West River Electric
February 2018 Vol. 18 No. 9
Your Home: How Smart Is It? Page 8
Give Your Heart Some Love Page 12
MANAGER'S NOTE
Baby it's cold out there
"Oh My!" “Oh My!” This was the famous catch phrase of Dick Enberg, a famous sports broadcaster who recently passed away. I loved the guy and the job he did; no politics interjected and very fair. “Oh My” is about all I can say with the recent cold weather. As I always kid people, I am the only one that likes it really hot or really cold; we sell more kWh! But there is a point!
Dick Johnson General Manager
"Oh My" is about all I can say with the recent cold weather.
I sit on pins and needles saying “Oh My” when we near these extreme cold events hoping all of our planning and maintenance work pays off and our equipment holds up. In cold like this, everything is at risk. We do continuous planning to make sure we have adequate back up feeds in case one major feed dies; that N-1 contingency they call it. So far, we have had minimal outages. Most of the outages have been transformers that are overloaded. As a reminder, if you have added a large amount of new electric load to your residence or business, give us a call so we can review your demand to make sure the quipment is sized correctly on our side of the meter. Everything seems to “break” during extreme events like we have had. We had more demand response events too during the last week of December. We started with a level based off of predictions and then had to slowly scale that upward as it got colder and colder for longer periods. Our demand response program is such a great tool to control our costs. I don’t have December’s final figures, but I would estimate we will save approximately $250,000 in 2017; real money for our member owners! I can say “Oh My” to savings like that! Safety is always on my mind too in these conditions. First off, I think of our line personnel when they go out in brutal conditions to restore power. The second thing is safety for 4738000 our members. Many of our members work in these brutal conditions taking care of livestock, working construction, or a host of other jobs. Another safety issue we see are electric space heaters. Not only do they use a lot of electricity prompting many high bill complaints, but they also can cause fires if not used properly. Please stay safe and take extra time in everything you do. I hope too that you said “Oh My” when you saw the last edition of Cooperative Connections. The format and look of the magazine changed in December for the first time in 13 years. I love the new look! My final “Oh My”! I hope you can say that each and every day in a positive way during 2018! Happy New Year!
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Cooperative Connections | February 2018
Digger Trucks are often used to change out poles and save the linemen time.
DIGGER TRUCKS What we use them for? Mike Letcher info@westriver.coop
A digger/Derrick, or digger truck as they are commonly referred to is a vital piece of equipment for linemen. It consists of a telescopic crane with an Why use digger auger attached.
trucks instead of digging holes by hand? What are the benefits of the digger truck?
This unit is mainly used for digging holes and setting poles. They are also used to screw in anchors for guy wires to support lines as well as being used to handle material including poles, transformers, reels of wire, breakers, regulators, and any other pieces of equipment that are too heavy to lifted by hand. Diggers come in all sizes ranging from 25 feet to 95 feet and can cost anywhere from $230,000 to $400, 000+. Here at West River Electric our diggers range from 40-60ft. with lifting capacities up to 20,000lbs. February 2018 | Cooperative Connections
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SAFETY TIPS
Weathering a Winter Storm When ice and heavy snow bring down limbs and power lines, safety is a consideration indoors and out. Make sure you know how to weather the storm.
