youth tour - northern electric cooperative · pdf fileapproved resolution for frederick...
TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 2016 VOL 16 NO 9
Youth TourInspiring Teens Since 1963
Youth Tour InspiringTeens Since 1963 P8-9
Board Accountability
Northern Electric Offices Will Be Closed Christmas Day and New Yearrsquos Day Northern Electric Cooperativersquos November board meeting was held December 1 at the headquarters in Bath with all directors present As the first order of business the Board approved the October 22 2015 minutes and October expenditures The Board then reviewed and accepted monthly reports by management including details on financial operations member services safety and communications Directors viewed the East River Electric Power Cooperative video report East River Director Victor Gross reported on actions taken by the East River Board at the October 29 meeting South Dakota Rural Electric Association Director Mike McHugh reported on the SDREA Board Meeting which he attended on November 12-13 2015 in Pierre Directors Glen Larson Mike McHugh and Manager Char Hager reported on the Basin Electric Annual Meeting which they attended on November 3-5 2015 in Bismarck ND Directors Donna Sharp and Francis Esser reported on the East River Member DirectorEmployees Orientation which they attended on November 23 2015 in Madison
MANAGERrsquoS REPORT General Manager Char Hagerrsquos report to the board included the following items
bull Update and discussion on new and progressing development projects and activities taking place in the community and our service area bull Brief update on Rural Electric Economic Development (REED) revolving loan fund activities bull Legal and Legislative report included Manager Hager informing the board of the Dakota Energy Annual Legislative Luncheon on December 22 2015 at the Crossroads Hotel and Convention Center in Huron bull Discussion on final plans for the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association Annual Meeting December 7-10 2015 in Denver CO bull Calendar review of upcoming meetings and events
BOARD REPORT The board considered andor acted upon the following
1 Approved the date and time of the next regular board meeting for 930 AM on Tuesday December 22 2015 2 Approved payment of legal fees for Harvey Oliver in the amount of $234260 3 Approved Work Order Inventories 15-10 for $13547715 and 15-10MC for $12270806 to be submitted to the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) for reimbursement from loan funds for electric plant construction already completed
Get FREE Northern Wireless
wwwnorthernwirelessnet
Installation With Your Co-op Connections Card
4 Authorized limited board attendance to the 2016 SDREA Annual Meeting and Legislative Dinner January 14-15 in Pierre and appointed Director Donna Sharp delegate Manager Char Hager alternate 5 Authorized acceptance and execution of arrangement letter offered by Eide Bailly LLP to perform the audits for 2015 6 Authorized limited board attendance to the 2016 East River Energize Forum February 3-4 in Sioux Falls 7 Approved Resolution for Frederick Substation Transfer to East River Electric Cooperative 8 Approved Resolution to Refinance Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Debt 9 Approved a donation of $100000 for the State Fair Foundation 10 Held Executive Session
Questions or more details on any of these matters Please ask your cooperative manager staff or director
Financial Report ndash October 2015
kWh Sales 23529079 kWh 1404255 under budget Electric Revenues $2164123 964 of budget Total Cost of Service $2127327 918 of budget
Wholesale power cost taxes interest and depreciation accounted for 855 of NECrsquos Total Cost of Service
Operating Margins $36795 Budget ($72188) Year to Date Margins $688852 Budget $44263
Residential Average Monthly Usage and Bill October lsquo15 1833 kWh $18405 1004 per kWh October lsquo14 1858 kWh $17888 0963 per kWh
2 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
(USPS 396-040)
CEOGeneral Manager Char Hager infonorthernelectriccoop
Board of Directors Victor Gross President Mike McHugh Vice President Donna Sharp Secretary Wayne Holt Treasurer Fran Esser Victor Fischbach Glen Larson Randy Kienow Mark Sumption
Harvey Oliver
NEC Attorney
Management Staff Russel Ulmer Manager of Member
ServicesMarketing Mark Fischer Manager of Wireless
Services Derek Gorecki Manager of Information
Technology Mike Kelly Operations Manager Cathi Podoll Chief Financial Officer Kay Albrecht Executive Secretary Ben Dunsmoor Communications
Director Editorrsquos e-mail bdunsmoornorthernelectriccoop NEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer
NORTHERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS is the monthly publication for the members of Northern Electric Cooperative PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427 Families subscribe to Northern Electric Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership Northern Electric Cooperative Connectionsrsquo purpose is to provide reliable helpful information to electric cooperative members on electric cooperative matters and better rural living
Subscription Information Electric cooperative members devote 50 cents from their monthly electric payments for a subscription Nonmember subscriptions are available for $12 annually Periodicals Postage Paid at Bath SD 57427
POSTMASTER Send address changes to Northern Electric Cooperative Connections PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427 telephone (605) 225-0310 fax (605) 225-1684
NEC Web site wwwnorthernelectriccoop Design assistance by SDREA and TDG Communications
Editorrsquos Column
Electricity Itrsquos Not Something To Take lsquoLightrsquoly
You flip on the switch and itrsquos there
You turn off the switch and itrsquos not Electricity was lsquoon-demandrsquo before lsquoon-demandrsquo was the cool kid on the block But ensuring that electricity is available at the flick of the finger isnrsquot as easy as it may seem Letrsquos start locally at Northern Electric Cooperative our crews work throughout the year to upgrade our infrastructure and catch a problem before it causes a power outage Just this summer our crews buried nearly 30 miles of line to make the electric grid more resilient An outside contractor also conducted the annual testing of 3000 poles this year to make sure they are sturdy and can remain in service East River Electric Power Cooperative in Madison South Dakota delivers the power you use to Northern Electric from power plants owned by Basin Electric Power Cooperative in North Dakota I recently had the chance to tour the facilities in Madison and got an inside look at what it takes to deliver energy The coordinated efforts of the employees and the millions of dollars worth of poles
Ben Dunsmoor Communications Director
wire and supplies that are stocked at the facility are simply amazing East River keeps enough stock on hand to not only complete planned upgrades but to also respond quickly if there is a storm or outage Their entire facility is dedicated to keeping the lights on for members And as we pause for reflection during this holiday season I believe it is truly miraculous that we can
flip on a switch and have electricity to power our everyday needs and wants Believe it or not some parts of the world still do not have this luxury The international arm of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) works all year long to bring electricity to corners of the earth that have yet to be
touched by power With outposts in places like Bangladesh Bolivia the Dominican Republic Uganda and South Sudan NRECA International continues its mission to electrify rural areas across the globe So when you flip on the switch on Christmas morning or turn out the lights on your New Yearrsquos Eve celebration please take a moment to think about all the men women and millions of dollars that it takes to ensure that electricity remains affordable and lsquoon-demandrsquo It truly is one of the greatest blessings we have as Americans and rural South Dakotans and itrsquos something that we should never take lightly
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 3
Current issues
Speaking Out The start of the new year brings many state legislatures back to their respective capitol cities to tend to the business of the people The Nebraska Legislature convenes
Jan 6 and South Dakota lawmakers start work back in Pierre on Jan 12 Minneshysotarsquos Legislature reconvenes at noon on March 8 While lawmakers are in the capitol
there are several ways to reach them
south Dakota Write to local legislators in care of the
Legislative Research Council Capitol Building 3rd Floor ndash 500 East Capitol Ave Pierre SD 57501-5070 South Dakota Senators can be
reached at 605-773-3821 while Represhysentatives can be reached at 605-773-3251 During session faxes can be sent to legislators at 605-773-6806 To e-mail legislators go to httpleshy
gissdgovContactLegislatorEmailaspx and select the legislatorrsquos name from the drop-down box
Minnesota To reach Minnesota Senators write
to Honorable (Full Name) Minnesota State Senate 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd St Paul MN 55155-1606 To reach Minnesota Representatives
write to Honorable (Full Name) Minshynesota House of Representatives (Room ) State Office Building 100 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd St Paul MN 55155-1298
Email is most effective if it is not a blanket mailing to all members When sending an email remember to include your name postal address and phone number For more information on contacting
Minnesota legislators go to httpwww legstatemnuslegfaqfaqtocid=47
nebraska Find contact information for Nebrasshy
ka Senators at httpnebraskalegislature govsenatorssenator_listphp
Safety Tips
Electric Blanket Safety TipsCan Save Your Life During the cold of winter an electric blanket may provide extra warmth in your home Please consider several imshyportant safety tips to assure your electric blanket does not start a fire bull Make certain your blanket is apshy
proved by a nationally recognized testing agency bull When not in use turn your blanshy
ket off Most models have no internal temperature control that turns the heat off when the blanket temperature gets too hot bull Place your blanket on top of you
not below you Sitting or lying on an electric blanket may damage the internal coils of the blanket exposing the heating element to a combustible material (the blanket) bull Never place items such as books
pillows or stuffed animals on top of the blanket These items can trap the heat leading to elevated temperatures and serve as a source of ignition
Kidsrsquo Corner Safety Poster
bull Keep the blanket flat not crumpled or in a ball If left on a crumpled blanket allows for excessive heat buildshyup within the blanket Always turn the blanket off when leaving the room bull Do not wash an electric blanket
The twisting tugshyging and turning action of the washshying machine will most certainly damage the internal coils bull Unplug your blanket if you see or
smell smoke coming from it Discolorshyation of the blanket may indicate the heating elements are burning internally
If you have any doubt about the safety of your blanket discontinue using it Electric blankets are usually a safe way to add a little warmth and are widely used throughout the country However this is only true if blankets are well maintained and properly used
Source seattlegov
ldquoplay safearound cordsrdquo
Allison Bruns 10 years old She is the daughter of Matt and Kim Bruns Madison SD
Kids send your draw-ing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3) If your poster is published yoursquoll receive a prize All entries must include your name age mail-ing address and the names of your parents Colored drawings are encouraged
4 January 2016 bull CooperaTive ConneCTions
-
-
-
recipesReader
Chunky Chicken vegetable and rosemary stew Creamy Lasagna soup
Super Soups 1 (23 oz) can low-sodium low 1 lb ground beef cooked and
fat tomato soup drained 3 cups hot water (equivalent of 10 lasagna noodles broken
using 1 empty soup can) into pieces 3 cups low fat milk (equivalent 8 oz low fat cream cheese
of using 1 empty soup can) 1 cup shredded mozzarella 3 T Tonersquos Italian seasoning cheese
Combine first 5 ingredients until near boiling on medium high heat Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water until soft drain Add to soup mixture When heated through add cream cheese stirring thoroughly Serve with mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top Makes 12 servings Julie Thonvold Erwin
Crockpot potato soup 1 (32 oz) bag diced hash browns 8 oz cream cheese (do not use 1 can cream of chicken soup light) 32 oz chicken broth Salt and pepper to taste (may 3 oz real bacon bits add onion powder and celery 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese salt if desired)
Place all ingredients in crockpot except cream cheese Cook on low covered for 8 hours Add cream cheese that has been cut into small chunks during last hour of cooking stirring often Top with additional Cheddar cheese if desired
Diana Spence Utica
Crockpot Harvest soup 1 lb ground beef 1 (15 oz) can corn 1 (29 oz) can Veg-All 1 (7 oz) can green chilies 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes 2 T jalapenos if desired 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce 2 tsp chili powder 1 (28 oz) can green beans 6 beef bouillon cubes
Brown and drain ground beef Place in crockpot add remaining ingredients Do not drain any can Cook on low for 3 hours Jane Ham Rapid City
easy Broccoli-potato-Cheese soup 4 cans cream of potato soup 1 small head of broccoli cut into 4 soup cans milk florets 1 lb Velveeta cheese cut into Black pepper to taste
small chunks
Combine all ingredients in crockpot Cook on low for 4 hours
Lois Odien-Page Hermosa
2 T canola oil divided 2 dried bay leaves 12 ounces boneless chicken breasts cut into 14 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1-inch pieces 1 (15 oz) can reduced-sodium navy beans 1 medium onion cut in 8 wedges rinsed and drained 3 medium carrots quartered lengthwise and cut 1 cup grape tomatoes quartered
into thirds 12 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley 1 medium celery stalk cut into 1-inch pieces 1 T chopped fresh rosemary 2 cups water 34 tsp salt
In Dutch oven heat 1 T canola oil over medium-high heat Add chicken and cook about 3 minutes per side or until it begins to brown (center will still be slightly pink) Remove from oven and set aside Add remaining canola oil onion carrot and celery Sauteacute stirring frequently for 5 minutes or until vegetables just begin to lightly brown on edges Add water bay leaves and pepper flakes Bring to boil over high heat Reduce heat to medium low and simmer covered for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender Stir in chicken beans tomatoes Italian parsley rosemary and salt Cover and cook 5 minutes or until tomatoes are tender and chicken is cooked Serve immediately or let stew stand 30 minutes to develop flavors and texture Yields 6 1-cup servings
Nutritional analysis per serving 220 calories 7 g total fat (1 g saturated fat) 50 mg cholesterol 17 g carbohydrates 6 g fiber 3 g sugars 22 g protein 380 mg sodium 532 mg potassium
Pictured Cooperative Connections
Chicken Taco soup 1 cup chicken broth 1 can Rotel tomatoes and 1 (16 oz) can kidney beans chilies
drained and rinsed 12 cup diced green pepper 1 (16 oz) can pinto beans 12 cup chopped onion
drained and rinsed 1 lb cooked chicken 1 (16 oz) can corn drained or shredded
1 can cream-style corn 12 cup chopped celery 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 pkg taco seasoning
Place all ingredients in a crockpot Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours Can be garnished with sour cream andor cheese once scooped into a bowl Colleen Noecker Yankton
White Chicken Chili 5 to 6 (15 oz) cans Northern 1 can cheese soup (Fiesta or
beans drained Cheddar) or 4 cups 3 (13 oz) cans chunk chicken shredded cheese
with juice shredded 16 oz sour cream 8 oz can green chilies 1 pkg white chicken chili 1 can cream of chicken soup seasoning
Combine all ingredients in crockpot Cook until heated thru Jeanine Greenwood Sioux Falls
Please send your favor ite bread breakfast and seafood recipes to your local electric coop erative (address found on Page 3) Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in June 2016 All entries must include your name mailing address tele phone number and cooperative name
CooperaTive ConneCTions bull January 2016 5
Co-op News
Northern Electric Lights Up The Holidays
NortherN electric cooperative
takes holiday lighting seriously For more years than many employees can remember itrsquos been a tradition to decorate the vast lawn in front of the main headquarters in Bath with lights and figurines The Redfield office also gets in on the fun with its own display At the Bath headquarters this year more than 30 strings of LED lights are used to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year This includes the large star that is placed above the display every year The star and the hundreds of LED lights set up in the front lawn serve as a festive welcome to drivers who are entering Aberdeen on US Highway 12
The creativity of Northern Electric Cooperative crews are also on display in Redfield this year Old wire spools are
being used in that display to create a snowman and Christmas bulbs With all the construction on the Northern Electric system there is often a surplus of these spools The new Redfield display is a way for the office to show off its holiday electric cooperashytive pride and recycle unused materials at the same time
LED lighting is a key component in both displays making the season merry and bright without breaking the bank According to energygov a string of 50 LED lights costs a mere 13 cents to operate during the holiday season Old ceramic incandescent light bulbs cost about $13 to operate per string during 40 days of illumination So as you are out and about in the next few weeks please drive by both offices and take a look at these creative sustainable festive and joyful displays Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Northern Electric Cooperative
6 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 7
Co-op News
(Above) Nearly 30 strings of LED lights are used to decorate the front lawn of the Northern Electric office in Bath (Left) A toy soldier figurine is just one piece of the Northern Electric holiday light display (Below) Repurposed wire spools are used to create a festive display at the Northern Electric office in Redfield
Country Cookinrsquo Recipes Needed
Recipes are needed for the 32nd volume of
East River Electricrsquos Country Cookinrsquo cookbook
Please help us create another great cookbook by submitting
your favorite hearty recipes as well as recipes for the
ldquoLight Siderdquo section of the cookbook
Submission deadline is Monday February 1 2016
Submit via email to kkaupeastrivercoop
fax to 605-256-8057 or contact your local cooperative for
more information
Electric Youth Tour Inspiring Future Leaders for 50-plus Years
By Brenda Kle in jan
and Magen Howard
Positive influential life-changing All three words hold a host of meaning for
students who have participated in the annual Rural Electric Youth Tour
Since 1963 more than 1200 South Dakota teens have made the trek to Washington DC to learn about cooperatives the nationrsquos political proshycess and about their peers from across the country
ldquoThe trip that we took was extremely positive It was a great influence for leadershiprdquo said Shanna (Hilderman) Stueve of Wheaton Minn who as a teenager in 1996 represented West Central Electric
Cooperative in Murdo SD on the trip ldquoBasically the experience allowed me to see
things that I wouldnrsquot have necessarily been able to participate in It showed me different leadershyship styles not to mention all of the historical and incredibly interesting monuments that we are able to participate inrdquo Stueve said
ldquoI was incredibly interested in politics However I did not end up following that career pathrdquo said Stueve who along with her husband has an insurshyance and seed business in western Minnesota where they are members of Traverse Electric Cooperative
8 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
Left Participants from the 1965 or 1966 Youth Tour walk with Sen George McGovshyern second from right near the Capitol Photo courtesy Steve Smeenk Butte Electric Cooperative Opposite Page The 2015 South Dakota Rural Electric Youth Tour delegation conshysisted of 44 teens
ldquoAs a junior in high school having the opportunity meet the politicians that represented me was very important to me I feel like this is a trip of a lifetimerdquo she said ldquoNot only did I have the chance to see the different aspects of government but I also had the opportunity to see the different socioeconomic backgrounds based on region from across the country I feel like itrsquos a valuable exposure to culturerdquo
rooted in politics Youth Tour was born from a speech at the 1957 NRECA annual meeting by then-Sen Lynshy
don B Johnson He was a longtime advocate of electric co-ops having lobbied for the creation of Pedernales Electric Cooperative in 1937 as a young politician in Texas ldquoIf one thing comes out of this meeting it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and representsrdquo the future president said
With that encouragement Texas electric co-ops began sending summer interns to work in the senatorrsquos Washington DC office In 1958 an electric co-op in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a weeklong study tour of the nationrsquos capital Later that same year another busload came to Washington from Illinois The idea grew and other states sent busloads of students throughout the summer By 1959 the Youth Tour had grown to 130 participants
South Dakota sent its first delegation of 31 students representing 18 cooperashytives in 1963 The following year NRECA began to coordinate joint activities among the state delegations and suggested that co-op representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington DC during Youth Tour week The first year of the coordinated tour included about 400 teens from 12 states
As word spread the program grew ndash and grew and grew Youth Day generally on the Monday of Youth Tour is when all the state contingents converge to learn about grassroots politics and hear from inspirational speakers The students share their state pins often vying to get the most pins or those that are rare like those from Hawaiirsquos small group
In 2015 South Dakota electric cooperatives sent 44 teens on the trip It tied with the statersquos 1965 delegation as the largest to represent the state More than 1700 students participated in the 2015 Youth Tour and the 2016 tour scheduled for June 10-16 promises to be even bigger
Inspiring our youth For the past decade students have heard the inspiring story of Paralympian Mike Schlappi
a star athlete who was paralyzed as a teen State coordinators lobby for Schlappi to return year after year because they say the students never fail to take his story to heart
Schlappi was their age when his whole life changed from an accidental gunshot Today he makes the annual Youth Tour presentation a priority because he loves the kids
ldquoTheyrsquore so young and trying to figure out their lives Theyrsquove heard enough speakers and read enough books sometimes theyrsquoll roll their eyesrdquo Schlappi said ldquoBut theyrsquore away from parents and excited about their future and maybe got their eyes on the cute kid across the room Theyrsquore willing to make positive changes Back home they get labels and they have to live up to that [At Youth Tour] they can make new impressions on new friendsrdquo
Were you there
Did you or a family member go on Youth Tour Let us know
More than 1200 South Dakota teens have participatshyed in Youth Tour since 1963 and there are even more Minnesota and Nebraska teens who have gone through
Sadly in the past five decades wersquove lost track of
some of them Wersquod love to hear from you and
how the Youth Tour experience benefited you
Contact your local elecshytric cooperative
or find us on Facebook
are you ready
Do you know of an outstanding teen that would benefit from the Youth Tour experience Cooperatives participating in the 2016 Youth Tour are taking apshyplications for the program To find out more about your cooperativersquos participation and selection criteria contact them Yoursquoll find their address in this magazine
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 9
Youth News
Students Should Apply Now For $1000 amp $500 Scholarships
Many high school seniors arenrsquot just checking off the items on their Christmas lists this time of year they are also narrowing down their college choices
The price of higher education is always a factor in deciding which school students will attend next fall Northern Electric Cooperative and North Dakota-based power supplier Basin Electric Power Cooperative are once again offering two scholarships this year to help with the cost of college
ldquoEducation and commitment to community are two of the principles cooperatives operate underrdquo Northern Electric General Manager Char Hager said ldquoThese scholarships epitomize those principlesrdquo
University of South Dakota freshman Madisyn Waage was the 2015 recipient of the $500 scholarship awarded by Northern Electric Cooperative The money is being applied to tuition at USD for the Aberdeen Central graduate
ldquoIt was really helpfulrdquo Waage said ldquoItrsquos helping (Above L to R) Lucas Sternhagen was awarded a $1000 me pay for my classes this year so itrsquos definitely been scholarship in 2015 Madisyn Waage was the $500 scholshyrewardingrdquo arship recipient
Lucas Sternhagen was awarded the $1000 Applications and instructions on how to apply have been sent scholarship from Basin Electric in 2015 He is also a freshman to all of the school districts in the Northern Electric service at the University of South Dakota Sternhagen graduated from territory Information can also be found at Groton High School last spring wwwnorthernelectriccoop
To be eligible for the scholarships parents of the students ldquoJust be yourself and donrsquot be scared of failingrdquo Waage said must be current consumers of Northern Electric Cooperative ldquoJust take the time to apply because it could be worth itrdquo The scholarship application process includes a short essay For Waage that advice is paying off and documentation of academic and extracurricular activities
Heating Help Is Available
The Low -Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible South Dakotans pay for home heating costs Energy assistance may not pay for all your home heating costs but it will help ease the strain of the heating season Energy assistance is available from October 1 - May 15
Eligibility for the program is based on -Number of people in household -Gross income of everyone in household -Type of heating for the home -Geographic area you live in
