June 2016

Rodeo JUNE 2016

VOL. 17 NO. 2

High School Athletes Compete P8-9

Manager’s

column

Road to Member Engagement An engaged member is a loyal member! That was one of the phrases that our employees learned at our Touchstone Energy “Road to Member Engagement” training we just completed.

This was a short session in the basics of trying to figure out what we can do better to engage our members; get them to come to us to be their trusted source for everything Dick Johnson energy related.

CEO/General Manager We started the session with a short video from Simon Sinek a leadership and management expert. He talked about the golden circle. In that circle was 3 questions; what do we do, how do we do it, and WHY do we do it. The first two points are pretty clear; we sell electricity and services through our poles and wires.

The more difficult question was “WHY” do we do what we do? That was the fundamental question they asked us. Mr. Sinek said that the great companies like Apple, Google and Coca Cola all know the WHY of what they do. Does West River Electric? There were a host of excellent answers from the employees; great employee engagement. What it really comes down to is we really are a non-profit entity (cooperative) that exists to help improve the quality of lives in our communities by providing safe, reliable, efficient and reasonably priced electricity and services.

We discussed the American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) which is a score of member satisfaction. Our most recent score was an 83 while the average Touchstone Coop is an 80. Other electric utilities scores are below the Touchstone average. However, how can we improve that score? We discussed ways to help with that. We also talked about the different age groups satisfaction with the coop. Like most Touchstone cooperatives, members from the age of 35-55 tend not to score us as highly as other age groups. We discussed why that might

be, and how we can reach out to those members. Is it because they are so busy with family and other work obligations? Is it because their bills tend to be higher because they have families using more energy? It was a great discussion with our employees. This short course by our employees will help as we move forward to help engage and have happier members.

This training about member engagement leads into my next point; the Member Communication Committee. We recently held our 2nd Committee meeting the end of April. Seven members were able to attend the session to discuss what we are doing, and especially what we could do better. They heard an update from each department. The operations department talked about construction projects and related costs, the cost of equipment, and our various contractors we utilize. The Manager of Marketing and Member Services talked about events coming up in the cooperative and how the Committee could help make these events better. Our Branch Manager talked about what the Member Service Reps do each day to serve the members. Our Manager of Office Services talked about the recent capital credit allocation mailed and how capital credits work. Our CFO gave a presentation on our rates and how they worked. She covered our cost structure and how those are allocated to the various classes. She covered what kilowatt hours and kilowatts are and theories behind each. I gave a short update on political and regulatory issues. We toured the Wall office and showed them various items of equipment and material we utilize. We will have another meeting in November. The Committee members serve for 2 years, then we will be looking for new members to be on the committee. Thanks so much to the committee members and staff members who took an evening from their busy schedules to help make the cooperative better.

I hope all of you have a great summer. ALWAYS look up for power lines and be careful when digging. We get in a hurry this time of year and forget to look up at the power lines and dig not thinking about lines underground. Please stay safe!!!!

3341200

Stop in either the Rapid City or Wall offices of West River Electric to become a registered voter.

Make your voice heard!

2 June 2 0 1 6 • cooperative connections

STOP IN AND REGISTER TO VOTE

Employee Biographies Eric Emery - 3 Years I grew up in Rapid City, SD, where I attended school graduating from Stevens High School in 2008. After graduation I started work for Wright Tree Service and did that for the next three years. I then attended line school at Southeast Lineman Training Center in Texas. Upon graduation I went to work for T&D Solutions as a Powerline Contractor for the next year in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Deciding I would like to get back to the Rapid City area, I applied for a summer intern position at West River Electric where I started in June of 2013. Storm Atlas hit that October and I was hired on as a full time Apprentice Lineman at the Enning Outpost.

In 2014 there was a position available in the Rapid City office which I accepted.

In my spare time I enjoy hunting, riding my Razor and hanging out with friends. Thank you for the opportunity to do something different everyday and I really enjoy working for the members of West River Electric. 10549100

Adam Daigle - 3 Years I was born and raised in Wyoming, my family moved from town to town finally settling down in Gillette. After graduating in 1999 I attended Black Hills State for 1 ½ years on a cross country and track scholarship and met my beautiful wife, Jess.

During that year and a half I realized that college was not for me. After moving back home for a short time, I made the decision to move to Rapid City and pursue a career in the electrical trade. I attended Western Dakota Tech in the Industrial Electronics program and after one year of school, I began working for a local electrical contractor as an apprentice.

Three years of working in that field I tested and became a Journeyman electrician.

I heard from a friend that there was a position available at West River Electric and was ready for a change. I applied for and was offered the Member Services position, so began my career with West River in August 2013. It hasn’t been that long but I feel like I have learned so much and enjoy each and every day at work. Whether it be dealing with a high bill complaint, working with the kids at the local elementary school, or just chatting with a member, I enjoy it all.

