September Cooperative Connections

West River Electric September Vol. 19 No.5

Full Steam Ahead: 150-HP Road Locomotive Page 8

Are You Ready?

Preparedness Is Key Page 12

MANAGER’S NOTE

I know I always say it!

Where Did The Summer Go? I love summer and just dread seeing it go. It is hard to believe the high school sports season with practices and games has already begun.

With the beginning of the sports season, we had our fifth annual New Underwood/Wall tailgate on August 17 in Wall. I hope everyone who came out enjoyed it as much as we did putting it on. We really like the opportunity to interact with our members that we normally don’t see because they lead such busy lives. We have a few minutes to let them know a little about the coop, and that we are here for them on any aspect of energy.

Always remember we want to be your trusted energy advisor on all aspects of energy usage.

Dick Johnson dick.johnson@westriver.coop

Our Annual Meeting is set for October 13, 2018 at the Wall Community Center in Wall.

Along with our tailgate event, we have our appreciation day in Rapid City slated for September 14 beginning at 11:00. We have worked hard to get some different things to have for our members while they are attending. We will have all the old favorites but have added a few new items we would love to show you along with several vendors.

Our crew will also be there to feed you that day. It is always all hands on deck that day in order to feed the 1,500 that normally attend. We are still working on an event for the Enning area this fall. We are considering doing a “tailgate” type event like a basketball game in that area.

Then on to our annual meeting! Our next issue will be our annual meeting issue. The meeting is set for October 13 in Wall beginning at the normal 10:00 AM start time.

One item that will be extremely important at the meeting is the vote on revisions to our bylaws. We will be giving official notification and a copy in the next issue. However, we would love to give you a preliminary peek prior to that issue hitting the press. That way if you have any questions ahead of the meeting, we would have ample time to answer them. If you want to view the changes, go to westriver.coop 1997700 and click on the tab “My Coop” and slide down to “Bylaws”. There you will find a statement that says “Proposed Changes 2018”. On that link, you will find the bylaws that have red lines through the deleted items and added items in red. There is also a link that says “Bylaws 2018 (After Proposed Changes)” which is a clean set of new bylaws for your review. We added the clean ones too as it definitely helps to have what the final bylaws will look like. If you would like a paper copy, contact one of our offices and we would be happy to send them to you. Please call me or one of our staff if you have questions. Most of the changes were minor but brought us up to current business practices and allowed us more flexibility in moving to electronic means of doing business.

Several of our members were randomly selected to participate in the 2018 Solar Power and Electric Vehicle Survey. Your answers were very important and will help us understand your energy preferences, as well as those of similar households. We hope to use this information moving forward on crafting a renewable energy plan for your coop.

Another important reminder is we will be starting our annual member survey starting in early September. We hope you will take the time to answer the survey if you are chosen. It is extremely helpful for us as we plan our future programs and services and to see how we are doing as your member owned cooperative.

Have a safe and great rest of your summer and fall!

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Cooperative Connections | September 2018

Underground utility lines being located.

CABLE LOCATING Why do we Locate Cable?

Mike Letcher mike.letcher@westriver.coop

We hope you have heard the “call before you dig” advertising for calling 811 before doing any excavation.

Why is this so important? Well, underground utilities are everywhere, buried beneath your nice green grass are wires providing power, cable TV, telephone, and internet to your home. There are also pipes for gas/propane, water, sewer, and sprinkler systems. There may also be primary powerlines and fiber optic cables. All of these facilities are anywhere from a few inches to a few feet below the surface and not knowing where they are when you dig can result in not only damage to facilities but injury or death to the excavator.

The result of power lines that were not located prior to digging.

When you call 811, they send the information out to all affected utilities who then send a technician 9913300 out to mark the location of the underground facilities, insuring you have a safe excavation.

Make your locate requests by simply calling 811, when calling from within the state or 1-800-781-7474 when calling from outside South Dakota. Locate requests are accepted 24/7. The One Call service is free. Some underground lines on your property may not be owned by the utility and may not be located by them, such as lines that run from the meter to the house or lines between buildings. These types of services can include water, electrical, communications, gas, etc. These are considered “privately owned” facilities, in which case the utility has no record of the buried lines, and consequently they are not registered with the South Dakota 811 Center. The utility may agree to locate them for a fee.