Applications can be obtained by calling 1-800-233-8503 online at httpdsssdgoveconomicassistanceenergyassistancelowincomeaspx at the local Department of
Social Services office or from the Northern Electric office in Bath SD
10 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Youth News
Scholarship eligibility Applicants must be US citizens and
natural or adopted children of Northern Electric consumersmembers Dependents of Northern Electric employees are not eligible Any applicant must be a student who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time graduate or undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college university or
vocationaltechnical school
How the selection process works The scholarship awards are based on
academic excellence and financial need All applications are critically evaluated using a combination of several criteria including SATACT scores grade-point average work experience participation in school and community activities a statement by the student explaining hisher educational and career goals financial need and a written recommendation by a third party
Applications will be considered by an independent judge for Northern Electric and then submitted to Basin Electric for scholarship distribution
How to apply Applications are available from local
high school guidance counselors on the Northern Electric Cooperative website or directly from Northern Electric offices Applicants must complete the scholarship application and provide all the required information
Completed applications MUST BE RETURNED BY FEBRUARY 15 2016 to
Northern Electric Cooperative PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427
For more information contact Kay Albrecht at
605-225-0310 or 1-800-529-0310
Groft Selected As Scholar of the Week
(Above) Northern Electric Communications Director Ben Dunsmoor presents a $100 check to Northwestern High School Senior Isaac Groft for being named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week
Northwestern Area High School Senior Isaac Groft likes to get involved in almost everything at his school Groftrsquos ambition to take on new challenges is the reason the four-sport athlete from Ashton was named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week on December 7 Groft was nominated for the honor by Northwestern counselor Kari Brenner for maintaining a 365-grade point average and participating in multiple sports and extra-curricular activities ldquoI think we have good teachers here who push their studentsrdquo Groft said about his school Groft is the first student in the Northern Electric Cooperative territory to receive the recognition this year The Northwestern senior is also one of only 34 students who will be selected as the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week during the 2015-2016 school year Each recipient receives $100 from their local electric cooperative The award also means the student is eligible for two $500 scholarships and one $1000 scholarship which are given away at the Scholar of the Week banquet at the end of the school year ldquoItrsquos a really great honorrdquo Groft said ldquoItrsquos great that people are recognizing academic excellence here and I hope it motivates others to do wellrdquo A story featuring Groft and his achievements aired on KSFY on December 7 KSFY Television is a partner in the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week program and highlights the recipients every week
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 11
Teensrsquo Big Ideas Take Shape Young Entrepreneurs Plan for Success
By Brenda Kle in jan
Teens armed with business plans and dreams
descended on Aberdeen in early December to showshycase their concepts and compete in the ninth annual BIG Idea Final Competition
The Bent Perspective plan for an Origami intensive store brought top honors to Pierre student Haley Ketteler
Ketteler outlined how her company would provide customers with an all paper experience allowing clients to design paper arrangements for special events take classes to learn Origami purshychase paper creations kits and supplies and order custom creations As part of the experience she had to identify marketing opportunities define her competition and outline management and operashy
tions for the business Eight high school finalists were selected from
the 263 applications submitted from 37 different schools First round judges included 114 volunteers from the region along with 132 college entrepreshyneurship and business students Marketing designs were also submitted by 110 teams which included a logo and ad for their idea Ellen Schlechter of Faulkton High School was recognized for her Calvshying Book App which was the The Marketing Design competition winner
The eight finalists included Ketteler second-place finishers George Bernard and Mark Wesolick of St Thomas More High School in Rapid City SD third-place finisher MaKayla Price of Wessshy
12 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
1st Place Wins an iPad + $10002nd Place Wins an iPad + $5003rd Place Wins an iPad4th - 6th Places Win $3007th - 10th Places Win $100Sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the
Governorrsquos Office of Economic DevelopmentScholarship Criteria and Expectations | FlierDEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF A BUSINESS PLAN IS DECEM-
BER 18 2015
Listed above are the criteria necessary to get a high school student started in preparing a written business plan for the competition The South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the Governorrsquos Office of Economic Development have again donated the first place prize ndash an iPad plus $1000 Second place is an iPad plus $500 and third place is an iPad Fourth through sixth place prizes will be cash awards sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation in the amount of $300 each place Seventh through tenth place prizes is $100 each place It is recommended that all the points in the ldquoBusiness Start-Up Planrdquo be addressed Please click on the link above for entry requirements Judging will be based on the following criteria
Completeness of business plan Viability as an ongoing business Realistic financial projectionscash flow plan Conciseness in presentation Creativity and innovation
Judges for the contest include bankers educators and business people across the state First through sixth place plan submitters will be called to Pierre to participate in oral interviews in February and will be asked to remain for the presentation of awards that evening Students may attend with their parents and school advisor The evening event is a reception and banquet attended by 300 of our statersquos legislators constitutional officers bankers and spouses
Writing a business start-up plan helps you decide what is needed in terms of time money and resources to get a business underway The following outline should be helpful in that it ad-dresses many of the issues that should be considered when start-ing a business By thinking over some of the details with your ad-visers parents or friends and getting them down on paper yoursquoll have a good idea of how you want a business to take shape A business plan provides a concrete structure against which you can measure actual performance Yoursquoll also save yourself time and money in the long run If you do decide to create this business you will have a logical plan with which to get started
Contact your schoolrsquos business department or the South Dakota Bankers Association for more information
ington Springs High School Dalton Larson Jared Miller and Tyndall Petterson of West Central High School in Hartford SD Eli Gerry of Madison Central High School Tony Baumann of Redfield High School and two teams from St Thomas More Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks and Olivia Facenda and Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilson and Sophie Wittenberg
The competition encourages students to consider new ideas and opshyportunities for creating a business in their own region
ldquoWersquore trying to get them to start thinking about starting a business not necessarily starting the business but what it would take to start and run a businessrdquo said event organizer Kelly Weaver regional director with the South Dakota Small Business Development Center in Aberdeen SD
Participants were able to take part in panel discussions with the busishyness owners Weaver saidThe competition is coordinated by the Small Business Development Center and funded by Sanford Health East River Electric Power Cooperative REED Fund Dacotah Bank Student Loan Finance Corporation Aberdeen Development Corporation Northwestern Energy McQuillen Creative Group The Tom and Danielle Aman Founshydation and Midcontinent Communications Scholarships are provided by Northern State University and Presentation College The competition is a result of the input and collaboration of these organizations along with Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Aberdeen Downtown Associashytion Aberdeen Catholic School System ndash Roncalli High School Aberdeen School District ndash Central High School and Dacotah Bank
In addition to the schools listed above students from the following high schools also participated Aberdeen Central High School Bridgewashyter-Emery High School Bowdle High School Canistota High School Canton High School Durpree High School Edmund Central High School Ethan High School Eureka High School Faith High School Groton High School Hitchcock Tulare High School Hoven High School Ipswich High School Iroquois High School Lead-Deadwood High School Leola High School Milbank High School Mitchell High School Montrose High School Northwestern Sioux Valley High School Sioux Fall Christian Swift Home School Vermillion High School Wagshyner High School Warner High School Watertown High School Wilmot High School and Yankton High School A total of 414 students particishypated in a submission
For her winnng plan Ketteler won $1000 while Bernard and Weshysolickrsquos Caveman Custom Iron plan earned $500 for second place and Pricersquos plan for KP Photography received $250 for third place Scholarshyships to both Northern State University and Presentation College were also awarded Schlechter received $500 for her marketing design plan
Go to BIGIdeaSDcom for more information about the competition
BIG Idea Finalists were front row from left Cierra Veldhuizen Maria Wilson Haley Ketteler Jenny Rooks Brianna McGinnis and Sophie Wittenberg Standing from left were Olivia Facenda George Bernard Tony Baumann Mark Wesolick Eli Gerry Tyndall Petter-son Dalton Larson MaKayla Price and Jared Miller Photo by Dawn Sahli Photography
First Place Bent Perspective
Bent Perspective is an Origami intensive store focused on teaching the customers how to make origami artwork It will also offer services such as event decoration custom origami artwork pre-made origami artwork and kits This business will provide the community with a unique and fun activity for all ages It will help eliminate boredom in the community through a relaxing and fulfilling activity that all individuals can enjoy and appreciate
Haley Ketteler Pierre Riggs High School
Second Place caveman custom Iron
Caveman Custom Iron will produce hand-crafted steel goods and distribute these goods to people who want unique pieces of functional art to decorate their home garden or place of business Caveman Custom Iron will also produce tools such as knives or garden tools Potential customers are those who look for pieces of iron work to decorate their home and people looking for quality specialized tools for tasks such as woodworking and gardening
George Bernard and Mark Wesolick St Thomas More High School
Third Place KP Photography
KP Photography provides the talent of photography to the Wessington Springs area community Photographers can take senior pictures wedding pictures engagement pictures family pictures and more It is very convenient for the community by being close and for a low cost
MaKayla Price Wessington Springs High School
Finalists
The Cooler Backpack Company ndash Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks Olivia Facenda St Thomas More High School
The Spink County Outdoorsmen ndash Tony Baumann Redfield High School
All Seasons Lighting ndash Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilshyson Sophie Wittenberg St Thomas More High School
Gerryrsquos Pumpkins amp Produce ndash Eli Gerry Madison Central High School
SoDak Custom Hay Co ndash Dalton Larson Jared Miller Tyndall Petterson West Central High School
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 13
Double Threat The Right Strip Can Protect Devices Cut Energy Bills
There is little if anything you can buy today
that does not have some electronic component Even clothing as wearable electronics are starting to take hold Not to mention a device (httpwww makeymakeycom) that allows you to make a keyboard from bananas So itrsquos time to take a look at making sure your elecshytronics last as long as possible Irsquom not talking about replacement plans or extended warranties Today wersquore talkshying about protecting your products from electrical surges
The first order of business is to deshyfine a surge Herersquos one from Computer By Hope (httpwwwcomputerhopecomTom Tate jargonssurgehtm) on the lsquoNet ldquoAltershynatively known as a line surge a surge is an unexpected increase in voltage in an electrical current that causes damage to electrical equipment For example the standard United States voltage is 120V If an electrical current above this rating was to come through a power outlet for more than three nanoseconds this would be considered a surge anything less is considered a spike A surge is usually created by lightning and can damage unprotected computers and sometimes even protected computersrdquo
Many people think a blink from their electric cooperative or utility providerrsquos system is a surge but these are generally caused by something like a tree contacting a line In such cases the systemrsquos protective devices work causshying an interruption to protect the wires and other components These are not surges but more like turning a light on and off
True surges will enter a home through any numshyber of avenues The most obvious is through the power lines Less obvious is through the telephone lines cablesatellite connections water lines and any other metallic system that connects to your home So to protect against surges you need to take a three-pronged approach
Perhaps the most important thing to do is to be
14 January 2016 bull Cooperative ConneCtions
sure all the grounds in your home are good and that they are bonded together Over the years grounds can deteriorate new services can be added with inadequate grounding and so forth A faulty ground will allow surges into the home rather than bleeding
them off into the earth Get a qualified electrishycian to test and correct your groundshying system
Next protect your electrical service entrance with a surge device The easiest to install are those mounted behind the meter They can also be mounted at the main electric panel When a surge travels down the electric lines these devices will act to ldquoclamprdquo the surge and reduce its power These are sacrificial devices that allow themselves to be destroyed rather than allowing the surge to pass through Noble devices indeed
The third prong is to protect expensive devices at their point of use Computers and entertainment equipshyment are prime examples Remember that surges can enter the home via avenues other than the power lines Computers and entertainment equipshyment are frequently connected to cable and phone lines Those devices need to have protection at the point of use that covers all possible avenues These are generally in the form of a power strip or wall device most of us are familiar with Use a quality product from a manufacturer such as
Monster Belkin Tripp Lite or APC to name a few Look for one with a joule rating of at least 1000 a connected equipment warranty and compatibility with digital signals from cable and satellite While you are at it look for a ldquosmartrdquo strip that turns off all but one connected device when not in use
Save money on your electric bill while protecting your equipment Itrsquos a definite win-win
Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the Nationshyal Rural Electric Cooperative Association the Arlingshyton Va-based service arm of the nationrsquos 900-plus consumer-owned not-for-profit electric cooperatives
ADVANCED POWER STRIPS Which one is right for me
I want to stop WASTING ENERGY in myhellip
I always turn off my electronics when done
Why donrsquot I turn them off
Do I put it to sleep or shut
down
Do I want manual or automated power control
Does it stay docked or is it frequently moved
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER HOME OFFICE
NO YES
Is the computer a laptop or tablet
NO YES
I fall asleep I forget Irsquoll do it Automatic Sleep Shut down Always Moved often myself docked
T i Activ ity Monitor Power Strip
itch
COST
FEATURES
POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
mer p
Remote Swp
Master-Control led Power Strip
Masterless Power Strip
Power strip automatically
pre-set schedule
Power strip looks for signs of activity in the room and
detected
Power strip can be turned
switch
When a primary device (such as a computer or TV)
power strip automatically
outlets where the peripheral devices (such as the printer or game console) are plugged in
When all of the controlled
power to those outlets completely eliminating all of the vampire loads
You have to set up the timer and stick to your schedule for maximum energy savings
Motion sensors dont always work perfectly
To save any energy you have to remember to turn
time
It can be tricky to select which appliance should be your master device
powered appliance could
strip
Digital or dial timer Motion sensor or an infrared eye that detects remote control use around the TV or stereo
A tethered switch or a remote switch
One outlet is labeled as the master
No master outlet Description may include automatic switching or power detection
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden CO 80401 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wastepaper including 10 post consumer waste
NRELPO-5500-60461 bull October 2013 303-275-3000 bull wwwnrelgov Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC
Cooperative ConneCtions bull January 2016 15
Power Stri Power Stri
regional Dateline November 20-January 10
Winter Wonderland Falls Park Sioux Falls SD 605-275-6060
November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 am to 10 pm Pierre SD 605-773-3178
December 5-26 Deck Your Halls Holiday Art Show and Sale 10 am to 5 pm Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season Lead SD 605-584-3896
December 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015 5 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
December 20 Christmas Caroling at The Abbey 2 to 4 pm Marvin SD 605-398-9200
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Yearrsquos Eve Dance Ramkota Convention Center Aberdeen SD 605-229-1072 httpsouthdakotawish orgnews-and-eventscalen-dar-of-eventsevents-time-fold-ernew-years-eve-aberdeen
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am to 11 pm Mobridge SD 605-845-2500
Events of Special Note January 5-7
Dakota Farm Show Dakota Dome Vermillion SD 507-437-7969
February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show Convention Center Sioux Falls SD 605-231-3100 wwwwinterfestofwheelscom
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
Photo by miKe KjoSe Clay-union eleCtRiC CoRPoRation
Please call ahead to confirm date time and location of event
January 10 17 24 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 am to 315 pm CST Mission SD 605-259-3252 ext 3
January 16 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer SD 605-440-1405
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 1245 to 830 pm Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 1-800-468-6463
January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 29-30 35th Annual Farm Home and Sport Show Armory Webster SD 605-345-4468 wwwwebstersdcom
January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show amp Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-355-3861
January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert Eureka SD jalvarezmmgyglobalcom
February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown SD 605-886-7335
February 7 South Dakotarsquos Largest Tailgate Party Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
February 9-13 Winter Farm Show 9 am to 4 pm Watertown SD 605-886-5814
February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115
March 5 Trade Show 9 am to 3 pm Custer SD 605-673-2244
March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9 am to 3 pm MST Philip SD 605-859-2635 605-859-2280 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219
Board Accountability
Northern Electric Offices Will Be Closed Christmas Day and New Yearrsquos Day Northern Electric Cooperativersquos November board meeting was held December 1 at the headquarters in Bath with all directors present As the first order of business the Board approved the October 22 2015 minutes and October expenditures The Board then reviewed and accepted monthly reports by management including details on financial operations member services safety and communications Directors viewed the East River Electric Power Cooperative video report East River Director Victor Gross reported on actions taken by the East River Board at the October 29 meeting South Dakota Rural Electric Association Director Mike McHugh reported on the SDREA Board Meeting which he attended on November 12-13 2015 in Pierre Directors Glen Larson Mike McHugh and Manager Char Hager reported on the Basin Electric Annual Meeting which they attended on November 3-5 2015 in Bismarck ND Directors Donna Sharp and Francis Esser reported on the East River Member DirectorEmployees Orientation which they attended on November 23 2015 in Madison
MANAGERrsquoS REPORT General Manager Char Hagerrsquos report to the board included the following items
bull Update and discussion on new and progressing development projects and activities taking place in the community and our service area bull Brief update on Rural Electric Economic Development (REED) revolving loan fund activities bull Legal and Legislative report included Manager Hager informing the board of the Dakota Energy Annual Legislative Luncheon on December 22 2015 at the Crossroads Hotel and Convention Center in Huron bull Discussion on final plans for the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association Annual Meeting December 7-10 2015 in Denver CO bull Calendar review of upcoming meetings and events
BOARD REPORT The board considered andor acted upon the following
1 Approved the date and time of the next regular board meeting for 930 AM on Tuesday December 22 2015 2 Approved payment of legal fees for Harvey Oliver in the amount of $234260 3 Approved Work Order Inventories 15-10 for $13547715 and 15-10MC for $12270806 to be submitted to the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) for reimbursement from loan funds for electric plant construction already completed
Get FREE Northern Wireless
wwwnorthernwirelessnet
Installation With Your Co-op Connections Card
4 Authorized limited board attendance to the 2016 SDREA Annual Meeting and Legislative Dinner January 14-15 in Pierre and appointed Director Donna Sharp delegate Manager Char Hager alternate 5 Authorized acceptance and execution of arrangement letter offered by Eide Bailly LLP to perform the audits for 2015 6 Authorized limited board attendance to the 2016 East River Energize Forum February 3-4 in Sioux Falls 7 Approved Resolution for Frederick Substation Transfer to East River Electric Cooperative 8 Approved Resolution to Refinance Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Debt 9 Approved a donation of $100000 for the State Fair Foundation 10 Held Executive Session
Questions or more details on any of these matters Please ask your cooperative manager staff or director
Financial Report ndash October 2015
kWh Sales 23529079 kWh 1404255 under budget Electric Revenues $2164123 964 of budget Total Cost of Service $2127327 918 of budget
Wholesale power cost taxes interest and depreciation accounted for 855 of NECrsquos Total Cost of Service
Operating Margins $36795 Budget ($72188) Year to Date Margins $688852 Budget $44263
Residential Average Monthly Usage and Bill October lsquo15 1833 kWh $18405 1004 per kWh October lsquo14 1858 kWh $17888 0963 per kWh
2 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
(USPS 396-040)
CEOGeneral Manager Char Hager infonorthernelectriccoop
Board of Directors Victor Gross President Mike McHugh Vice President Donna Sharp Secretary Wayne Holt Treasurer Fran Esser Victor Fischbach Glen Larson Randy Kienow Mark Sumption
Harvey Oliver
NEC Attorney
Management Staff Russel Ulmer Manager of Member
ServicesMarketing Mark Fischer Manager of Wireless
Services Derek Gorecki Manager of Information
Technology Mike Kelly Operations Manager Cathi Podoll Chief Financial Officer Kay Albrecht Executive Secretary Ben Dunsmoor Communications
Director Editorrsquos e-mail bdunsmoornorthernelectriccoop NEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer
NORTHERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS is the monthly publication for the members of Northern Electric Cooperative PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427 Families subscribe to Northern Electric Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership Northern Electric Cooperative Connectionsrsquo purpose is to provide reliable helpful information to electric cooperative members on electric cooperative matters and better rural living
Subscription Information Electric cooperative members devote 50 cents from their monthly electric payments for a subscription Nonmember subscriptions are available for $12 annually Periodicals Postage Paid at Bath SD 57427
POSTMASTER Send address changes to Northern Electric Cooperative Connections PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427 telephone (605) 225-0310 fax (605) 225-1684
NEC Web site wwwnorthernelectriccoop Design assistance by SDREA and TDG Communications
Editorrsquos Column
Electricity Itrsquos Not Something To Take lsquoLightrsquoly
You flip on the switch and itrsquos there
You turn off the switch and itrsquos not Electricity was lsquoon-demandrsquo before lsquoon-demandrsquo was the cool kid on the block But ensuring that electricity is available at the flick of the finger isnrsquot as easy as it may seem Letrsquos start locally at Northern Electric Cooperative our crews work throughout the year to upgrade our infrastructure and catch a problem before it causes a power outage Just this summer our crews buried nearly 30 miles of line to make the electric grid more resilient An outside contractor also conducted the annual testing of 3000 poles this year to make sure they are sturdy and can remain in service East River Electric Power Cooperative in Madison South Dakota delivers the power you use to Northern Electric from power plants owned by Basin Electric Power Cooperative in North Dakota I recently had the chance to tour the facilities in Madison and got an inside look at what it takes to deliver energy The coordinated efforts of the employees and the millions of dollars worth of poles