When outside, stay away from downed power lines: A power line does not need to be sparking or arcing to be energized. Equipment near power lines can also be energized and dangerous. Lines that appear to be “dead” can become energized as crews work to restore power, or sometimes from improper use of emergency generators. Assume all low and downed lines are energized and dangerous. If you see a downed or sagging line, contact your utility. Motorists should never drive over a downed line as snagging a line could pull down a pole or other equipment and cause other hazards. Be careful approaching intersections where traffic or crossing lights may be out. If you plan to use a generator, know how to operate it safely
KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER
Before a winter storm, you should have supplies on hand and know how to stay warm:
Always keep a battery-powered radio or TV, flashlights and a supply of fresh batteries. You should also have water, blankets and non-perishable food. When power goes out, it often comes back in spikes. This can damage electronics. Keep your electronics safe by unplugging them when the power goes out. Leave one lamp or switch on as a signal for when your power returns. To prevent water pipes from freezing, keep faucets turned on slightly so that water drips from the tap. Know how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts. Never use a charcoal grill to cook or heat with inside the home. Burning charcoal gives off deadly carbon monoxide gas. Charcoal grills should only be used outdoors. If you live with a child or elderly person, you may need to take them somewhere with power so they can stay warm. If you are healthy enough to stay home safely, there are ways to stay warm: stay inside and dress warmly in layered clothing. Close off unneeded rooms. When using an alternate heat source, follow operating instructions, use fire safeguards and be sure to properly ventilate. Source: safeelectricity.org 4
Cooperative Connections | February 2018
“Beware! Storms can make a shocking experience.” Aden Schaeffer, 6 years old
Aden is the son of Travis and Jessica Schaeffer, Tabor, S.D. They are members of Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative, Tabor. 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
Bountiful Brunch Butter Brickle Bread
Breakfast Tot Casserole
1 box butter pecan cake mix
3/4 cup oil
8 eggs
1 pkg. instant vanilla pudding
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup heavy cream
4 eggs
1 package McCormick® Good Morning Ultimate Egg Casserole Slow Cooker Breakfast Seasoning Mix
3/4 cup water
Beat together first 5 ingredients. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each egg. Pour into 2 greased, medium loaf pans. Bake at 350°F. for 35 to 40 minutes. Glaze with powdered sugar frosting, if desired. Linda Rauscher, Aberdeen
Cornmeal Waffles 1-3/4 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1-1/4 cup cornmeal
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp. salt
3 T. vegetable oil
1 T. baking powder
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla
Whisk together dry ingredients. In separate bowl, beat eggs. Add milk, oil, and vanilla; whisk together. Pour wet mixture into dry mixture, whisking together. Bake on sprayed waffle iron. Jane Ham, Rapid City
Quinoa Oatmeal 2 large eggs
1-1/4 cups whole milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
1/3 cup butter, melted 1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 T. ground flax meal
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 tsp. almond extract Spray a 9x9-inch baking pan. Whisk together eggs and brown sugar, removing all lumps Whisk in the remaining ingredients, except the quinoa, oats, flax and almonds – stir those in with a spoon. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. When ready to eat, remove dish from fridge and preheat oven to 350°F. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until it is set and nicely browned. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve with warmed milk. Darcy Bracken-Marxen, Hermosa
1 (32 oz.) bag frozen potato nuggets 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 8 oz. ground breakfast sausage, cooked and drained
Spray 6-quart slow cooker with no stick cooking spray. Mix eggs, cream and Seasoning Mix in large bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Place 1/2 of the potato nuggets in bottom of slow cooker. Pour in egg mixture. Sprinkle top with 1/2 cup of the cheese, then cooked sausage. Layer with remaining potato nuggets and cheese. Cover. Cook 2 -1/2 hours on HIGH or 5 hours on LOW. Makes 8 servings. Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 502, Total Fat 34g, Saturated Fat 14g, Sodium 1,238mg, Cholesterol 234mg, Carbohydrates 31g, Protein 18g, Dietary Fiber 3g, Pictured, Cooperative Connections
Brunch Baked French Toast 3 eggs, beaten
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup milk
1 (16 oz.) loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch slices
1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tsp. ground cinnamon or to taste
Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk eggs, milk and salt together in a bowl; pour into a shallow dish. Soak bread slices in egg mixture until saturated. Spread softened butter over the bottom of a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan. Sprinkle brown sugar over the butter. Arrange bread slices onto sugar in a single layer; sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake in preheated oven until beginning to firm, 25 to 30 minutes. Cortney Reedy, Tea
Please send your favorite seafood, appetizer and beverage recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in June 2018. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name. February 2018 | Cooperative Connections
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Pedro Store & Hotel in 1899
PEDRO, SD Population 300 back in the day Veronica Kusser
Early Days Sod House veronica.kusser@westriver.coop
Pedro was named by the community after a very popular card game that the locals played called "Pedro" or "High Five". Pedro was a meeting place for the people residing north of the Cheyenne River. People met up to gather up their mail, meet folks and catch up on the news. Homesteaders coming to the Pedro area in the spring watched as the meadowlarks made an appearance and saw the prairies which were dotted with the beautiful spring flowers, gumbo lilies, grass flowers and wild geraniums. They encountered the rattlesnakes and learned to pick the buffalo chips to be used in their stoves to keep warm in the winter. Mr Elmer Hawks was the owner of the 1st Pedro Store and served as the first postmaster at Pedro as well. The first post office was started in late March of 1896 and was located at the mouth of Deep Creek Pedro Post where many Office in 1909 people passed by. The mail came in from Fort Pierre. The Pedro Store grew from a small one-room cabin to a large general store where you could buy just about anything from a bag of flour to 6
Cooperative Connections | February 2018
a lumber wagon or haying machine. The people came to Pedro from the Cheyenne Reservation to trade, the round-up wagons loaded supplies and the ranchers and homesteaders came from a long ways away for supplies. People brought cream and butter to be shipped to Fort Pierre in the early years, and later it would be sent to Wall to be put on the train and sent on to Rapid City. The store burned to the ground in 1917. I was unable to find a record of a local doctor, but did find where Dr. Clark used to come from Wall when he was needed, and Mrs. Christian Bauer was always on hand to serve as a midwife for the many babies born in the area. Sometimes she walked for miles to be there in time for the little ones to make an appearance. The Pedro Hall was a meeting place for the community and people came from near and far to attend events held at the hall. They had IOOF Meetings, Farmers Union meetings, ladies aide, dances, school elections, Christmas gatherings, potlucks and anything else that people came together for. Bill Cook and his wife were the musicians in the area who played for the dances at
COMMUNITY the hall. They would load up the organ and haul it into the hall, and she played chord, and he played the fiddle. They played from dusk to dawn for $5.00 a night. Because there were no headlights, people would come and stay all night till the sun came up and go home to take care of the livestock. Everyone came out for a good time. After a night of dancing the floor would get very slick and smooth.
Baptist Church in 1925
Not all times were good times. In 1905 the waters rose, from the "May Blizzard", the snows came and just as quickly turned to mud. Another year the blizzards stopped mail delivery "1907 the for 28 days. Over the years, several people lost their lives railroad was in the river due to the high built into waters.
Philip. With it came the homesteaders, called soddies."
In 1907 the railroad was built into Philip. With it came the homesteaders called soddies. Some built sod homes and some turned sod for planting. In 1911 drought came and some of the weaker hearted homesteaders gave up and moved out heading back to where they came from. The Pedro Bugle was the newspaper started by Elmer Monson, which was a weekly publication. The paper was used mainly for publication of final proof notices of the homesteaders during the homestead movement. Carrie Ingalls (Little House on The Prairie) managed the Bugle for El Senn in 1909. Mr. Carr came to the area and was ready to raise the ears of the locals and offered a good shave to those who needed it. He was here for just a short time. Mr. Hamley came along a little later when Mr. Carr headed back east to fill the role of barber.
Pedro today
together to drive the cattle across the South Dakota prairies.
Jim Hicks came to the area to take over as blacksmith, for "Mac" McDonald who was getting up in age. Jim was good at what he did and made a mean bridle, bits and spurs.
The Pedro School in 1909 was taught by Birdie Conway who came from Logan Iowa. The schoolhouse stood in an open pasture and was a log building. The students often spent recess on a hill where there had been an Indian encampment bringing back arrow heads and other relics to share with the teacher. One day they even brought back a prairie dog, keeping it in a basket until she made them let it go.