My family and I enjoy spending as much time at the lake as possible, fishing, hunting, four wheeling, and just being together. cooperative connections • J un e 2016 3

Safety

tips

Summer Electrical Safety Tips: Outdoor Hazards

Photo CoURtESY oF AllAmAkEE-ClAYton ElECtRiC

Summer is the time when everyone wants to play outside, so it is important that everyone knows what possible electrical safety hazards to avoid in the out-of-doors. Go around the outside of your home and through your neighborhood with your family and show them where telephone poles and electrical lines are located. Explain the following so that everyone understands the dangers associated with them: • Never play near or touch a power line with any part of your body, a toy, a stick or any other object whatsoever. Assume at all times that any power lines you see are live and dangerous. If you see a downed power line, stay well away and report it to your local utility company immediately.

• Never approach an electrical substation (or downed power lines) for any reason whatsoever. Period. If a friend, family member or a pet has entered this area, do not try to rescue them yourself – call 911 immediately.

• Never climb on or play around a utility pole. In fact, never post any signs or flyers on utility poles either as this can endanger you and utility workers that have to work on those poles.

• Never throw shoes or articles of clothing up onto power lines and never try to retrieve any object already hanging from a power line.

• To avoid getting kites, model aircraft or any other airborne toys stuck in power lines, play with these things in wide open spaces like parks or fields far away from power lines.

• Kids love to climb trees in the summer, but they should never climb trees that are too close to power lines; even if the tree isn’t touching a line, the extra weight from someone climbing the tree could cause a branch to touch the line, which would be dangerous. In fact, if you feel that any trees in your yard or neighborhood are too close to power lines, talk with your local utility about having them trimmed or possibly removed.

• Keep an eye on the weather. Almost 100 people die each year and another 500 are severely injured from lightning strikes. If a thunderstorm is approaching, go indoors and stay there until the danger has passed.

Source: rootelectric.com 4 June 2016 • Cooperative ConneCtions

Kids’ Corner Safety Poster

“Keep extension cords out of high-traffic areas like doorways or walkways where they pose a tripping hazard.”

Lyla Michalek, 7 years old Lyla is the daughter of Anthony Michalek, Okaton, S.D. He is a member of West Central Electric Cooperative, Murdo, 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.

Reader

recipes

Dairy Delicious Becki’s Coconut Cream Cake 1 white cake mix 3 eggs 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1/2 tsp. coconut extract 1 cup sour cream 1 (8 oz.) can coconut milk

Frosting: 3 (4 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 1 (8 oz.) container Cool Whip

Combine the cake mix, oil, eggs, sour cream and coconut milk. Mix until well blended. Spread batter in greased and floured 9x13-inch pan. Bake at 350°F. for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

For frosting, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip. Frost cooled cake and sprinkle with additional coconut.

Becki Hauser, Tripp

elvis pie 1 cup creamy peanut butter 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup sugar, divided 1-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups cold heavy cream, divided 1 (9 inch) graham cracker piecrust 2 large bananas, cut into 1/4-inch slices Chopped roasted peanuts

Cream together peanut butter, cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar and vanilla at medium speed. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream until soft peaks form. Carefully fold whipped cream into peanut butter mixture until completely combined. Scrape half the filling into the piecrust and smooth with spatula. Layer sliced bananas on top of filling.

Spread remaining filling over bananas. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour. To make topping, whip remaining cream and sugar together until soft peaks form. Spread over pie. Sprinkled with chopped nuts.

1 (14 oz.) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk, divided Non-stick cooking spray 1 cup Post Grape-Nuts® or similar cereal 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Pinch ground cloves 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen strawberries, about 2-1/2 cups 3 cups fat-free strawberry yogurt

Measure 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk; set aside. Line 8x8-inch baking pan with foil; spray with non-stick cooking spray. In medium bowl, combine cereal, cinnamon, cloves and remainder of sweetened condensed milk. Spread cereal mixture evenly on bottom of pan, place in freezer. Place strawberries and yogurt in a blender; cover and blend. Add 1 cup sweetened condensed milk; blend until smooth. Pour mixture over cereal, smoothing to edges of pan. Cover with foil (or plastic wrap) and freeze 8 hours or until firm. Use edges of foil to loosen and remove from pan; let recipe thaw for 5 to 10 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.

Squares may be individually wrapped and stored in freezer for single servings.

Makes 9 servings.

