Wrea jan 2018

West River Electric

January 2018 Vol. 18 No. 9

Preparedness Is Key For Natural Disasters.

Page 8

DOE Gets Studious.

Page 12

Photo by Chad Coppess/SD Tourism

MANAGER'S NOTE

2017 Year

Review It was the day before the deadline, When Veronica rang the ol’ phone line, “Drop everything; I need your December column instead”.

I fretted and fretted and scratched my bald head, “Where do I start” and “where do I end?”

There has been so much activity since ’16 yearend.

We started the year repairing downed line, A Christmas ice storm had been very unkind.

Our guys spent Christmas night sleeping on the floor.

The wind and snow were fierce, barely able to see out their truck door.

Dick Johnson General Manager

The unpredictable weather in ‘17 helped our sales to incline, It certainly helped from putting our financials in a bind.

The start to ’17 had a new United States President, What would happen to the regulations we had been sent?

Cyber, renewables, coal ash, and carbon air pollution, They all take time for a workable solution.

Another tweak to our rates in April, the base charge we did hike,

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year we shout with glee.

In hopes our 5 year plan will cover more fixed costs that still spike.

The spring broke with new housing developments that did abound, Our crews were scrambling putting new poles in the ground.

Besides new construction, we must keep the existing system in top shape, Maintenance, line patrol and tree trimming we cannot escape.

I really feel all our efforts have kept the outages down, That keeps our members from sporting a frown.

The new Box Elder substation began to take rise, We expect to have it ready early 2018 to energize.

Making sure our computers are safe from a hacker, Securing our members information can’t make us a slacker.

Four hundred members answered a survey of questions that were a mix, They gave us an outstanding satisfaction score of eighty six.

Our employees never let safety be far from their mind, No major injuries helped all sleep more sound as humankind.

The bylaws we worked on to try and revise, To bring them to the twenty first century, the Board felt would be wise.

Our employees are second to none, I am so proud, I just don’t thank them enough aloud.

They work on poles, wires, readings and bills, They toil hard with a product that can cause some real thrills.

Our Board of Directors another year they did work, To make sure the members interests were not to be shirked.

We hope this Christmas season finds you and your family in great cheer.

And the reason for the season you hold in your heart dear.

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year we shout with glee.

And that 2018 happiness and good cheer you too will agree!

2

Cooperative Connections | January 2018

The use of the bucket truck makes it easier to fix power lines without the interruption of service to the members.

BUCKET TRUCKS Why we use them?

Mike Letcher info@westriver.coop

An Aerial lift, more commonly referred to as a bucket truck, is an important tool for today’s linemen. While the obvious advantage of a bucket truck is eliminating Why use bucket the need for trucks instead of climbing poles climbing poles? What there are many more advantages. do we use them for?

The truck is What are the benefits technically an of the bucket? “insulated aerial device”, therefore the worker is insulated from the ground while in the bucket. This not only makes work safer, but also allows the linemen to work on circuits without shutting the power off. This is 316600 often referred to as working the line hot, or rubber gloving. We use this technique almost daily at West River Electric as it allows us to make necessary repairs and upgrades without affecting the member at the end of the line. On a typical day, you will not even know we have been working on your line thanks to the use of the bucket truck. Another advantage of the bucket truck is they are typically equipped with a jib and winch for lifting. This makes it possible to lift lines out of the way for

pole changes as well as lifting transformers or other pieces of equipment. Bucket trucks range from small trailer mounted devices that reach 20 feet all the way up to a 210 foot unit. The bucket trucks used at West River range from 37-60 feet and cost from $160,000-$200,000.

January 2018 | Cooperative Connections

3

SAFETY TIPS

CO-OPS VOTE

Home Heating Safety Tips

Rural Infrastructure Issues

There is something about the winter months and curling up with a good book by the fireplace. But did you know that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths? Half of home heating equipment fires are reported during the months of December, January and February.

With a few simple safety tips and precautions, you can prevent most heating fires from happening.

Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.

Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

Never use your oven to heat your home.

Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.

Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.

Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

Rural America needs more than roads and bridges when it comes to infrastructure. The National Rural Electric Association is working to remind policymakers about the broader infrastructure needs of rural America and the importance of reliable power.

Electric co-ops have three major priorities when it comes to infrastructure: Any infrastructure package should recognize the need to maintain and enhance the rural electric grid, which powers 42 million Americans.

Electric co-ops are also working to ensure more timely permitting decisions to expedite and reduce the costs of critical infrastructure projects. Regulatory review time lines for infrastructure can stretch on for years. These delays present reliability problems, strain existing infrastructure and can force electric co-ops to take drastic measures to keep the lights on.

Rural broadband deployment also must be an infrastructure priority.

Broadband access is limited across much of the nation’s rural landscape but is a key ingredient to a healthy 21st century rural economy. Electric co-ops are working to expand rural broadband access and look forward to working with other stakeholders to close the digital divide.

KIDS CORNER SAFETY POSTER

Heating Equipment Smarts Install wood burning stoves following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation. All fuelburning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Install and maintain CO alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance.

Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.

Source: nfpa.org

4

Cooperative Connections | January 2018

“Stay away from broken power lines!”

Alaina Dekrey, 9 years old

Alaina is the daughter of Don and Cassandra Dekrey, Blunt, S.D. They are members of Oahe Electric Cooperative, Blunt.

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

Kettle Creations Chicken Rice Soup

Shamrock Soup

1 T. oil

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

6 celery ribs, chopped

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts

1/4 tsp. thyme leaves

4 medium carrots, sliced

2 bay leaves

2 cups cubed peeled potatoes

1 cup chopped onion 4-1/2 cups water 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup sliced carrots 1/2 cup sliced celery 1 package ZATARAIN’SŽ Yellow Rice

Heat oil in large saucepot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat.

Add chicken; cook 3 minutes per side or until lightly browned.

Remove chicken; set aside. Add onion to Dutch oven; cook and stir 3 minutes or until softened. Add water, chicken broth, garlic, thyme and bay leaves. Bring to boil. Add carrot, celery, Rice Mix and chicken. Reduce heat to low; simmer 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken; set aside to cool. Cover and simmer soup additional 20 minutes or until rice and vegetables are tender. Shred chicken and add to soup. Remove bay leaves before serving. Makes 10 (1 cup) Servings Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 150, Total Fat 2g, Sodium 636mg, Cholesterol 27mg, Carbohydrates 27g, Protein 13g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Pictured, Cooperative Connections

Beef and Barley Soup 3 lb. beef roast

1 cup water

32 oz. beef broth

1/8 tsp. thyme

1/2 cup diced celery

Salt and pepper (to taste)

1/2 cup diced carrots

1/2 cup barley (quick)

1 cup peeled and diced potatoes Combine roast, broth and veggies in crock pot and turn on High.

In bowl, combine water, thyme, salt and pepper. Pour mixture over roast. After about 6 hours, remove roast from crock pot. Trim fat and shred beef. Place shredded beef back in crock pot. Add barley. You may add more water if desired. Cook an additional hour on High.

Note: If freezing, freeze before adding barley. Barley can be added after soup thaws.

Melanie Eichmann, Canistota

2 cups chopped cooked cabbage 1 tsp. dill weed 1 tsp. salt

5 cups water

1 tsp. seasoned salt

3 cups diced cooked corned beef

1/2 tsp. pepper

In a large stock pot, bring celery, carrots, potatoes and water to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes.

Add remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer an additional 15 to 20 minutes.

Patricia Hopkins, Central City, NE

Potato-Sweet Pea Soup 3 lb. bag petite red potatoes, 1 tsp. Season-All seasoned unpeeled and chopped into salt 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch pieces 3/4 cup powdered coffee creamer 1 small onion, chopped 1 cup chopped or shredded carrots 1 (13 oz.) bag frozen sweet garden peas 1 tsp. salt

3 T. butter 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk 4 to 5 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/2 tsp. pepper Boil potatoes, onion and carrots until almost done; add peas and continue boiling until tender. Drain water, reserving 3 cups. Add remaining ingredients except bacon. Reheat to a boil; add bacon.

