Wrea oct2017

OCTOBER 2017 VOL. 18 NO. 6

Coming Up Pumpkins Page 8-9

Webster, S.D., Celebrates Pumpkin Fest

Board Room News

2017 Annual Meeting

Jerry Hammerquist District 1

West River Electric Annual Meeting Saturday, October 7, 2017 Wall Community Center

Dick Johnson CEO/General Manager

Registration at 9:00 a.m. with coffee and cookies being served during registration.

The Business Meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Door prize drawings during the meeting with a grand prize chance at the end. One lucky member will be given the opportunity to win up to $500.00 by playing the High/Low Game.

We will be drawing for 4-$500 Scholarships - High School Seniors or College Students are eligible, but must be in attendance from the beginning of the meeting to the end.

Howard Knuppe District 1

Jamie Lewis District 1

After the meeting lunch tickets will be given out and lunch will be served at your favorite restaurant in Wall.

Marcia Arneson District 2

Stan Anders District 2

Chuck Sloan District 2

Larry Eisenbraun District 3

Sue Peters District 3

Andy Moon District 3

West River Electric Board of Director Appointment Sue Peters has been appointed as Board of Director to District 3 to fulfill the term of Terry Peters, who passed away unexpectedly in July. Sue is originally from Hoven, SD. After graduating from High School she attended NAU where she received a Secretarial Degree. Upon graduation she gained employment with Production Credit Association where she worked in the Rapid City and then Philip area for a total of 10 years. When they closed the Philip office, she went to work part time for Johnson Ranch Supply in Wall and in 1987 was hired on full time at Golden West. Sue started at Golden West as a receptionist, transfering to a service representative and eventually moving into the accountanting department until retirement in 2015.

Sue and her late husband Terry have two children, Talon and Kelsey. Sue spends is a member of St Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Womens Group. She spends time volunteering with the Quad County Relay for Life, which she has been a part of since 2003. She is always on call at the Best Western Motel to fill in where needed. This was always a big part of their family life, as Terry was owner/operator for 35 years.

Sue is grateful for the opportunity to be involved with a great organization and looks forward to the challenges that the Board faces each day with the EPA Rules and Regulations.

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Voting Regulations 1.

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Annual Meeting Saturday, October 7, 2017 Wall Community Center, Wall, SD 9:00 am Registration with coffee & cookies 10:00 am Business Meeting Door Prizes 4-$500 Scholarships to High School or College Students Opportunity to Play High/Low Game for up to $500 FREE Child Care Available Free lunch at your favorite Wall Restaurant

Notice of ANNuAl MeetiNg of MeMbers of West river electric AssociAtioN, iNc. WAll, south DAkotA The Annual Meeting of members of West River Electric Association, Inc. will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, the 7th of October 2017, at the Wall Community Center, in the town of Wall, County of Pennington, State of South Dakota, for the purpose of: 1. Receiving reports of officers, directors and committees; 2. Electing one director from each of the (3) districts for a term of three (3) years to replace those directors whose terms expire; 3. Approving, ratifying and confirming all the acts of the Directors of the Association and its officers taken prior to this annual meeting; 4. Transacting any and all business which may be necessary, convenient or desirable in connection with any of the foregoing at said meetings or at any properly scheduled adjournments hereto; Dated at Wall, South Dakota, this 19th day of September, 2017 Jamie Lewis, Secretary, West River Electric Association, Inc.

Do You NeeD speciAl AccoMoDAtioNs to be A pArt of the ANNuAl MeetiNg? Need for auxiliary aids or services: Facilities are accessible to people with mobility impairments. If you need auxiliary aids or services in order to participate in the meeting (e.g., sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, materials in alternative format), please submit a request to West River Electric at (605) 279-2135. To ensure auxiliary aids or services are available, please make the request(s) is at least 10 days in advance of the meeting. 10583500

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Each voter must be a member of West River Electric Association, Inc. Each member has only one vote.

For joint memberships, where the service is in the name of two individuals, one of the individuals may vote, but not both, and neither are eligible to have any other memberships.

Spouses may both have individual memberships, and under South Dakota statutes, one spouse may vote on behalf of the other, provided that the other has not indicated otherwise at the time of the meeting.

Persons casting a vote for a partnership, incorporated business, association, church, school township or other political body must have a completed authorization. The form is provided on this page of this issue.

No campaigning by or for director candidates are allowed in the hall.

At registration, the member will be given a slip that will be exchanged for a ballot at the time of voting.

Each member organization should designate a representative who is an officer, shareholder, or member of their organization. This form must be signed by an officer of the governing body and be filled out prior to the WREA Annual Meeting. Forms will not be available at the registration table.

This form is to designate the voting delegate of an organization. This form should be completed and signed by an officer of the organization and brought to the meeting.