Nutritional Facts Per Serving: Calories 200, Total Fat 0g, Sat Fat 0g, Cholesterol 5mg, Sodium 150mg, Total Carbohydrates 42g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Protein 7g, Calcium 20% Daily Value Pictured, Cooperative Connections

Johnny Cake 1/2 cup butter 3 eggs, beaten 1 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup sour cream

1 tsp. soda 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 cup flour 1 cup corn meal

Combine all ingredients. Pour into a 9x9-inch or 9x13-inch pan. Bake at 400°F. for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Judy Jensen, Langford

potato salad Dressing

Lynn Holzerland, Waubay

French vanilla Coffee Mix 1/3 cup instant coffee 1 cup instant powdered milk 1/2 cup nondairy creamer

strawberry Frozen Yogurt squares

1/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup French Vanilla instant pudding mix

1/2 cup sugar 2 eggs 1/4 cup vinegar 3 T. butter

1 tsp. mustard Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup mayonnaise

Combine all ingredients; store in a glass jar. For each serving, put 3/4 cup boiling water in mug. Add 2 heaping tsps. of mix; stir well.

In a saucepan, mix together sugar, eggs, vinegar, butter, mustard, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; boil until thick.

Cool. Add mayonnaise; stirring well. Toss with your favorite potato salad ingredients

Mary Jessen, Holabird

Mary Alice Bartel, Wolsey

Please send your favorite dessert, salad and garden produce recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3).

Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in December 2016. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.

Cooperative ConneCtions • June 2016 5

Co-op news

Nominating Committee For WREA To Meet reside in the district they are nominated from, be in good standing with the cooperative, not be employed or financially interested in a competing enterprise or major supplier to the cooperative.

There are two ways to run for election: by nomination or by petition. No nominations are taken from the floor at the annual meeting.

Two incumbent directors Jamie Lewis - Rapid City, and Marcia Arneson - Rapid City, have said that they will seek re-election. Bill Bielmaier of District 3 has chosen not to seek re-election.

If you are interested in being nominated or would like to nominate an individual, you may contact one of the following members of the 2016 Nominating Committee. The committee will meet May 25, 2016 to

At the April 2016 West River Electric Board of Directors meeting, the Board chose the 2016 Nominating Committee. The committee must nominate at least one person for each of the three districts in the coops service area. Candidates must be members of the cooperative and

determine its slate of candidates.

2016 Nominating Committee Members Rosie O’Neill of Caputa, SD Leonard Lee of Rapid City, SD Travis Enright of Union Center, SD Bill Richter of New Underwood, SD Roger Scott of Rapid City, SD Todd Whitaker of Rapid City, SD Sue Eisenbraun of Wall, SD Sandra Feller of Wall, SD Josh Geigle of Creghton, SD

WREA Paid Over $434,015 To Area Schools 10533600

West River Electric pays a kilowatt hour tax on all kWh sold through the cooperative. Under South Dakota law, a formula is used to calculate the amount of tax from the kWh’s sold that is returned to the school district in which the electric services was provided. West River Electric’s wholesale power supplier, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, also pays the kWh tax on their portion of the member’s power bill. In 2016, West River Electric will 6 June 20 1 6

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cooperative connections

return $434,015.59 to area schools that operate in our service area.

Pennington County Schools received $359,588.12 Meade County Schools received $69,052.32 Jackson County Schools received $4,444.82 Ziebach Country Schools received $473.33 Oglala Lakota County Schools received $289.19 Haakon County Schools received $167.81

Congratulations 2016

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

The scholarships are for college and vo-tech bound students across West River Electric service area. The cooperative hopes the recipients will complete their education, return to their

$1000 recipient

community and apply their skills locally.

The scholarships are available to high school seniors and others pursuing a college degree or vocational degree. This year one $1000 and four $500 scholarships were awarded. We also gave out a $500 scholarship to a student who attended our Annual Meeting. Plans for the recipients of the 2016 scholarships include studies in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nursing, Pharmacy, Electrical Engineering, Business and Education.

$500 annual Meeting

$500 recipient

Keoni is from New Underwood and is the daughter of Roger and Tammy Bills. She plans to attend SDSU this fall and major in Nurse Practitioner Degree. Keoni participated in Track and National Honor Society, was Class President, Student Council and National Honor Society President, Yearbook Editor and SD Girls’ State Representative. Keoni plans to work in a SD medical facility as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

Kayli is from Wall and is the daughter of Tara Brunsch and Nathan Kjerstad.

Kayli received the scholarship given out at the WREA Annual Meeting in October. She plans to attend SDSU this fall and major in Nursing with a Minor in Business. Kayli participated in Volleyball, FFA, and National Honor Society. Kayli has a goal of becoming a Registered Nurse after assisting with the care of her grandparents.

Cassidy is from Box Elder and is the daughter of Jim and Merri Stratman.

She plans to attend SDSU this fall and major in Nursing. Cassidy participated in Volleyball, Cheerleading, High School Rodeo, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, 4-H, Student Council and Mission Jamaica. Cassidy plans to graduate from nursing school and continue her education to obtain a Degree as a Nurse Practitioner.

David is from Wall and is the son of Charles and Jeanine Sykora He plans to attend SDSU this fall and major in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science.