Ben Dunsmoor Communications Director
wire and supplies that are stocked at the facility are simply amazing East River keeps enough stock on hand to not only complete planned upgrades but to also respond quickly if there is a storm or outage Their entire facility is dedicated to keeping the lights on for members And as we pause for reflection during this holiday season I believe it is truly miraculous that we can
flip on a switch and have electricity to power our everyday needs and wants Believe it or not some parts of the world still do not have this luxury The international arm of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) works all year long to bring electricity to corners of the earth that have yet to be
touched by power With outposts in places like Bangladesh Bolivia the Dominican Republic Uganda and South Sudan NRECA International continues its mission to electrify rural areas across the globe So when you flip on the switch on Christmas morning or turn out the lights on your New Yearrsquos Eve celebration please take a moment to think about all the men women and millions of dollars that it takes to ensure that electricity remains affordable and lsquoon-demandrsquo It truly is one of the greatest blessings we have as Americans and rural South Dakotans and itrsquos something that we should never take lightly
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 3
Current issues
Speaking Out The start of the new year brings many state legislatures back to their respective capitol cities to tend to the business of the people The Nebraska Legislature convenes
Jan 6 and South Dakota lawmakers start work back in Pierre on Jan 12 Minneshysotarsquos Legislature reconvenes at noon on March 8 While lawmakers are in the capitol
there are several ways to reach them
south Dakota Write to local legislators in care of the
Legislative Research Council Capitol Building 3rd Floor ndash 500 East Capitol Ave Pierre SD 57501-5070 South Dakota Senators can be
reached at 605-773-3821 while Represhysentatives can be reached at 605-773-3251 During session faxes can be sent to legislators at 605-773-6806 To e-mail legislators go to httpleshy
gissdgovContactLegislatorEmailaspx and select the legislatorrsquos name from the drop-down box
Minnesota To reach Minnesota Senators write
to Honorable (Full Name) Minnesota State Senate 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd St Paul MN 55155-1606 To reach Minnesota Representatives
write to Honorable (Full Name) Minshynesota House of Representatives (Room ) State Office Building 100 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd St Paul MN 55155-1298
Email is most effective if it is not a blanket mailing to all members When sending an email remember to include your name postal address and phone number For more information on contacting
Minnesota legislators go to httpwww legstatemnuslegfaqfaqtocid=47
nebraska Find contact information for Nebrasshy
ka Senators at httpnebraskalegislature govsenatorssenator_listphp
Safety Tips
Electric Blanket Safety TipsCan Save Your Life During the cold of winter an electric blanket may provide extra warmth in your home Please consider several imshyportant safety tips to assure your electric blanket does not start a fire bull Make certain your blanket is apshy
proved by a nationally recognized testing agency bull When not in use turn your blanshy
ket off Most models have no internal temperature control that turns the heat off when the blanket temperature gets too hot bull Place your blanket on top of you
not below you Sitting or lying on an electric blanket may damage the internal coils of the blanket exposing the heating element to a combustible material (the blanket) bull Never place items such as books
pillows or stuffed animals on top of the blanket These items can trap the heat leading to elevated temperatures and serve as a source of ignition
Kidsrsquo Corner Safety Poster
bull Keep the blanket flat not crumpled or in a ball If left on a crumpled blanket allows for excessive heat buildshyup within the blanket Always turn the blanket off when leaving the room bull Do not wash an electric blanket
The twisting tugshyging and turning action of the washshying machine will most certainly damage the internal coils bull Unplug your blanket if you see or
smell smoke coming from it Discolorshyation of the blanket may indicate the heating elements are burning internally
If you have any doubt about the safety of your blanket discontinue using it Electric blankets are usually a safe way to add a little warmth and are widely used throughout the country However this is only true if blankets are well maintained and properly used
Source seattlegov
ldquoplay safearound cordsrdquo
Allison Bruns 10 years old She is the daughter of Matt and Kim Bruns Madison SD
Kids send your draw-ing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3) If your poster is published yoursquoll receive a prize All entries must include your name age mail-ing address and the names of your parents Colored drawings are encouraged
4 January 2016 bull CooperaTive ConneCTions
-
-
-
recipesReader
Chunky Chicken vegetable and rosemary stew Creamy Lasagna soup
Super Soups 1 (23 oz) can low-sodium low 1 lb ground beef cooked and
fat tomato soup drained 3 cups hot water (equivalent of 10 lasagna noodles broken
using 1 empty soup can) into pieces 3 cups low fat milk (equivalent 8 oz low fat cream cheese
of using 1 empty soup can) 1 cup shredded mozzarella 3 T Tonersquos Italian seasoning cheese
Combine first 5 ingredients until near boiling on medium high heat Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water until soft drain Add to soup mixture When heated through add cream cheese stirring thoroughly Serve with mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top Makes 12 servings Julie Thonvold Erwin
Crockpot potato soup 1 (32 oz) bag diced hash browns 8 oz cream cheese (do not use 1 can cream of chicken soup light) 32 oz chicken broth Salt and pepper to taste (may 3 oz real bacon bits add onion powder and celery 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese salt if desired)
Place all ingredients in crockpot except cream cheese Cook on low covered for 8 hours Add cream cheese that has been cut into small chunks during last hour of cooking stirring often Top with additional Cheddar cheese if desired
Diana Spence Utica
Crockpot Harvest soup 1 lb ground beef 1 (15 oz) can corn 1 (29 oz) can Veg-All 1 (7 oz) can green chilies 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes 2 T jalapenos if desired 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce 2 tsp chili powder 1 (28 oz) can green beans 6 beef bouillon cubes
Brown and drain ground beef Place in crockpot add remaining ingredients Do not drain any can Cook on low for 3 hours Jane Ham Rapid City
easy Broccoli-potato-Cheese soup 4 cans cream of potato soup 1 small head of broccoli cut into 4 soup cans milk florets 1 lb Velveeta cheese cut into Black pepper to taste
small chunks
Combine all ingredients in crockpot Cook on low for 4 hours
Lois Odien-Page Hermosa
2 T canola oil divided 2 dried bay leaves 12 ounces boneless chicken breasts cut into 14 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1-inch pieces 1 (15 oz) can reduced-sodium navy beans 1 medium onion cut in 8 wedges rinsed and drained 3 medium carrots quartered lengthwise and cut 1 cup grape tomatoes quartered
into thirds 12 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley 1 medium celery stalk cut into 1-inch pieces 1 T chopped fresh rosemary 2 cups water 34 tsp salt
In Dutch oven heat 1 T canola oil over medium-high heat Add chicken and cook about 3 minutes per side or until it begins to brown (center will still be slightly pink) Remove from oven and set aside Add remaining canola oil onion carrot and celery Sauteacute stirring frequently for 5 minutes or until vegetables just begin to lightly brown on edges Add water bay leaves and pepper flakes Bring to boil over high heat Reduce heat to medium low and simmer covered for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender Stir in chicken beans tomatoes Italian parsley rosemary and salt Cover and cook 5 minutes or until tomatoes are tender and chicken is cooked Serve immediately or let stew stand 30 minutes to develop flavors and texture Yields 6 1-cup servings
Nutritional analysis per serving 220 calories 7 g total fat (1 g saturated fat) 50 mg cholesterol 17 g carbohydrates 6 g fiber 3 g sugars 22 g protein 380 mg sodium 532 mg potassium
Pictured Cooperative Connections
Chicken Taco soup 1 cup chicken broth 1 can Rotel tomatoes and 1 (16 oz) can kidney beans chilies
drained and rinsed 12 cup diced green pepper 1 (16 oz) can pinto beans 12 cup chopped onion
drained and rinsed 1 lb cooked chicken 1 (16 oz) can corn drained or shredded
1 can cream-style corn 12 cup chopped celery 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 pkg taco seasoning
Place all ingredients in a crockpot Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours Can be garnished with sour cream andor cheese once scooped into a bowl Colleen Noecker Yankton
White Chicken Chili 5 to 6 (15 oz) cans Northern 1 can cheese soup (Fiesta or
beans drained Cheddar) or 4 cups 3 (13 oz) cans chunk chicken shredded cheese
with juice shredded 16 oz sour cream 8 oz can green chilies 1 pkg white chicken chili 1 can cream of chicken soup seasoning
Combine all ingredients in crockpot Cook until heated thru Jeanine Greenwood Sioux Falls
Please send your favor ite bread breakfast and seafood recipes to your local electric coop erative (address found on Page 3) Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in June 2016 All entries must include your name mailing address tele phone number and cooperative name
CooperaTive ConneCTions bull January 2016 5
Co-op News
Northern Electric Lights Up The Holidays
NortherN electric cooperative
takes holiday lighting seriously For more years than many employees can remember itrsquos been a tradition to decorate the vast lawn in front of the main headquarters in Bath with lights and figurines The Redfield office also gets in on the fun with its own display At the Bath headquarters this year more than 30 strings of LED lights are used to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year This includes the large star that is placed above the display every year The star and the hundreds of LED lights set up in the front lawn serve as a festive welcome to drivers who are entering Aberdeen on US Highway 12
The creativity of Northern Electric Cooperative crews are also on display in Redfield this year Old wire spools are
being used in that display to create a snowman and Christmas bulbs With all the construction on the Northern Electric system there is often a surplus of these spools The new Redfield display is a way for the office to show off its holiday electric cooperashytive pride and recycle unused materials at the same time
LED lighting is a key component in both displays making the season merry and bright without breaking the bank According to energygov a string of 50 LED lights costs a mere 13 cents to operate during the holiday season Old ceramic incandescent light bulbs cost about $13 to operate per string during 40 days of illumination So as you are out and about in the next few weeks please drive by both offices and take a look at these creative sustainable festive and joyful displays Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Northern Electric Cooperative
6 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 7
Co-op News
(Above) Nearly 30 strings of LED lights are used to decorate the front lawn of the Northern Electric office in Bath (Left) A toy soldier figurine is just one piece of the Northern Electric holiday light display (Below) Repurposed wire spools are used to create a festive display at the Northern Electric office in Redfield
Country Cookinrsquo Recipes Needed
Recipes are needed for the 32nd volume of
East River Electricrsquos Country Cookinrsquo cookbook
Please help us create another great cookbook by submitting
your favorite hearty recipes as well as recipes for the
ldquoLight Siderdquo section of the cookbook
Submission deadline is Monday February 1 2016
Submit via email to kkaupeastrivercoop
fax to 605-256-8057 or contact your local cooperative for
more information
Electric Youth Tour Inspiring Future Leaders for 50-plus Years
By Brenda Kle in jan
and Magen Howard
Positive influential life-changing All three words hold a host of meaning for
students who have participated in the annual Rural Electric Youth Tour
Since 1963 more than 1200 South Dakota teens have made the trek to Washington DC to learn about cooperatives the nationrsquos political proshycess and about their peers from across the country
ldquoThe trip that we took was extremely positive It was a great influence for leadershiprdquo said Shanna (Hilderman) Stueve of Wheaton Minn who as a teenager in 1996 represented West Central Electric
Cooperative in Murdo SD on the trip ldquoBasically the experience allowed me to see
things that I wouldnrsquot have necessarily been able to participate in It showed me different leadershyship styles not to mention all of the historical and incredibly interesting monuments that we are able to participate inrdquo Stueve said
ldquoI was incredibly interested in politics However I did not end up following that career pathrdquo said Stueve who along with her husband has an insurshyance and seed business in western Minnesota where they are members of Traverse Electric Cooperative
8 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
Left Participants from the 1965 or 1966 Youth Tour walk with Sen George McGovshyern second from right near the Capitol Photo courtesy Steve Smeenk Butte Electric Cooperative Opposite Page The 2015 South Dakota Rural Electric Youth Tour delegation conshysisted of 44 teens
ldquoAs a junior in high school having the opportunity meet the politicians that represented me was very important to me I feel like this is a trip of a lifetimerdquo she said ldquoNot only did I have the chance to see the different aspects of government but I also had the opportunity to see the different socioeconomic backgrounds based on region from across the country I feel like itrsquos a valuable exposure to culturerdquo
rooted in politics Youth Tour was born from a speech at the 1957 NRECA annual meeting by then-Sen Lynshy
don B Johnson He was a longtime advocate of electric co-ops having lobbied for the creation of Pedernales Electric Cooperative in 1937 as a young politician in Texas ldquoIf one thing comes out of this meeting it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and representsrdquo the future president said
With that encouragement Texas electric co-ops began sending summer interns to work in the senatorrsquos Washington DC office In 1958 an electric co-op in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a weeklong study tour of the nationrsquos capital Later that same year another busload came to Washington from Illinois The idea grew and other states sent busloads of students throughout the summer By 1959 the Youth Tour had grown to 130 participants
South Dakota sent its first delegation of 31 students representing 18 cooperashytives in 1963 The following year NRECA began to coordinate joint activities among the state delegations and suggested that co-op representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington DC during Youth Tour week The first year of the coordinated tour included about 400 teens from 12 states
As word spread the program grew ndash and grew and grew Youth Day generally on the Monday of Youth Tour is when all the state contingents converge to learn about grassroots politics and hear from inspirational speakers The students share their state pins often vying to get the most pins or those that are rare like those from Hawaiirsquos small group
In 2015 South Dakota electric cooperatives sent 44 teens on the trip It tied with the statersquos 1965 delegation as the largest to represent the state More than 1700 students participated in the 2015 Youth Tour and the 2016 tour scheduled for June 10-16 promises to be even bigger
Inspiring our youth For the past decade students have heard the inspiring story of Paralympian Mike Schlappi
a star athlete who was paralyzed as a teen State coordinators lobby for Schlappi to return year after year because they say the students never fail to take his story to heart
Schlappi was their age when his whole life changed from an accidental gunshot Today he makes the annual Youth Tour presentation a priority because he loves the kids
ldquoTheyrsquore so young and trying to figure out their lives Theyrsquove heard enough speakers and read enough books sometimes theyrsquoll roll their eyesrdquo Schlappi said ldquoBut theyrsquore away from parents and excited about their future and maybe got their eyes on the cute kid across the room Theyrsquore willing to make positive changes Back home they get labels and they have to live up to that [At Youth Tour] they can make new impressions on new friendsrdquo
Were you there
Did you or a family member go on Youth Tour Let us know
More than 1200 South Dakota teens have participatshyed in Youth Tour since 1963 and there are even more Minnesota and Nebraska teens who have gone through
Sadly in the past five decades wersquove lost track of
some of them Wersquod love to hear from you and
how the Youth Tour experience benefited you
Contact your local elecshytric cooperative
or find us on Facebook
are you ready
Do you know of an outstanding teen that would benefit from the Youth Tour experience Cooperatives participating in the 2016 Youth Tour are taking apshyplications for the program To find out more about your cooperativersquos participation and selection criteria contact them Yoursquoll find their address in this magazine
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 9
Youth News
Students Should Apply Now For $1000 amp $500 Scholarships
Many high school seniors arenrsquot just checking off the items on their Christmas lists this time of year they are also narrowing down their college choices
The price of higher education is always a factor in deciding which school students will attend next fall Northern Electric Cooperative and North Dakota-based power supplier Basin Electric Power Cooperative are once again offering two scholarships this year to help with the cost of college
ldquoEducation and commitment to community are two of the principles cooperatives operate underrdquo Northern Electric General Manager Char Hager said ldquoThese scholarships epitomize those principlesrdquo
University of South Dakota freshman Madisyn Waage was the 2015 recipient of the $500 scholarship awarded by Northern Electric Cooperative The money is being applied to tuition at USD for the Aberdeen Central graduate
ldquoIt was really helpfulrdquo Waage said ldquoItrsquos helping (Above L to R) Lucas Sternhagen was awarded a $1000 me pay for my classes this year so itrsquos definitely been scholarship in 2015 Madisyn Waage was the $500 scholshyrewardingrdquo arship recipient
Lucas Sternhagen was awarded the $1000 Applications and instructions on how to apply have been sent scholarship from Basin Electric in 2015 He is also a freshman to all of the school districts in the Northern Electric service at the University of South Dakota Sternhagen graduated from territory Information can also be found at Groton High School last spring wwwnorthernelectriccoop
To be eligible for the scholarships parents of the students ldquoJust be yourself and donrsquot be scared of failingrdquo Waage said must be current consumers of Northern Electric Cooperative ldquoJust take the time to apply because it could be worth itrdquo The scholarship application process includes a short essay For Waage that advice is paying off and documentation of academic and extracurricular activities
Heating Help Is Available
The Low -Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible South Dakotans pay for home heating costs Energy assistance may not pay for all your home heating costs but it will help ease the strain of the heating season Energy assistance is available from October 1 - May 15
Eligibility for the program is based on -Number of people in household -Gross income of everyone in household -Type of heating for the home -Geographic area you live in
Applications can be obtained by calling 1-800-233-8503 online at httpdsssdgoveconomicassistanceenergyassistancelowincomeaspx at the local Department of
Social Services office or from the Northern Electric office in Bath SD
10 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Youth News
Scholarship eligibility Applicants must be US citizens and
natural or adopted children of Northern Electric consumersmembers Dependents of Northern Electric employees are not eligible Any applicant must be a student who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time graduate or undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college university or
vocationaltechnical school
How the selection process works The scholarship awards are based on
academic excellence and financial need All applications are critically evaluated using a combination of several criteria including SATACT scores grade-point average work experience participation in school and community activities a statement by the student explaining hisher educational and career goals financial need and a written recommendation by a third party
Applications will be considered by an independent judge for Northern Electric and then submitted to Basin Electric for scholarship distribution
How to apply Applications are available from local
high school guidance counselors on the Northern Electric Cooperative website or directly from Northern Electric offices Applicants must complete the scholarship application and provide all the required information
Completed applications MUST BE RETURNED BY FEBRUARY 15 2016 to
Northern Electric Cooperative PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427
For more information contact Kay Albrecht at
605-225-0310 or 1-800-529-0310
Groft Selected As Scholar of the Week
(Above) Northern Electric Communications Director Ben Dunsmoor presents a $100 check to Northwestern High School Senior Isaac Groft for being named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week
Northwestern Area High School Senior Isaac Groft likes to get involved in almost everything at his school Groftrsquos ambition to take on new challenges is the reason the four-sport athlete from Ashton was named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week on December 7 Groft was nominated for the honor by Northwestern counselor Kari Brenner for maintaining a 365-grade point average and participating in multiple sports and extra-curricular activities ldquoI think we have good teachers here who push their studentsrdquo Groft said about his school Groft is the first student in the Northern Electric Cooperative territory to receive the recognition this year The Northwestern senior is also one of only 34 students who will be selected as the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week during the 2015-2016 school year Each recipient receives $100 from their local electric cooperative The award also means the student is eligible for two $500 scholarships and one $1000 scholarship which are given away at the Scholar of the Week banquet at the end of the school year ldquoItrsquos a really great honorrdquo Groft said ldquoItrsquos great that people are recognizing academic excellence here and I hope it motivates others to do wellrdquo A story featuring Groft and his achievements aired on KSFY on December 7 KSFY Television is a partner in the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week program and highlights the recipients every week
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 11
Teensrsquo Big Ideas Take Shape Young Entrepreneurs Plan for Success
By Brenda Kle in jan
Teens armed with business plans and dreams
descended on Aberdeen in early December to showshycase their concepts and compete in the ninth annual BIG Idea Final Competition
The Bent Perspective plan for an Origami intensive store brought top honors to Pierre student Haley Ketteler
Ketteler outlined how her company would provide customers with an all paper experience allowing clients to design paper arrangements for special events take classes to learn Origami purshychase paper creations kits and supplies and order custom creations As part of the experience she had to identify marketing opportunities define her competition and outline management and operashy
tions for the business Eight high school finalists were selected from
the 263 applications submitted from 37 different schools First round judges included 114 volunteers from the region along with 132 college entrepreshyneurship and business students Marketing designs were also submitted by 110 teams which included a logo and ad for their idea Ellen Schlechter of Faulkton High School was recognized for her Calvshying Book App which was the The Marketing Design competition winner
The eight finalists included Ketteler second-place finishers George Bernard and Mark Wesolick of St Thomas More High School in Rapid City SD third-place finisher MaKayla Price of Wessshy
12 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
1st Place Wins an iPad + $10002nd Place Wins an iPad + $5003rd Place Wins an iPad4th - 6th Places Win $3007th - 10th Places Win $100Sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the
Governorrsquos Office of Economic DevelopmentScholarship Criteria and Expectations | FlierDEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF A BUSINESS PLAN IS DECEM-
BER 18 2015
Listed above are the criteria necessary to get a high school student started in preparing a written business plan for the competition The South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the Governorrsquos Office of Economic Development have again donated the first place prize ndash an iPad plus $1000 Second place is an iPad plus $500 and third place is an iPad Fourth through sixth place prizes will be cash awards sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation in the amount of $300 each place Seventh through tenth place prizes is $100 each place It is recommended that all the points in the ldquoBusiness Start-Up Planrdquo be addressed Please click on the link above for entry requirements Judging will be based on the following criteria
Completeness of business plan Viability as an ongoing business Realistic financial projectionscash flow plan Conciseness in presentation Creativity and innovation