Frankie Hofer, Rapid City

Please send your favorite bread/breakfast or seafood 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.

January 2018 | Cooperative Connections

5

West River Electric Parade of Lights float entry "Lighting up your Christmas"

PARADE OF LIGHTS 19th Annual Veronica Kusser veronica.kusser@westriver.coop

West River Electric has been lighting up Western South Dakota since 1939. This year the linemen wanted to take a little different approach to lighting up South Dakota. They came by my office one day and asked why we don't participate in the Rapid City Parade of Lights? Well I didn't really have an answer for this question, except that it takes time and resources to accomplish that task. Their next question was, well "If we provide that can we do it?" Well of course, if you have that kind of time, imagination and energy, let's do it.

As you all know this is a busy time of the year, and we have to be 10394600 prepared at any given time to send those buckets out if outages occur and if extra poles are needed, the trailers have to be ready to roll. Well the first order of business was to hope for no bad weather. What a beautiful fall, and we couldn't have asked for a nicer November leading up to Thanksgiving. Our wish was granted.

Dustin, Mike and a few of the other linemen proceeded to put lights on the trailer and truck.

Light it up, they did. I was very excited when I went out to the shop for the first view of the trailer. The 6

Cooperative Connections | January 2018

Dustin Brimm and Turner Donahue were two of the elves on the float at the Parade of Lights.

COMMUNITY poles were set and the lines had been strung. Wow, what a transformation that was happening in that shop.

Overall Entry for Non-Profits in the area.

The Festival of Lights parade began as a project of the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Rapid City Class of 1996, and is still hosted by LRC alumni as well as other volunteers. We

As I was visiting with Dustin and Mike, as they came up with a theme, it could not have been more appropriate that "Lighting Up Your Christmas" was chosen considering we have been doing that since 1939.

We have been lighting the way for Santa Claus for the past 78 years to make sure he finds all good little boys and girls in Western South Dakota.

"Lighting the Way for Santa Claus for the past 78 years, making sure he finds all of the good little girls and boys!" are thankful to these inviduals who put in time to make this a spectacular event for over 100 businesses to participate, and thousands and thousands of people to have the opportunity to come out and enjoy the 2842300 beautiful floats. The judges had some tough decisions to make this year as they selected the top floats.

West River Electric couldn't have been happier with the decisions that were made.

We were awarded the Holiday Magic - Best

It took over 70 volunteer hours by 7 of our linemen and over 20,000 lights to light up the lines and bucket truck to get ready for the parade. We had several of the kiddos of West River Electric employees volunteer

Lance, Brody and Landon Steiger ready to ride the parade route on the West River Electric float.

their time to be a part of the parade. What a great evening to be out and how exciting to see all the faces of both the young and old as they waited for Santa Claus to arrive on the final float of the parade.

Congratulations to all of the participants of the parade. It was a lot of fun, and weather permitting, (that is no major storms) we will be back again next year.

Santa's Linemen Elves, Dakota Douglas, Derek Haug, Turner Donahue and Dustin Brimm.

January 2018 | Cooperative Connections

7

BE PREPARED

Every year, the U.S. is hit by many natural disasters, including snow and ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires.

Before disaster strikes, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that are common in your region.

PREPARING FOR DISASTER Planning Ahead Can be Key For Your Family Thomas Kirk Associate Analyst, NRECA

Every year, the U.S. is hit by many natural disasters, including snow and ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. These types of disasters pose a significant threat to our communities and homes. The most important step you can take to keep you and your family safe is to prepare beforehand, but knowing what to do during and after the event is crucial as well.