David participated in Basketball, Cross Country, Track, and National Honor Society. After fulfilling all his requirements for graduation David plans to go out of state and put his education to work to be 10638700 the best that he can be.

Josie is from Wall and is the daughter of Brett and Paula Blasius.

She plans to attend SDSU this fall and major in Pharmacy.

Josie participated in Student Council, Basketball, Volleyball, Oral Interp, FFA, National Honor Society, 4-H and served as a Lector at St. Patrick’s Church.

Josie plans to pursue a degree in pharmacy and return to Western SD where she can obtain a job as a pharmacist in a rural community like she grew up in.

Autumn is from Wasta and is the daughter of Stephanie Volmer and Joel Deering.

She plans to attend Chadron State College this fall and major in Early Childhood Education and minor in Nutrition. Autumn participated in National Honor Society, Drama Club, Friends of Rachel Club, and FCCLA. Autumn plans to graduate from college with honors and come back to the Wall Community to teach.

$500 recipient

$500 recipient

$500 recipient

cooperative connections • J un e 2016 7

Competing with Heart S.D. High School Rodeo Athletes Hit the Arena

W

By Brenda Kleinjan

On the cover: Siarra Johnson of Castlewood was the Barrel Racing Champion with 76.0 points. Below: Jeremiah Johnson of Huron competes in steer wrestling.

He placed 15th overall in the 2015 finals.

for South Dakota High School Rodeo Association, high school rodeo is at the heart of keeping the spirit of the West going.

“It’s a good event and keeps the western heritage alive in South Dakota is what we stress with the athletes,” said Rutten.

He notes that you’ll find the state’s high school rodeo athletes competing in school events throughout the year from football and volleyball to basketball and wresting and golf and track.

“The kids are involved in other sports in their school, too, but the high school rodeo is something the whole family travels together. It’s more of a family sport,” said Rutten.

Rutten estimates that 300 contestants will qualify for the state finals. And, in the stands will be hundreds of family members and friends.

“It’s a great fun family event, fun to compete in and fun to watch,” said Rutten.

South Dakota’s Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives have been supporters of high school rodeo

©CowboyImages.net

Photos Courtesy CowboyImages.net

hile many of the area’s high school athletes will have put their sports gear away for the summer having competed in their sport’s state event, the South Dakota’s high school rodeo athletes are just hitting their stride.

For high school rodeo athletes, June is their month. South Dakota regional rodeos are set for the first two weekends in June with Buffalo, Wall, Highmore and Huron hosting events June 3-5 while arenas in Dupree, Sturgis, Fort Pierre and Watertown will welcome athletes June 10-12. In Minnesota, regional rodeos are scheduled for weekends in May at Verndale, Long Prairie and Fergus Falls and June 4-5 in St. Peter with the state finals held June 10-12 in Hugo.

No matter where they compete, the approximately 450 members of the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association will have their sights set on Belle Fourche, host of the 2016 South Dakota High School Rodeo Finals June 14-18.

For Digger Rutten, public relations chairman

8 June 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

for several years. The cooperative brand adorns barrels used in regional and state competitions in the Rushmore State. And, athletes who earn short go shirts through their performances will carry a bit of co-op pride with them whenever they wear their shirt. As the short go shirt sponsors, the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives logo is stitched onto the shirt.

Nearly 120 such shirts were awarded after the 2015 finals.

According to Rutten, athletes qualify for the state final’s short go by combing the scores earned at the regional rodeos with the results of the first two go’s at the state rodeo.

The top four point getters in each event qualify for the national team while the 11 other athletes are recognized for making the short go.

In South Dakota, rodeo athletes compete in bareback riding, barrel racing, breakaway roping, bull riding, boys’ cutting, girls’ cutting, goat tying, pole bending, reined cow horse, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, team roping and tiedown. There is also a queen competition and shooting events.

“High school kids aren’t running for money. They rodeo for the points and prizes,” said Rutten, noting some differences between high school rodeo and pro rodeo.

“It’s more the competition to see how good you can be versus going for some money,” he said.

Additionally, high school rodeo has events that one doesn’t see in some other levels of rodeo.

“Pole bending is something you see in high school and 4-H rodeo, but not at some of the other levels,” Rutten said. “We have goat tying which you don’t see in the pros and cutting and reined cow horse is a new event for us.”

Behind the scenes at the rodeos are Rachael dozens of volunteers who work to keep McCoy (top) and Lathen the sport going for the teens.

Stevens (below) were Each one of the committees that hosts among recipients of a regional rodeo has a committee of volthe South Dakota High unteers that puts on the regional rodeos. School Rodeo Association’s A state level board of directors helps short go shirts. McCoy oversee things statewide, but regional earned her shirt in the pole bending event while committees and the state finals host Stevens competed in the committee are crucial to the program’s saddle bronc event. They success. were among nearly 120 “The regional meets are designed so SDHSRA athletes receiving that they don’t have to travel more than short go shirts in 2015.