Judges for the contest include bankers educators and business people across the state First through sixth place plan submitters will be called to Pierre to participate in oral interviews in February and will be asked to remain for the presentation of awards that evening Students may attend with their parents and school advisor The evening event is a reception and banquet attended by 300 of our statersquos legislators constitutional officers bankers and spouses
Writing a business start-up plan helps you decide what is needed in terms of time money and resources to get a business underway The following outline should be helpful in that it ad-dresses many of the issues that should be considered when start-ing a business By thinking over some of the details with your ad-visers parents or friends and getting them down on paper yoursquoll have a good idea of how you want a business to take shape A business plan provides a concrete structure against which you can measure actual performance Yoursquoll also save yourself time and money in the long run If you do decide to create this business you will have a logical plan with which to get started
Contact your schoolrsquos business department or the South Dakota Bankers Association for more information
ington Springs High School Dalton Larson Jared Miller and Tyndall Petterson of West Central High School in Hartford SD Eli Gerry of Madison Central High School Tony Baumann of Redfield High School and two teams from St Thomas More Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks and Olivia Facenda and Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilson and Sophie Wittenberg
The competition encourages students to consider new ideas and opshyportunities for creating a business in their own region
ldquoWersquore trying to get them to start thinking about starting a business not necessarily starting the business but what it would take to start and run a businessrdquo said event organizer Kelly Weaver regional director with the South Dakota Small Business Development Center in Aberdeen SD
Participants were able to take part in panel discussions with the busishyness owners Weaver saidThe competition is coordinated by the Small Business Development Center and funded by Sanford Health East River Electric Power Cooperative REED Fund Dacotah Bank Student Loan Finance Corporation Aberdeen Development Corporation Northwestern Energy McQuillen Creative Group The Tom and Danielle Aman Founshydation and Midcontinent Communications Scholarships are provided by Northern State University and Presentation College The competition is a result of the input and collaboration of these organizations along with Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Aberdeen Downtown Associashytion Aberdeen Catholic School System ndash Roncalli High School Aberdeen School District ndash Central High School and Dacotah Bank
In addition to the schools listed above students from the following high schools also participated Aberdeen Central High School Bridgewashyter-Emery High School Bowdle High School Canistota High School Canton High School Durpree High School Edmund Central High School Ethan High School Eureka High School Faith High School Groton High School Hitchcock Tulare High School Hoven High School Ipswich High School Iroquois High School Lead-Deadwood High School Leola High School Milbank High School Mitchell High School Montrose High School Northwestern Sioux Valley High School Sioux Fall Christian Swift Home School Vermillion High School Wagshyner High School Warner High School Watertown High School Wilmot High School and Yankton High School A total of 414 students particishypated in a submission
For her winnng plan Ketteler won $1000 while Bernard and Weshysolickrsquos Caveman Custom Iron plan earned $500 for second place and Pricersquos plan for KP Photography received $250 for third place Scholarshyships to both Northern State University and Presentation College were also awarded Schlechter received $500 for her marketing design plan
Go to BIGIdeaSDcom for more information about the competition
BIG Idea Finalists were front row from left Cierra Veldhuizen Maria Wilson Haley Ketteler Jenny Rooks Brianna McGinnis and Sophie Wittenberg Standing from left were Olivia Facenda George Bernard Tony Baumann Mark Wesolick Eli Gerry Tyndall Petter-son Dalton Larson MaKayla Price and Jared Miller Photo by Dawn Sahli Photography
First Place Bent Perspective
Bent Perspective is an Origami intensive store focused on teaching the customers how to make origami artwork It will also offer services such as event decoration custom origami artwork pre-made origami artwork and kits This business will provide the community with a unique and fun activity for all ages It will help eliminate boredom in the community through a relaxing and fulfilling activity that all individuals can enjoy and appreciate
Haley Ketteler Pierre Riggs High School
Second Place caveman custom Iron
Caveman Custom Iron will produce hand-crafted steel goods and distribute these goods to people who want unique pieces of functional art to decorate their home garden or place of business Caveman Custom Iron will also produce tools such as knives or garden tools Potential customers are those who look for pieces of iron work to decorate their home and people looking for quality specialized tools for tasks such as woodworking and gardening
George Bernard and Mark Wesolick St Thomas More High School
Third Place KP Photography
KP Photography provides the talent of photography to the Wessington Springs area community Photographers can take senior pictures wedding pictures engagement pictures family pictures and more It is very convenient for the community by being close and for a low cost
MaKayla Price Wessington Springs High School
Finalists
The Cooler Backpack Company ndash Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks Olivia Facenda St Thomas More High School
The Spink County Outdoorsmen ndash Tony Baumann Redfield High School
All Seasons Lighting ndash Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilshyson Sophie Wittenberg St Thomas More High School
Gerryrsquos Pumpkins amp Produce ndash Eli Gerry Madison Central High School
SoDak Custom Hay Co ndash Dalton Larson Jared Miller Tyndall Petterson West Central High School
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 13
Double Threat The Right Strip Can Protect Devices Cut Energy Bills
There is little if anything you can buy today
that does not have some electronic component Even clothing as wearable electronics are starting to take hold Not to mention a device (httpwww makeymakeycom) that allows you to make a keyboard from bananas So itrsquos time to take a look at making sure your elecshytronics last as long as possible Irsquom not talking about replacement plans or extended warranties Today wersquore talkshying about protecting your products from electrical surges
The first order of business is to deshyfine a surge Herersquos one from Computer By Hope (httpwwwcomputerhopecomTom Tate jargonssurgehtm) on the lsquoNet ldquoAltershynatively known as a line surge a surge is an unexpected increase in voltage in an electrical current that causes damage to electrical equipment For example the standard United States voltage is 120V If an electrical current above this rating was to come through a power outlet for more than three nanoseconds this would be considered a surge anything less is considered a spike A surge is usually created by lightning and can damage unprotected computers and sometimes even protected computersrdquo
Many people think a blink from their electric cooperative or utility providerrsquos system is a surge but these are generally caused by something like a tree contacting a line In such cases the systemrsquos protective devices work causshying an interruption to protect the wires and other components These are not surges but more like turning a light on and off
True surges will enter a home through any numshyber of avenues The most obvious is through the power lines Less obvious is through the telephone lines cablesatellite connections water lines and any other metallic system that connects to your home So to protect against surges you need to take a three-pronged approach
Perhaps the most important thing to do is to be
14 January 2016 bull Cooperative ConneCtions
sure all the grounds in your home are good and that they are bonded together Over the years grounds can deteriorate new services can be added with inadequate grounding and so forth A faulty ground will allow surges into the home rather than bleeding
them off into the earth Get a qualified electrishycian to test and correct your groundshying system
Next protect your electrical service entrance with a surge device The easiest to install are those mounted behind the meter They can also be mounted at the main electric panel When a surge travels down the electric lines these devices will act to ldquoclamprdquo the surge and reduce its power These are sacrificial devices that allow themselves to be destroyed rather than allowing the surge to pass through Noble devices indeed
The third prong is to protect expensive devices at their point of use Computers and entertainment equipshyment are prime examples Remember that surges can enter the home via avenues other than the power lines Computers and entertainment equipshyment are frequently connected to cable and phone lines Those devices need to have protection at the point of use that covers all possible avenues These are generally in the form of a power strip or wall device most of us are familiar with Use a quality product from a manufacturer such as
Monster Belkin Tripp Lite or APC to name a few Look for one with a joule rating of at least 1000 a connected equipment warranty and compatibility with digital signals from cable and satellite While you are at it look for a ldquosmartrdquo strip that turns off all but one connected device when not in use
Save money on your electric bill while protecting your equipment Itrsquos a definite win-win
Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the Nationshyal Rural Electric Cooperative Association the Arlingshyton Va-based service arm of the nationrsquos 900-plus consumer-owned not-for-profit electric cooperatives
ADVANCED POWER STRIPS Which one is right for me
I want to stop WASTING ENERGY in myhellip
I always turn off my electronics when done
Why donrsquot I turn them off
Do I put it to sleep or shut
down
Do I want manual or automated power control
Does it stay docked or is it frequently moved
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER HOME OFFICE
NO YES
Is the computer a laptop or tablet
NO YES
I fall asleep I forget Irsquoll do it Automatic Sleep Shut down Always Moved often myself docked
T i Activ ity Monitor Power Strip
itch
COST
FEATURES
POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
mer p
Remote Swp
Master-Control led Power Strip
Masterless Power Strip
Power strip automatically
pre-set schedule
Power strip looks for signs of activity in the room and
detected
Power strip can be turned
switch
When a primary device (such as a computer or TV)
power strip automatically
outlets where the peripheral devices (such as the printer or game console) are plugged in
When all of the controlled
power to those outlets completely eliminating all of the vampire loads
You have to set up the timer and stick to your schedule for maximum energy savings
Motion sensors dont always work perfectly
To save any energy you have to remember to turn
time
It can be tricky to select which appliance should be your master device
powered appliance could
strip
Digital or dial timer Motion sensor or an infrared eye that detects remote control use around the TV or stereo
A tethered switch or a remote switch
One outlet is labeled as the master
No master outlet Description may include automatic switching or power detection
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden CO 80401 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wastepaper including 10 post consumer waste
NRELPO-5500-60461 bull October 2013 303-275-3000 bull wwwnrelgov Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC
Cooperative ConneCtions bull January 2016 15
Power Stri Power Stri
regional Dateline November 20-January 10
Winter Wonderland Falls Park Sioux Falls SD 605-275-6060
November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 am to 10 pm Pierre SD 605-773-3178
December 5-26 Deck Your Halls Holiday Art Show and Sale 10 am to 5 pm Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season Lead SD 605-584-3896
December 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015 5 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
December 20 Christmas Caroling at The Abbey 2 to 4 pm Marvin SD 605-398-9200
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Yearrsquos Eve Dance Ramkota Convention Center Aberdeen SD 605-229-1072 httpsouthdakotawish orgnews-and-eventscalen-dar-of-eventsevents-time-fold-ernew-years-eve-aberdeen
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am to 11 pm Mobridge SD 605-845-2500
Events of Special Note January 5-7
Dakota Farm Show Dakota Dome Vermillion SD 507-437-7969
February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show Convention Center Sioux Falls SD 605-231-3100 wwwwinterfestofwheelscom
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
Photo by miKe KjoSe Clay-union eleCtRiC CoRPoRation
Please call ahead to confirm date time and location of event
January 10 17 24 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 am to 315 pm CST Mission SD 605-259-3252 ext 3
January 16 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer SD 605-440-1405
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 1245 to 830 pm Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 1-800-468-6463
January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 29-30 35th Annual Farm Home and Sport Show Armory Webster SD 605-345-4468 wwwwebstersdcom
January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show amp Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-355-3861
January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert Eureka SD jalvarezmmgyglobalcom
February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown SD 605-886-7335
February 7 South Dakotarsquos Largest Tailgate Party Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
February 9-13 Winter Farm Show 9 am to 4 pm Watertown SD 605-886-5814
February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115
March 5 Trade Show 9 am to 3 pm Custer SD 605-673-2244
March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9 am to 3 pm MST Philip SD 605-859-2635 605-859-2280 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219
(USPS 396-040)
CEOGeneral Manager Char Hager infonorthernelectriccoop
Board of Directors Victor Gross President Mike McHugh Vice President Donna Sharp Secretary Wayne Holt Treasurer Fran Esser Victor Fischbach Glen Larson Randy Kienow Mark Sumption
Harvey Oliver
NEC Attorney
Management Staff Russel Ulmer Manager of Member
ServicesMarketing Mark Fischer Manager of Wireless
Services Derek Gorecki Manager of Information
Technology Mike Kelly Operations Manager Cathi Podoll Chief Financial Officer Kay Albrecht Executive Secretary Ben Dunsmoor Communications
Director Editorrsquos e-mail bdunsmoornorthernelectriccoop NEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer
NORTHERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS is the monthly publication for the members of Northern Electric Cooperative PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427 Families subscribe to Northern Electric Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership Northern Electric Cooperative Connectionsrsquo purpose is to provide reliable helpful information to electric cooperative members on electric cooperative matters and better rural living
Subscription Information Electric cooperative members devote 50 cents from their monthly electric payments for a subscription Nonmember subscriptions are available for $12 annually Periodicals Postage Paid at Bath SD 57427
POSTMASTER Send address changes to Northern Electric Cooperative Connections PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427 telephone (605) 225-0310 fax (605) 225-1684
NEC Web site wwwnorthernelectriccoop Design assistance by SDREA and TDG Communications
Editorrsquos Column
Electricity Itrsquos Not Something To Take lsquoLightrsquoly
You flip on the switch and itrsquos there
You turn off the switch and itrsquos not Electricity was lsquoon-demandrsquo before lsquoon-demandrsquo was the cool kid on the block But ensuring that electricity is available at the flick of the finger isnrsquot as easy as it may seem Letrsquos start locally at Northern Electric Cooperative our crews work throughout the year to upgrade our infrastructure and catch a problem before it causes a power outage Just this summer our crews buried nearly 30 miles of line to make the electric grid more resilient An outside contractor also conducted the annual testing of 3000 poles this year to make sure they are sturdy and can remain in service East River Electric Power Cooperative in Madison South Dakota delivers the power you use to Northern Electric from power plants owned by Basin Electric Power Cooperative in North Dakota I recently had the chance to tour the facilities in Madison and got an inside look at what it takes to deliver energy The coordinated efforts of the employees and the millions of dollars worth of poles
Ben Dunsmoor Communications Director
wire and supplies that are stocked at the facility are simply amazing East River keeps enough stock on hand to not only complete planned upgrades but to also respond quickly if there is a storm or outage Their entire facility is dedicated to keeping the lights on for members And as we pause for reflection during this holiday season I believe it is truly miraculous that we can
flip on a switch and have electricity to power our everyday needs and wants Believe it or not some parts of the world still do not have this luxury The international arm of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) works all year long to bring electricity to corners of the earth that have yet to be
touched by power With outposts in places like Bangladesh Bolivia the Dominican Republic Uganda and South Sudan NRECA International continues its mission to electrify rural areas across the globe So when you flip on the switch on Christmas morning or turn out the lights on your New Yearrsquos Eve celebration please take a moment to think about all the men women and millions of dollars that it takes to ensure that electricity remains affordable and lsquoon-demandrsquo It truly is one of the greatest blessings we have as Americans and rural South Dakotans and itrsquos something that we should never take lightly
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 3
Current issues
Speaking Out The start of the new year brings many state legislatures back to their respective capitol cities to tend to the business of the people The Nebraska Legislature convenes
Jan 6 and South Dakota lawmakers start work back in Pierre on Jan 12 Minneshysotarsquos Legislature reconvenes at noon on March 8 While lawmakers are in the capitol
there are several ways to reach them
south Dakota Write to local legislators in care of the
Legislative Research Council Capitol Building 3rd Floor ndash 500 East Capitol Ave Pierre SD 57501-5070 South Dakota Senators can be
reached at 605-773-3821 while Represhysentatives can be reached at 605-773-3251 During session faxes can be sent to legislators at 605-773-6806 To e-mail legislators go to httpleshy
gissdgovContactLegislatorEmailaspx and select the legislatorrsquos name from the drop-down box
Minnesota To reach Minnesota Senators write
to Honorable (Full Name) Minnesota State Senate 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd St Paul MN 55155-1606 To reach Minnesota Representatives
write to Honorable (Full Name) Minshynesota House of Representatives (Room ) State Office Building 100 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd St Paul MN 55155-1298
Email is most effective if it is not a blanket mailing to all members When sending an email remember to include your name postal address and phone number For more information on contacting
Minnesota legislators go to httpwww legstatemnuslegfaqfaqtocid=47
nebraska Find contact information for Nebrasshy
ka Senators at httpnebraskalegislature govsenatorssenator_listphp
Safety Tips
Electric Blanket Safety TipsCan Save Your Life During the cold of winter an electric blanket may provide extra warmth in your home Please consider several imshyportant safety tips to assure your electric blanket does not start a fire bull Make certain your blanket is apshy
proved by a nationally recognized testing agency bull When not in use turn your blanshy
ket off Most models have no internal temperature control that turns the heat off when the blanket temperature gets too hot bull Place your blanket on top of you
not below you Sitting or lying on an electric blanket may damage the internal coils of the blanket exposing the heating element to a combustible material (the blanket) bull Never place items such as books
pillows or stuffed animals on top of the blanket These items can trap the heat leading to elevated temperatures and serve as a source of ignition
Kidsrsquo Corner Safety Poster
bull Keep the blanket flat not crumpled or in a ball If left on a crumpled blanket allows for excessive heat buildshyup within the blanket Always turn the blanket off when leaving the room bull Do not wash an electric blanket
The twisting tugshyging and turning action of the washshying machine will most certainly damage the internal coils bull Unplug your blanket if you see or
smell smoke coming from it Discolorshyation of the blanket may indicate the heating elements are burning internally
If you have any doubt about the safety of your blanket discontinue using it Electric blankets are usually a safe way to add a little warmth and are widely used throughout the country However this is only true if blankets are well maintained and properly used
Source seattlegov
ldquoplay safearound cordsrdquo
Allison Bruns 10 years old She is the daughter of Matt and Kim Bruns Madison SD
Kids send your draw-ing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3) If your poster is published yoursquoll receive a prize All entries must include your name age mail-ing address and the names of your parents Colored drawings are encouraged
4 January 2016 bull CooperaTive ConneCTions
-
-
-
recipesReader
Chunky Chicken vegetable and rosemary stew Creamy Lasagna soup
Super Soups 1 (23 oz) can low-sodium low 1 lb ground beef cooked and
fat tomato soup drained 3 cups hot water (equivalent of 10 lasagna noodles broken
using 1 empty soup can) into pieces 3 cups low fat milk (equivalent 8 oz low fat cream cheese
of using 1 empty soup can) 1 cup shredded mozzarella 3 T Tonersquos Italian seasoning cheese
Combine first 5 ingredients until near boiling on medium high heat Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water until soft drain Add to soup mixture When heated through add cream cheese stirring thoroughly Serve with mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top Makes 12 servings Julie Thonvold Erwin
Crockpot potato soup 1 (32 oz) bag diced hash browns 8 oz cream cheese (do not use 1 can cream of chicken soup light) 32 oz chicken broth Salt and pepper to taste (may 3 oz real bacon bits add onion powder and celery 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese salt if desired)
Place all ingredients in crockpot except cream cheese Cook on low covered for 8 hours Add cream cheese that has been cut into small chunks during last hour of cooking stirring often Top with additional Cheddar cheese if desired
Diana Spence Utica
Crockpot Harvest soup 1 lb ground beef 1 (15 oz) can corn 1 (29 oz) can Veg-All 1 (7 oz) can green chilies 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes 2 T jalapenos if desired 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce 2 tsp chili powder 1 (28 oz) can green beans 6 beef bouillon cubes
Brown and drain ground beef Place in crockpot add remaining ingredients Do not drain any can Cook on low for 3 hours Jane Ham Rapid City
easy Broccoli-potato-Cheese soup 4 cans cream of potato soup 1 small head of broccoli cut into 4 soup cans milk florets 1 lb Velveeta cheese cut into Black pepper to taste
small chunks
Combine all ingredients in crockpot Cook on low for 4 hours
Lois Odien-Page Hermosa
2 T canola oil divided 2 dried bay leaves 12 ounces boneless chicken breasts cut into 14 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1-inch pieces 1 (15 oz) can reduced-sodium navy beans 1 medium onion cut in 8 wedges rinsed and drained 3 medium carrots quartered lengthwise and cut 1 cup grape tomatoes quartered
into thirds 12 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley 1 medium celery stalk cut into 1-inch pieces 1 T chopped fresh rosemary 2 cups water 34 tsp salt
In Dutch oven heat 1 T canola oil over medium-high heat Add chicken and cook about 3 minutes per side or until it begins to brown (center will still be slightly pink) Remove from oven and set aside Add remaining canola oil onion carrot and celery Sauteacute stirring frequently for 5 minutes or until vegetables just begin to lightly brown on edges Add water bay leaves and pepper flakes Bring to boil over high heat Reduce heat to medium low and simmer covered for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender Stir in chicken beans tomatoes Italian parsley rosemary and salt Cover and cook 5 minutes or until tomatoes are tender and chicken is cooked Serve immediately or let stew stand 30 minutes to develop flavors and texture Yields 6 1-cup servings
Nutritional analysis per serving 220 calories 7 g total fat (1 g saturated fat) 50 mg cholesterol 17 g carbohydrates 6 g fiber 3 g sugars 22 g protein 380 mg sodium 532 mg potassium
Pictured Cooperative Connections
Chicken Taco soup 1 cup chicken broth 1 can Rotel tomatoes and 1 (16 oz) can kidney beans chilies
drained and rinsed 12 cup diced green pepper 1 (16 oz) can pinto beans 12 cup chopped onion
drained and rinsed 1 lb cooked chicken 1 (16 oz) can corn drained or shredded
1 can cream-style corn 12 cup chopped celery 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 pkg taco seasoning
Place all ingredients in a crockpot Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours Can be garnished with sour cream andor cheese once scooped into a bowl Colleen Noecker Yankton
White Chicken Chili 5 to 6 (15 oz) cans Northern 1 can cheese soup (Fiesta or
beans drained Cheddar) or 4 cups 3 (13 oz) cans chunk chicken shredded cheese
with juice shredded 16 oz sour cream 8 oz can green chilies 1 pkg white chicken chili 1 can cream of chicken soup seasoning
Combine all ingredients in crockpot Cook until heated thru Jeanine Greenwood Sioux Falls
Please send your favor ite bread breakfast and seafood recipes to your local electric coop erative (address found on Page 3) Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in June 2016 All entries must include your name mailing address tele phone number and cooperative name