Voting Authorization Necessary for Organizations

Non-Individual members such as schools, municipalities, churches, organizations, and corporations are entitled to representation and one vote, but the proper procedure must be followed to exercise this right.

Each member organization should designate a representative who is an officer, shareholder, or member of their organization. This form must be signed by an officer of the governing body.

Authorization to Vote

This is to certify that _______________________________ of ______________________________in a duly assembled meeting, designated _______________________ who is a(n) Officer, Shareholder, or Member (CIRCLE ONE) of said organization, to represent the ________________________________at the regular Annual Meeting of the members of West River Electric Association, Inc., to be held October 7, 2017 and said person is authorized to cast such member’s vote on all issues that may come before said meeting.

The undersigned verifies that (s)he is the ______________________ of said organization and authorized to execute this instrument on behalf thereof. _____________________________ Signature

___________ Date

Organization Address ___________________________ ___________________________ Phone Number: ________________ Witness Mailing Address ___________________________ ___________________________ Phone Number: ________________ ___________________________ _______________________

Print Name of Witness

Signature of Witness

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • Oct o b er 2017 3

Safety

Matters

Fall Electrical Safety Tips The weather is starting to get cooler and as summer rolls into fall, we thought we’d remind everyone of ways they can keep their homes safe from fires!

Check your smoke detectors. You should test your smoke detectors twice a year – once in the spring, once in the fall. In addition, remember that smoke detectors are designed to last 10 years. If yours is older than that, it’s highly recommended that you install a new one. New smoke detector laws that went into effect earlier this year require all new smoke detectors to have 10-year batteries, so you don’t have to worry about replacing the batteries along the way.

Check carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Having a smoke detector isn’t enough anymore; if you want to keep your family totally safe, you need to also install a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and highly toxic gas that can be deadly even in small amounts and can be released by any faulty gas appliance, including furnaces and fireplaces. Your best bet? Install a combination smoke alarm/carbon monoxide alarm for maximum protection.

Inspect your extension cords. With the holidays coming up, you’re going to want to make sure your extension cords are in good shape and not damaged or frayed. Any extension cords you’re planning on using outdoors should be weather-rated.

Inside, make sure you use surge protectors and power strips with internal overload protection and make sure you minimize the amount of adapters plugged into a single outlet.

Be careful with space heaters. Space heaters are convenient, but can be a major fire hazard if you’re not careful with them.

Make sure there is nothing flammable within three feet of the space heater and never plug it into an extension cord.

Protect your outdoor electrical systems. Any outdoor electrical outlets should be GFCI outlets and covered by a “bubble cover” to keep the elements out. If your electrical service cable is exposed, make sure it’s not damaged. During the holidays, don’t hang any decorations on or near the cable.

Install arc fault circuit interrupters. These are not required by building codes, but they offer a higher level of protection for your electrical system and are generally highly recommended.

Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI) are designed to detect an unintended electrical arc and disconnect the power before an electrical fire can start. They are the safest way to protect a home from the risk of electrical fire.

Source: kolbelectric.com 4 October 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

Kids’ Corner Safety Poster “Don’t drive under a power line with your bucket high.”

Gus Dennis, 9 years old Gus is the son of Chance and Hope Dennis, Red Owl, S.D. They are members of Grand Electric Cooperative, Bison, 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.

National Co-op Month | October 2017 Did you know? Co-ops are rooted in values to better serve their members. Co-ops are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality and solidarity.

Reader

Recipes

Pasta Perfection Creamy Grilled Chicken Piccata

Ham and Spinach Two-Cheese Pasta

Chicken: 3 T. lemon juice 3 T. olive oil 1 T. minced garlic 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1/2 tsp. basil 2 boneless chicken breasts

2 oz. dried whole-grain penne pasta (2/3 cup) 1 (5 oz.) pkg. fresh baby spinach 2 tsp. olive oil 1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium) 1 T. all-purpose flour

Pasta: 2 cups dried penne 2 T. butter 6 T. lemon juice 1 T. minced garlic 1/2 cup half & half 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 2 tsp. dried basil 2 T. capers

Combine first 6 ingredients and mix well. Place chicken and liquid mixture in Ziploc bag and marinate overnight. Grill when done. Cook penne according to package directions; drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. In same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in lemon juice and garlic.

Pour in half & half; whisk until hot. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add parmesan cheese, basil and capers; heat until cheese is melted. Check sauce consistency and add pasta water to loosen sauce if necessary. Toss in pasta.

