November 2019 Cooperative Connections

West River Electric

November 2019 Vol. 20 No. 7

Delivering Safety Message with a Sizzle Page 8

Shooting at Electrical Equipment is Off the Mark

Page 12

MANAGER’S NOTE

Here we are entering another Season

An “Event”ful Fall

I hope you are all getting your fall work done around the house and farm/ranch.

It has been a very strange summer. We are behind on several of our projects but have worked hard to catch up when we have had some nice weather. I won’t even mention what the Farmers’ Almanac thinks about the winter.

Thanks to all the members who attended our recent events from the appreciation day to the annual meeting to the tailgate event. It was great to see such a great turnout. We are tentatively planning a “tailgate” event at the Central Meade County Community Center in Union Center on November 8 during a basketball game. Come out and enjoy supper on us.

Dick Johnson dick.johnson@westriver.coop

I won’t mention what the Farmers’ Almanac thinks about the winter.

One item that received a lot of attention from members at our Rapid City appreciation day was our electric cars. We had our Nissan Leaf available.

However, we had several of our members, and another community member, who brought theirs over to show off. There were 3 Tesla’s for people to view. I must admit I spent a little more time in that corner of the shop than I should have, instead of mingling with the members. It was intriguing to listen to their stories and what the capabilities of those cars are. I had a recent email as well from a member who drove a brand-new Tesla from California to Georgia for his daughter. He gave a very interesting diary of the trip. It was painless for them! We continue to hear more on electric cars (EV’s) and their space in the future. We have some opportunities we need to work on with rates for off peak charging. Stay tuned as we utilize them more.

Our annual meeting went very well. We had 3 directors that ran unopposed: from District 1, Jamie Lewis; from District 2, Marcia Arneson; and from District 3, Sue Peters. Congratulations to these 3 great directors who all have our member-owners best interests in mind.

We recently completed our member survey. Thanks to the 400 members who answered the call to give us their candid feedback. I do greatly appreciate it. Our preliminary scores looked better and were up from last year. I will give more information in future columns.

Another survey you may be receiving shortly is from Basin Electric, our main power supplier. About every 3-4 years they do what is called an “end use” survey.

They survey a set number of members to see what electric appliances they use and a little on what their habits are for electrical use. This helps them with the forecast for our future power supply needs. This survey is not only a good business practice but is required by our regulatory agencies. You should receive a letter in the mail along with a short 2-page survey. There is a link in the letter that will allow you to complete the survey on-line if you wish. I hope if are one of the few hundred who are randomly and anonymously 11094100 selected you will fill it out and return it.

I hope you have a SAFE fall. Please take the extra time to work safely. It is also hunting season; another reason to act safely. We want you around to read this column next month!

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Cooperative Connections | November 2019

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

November 13, 2019. When bidding please include the item number. Sealed bids can be sent to any WREA office. All items are sold “as is”, WREA reserves the right

9000 hours.

Bid $____________

Item # 240 1997 Chevy C7500 diesel, manual transmission w/ TEREK C4042 digger/derrick 105,500 miles, Item #283 2002 FSL12HT2 tandem axle trailer. Bid $___________

to reject any and all bids.

The following vehicles/equipment can be seen at our Rapid City office at 3250 E. Hwy 44. Ask for Mike Oyen or Brendan Nelson.

Bid $__________

Item #215 2012 Ram 3500 Chasis Diesel 4x4 94,000 miles **(needs engine and possibly transmission)

Name ______________________________________ Address______________________________________ ______________________________________ Phone Number ______________________________

West River Electric Association, Inc. Statement of Nondiscrimination 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: (1)

mail:

(2) (3)

fax: email:

U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (202) 690-7442; or program.intake@usda.gov WREA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

November 2019 | Cooperative Connections

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SAFETY TIPS

Electrical Safety Tips to Help Protect Homes and Businesses Every year, electrical equipment, wiring, appliances and tools cause injuries and fires at both homes and workplaces.

Paying close attention to the condition of electrical equipment and taking appropriate and prompt action to correct electrical problems can help to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

Below are guidelines to help identify and reduce electrical hazards.