CooperaTive ConneCTions bull January 2016 5
Co-op News
Northern Electric Lights Up The Holidays
NortherN electric cooperative
takes holiday lighting seriously For more years than many employees can remember itrsquos been a tradition to decorate the vast lawn in front of the main headquarters in Bath with lights and figurines The Redfield office also gets in on the fun with its own display At the Bath headquarters this year more than 30 strings of LED lights are used to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year This includes the large star that is placed above the display every year The star and the hundreds of LED lights set up in the front lawn serve as a festive welcome to drivers who are entering Aberdeen on US Highway 12
The creativity of Northern Electric Cooperative crews are also on display in Redfield this year Old wire spools are
being used in that display to create a snowman and Christmas bulbs With all the construction on the Northern Electric system there is often a surplus of these spools The new Redfield display is a way for the office to show off its holiday electric cooperashytive pride and recycle unused materials at the same time
LED lighting is a key component in both displays making the season merry and bright without breaking the bank According to energygov a string of 50 LED lights costs a mere 13 cents to operate during the holiday season Old ceramic incandescent light bulbs cost about $13 to operate per string during 40 days of illumination So as you are out and about in the next few weeks please drive by both offices and take a look at these creative sustainable festive and joyful displays Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Northern Electric Cooperative
6 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 7
Co-op News
(Above) Nearly 30 strings of LED lights are used to decorate the front lawn of the Northern Electric office in Bath (Left) A toy soldier figurine is just one piece of the Northern Electric holiday light display (Below) Repurposed wire spools are used to create a festive display at the Northern Electric office in Redfield
Country Cookinrsquo Recipes Needed
Recipes are needed for the 32nd volume of
East River Electricrsquos Country Cookinrsquo cookbook
Please help us create another great cookbook by submitting
your favorite hearty recipes as well as recipes for the
ldquoLight Siderdquo section of the cookbook
Submission deadline is Monday February 1 2016
Submit via email to kkaupeastrivercoop
fax to 605-256-8057 or contact your local cooperative for
more information
Electric Youth Tour Inspiring Future Leaders for 50-plus Years
By Brenda Kle in jan
and Magen Howard
Positive influential life-changing All three words hold a host of meaning for
students who have participated in the annual Rural Electric Youth Tour
Since 1963 more than 1200 South Dakota teens have made the trek to Washington DC to learn about cooperatives the nationrsquos political proshycess and about their peers from across the country
ldquoThe trip that we took was extremely positive It was a great influence for leadershiprdquo said Shanna (Hilderman) Stueve of Wheaton Minn who as a teenager in 1996 represented West Central Electric
Cooperative in Murdo SD on the trip ldquoBasically the experience allowed me to see
things that I wouldnrsquot have necessarily been able to participate in It showed me different leadershyship styles not to mention all of the historical and incredibly interesting monuments that we are able to participate inrdquo Stueve said
ldquoI was incredibly interested in politics However I did not end up following that career pathrdquo said Stueve who along with her husband has an insurshyance and seed business in western Minnesota where they are members of Traverse Electric Cooperative
8 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
Left Participants from the 1965 or 1966 Youth Tour walk with Sen George McGovshyern second from right near the Capitol Photo courtesy Steve Smeenk Butte Electric Cooperative Opposite Page The 2015 South Dakota Rural Electric Youth Tour delegation conshysisted of 44 teens
ldquoAs a junior in high school having the opportunity meet the politicians that represented me was very important to me I feel like this is a trip of a lifetimerdquo she said ldquoNot only did I have the chance to see the different aspects of government but I also had the opportunity to see the different socioeconomic backgrounds based on region from across the country I feel like itrsquos a valuable exposure to culturerdquo
rooted in politics Youth Tour was born from a speech at the 1957 NRECA annual meeting by then-Sen Lynshy
don B Johnson He was a longtime advocate of electric co-ops having lobbied for the creation of Pedernales Electric Cooperative in 1937 as a young politician in Texas ldquoIf one thing comes out of this meeting it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and representsrdquo the future president said
With that encouragement Texas electric co-ops began sending summer interns to work in the senatorrsquos Washington DC office In 1958 an electric co-op in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a weeklong study tour of the nationrsquos capital Later that same year another busload came to Washington from Illinois The idea grew and other states sent busloads of students throughout the summer By 1959 the Youth Tour had grown to 130 participants
South Dakota sent its first delegation of 31 students representing 18 cooperashytives in 1963 The following year NRECA began to coordinate joint activities among the state delegations and suggested that co-op representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington DC during Youth Tour week The first year of the coordinated tour included about 400 teens from 12 states
As word spread the program grew ndash and grew and grew Youth Day generally on the Monday of Youth Tour is when all the state contingents converge to learn about grassroots politics and hear from inspirational speakers The students share their state pins often vying to get the most pins or those that are rare like those from Hawaiirsquos small group
In 2015 South Dakota electric cooperatives sent 44 teens on the trip It tied with the statersquos 1965 delegation as the largest to represent the state More than 1700 students participated in the 2015 Youth Tour and the 2016 tour scheduled for June 10-16 promises to be even bigger
Inspiring our youth For the past decade students have heard the inspiring story of Paralympian Mike Schlappi
a star athlete who was paralyzed as a teen State coordinators lobby for Schlappi to return year after year because they say the students never fail to take his story to heart
Schlappi was their age when his whole life changed from an accidental gunshot Today he makes the annual Youth Tour presentation a priority because he loves the kids
ldquoTheyrsquore so young and trying to figure out their lives Theyrsquove heard enough speakers and read enough books sometimes theyrsquoll roll their eyesrdquo Schlappi said ldquoBut theyrsquore away from parents and excited about their future and maybe got their eyes on the cute kid across the room Theyrsquore willing to make positive changes Back home they get labels and they have to live up to that [At Youth Tour] they can make new impressions on new friendsrdquo
Were you there
Did you or a family member go on Youth Tour Let us know
More than 1200 South Dakota teens have participatshyed in Youth Tour since 1963 and there are even more Minnesota and Nebraska teens who have gone through
Sadly in the past five decades wersquove lost track of
some of them Wersquod love to hear from you and
how the Youth Tour experience benefited you
Contact your local elecshytric cooperative
or find us on Facebook
are you ready
Do you know of an outstanding teen that would benefit from the Youth Tour experience Cooperatives participating in the 2016 Youth Tour are taking apshyplications for the program To find out more about your cooperativersquos participation and selection criteria contact them Yoursquoll find their address in this magazine
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 9
Youth News
Students Should Apply Now For $1000 amp $500 Scholarships
Many high school seniors arenrsquot just checking off the items on their Christmas lists this time of year they are also narrowing down their college choices
The price of higher education is always a factor in deciding which school students will attend next fall Northern Electric Cooperative and North Dakota-based power supplier Basin Electric Power Cooperative are once again offering two scholarships this year to help with the cost of college
ldquoEducation and commitment to community are two of the principles cooperatives operate underrdquo Northern Electric General Manager Char Hager said ldquoThese scholarships epitomize those principlesrdquo
University of South Dakota freshman Madisyn Waage was the 2015 recipient of the $500 scholarship awarded by Northern Electric Cooperative The money is being applied to tuition at USD for the Aberdeen Central graduate
ldquoIt was really helpfulrdquo Waage said ldquoItrsquos helping (Above L to R) Lucas Sternhagen was awarded a $1000 me pay for my classes this year so itrsquos definitely been scholarship in 2015 Madisyn Waage was the $500 scholshyrewardingrdquo arship recipient
Lucas Sternhagen was awarded the $1000 Applications and instructions on how to apply have been sent scholarship from Basin Electric in 2015 He is also a freshman to all of the school districts in the Northern Electric service at the University of South Dakota Sternhagen graduated from territory Information can also be found at Groton High School last spring wwwnorthernelectriccoop
To be eligible for the scholarships parents of the students ldquoJust be yourself and donrsquot be scared of failingrdquo Waage said must be current consumers of Northern Electric Cooperative ldquoJust take the time to apply because it could be worth itrdquo The scholarship application process includes a short essay For Waage that advice is paying off and documentation of academic and extracurricular activities
Heating Help Is Available
The Low -Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible South Dakotans pay for home heating costs Energy assistance may not pay for all your home heating costs but it will help ease the strain of the heating season Energy assistance is available from October 1 - May 15
Eligibility for the program is based on -Number of people in household -Gross income of everyone in household -Type of heating for the home -Geographic area you live in
Applications can be obtained by calling 1-800-233-8503 online at httpdsssdgoveconomicassistanceenergyassistancelowincomeaspx at the local Department of
Social Services office or from the Northern Electric office in Bath SD
10 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Youth News
Scholarship eligibility Applicants must be US citizens and
natural or adopted children of Northern Electric consumersmembers Dependents of Northern Electric employees are not eligible Any applicant must be a student who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time graduate or undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college university or
vocationaltechnical school
How the selection process works The scholarship awards are based on
academic excellence and financial need All applications are critically evaluated using a combination of several criteria including SATACT scores grade-point average work experience participation in school and community activities a statement by the student explaining hisher educational and career goals financial need and a written recommendation by a third party
Applications will be considered by an independent judge for Northern Electric and then submitted to Basin Electric for scholarship distribution
How to apply Applications are available from local
high school guidance counselors on the Northern Electric Cooperative website or directly from Northern Electric offices Applicants must complete the scholarship application and provide all the required information
Completed applications MUST BE RETURNED BY FEBRUARY 15 2016 to
Northern Electric Cooperative PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427
For more information contact Kay Albrecht at
605-225-0310 or 1-800-529-0310
Groft Selected As Scholar of the Week
(Above) Northern Electric Communications Director Ben Dunsmoor presents a $100 check to Northwestern High School Senior Isaac Groft for being named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week
Northwestern Area High School Senior Isaac Groft likes to get involved in almost everything at his school Groftrsquos ambition to take on new challenges is the reason the four-sport athlete from Ashton was named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week on December 7 Groft was nominated for the honor by Northwestern counselor Kari Brenner for maintaining a 365-grade point average and participating in multiple sports and extra-curricular activities ldquoI think we have good teachers here who push their studentsrdquo Groft said about his school Groft is the first student in the Northern Electric Cooperative territory to receive the recognition this year The Northwestern senior is also one of only 34 students who will be selected as the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week during the 2015-2016 school year Each recipient receives $100 from their local electric cooperative The award also means the student is eligible for two $500 scholarships and one $1000 scholarship which are given away at the Scholar of the Week banquet at the end of the school year ldquoItrsquos a really great honorrdquo Groft said ldquoItrsquos great that people are recognizing academic excellence here and I hope it motivates others to do wellrdquo A story featuring Groft and his achievements aired on KSFY on December 7 KSFY Television is a partner in the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week program and highlights the recipients every week
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 11
Teensrsquo Big Ideas Take Shape Young Entrepreneurs Plan for Success
By Brenda Kle in jan
Teens armed with business plans and dreams
descended on Aberdeen in early December to showshycase their concepts and compete in the ninth annual BIG Idea Final Competition
The Bent Perspective plan for an Origami intensive store brought top honors to Pierre student Haley Ketteler
Ketteler outlined how her company would provide customers with an all paper experience allowing clients to design paper arrangements for special events take classes to learn Origami purshychase paper creations kits and supplies and order custom creations As part of the experience she had to identify marketing opportunities define her competition and outline management and operashy
tions for the business Eight high school finalists were selected from
the 263 applications submitted from 37 different schools First round judges included 114 volunteers from the region along with 132 college entrepreshyneurship and business students Marketing designs were also submitted by 110 teams which included a logo and ad for their idea Ellen Schlechter of Faulkton High School was recognized for her Calvshying Book App which was the The Marketing Design competition winner
The eight finalists included Ketteler second-place finishers George Bernard and Mark Wesolick of St Thomas More High School in Rapid City SD third-place finisher MaKayla Price of Wessshy
12 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
1st Place Wins an iPad + $10002nd Place Wins an iPad + $5003rd Place Wins an iPad4th - 6th Places Win $3007th - 10th Places Win $100Sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the
Governorrsquos Office of Economic DevelopmentScholarship Criteria and Expectations | FlierDEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF A BUSINESS PLAN IS DECEM-
BER 18 2015
Listed above are the criteria necessary to get a high school student started in preparing a written business plan for the competition The South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the Governorrsquos Office of Economic Development have again donated the first place prize ndash an iPad plus $1000 Second place is an iPad plus $500 and third place is an iPad Fourth through sixth place prizes will be cash awards sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation in the amount of $300 each place Seventh through tenth place prizes is $100 each place It is recommended that all the points in the ldquoBusiness Start-Up Planrdquo be addressed Please click on the link above for entry requirements Judging will be based on the following criteria
Completeness of business plan Viability as an ongoing business Realistic financial projectionscash flow plan Conciseness in presentation Creativity and innovation
Judges for the contest include bankers educators and business people across the state First through sixth place plan submitters will be called to Pierre to participate in oral interviews in February and will be asked to remain for the presentation of awards that evening Students may attend with their parents and school advisor The evening event is a reception and banquet attended by 300 of our statersquos legislators constitutional officers bankers and spouses
Writing a business start-up plan helps you decide what is needed in terms of time money and resources to get a business underway The following outline should be helpful in that it ad-dresses many of the issues that should be considered when start-ing a business By thinking over some of the details with your ad-visers parents or friends and getting them down on paper yoursquoll have a good idea of how you want a business to take shape A business plan provides a concrete structure against which you can measure actual performance Yoursquoll also save yourself time and money in the long run If you do decide to create this business you will have a logical plan with which to get started
Contact your schoolrsquos business department or the South Dakota Bankers Association for more information
ington Springs High School Dalton Larson Jared Miller and Tyndall Petterson of West Central High School in Hartford SD Eli Gerry of Madison Central High School Tony Baumann of Redfield High School and two teams from St Thomas More Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks and Olivia Facenda and Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilson and Sophie Wittenberg
The competition encourages students to consider new ideas and opshyportunities for creating a business in their own region
ldquoWersquore trying to get them to start thinking about starting a business not necessarily starting the business but what it would take to start and run a businessrdquo said event organizer Kelly Weaver regional director with the South Dakota Small Business Development Center in Aberdeen SD
Participants were able to take part in panel discussions with the busishyness owners Weaver saidThe competition is coordinated by the Small Business Development Center and funded by Sanford Health East River Electric Power Cooperative REED Fund Dacotah Bank Student Loan Finance Corporation Aberdeen Development Corporation Northwestern Energy McQuillen Creative Group The Tom and Danielle Aman Founshydation and Midcontinent Communications Scholarships are provided by Northern State University and Presentation College The competition is a result of the input and collaboration of these organizations along with Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Aberdeen Downtown Associashytion Aberdeen Catholic School System ndash Roncalli High School Aberdeen School District ndash Central High School and Dacotah Bank
In addition to the schools listed above students from the following high schools also participated Aberdeen Central High School Bridgewashyter-Emery High School Bowdle High School Canistota High School Canton High School Durpree High School Edmund Central High School Ethan High School Eureka High School Faith High School Groton High School Hitchcock Tulare High School Hoven High School Ipswich High School Iroquois High School Lead-Deadwood High School Leola High School Milbank High School Mitchell High School Montrose High School Northwestern Sioux Valley High School Sioux Fall Christian Swift Home School Vermillion High School Wagshyner High School Warner High School Watertown High School Wilmot High School and Yankton High School A total of 414 students particishypated in a submission
For her winnng plan Ketteler won $1000 while Bernard and Weshysolickrsquos Caveman Custom Iron plan earned $500 for second place and Pricersquos plan for KP Photography received $250 for third place Scholarshyships to both Northern State University and Presentation College were also awarded Schlechter received $500 for her marketing design plan
Go to BIGIdeaSDcom for more information about the competition
BIG Idea Finalists were front row from left Cierra Veldhuizen Maria Wilson Haley Ketteler Jenny Rooks Brianna McGinnis and Sophie Wittenberg Standing from left were Olivia Facenda George Bernard Tony Baumann Mark Wesolick Eli Gerry Tyndall Petter-son Dalton Larson MaKayla Price and Jared Miller Photo by Dawn Sahli Photography
First Place Bent Perspective
Bent Perspective is an Origami intensive store focused on teaching the customers how to make origami artwork It will also offer services such as event decoration custom origami artwork pre-made origami artwork and kits This business will provide the community with a unique and fun activity for all ages It will help eliminate boredom in the community through a relaxing and fulfilling activity that all individuals can enjoy and appreciate
Haley Ketteler Pierre Riggs High School
Second Place caveman custom Iron
Caveman Custom Iron will produce hand-crafted steel goods and distribute these goods to people who want unique pieces of functional art to decorate their home garden or place of business Caveman Custom Iron will also produce tools such as knives or garden tools Potential customers are those who look for pieces of iron work to decorate their home and people looking for quality specialized tools for tasks such as woodworking and gardening
George Bernard and Mark Wesolick St Thomas More High School
Third Place KP Photography
KP Photography provides the talent of photography to the Wessington Springs area community Photographers can take senior pictures wedding pictures engagement pictures family pictures and more It is very convenient for the community by being close and for a low cost
MaKayla Price Wessington Springs High School
Finalists
The Cooler Backpack Company ndash Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks Olivia Facenda St Thomas More High School
The Spink County Outdoorsmen ndash Tony Baumann Redfield High School
All Seasons Lighting ndash Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilshyson Sophie Wittenberg St Thomas More High School
Gerryrsquos Pumpkins amp Produce ndash Eli Gerry Madison Central High School
SoDak Custom Hay Co ndash Dalton Larson Jared Miller Tyndall Petterson West Central High School
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 13
Double Threat The Right Strip Can Protect Devices Cut Energy Bills
There is little if anything you can buy today
that does not have some electronic component Even clothing as wearable electronics are starting to take hold Not to mention a device (httpwww makeymakeycom) that allows you to make a keyboard from bananas So itrsquos time to take a look at making sure your elecshytronics last as long as possible Irsquom not talking about replacement plans or extended warranties Today wersquore talkshying about protecting your products from electrical surges
The first order of business is to deshyfine a surge Herersquos one from Computer By Hope (httpwwwcomputerhopecomTom Tate jargonssurgehtm) on the lsquoNet ldquoAltershynatively known as a line surge a surge is an unexpected increase in voltage in an electrical current that causes damage to electrical equipment For example the standard United States voltage is 120V If an electrical current above this rating was to come through a power outlet for more than three nanoseconds this would be considered a surge anything less is considered a spike A surge is usually created by lightning and can damage unprotected computers and sometimes even protected computersrdquo
Many people think a blink from their electric cooperative or utility providerrsquos system is a surge but these are generally caused by something like a tree contacting a line In such cases the systemrsquos protective devices work causshying an interruption to protect the wires and other components These are not surges but more like turning a light on and off
True surges will enter a home through any numshyber of avenues The most obvious is through the power lines Less obvious is through the telephone lines cablesatellite connections water lines and any other metallic system that connects to your home So to protect against surges you need to take a three-pronged approach
Perhaps the most important thing to do is to be
14 January 2016 bull Cooperative ConneCtions
sure all the grounds in your home are good and that they are bonded together Over the years grounds can deteriorate new services can be added with inadequate grounding and so forth A faulty ground will allow surges into the home rather than bleeding
them off into the earth Get a qualified electrishycian to test and correct your groundshying system
Next protect your electrical service entrance with a surge device The easiest to install are those mounted behind the meter They can also be mounted at the main electric panel When a surge travels down the electric lines these devices will act to ldquoclamprdquo the surge and reduce its power These are sacrificial devices that allow themselves to be destroyed rather than allowing the surge to pass through Noble devices indeed
The third prong is to protect expensive devices at their point of use Computers and entertainment equipshyment are prime examples Remember that surges can enter the home via avenues other than the power lines Computers and entertainment equipshyment are frequently connected to cable and phone lines Those devices need to have protection at the point of use that covers all possible avenues These are generally in the form of a power strip or wall device most of us are familiar with Use a quality product from a manufacturer such as
Monster Belkin Tripp Lite or APC to name a few Look for one with a joule rating of at least 1000 a connected equipment warranty and compatibility with digital signals from cable and satellite While you are at it look for a ldquosmartrdquo strip that turns off all but one connected device when not in use
Save money on your electric bill while protecting your equipment Itrsquos a definite win-win
Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the Nationshyal Rural Electric Cooperative Association the Arlingshyton Va-based service arm of the nationrsquos 900-plus consumer-owned not-for-profit electric cooperatives