In a medium saucepan, cook pasta according to package directions. Place spinach in a large colander in sink. Pour pasta over spinach in colander; drain well. Set aside. In same saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook about 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in flour, mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Add evaporated milk all at once. Cook and stir until slightly thickened. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Stir in Italian blend cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. Cook and stir until cheese melts. Stir in pasta mixture and ham; stir gently to coat. Divide mixture between 2 10-ounce ramekins or individual casserole dishes. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Bake at 400°F. about 10 minutes or until tops start to brown.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories 332, Total Fat 4g, Sodium 571mg, Cholesterol 27mg, Carbohydrates 37g, Protein 23g

PJ Hansel, Sherman

Bow Tie Pasta 2 lbs. ground beef 2 medium onions 1 (12 oz.) box bow tie pasta 1 jar Cheese Whiz

1/2 tsp. McCormick® mustard, ground 1/2 cup evaporated fat-free milk 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Italian blend cheese 2 T. shredded Parmesan cheese 2 oz. low-sodium ham, cubed

Pictured, Cooperative Connections

1 large jar Pace mild chunky salsa 1 (12 oz.) pkg. mozzarella cheese, shredded

Dice onions and fry with hamburger; drain well. Cook, rinse and drain pasta according to package directions. Stir Cheese Whiz and salsa together well. Combine all ingredients except mozzarella and place in a 9x13-inch pan. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350°F. for 45 minutes. Enjoy with Italian or garlic bread!

Lasagna 8 oz. lasagna noodles 1 lb. ground beef 2/3 (28 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce 2 lbs. ricotta cheese 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese 1 egg

1/4 C. dried basil 1 clove garlic 1 (8 oz.) pkg. sliced pepperoni sausage 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded

Beat together eggs and milk. Add to cooked macaroni; spread on greased cookie sheet. In a saucepan, combine hamburger, onion and pizza sauce; simmer a few minutes.

Spread on macaroni mixture. Top with cheese. Bake at 350°F. for 20 minutes. Let set a few minutes before serving.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Brown hamburger; drain. In a saucepan, heat spaghetti sauce. In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, Romano cheese, egg, basil and garlic. Coat bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish with sauce. Place 3 or 4 noodles in bottom of pan, overlapping edges; cover with sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over noodles. Cover ricotta with half hamburger, half pepperoni slices and 1/4 of mozzarella cheese. Repeat sauce, noodles, ricotta, meat and cheese layers. Layer sauce and noodles again; pour remaining sauce over all, being sure to cover edges. Top with remaining mozzarella. Cover pan with foil and pierce 3 or 4 times with a fork to ventilate. Bake at 375°F. for 45 minutes.

Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes to brown top.

Kathleen Hahn, Lennox

Cortney Reedy, Tea

Trudy Moberg, Bruce

Pizza Macaroni 2 eggs 1 cup milk 2 cups cooked macaroni 2 lbs. ground beef, browned

1 onion 1 can pizza sauce Shredded cheese

Please send your favorite slow cooker, holiday treat and soup 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 2017. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • October 2017 5

Co-op News

Notice of Nomination By The Nominating Committee District No. 1: Consisting of the area served by the cooperative in Pennington County, South Dakota, West of the Cheyenne River.

Jerry Hammerquist District No. 2: Consisting of the area served by the Cooperative in Meade and Ziebach Counties, South Dakota.

Chuck Sloan Marsha Simmons District No. 3: Consisting of the area served by the Cooperative East of the Cheyenne River.

Larry Eisenbraun You are further notified that the above nominations are made for the position of Director for a three year term to fill the term of the expiring Director, and that one individual from each district will be elected at the October 7, 2017 Annual Meeting of the Association. 3954700 Notice is hereby given that the members of the Nominating Committee, at a meeting of the Nominating Committee on May 30, 2017 held pursuant to Section 4, Article IV of the Bylaws of West River Electric Association, Inc. nominated the following individuals for the position of Director, to be voted on at the October 7, 2017 Annual Meeting from the following Districts:

Dated this 7th day of June, 2017.

Nominating Committee of the West River Electric Association, Inc. duly appointed by the Board of Directors, pursuant to Section 4, Article IV of the bylaws.

By Todd Whitaker, Chairperson of the Nominating Committee.

Notice of Nomination By Petition Notice is hereby given that a nominating petition for the following candidate has been filed for Director, pursuant to Section 4, Article IV of the Bylaws of West River Electric Association, Inc. This candidate for the position of director will be voted on at the October 7, 2017, Annual Meeting from the following District: District No. 3: Consisting of the area served by the Cooperative East of the Cheyenne River.

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Amanda Frink, 23745 Highway 240, Wall, SD 57790 You are further notified that the above nomination is made for the position of Director for a three year term, and that one individual from each district will be elected at the October 7, 2017 Annual Meeting of the Association.

Dated this 31st day of August, 2017.

By Jamie Lewis, Secretary

Coop

News

Nomination for Board of Directors Chuck Sloan - District 2 Chuck Sloan is seeking re-election to the District 2 director position. He is employed as a civil servant with The United States Air Force. Chuck served on various advisory committees during his 21 year active duty career in the Air Force.