Henry Rose came to the area from Sioux City, Iowa, to fill the need for carpentering and cabinetwork needed by the hometeaders. His wife Mary always had a large garden that she shared with the neighbors and the Indians who passed by.
In the 1930's the grasshoppers ate everything in site including the fence posts and the siding off of the houses. The drought years, known as the Dirty Thirties, were tough on the community and many people went back east when times got too tough.
No one locked their doors. Early travelers were always welcome to come in and make themselves at home if they came by when no one was home. You were expected to eat if you came hungry, but the law of the land was you had to wash your dishes and clean up after yourself.
Late 1950's or early 1960's is when Pedro ceased to be anything but a ghost town.There are many out there who would beg to differ, to them the Mouth of the Deep Creek will always be Pedro. They say those were the "good old days".
The Rose Cemetery Association was organized by Alex Webb and in the early 60's was still being used as a family cemetery by the Rose, Davis and Webb families.
Pedro School 1909
South Dakota was known for open range grazing, when roundups took place, all neighboring ranchers sent riders to participate in rounding up the cattle. Cattle were gathered in one big bunch with a cattle expert who knew everyone's brands. At his call the riders from the appropriate ranch would ride in and collect the identified livestock. When the appropriate time come to take cattle to Ft Pierre for livestock sales, the ranchers would come February 2018 | Cooperative Connections
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YOUR HOME
This illustration shows a basic security system control. A security system that either controls access or monitors the property is one feature necessary to meet the Coldwell Banker/CNET definition of a smart home. (Vivint Smart Homes)
WHAT MAKES A SMART HOME? Terry Woster Freelance Writer
Everyone has an idea about what the phrase “smart home’’ means, but experts recently defined and identified the basic features and systems that make a home fit the phrase. A dependable Internet connection is an essential piece, necessary for the connections that make the features of the home interact with each other and with the homeowner to get the most from each feature, whether it’s the doorbell camera, the thermostat or the sound system. “You can’t have a smart home if it can’t connect to smart appliances,’’ says David Siroty, vice president of North American Communications 8
Cooperative Connections | February 2018
An illustration of the Smart Home Staging Kit available from the Worthington Group to sellers who list with Coldwell Banker. The kit includes a Nest Learning Thermostat, Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, Nest Cam Indoor security camera, August Smart Lock, August Connect, and Lutron-Caseta Wireless Lighting Starter Kit. More information is available at SmartHomeStaging.com. (Illustration courtesy of Coldwell Banker)
YOUR HOME
You can’t have a smart home if it can’t connect to smart appliances. for Coldwell Banker Real Estate. He also said more and more people are interested in smart-home features in the homes they buy and in the renovation projects they undertake. To come up with a definition of a smart home, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC in 2016 collaborated with CNET, a media website that produces news and reviews of consumer technology. “For a time, we were stumped,’’ Siroty said. “There simply was no definition of what it was. It needed to be broad enough and simple enough to be understandable.’ If you have certain specific and basic features or systems, if I can call your property a smart home, I can market your home very differently. That’s significant.’’ A commonly accepted definition of the term is important because it provides “a clear and unified designation to keep up with rapidly evolving technology in the home,’’ he said. In a prepared release on May 10, 2016, Coldwell Banker and CNET outlined the definition they wrote: Smart Home: A home that is equipped with network-connected products (that is “smart products,” connected through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or similar protocols) for controlling, automating and optimizing functions such as temperature, lighting, security, safety or entertainment, either remotely by a phone, tablet, computer or through a separate system within the home itself. To be considered a smart home, the property must have a smart security feature that either controls access or monitors the property or a smart temperature feature, in addition to a reliable Internet connection. The property also must have at least two additional features from the following list: Appliances (smart refrigerators and
smart washer / dryers) Entertainment (smart TVs and TV streaming services) Heating/Cooling (smart HVAC system, smart fans or vents) Lighting (smart light bulbs and lighting systems) Outdoors (smart plant sensors and watering systems) Safety (smart fire/carbon monoxide detectors and nightlights)
Security (smart locks, smart alarm systems or cameras) Temperature (smart thermostats) The term “smart home’ can be intimidating and overwhelming,’’ Lindsey Turrentine, editor-in-chief of CNET. com, said in the prepared statement. “We want to make it easy for everyone to better understand what a smart home is, in order to simplify the process in helping them choose the right devices for their homes.’’