ADVANCED POWER STRIPS Which one is right for me
I want to stop WASTING ENERGY in myhellip
I always turn off my electronics when done
Why donrsquot I turn them off
Do I put it to sleep or shut
down
Do I want manual or automated power control
Does it stay docked or is it frequently moved
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER HOME OFFICE
NO YES
Is the computer a laptop or tablet
NO YES
I fall asleep I forget Irsquoll do it Automatic Sleep Shut down Always Moved often myself docked
T i Activ ity Monitor Power Strip
itch
COST
FEATURES
POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
mer p
Remote Swp
Master-Control led Power Strip
Masterless Power Strip
Power strip automatically
pre-set schedule
Power strip looks for signs of activity in the room and
detected
Power strip can be turned
switch
When a primary device (such as a computer or TV)
power strip automatically
outlets where the peripheral devices (such as the printer or game console) are plugged in
When all of the controlled
power to those outlets completely eliminating all of the vampire loads
You have to set up the timer and stick to your schedule for maximum energy savings
Motion sensors dont always work perfectly
To save any energy you have to remember to turn
time
It can be tricky to select which appliance should be your master device
powered appliance could
strip
Digital or dial timer Motion sensor or an infrared eye that detects remote control use around the TV or stereo
A tethered switch or a remote switch
One outlet is labeled as the master
No master outlet Description may include automatic switching or power detection
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden CO 80401 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wastepaper including 10 post consumer waste
NRELPO-5500-60461 bull October 2013 303-275-3000 bull wwwnrelgov Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC
Cooperative ConneCtions bull January 2016 15
Power Stri Power Stri
regional Dateline November 20-January 10
Winter Wonderland Falls Park Sioux Falls SD 605-275-6060
November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 am to 10 pm Pierre SD 605-773-3178
December 5-26 Deck Your Halls Holiday Art Show and Sale 10 am to 5 pm Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season Lead SD 605-584-3896
December 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015 5 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
December 20 Christmas Caroling at The Abbey 2 to 4 pm Marvin SD 605-398-9200
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Yearrsquos Eve Dance Ramkota Convention Center Aberdeen SD 605-229-1072 httpsouthdakotawish orgnews-and-eventscalen-dar-of-eventsevents-time-fold-ernew-years-eve-aberdeen
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am to 11 pm Mobridge SD 605-845-2500
Events of Special Note January 5-7
Dakota Farm Show Dakota Dome Vermillion SD 507-437-7969
February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show Convention Center Sioux Falls SD 605-231-3100 wwwwinterfestofwheelscom
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
Photo by miKe KjoSe Clay-union eleCtRiC CoRPoRation
Please call ahead to confirm date time and location of event
January 10 17 24 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 am to 315 pm CST Mission SD 605-259-3252 ext 3
January 16 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer SD 605-440-1405
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 1245 to 830 pm Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 1-800-468-6463
January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 29-30 35th Annual Farm Home and Sport Show Armory Webster SD 605-345-4468 wwwwebstersdcom
January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show amp Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-355-3861
January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert Eureka SD jalvarezmmgyglobalcom
February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown SD 605-886-7335
February 7 South Dakotarsquos Largest Tailgate Party Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
February 9-13 Winter Farm Show 9 am to 4 pm Watertown SD 605-886-5814
February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115
March 5 Trade Show 9 am to 3 pm Custer SD 605-673-2244
March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9 am to 3 pm MST Philip SD 605-859-2635 605-859-2280 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219
Current issues
Speaking Out The start of the new year brings many state legislatures back to their respective capitol cities to tend to the business of the people The Nebraska Legislature convenes
Jan 6 and South Dakota lawmakers start work back in Pierre on Jan 12 Minneshysotarsquos Legislature reconvenes at noon on March 8 While lawmakers are in the capitol
there are several ways to reach them
south Dakota Write to local legislators in care of the
Legislative Research Council Capitol Building 3rd Floor ndash 500 East Capitol Ave Pierre SD 57501-5070 South Dakota Senators can be
reached at 605-773-3821 while Represhysentatives can be reached at 605-773-3251 During session faxes can be sent to legislators at 605-773-6806 To e-mail legislators go to httpleshy
gissdgovContactLegislatorEmailaspx and select the legislatorrsquos name from the drop-down box
Minnesota To reach Minnesota Senators write
to Honorable (Full Name) Minnesota State Senate 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd St Paul MN 55155-1606 To reach Minnesota Representatives
write to Honorable (Full Name) Minshynesota House of Representatives (Room ) State Office Building 100 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd St Paul MN 55155-1298
Email is most effective if it is not a blanket mailing to all members When sending an email remember to include your name postal address and phone number For more information on contacting
Minnesota legislators go to httpwww legstatemnuslegfaqfaqtocid=47
nebraska Find contact information for Nebrasshy
ka Senators at httpnebraskalegislature govsenatorssenator_listphp
Safety Tips
Electric Blanket Safety TipsCan Save Your Life During the cold of winter an electric blanket may provide extra warmth in your home Please consider several imshyportant safety tips to assure your electric blanket does not start a fire bull Make certain your blanket is apshy
proved by a nationally recognized testing agency bull When not in use turn your blanshy
ket off Most models have no internal temperature control that turns the heat off when the blanket temperature gets too hot bull Place your blanket on top of you
not below you Sitting or lying on an electric blanket may damage the internal coils of the blanket exposing the heating element to a combustible material (the blanket) bull Never place items such as books
pillows or stuffed animals on top of the blanket These items can trap the heat leading to elevated temperatures and serve as a source of ignition
Kidsrsquo Corner Safety Poster
bull Keep the blanket flat not crumpled or in a ball If left on a crumpled blanket allows for excessive heat buildshyup within the blanket Always turn the blanket off when leaving the room bull Do not wash an electric blanket
The twisting tugshyging and turning action of the washshying machine will most certainly damage the internal coils bull Unplug your blanket if you see or
smell smoke coming from it Discolorshyation of the blanket may indicate the heating elements are burning internally
If you have any doubt about the safety of your blanket discontinue using it Electric blankets are usually a safe way to add a little warmth and are widely used throughout the country However this is only true if blankets are well maintained and properly used
Source seattlegov
ldquoplay safearound cordsrdquo
Allison Bruns 10 years old She is the daughter of Matt and Kim Bruns Madison SD
Kids send your draw-ing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3) If your poster is published yoursquoll receive a prize All entries must include your name age mail-ing address and the names of your parents Colored drawings are encouraged
4 January 2016 bull CooperaTive ConneCTions
-
-
-
recipesReader
Chunky Chicken vegetable and rosemary stew Creamy Lasagna soup
Super Soups 1 (23 oz) can low-sodium low 1 lb ground beef cooked and
fat tomato soup drained 3 cups hot water (equivalent of 10 lasagna noodles broken
using 1 empty soup can) into pieces 3 cups low fat milk (equivalent 8 oz low fat cream cheese
of using 1 empty soup can) 1 cup shredded mozzarella 3 T Tonersquos Italian seasoning cheese
Combine first 5 ingredients until near boiling on medium high heat Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water until soft drain Add to soup mixture When heated through add cream cheese stirring thoroughly Serve with mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top Makes 12 servings Julie Thonvold Erwin
Crockpot potato soup 1 (32 oz) bag diced hash browns 8 oz cream cheese (do not use 1 can cream of chicken soup light) 32 oz chicken broth Salt and pepper to taste (may 3 oz real bacon bits add onion powder and celery 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese salt if desired)
Place all ingredients in crockpot except cream cheese Cook on low covered for 8 hours Add cream cheese that has been cut into small chunks during last hour of cooking stirring often Top with additional Cheddar cheese if desired
Diana Spence Utica
Crockpot Harvest soup 1 lb ground beef 1 (15 oz) can corn 1 (29 oz) can Veg-All 1 (7 oz) can green chilies 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes 2 T jalapenos if desired 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce 2 tsp chili powder 1 (28 oz) can green beans 6 beef bouillon cubes
Brown and drain ground beef Place in crockpot add remaining ingredients Do not drain any can Cook on low for 3 hours Jane Ham Rapid City
easy Broccoli-potato-Cheese soup 4 cans cream of potato soup 1 small head of broccoli cut into 4 soup cans milk florets 1 lb Velveeta cheese cut into Black pepper to taste
small chunks
Combine all ingredients in crockpot Cook on low for 4 hours
Lois Odien-Page Hermosa
2 T canola oil divided 2 dried bay leaves 12 ounces boneless chicken breasts cut into 14 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1-inch pieces 1 (15 oz) can reduced-sodium navy beans 1 medium onion cut in 8 wedges rinsed and drained 3 medium carrots quartered lengthwise and cut 1 cup grape tomatoes quartered
into thirds 12 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley 1 medium celery stalk cut into 1-inch pieces 1 T chopped fresh rosemary 2 cups water 34 tsp salt
In Dutch oven heat 1 T canola oil over medium-high heat Add chicken and cook about 3 minutes per side or until it begins to brown (center will still be slightly pink) Remove from oven and set aside Add remaining canola oil onion carrot and celery Sauteacute stirring frequently for 5 minutes or until vegetables just begin to lightly brown on edges Add water bay leaves and pepper flakes Bring to boil over high heat Reduce heat to medium low and simmer covered for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender Stir in chicken beans tomatoes Italian parsley rosemary and salt Cover and cook 5 minutes or until tomatoes are tender and chicken is cooked Serve immediately or let stew stand 30 minutes to develop flavors and texture Yields 6 1-cup servings
Nutritional analysis per serving 220 calories 7 g total fat (1 g saturated fat) 50 mg cholesterol 17 g carbohydrates 6 g fiber 3 g sugars 22 g protein 380 mg sodium 532 mg potassium
Pictured Cooperative Connections
Chicken Taco soup 1 cup chicken broth 1 can Rotel tomatoes and 1 (16 oz) can kidney beans chilies
drained and rinsed 12 cup diced green pepper 1 (16 oz) can pinto beans 12 cup chopped onion
drained and rinsed 1 lb cooked chicken 1 (16 oz) can corn drained or shredded
1 can cream-style corn 12 cup chopped celery 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 pkg taco seasoning
Place all ingredients in a crockpot Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours Can be garnished with sour cream andor cheese once scooped into a bowl Colleen Noecker Yankton
White Chicken Chili 5 to 6 (15 oz) cans Northern 1 can cheese soup (Fiesta or
beans drained Cheddar) or 4 cups 3 (13 oz) cans chunk chicken shredded cheese
with juice shredded 16 oz sour cream 8 oz can green chilies 1 pkg white chicken chili 1 can cream of chicken soup seasoning
Combine all ingredients in crockpot Cook until heated thru Jeanine Greenwood Sioux Falls
Please send your favor ite bread breakfast and seafood recipes to your local electric coop erative (address found on Page 3) Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in June 2016 All entries must include your name mailing address tele phone number and cooperative name
CooperaTive ConneCTions bull January 2016 5
Co-op News
Northern Electric Lights Up The Holidays
NortherN electric cooperative
takes holiday lighting seriously For more years than many employees can remember itrsquos been a tradition to decorate the vast lawn in front of the main headquarters in Bath with lights and figurines The Redfield office also gets in on the fun with its own display At the Bath headquarters this year more than 30 strings of LED lights are used to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year This includes the large star that is placed above the display every year The star and the hundreds of LED lights set up in the front lawn serve as a festive welcome to drivers who are entering Aberdeen on US Highway 12
The creativity of Northern Electric Cooperative crews are also on display in Redfield this year Old wire spools are
being used in that display to create a snowman and Christmas bulbs With all the construction on the Northern Electric system there is often a surplus of these spools The new Redfield display is a way for the office to show off its holiday electric cooperashytive pride and recycle unused materials at the same time
LED lighting is a key component in both displays making the season merry and bright without breaking the bank According to energygov a string of 50 LED lights costs a mere 13 cents to operate during the holiday season Old ceramic incandescent light bulbs cost about $13 to operate per string during 40 days of illumination So as you are out and about in the next few weeks please drive by both offices and take a look at these creative sustainable festive and joyful displays Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Northern Electric Cooperative
6 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 7
Co-op News
(Above) Nearly 30 strings of LED lights are used to decorate the front lawn of the Northern Electric office in Bath (Left) A toy soldier figurine is just one piece of the Northern Electric holiday light display (Below) Repurposed wire spools are used to create a festive display at the Northern Electric office in Redfield
Country Cookinrsquo Recipes Needed
Recipes are needed for the 32nd volume of
East River Electricrsquos Country Cookinrsquo cookbook
Please help us create another great cookbook by submitting
your favorite hearty recipes as well as recipes for the
ldquoLight Siderdquo section of the cookbook
Submission deadline is Monday February 1 2016
Submit via email to kkaupeastrivercoop
fax to 605-256-8057 or contact your local cooperative for
more information
Electric Youth Tour Inspiring Future Leaders for 50-plus Years
By Brenda Kle in jan
and Magen Howard
Positive influential life-changing All three words hold a host of meaning for
students who have participated in the annual Rural Electric Youth Tour
Since 1963 more than 1200 South Dakota teens have made the trek to Washington DC to learn about cooperatives the nationrsquos political proshycess and about their peers from across the country
ldquoThe trip that we took was extremely positive It was a great influence for leadershiprdquo said Shanna (Hilderman) Stueve of Wheaton Minn who as a teenager in 1996 represented West Central Electric
Cooperative in Murdo SD on the trip ldquoBasically the experience allowed me to see
things that I wouldnrsquot have necessarily been able to participate in It showed me different leadershyship styles not to mention all of the historical and incredibly interesting monuments that we are able to participate inrdquo Stueve said
ldquoI was incredibly interested in politics However I did not end up following that career pathrdquo said Stueve who along with her husband has an insurshyance and seed business in western Minnesota where they are members of Traverse Electric Cooperative
8 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
Left Participants from the 1965 or 1966 Youth Tour walk with Sen George McGovshyern second from right near the Capitol Photo courtesy Steve Smeenk Butte Electric Cooperative Opposite Page The 2015 South Dakota Rural Electric Youth Tour delegation conshysisted of 44 teens
ldquoAs a junior in high school having the opportunity meet the politicians that represented me was very important to me I feel like this is a trip of a lifetimerdquo she said ldquoNot only did I have the chance to see the different aspects of government but I also had the opportunity to see the different socioeconomic backgrounds based on region from across the country I feel like itrsquos a valuable exposure to culturerdquo
rooted in politics Youth Tour was born from a speech at the 1957 NRECA annual meeting by then-Sen Lynshy
don B Johnson He was a longtime advocate of electric co-ops having lobbied for the creation of Pedernales Electric Cooperative in 1937 as a young politician in Texas ldquoIf one thing comes out of this meeting it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and representsrdquo the future president said
With that encouragement Texas electric co-ops began sending summer interns to work in the senatorrsquos Washington DC office In 1958 an electric co-op in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a weeklong study tour of the nationrsquos capital Later that same year another busload came to Washington from Illinois The idea grew and other states sent busloads of students throughout the summer By 1959 the Youth Tour had grown to 130 participants
South Dakota sent its first delegation of 31 students representing 18 cooperashytives in 1963 The following year NRECA began to coordinate joint activities among the state delegations and suggested that co-op representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington DC during Youth Tour week The first year of the coordinated tour included about 400 teens from 12 states
As word spread the program grew ndash and grew and grew Youth Day generally on the Monday of Youth Tour is when all the state contingents converge to learn about grassroots politics and hear from inspirational speakers The students share their state pins often vying to get the most pins or those that are rare like those from Hawaiirsquos small group
In 2015 South Dakota electric cooperatives sent 44 teens on the trip It tied with the statersquos 1965 delegation as the largest to represent the state More than 1700 students participated in the 2015 Youth Tour and the 2016 tour scheduled for June 10-16 promises to be even bigger
Inspiring our youth For the past decade students have heard the inspiring story of Paralympian Mike Schlappi
a star athlete who was paralyzed as a teen State coordinators lobby for Schlappi to return year after year because they say the students never fail to take his story to heart
Schlappi was their age when his whole life changed from an accidental gunshot Today he makes the annual Youth Tour presentation a priority because he loves the kids
ldquoTheyrsquore so young and trying to figure out their lives Theyrsquove heard enough speakers and read enough books sometimes theyrsquoll roll their eyesrdquo Schlappi said ldquoBut theyrsquore away from parents and excited about their future and maybe got their eyes on the cute kid across the room Theyrsquore willing to make positive changes Back home they get labels and they have to live up to that [At Youth Tour] they can make new impressions on new friendsrdquo
Were you there
Did you or a family member go on Youth Tour Let us know
More than 1200 South Dakota teens have participatshyed in Youth Tour since 1963 and there are even more Minnesota and Nebraska teens who have gone through
Sadly in the past five decades wersquove lost track of
some of them Wersquod love to hear from you and
how the Youth Tour experience benefited you
Contact your local elecshytric cooperative
or find us on Facebook
are you ready
Do you know of an outstanding teen that would benefit from the Youth Tour experience Cooperatives participating in the 2016 Youth Tour are taking apshyplications for the program To find out more about your cooperativersquos participation and selection criteria contact them Yoursquoll find their address in this magazine
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 9
Youth News
Students Should Apply Now For $1000 amp $500 Scholarships
Many high school seniors arenrsquot just checking off the items on their Christmas lists this time of year they are also narrowing down their college choices
The price of higher education is always a factor in deciding which school students will attend next fall Northern Electric Cooperative and North Dakota-based power supplier Basin Electric Power Cooperative are once again offering two scholarships this year to help with the cost of college
ldquoEducation and commitment to community are two of the principles cooperatives operate underrdquo Northern Electric General Manager Char Hager said ldquoThese scholarships epitomize those principlesrdquo
University of South Dakota freshman Madisyn Waage was the 2015 recipient of the $500 scholarship awarded by Northern Electric Cooperative The money is being applied to tuition at USD for the Aberdeen Central graduate
ldquoIt was really helpfulrdquo Waage said ldquoItrsquos helping (Above L to R) Lucas Sternhagen was awarded a $1000 me pay for my classes this year so itrsquos definitely been scholarship in 2015 Madisyn Waage was the $500 scholshyrewardingrdquo arship recipient
Lucas Sternhagen was awarded the $1000 Applications and instructions on how to apply have been sent scholarship from Basin Electric in 2015 He is also a freshman to all of the school districts in the Northern Electric service at the University of South Dakota Sternhagen graduated from territory Information can also be found at Groton High School last spring wwwnorthernelectriccoop
To be eligible for the scholarships parents of the students ldquoJust be yourself and donrsquot be scared of failingrdquo Waage said must be current consumers of Northern Electric Cooperative ldquoJust take the time to apply because it could be worth itrdquo The scholarship application process includes a short essay For Waage that advice is paying off and documentation of academic and extracurricular activities
Heating Help Is Available
The Low -Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible South Dakotans pay for home heating costs Energy assistance may not pay for all your home heating costs but it will help ease the strain of the heating season Energy assistance is available from October 1 - May 15
Eligibility for the program is based on -Number of people in household -Gross income of everyone in household -Type of heating for the home -Geographic area you live in
Applications can be obtained by calling 1-800-233-8503 online at httpdsssdgoveconomicassistanceenergyassistancelowincomeaspx at the local Department of
Social Services office or from the Northern Electric office in Bath SD
10 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Youth News
Scholarship eligibility Applicants must be US citizens and
natural or adopted children of Northern Electric consumersmembers Dependents of Northern Electric employees are not eligible Any applicant must be a student who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time graduate or undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college university or
vocationaltechnical school
How the selection process works The scholarship awards are based on
academic excellence and financial need All applications are critically evaluated using a combination of several criteria including SATACT scores grade-point average work experience participation in school and community activities a statement by the student explaining hisher educational and career goals financial need and a written recommendation by a third party
Applications will be considered by an independent judge for Northern Electric and then submitted to Basin Electric for scholarship distribution
How to apply Applications are available from local
high school guidance counselors on the Northern Electric Cooperative website or directly from Northern Electric offices Applicants must complete the scholarship application and provide all the required information
Completed applications MUST BE RETURNED BY FEBRUARY 15 2016 to
Northern Electric Cooperative PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427
For more information contact Kay Albrecht at
605-225-0310 or 1-800-529-0310
Groft Selected As Scholar of the Week
(Above) Northern Electric Communications Director Ben Dunsmoor presents a $100 check to Northwestern High School Senior Isaac Groft for being named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week
Northwestern Area High School Senior Isaac Groft likes to get involved in almost everything at his school Groftrsquos ambition to take on new challenges is the reason the four-sport athlete from Ashton was named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week on December 7 Groft was nominated for the honor by Northwestern counselor Kari Brenner for maintaining a 365-grade point average and participating in multiple sports and extra-curricular activities ldquoI think we have good teachers here who push their studentsrdquo Groft said about his school Groft is the first student in the Northern Electric Cooperative territory to receive the recognition this year The Northwestern senior is also one of only 34 students who will be selected as the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week during the 2015-2016 school year Each recipient receives $100 from their local electric cooperative The award also means the student is eligible for two $500 scholarships and one $1000 scholarship which are given away at the Scholar of the Week banquet at the end of the school year ldquoItrsquos a really great honorrdquo Groft said ldquoItrsquos great that people are recognizing academic excellence here and I hope it motivates others to do wellrdquo A story featuring Groft and his achievements aired on KSFY on December 7 KSFY Television is a partner in the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week program and highlights the recipients every week
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 11
Teensrsquo Big Ideas Take Shape Young Entrepreneurs Plan for Success
By Brenda Kle in jan
Teens armed with business plans and dreams