So call before you dig and avoid the risk of hitting buried facilities.

September 2018 | Cooperative Connections

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SAFETY TIPS

College Bound?

Are You Registered?

Keep Safety in Mind

National Voter Registration Day is a national holiday celebrating our democracy. It was first observed in 2012 and has been growing in popularity every year since. Held on the fourth Tuesday of September, National Voter Registration Day will be observed on Tuesday, Sept. 25, this year. The holiday has been endorsed by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).

It is further supported by the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED).

There are several specific causes for fires on in on- and off-campus college housing, including cooking, candles, smoking and overloaded power strips. For most students, the last fire safety training they received was in grade school, but with new independence comes new responsibilities. It is important that both off-campus and on-campus students know their fire risks and prevention actions that could save their lives.

Cooking Cook only where it is allowed.

Keep your cooking area clean and free of anything that can burn.

Keep an eye on what you are cooking, especially if you are cooking at high temperatures.

If a fire starts in a microwave, keep the door closed and unplug the unit.

Candles Place candles in sturdy holders.

Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Keep candles away from anything that can burn.

Use safe flameless candles.

Smoking

South Dakotans seeking to vote in the Nov. 6 general election must be a U.S. citizen residing in South Dakota and be 18 years old on or before Election Day. Voter registration forms must be received by the county auditor 15 days before the election day. Additionally, those seeking to vote may register at the county auditor’s office, a driver’s license station, city finance office, public assistance agencies providing food stamps, TANF or WIC, Department of Human Services offices which provide assistance to the disabled or military recruitment offices.

Minnesotans must be a resident of the state for 20 days prior to the election.

They can register online, in person or on election day.

For more information, visit https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/ register-to-vote/ or call the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office at 1-877-600VOTE (8683) or contact your county election office.

KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER

Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out.

Never toss hot cigarettes butts or ashes in the trash can.

Use deep, wide ashtrays. Place ashtrays on something sturdy and hard to burn.

After a party, check for cigarette butts, especially under cushions. Chairs and sofas catch on fire fast and burn fast.

Don’t smoke when you have been drinking or are drowsy.

Electrical safety Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from anything that can burn.

Never use an extension cord with large appliances, like a refrigerator.

Do not overload outlets.

Use only surge protectors or power strips that have internal overload protection.

Source: U.S. Fire Administration https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/college.html

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Cooperative Connections | September 2018

“Don’t play on transformer boxes.”

Leo Bakeberg IV, Second-grader at Dupree Public School

Leo is the son of Leo Bakeburg and Amanda Grewe, Dupree, S.D. They are members of Moreau-Grand Electric Cooperative, Timber Lake, 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

Garden Goodness Cheesy Sausage and Potato Skillet Casserole

Sandi’s Tomato Garden Salad 3/4 cup sugar

8 oz. bulk breakfast sausage, crumbled

1/4 tsp. McCormick® Black Pepper, Coarse Ground

1/2 cup olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

2 T. yellow mustard

1 medium green bell pepper, 1 cup crumbled feta cheese chopped 6 eggs 1 cup milk 1 T. McCormick® Oregano Leaves 1/2 tsp. salt

2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped 1 T. oil 1 (20 oz.) pkg. refrigerated shredded hash browns

Cook and stir sausage in large skillet on medium heat 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Add onion and bell pepper; cook and stir 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Set aside. Beat eggs in large bowl with wire whisk. Add milk, oregano, salt and pepper; mix well. Add sausage mixture, cheeses and tomatoes; mix well. Set aside. Pour oil into same skillet, swirling to coat the pan. Spread hash browns in bottom and up sides of pan. Pour egg mixture over potatoes. Cover. Cook on medium heat 10 to 15 minutes or until eggs are set. Makes 12 servings Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 221, Total Fat 13g, Saturated Fat 6g, Cholesterol 122mg, Sodium 477mg, Protein 12g, Carbohydrates 14g, Dietary Fiber 2g

2/3 cup tarragon vinegar

2 T. parsley 1 tsp. basil 1 tsp. thyme

6 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped 1 large onion, coarsely chopped 2 green peppers, coarsely chopped 2 cucumbers, coarsely chopped (optional) Rotini noodles, cooked

Salt and pepper to taste In a large bowl, mix together first 8 ingredients. Add vegetables.

