johnson, noting that past performers at the festival have included visiting groups from Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

High water in the area will make the trek to the festival a bit tricky, but well worth the drive.

Among the routes Johnson recommended were to turn off of Interstate 29 at the Beresford exit and go west a ways and then south on University Road or alternatively go to Vermillion and head north on University Road.

Johnson had one last bit of advice for those venturing to the 2019 festival.

“It’s a good idea to bring your own lawn chairs and insect repellent, especially this year with the water.”

Midsommar at Dalesburg Each year the Dalesburg community celebrates the traditional Midsummer (or Midsommar) Festival. The event includes afternoon programs, a Swedish meatball dinner and a free evening concert. It is held on the grounds of the Dalesburg Lutheran Church.

Schedule Friday, June 21 1 p.m. – Food Stand/Inflatables/ Country Store Opens 2 p.m. – Afternoon Program 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Scandinavian Smorgasbord 7 p.m. – Evening Program 8:30 p.m. – Ball Game

June 2019 | Cooperative Connections

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COOP NEWS

EMPLOYEE CHANGE

Dwight Peterson is turning the warehouse over to Mike Oyen Dwight Peterson started his career with West River Electric Association on April 1, 1997. He started as a Warehouseman in the old building next door and moved with us to the facility here in Rapid City where he more than tripled the warehouse space to care for.

Dwight has enjoyed his time working with all of the employees and vendors that come and go. 11142100He will miss making the numbers match with what Garrett says we should have.

We want to wish Dwight and his wife Linda the best in retirement.

He plans to spend time working on construction and carpentry projects that his friends all have lined up for him. Anyone that knows Dwight knows that he won’t sit still, he loves to tinker and be involved in projects. Congratulations Dwight!

Mike Oyen, who has been with West River Electric since May of 2006, will be taking over the Rapid City Warehouse.

Congratulations Mike!

SEALED BIDS ACCEPTED Until June 13, 2019 West River Electric has the following item for sale by sealed bid. Bids will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. June 13, 2019.

When bidding please include the item number. Sealed bids can be sent to any WREA office. All items 10341100 are sold “as is”, WREA reserves the right to

reject any and all bids.

Bid $_________________

The following vehicle can be seen at our Rapid City office at 3250 E. Hwy 44.

Ask for MO or Brendan.

Name

Item # 288 2006 GMC Envoy 4WD, 85,000 miles.

Phone Number___________________

________________________

Address_________________________ _________________________

YOUTH EXCURSION

West River Electric will sponsor area students to the South Dakota Rural Electric Youth Excursion. This four-day event will be headquartered out of Bismarck, North Dakota.

Young people attending the excursion will learn about the basics of cooperatives, how the region’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives work together and the career opportunities available at the cooperatives. The trip promises to provide an opportunity to meet new friends from other rural electric cooperatives across South Dakota.

Students will tour the Great Plains Synfuels Plant, Coteau Properties Freedom Coal Mine, Antelope Valley Station Power Plant and a drive thru the 40-mW Wilton Wind Farm north of Bismarck. Evenings will be spent swimming, dancing, taking a cruise, shopping and making friends.

All area high school freshman, sophomores and juniors whose parents or guardians are members of WREA are eligible to enter. Students will be picked up Monday morning, July 22, and will arrive back home Thursday, July 25. The trip is funded by WREA except for personal/shopping money. Fill out the form and return by May 23 to have your name put into the selection process.

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Cooperative Connections | June 2019

Name_____________________Male_____Female____ Parent or Guardian _____________________________ Address______________________________________ City______________________State_____Zip_______ Telephone_____________T-Shirt Size_____ Age_____ School Attending________________Grade__________ Send to West River Electric Association, Youth Excursion, PO Box 3486, Rapid City, SD 57709. For more information regarding the Youth Excursion contact Veronica Kusser at 605-393-1500 or e-mail veronica. kusser@westriver.coop.

NEWS BRIEFS

Poles For Sale $1.00 a Foot

West River Electric

Contact Brendan Nelson or Mike Oyen at the Rapid City office to get used power poles for $1.00 a foot.

West River Electric, 3250 E Hwy 44, Rapid City, SD, 393-1500.

will be closed

Monday, May 27, 2019 Please call 279-2135 or 393-1500 in the event of an outage or other emergency.

Limited quantity of poles available.

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month Want to light up your outdoor space without increasing your energy use? Try outdoor solar lights!

They’re easy to install and virtually maintenance free. Remember, solar lights work best when the solar cells receive the manufacturer’s recommended hours of sunlight.

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.

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

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

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.

(USPS No. 675-840)

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.

June 2019 | Cooperative Connections

15

DATELINE

May 24

SD High School State B Track & Field Prelims, Sioux Falls, SD

June 29: Rhubarb Festival, Leola, SD, 605-824-0014

May 24

SD High School State A Track & Field Prelims, Tea, SD

May 24

SD High School State AA Track & Field Prelims, Brandon, SD Photo courtesy: McPherson County Herald

May 26

Rapid City Central High School, 5 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD

May 26

Rapid City Stevens High School, 1:30 p.m., Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD

May 26

June 8

Storybook Island Character Day, Storybook Island, Rapid City, SD

St Thomas More High School, 2 p.m., Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rapid City, SD

June 7-9

May 27

History Day Celebrating 130th Birthday of Meade County, Sturgis City Auditorium, Sturgis, SD, 605-347-3233

West River Electric will be closed for Memorial Day, Call 605-279-2135 or 393-1500 in the event of an outage

May 31-June 2

Regional High School Rodeo, Wall Rodeo Grounds, Wall, SD, 605-685-4166

June 1

Kids Carnival, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

June 2

BH Quilt Show & Sale, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115

June 14-15

June 14-30

Sherwood, The Adventures of Robin Hood, Black Hills Playhouse, Custer, SD

June 22

Pennington County 4-H Rodeo, Wall Rodeo Grounds, Wall, SD, 605-515-3376

June 25

Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon, Deadwood, SD

Healthy Habits for Life Tour, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

June 6

June 28

Quilt Show, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

Naja Shrine Outdoor Circus, Wall Rodeo Grounds, Wall, SD, 605-209-2556

July 4

July 19

July 4

July 19-20

West River Electric will be closed for Independence Day, Call 605-279-2135 or 393-1500 in the event of an outage Independence Day Celebration, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

July 11-13

Wall Celebration Rodeo, Wall Rodeo Grounds, Wall, SD, 605-685-4166

July 12

Black Hills Pride Festival, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

July 12-14

Wall Celebration, Wall, SD, 605-279-2663

July 13

Cruiser Car Show & Street Fair, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

July 18 and 25

Playdays, Rodeo Grounds, Wall, SD, 605-685-4166

Wall Wellness Fair, Regional Health Medical Clinic, Wall Community Center, Wall, SD, 605-279-2149 Bronc Ride and Ranch Rodeo, Murdo, SD, 605-669-3031

August 1 and 8

Playdays, Rodeo Grounds, Wall, SD, 605-685-4166

August 7

Buffalo Chips Rusty Wallace Charity Ride, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979 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.