February 2018 | Cooperative Connections
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YOUTH
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE Deadline February 2, 2018 Veronica Kusser veronica.kusser@westriver.coop
For the 27th Year, West River Electric is offering college scholarships to high school seniors’ graduating in May of 2018 as well as students currently in post-secondary education. This year we will once again be offering five scholarships: a $1,000 scholarship, provided by Basin Electric Power Cooperative, our power generation cooperative, and four WREA $500 scholarships, to be awarded to winners in April. Applicants for the scholarships must be a member or dependent child of a West River Electric member and a U.S. citizen. They must be planning to enroll or in attendance in a full-time graduate or 9985000 undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational/technical school.
Scholarship recipients will be chosen by a selection committee on the basis of academic record, potential to succeed, leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, a statement of education and career goals, a written essay and an outside appraisal. Applications may be picked up at the cooperative offices, on-line at westriver.coop or at area high schools. Completed applications and supporting documentation must be returned to West River Electric Association in Rapid City or Wall before 5 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2018. Winners will be announced in April. For more information or to request an application go to our website at westriver.coop, stop by or call us at 393-1500 or 279-2135. Applications are also available at the local high schools.
Rate Changes to Happen in 2018 After a Cost of Service Study the Board of Directors approved a 5 year rate strategy back in 2015 to guide our future rate changes. The overall strategy is to slowly raise the base charge over the next 5 years while adjsuting the kWh energy down and bill more kW demand to accurately reflect the true cost of service. We currently charge $23.00 on our residential members for our fixed costs and plan to increase that to $25.25 and do away with the PCA charge that appears on your bill each month. The average increase is less than 2 percent. Your March billing statement will reflect the new fixed cost. Those members who are on the electric heat rate will see an increase from 5.3 cents to 5.5 cents per kwh. The commercial members will see a small incease to $11.00 per kw of demand for 25 kw or less, in addition to the $3.25 increase to the base charge. If you have any questions on your billing statement please contact us at 279-2135 or 393-1500. Our goal is to provide safe, reliable, efficient and reasonably priced electricity and services to our members. 10
Cooperative Connections | February 2018
YOUTH
2016 Youth Tour Participants taking a quick break for a photo opportunity.
HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS Interested in a trip to D.C.? Veronica Kusser veronica.kusser@westriver.coop
June 7-14, 2018 more than 1500 students will travel to Washington DC to participate in the Rural Electric Youth Tour. During this action-filled week, students learn what it is like to be involved in politics, community service, cooperative philosophy and rural electrification. You will have the opportunity to meet with your elected representative in the US House and Senate and discuss the process of government and the issues that we face today, while increasing your knowledge about the electric cooperative utilities.
sponsored by West River Electric while South Dakota Rural Electric Association (SDREA) coordinates arrangements for all South Dakota students. Among the sites that are toured are the National Cathedral, The White House, Washington Monument, U.S. Supreme Court, US Capitol, Ford’s Theatre, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, The Smithsonian, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. All area high school juniors whose parents or guardians are a member of WREA are eligible to apply for the Youth Tour. The funding of the tour is provided by WREA, which includes the student’s transportation, 4009600 room and board, and sight-seeing events. Students will be required to provide their own personal spending money. Each student is required to submit an essay, not to exceed 500 words on “What does it mean to be an American?” All essays must be typed and include a cover sheet to include the students name, parents name, address, phone number and school they attend. All essays must be received by West River Electric before February 20, 2018. If you have questions please contact Veronica Kusser at 605-393-1500.