Before disaster strikes, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that are common in your region, especially if you’re new to the area. Many of the specifics depend on what type of disaster you’re expecting, but there are several general guidelines to keep in mind as you prepare: Water: You will need one gallon per person per day. If you assume your family of four may be stranded for a week, store a minimum of 28 gallons.

Food: Stock up on non-perishable or long shelf-life items, such as wheat, soybeans, canned fruits, peanut butter, jelly and condensed soups.

First Aid Kit: Make sure your kit includes adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), antiseptic wipes, aspirin, hydrocortisone ointment, scissors and a thermometer.

For a full list of suggested items, visit www.redcross.org.

Flashlights and candles: Be sure to keep extra batteries and matches (in a waterproof container) on hand.

8

Cooperative Connections | January 2018

Ice-ladened lines sag after the Christmas Day 2016 storm which caused multi-day outages in South Dakota and western Minnesota.

For additional guidance on emergency items to keep around the house, visit www.ready.gov/build-a-kit. Also consider training offered by local emergency management services such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes.

Some disasters occur suddenly, but many bring advance warnings, like hurricanes and winter storms. Pay special attention during the week leading up to the event for local and state government warnings and evacuation notices. Make sure every family member knows what your emergency plan is: staying or leaving, safe

rooms in the house, where supplies are located, what to do if anyone is separated and how to notify loved ones that you’re safe after the event. It’s also a good idea to know where your home’s main water and gas shutoff valves are located.

While the U.S. electric grid is reliable, it is possible to lose power during a storm.

The outage could be momentary or last hours or even days. If you live in an area where loss of power after a storm could be dangerous, consider purchasing a backup generator for your home. These can cost anywhere from a few hundred to few thousand dollars, depending on

BE PREPARED

your needs. Be sure to test the generator before the disaster to ensure it’s operating properly.

If you don’t have a backup generator and lose power, don’t panic. Most power outages in the U.S. are short and will not last more than a few hours. However, without knowing in advance how long the outage will last, it’s wise to assume and act as though it will last for days. Here are a few general tips for wise energy practices during a disaster: Consume perishable and refrigerated foods first before they spoil.

Pack frozen foods close together and consider freezing water bottles to eliminate any air pockets. The frozen water will help keep the food cooler longer.

Make sure you have alternative lighting sources, like candles and flashlights (with spare batteries) located throughout the home.

Keep manual tools such as a can opener on hand to replace any electronic gadgets you typically use.

Similar to filling a bathtub with water before a storm, make sure that all cell phones are fully charged.

If the disaster involves lightning, unplug all electronic devices to protect against a power surge.

After the storm, be cautious when leaving your home. Listen to government warnings and use common sense when approaching any damaged buildings or fallen trees. If you see a power line that is down, always assume the wires are live and dangerous. If possible, call your local electric cooperative to report the downed power line.

With a little bit of forethought, you’re highly likely to make it through a disaster without too many problems. Remember, you and your family’s safety should always come first.

For more information on disaster preparedness, visit www.ready.gov.

Thomas Kirk is an associate analyst of distributed energy resources for the Arlington, Va.-based National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Business & Technology Strategies (BTS) division.

January 2018 | Cooperative Connections

9

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 postsecondary 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 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 10828500 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.

West River Electric will be closed January 1, 2018 for New Year's Day Where it all began? Civilization around the world has been celebrating the first day of each new year for at least four millennia.

Today, most New Year’s festivities begin on December 31 (New Year’s Eve), that being the last day of the Gregorian calendar, and they continue into the early hours of January 1 (New Year’s Day).

Common traditions include attending parties, eating, watching fireworks displays and making resolutions for the new year.

10

Cooperative Connections | January 2018

Please call 393-1500 or 279-2135 in the event of an emergency, we have 24-Hour On-Call

YOUTH

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.

The student will be selected and 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, 8017300 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, 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.

2016 Youth Tour Participants taking a quick break for a photo opportunity!

January 2018 | Cooperative Connections

11

YOUR ENERGY FUTURE

The Encyclopedia of Modern Electricity DOE study describes how coal plants and solar cells can share the same power lines – and more.