Refrigerate overnight.

Sandi Polkinghorn, Lake City, SD

Apple Corn Bread Crisp 4 cups peeled, sliced tart 1 (8.5 oz.) pkg. corn bread/ apples, about 4 to 5 medium muffin mix 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tsp. ground cinnamon divided (or to taste) 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

5 T. cold butter, cubed

1 medium unpeeled zucchini, washed, seeded and cut into chunks

Sliced onion

Stir together apples and 1/4 cup brown sugar. In another bowl, combine corn bread mix, oats, cinnamon and remaining brown sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add 1/2 cup corn bread mixture to apples. Transfer to a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Sprinkle remaining corn bread mixture over top. Bake at 350°F. for 30 to 35 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping golden brown. Serve warm.

Sliced green pepper

Jean Osterman, Wheaton, MN

1-1/4 cups uncooked rice

American cheese slices

Fresh sliced tomatoes

Uncooked bacon

Pictured, Cooperative Connections

Zucchini Hot Dish

Spray a 10x10-inch casserole dish. Layer zucchini chunks in bottom of pan. Sprinkle rice over top of zucchini. Place a layer of tomatoes, sprinkled with oregano, salt and pepper over rice. Next, top this with a layer of onion, green pepper and cheese slices. Lastly, place layer of bacon over all. Bake, covered, at 350°F. for 1-1/2 hours. The raw ingredients will provide enough moisture to cook the rice.

Gail Lyngstad, Pierre, SD

Please send your favorite pasta, slow cooker and holiday favorites 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.

September 2018 | Cooperative Connections

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COOP NEWS

2018 APPRECIATION DAY Appreciation Day in the Rapid City office will be September 14, 2018 from 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. We will be serving hamburgers and hot dogs and Dwight will have the popcorn machine fired up. We will have United Blood Services, Helpline Center, Western SD Community Action, and bucket truck rides. Katchup the Clown will be here entertaining kids young and old. We will have some new vendors set up this year including Morton Buildings, Rushmore Drones, Dak Generators, Gen Pro, Black Hills Community Loan Fund, Black Hills Works, Nissan, and Swiftec.

We will have employees on hand to answer questions. WREA will be demonstrating safe electricity with the High Voltage 1736700 Demonstration and the Neon Leon Display. You can learn more about energy use and how to read your energy bill. Play some Jeopardy, and visit with the lineman to learn about safe electricity.Mom, get your camera ready, we have pole climbing for the kids. We will be presenting Operation Round-Up checks to the recipients of the funds for 2018.

Come out and meet the Board of Directors and employees who are here to respond to your service needs.

79TH ANNUAL MEETING

After

79 years, 4108 weeks, 28,756 days and or 692,040 hours you can still count on us to provide power to you our members. We are locally owned, controlled and operated. Our headquarters remains in Wall, SD right where it began back in 1939.

Because you receive electricity from West River Electric, you are a member, an owner, and you have a say in how the co-op is ran. Your voice rings loud and clear every year at the West River Electric Annual Meeting. That is where you join with other members to elect directors, and to share any concerns you may have on the operation of your electric cooperative.

We are members just like you, elected by you to form your Board of Directors. Ranchers, business owners and professionals who live near you manage your co-op. We want what you want - affordable energy bills and the comfort of knowing the lights will turn on when you flip a switch. With these goals in mind, we work throughout the year to invest in your electric system and keep power reliable. We focus on educating members on how to use energy efficiently. We talk to you in the grocery store and on the street, listening to your concerns and ideas.