The student will be selected and February 2018 | Cooperative Connections
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TO YOUR HEALTH
Adding exercise to the daily routine is good for the heart.
HEART HEALTH The Undeniable Truths of Heart Health: Diet and Exercise Remain Keys Debra Gibson Isaacs Always consult your doctor for any matters relating to your health. This information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional.
How to Sneak More Exercise into Your Day Sonya Angelone, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who holds a masters of science degree, is on the other end of the phone, explaining ways to sneak exercise into already-crowded days. Although most of us wish it weren’t true and wish there were a magic pill to keep our hearts healthy, diet and exercise remain the undeniable keys to a healthy heart. We know that but ... we’re too busy for one more thing, can’t afford a gym membership, are too tired after work, want to spend 12
Cooperative Connections | February 2018
Adding fruits and vegetables to one’s diet is also a good tip for improving heart health.
TO YOUR HEALTH The key is to avoid just being sedentary.
what little time we have with our children. “Incorporate subtle exercises into things you already do,” Angelone suggests, rejecting the notion that we have to have chunks of time or money to improve our heart health. “For example,” she says, “do a wall chair when on the phone or while brushing your teeth.” What I don’t know at the time is that she is practicing what she teaches as we talk. “I’m doing a wall chair as we speak, she tells me a bit later. “I just put my back against the wall, my feet on the floor, and slid down the wall until you could set a book on my knees or a child could sit on my lap. This is engaging my quadriceps, lowering my blood sugar from just eating lunch, burning extra calories and strengthening my legs so I am less likely to fall.” Angelone, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a practicing nutritionist in the San Francisco Bay area, has more examples – all simple and cost-free or very low cost.
How to Sneak More Nutrition Into Your Diet Eggs are packed with protein; they are good for you. Egg yolks have cholesterol; eggs are not good for you. Butter is better than margarine or is it that margarine is better than butter? What is the difference between monosaturated, saturated, partially hydrogenated and trans fats? Confusion abounds about nutrition. Sometimes it is hard to keep up with the latest science, sometimes the science changes and sometimes we just can’t remember what the science says. Sonya Angelone, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), spends her days counseling people in the San Francisco area about nutrition. Before she reveals the answers to some of the biggest nutritional conundrums, Angelone says there is one important point to remember about nutrition: There is no one-size-fits all. Each of us is different and can process food differently. Age and activity level make a difference. Medical conditions can also alter nutritional recommendations. Now, drumroll please, here are Angelone’s answers to two of the most common and perplexing questions about nutrition:
Eggs
“Lunge down the hall,” she suggests. “It only takes a few lunges a day to make a difference. Or alternately stand on your tiptoes and flat on your feet. This strengthens your lower legs.”
Although the newest dietary guidelines remove the limit of eggs and dietary cholesterol, they still recommend avoiding excess. Eggs are a nutritious food, but whether they are good or bad depends on the person. Genes help determine how someone metabolizes nutrients, including cholesterol. Some people absorb excess dietary cholesterol and should limit eggs (one of the richest source in our diets). But, most people can consume eggs regularly. They just need to be sure it isn’t cooked in excess oil and doesn’t come with bacon, hash browns, white toast and butter!
Another idea is to hold both arms out to your side with a book in one arm. Your body will look like a “T.” Hold that position until your arms shake. Stop and repeat.
Also, the recommendations are different for a healthy person wanting to eat a healthy diet versus someone with heart disease who is trying to reverse their disease. For the latter, I limit dietary cholesterol, including eggs. The American Heart Association is a good site for great information.
How many can you do? It doesn’t matter, according to Angelone. The idea is to go from where you are to an ability to do more.