200 miles to compete,” said Rutten.

For more on Minnesota High School rodeo, visit http:// www.mnhsrodeo.com/. For more information on South Dakota High School Rodeo, go to http://www.sdhsra.com/

Huron to Host National Junior High Finals Rodeo The South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron, S.D., has been selected to host the 2018 and 2019 National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR) by the National High School Rodeo Association. The NJHFR is the second largest rodeo in the world with approximately 1,000 contestants and over 1,500 entries. During these events, three countries are represented including 42 U.S. states, five Canadian Provinces and the country of Australia.

While the official rodeo performances take place over the course of seven days, the entire event encompasses a total of 15 days from set-up to tear-down. Along with the rodeo, comes one of the largest western trade shows in the nation.

There are also a myriad of other contestant recreational and sporting activities including one of the fastest growing shooting competitions in the U.S. Officials estimate the event will have an economic impact of over $9.2 million for Huron and the surrounding area.

“This is going to be a great undertaking for Huron and the SD State Fairgrounds,” stated Peggy Besch, SD State Fair manager, “but, we are up for the task! This will clearly be a partnership between the State Fair, the City of Huron, Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau, Beadle County, businesses and organizations in the Huron area, and many volunteers.”

“Not only is this event great for Huron and the SD State Fairgrounds, but it is great for the entire state,” said Laurie Shelton, president and CEO of the Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau. “All of these people will be traveling through South Dakota. They will be stopping for fuel, food, lodging and visiting the many tourist attractions along the way.”

The NJHFR is scheduled for June 24-30, 2018, and June 23-29, 2019, in Huron, S.D. Created in 2004, the NHSRA Junior High Division was established to bring the excitement of the sport to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders and to serve as a feeder system into the high school ranks of the Association. Today, all 48 states and provinces that belong to the NHSRA also produce a Junior High Division as well, with over 2,500 members in total now competing. Junior High Division students compete in a variety of events, including Barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, breakaway roping, tie-down roping, chute dogging, team roping, ribbon roping, junior bull riding, bareback steer riding and saddle bronc steer riding.

Gallup, N.M., hosted the NJHFR from 2005 through 2013. The rodeo moved to Des Moines, Iowa, for 2014-15 and the 2016 NJHFR is set for June 19-25 in Lebanon, Tenn., which will also host the 2017 finals. South Dakota’s state junior high finals were held May 13-15, 2016, in Rapid City.

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • June 2016 9

Once a Rough Town

Scenic is Quiet Today A

Editor’s Note The early 1900’s word was out that there was land open for filing, so with faith in God, our country and themselves, the people started Scenic.

By Veronica Kusser

“Scenic is the only place in the world where you can walk across main street knee deep in mud and have dust blow in your face.”

Bernita Bloom was kind enough to take a day to visit and tour the Scenic area with me. Bernita has spent all of her 90 years on the same ranch east of Scenic. She taught and substituted in different schools for 17 years, but always came home as that is where her heart is.

She shared with me that Scenic was established in 1907 when the railroad came from the East as this was the last stop going west in the Badlands.

An Engineer who thought that the Badlands were beautiful named the little town. The Milwaukee train had a passenger train that came thru twice a man once said,

In 1911 the Congregational Church was built 7 1/2 miles from Scenic at Kube Table and later in 1914 was moved into Scenic. That must have been quite a job to move a building that far with the resources available at the time. In 1920 the Church was replaced due to the need for a larger facility. The church stills stands today as the Tatanka Shop.

There was a bank, which Bernita added, “not everyone left their money there, they didn’t The Hynes homestead atop Sheep feel safe leaving it.” There was a Table made of sod! dairy business, a hotel, a saloon, Snyder’s Livery Barn, a blacksmith shop, lumber day. This made it convenient for those needing to yard, a theater, an ice house in the back of get to the big city the store, stock yards - which were the biggest to do trading. stockyards till you got to Rapid City.

The first settlers Print Palmer was the editor of the The of Scenic were Ab Scenic Observer, the local paper, which is how Jefferson, his wife news was shared. There was the Alamo Pool and three daughHall, where there was usually a good game ters. In 1907 he of poker going on. Bernita remembers that it built the first busiwas a good place to get an ice cream cone for a ness, a saloon, a tar The Longhorn Saloon nickel or a dime. paper shack which The Badlands was known for having water sat on the south side of the railroad track. problems, so Connie Hannifan dug a cistern and As time went on more businesses were built, would haul water from five miles away in wooden such as a post office, a mercantile store, 2 restaurants, a drug store, a grocery store, grain elevator, a barrels to fill his cistern. He sold water to the locals or whomever could afford it for 10 cents a gallon. train depot, and a catholic church.