descended on Aberdeen in early December to showshycase their concepts and compete in the ninth annual BIG Idea Final Competition
The Bent Perspective plan for an Origami intensive store brought top honors to Pierre student Haley Ketteler
Ketteler outlined how her company would provide customers with an all paper experience allowing clients to design paper arrangements for special events take classes to learn Origami purshychase paper creations kits and supplies and order custom creations As part of the experience she had to identify marketing opportunities define her competition and outline management and operashy
tions for the business Eight high school finalists were selected from
the 263 applications submitted from 37 different schools First round judges included 114 volunteers from the region along with 132 college entrepreshyneurship and business students Marketing designs were also submitted by 110 teams which included a logo and ad for their idea Ellen Schlechter of Faulkton High School was recognized for her Calvshying Book App which was the The Marketing Design competition winner
The eight finalists included Ketteler second-place finishers George Bernard and Mark Wesolick of St Thomas More High School in Rapid City SD third-place finisher MaKayla Price of Wessshy
12 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
1st Place Wins an iPad + $10002nd Place Wins an iPad + $5003rd Place Wins an iPad4th - 6th Places Win $3007th - 10th Places Win $100Sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the
Governorrsquos Office of Economic DevelopmentScholarship Criteria and Expectations | FlierDEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF A BUSINESS PLAN IS DECEM-
BER 18 2015
Listed above are the criteria necessary to get a high school student started in preparing a written business plan for the competition The South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the Governorrsquos Office of Economic Development have again donated the first place prize ndash an iPad plus $1000 Second place is an iPad plus $500 and third place is an iPad Fourth through sixth place prizes will be cash awards sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation in the amount of $300 each place Seventh through tenth place prizes is $100 each place It is recommended that all the points in the ldquoBusiness Start-Up Planrdquo be addressed Please click on the link above for entry requirements Judging will be based on the following criteria
Completeness of business plan Viability as an ongoing business Realistic financial projectionscash flow plan Conciseness in presentation Creativity and innovation
Judges for the contest include bankers educators and business people across the state First through sixth place plan submitters will be called to Pierre to participate in oral interviews in February and will be asked to remain for the presentation of awards that evening Students may attend with their parents and school advisor The evening event is a reception and banquet attended by 300 of our statersquos legislators constitutional officers bankers and spouses
Writing a business start-up plan helps you decide what is needed in terms of time money and resources to get a business underway The following outline should be helpful in that it ad-dresses many of the issues that should be considered when start-ing a business By thinking over some of the details with your ad-visers parents or friends and getting them down on paper yoursquoll have a good idea of how you want a business to take shape A business plan provides a concrete structure against which you can measure actual performance Yoursquoll also save yourself time and money in the long run If you do decide to create this business you will have a logical plan with which to get started
Contact your schoolrsquos business department or the South Dakota Bankers Association for more information
ington Springs High School Dalton Larson Jared Miller and Tyndall Petterson of West Central High School in Hartford SD Eli Gerry of Madison Central High School Tony Baumann of Redfield High School and two teams from St Thomas More Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks and Olivia Facenda and Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilson and Sophie Wittenberg
The competition encourages students to consider new ideas and opshyportunities for creating a business in their own region
ldquoWersquore trying to get them to start thinking about starting a business not necessarily starting the business but what it would take to start and run a businessrdquo said event organizer Kelly Weaver regional director with the South Dakota Small Business Development Center in Aberdeen SD
Participants were able to take part in panel discussions with the busishyness owners Weaver saidThe competition is coordinated by the Small Business Development Center and funded by Sanford Health East River Electric Power Cooperative REED Fund Dacotah Bank Student Loan Finance Corporation Aberdeen Development Corporation Northwestern Energy McQuillen Creative Group The Tom and Danielle Aman Founshydation and Midcontinent Communications Scholarships are provided by Northern State University and Presentation College The competition is a result of the input and collaboration of these organizations along with Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Aberdeen Downtown Associashytion Aberdeen Catholic School System ndash Roncalli High School Aberdeen School District ndash Central High School and Dacotah Bank
In addition to the schools listed above students from the following high schools also participated Aberdeen Central High School Bridgewashyter-Emery High School Bowdle High School Canistota High School Canton High School Durpree High School Edmund Central High School Ethan High School Eureka High School Faith High School Groton High School Hitchcock Tulare High School Hoven High School Ipswich High School Iroquois High School Lead-Deadwood High School Leola High School Milbank High School Mitchell High School Montrose High School Northwestern Sioux Valley High School Sioux Fall Christian Swift Home School Vermillion High School Wagshyner High School Warner High School Watertown High School Wilmot High School and Yankton High School A total of 414 students particishypated in a submission
For her winnng plan Ketteler won $1000 while Bernard and Weshysolickrsquos Caveman Custom Iron plan earned $500 for second place and Pricersquos plan for KP Photography received $250 for third place Scholarshyships to both Northern State University and Presentation College were also awarded Schlechter received $500 for her marketing design plan
Go to BIGIdeaSDcom for more information about the competition
BIG Idea Finalists were front row from left Cierra Veldhuizen Maria Wilson Haley Ketteler Jenny Rooks Brianna McGinnis and Sophie Wittenberg Standing from left were Olivia Facenda George Bernard Tony Baumann Mark Wesolick Eli Gerry Tyndall Petter-son Dalton Larson MaKayla Price and Jared Miller Photo by Dawn Sahli Photography
First Place Bent Perspective
Bent Perspective is an Origami intensive store focused on teaching the customers how to make origami artwork It will also offer services such as event decoration custom origami artwork pre-made origami artwork and kits This business will provide the community with a unique and fun activity for all ages It will help eliminate boredom in the community through a relaxing and fulfilling activity that all individuals can enjoy and appreciate
Haley Ketteler Pierre Riggs High School
Second Place caveman custom Iron
Caveman Custom Iron will produce hand-crafted steel goods and distribute these goods to people who want unique pieces of functional art to decorate their home garden or place of business Caveman Custom Iron will also produce tools such as knives or garden tools Potential customers are those who look for pieces of iron work to decorate their home and people looking for quality specialized tools for tasks such as woodworking and gardening
George Bernard and Mark Wesolick St Thomas More High School
Third Place KP Photography
KP Photography provides the talent of photography to the Wessington Springs area community Photographers can take senior pictures wedding pictures engagement pictures family pictures and more It is very convenient for the community by being close and for a low cost
MaKayla Price Wessington Springs High School
Finalists
The Cooler Backpack Company ndash Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks Olivia Facenda St Thomas More High School
The Spink County Outdoorsmen ndash Tony Baumann Redfield High School
All Seasons Lighting ndash Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilshyson Sophie Wittenberg St Thomas More High School
Gerryrsquos Pumpkins amp Produce ndash Eli Gerry Madison Central High School
SoDak Custom Hay Co ndash Dalton Larson Jared Miller Tyndall Petterson West Central High School
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 13
Double Threat The Right Strip Can Protect Devices Cut Energy Bills
There is little if anything you can buy today
that does not have some electronic component Even clothing as wearable electronics are starting to take hold Not to mention a device (httpwww makeymakeycom) that allows you to make a keyboard from bananas So itrsquos time to take a look at making sure your elecshytronics last as long as possible Irsquom not talking about replacement plans or extended warranties Today wersquore talkshying about protecting your products from electrical surges
The first order of business is to deshyfine a surge Herersquos one from Computer By Hope (httpwwwcomputerhopecomTom Tate jargonssurgehtm) on the lsquoNet ldquoAltershynatively known as a line surge a surge is an unexpected increase in voltage in an electrical current that causes damage to electrical equipment For example the standard United States voltage is 120V If an electrical current above this rating was to come through a power outlet for more than three nanoseconds this would be considered a surge anything less is considered a spike A surge is usually created by lightning and can damage unprotected computers and sometimes even protected computersrdquo
Many people think a blink from their electric cooperative or utility providerrsquos system is a surge but these are generally caused by something like a tree contacting a line In such cases the systemrsquos protective devices work causshying an interruption to protect the wires and other components These are not surges but more like turning a light on and off
True surges will enter a home through any numshyber of avenues The most obvious is through the power lines Less obvious is through the telephone lines cablesatellite connections water lines and any other metallic system that connects to your home So to protect against surges you need to take a three-pronged approach
Perhaps the most important thing to do is to be
14 January 2016 bull Cooperative ConneCtions
sure all the grounds in your home are good and that they are bonded together Over the years grounds can deteriorate new services can be added with inadequate grounding and so forth A faulty ground will allow surges into the home rather than bleeding
them off into the earth Get a qualified electrishycian to test and correct your groundshying system
Next protect your electrical service entrance with a surge device The easiest to install are those mounted behind the meter They can also be mounted at the main electric panel When a surge travels down the electric lines these devices will act to ldquoclamprdquo the surge and reduce its power These are sacrificial devices that allow themselves to be destroyed rather than allowing the surge to pass through Noble devices indeed
The third prong is to protect expensive devices at their point of use Computers and entertainment equipshyment are prime examples Remember that surges can enter the home via avenues other than the power lines Computers and entertainment equipshyment are frequently connected to cable and phone lines Those devices need to have protection at the point of use that covers all possible avenues These are generally in the form of a power strip or wall device most of us are familiar with Use a quality product from a manufacturer such as
Monster Belkin Tripp Lite or APC to name a few Look for one with a joule rating of at least 1000 a connected equipment warranty and compatibility with digital signals from cable and satellite While you are at it look for a ldquosmartrdquo strip that turns off all but one connected device when not in use
Save money on your electric bill while protecting your equipment Itrsquos a definite win-win
Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the Nationshyal Rural Electric Cooperative Association the Arlingshyton Va-based service arm of the nationrsquos 900-plus consumer-owned not-for-profit electric cooperatives
ADVANCED POWER STRIPS Which one is right for me
I want to stop WASTING ENERGY in myhellip
I always turn off my electronics when done
Why donrsquot I turn them off
Do I put it to sleep or shut
down
Do I want manual or automated power control
Does it stay docked or is it frequently moved
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER HOME OFFICE
NO YES
Is the computer a laptop or tablet
NO YES
I fall asleep I forget Irsquoll do it Automatic Sleep Shut down Always Moved often myself docked
T i Activ ity Monitor Power Strip
itch
COST
FEATURES
POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
mer p
Remote Swp
Master-Control led Power Strip
Masterless Power Strip
Power strip automatically
pre-set schedule
Power strip looks for signs of activity in the room and
detected
Power strip can be turned
switch
When a primary device (such as a computer or TV)
power strip automatically
outlets where the peripheral devices (such as the printer or game console) are plugged in
When all of the controlled
power to those outlets completely eliminating all of the vampire loads
You have to set up the timer and stick to your schedule for maximum energy savings
Motion sensors dont always work perfectly
To save any energy you have to remember to turn
time
It can be tricky to select which appliance should be your master device
powered appliance could
strip
Digital or dial timer Motion sensor or an infrared eye that detects remote control use around the TV or stereo
A tethered switch or a remote switch
One outlet is labeled as the master
No master outlet Description may include automatic switching or power detection
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden CO 80401 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wastepaper including 10 post consumer waste
NRELPO-5500-60461 bull October 2013 303-275-3000 bull wwwnrelgov Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC
Cooperative ConneCtions bull January 2016 15
Power Stri Power Stri
regional Dateline November 20-January 10
Winter Wonderland Falls Park Sioux Falls SD 605-275-6060
November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 am to 10 pm Pierre SD 605-773-3178
December 5-26 Deck Your Halls Holiday Art Show and Sale 10 am to 5 pm Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season Lead SD 605-584-3896
December 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015 5 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
December 20 Christmas Caroling at The Abbey 2 to 4 pm Marvin SD 605-398-9200
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Yearrsquos Eve Dance Ramkota Convention Center Aberdeen SD 605-229-1072 httpsouthdakotawish orgnews-and-eventscalen-dar-of-eventsevents-time-fold-ernew-years-eve-aberdeen
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am to 11 pm Mobridge SD 605-845-2500
Events of Special Note January 5-7
Dakota Farm Show Dakota Dome Vermillion SD 507-437-7969
February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show Convention Center Sioux Falls SD 605-231-3100 wwwwinterfestofwheelscom
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
Photo by miKe KjoSe Clay-union eleCtRiC CoRPoRation
Please call ahead to confirm date time and location of event
January 10 17 24 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 am to 315 pm CST Mission SD 605-259-3252 ext 3
January 16 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer SD 605-440-1405
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 1245 to 830 pm Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 1-800-468-6463
January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 29-30 35th Annual Farm Home and Sport Show Armory Webster SD 605-345-4468 wwwwebstersdcom
January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show amp Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-355-3861
January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert Eureka SD jalvarezmmgyglobalcom
February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown SD 605-886-7335
February 7 South Dakotarsquos Largest Tailgate Party Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
February 9-13 Winter Farm Show 9 am to 4 pm Watertown SD 605-886-5814
February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115
March 5 Trade Show 9 am to 3 pm Custer SD 605-673-2244
March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9 am to 3 pm MST Philip SD 605-859-2635 605-859-2280 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219
-
-
-
recipesReader
Chunky Chicken vegetable and rosemary stew Creamy Lasagna soup
Super Soups 1 (23 oz) can low-sodium low 1 lb ground beef cooked and
fat tomato soup drained 3 cups hot water (equivalent of 10 lasagna noodles broken
using 1 empty soup can) into pieces 3 cups low fat milk (equivalent 8 oz low fat cream cheese
of using 1 empty soup can) 1 cup shredded mozzarella 3 T Tonersquos Italian seasoning cheese
Combine first 5 ingredients until near boiling on medium high heat Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water until soft drain Add to soup mixture When heated through add cream cheese stirring thoroughly Serve with mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top Makes 12 servings Julie Thonvold Erwin
Crockpot potato soup 1 (32 oz) bag diced hash browns 8 oz cream cheese (do not use 1 can cream of chicken soup light) 32 oz chicken broth Salt and pepper to taste (may 3 oz real bacon bits add onion powder and celery 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese salt if desired)
Place all ingredients in crockpot except cream cheese Cook on low covered for 8 hours Add cream cheese that has been cut into small chunks during last hour of cooking stirring often Top with additional Cheddar cheese if desired
Diana Spence Utica
Crockpot Harvest soup 1 lb ground beef 1 (15 oz) can corn 1 (29 oz) can Veg-All 1 (7 oz) can green chilies 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes 2 T jalapenos if desired 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce 2 tsp chili powder 1 (28 oz) can green beans 6 beef bouillon cubes
Brown and drain ground beef Place in crockpot add remaining ingredients Do not drain any can Cook on low for 3 hours Jane Ham Rapid City
easy Broccoli-potato-Cheese soup 4 cans cream of potato soup 1 small head of broccoli cut into 4 soup cans milk florets 1 lb Velveeta cheese cut into Black pepper to taste
small chunks
Combine all ingredients in crockpot Cook on low for 4 hours
Lois Odien-Page Hermosa
2 T canola oil divided 2 dried bay leaves 12 ounces boneless chicken breasts cut into 14 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1-inch pieces 1 (15 oz) can reduced-sodium navy beans 1 medium onion cut in 8 wedges rinsed and drained 3 medium carrots quartered lengthwise and cut 1 cup grape tomatoes quartered
into thirds 12 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley 1 medium celery stalk cut into 1-inch pieces 1 T chopped fresh rosemary 2 cups water 34 tsp salt
In Dutch oven heat 1 T canola oil over medium-high heat Add chicken and cook about 3 minutes per side or until it begins to brown (center will still be slightly pink) Remove from oven and set aside Add remaining canola oil onion carrot and celery Sauteacute stirring frequently for 5 minutes or until vegetables just begin to lightly brown on edges Add water bay leaves and pepper flakes Bring to boil over high heat Reduce heat to medium low and simmer covered for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender Stir in chicken beans tomatoes Italian parsley rosemary and salt Cover and cook 5 minutes or until tomatoes are tender and chicken is cooked Serve immediately or let stew stand 30 minutes to develop flavors and texture Yields 6 1-cup servings
Nutritional analysis per serving 220 calories 7 g total fat (1 g saturated fat) 50 mg cholesterol 17 g carbohydrates 6 g fiber 3 g sugars 22 g protein 380 mg sodium 532 mg potassium
Pictured Cooperative Connections
Chicken Taco soup 1 cup chicken broth 1 can Rotel tomatoes and 1 (16 oz) can kidney beans chilies
drained and rinsed 12 cup diced green pepper 1 (16 oz) can pinto beans 12 cup chopped onion
drained and rinsed 1 lb cooked chicken 1 (16 oz) can corn drained or shredded
1 can cream-style corn 12 cup chopped celery 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 pkg taco seasoning
Place all ingredients in a crockpot Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours Can be garnished with sour cream andor cheese once scooped into a bowl Colleen Noecker Yankton
White Chicken Chili 5 to 6 (15 oz) cans Northern 1 can cheese soup (Fiesta or
beans drained Cheddar) or 4 cups 3 (13 oz) cans chunk chicken shredded cheese
with juice shredded 16 oz sour cream 8 oz can green chilies 1 pkg white chicken chili 1 can cream of chicken soup seasoning
Combine all ingredients in crockpot Cook until heated thru Jeanine Greenwood Sioux Falls
Please send your favor ite bread breakfast and seafood recipes to your local electric coop erative (address found on Page 3) Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in June 2016 All entries must include your name mailing address tele phone number and cooperative name
CooperaTive ConneCTions bull January 2016 5
Co-op News
Northern Electric Lights Up The Holidays
NortherN electric cooperative
takes holiday lighting seriously For more years than many employees can remember itrsquos been a tradition to decorate the vast lawn in front of the main headquarters in Bath with lights and figurines The Redfield office also gets in on the fun with its own display At the Bath headquarters this year more than 30 strings of LED lights are used to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year This includes the large star that is placed above the display every year The star and the hundreds of LED lights set up in the front lawn serve as a festive welcome to drivers who are entering Aberdeen on US Highway 12
The creativity of Northern Electric Cooperative crews are also on display in Redfield this year Old wire spools are
being used in that display to create a snowman and Christmas bulbs With all the construction on the Northern Electric system there is often a surplus of these spools The new Redfield display is a way for the office to show off its holiday electric cooperashytive pride and recycle unused materials at the same time
LED lighting is a key component in both displays making the season merry and bright without breaking the bank According to energygov a string of 50 LED lights costs a mere 13 cents to operate during the holiday season Old ceramic incandescent light bulbs cost about $13 to operate per string during 40 days of illumination So as you are out and about in the next few weeks please drive by both offices and take a look at these creative sustainable festive and joyful displays Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Northern Electric Cooperative
6 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 7
Co-op News
(Above) Nearly 30 strings of LED lights are used to decorate the front lawn of the Northern Electric office in Bath (Left) A toy soldier figurine is just one piece of the Northern Electric holiday light display (Below) Repurposed wire spools are used to create a festive display at the Northern Electric office in Redfield
Country Cookinrsquo Recipes Needed
Recipes are needed for the 32nd volume of
East River Electricrsquos Country Cookinrsquo cookbook
Please help us create another great cookbook by submitting
your favorite hearty recipes as well as recipes for the
ldquoLight Siderdquo section of the cookbook
Submission deadline is Monday February 1 2016
Submit via email to kkaupeastrivercoop
fax to 605-256-8057 or contact your local cooperative for
more information
Electric Youth Tour Inspiring Future Leaders for 50-plus Years
By Brenda Kle in jan
and Magen Howard
Positive influential life-changing All three words hold a host of meaning for
students who have participated in the annual Rural Electric Youth Tour
Since 1963 more than 1200 South Dakota teens have made the trek to Washington DC to learn about cooperatives the nationrsquos political proshycess and about their peers from across the country
ldquoThe trip that we took was extremely positive It was a great influence for leadershiprdquo said Shanna (Hilderman) Stueve of Wheaton Minn who as a teenager in 1996 represented West Central Electric
Cooperative in Murdo SD on the trip ldquoBasically the experience allowed me to see
things that I wouldnrsquot have necessarily been able to participate in It showed me different leadershyship styles not to mention all of the historical and incredibly interesting monuments that we are able to participate inrdquo Stueve said
ldquoI was incredibly interested in politics However I did not end up following that career pathrdquo said Stueve who along with her husband has an insurshyance and seed business in western Minnesota where they are members of Traverse Electric Cooperative
8 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
Left Participants from the 1965 or 1966 Youth Tour walk with Sen George McGovshyern second from right near the Capitol Photo courtesy Steve Smeenk Butte Electric Cooperative Opposite Page The 2015 South Dakota Rural Electric Youth Tour delegation conshysisted of 44 teens
ldquoAs a junior in high school having the opportunity meet the politicians that represented me was very important to me I feel like this is a trip of a lifetimerdquo she said ldquoNot only did I have the chance to see the different aspects of government but I also had the opportunity to see the different socioeconomic backgrounds based on region from across the country I feel like itrsquos a valuable exposure to culturerdquo
rooted in politics Youth Tour was born from a speech at the 1957 NRECA annual meeting by then-Sen Lynshy
don B Johnson He was a longtime advocate of electric co-ops having lobbied for the creation of Pedernales Electric Cooperative in 1937 as a young politician in Texas ldquoIf one thing comes out of this meeting it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and representsrdquo the future president said
With that encouragement Texas electric co-ops began sending summer interns to work in the senatorrsquos Washington DC office In 1958 an electric co-op in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a weeklong study tour of the nationrsquos capital Later that same year another busload came to Washington from Illinois The idea grew and other states sent busloads of students throughout the summer By 1959 the Youth Tour had grown to 130 participants