The Board of Directors role is a simple one - we look out for your interests because, frankly, we share them. We are elected to represent you at the co-op. In addition, the best part about our co-op is that anyone can be a member. We were founded on the set of seven principles, including voluntary and open membership. Anyone who needs electricity within our service territory regardless of race, religion, gender or economic circumstances can become an owner of this coop.

We look forward to seeing you at the West River Electric Annual Meeting on October 13, 2018. This year we will be voting on changes to the By-Laws that guide us in the day-to-day operations of the cooperative. Earlier this year we met with a group of members and directors to review the By-Laws and they made several recommendations for change. The changes can be seen at http://westriver.coop/ content/bylaws. This is your opportunity to vote on those changes and make your voice heard.

Call the coop at 605-393-1500 and ask for Veronica Kusser, Marketing Manager with any questions Can’t wait to see you there, Jerry, Howard, Jamie, Marcia, Stan, Chuck, Andy, Larry and Sue. 6

Cooperative Connections | September 2018

Grace Brose, WREA Youth Tour Representative

Twenty mile rebuild in the Enning area.

ENNING LINE REBUILD What to expect?

Matt Schmahl matt.schmahl@westriver.coop

During discussions on construction projects for the upcoming year, several areas within the service territory were considered for possible rebuilds. One of the areas that was decided on would consist of the main feed in the Enning area along Elm Springs Road and Highway 34. This section of line had long distances between poles and small wire. At the end of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018, West River Electric began acquiring the necessary permits from state and local agencies. During this same period, we worked on obtaining the necessary easements from the landowners whose property would be involved in the project. The design portion of the project was also underway in the first quarter of 2018. Kainz Construction was selected to construct the line and began in the spring of 2018. This project is ongoing, and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2018

Shortening the distance between poles.

Several considerations were implemented with the design and construction of this 20 mile rebuild. One of the first considerations was the route. The 10730900 existing line had run cross-country in some locations, which made access difficult at times. West River elected to relocate the new line along the highway for better accessibility.

A couple other considerations were pole spacing and conductor type. We have a construction standard for new lines, which includes shortened distances between poles, and installing what is called a T2 conductor. This conductor (wire) is designed to help mitigate lines bouncing or galloping during ice storms. This type of design will assist in fewer issues during storm conditions and increase response time due to the easier accessibility of the facility.

Installing T2 conductor wire to mitigate line bouncing.

September 2018 | Cooperative Connections

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COVER STORY

An early 1900s rendering of the Case 150-HP Road Locomotive.

STEAM POWER DREAM Recreating the Case 150-HP Road Locomotive Brenda Kleinjan editor@sdrea.coop

A legacy preserved in pictures and technical drawings has been brought back to life and debuts Sept. 7-9 at the James Valley Threshing and Tractor Club Show at Andover, S.D.

More than 100 years ago, the largest steam tractor ever produced – the 150-horsepower Case Road Locomotive – rolled off the drawing boards and onto the landscape. Fewer than 10 were produced and the behemoth’s sheer power created technical issues for its ongoing reliability. But despite the issues that would eventually silence its massive engine, the giant – its rear wheels stood 8 feet tall and the front wheels reached the shoulders of a full-grown man – made an impression on Kory Anderson.

Anderson, an entrepreneur and mechanical engineer started with an idea 12 years ago to build a scale-model replica of the 25-foot, 10-foot wide machine. He spent the ensuing years researching the machine – including a visit to the Case archives in Wisconsin, recreating the drawings in CAD and researching what materials would overcome the original issues caused by lack of metallurgical advancements 100 years ago.

Anderson crafted mahogany molds for the parts that would need to be cast at Dakota Foundry in Webster. The services of an Amish boilermaker in Ohio would be secured.

The machine’s rear wheels – each standing 8 feet tall and 8

Cooperative Connections | September 2018

Kory Anderson, right, an entrepreneur and mechanical engineer, is bringing to life a replica of the Case 150-HP Road Locomotive.