The 1st Train entering the SD Badlands

10 June 2 0 1 6

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Congregational Church built in 1920

cooperative connections

In the very early years of Scenic they had a physician, Miss Sherwood, yes a lady physician, not often heard of. She cared for those who were brought down by illness or in some way injured. She was also able to give advice on treating sick animals. By 1926, when Bernita was born, there was no longer a physician in the area and her mother was forced to go to New Underwood for her birth.

The early days children were home schooled by the pioneer mothers in their own homes. The people of Scenic saw there was a need, so a big red brick building was erected for educating the kids. The high school was in the upper story of the building with the rest of the students going downstairs. The last year for the High School to graduate anyone was in 1946 when Alvin Zietlow was the lone senior.

Entertainment for young and old alike in the early days of Scenic could be found at the ball diamond, the rodeo arena and the dance hall.

Bernita shared, “The Main Street of Scenic around 1910 hall was lit up by kerosene lanterns hanging along the outside edge of the hall. My uncle, played the violin, his wife played the dulcimer and my dad played the accordion for the dances. The hall wasn’t big, so only 2 or 3 couples were able to dance and the rest would look on and wait until their turn.” Another thing that Bernita

remembers is the skating and marshmallow roasting parties that the young people would gather for.

This being a half drunken town, the (WPA) Workman’s Progress Association, issued under Franklin Roosevelt, built a jail out of native rock. This jail that still stands, is where the drunks were Scenic Jail made from native rock. taken to until they sobered up and then they were let out the next morning.

Henry Schneider was a drayer taking the goods from the depot to the stores after the train arrived. Some goods were stored in one end of the depot waiting for pickup by the people of the community. Bernita remembers taking eggs and milk to town to be shipped out.

It is hard to believe that Scenic was once home to over 280 people and today there are 4 people who remain to keep this little town alive; 3 adults and one 8th grader. There is a convenience store where you can get a soda, grab a candy bar and fill your tank with gas. In the southeast corner of town where the school once stood is the Scenic Community Church which also serves as a Community Hall.

Many settlers came to the Badlands expecting to get rich quick by growing lush crops and proving up 160 acres of land. Very few were able to endure the cards that were dealt, as it hardly rained, and crops were few.

Scenic endured many fires and rebuilt many businesses time after time until such time that transportation to the big city became convenient.

Special thank you to Bernita Bloom who shared a lot of history today as she shared her knowledge of the Scenic area.

Bernita Bloom overlooking Indian Creek east of Scenic at the Frank Bloom Ranch in the Badlands.

cooperative connections • J un e 2016 11

Co-ops Vote

Co-ops Launch Non-Partisan Voter Engagement Program

A

merica’s electric cooperatives have launched

By Justin LaBerge

a non-partisan, nationwide effort to promote civic engagement and voter participation in the communities they serve.

Jeffrey Connor, interim CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, unveiled the Co-ops Vote program in time for the 2016 election

cycle.

“Through Co-ops Vote, we want to help our members know when elections are, what’s at stake and how to make their voices heard,” Connor said.

“Who folks vote for isn’t really as important as the fact that they do vote.”

The Co-ops Vote initiative focuses on eight

VISIT VOTE.COOP TO LEARN HOW TO BECOME A CO-OP VOTER. 12 June 2016 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

issues that are important to health and prosperity of communities served by electric cooperatives: Rural Broadband Access Hiring and Honoring Veterans Low-Income Energy Assistance Cybersecurity Water Regulation Rural Health Care Access Affordable and Reliable Energy Renewable Energy “Electric cooperatives are perfectly designed to help address these important issues,” Connor said. “We can make politics ‘local’ again because civic engagement is part of our DNA.” A new website, vote.coop, offers co-op members information on the voter registration process in their state, dates of elections, information on the candidates running in those elections, and explanations of the eight key issues the campaign aims to address.

In keeping with its non-partisan goals, the initiative will not be endorsing specific candidates for office.

Mel Coleman, president of NRECA and CEO of North Arkansas Electric Cooperative said the program would help ensure the voices of rural Americans are heard.

“We want to make sure our government knows that rural America matters,” Coleman said. “This campaign isn’t about divisive, partisan issues. It’s about real people in real places facing real challenges. It’s about our co-ops living out the principles of our movement: Concern for community and democratic control.”

Connor cited partisan gridlock in Washington, the explosive growth of money in politics and the effects of gerrymandering as important reasons for launching the program. In 2014, 318 of 1 2

435 House races had a margin of victory of 20 points or more1, and 30 House candidates – 16 Democrats and 14 Republicans representing 11 states – didn’t even face an opponent in the general election2.

“Elections aren’t won and lost in November anymore,” Connor said.

“They’re really decided in primaries months sooner, when fewer voters recognize the opportunity to vote, fewer participate and only a handful of issues are up for debate.”

This results in a Congress where more members represent the extremes of each political party and are less inclined to seek compromise and bipartisan solutions to problems.