He is a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and currently serves on the West River Electric appreciation day/annual meeting planning committee. Chuck has earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate by attending 40 hours of classroom instruction. He and his wife Nancy have two sons; C.J. and Clay and one granddaughter. Chuck is very eager and interested in continuing his service to the members of WREA based on the importance of the future of the cooperative in light of the many challenges that lay ahead.

Jerry Hammerquist - District 1 Jerry Hammerquist is seeking re-election to the board from District 1. Jerry operates a ranch near Caputa. He is a member of the Elks Club, Central States Fair, Western Junior Livestock Show and is involved in many other civic and community activities. He is a past president and director of the Pennington County ASCS and thePenningtcon County FmHA. He is current president of the Rapid Valley Conservancy District, President of Rushmore Electric and Chairman of ACRE for South Dakota Rural Electric Association. Jerry is a member of the Western South Dakota Buckaroos. He and his wife Janice, have two grown children.

Marsha Simmons - District 2 Marsha Simmons is seeking election to the Board for District 2 Director position. She grew up in the Boneita Springs area, after graduation from Wall High School she went to work for Landstrom’s BH Gold. She worked there for the next 32 years, with 29 of those years being in management. Marsha and her husband Tom farm and ranch north of New Underwood. They have one son, Jason. Marsha has spent 37 years volunteering as a 4-H Leader and has been on the Western Junior Livestock Board for the past 3 years. She sees the importance of being involved with our Youth as they are the future of our cooperative, and would like to be a part of the leadership team helping WREA with the challenges that we face with todays clean air regulations and rules.

Nomination by Petition Larry Eisenbraun - District 3 Larry Eisenbraun is seeking re-election to the District 3 director position. He and his son, Scot, farm and ranch in the Wall area. He has two other grown children, Sam and Chad with nine grandchildren and one great grandson. Larry has served as a Director on the SD Farm Bureau; served as Chairman of the Wall School Board; committee member of the ASCS Board, NRCS Supervisor; served as Township Clerk for Rainy Creek Township; is a lifetime member of Emmanual Lutheran Church serving on various boards, and has served on various West River Electric planning committees and various other boards.

Amanda Frink - District 3 Amanda Frink is seeking election to the Board for the District 3 director position. Amanda grew up in the Wall area and attended Wall School.

She is currently doing direct sales with SeneGence as well as growing their Frink Quarter Horse business. She was previously employed at Wall Meats, which had been in her family for the past 33 years, and was sold this past summer. She took one year off from Wall Meats to work at BankWest in Kadoka. Amanda is the Township Board Treasurer. She is very interested and driven to have her generation step up and serve on local boards and committees. Her and her husband Travis have 4 kids to raise here and if she’s not trying to better the community, then she feels that she has not done justice to herself, her family or her friends.

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • Oct o b er 2017 7

Pumpkins Galore P

umpkins will take center stage at a festival

Brenda Kleinjan

Below: Dozens of floats are lit up for the Pumpkin Fest Lighted Night Parade on Webster’s Main Street.

Cover Photo: Mascots of all shapes can be found on Pumpkin Fest floats.

(Photo Courtesy Webster, S.D., Reporter & Farmer newspaper.)

dedicated to the ubiquitous fall vegetable Oct. 6-7 in Webster, S.D. What started as a lighted evening parade centered around the orange squash in this northeastern South Dakota town has expanded to a two-day festival celebrating not only pumpkins, but the onset of fall in general.

“It started as a parade first and then became a full-blown Pumpkin Fest,” said Marcia Lefman, secretary/treasurer for the Webster Area Chamber of Commerce, which helps organize the festival.

And, there truly is something for everyone.

On Friday, Pumpkin Fest treats and coffee can be found at Webster banks with a bake sale being held at one bank.

At 5 p.m., winners of the Sixth Annual Scarecrow Contest will be announced in both the business and individual categories. (The local Touchstone Energy® Cooperative, Lake Region Electric Association in Webster, took top honors in the 2016 contest.)

“It’s all a lot of fun and very festive for fall with the scarecrows and the decorated corners,” said Lefman.

8 October 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

Later that evening, coloring contest entries are due and the American Legion hosts the first of two nights of bingo and turkey shoots.

Saturday morning, dozens of pumpkins decorated by area elementary students will be on display at the Day County Arts building.

And, pets get in on the fun in the Pumpkin Costume Contest held on Main Street with prizes for kids, adults and pets.

For adults 21 and over, there’s even a poker run, but leave your motorcycle or car at home. Participants in this poker run make it from location to location using a lawn mower, ATV or golf cart as they make stops at five participating businesses to draw their best hand.

At 10 a.m., the Pumpkin King and Queen and Pumpkin Prince and Princess will be announced.