COVER STORY

Photos by Anderson Industries, LLC

Case 150-HP Road Locomotive Specifications Kory Anderson, left, and Gary Bradley stand next to some of the inner workings of the steam powered Case. Cover: Michael Dean Bradley and Gary Bradley pose by the hulking Case 150-HP Road Locomotive.

measuring 3 feet wide – would need to be fabricated. Finished, they would weigh three tons each. Parts would be painted, lettering and graphics would be applied.

And thousands of hours would be spent breathing life into a machine not heard from since the 1920s.

In the age of railroads and horse-drawn power, the turn of the 20th century saw some innovative tractors that would transform the agriculture. The Case Road Locomotive had the potential to eclipse them all. Designed to move heavy loads where rail lines didn’t exist, it was used to haul copper ore in New Mexico, and was used for jobs ranging from plowing beet fields, threshing and hauling stone from a quarry in states including Georgia, Kansas,

Kentucky, New York and Wisconsin.

The thing was built for power, if not speed. (In low gear, it crawled along at just over 2.5 miles an hour, while high speed doubled the pace, reaching more than 5.6 miles per hour.)

While the original machine sold for around $4,000 in 1904 (roughly four times the cost of a 1904 Cadillac). The 2018 version will cost considerably more: an estimated $1 million.

from the Case archive documents: BOILER – Shell 42 inches in diameter.

TUBES – Ninety-three 2 inch tubes, 108 1/2 inches long, of cold drawn, seamless steel tubing FIRE BOX – 58 1/4 inches long, 39 1/4 inches wide, and 45 inches high, made of the best openhearth flange steel.

HEATING SURFACE of boiler, 515 square feet. Grate area of boiler is 15.8 square feet.

BOILER PRESSURE – The boiler tested at 350 pounds hydrostatic pressure, and can carry 160 pounds as a working pressure.

WATER TANK – The capacity of the tank is about 500 gallons

For more about the build, visit https:// www.facebook.com/Anderson-Industries-LLC-115448931876302/

WATER FEED – An ejector will fill the water tank in eight minutes from any stream or other accessible water supply

For more about the Threshing Show, go to https://www.facebook.com/jvthreshers/ or http://www.jamesvalleythreshers.com/

FUEL CAPACITY – The coal capacity is about 2,750 pounds.

ENGINE CYLINDER – 14 inches diameter by 14 inch stroke.

HORSE POWER – The engine easily develops 150 brake horse power running at its normal speed of 300 revolutions per minute.

TRACTION POWER – The engine has been built for heavy hauling purposes and is capable of drawing 40 to 50 tons up grades from 5 percent to 10 percent. The engine itself, not loaded, will go up a 40 percent grade.

Among those lending a hand to the project’s build are Mark Knox, left, and Bob Johnson, second from right. Johnson is system support/member services manager at Codington-Clark Electric in Watertown.

www.jamesvalleythreshers.com/ case150.htm

September 2018 | Cooperative Connections

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Creighton Road has a new look after centuries. Photo

HISTORY.

courtesy of Jeff Kitterman.

Nelson Sod House at Eleanor

ELEANOR Better known as Old Sod Town Veronica Kusser veronica.kusser@westriver.coop

Eleanor better known as Old Sod Town was established in 1908. It was known to be the half waypoint between Sturgis and Faith and the first sod house built in 1908 was known as the halfway house for people hauling freight.

Vegetables and grain produced without irrigation in Meade County in or around 1915.

The mail route ran from Sturgis to Chalkbutte to Faith, thru Volunteer, Clough and Eleanor. A mail route in 1908 might run two times a week, and often it would be an overnight stay for the mail carrier. Many things including the weather, how high the river was and how fast the horses moved, determined getting the mail delivered on time.

Eleanor was home to a grocery store and post office run by Albert Worthen. There was a Blacksmith Shop run by Joe Nunnemaker and Bert Markham. People came from miles around to get their horses shod. There was a lumberyard and dance hall where people came to buy wood for building homes and barns. They had no problems getting fresh water, the water in this area tested 99.1 percent pure. That

A group shown in front of the A.C. Worthen Store in Eleanor..

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Cooperative Connections | September 2018

is unheard of. With that, the Worthens were able to grow produce like nothing ever before.