“The electric cooperative movement has always been non-partisan, and our communities are facing too many challenges to have a government crippled by bickering,” Coleman said.

“When our parents and grandparents set out to electrify rural America, they didn’t have time to ask the person next to them about their views on economic or social policy. Their economic policy was ‘we need to save this community’ and their social policy was ‘let’s do it together.’ I hope the Co-ops Vote program can help rekindle that spirit of cooperation.”

For more information about Co-ops Vote and the impact of these eight key issues on the people of South Dakota, western Minnesota and north central Nebraska, contact your local electric cooperative or visit vote.coop.

Pledge to be a co-op voter Find key election information Learn about the issues Register to vote

VOTE.COOP

TAKE THE PLEDGE

Commit today to make your voice heard on Election Day! Get reminders about the upcoming election.

Recruit your friends, family, and co-workers to become co-op voters today.

Justin LaBerge writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-forprofit electric cooperatives.

https://ballotpedia.org/Margin_of_victory_analysis_for_the_2014_congressional_elections http://atr.rollcall.com/elections-2014-running-unopposed-congress/

VOTE.COOP COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • June 2016 13

Co-op news

Sign Up

Youth Excursion

Road Trip to Bismarck, ND Deadline is May 26, 2016 Youth Excursion Road Trip this summer? West River Electric will sponsor area students at the South Dakota Rural Electric Youth Excursion. This four-day event will be headquartered out of Bismarck, North Dakota.

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

Students will tour the Great Plains Synfuels Plant, Coteau Properties Freedom Coal Mine, Antelope Valley Station Power Plant and a drive thru the 40-mw Wilton Wind Farm north of Bismarck.

Evenings will be spent swimming, dancing, taking a cruise, shopping and making friends.

All area high school freshman, sophomores and juniors whose parents or guardians are members of WREA are eligible to enter. Students will be picked up Monday morning, July 25, and will arrive back home Thursday, July 28. The trip is funded

by WREA except for personal/shopping money. Fill out the form below to have your name put into the selection process.

Name_____________________________________Male_____Female____ Parent or Guardian _____________________________________________

Fill out and send to: West River Electric Assoc.

Cooperative Connections, PO Box 3486, Rapid City, SD 57709 Or drop it in with your payment.

Sign up for: Operation Roundup Budget Billing Pay By Bank Automatic Credit Card Payment I am interested in more information on: Marathon Water Heater Radiant Cove Heat Meco Grills Special Electric Heat Rate Geothermal & Air-to-Air Heat Pumps Rebates Radiant Floor Heating Demand Response Unit Generlink Be sure to include your name and address if you mail this coupon or E mail: veronica.kusser@westriver. coop

Address______________________________________________________ City______________________________________State_____Zip_______ Telephone_____________T-Shirt Size_____ Age_____ School Attending______________________________ Grade__________ Send to West River Electric Association, Youth Excursion, PO Box 3486, Rapid City, SD 57709. For more information regarding the Youth Excursion contact Veronica Kusser at 605-393-1500 or e-mail veronica.kusser@westriver.coop.

West RiveR electRic office HouRs Rapid city office 3250 e. HWy 44, Rapid city, sd monday-fRiday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm 605-393-1500 Wall office 1200 W. 4tH ave, Wall, sd monday-fRiday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm 605-279-2135 14 Jun e 2 0 1 6

•

cooperative connections

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

Service & Billing Questions: Contact 605-279-2135 or 605393-1500 during office hours. You can e-mail us at info@westriver.coop on questions concerning your account.

After Hours Power Restoration: Contact 605-279-2135 in the Wall or Enning areas and 605-393-1500 in the Rapid City area.

3436500

Call Before You Dig! stats March 2015 Number of Meters: 16,312 KWH 23,842,625 March 2016 Number of Meters: 16,613 KWH 21,201,640

Co-op news

Application Deadline July 8, 2016 We invite all of our members to participate in a member-to-member contribution option that’s quick, inexpensive and unites the entire membership to help each other. Operation RoundUp is designed for ease and maximum benefits for the program. Members volunteering for the Round-Up option agree to have their monthly bill rounded up to the nearest dollar with the extra pennies going to the program.

The average donation will amount to approximately $6 during the course of a year. Imagine, if 50% of West River Electric’s nearly 13,000 members signed up for Round Up, the fund would have $39,000 to be used to help local charities and civic organizations. Your last bill of the year will show your total contribution for tax purposes. Your voluntary participation will help someone else.

Round-Up is voluntary! Just fill out the form below and return it with your next bill payment to your local office or drop it in the mail.