The public can nominate 3- to 5-year-olds for the prince and princess contest and voting takes place at the Dakotah Bank lobby. The King and Queen Contest is also sponsored by the bank, however this year local eating establishments are having a friendly competition by sponsoring the King and Queen candidates. They can be an employee or

Photo by Lake Region Electric Association

hands, while also walking on their hands.

Pumpkin Kids Shuffle – Open to children ages 4 to 8, each member of the two-person relay team will carry a pumpkin 100 feet. First to cross the finish line with the pumpkin wins.

Pumpkin Dumpkin Kids Relay Hop – Kids ages 8 to 12 compete in two-person teams as each team member hops down a 50-foot field while simultaneously gripping a pumpkin between his or her legs.

The first team member hands off the pumpkin to the partner who hops back to the finish line in the same fashion.

Pumpkin Chunkin Manly Man Throw – Participants will hurl a big pumpkin as far as they can, with the distance measured from the center point of impact. Winners receive Chamber Dollars, a Manly Man Award and the championship t-shirt.

Pumpkins on Parade The festival’s shining event takes place as the sun goes down. The Pumpkin Fest Lighted Night Parade begins at 7 p.m. on Main Street. Entries are judged at 6:30 p.m., with prizes awarded for the Most Original, Most Pumpkins and Best Use of Lights.

“The lighted float is a pretty big parade,” said Lefman, noting that the northeast South Dakota event makes for a good day-trip for families. “It’s beautiful with all the lights.”

Above: Lake Region Electric Association in Webster, S.D., will attempt to defend its 2016 Scarecrow Decorating Contest during Webster’s Pumpkin Fest Oct. 6-7. The grand prize was $50 in Webster Chamber Bucks that was donated from LREA to the local food pantry.

The 2016 display glowed with lights at night and stood out during the day with the vibrant color scheme.

Below: Pumpkins decorated by area school children are on display during the festival.

Skills Tested at Pumpkin Challenge The Freedom Church Pumpkin Challenge 2017 begins at 4 p.m. and offers a variety of pumpkinrelated events: Pumpkin Crabwalk Challenge – Open to teens and adults, two-person relay teams attempt a crabwalk while carrying a pumpkin in their lap.

Pumpkin Rumble Wheelbarrow Race – Also open to teens and adults, the two-person teams attempt to race 100 feet with one person acting as the driver and the other as the wheelbarrow. The person in the wheelbarrow position must roll a pumpkin down the race course using either their head or their

Photo courtesy Webster Area Chamber of Commerce

Photo by Lake Region Electric Association

loyal patron of the business (age 45 and older).

The business is allowed to have a container in their premises to help collect votes (dimes, quarters, dollars) for “their candidate.” All funds raised go to Make-A-Wish South Dakota.

Aspiring cooks, bakers and chefs offer a variety of pumpkin-based items as they compete for honors in one of five food categories: pies, cakes, cookies/bars, breads and miscellaneous.

“In the baking contest – pumpkin needs to be the main ingredient,” said Lefman, noting that a past entry of a pumpkin moon pie was pretty memorable.

Baking contest awards are given out at noon and all entries are sampled at 1 p.m.

A unique aspect of the festival is that outside food vendors typically found at larger community events are absent from the Webster festival, allowing for local nonprofit groups and churches to serve food as a fundraiser for the entity. Different groups can be found throughout town offering bake sale items, cotton candy, Indian tacos, BBQs and other treats.

Horse-drawn wagon rides, bounce house inflatables and face painting are just a few of the other activities held throughout the day around town and the Museum of Wildlife, Science and Industry is open Friday and Saturday. A Big Boy Toy Show will be held on the museum’s grounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and musical entertainment will be on stage from noon to 3 p.m. In the afternoon, free pony rides are offered for “the wee ones”and a children’s tractor pull will be held at 1 p.m.

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • October 2017 9

West River Electric Is Busy Enjoying

Fall Fun with Members T

hANk You to All of our MeMbers

to tailgate with us when the New Underwood Tigers took on the Wall Eagles. Some of you we only see but one time a year, and we enjoy the opportunity to visit with you. Keep in mind that we are here for you. If you have questions concerning a service, building a line extension, rate questions or just want to stop by and say hi, we are here for you. Tyler, Matt, Brendan and Justin were on hand with the bucket trucks offering rides to young and old, whoever was willing to go up Top: Alicia Fortune and Aimee Paulsen, right Dwight Peterson, Tyler for a ride.

Wipf, Sam Lockart and Byron Frank Everyone asked are you sure, foot- painting for the United Way Project. ball August 18th? It was a pretty warm day, but we had a good turnout and enjoyed our time spent with you.

Watch for us next year when the same teams will once again play, but this time in Wall.