Elecrical Outlet Safety Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances, and ensure that electrical loads are appropriate for the circuits.

Unplug appliances when they are not in use to conserve energy, as well as minimize the opportunities for electric shock or fire.

Use outlets instead of relying on extension cords and power strips. Consider having additional permanent outlets installed where needed.

Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in wet/damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors.

KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER

Electrical Cord Safety Inspect electrical cords to ensure that they are not frayed, cracked or damaged.

Do not place electrical cords in high traffic areas, under carpets, or across doorways where they pose a potential tripping hazard or could be easily damaged.

Certification and Awareness Ensure that all electrical products and equipment are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Allow only trained and qualified electrical workers to perform work on electrical equipment.

Be aware of signs of electrical problems such as flickering lights and/or buzzing, sizzling or humming sounds from electrical systems.

Source: acadiainsurance.com 4

Cooperative Connections | November 2019

“Never jerk cords out of the outlets; grip the plug only.”

Traci Tschetter, 8 years old

Traci is the daughter of Ryan and Elaine Tschetter, Revillo, S.D. They are members of Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative, Milbank, 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

Slow Cooker Sensations Slow Cooker Egg Casserole 1 (32 oz.) bag frozen hash browns

1-1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

1 lb. ham, cooked and cubed 12 eggs 1 onion, finely chopped

1 cup milk

1 green pepper, chopped

1/2 tsp. salt

1 T. olive oil

1/2 tsp. pepper

Spray inside of slow cooker with cooking spray. In a small frying pan, saute onion and green pepper in oil until tender. Cool 10 minutes. Place 1/3 frozen hash browns in slow cooker. Add 1/3 ham, onion and green pepper mixture and cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese. In large bowl, beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper until well blended. Pour over hash browns. Cook, covered, on LOW for 10 to 12 hours or overnight until casserole is set and eggs are thoroughly cooked. Serves 12.

Mary Jessen, Holabird, SD

Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos 2 boneless chicken breasts

8 oz. cream cheese

1 tsp. chili powder

1/3 cup water

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 cup shredded cheese

1 tsp. cumin

12 6-inch flour tortillas

Combine chicken, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, cream cheese and water in slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or 4 hours on HIGH. Place 1/4 cup chicken mixture into each tortilla.

Top with 1 to 2 T. shredded cheese. Roll tightly and place in a single layer on greased baking sheet. Bake at 400°F. for 10 minutes or until tortillas are slightly browned and cheese is melted.

Cortney Reedy, Tea, SD

Pork Sausage and Rice 2 boxes Uncle Ben’s Wild Rice

Slow Cookers Tamale Pie 2 lbs. lean ground beef 1 pkg. McCormick® Slow Cookers Chili Seasoning 2 (14.5 oz. each) cans stewed tomatoes, cut-up 1 (14.5 oz.) can kidney or pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chiles 1/2 cup water Topping: 1 (8.5 oz.) box corn muffin mix 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Cook ground beef in large skillet on medium-high heat until no longer pink; drain. Place in slow cooker. Add Seasoning Mix, tomatoes, beans, chiles and water; mix well. Cover. Cook 8 hours on LOW or 4 hours on HIGH. For the Cornbread Topping, if using low setting, increase to HIGH. Prepare corn muffin batter as directed on package. Drop batter by spoonfuls on top of simmering chili. Cover.

Cook 30 minutes longer or until toothpick inserted into center of cornbread topping comes out clean. Sprinkle with cheese. Makes 10 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 362, Total Fat 14g, Cholesterol 89mg, Sodium 9340mg, Protein 26g, Carbohydrates 33g, Dietary Fiber 4g Pictured, Cooperative Connections

Mississippi Pot Roast 1 3 to 4 lb. chuck roast

1/4 cup butter

1 pkg. ranch dressing mix

4 to 5 pepperoncini peppers with some juice

1 pkg. au jus gravy mix

Place roast in slow cooker. Sprinkle dressing mix and au jus mix on top. Place peppers on top of the mixes; add butter. Cook on LOW 8 hours. Note: Do not add any water or broth to this. It will make enough liquid as it cooks.