On Balance: Neutral.
Another few examples: While sitting in a chair or watching television, contract your abdominal muscles 20 times. While sitting in a chair, lift your toes, put them back on the floor, and repeat. This strengthens your shins. While sitting at the table, pedal a foot cycle. “The key is to avoid just being sedentary,” the nutritionist says. “If you have a sedentary job, get up every half hour. Do something. Go outside and walk around the building, go up and down a flight of steps. Engage your muscles. Important Note: The only caveat is to make sure you have no limitations or injuries. If you do, check with your physician before trying any of these ideas.
Suggestion: Ask your physician to run a cholesterol balance test. This will tell you whether your high cholesterol is because your liver makes too much cholesterol or because you absorb too much cholesterol.
Butter or Margarine I do not like margarine ever. It has trans fats. That simply means that something has been artificially added to make the margarine harden into a stick or tub. The producer transformed liquid oil into a solid fat by adding hydrogen atoms – thus the term hydrogenated. This process changes the fat into an unhealthy fat. Now there has been so much pressure from the government that producers are going back to using transformed fats. While they are not using palm oil, which is not healthy, coconut oil is not healthy either. The liver uses saturated fats to make cholesterol. Some people believe that coconut oil is not bad because of a study. There were two groups, one which substituted sugar for fat and another group which substituted coconut oil for fat. It wasn’t that the coconut oil was better. It was that the sugar is so bad. On Balance: Butter is always the best choice. Suggestion: Try nut butter instead. February 2018 | Cooperative Connections
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY
South Dakota Energy Assistance & Weatherization? sible for paying home heating costs. Energy assistance payments will be made to energy suppliers. Energy assistance money will be distributed on a first-come basis. Applicant eligibilty and assistance amounts are calculated according to household size, income, type and cost of heating and geographical location in South Dakota of your home. For more information on Energy Assistance go to www.dss.sd.gov or call 1-800-233-8503. The Weatherization 10591700 Assistance Program is to help low-income people in South Dakota overcome the high cost of energy by making energy-saving improvements to their homes. Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides financial assistance to low-income South Dakota households to pay their home heating bills. The program assists those families who would otherwise be unable to pay the cost of heating their home. Energy assistance may not pay the full cost of a family's home heating bills. No household is automatically eligible. All households must apply, showing proof of income and home heating costs. To be eligible, a household's total gross income may not exceed maximum income guidelines and the household must be respon-
Some weatherization measures that may qualify for assistance are? Weather stripping doors and windows Insulating attics, walls and floors. Caulking and sealing cracks and holes in the homes structure. Repair work to a non-functional heating system. For more information on Weatherization Assistance Program in Western South Dakota contact Western South Dakota Community Action at 1-800-327-1703 or www.wsdca.org.
We are here for you 24/7 If you have a power outage after hours you will call the same phone number you would during business hours: 605-3931500 or 605-279-2135. Instead of speaking to an employee from West River Electric, you will reach an employee of Basin Electric Power Cooperative's Security and Response Services (SRS) Department in Bismarck, N.D. First you will hear an automated message, “Thank you for calling West River Electric. Your call may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance.” You will then hear the following menu: If you’re calling to report an electrical outage, press 1. If you have a billing question, press 2. For all other calls, press 0. 14
Press 1 to report your outage. A dispatcher will answer if available and you can report your outage to him or her. The dispatcher will ask if you are completely out of power, if your neighbors have power or if you have checked your outside breakers. The linemen are then dispatched to the location of your outage to restore power as soon as possible. After the power is restored, SRS dispatch will make a final call back to the member to confirm that the power has been 9970400 restored. Dispatchers communicate with linemen via radios and cell phones. Linemen safety is the No. 1 concern for SRS dispatch. They track linemen from the time they leave the shop until the outage has been restored and they have returned to the co-op. If all the dispatchers are busy assisting other callers, an automated outage system
Cooperative Connections | February 2018
will assist you. You will be asked to press 1 to report an outage by using your phone number or 2 to report the outage by your meter number. Press 3 to report downed power lines or poles or if you have critical information about the cause of an outage. Once you have completely answered the questions, you will receive a message confirming that your outage has been reported and that line crews have been or will be dispatched. We strive to make sure that you – the member/owner can reach us at all times. We know that at times it may seem intimidating or frustrating to listen to an automated phone system but this is the only way we can handle the volume of calls we get during a large outage. We very much appreciate your patience during those times.