We had a group of employees headed out to participate in the United Way Day of Caring project that is done each year.

West River Electric volunteers were in charge of painting a house in the Rapid Valley area. Another great opportunity for us to visit with our members and to be give back to the community that we live and serve in.

Each year we work with the United Way to find a project that is in our service territory, so we are giving back in our area.

September 7, a group of us were in Enning where we Middle picture: New Underwood Tigers area ready for play. Above: Directors serving hamburgers & hot gave out Operation Round-up checks to the recipients of dogs and Noah Arnio enjoying a ride from Matt Kruse. the funds in that area. Joel Stephens, Lineman for WREA, Who cAMe out

Editor’s Note What a fun time of the year for our employees, when we have the opportunity to get out and spend time with you, our members.

By Veronica Kusser

Below: Wall Eagles ready for the National Anthem.

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who in his spare time is Katchup the clown for the Naja Shrine Clown group, joined us to create balloon animals and flowers. The kids, young and old always enjoy Katchup when he comes with us.

Cody Bernstein, a lineman from the Enning area, along with Willy Nohr, marketing Top picture is the Central Meade County Kids Softball receiving Operation Round-Up funds and below the Union Center Wrestlers are receing a check. representative, were there offering bucket truck rides. They stayed very busy, giving the kids the chance to see for miles, with the possibility of spotting their farm Katchup is always the life of the party. or ranch. 3428300 What a great opportunity it was for the members in that area to visit with the Board of Directors and hear a message from the CEO Dick Johnson, who gave a brief update on what has been going on with your coop and what is coming up. He reminded everyone that our Annual Meeting is just around the corner, October 7, 2017 at the Wall Community Center in Wall, SD. We also made time on the calendar this year to go to Hereford for the first day of school. The kids are always so excited to sport their new cowboy boots and can’t wait to meet up with the friends they haven’t see all summer. The kids from the Hereford School have a little something to be more excited about. They get to take their parents and younger siblings, mount up and ride their favorite horse to school each year for the first day of classes. Some of the students come on horseback from as far away as 7 miles.

This has been going on for the past 13 years here at the Hereford School, and the kids and their parents looks photo: Hereford School students, getting ahead of the parents, riding to school. forward to the ride. Some of the students parents rode to Above Below: A couple boys daring each other to ring the school bell. Willy Nohr, WREA, is school that 1st day when they were young. ready and waiting with the donuts. Bottom: Students lined up for the first day.

Willy and Robert were at the school this year greeting them with donuts and orange juice. What fun and they had great weather to ride in.

The marketing department headed to Union Center and Enning where we got to greet the students as they returned after the Labor Day Weekend with donuts and orange juice. We visited about where electricity comes from and answered questions asked by the students. It was a fun morning for us to spend time with them.

Stay Safe & Have a Great Fall!

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • Oct o b e r 2017 11

A Brewing Tradition Brewers Give South Dakota Flavor to Their Craft

H

Brenda Kleinjan

A visitor to the Miner Brewing Company in Hill City holds up two of the company’s growlers. About a dozen different varieties are on tap on any given day.

istory, geography, government and science are topics expected in the classroom, but for South Dakota’s growing brewing community, they provide the inspiration and foundation of some uniquely flavored – and named – beverages.

Building on chemistry and biology degrees, Miner Brewing Company’s Sandi Vojta incorporates a variety of South Dakota ingredients into one of the more than 80 varieties of drinks that have been created at the Hill City brewery. (Many of the brews are seasonal or limited production, but the brewery’s tap room features about a dozen local offerings.)

Located in the heart of the Black Hills and owned and operated by the same family behind the awardwinning Prairie Berry Winery, Miner Brewing Company, which opened in the fall of 2013, produces craft beers that are both traditional in

12 October 2017 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

nature and yet uniquely and truly “South Dakota.”

By infusing regional and seasonal ingredients, Vojta adapts traditional styles to create craft beers

Left: Crow Peak Brewing Company in Spearfish gets its name from the nearby Crow Peak which stands 5,787 feet. Below: A growler from Wooden Legs Brewing Company in Brookings. The company gets its name from the city’s namesake.

to Yankton for a session of the Dakota Territory Legislature. (Read more about him at http://woodenlegsbrewing.com/ our-name/) Among the brewery’s offerings are Sanderson Gardens Strawberry Wheat Beer made with strawberries from the landmark strawberry farm near Aurora, S.D. And, Wooden Legs’ American Oak Aged Broggot Rights mead is made with locally sourced honey from South Dakota and Nebraska.

Wooden Legs’ co-owner and head brewer, Seth Koch, is listed as the officer for the South Dakota Craft Brewers Guild, which is establishing itself in the state.

One of the newest breweries in the state, The Bill of Rights Brewery, opened in Pierre in April 2017.