Jean Osterman, Wheaton, MN

1 (8 oz.) can of mushrooms

1 (10.5-oz.) can cream of 1 lb. seasoned pork sausage mushroom soup Prepare Uncle Ben’s rice as directed. Brown pork sausage. Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.

Robert Bernhardt, Aberdeen, 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 2019. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.

November 2019 | Cooperative Connections

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CONSTRUCTION DIRECTOR ELECTION

Kainz Contractors stringing line on the B&B Line Project north on Haines.

REPLACING OLD LINE Matt Schmahl MattSchmahl@westriver.coop

It is hard to believe, but fall appears to be upon us.

With the leaves changing colors, and the countryside losing its greenish color and turning into golds and reds, we are working on completing some of our large-scale projects before the snow flies. West River Electric has had a busy year with line rebuild projects, even though we had a winter that followed us well into spring. The abundant moisture we had throughout the area in the late spring and summer months was a welcome sight for some, but it did present some challenges for construction activities.

Going into spring, we had planned to construct multiple sections of an overhead single-phase line totaling eight miles in length along Ricard and Middle Alkali Roads. These projects involved replacing some aging underground primary cable that was starting to experience some issues. Although the issues were minor, the conductor was some of the oldest cable that we had in use. Based 10619700 on the age of the cable, we elected to replace the underground infrastructure with a new single-phase overhead line. While we were able to begin these projects in the spring, construction was delayed on multiple occasions due to heavy rains.

Our line crew and contractors worked through the wet conditions and were able to complete the rebuilds in the early summer months.

This summer we also moved forward with reconstruc6

Cooperative Connections | November 2019

A crew from Kainz Power Line and Construction working to get powerlines tied in on the B& B Line Project North on Haines Ave.

CONSTRUCTION tion of the Bed and Breakfast, or B&B, three-phase overhead line located north of Auburn Hills Subdivision along Haines Avenue. This section of infrastructure continues west to Deadwood Avenue, and has been slated to be rebuilt for some time due to the age of the line and growth in the area.

Our line construction standards have changed quite a bit over the years. Our current standards consist of considerably shorter spans, or distances between the poles, along with a larger class of pole, or “pole size”. We also install a larger wire now over that used in past years. The original wire was copper and roughly the size of a pencil, whereas the new wire is aluminum and closer to size of two quarters. Two wires are twisted together to make the conductor. The conductors’ twisted design aids in stopping ice buildup on the line.

occurs, between the combination of the wind and ice, the wire starts to gallop.

The galloping of the wires will occasionally be bad enough that the wires will make contact. When this happens, you will notice your lights blink, or depending on the severity of the lines slapping together, you may even lose power all together. This is when the linemen will need to be dispatched to locate and fix any issues that may be present.

Based on the age of the cable, we elected to replace the underground infrastructure with a new single-phase overhead line.

Ice buildup causes the line to start “galloping” under certain conditions.

Galloping of the wires occurs when the wind hits the wire and the lines start to move around. This issue is most common during winter storms due to the wind blowing on the wire, and ice starting to build. When the ice builds up to a certain point, it then creates what some describe as an “airplane wing” effect. When this

Once the crews have completed the repairs, they then will be able to restore the power. The design of the twisted wire or “T2 conductor” as many in the industry refer to it as, has proven itself over the years. West River Electric has used this type of wire for over twenty years on large scale projects. Over this 9833100 time period, we have been pleased with the performance of the conductor in the less than desirable weather conditions that we find here in Western, South Dakota.

The line is being made ready for energizing after being replaced. This project involved replacing some aging underground line which was experiencing issues.

November 2019 | Cooperative Connections

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SAFETY EDUCATION

Dakota Energy lineman Brandon Moore draws an arc on the high voltage demonstration as DEC’s Greg Palmer explains the dangers of getting close to electrical equipment.

CO-OPS DELIVER SAFETY MESSAGE High Voltage Trailer Brings Safety Messages to Local Communities

Moore shows the scorched insides of a grapefruit that had been used on the high voltage demonstration trailer.