There was an abundance of sod in the area to be sowed, so the first settlers to Eleanor built their homes from sod. Some of the homes were dug into the ground a ways and the walls were built up with sod, and a roof of wood was added from the cedar trees found in the river breaks and then covered with wheat, straw and sod. The walls, floors and the ceiling were covered with a soft limestone, which they got from Chalkbutte. The floors were covered with burlap sacks for a rug. This all made for a warm place to lay your head in the winter and a cool place to escape the summer heat.

You can see by the many pictures that it was a fruitful year with an abundance of sod that was used to build homes and barns. They also made shelter for chickens, cattle and the

Haystack in the uplands of Meade County.

produce that was grown throughout the summer to be preserved for the cold prairie winters.

The homesteaders would gather on Saturday afternoon and go to a dance wherever the closest gathering place was. To start with, it was generally held at a claim shack up to 20 miles away. They would stay until sun up when they could see to find the way back home. Anyone with talent would play music to entertain all who came. Later Mr. Worthen built a dance hall where everyone came to fill his or her Saturday evenings with entertainment.

The young men would gather at the right time of the year and hunt coyotes. The hounds were a big help in tracking the coyotes, and there was money to be made by selling the furs.

4th of July Picnic in 1911 in Eleanor.

Keeping warm in the winter was a challenge, so the homesteaders gathered buffalo chips throughout the summer and burned those for heat in the winter. Can you imagine how many chips it would take to get thru the winter? Later there were a couple of coal mines discovered and coal was used to keep warm. Yep I said coal, something that we have used for the past 79 years to create power to heat our homes.

Thank you to the community of Eleanor for creating memories to share.

A sod chicken house.

Coyote hunting with the hounds.

A sod barn that was home to cattle and horses.

Cutting the 2nd cutting of alfalfa in our around 1915.

Sod dugout used for a vegetable cave.

Travel by horse and buggy was the way to go when many traveled together.

The Nunnemaker Sod House.

September 2018 | Cooperative Connections

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CO-OP NEWS

Power in Preparation Co-ops Committed to Preparedness Every Day Derrill Holly NRECA

Preparation is the key to success in many things we do in life. Planning, practice and thoughtful assessment provide opportunities to work out potential problems in advance.

September is National Preparedness Month, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging all of us to prepare for emergencies. But most of us do better when we prepare for the routine, the extraordinary and the unexpected.

For electric cooperatives in South Dakota and western Minnesota, preparation plays a huge role in ensuring that our members have the electricity they need as soon as they flip a light switch or start an appliance.

When a co-op crew pulls a truck into a loading bay, warehouse workers have already pulled the parts and equipment needed for that crew’s scheduled day’s work. When a member services representative discusses balanced billing by telephone, they’re helping a member with preparations to ease the impact of seasonal high bills.

When meteorologists call for exceptionally hot or cold weather, electric co-ops work closely with their generation and transmission cooperatives (G&Ts) to ensure adequate supplies of electricity are reserved to meet anticipated demand.

South Dakota and western Minnesota electric co-ops are constantly preparing for the future. Engineers and construction crews design, build and upgrade the electric system to move electricity from 12

Photo Caption.

power plants and substations to farms, homes and businesses.

All of these actions prepare electric co-ops to deal with the daily challenges of meeting the electricity needs of their members. But working together, we put in just as much effort preparing for the uncertainties posed by flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, high winds, blizzards and ice storms. Electric co-ops maintain and constantly update emergency response plans. Employees train for major events and know in advance what their primary and secondary roles would be.

Electric co-ops also subscribe to mutual aid agreements. That’s why you see trucks and crews from co-ops in other states in your communities when major power outages occur.

We also work with state and national

Cooperative Connections | September 2018

officials to help ensure that crews can get to your communities when they are needed and have the lodging, food and support necessary to work effectively far from home.

September may be National Preparedness Month, but the region’s electric cooperatives are committed to preparedness every day – for the routine, the extraordinary and the unexpected.

Derrill Holly 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.

HTTP://BREADY.SD.GOV/

Are You Ready?