By Paul Wesslund NRECA

Coal-fired power plants are closing.

Homeowners with rooftop solar panels are selling unused electricity back to their utility. Windfarms are springing up across the Great Plains. Fracking and other drilling techniques have cut the cost of natural gas by more than half since 2002 and doubled the amount of electricity generated by natural gas.

A Department of Energy study examines the nation’s power grid.

What does all this mean for the nation’s network of wires and power plants otherwise known as the electric grid?

The answer lies within a new report from the U.S. Department of Energy, says Pam Silberstein, senior director of power supply for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

“It’s incredibly well-written, well-researched, very thorough, very comprehensive,” says Silberstein. “It’s a well put-together compilation of the state of the grid.”

The study is a quick turnaround response to an April 14 memo from Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry DOE’s August 2017 Staff Report to the Secretary on Electric Markets and Reliability describes the complex state of the electric grid and goes into great detail on how utility trends might affect the price and availability of electricity. It highlights 12

the importance of retraining coal and nuclear power workers and the effects that renewable energy has on the stability and reliability of the existing electric utility system.

Better reliability Another way to describe the report: If someone decided that every high school student should understand how the nation’s system of electric wires and power plants works, this study would make a good textbook.

Silberstein sees the grid study as a report that puts in one place all the changes affecting utilities and what those changes might mean. She says, “We’re asking our utility systems to meet a lot of demands they haven’t been asked to do before.”

Cooperative Connections | January 2018

The study is a quick-turnaround response to an April 14 memo from Energy Secretary Rick Perry to DOE’s chief of staff to “explore critical issues central to protecting the long-term reliability of the electric grid.”

Plenty has changed for electric utilities over the past 20 years and this DOE study describes that new landscape with enough detail to satisfy the most hard-core energy nerd: About 15 percent of the nation’s power plants have been retired since 2002, mainly coal and nuclear plants. That trend is expected to continue due to low natural gas prices, slower growth in demand for electricity, environmental regulations and more solar and wind power. While new generating

capacity from sources including natural gas and renewable energy has amounted to about three times the plant retirements, that radical change in the energy mix requires new ways of managing the flow of electricity from the power plants where it is made, to the homes and businesses where it is used.

People are demanding better reliability in their electricity; enough that utilities have supplemented their goals of reliability with a new term, “resilience.” Basically that means being able to get the lights back on faster after a natural disaster.

That has utilities experimenting with things like utility-scale storage batteries and more precise targeting of which customers should get power restored first.

A lot of states are passing Renewable Portfolio Standards that mandate levels of green energy, creating a patchwork of requirements in the national grid.

New and growing additions to the electric grid are changing the way it needs to be managed. Those new power sources include rooftop solar panels that sell electricity back to the utility, natural gas plants that require new pipelines, solar and wind farms in remote areas that need to be connected with new transmission lines and “demand response programs” in which utilities can turn off home water heaters and air conditioners for short periods during times of peak demand.

Recommendations from the study include: Updating the pricing arrangements that govern the buying and selling of electricity.

Improving disaster preparedness.

Reviewing regulations that limit the growth of power generation, especially for coal, nuclear, and hydroelectricity.

Focusing on workforce development as energy workers face a changing energy marketplace.

Modernizing the software that manages electricity transmission.

Coordinating with Canada and Mexico to enhance electric reliability across all of North America.

The study also notes the importance of cybersecurity to the electric grid, but said that would be addressed in an upcoming joint report from the Department of Energy and the Department of Homeland Security.

Paul Wesslund writes on cooperative issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

January 2018 | Cooperative Connections

13

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Quick Tips to Avoid High Winter Bills

Looking to lower your bills this winter?

Use the 10 tips below to conserve energy.

Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home.

Reduce waste heat by installing a programmable thermostat.

Turn off lights when not in use.