Brenda Kleinjan The hum of electric current arcing can be heard split seconds before the eye registers the glowing arc on the wire and the flames shooting from the ends of a grapefruit attached to a human-like model of the rural electric cooperatives’ high voltage demonstration trailer.

As the hum subsides and the gasps of Miller High School students dwindle, Dakota Energy Cooperative’s Greg Palmer continues his explanation of electricity’s need to find a path to ground.

“This will show you what would happen to your body 8

Cooperative Connections | November 2019

Photos by Brenda Kleinjan/SDREA

editor@sdrea.coop

“This will show you what would happen to your body internally if you were to come in contact with 7,200 watts of electricity.” internally if you were to come in contact with 7,200 volts of electricity,” said Palmer, who works out of the Huron, S.D.-based cooperative’s Miller office. Palmer, along with lineman Brandon Moore were part of the Miller High School FFA Chapter’s Ag Safety Day in early October.

The duo used a newly constructed demonstration trailer used by South Dakota’s electric cooperatives to deliver safety messages to student groups, community groups, fire departments and others across the state. The co-ops have been using one trailer for more than two decades and this fall added the second trailer to the safety fleet.

Moore continues the demonstration, draws an arc on the example power lines.

“Electricity travels at the speed of light – you can’t just let go,” explains Palmer. Employees at Moreau-Grand Electric helped construct “You can’t see it, you the state’s second High Voltage Demonstration trailer can’t smell it. The used by South Dakota electric cooperatives. only time you see it is when something “This morning we changed a pole because bad is about to happen.” someone ran into it with a (silage) chopper Moore removes the grapefruit from the demonstration trailer and cuts it in half.

With this grapefruit, it looks normal from the outside, you can see where the electricity went in and out. But when you cut it open, you see what it does to the inside of the body – it chars everything,” Palmer explains.

“You’ve heard the same story before: don’t climb on the green boxes, don’t fly kites near power lines. But especially this time of year, be aware of where power lines and underground boxes are located,” Palmer said.

and broke it off,” Palmer said.

Palmer went on to explain that if an accident like that happens and the power line comes in contact with the equipment or tractor, the best plan is to stay in the tractor or piece of equipment until the line can be de-energized.

For information about bringing this safety demonstration or other safety demonstrations to your school, community group or fire department, contact your local electric cooperative.

Miller High School students examine the insides of a hotdog held by Dakota Energy’s Greg Palmer. The hotdog is used as an example of what an electrical contact can do to human muscle.

On the Cover: Flames shoot out the ends of an energized hotdog as Brandon Moore guides an electrical current into the demonstration unit to show the impact an electric contact has on the human body.

November 2019 | Cooperative Connections

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Photo by Roger Lawien/Moreau-Grand

SAFETY EDUCATION

Cleaning up after taking a dead tee down on Elm Street in Wasta.

WASTA Community Care Project 2019 Veronica Kusser veronica.kusser@westriver.coop

Wayne fixing the steeple on the church, getting it ready for paint.

We got lucky with Mother Nature on our Community Care Project Day in Wasta, October 4, 2019. There was a little wind, but no rain or snow.

Our employees eagerly set out to get some trees and bushes trimmed, fire hydrants painted, worn out appliances and furniture hauled away and a little repair done on the church steeple.

We met Norm Current, Kyle Skillingstad, Tammy Green, Lloyd and Margee Willey when we got to town and they had the job of showing us the projects that needed to be done and keeping our crews on task. They were great hosts for the day.

Wayne Shull was assigned to the roof job. The steeple on the church needed a little repair and some paint. As the afternoon progressed, it became 746700 apparent that he wasn’t going to get it done himself, so Jared found a set of tie-offs to get up and help get started with the painting.

While they were busy getting the steeple in shape, Cheryl, Dick and Alicia were busy scraping and painting the window trim of the little church. It looks nice, if you are driving by check it out.

Lance, Keenan, Clint, Mike and Sam had some haul 10

Cooperative Connections | November 2019

trailers and were picking up some worn out appliances and furniture that were set out to the side of the road.