The heat of August and September make it hard to remember that winter snows will be here before we know it.

Supply Kit

The South Dakota Office of Emergency Management offers the following preparedness tips:

Prepare your family for any disaster by putting together an emergency supply kit. Make sure your kit is always ready, easily accessible and stored in a durable container.

Winter storms, especially blizzards, can be very dangerous. Preparing before extremely cold, snowy weather occurs can save your life. Know what winter storm watches and warnings mean. If a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for your area, hazardous winter weather conditions (such as snow greater than 6 inches in 24 hours, winds gusting over 35 mph, or visibilities less than a 1/4 mile) are expected in the next 12 to 36 hours. A Winter Storm Warning means the conditions listed for the Watch exist.

Try to stay indoors during a blizzard. If you have to go outside to check on animals or for another reason, be sure to dress warmly in loose fitting layers of clothing.

Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands and heavy socks with boots that will not absorb water. Cover your mouth so that you don’t breathe in freezing cold air that can damage your lungs. Keep your body dry.

Know the signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

If you are traveling at all when a winter storm is possible, then you should always bring emergency supplies with you. You can never predict when you might get stranded and need them. If stranded, make sure you stay in your vehicle. Run your vehicle about 10 minutes every hour. Open windows a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make yourself visible to rescuers by turning on the dome light at night, tie a colored cloth to your antenna, and raise the hood after the snow stops falling.

If you are caught outside, find a dry shelter and cover all exposed parts of the body. If shelter is not available, prepare a lean-to, wind break, or snow-cave for protection from the wind.

Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat. Do not eat snow, it will lower your body temperature.

Melt it first.

Weather related dangers can be very unexpected. Being prepared for a potential hazardous situation could save your life.

Recommended Kit Supplies Water, one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food Battery-powered radio and extra batteries Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit Whistle to signal for help Dust mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter the air Moist towelettes for sanitation Wrench or pliers Can opener for food Plastic sheeting and duct tape Unique family needs, such as daily prescriptions, infant formula or diapers, and copies of important family documents Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Other Items to Include

Change of clothing Sleeping bag or blanket Hat, mitten, scarf Waterproof matches Toys, books, puzzles, games Extra house and car keys List of contact names and numbers Sturdy shoes Gloves for clearing debris Tent Fuel for cooking Plastic knives, forks, spoons Paper plates and cups Paper towels Heavy-duty aluminum foil Hand sanitizer Bar soap and liquid detergent Shampoo Toothpaste and toothbrushes Feminine supplies Toilet paper Household bleach with no additives Newspaper to wrap garbage and waste Ax, shovel, broom Screwdriver, hammer Coil of one-half inch rope Knife or razor blades Garden hose for siphoning and fire fighting

Source: https://dps.sd.gov/emergency-services/ emergency-management/preparedness September 2018 | Cooperative Connections

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COOP NEWS

New Billing Support Clerk started in the Wall Office

Do You Have A Heat Meter?

Carolyn Schulz started at West River Electric after several changes happened in the billing department. Carolyn is from Delmont, SD where she graduated from the Tripp/Delmont school system.

She attended USD in Vermillion where she majored in History and Anthropology. She met her husband Allen while attending USD, it did not take him long to convince her to move to the Wall, SD area. They came to Wall where they would be close by and could help his dad in the family business. Carolyn began work at Wall Drug where she remained for six years until West River Electric had a position open, and she became a part of the cooperative team.

In their spare time, they enjoy hanging out with their dog Dottie, and look forward to having free weekends. Carolyn is excited about the opportunity to work with the members and getting to know each of them. Congratulations and welcome to WREA.

Seems rather warm to be talking about a heat meter, but the heat season is just around the corner. If you have a heat meter, you will start getting heat credit with your September reading.

Be sure the breaker to the heat meter is on so you receive the maximum benefit of the electric heat rate 4784600 for the heat season. We ask that you leave the breakers on to these meters year round. Without power, the automated meter reading system cannot detect trouble with the meter or get readings.