Lower your water heater temperature. The Dept. of Energy recommends using the warm setting (120 degrees) during fall and winter months.

Unplug electronics like kitchen appliances and TVs when you’re away.

Open blinds and curtains during the day to allow sunlight in to warm your home.

Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out.

8

Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home.

9

Wash clothes in cold water, and use cold-water detergent whenever possible.

10

Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which use at least 75 percent less energy.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy 14

Cooperative Connections | January 2018

NEWS BRIEFS

Base Charge Increase coming in 2018

West River Electric will be increasing the base charge to our members by $2.25 per meter. The average is less than a 2% increase for each of our members.This increase will be reflected on your March billing. If you have questions on this increase please call us at 279-2135 or 393-1500.

Cooperative Connections (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.

West RiverElectric will be closed December 25, 2017 for Christmas Day

This institiution is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Please call 393-1500 or 279-2135 in the event of an emergency, we have 24-Hour On-Call

Looking for an easy way to make your home cozier? Try using an area rug to increase the insulation levels of your floors. Area rugs are stylish and can keep cool air from entering through your floors. Your toes will thank you!

West River Electric Office Hours Rapid City Office 3250 E Hwy 44, Rapid City, SD Monday-Friday 7:00 am-5:00 pm 605-393-1500 Wall Office 1200 W 4th Ave, Wall, SD Monday-Friday 7:00 am-5:00 pm 605-279-2135

Board President: Andy Moon Board of Directors

Locate Your Account Number

If you locate your account number anywhere in this issue of the 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 $10.00 credit on your next bill.

A night depository is available at both offices for your convenience.

Service & Billing Questions Contact 605-279-2135 or 605393-1500 during offices hours.

E-mail us at info@westriver.coop for questions on your account..

After Hours Power Restoration: 605-279-2135 or 605-393-1500.

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 $6.00 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 $12.00 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.

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.

January 2018 | Cooperative Connections

15

DATELINE

September 5-May 24

Box Elder/Douglas School District Community Library, Monday-Thursdays, Douglas High School Library

December 23

Main Street Square, Skates and a Movie, Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979 West River Electric will be closed for Christmas. In the case of a power outage, call 605-393-1500 or 605-279-2135

December 31

Main Street Square, Downtown Countdown Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

January 1

West River Electric will be closed for New Years. In the case of a power outage, call 605-393-1500 or 605-279-2135

January 4

Veterans Job Fair, Synchrony, 900 Concourse Drive, Rapid City, SD

January 10

4th Grade Symphony Safari, Fine Arts Theatre, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

January 13

West River Basketball Tournament, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115

January 18

Celebrating the Power of Connection, Community Learning Summit, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115

Photo by Chad Coppess/SD Tourism

December 25

January 9 South Dakota Legislature Convenes, Pierre, SD February 20 Minnesota Legislature Convenes, St. Paul, MN January 19-21

BH Rapid Winter Classic Soccer Tournament, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115

February 9-11

January 19-21

February 12

March 2-3

Black Hills Sport Show and Outdoor Expo, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

January 26-February 4

Rapid City Concert Association presents Hot Club of Cowtown, Fine Arts Theatre, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

February 1-3

February 16-18

2018 Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111 South Dakota High School State One-Act Play Festival, Performing Arts Center, Brandon Valley High School, Brandon, SD

Counts of the Cobblestone Car Show, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-342-8775

February 9-10

33rd Annual SD State Dart Tournament, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115

South Dakota High School State Gymnastics Meet, All Classes, Civic Arena, Watertown, SD

February 9-10

Rent, Fine Arts Theatre, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4111

February 22-25

February 23-24

South Dakota State High School Wrestling Tournaments, All Classes, Premier Center, Sioux Falls SD

Black Hills Rapid Presidents Cup Soccer Tournament, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115 South Dakota High School Debate and IE Tournament, Watertown High School, Watertown, SD

March 10-11

Philip Area Gun Show, American Legion Hall, Philip, SD, 605-859-2280

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.