Learn More The South Dakota Department of Tourism lists about 18 small South Dakota breweries at https:// www.travelsouthdakota.com/explore-with-us/ spotlights/good-times-great-beers. Here you’ll find a listing of breweries by region and also a brief write up about each.

Wanting to dive into history? The South Dakota State Archives has an online listing of South Dakota breweries from 1862-1942. The file lists 78 breweries in 17 South Dakota communities (Deadwood had the largest number at 22 while Yankton boasted 13 beweries.) Find the list at http://history. sd.gov//archives/exhibits/BREWERIES%20 OF%20SOUTH%20 DAKOTA%201862.pdf.

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • October 2017 13

Photos by Chad Coppess/South Dakota Tourism

with a regional character.

South Dakota wheat grown by the brewmaster’s cousin graces “Miner Wheat” while South Dakota crab apples take the stage in Miner’s Raspberry Crab Apple Cider, Pineapple Cider, Kombucha Cider, Fruit Side Dish and Crabby Blonde Ale. The brewing company’s well water is listed in Miner Winter Warmer, Miner Olde Winter Ale, Miner Oktoberfest, Miner Oatmeal Stout, Miner Brown Ale and Miner Black IPA. Local strawberries and rhubarb are part of Miner Wassup Rhubarb?! while coffee beans from a Hill City coffee shop are included in Miner Third Dimension Ale. Miner Spring Saison includes dandelions and honey from the Rushmore State and the Miner Rosehip Rye Lager includes handpicked South Dakota rosehips.

The Miner Pumpkin Cranberry Farmhouse Ale is a seasonal drink featuring South Dakota pumpkins while the Miner Imperial Porter features houseroasted South Dakota pumpkins.

For a decidedly local flavor, the Miner Pale Lager is brewed with Black Hills Spruce tips while wild prickly pears harvested at Cactus Flats, S.D., play a role in the Miner Cactus Flats.

The Miner Hippy Hole Gose features South Dakota wild plums, the Miner Black Currant Maibock is made with South Dakota black currants and both the Miner Chokecherry Brown Ale and the Miner Brown Ale have South Dakota chokecherries as an ingredient.

Geography is center stage at Spearfish’s Crow Peak Brewing Company, which gets its name from nearby Crow Peak, elevation 5,787 feet.

Crow Peak’s Mjollnir Ale is an American brown ale featuring spruce tips while the company’s 605 Harvest Pale Ale features hops from 6th Meridian Hops in Yankton, S.D. Across the state at Wooden Legs Brewery in Brookings, South Dakota crops and local history lore are part of the fabric of the establishment.

The brewery’s name is a nod to the city’s namesake, Wilmot Wood Brookings. Brookings was a Dakota Territory politician who lost his feet in a horse accident while en route from Sioux Falls

West River Electric Has Joined Forces

REED Fund W

e Are iNvestiNg to builD A stroNger regioN. West River Electric is joining forces with Rural Electric Economic Development, Inc. (REED), a nonprofit corporation governed by 23 electric cooperatives, which provide financing in all or parts of 60 counties in South Dakota and western Minnesota. We are the first coop from western South Dakota to join the REED corporation, and very proud to bring this opportunity to the members of West River Electric.

A few quick facts • Incorporation in 1997 • Loans Issued - 296 • Total Funds Loaned - $74 million • Total Employment by REED Borrowers - 8270 • Total Project Investment $593 Million (by all partners) • Total Real Estate financed - 1.9 million square feet REED Fund is a community development financial institution dedicated to providing financing and helping to leverage investment to make a difference in the region.

REED offers loans that: • promote growth • contribute to job, business, and wealth creation • improve the infrastructure and economic base in rural areas The fund demonstrates cooperative principles of commitment to community and cooperation among cooperatives in a meaningful way that adds value to the local economy. REED Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation and does not restrict its lending to members of a rural electric cooperative.

Editor’s Note Providing another opportunity to the members of West River Electric to improve the communities we live in.

By Veronica Kusser

Business, Industry & Agri Business loans support business development and expansion, contribute to employment and business ownership opportunities in the areas of: • retail, service and manufacturing firms • agriculture processing, marketing and support services • facilities and equipment Community Development & Housing loans contribute to quality of life and services necessary for sustainable development in the areas of: • health care, education, recreation, arts • public safety and emergency services • community infrastructure, facilities and equipment • facilities for lease to business • multi-family rental housing with broad based community support REED Financing: • must reasonably assist the project and may not exceed 50% of a project’s total cost • cannot be solely for refinancing existing debt from other lenders • is open to anyone in the geographic coverage area regardless of power supplier 4002100 • applications are thoroughly analyzed prior to approval REED Fund partners with commercial banks, nonprofits and government agencies to provide financing.