If you have any questions regarding this, please contact Jannette at 393-1500 in the Rapid City area and Alicia in the Wall and Enning areas 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

Sealed Bids are Being Accepted Sealed bids can be sent to any WREA office and will be opened at our Board of Directors meeting September 24, 2018. West River Electric reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

West River Electric has the following items for sale by sealed bid. Bids will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Sept. 19, 2018. 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 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 Dwight or Brendan.

Item # 292 2013 Toyota Tundra, 4dr., 4x4, 109,000 miles.

Item # 219 2003 Chevy ¾ ton 4x4 flatbed, 132,000 miles.

Bid $_________________

Bid $_________________

Name__________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________ City_________________________________State_____Zip_______ Telephone_______________________ Please submit your bid to West River Electric Assn, Attn: Mike Letcher at PO Box 3486, Rapid City SD 57709.

14

Cooperative Connections | September 2018

Item # 293 2008 Redi-Haul FSL14HE102 flatbed trailer.

Bid $_________________

NEWS BRIEFS

West River Electric will be closed

Monday September 3 in Observance of Labor 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.

Turn off kitchen, bath and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you’re done cooking or bathing.

When replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models.

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.

TherewillbefiveaccountnumbersplacedrandomlythroughouttheConnections.

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.

September 2018 | Cooperative Connections

15

DATELINE

August 22

August 30-September 3

First Day of School for St. Thomas More, Rapid City, SD

South Dakota State Fair, Huron, SD, 605-353-7340

August 25-26

Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival, Sunrise each day at airport, Activities all day, Night Glow Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Hot Springs, SD 605-745-4140

August 27

Photo courtesy: travelsd.com

First Day of School for Meade County Schools, Sturgis, SD

August 29

First Day of School for Rapid City Schools, Rapid City, SD

September 3

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

October 4-6

September 4

October 5-31

First Day of School for Wall School, Wall, SD

September 14

Member Appreciation Day, Rapid City Office, 3250 E Hwy 44, Rapid City, SD, 605-393-1500

September 23

Black Hills Chamber Music Society, Sounds of Beauty, Kelley Mikkelsen and Cara Ellen Modisett, First Congregational Church, Rapid City, SD, 605-341-6425

October 1-2

SD State High School AA Boys Golf Tournament, Brookings Country Club, Brookings, SD

October 1-2

SD State High School A Boys Golf Tournament, Rocky Run Golf Course, Dell Rapids, SD

SD State High School Girls Tennis Tournament, Sioux Park, Parkview Tennis Complex, Rapid City, SD

October 13

SD State High School Boys Soccer Championship, Sioux Park, Rapid City, SD

October 14

Rapid Valley United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch, 5105 Longview Dr, Rapid City, SD, 605-393-1526

Black Hills Chamber Music Society, Sounds of Beauty, Shtrykov-Tanaka, First Congregational Church, Rapid City, SD, 605-341-6425

October 6

October 19-20

Rapid Valley United Methodist Church Petting Farm Day, 5105 Longview Dr, Rapid City, SD, 605-393-1526

October 13

West River Electric Annual Meeting, Wall Community Center, Wall, SD, 605-279-2135

October 13

State Competitive Cheer and Dance Competition, Brandon Valley High School, Brandon, SD

October 20

Rapid Valley United Methodist Church Community Rummage Sale, 5103 Longview Dr, Rapid City, SD, 605-393-1526

Rapid Valley United Methodist Church Carnival, 5105 Longview Dr, Rapid City, SD, 605-393-1526

October 20

October 13

October 20

SD State High School Girls Soccer Championship, Sioux Park, Rapid City, SD

SD State High School Boys Cross Country Meet, Yankton Trail Park, Sioux Falls, SD SD State High School Girls Cross Country Meet, Yankton Trail Park, Sioux Falls, SD

October 21

Rapid Valley United Methodist Church Hoe Down Party, 5105 Longview Dr, Rapid City, SD, 605-393-1526

October 11-12

South Dakota Women in Ag 2018 Conference, The Lodge, Deadwood, SD, 605-390-4241, amy.pravecek@zoetis.com, southdakotawomeninag.com

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.