NEWS BRIEFS
(USPS No. 675-840)
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.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month Consider insulating your hot water pipes. Doing so can reduce heat loss, allow you to lower the temperature setting and save an additional 3 to 4 percent per year on water heating.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Board President: Andy Moon
Update your Information It is important to keep your information updated with us for planned outages. If you have made a change to your phone number or email address please send a note to info@westriver.coop or call us at 605-3931500 or 605-279-2135.
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.
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
West River Electric Office Hours
Editor Veronica Kusser – veronica.kusser@westriver.coop
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
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 Postageaid 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.
A night depository is available at both offices for your convenience.
Service & Billing Questions? Contact 393-1500 or 279-2135 during offices hours. E-mail us at info@westriver.coop for questions on your account. After Hours Power Restoration: 605-393-1500 or 605-279-2135.
Other correspondence to: West River Electric Cooperative Connections, PO Box 3486, Rapid City, SD 57709; telephone (605)393-1500, Exts. 6519, 6517, 6531 or 6522; fax (605)3930275; e-mail veronica.kusser@westriver.coop.
February 2018 | Cooperative Connections
15
DATELINE
September 5-May 24
Box Elder/Douglas School District Community Library, Monday-Thursdays, Douglas High School Library
January 19-21
BH Rapid Winter Classic Soccer Tournament, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115 HOT 93.1 Lights on the Ice Teen Night, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979
January 26-February 4
2018 Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111
February 1-3
South Dakota High School State One-Act Play Festival, Performing Arts Center, Brandon Valley High School, Brandon, SD
February 3
HOT 93.1 Lights on the Ice Teen Night, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979
February 9-10
South Dakota High School State Gymnastics Meet, All Classes, Watertown Civic Arena, Watertown, SD
February 9-10
Rent, Fine Arts Theatre, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111
February 9-11
Black Hills Sport Show & Outdoor Expo, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111
Photo courtesy: Winterfest of Wheels
January 26
February 2-4 10th Annual Winterfest of Wheels, Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-231-3100, www.winterfestofwheels February 12
Rapid City Concert Association presents Hot Club of Cowtown, Fine Arts Theatre, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111
February 16-18
Counts of the Cobblestone Car Show, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-342-8775
February 17
Skates and a Movie ft. Deep, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979
February 22-25
33rd Annual SD State Dart Tournament, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115
February 23-24
South Dakota State High School Wrestling Tournaments, All Classes, Premier Center, Sioux Falls, SD
February 24
Last Day to Skate Beach Party, Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979
March 1
Newsboys United, Don Barnett Arena, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115
March 2-3
March 29
Badlands Bad River Regional Economic Development Partnership Career Expo, Wall School, Wall, SD, 605-279-2658
South Dakota High School Debate & IE Tournament, Watertown High School, Watertown, SD
April 6-8
March 10-11
May 10
Philip Area Gun Show, American Legion Hall, Philip, SD, 605-859-2280
March 15-17
South Dakota High School State B Boys Basketball Tournament, Barnett Center, Aberdeen, SD
March 15-17
South Dakota High School State A Boys Basketball Tournament, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD
March 15-17
South Dakota High School State AA Boys Basketball Tournament, Premier Center, Sioux Fall, SD
Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series, Sioux Falls, SD, 605-367-7288 Chris Young, Don Barnett Arena, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115 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.