COMMUNITY CARING

We had linemen, staking guys and marketing guys working to take down trees, cut them up with chainsaws and put the trunks, branches and twigs thru the chipper. As you can see from the picture to the left, it takes a large crew of people to get a task of this magnitude done in a short amount of time.

We had a couple of lineworker crews that were trimming and taking down trees.

Hauling away worn out furniture and appliances.

These trees were cut up and hauled away by trailer. I am not sure how many trips they took out, but the streets of Wasta were buzzing on Friday.

Many hands make light work, it doesn’t take long to get a tree down and run thru the chipper when you have several lineworkers working together.

Dave & Stacey making the fire hydrants bright! set out to paint fire hydrants. They have 15 fire hydrants in that little town, but it didn’t take that crew long to get the task completed and the fire hydrants look great. No missing them if there is a fire, they are bright red.

It was estimated that all told they took down 15 trees and trimmed an additional 10, each time raking up the remains of the twigs and branches.

Dave, Stacey, Aimee, Betty and Becky

It was a busy day, many hands made light work of a project that they can be proud of. We can’t wait to see what next years project will be. Thank you to the community of Wasta for the opportunity to give back to the members we serve.

Trimming trees for the town of Wasta. Many hands make light work, it doesn’t take long when you have several working together.

November 2019 | Cooperative Connections

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YOUR COOPERATIVE

Don’t Shoot!

Vandals and Errant Shots Wreak Havoc with Equipment Brenda Kleinjan editor@sdrea.coop

“You get really cold weather and the line tightens up and that’s when you’ll see those weak spots break.”

With fall comes an increase of outdoor hunting activities.

One thing not on any responsible hunter’s bag list is electrical equipment.

Fall decor at some South Dakota electric cooperatives carry an important safety reminder about not shooting at or near power lines.

The irresponsible actions of those firing the shots can have costly – and untimely – consequences for electric cooperative members.

Shots fired at electric equipment can cause immediate, noticeable damage, often times causing for emergency, after-hours dispatch of crews to locate and repair the problem disrupting power to members.

Other times, the damage weakens a line or piece of equipment. Time, weather or storms can cause the weakened area to fail, likely at an inconvenient time for members.

“It never comes at a convenient time,” said Dale Schwagel, line superintendent at Traverse Electric Cooperative in Wheaton, Minn., of when the damage occurs...and when past damage usually surfaces.

“You get really cold weather and the line tightens up and that’s when you’ll see 12

Cooperative Connections | November 2019

Bullet holes caused by vandals riddle a co-op transformer.

YOUR COOPERATIVE

Routers are being installed at Traverse Electric Cooperative in Wheaton, Minn., as part of a system-wide meter upgrade.

When vandals target power lines and electrical apparatus, system reliability is at stake.

those weak spots break,” said Schwagel.

The co-op has been relatively vandal-free for the last several years.

However, this summer the co-op encountered damage to newly installed routers which are part of a system-wide meter upgrade.

Schwagel estimates the cost of the damage will total more than $2,500 once labor is tacked on to replacing the $1,600 piece of equipment.

A newly installed router at Traverse Electric Cooperative in Wheaton, Minn., was destroyed by a vandal’s bullet, causing more than $1,600 in damage.

“Shooting this piece of equipment is a cost to the co-op and the members. Ultimately that’s where the costs go,” said Schwagel.

If you see damage to co-op equipment, report it to the co-ops so repairs can be made.

November 2019 | Cooperative Connections

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NEWS BRIEFS

ENERGY & WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE

How do I apply and what are the office hours?

•To apply for the low income energy assistance program, fill out the application.

• Office hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (CT) Monday-Friday.

•If it is an emergency, call 1.800.233.8503.

For more information go online to www.dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/energyassistance/lowincome or call 1-800-2338503 Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm.

Daylight Savings Time

Emergency Components (October 1 - March 31): Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). To qualify for ECIP energy assistance, the household must be income eligible and in a crisis, such as: •have a current disconnection notice for the primary heat source; •be cash-on-delivery, or refusal to deliver with less than 20% in tank; or

What do I send when applying?

1. Application. The application must be signed by everyone living in the house age 18 or older. All sections of the application must be completed.