For additional information, an application and conditions that apply please see our website at www. eastriver.coop/programs/reed/ or contact us at West River Electric at 605-393-1500.

Mission: To provide financing and leverage investment to make a difference in the region.

14 O ctob er 20 1 7

•

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

Sign Up 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.

Missing KeysCheck WREA Lost & Found (USPS No. 675-840)

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 Generlink Special Electric Heat Rate Geothermal & Air-to-Air Heat Pumps Rebates Radiant Floor Heating Demand Response Unit Be sure to include your name and address if you mail this coupon or E mail: info@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

EnErgy Tip Kitchen sizes, styles and configurations have changed dramatically through the years, but one thing remains the same – the kitchen remains the heart of the home. Focus on energy efficient lighting in the kitchen since lighting can make up to 15 percent of a home’s energy budget.

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

West River Electric has a lost and found which is home to a couple sets of keys.

If you are missing some, please stop by the Rapid City office at 3250 E Hwy 44 and identify them. Any of the Member Service Reps would be happy to help you. 10851800

West River Electric will be closed on November 10 for Veteran’s Day. Please call 393-1500 or 279-2135 in the event of a power outage or other emergency.

605-279-2135 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

Locate Your Account Number If you locate your account number

President Andy Moon, Creighton, S.D. Vice President Stan Anders, Union Center, S.D. Secretary Jamie Lewis, Rapid City, S.D. Treasurer Larry Eisenbraun, Wall, S.D. Directors Howard Knuppe, New Underwood, S.D. Chuck Sloan, Piedmont, S.D. Marcia Arneson, Rapid City, S.D. Jerry Hammerquist, Caputa, S.D. Sue Peters, Wall, 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 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)393-0275; e-mail veronica.kusser@westriver. coop.

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.

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, 1-800-781-7474 (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 • Oct o b e r 2017 15

Regional Dateline

September 5-May 24, 2018 Box Elder/Douglas School District Community Library Monday-Thursdays, Douglas High School Library September 21-24 61st North Central Camera Club Council Photography Convention, Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn, Rapid City, SD blackhillsphotographyclub.com September 22 WREA Appreciation Day Rapid City Office, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Rapid City, SD, 605-393-1500 September 23 Minneluzahan Senior Citizens Center Fall Craft Show, 315 N 4th Street, Rapid City, SD 605-394-1887 September 30 Ride through the Badlands Badlands National Park Wall, SD, 605-279-2665 October 2-31 Rapid Valley United Methodist Church Annual Pumpkin Patch 5105 Long View Dr Rapid City, SD October 5-7 SD State High School Girls Tennis Tournament Brandon and Sioux Falls, SD

Events of Special Note October 6-7 Pumpkin Fest and Lighted Night Parade, Webster, SD 605-345-4668

PHOTO COURTESY OF WEBSTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

July 1-October 28 Black Hills Farmers Market Saturdays 8 a.m.-2 p.m., 145 E Omaha St, Rapid City, SD blackhillsfarmersmarket.org

October 7 West River Electric Annual Meeting, Community Center Wall, SD, 605-279-2135

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.

October 7 Rapid Valley United Methodist Church Petting Farm Day, 5105 Long View Dr, Rapid City, SD October 12 Box Elder/Douglas School Community Library, Internet Safety, Douglas High School Box Elder, SD October 14 Rapid Valley United Methodist Church Public Safety Day, 5105 Long View Dr, Rapid City, SD October 15 Wall in the Fall, Wall, SD 605-279-2658 October 15 Relay for Life Walk Wall, SD, 605-279-2135 October 17 Ketel Thorstenseon Ag Industry Update, Central Meade County Community Center Union Center, SD 605-716-3284

October 20-21 SD State High School Competitive Dance Competition, Stevens High School, Rapid City, SD

October 21 Rapid Valley United Methodist Church Rummage Sale/Church Carnival, 5105 Long View Dr Rapid City, SD

October 20-21 SD State High School Competitive Cheer Competition, Stevens High School, Rapid City, SD

October 26 Box Elder/Douglas School Community Library, Child Safety, Douglas High School Box Elder, SD

October 21 Minneluzahan Senior Citizens Center Fall Rummage Sale 315 N 4th Street Rapid City, SD, 605-394-1887 October 21 SD State High School Boys Cross Country Meet Hart Ranch Golf Course Rapid City, SD October 21 SD State High School Girls Cross Country Meet Hart Ranch Golf Course Rapid City, SD

October 28 SD High School All-State Chorus & Orchestra Concert Denny Sanford Premier Center Sioux Falls, SD October 29 BH Chamber Music Society Telegraph Quartet, First Congregational Church Rapid City, SD, 605-341-6425 November 4 BH Works Foundation Recognition Gala, Rushmore Plaza Civic Center LaCroix Hall, Rapid City, SD, 605-718-6207