Operation Round-Up will be accepting applications for funding; the deadline to apply is July 8, 2016. Anyone interested in applying for funds, please stop by to pick up an application at the Wall or Rapid City Office, call Wall 279-2135 or Rapid City at 393-1500 or go online to westriver.coop. To sign up to donate to Operation Round-up fill out the form below and return with your payment. ___ Yes I want to participate in Operation Round Up ___ Please send me more information Name ____________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________ City _____________________________________________________ State ______________ Zip _ _________ Phone ___________________ Acct # ________________ I would like to donate an additional amount over and above the normal roundup amount of $________per month, please apply this to my bill each month.

Please return with your bill or fill out and mail to: West River Electric, PO Box 412, Wall, SD 57790.

enerGY tip Check out your Sump Pump for the rainy season. If the casing that the sump pump resides in is dry, dump a 5 gallon bucket of water in it to make sure the pump turns on.

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 next month, you will receive a $10.00 credit on your next bill.

(USPS No. 675-840)

Our Mission

To inform you about your cooperative and its efforts to serve your energy needs; about how to use electricity safely and efficiently; and about the people who define and enhance the quality of life in communities served by electric co-ops.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer

President Andy Moon, Creighton, S.D. Vice President Stan Anders, Union Center, S.D. Secretary Bill Bielmaier, Wall, S.D. Treasurer Larry Eisenbraun, Wall, S.D. Directors Howard Knuppe, New Underwood, S.D. Marcia Arneson, Rapid City, S.D. Jamie Lewis, Rapid City, S.D. Jerry Hammerquist, Caputa, S.D. Chuck Sloan, Piedmont, S.D. CEO/General Manager Dick Johnson Editor Veronica Kusser 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 Postage aid 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)393-0275; e-mail veronica.kusser@westriver. coop.

Call before you dig: All underground cable location requests for the entire state of South Dakota are made through the South Dakota One-Call System. The number is toll free, 1-800781-7474 (dial 811 instate).

You are required to provide this one-call center with information regarding the location where you will be digging, along with a description of the type of work you will be doing. You are required to give at least a 48-hour notice before you dig. The one-call center will then notify all utilities with underground facilities in the area where you will be digging.

cooperative connections • J un e 2016 15

regional Dateline

Events of Special Note

May 21 High School Graduation 3 p.m., High School Gym New Underwood, SD

May 22 High School Graduation, 2 p.m.

RC Christian School Rapid City, SD May 22 Douglas High School Graduation, 2 p.m., Patriot Stadium, Box Elder, SD May 22 RC Central High School Graduation, 1:30 p.m.

Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City, SD May 22 RC Stevens High School Graduation, 1:30 p.m.

Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City, SD May 22 St. Thomas More High School Graduation, 2 p.m., Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Rapid City, SD May 30 West River Electric will be closed in observance of Memorial Day, in case of an emergency call 393-1500 in the Rapid City area and 279-2135 in the Wall and Enning area

Photo CoURtESY oF ChAD CoPPESS, S.D. toURISM

May 21 High School Graduation 1:30 p.m., High School Gym Wall, SD

May 27-August 13 Artists of the Black Hills 11th Annual Exhibition, Dahl Arts Center, Rapid City, SD 605-394-4101 June 3-5 Fort Sisseton Historical Festival, Lake City, SD 605-448-5474

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.

June 3-5 Black Hills Quilt Show Rushmore Hall, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City, SD, 605-394-4115 June 3-5 Wall Regional Rodeo, Wall, SD 605-279-2665 June 4 Miss South Dakota’s Outstanding Teen Pageant Performing Arts Center of Rapid City, Rapid City, SD www.msdoteen.org June 23 Boston 40th Anniversary Tour Ice Arena, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City, SD 605-394-4115 June 25 Wall 4-H Rodeo, Wall, SD 605-279-2665 June 29 Black Hills Veterans Job Fair

James Kjerstad Events Center Central States Fair Grounds Rapid City, SD, 605-737-6011 July 4 West River Electric will be closed in observance of Independence Day, in case of an emergency, call 393-1500 in the Rapid City area and 279-2135 in the Wall and Enning area July 7-9 Wall SDRA Rodeo, Wall, SD 605-279-2665 July 7-9 109th Annual Wall Celebration Wall, SD, 605-279-2665 July 8 Deadline for Operation Round Up® Applications, West River Electric Association, Wall Rapid City and Enning 605-393-1500 or 605-279-2135

July 10 Naja Shrine Circus, 2 p.m.

Rodeo Grounds, Philip, SD July 14, 21, 28 Wall Play Days Rodeo Wall, SD, 605-279-2665 August 4 Wall Play Days Rodeo Wall, SD, 605-279-2665 August 16-18 Dakotafest, Schlaffman Farm Mitchell, SD, 651-768-2194 September 5 West River Electric will be closed in observance of Labor Day, in case of an emergency call 393-1500 in the Rapid City area and 279-2135 in the Wall and Enning area September 23 West River Electric Appreciation Day, Rapid City Office, Rapid City, SD 605-393-1500