2. Proof of Household Income for everyone living in the house that was re10880500 ceived in the 3 calendar months prior to the month you sign and send your application 3. Proof of Home heating costs. Paid directly to an energy supplier, or paid as part of rent.

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Cooperative Connections | November 2019

Set your clocks back by one hour!

Eligibility: •you must complete an application •your total gross income may not exceed income guidelines •you must be responsible for paying home heating costs Energy assistance funds are distributed on a first-come basis.

Eligibility and assistance amounts are based on the number of people in your home, income of everyone in your home, type and cost of heating and where you live. If you are eligible, the payment is made to your energy supplier.

•have an eviction notice for non-payment if heat is included in rent or paid in addition to rent.

Don’t forget to fall back on November 3!

Low Income Energy Assistance Energy Assistance helps low-income South Dakotans pay for home heating costs. Keep in mind, energy assistance may not pay for all of your home heating cost.

NEWS BRIEFS

West River Electric will be closed

Monday November 11 for Veteran’s Day and

November 28 & 29 for Thanksgiving Please call 279-2135 or 393-1500 in the event of an outage or other emergency.

Our calls are answered 24/7.

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month

(USPS No. 675-840)

Our Mission: 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.

Our Values: 1. Safety 2. Accountability 3. Integrity 4. Innovation 5. Commitment to Community

Trim your holiday energy costs by choosing energy efficient LED lights! LED holiday lights use less energy and can last up to 40 seasons. They’re also easier to install – you can connect up to 25 LED strings without overloading a wall socket! Source: Energy.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 2019 | Cooperative Connections

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DATELINE

October 9-31

RV United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch/Storytime, 5103 Longview, Rapid City, SD, 605-393-1526

October 18

WREA will be Tailgating at the New Underwood Tigers/ Wall Eagles Football Game, New Underwood Football Field, New Underwood, SD, 605-393-1500 RV United Methodist Church Kids Carnival/Bouncy House & Games, 5103 Longview, Rapid City, SD, 605-393-1526

October 26

Professional Bull Riders Pendleton Whiskey Velocity Tour, Barnett Arena, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115

October 26

Scare in the Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

October 27

RV United Methodist Church Kids Hoedown Costume Party, 5103 Longview, Rapid City, SD, 605-393-1526

November 2

Black Hills Works Gala, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-718-6207

November 2

Black Hills Ski For Light Ski Swap, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115

November 2

Minneluzahan Senior Citizens Fall Rummage Sale, 315 N 4th Street, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-1887

Photo courtesy: Harvest Halloween

October 19

October 26: Harvest Halloween, Yankton, SD, www.harvesthalloween.com

November 3

November 16

November 3

November 17

RV United Methodist Turkey Dinner/Silent Auction, 5103 Longview, Rapid City, SD, 605-393-1526 Wall Community Center Craft Show, Community Center, Wall, SD, 605-279-2665

November 11

West River Electric will be closed for Veteran’s Day, Call 605-279-2135 or 605-393-1500 for an outage or other emergency

Minneluzahan Senior Citizens Fall Craft Show, 315 N 4th Street, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-1887

December 7-8, 14-15, 21-24 and 27-28

November 26-December 26

December 15-March 31

Christmas at the Capitol, Pierre, SD, 605-773-3178

November 28-29

Terry Barber Trio, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Theatre, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115

November 15

November 29-30

Whiskey Myers with Special Guest Bob Leines, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115

November 15-December 18 Black Hills Christmas Tree Permit Season, Custer, SD, 605-673-9200

Rapid City Garden Club’s 58th Annual Wreath & Centerpiece Sale, Canyon Lake Activity Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-343-0710

BH Community Theatre, The Poulenc Trio, First Congregational Church, Rapid City, SD, 605-341-6425

West River Electric will be closed for Thanksgiving, Call 605-279-2135 or 605-393-1500 for an outage or other emergency

November 12

December 7

1880 Train Holiday Express, Hill City, SD, 605-574-2222

November 30

Holiday Celebration and Winter Market, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

1880 Train Holiday Express, Hill City, SD, 605-574-2222 South Dakota snowmobile trails season, Lead, SD, 605-584-3896 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.