South Dakota sent its first delegation of 31 students representing 18 cooperashytives in 1963 The following year NRECA began to coordinate joint activities among the state delegations and suggested that co-op representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington DC during Youth Tour week The first year of the coordinated tour included about 400 teens from 12 states
As word spread the program grew ndash and grew and grew Youth Day generally on the Monday of Youth Tour is when all the state contingents converge to learn about grassroots politics and hear from inspirational speakers The students share their state pins often vying to get the most pins or those that are rare like those from Hawaiirsquos small group
In 2015 South Dakota electric cooperatives sent 44 teens on the trip It tied with the statersquos 1965 delegation as the largest to represent the state More than 1700 students participated in the 2015 Youth Tour and the 2016 tour scheduled for June 10-16 promises to be even bigger
Inspiring our youth For the past decade students have heard the inspiring story of Paralympian Mike Schlappi
a star athlete who was paralyzed as a teen State coordinators lobby for Schlappi to return year after year because they say the students never fail to take his story to heart
Schlappi was their age when his whole life changed from an accidental gunshot Today he makes the annual Youth Tour presentation a priority because he loves the kids
ldquoTheyrsquore so young and trying to figure out their lives Theyrsquove heard enough speakers and read enough books sometimes theyrsquoll roll their eyesrdquo Schlappi said ldquoBut theyrsquore away from parents and excited about their future and maybe got their eyes on the cute kid across the room Theyrsquore willing to make positive changes Back home they get labels and they have to live up to that [At Youth Tour] they can make new impressions on new friendsrdquo
Were you there
Did you or a family member go on Youth Tour Let us know
More than 1200 South Dakota teens have participatshyed in Youth Tour since 1963 and there are even more Minnesota and Nebraska teens who have gone through
Sadly in the past five decades wersquove lost track of
some of them Wersquod love to hear from you and
how the Youth Tour experience benefited you
Contact your local elecshytric cooperative
or find us on Facebook
are you ready
Do you know of an outstanding teen that would benefit from the Youth Tour experience Cooperatives participating in the 2016 Youth Tour are taking apshyplications for the program To find out more about your cooperativersquos participation and selection criteria contact them Yoursquoll find their address in this magazine
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 9
Youth News
Students Should Apply Now For $1000 amp $500 Scholarships
Many high school seniors arenrsquot just checking off the items on their Christmas lists this time of year they are also narrowing down their college choices
The price of higher education is always a factor in deciding which school students will attend next fall Northern Electric Cooperative and North Dakota-based power supplier Basin Electric Power Cooperative are once again offering two scholarships this year to help with the cost of college
ldquoEducation and commitment to community are two of the principles cooperatives operate underrdquo Northern Electric General Manager Char Hager said ldquoThese scholarships epitomize those principlesrdquo
University of South Dakota freshman Madisyn Waage was the 2015 recipient of the $500 scholarship awarded by Northern Electric Cooperative The money is being applied to tuition at USD for the Aberdeen Central graduate
ldquoIt was really helpfulrdquo Waage said ldquoItrsquos helping (Above L to R) Lucas Sternhagen was awarded a $1000 me pay for my classes this year so itrsquos definitely been scholarship in 2015 Madisyn Waage was the $500 scholshyrewardingrdquo arship recipient
Lucas Sternhagen was awarded the $1000 Applications and instructions on how to apply have been sent scholarship from Basin Electric in 2015 He is also a freshman to all of the school districts in the Northern Electric service at the University of South Dakota Sternhagen graduated from territory Information can also be found at Groton High School last spring wwwnorthernelectriccoop
To be eligible for the scholarships parents of the students ldquoJust be yourself and donrsquot be scared of failingrdquo Waage said must be current consumers of Northern Electric Cooperative ldquoJust take the time to apply because it could be worth itrdquo The scholarship application process includes a short essay For Waage that advice is paying off and documentation of academic and extracurricular activities
Heating Help Is Available
The Low -Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible South Dakotans pay for home heating costs Energy assistance may not pay for all your home heating costs but it will help ease the strain of the heating season Energy assistance is available from October 1 - May 15
Eligibility for the program is based on -Number of people in household -Gross income of everyone in household -Type of heating for the home -Geographic area you live in
Applications can be obtained by calling 1-800-233-8503 online at httpdsssdgoveconomicassistanceenergyassistancelowincomeaspx at the local Department of
Social Services office or from the Northern Electric office in Bath SD
10 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Youth News
Scholarship eligibility Applicants must be US citizens and
natural or adopted children of Northern Electric consumersmembers Dependents of Northern Electric employees are not eligible Any applicant must be a student who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time graduate or undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college university or
vocationaltechnical school
How the selection process works The scholarship awards are based on
academic excellence and financial need All applications are critically evaluated using a combination of several criteria including SATACT scores grade-point average work experience participation in school and community activities a statement by the student explaining hisher educational and career goals financial need and a written recommendation by a third party
Applications will be considered by an independent judge for Northern Electric and then submitted to Basin Electric for scholarship distribution
How to apply Applications are available from local
high school guidance counselors on the Northern Electric Cooperative website or directly from Northern Electric offices Applicants must complete the scholarship application and provide all the required information
Completed applications MUST BE RETURNED BY FEBRUARY 15 2016 to
Northern Electric Cooperative PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427
For more information contact Kay Albrecht at
605-225-0310 or 1-800-529-0310
Groft Selected As Scholar of the Week
(Above) Northern Electric Communications Director Ben Dunsmoor presents a $100 check to Northwestern High School Senior Isaac Groft for being named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week
Northwestern Area High School Senior Isaac Groft likes to get involved in almost everything at his school Groftrsquos ambition to take on new challenges is the reason the four-sport athlete from Ashton was named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week on December 7 Groft was nominated for the honor by Northwestern counselor Kari Brenner for maintaining a 365-grade point average and participating in multiple sports and extra-curricular activities ldquoI think we have good teachers here who push their studentsrdquo Groft said about his school Groft is the first student in the Northern Electric Cooperative territory to receive the recognition this year The Northwestern senior is also one of only 34 students who will be selected as the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week during the 2015-2016 school year Each recipient receives $100 from their local electric cooperative The award also means the student is eligible for two $500 scholarships and one $1000 scholarship which are given away at the Scholar of the Week banquet at the end of the school year ldquoItrsquos a really great honorrdquo Groft said ldquoItrsquos great that people are recognizing academic excellence here and I hope it motivates others to do wellrdquo A story featuring Groft and his achievements aired on KSFY on December 7 KSFY Television is a partner in the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week program and highlights the recipients every week
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 11
Teensrsquo Big Ideas Take Shape Young Entrepreneurs Plan for Success
By Brenda Kle in jan
Teens armed with business plans and dreams
descended on Aberdeen in early December to showshycase their concepts and compete in the ninth annual BIG Idea Final Competition
The Bent Perspective plan for an Origami intensive store brought top honors to Pierre student Haley Ketteler
Ketteler outlined how her company would provide customers with an all paper experience allowing clients to design paper arrangements for special events take classes to learn Origami purshychase paper creations kits and supplies and order custom creations As part of the experience she had to identify marketing opportunities define her competition and outline management and operashy
tions for the business Eight high school finalists were selected from
the 263 applications submitted from 37 different schools First round judges included 114 volunteers from the region along with 132 college entrepreshyneurship and business students Marketing designs were also submitted by 110 teams which included a logo and ad for their idea Ellen Schlechter of Faulkton High School was recognized for her Calvshying Book App which was the The Marketing Design competition winner
The eight finalists included Ketteler second-place finishers George Bernard and Mark Wesolick of St Thomas More High School in Rapid City SD third-place finisher MaKayla Price of Wessshy
12 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
1st Place Wins an iPad + $10002nd Place Wins an iPad + $5003rd Place Wins an iPad4th - 6th Places Win $3007th - 10th Places Win $100Sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the
Governorrsquos Office of Economic DevelopmentScholarship Criteria and Expectations | FlierDEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF A BUSINESS PLAN IS DECEM-
BER 18 2015
Listed above are the criteria necessary to get a high school student started in preparing a written business plan for the competition The South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the Governorrsquos Office of Economic Development have again donated the first place prize ndash an iPad plus $1000 Second place is an iPad plus $500 and third place is an iPad Fourth through sixth place prizes will be cash awards sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation in the amount of $300 each place Seventh through tenth place prizes is $100 each place It is recommended that all the points in the ldquoBusiness Start-Up Planrdquo be addressed Please click on the link above for entry requirements Judging will be based on the following criteria
Completeness of business plan Viability as an ongoing business Realistic financial projectionscash flow plan Conciseness in presentation Creativity and innovation
Judges for the contest include bankers educators and business people across the state First through sixth place plan submitters will be called to Pierre to participate in oral interviews in February and will be asked to remain for the presentation of awards that evening Students may attend with their parents and school advisor The evening event is a reception and banquet attended by 300 of our statersquos legislators constitutional officers bankers and spouses
Writing a business start-up plan helps you decide what is needed in terms of time money and resources to get a business underway The following outline should be helpful in that it ad-dresses many of the issues that should be considered when start-ing a business By thinking over some of the details with your ad-visers parents or friends and getting them down on paper yoursquoll have a good idea of how you want a business to take shape A business plan provides a concrete structure against which you can measure actual performance Yoursquoll also save yourself time and money in the long run If you do decide to create this business you will have a logical plan with which to get started
Contact your schoolrsquos business department or the South Dakota Bankers Association for more information
ington Springs High School Dalton Larson Jared Miller and Tyndall Petterson of West Central High School in Hartford SD Eli Gerry of Madison Central High School Tony Baumann of Redfield High School and two teams from St Thomas More Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks and Olivia Facenda and Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilson and Sophie Wittenberg
The competition encourages students to consider new ideas and opshyportunities for creating a business in their own region
ldquoWersquore trying to get them to start thinking about starting a business not necessarily starting the business but what it would take to start and run a businessrdquo said event organizer Kelly Weaver regional director with the South Dakota Small Business Development Center in Aberdeen SD
Participants were able to take part in panel discussions with the busishyness owners Weaver saidThe competition is coordinated by the Small Business Development Center and funded by Sanford Health East River Electric Power Cooperative REED Fund Dacotah Bank Student Loan Finance Corporation Aberdeen Development Corporation Northwestern Energy McQuillen Creative Group The Tom and Danielle Aman Founshydation and Midcontinent Communications Scholarships are provided by Northern State University and Presentation College The competition is a result of the input and collaboration of these organizations along with Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Aberdeen Downtown Associashytion Aberdeen Catholic School System ndash Roncalli High School Aberdeen School District ndash Central High School and Dacotah Bank
In addition to the schools listed above students from the following high schools also participated Aberdeen Central High School Bridgewashyter-Emery High School Bowdle High School Canistota High School Canton High School Durpree High School Edmund Central High School Ethan High School Eureka High School Faith High School Groton High School Hitchcock Tulare High School Hoven High School Ipswich High School Iroquois High School Lead-Deadwood High School Leola High School Milbank High School Mitchell High School Montrose High School Northwestern Sioux Valley High School Sioux Fall Christian Swift Home School Vermillion High School Wagshyner High School Warner High School Watertown High School Wilmot High School and Yankton High School A total of 414 students particishypated in a submission
For her winnng plan Ketteler won $1000 while Bernard and Weshysolickrsquos Caveman Custom Iron plan earned $500 for second place and Pricersquos plan for KP Photography received $250 for third place Scholarshyships to both Northern State University and Presentation College were also awarded Schlechter received $500 for her marketing design plan
Go to BIGIdeaSDcom for more information about the competition
BIG Idea Finalists were front row from left Cierra Veldhuizen Maria Wilson Haley Ketteler Jenny Rooks Brianna McGinnis and Sophie Wittenberg Standing from left were Olivia Facenda George Bernard Tony Baumann Mark Wesolick Eli Gerry Tyndall Petter-son Dalton Larson MaKayla Price and Jared Miller Photo by Dawn Sahli Photography
First Place Bent Perspective
Bent Perspective is an Origami intensive store focused on teaching the customers how to make origami artwork It will also offer services such as event decoration custom origami artwork pre-made origami artwork and kits This business will provide the community with a unique and fun activity for all ages It will help eliminate boredom in the community through a relaxing and fulfilling activity that all individuals can enjoy and appreciate
Haley Ketteler Pierre Riggs High School
Second Place caveman custom Iron
Caveman Custom Iron will produce hand-crafted steel goods and distribute these goods to people who want unique pieces of functional art to decorate their home garden or place of business Caveman Custom Iron will also produce tools such as knives or garden tools Potential customers are those who look for pieces of iron work to decorate their home and people looking for quality specialized tools for tasks such as woodworking and gardening
George Bernard and Mark Wesolick St Thomas More High School
Third Place KP Photography
KP Photography provides the talent of photography to the Wessington Springs area community Photographers can take senior pictures wedding pictures engagement pictures family pictures and more It is very convenient for the community by being close and for a low cost
MaKayla Price Wessington Springs High School
Finalists
The Cooler Backpack Company ndash Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks Olivia Facenda St Thomas More High School
The Spink County Outdoorsmen ndash Tony Baumann Redfield High School
All Seasons Lighting ndash Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilshyson Sophie Wittenberg St Thomas More High School
Gerryrsquos Pumpkins amp Produce ndash Eli Gerry Madison Central High School
SoDak Custom Hay Co ndash Dalton Larson Jared Miller Tyndall Petterson West Central High School
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 13
Double Threat The Right Strip Can Protect Devices Cut Energy Bills
There is little if anything you can buy today
that does not have some electronic component Even clothing as wearable electronics are starting to take hold Not to mention a device (httpwww makeymakeycom) that allows you to make a keyboard from bananas So itrsquos time to take a look at making sure your elecshytronics last as long as possible Irsquom not talking about replacement plans or extended warranties Today wersquore talkshying about protecting your products from electrical surges
The first order of business is to deshyfine a surge Herersquos one from Computer By Hope (httpwwwcomputerhopecomTom Tate jargonssurgehtm) on the lsquoNet ldquoAltershynatively known as a line surge a surge is an unexpected increase in voltage in an electrical current that causes damage to electrical equipment For example the standard United States voltage is 120V If an electrical current above this rating was to come through a power outlet for more than three nanoseconds this would be considered a surge anything less is considered a spike A surge is usually created by lightning and can damage unprotected computers and sometimes even protected computersrdquo
Many people think a blink from their electric cooperative or utility providerrsquos system is a surge but these are generally caused by something like a tree contacting a line In such cases the systemrsquos protective devices work causshying an interruption to protect the wires and other components These are not surges but more like turning a light on and off
True surges will enter a home through any numshyber of avenues The most obvious is through the power lines Less obvious is through the telephone lines cablesatellite connections water lines and any other metallic system that connects to your home So to protect against surges you need to take a three-pronged approach
Perhaps the most important thing to do is to be
14 January 2016 bull Cooperative ConneCtions
sure all the grounds in your home are good and that they are bonded together Over the years grounds can deteriorate new services can be added with inadequate grounding and so forth A faulty ground will allow surges into the home rather than bleeding
them off into the earth Get a qualified electrishycian to test and correct your groundshying system
Next protect your electrical service entrance with a surge device The easiest to install are those mounted behind the meter They can also be mounted at the main electric panel When a surge travels down the electric lines these devices will act to ldquoclamprdquo the surge and reduce its power These are sacrificial devices that allow themselves to be destroyed rather than allowing the surge to pass through Noble devices indeed
The third prong is to protect expensive devices at their point of use Computers and entertainment equipshyment are prime examples Remember that surges can enter the home via avenues other than the power lines Computers and entertainment equipshyment are frequently connected to cable and phone lines Those devices need to have protection at the point of use that covers all possible avenues These are generally in the form of a power strip or wall device most of us are familiar with Use a quality product from a manufacturer such as
Monster Belkin Tripp Lite or APC to name a few Look for one with a joule rating of at least 1000 a connected equipment warranty and compatibility with digital signals from cable and satellite While you are at it look for a ldquosmartrdquo strip that turns off all but one connected device when not in use
Save money on your electric bill while protecting your equipment Itrsquos a definite win-win
Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the Nationshyal Rural Electric Cooperative Association the Arlingshyton Va-based service arm of the nationrsquos 900-plus consumer-owned not-for-profit electric cooperatives
ADVANCED POWER STRIPS Which one is right for me
I want to stop WASTING ENERGY in myhellip
I always turn off my electronics when done
Why donrsquot I turn them off
Do I put it to sleep or shut
down
Do I want manual or automated power control
Does it stay docked or is it frequently moved
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER HOME OFFICE
NO YES
Is the computer a laptop or tablet
NO YES
I fall asleep I forget Irsquoll do it Automatic Sleep Shut down Always Moved often myself docked
T i Activ ity Monitor Power Strip
itch
COST
FEATURES
POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
mer p
Remote Swp
Master-Control led Power Strip
Masterless Power Strip
Power strip automatically
pre-set schedule
Power strip looks for signs of activity in the room and
detected
Power strip can be turned
switch
When a primary device (such as a computer or TV)
power strip automatically
outlets where the peripheral devices (such as the printer or game console) are plugged in
When all of the controlled
power to those outlets completely eliminating all of the vampire loads
You have to set up the timer and stick to your schedule for maximum energy savings
Motion sensors dont always work perfectly
To save any energy you have to remember to turn
time
It can be tricky to select which appliance should be your master device
powered appliance could
strip
Digital or dial timer Motion sensor or an infrared eye that detects remote control use around the TV or stereo
A tethered switch or a remote switch
One outlet is labeled as the master
No master outlet Description may include automatic switching or power detection
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden CO 80401 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wastepaper including 10 post consumer waste
NRELPO-5500-60461 bull October 2013 303-275-3000 bull wwwnrelgov Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC
Cooperative ConneCtions bull January 2016 15
Power Stri Power Stri
regional Dateline November 20-January 10
Winter Wonderland Falls Park Sioux Falls SD 605-275-6060
November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 am to 10 pm Pierre SD 605-773-3178
December 5-26 Deck Your Halls Holiday Art Show and Sale 10 am to 5 pm Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season Lead SD 605-584-3896
December 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015 5 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
December 20 Christmas Caroling at The Abbey 2 to 4 pm Marvin SD 605-398-9200
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Yearrsquos Eve Dance Ramkota Convention Center Aberdeen SD 605-229-1072 httpsouthdakotawish orgnews-and-eventscalen-dar-of-eventsevents-time-fold-ernew-years-eve-aberdeen
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am to 11 pm Mobridge SD 605-845-2500
Events of Special Note January 5-7
Dakota Farm Show Dakota Dome Vermillion SD 507-437-7969
February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show Convention Center Sioux Falls SD 605-231-3100 wwwwinterfestofwheelscom
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
Photo by miKe KjoSe Clay-union eleCtRiC CoRPoRation
Please call ahead to confirm date time and location of event
January 10 17 24 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 am to 315 pm CST Mission SD 605-259-3252 ext 3
January 16 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer SD 605-440-1405
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 1245 to 830 pm Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 1-800-468-6463
January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 29-30 35th Annual Farm Home and Sport Show Armory Webster SD 605-345-4468 wwwwebstersdcom
January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show amp Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-355-3861
January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert Eureka SD jalvarezmmgyglobalcom
February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown SD 605-886-7335
February 7 South Dakotarsquos Largest Tailgate Party Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
February 9-13 Winter Farm Show 9 am to 4 pm Watertown SD 605-886-5814
February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115
March 5 Trade Show 9 am to 3 pm Custer SD 605-673-2244
March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9 am to 3 pm MST Philip SD 605-859-2635 605-859-2280 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219
Co-op News
Northern Electric Lights Up The Holidays
NortherN electric cooperative
takes holiday lighting seriously For more years than many employees can remember itrsquos been a tradition to decorate the vast lawn in front of the main headquarters in Bath with lights and figurines The Redfield office also gets in on the fun with its own display At the Bath headquarters this year more than 30 strings of LED lights are used to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year This includes the large star that is placed above the display every year The star and the hundreds of LED lights set up in the front lawn serve as a festive welcome to drivers who are entering Aberdeen on US Highway 12
The creativity of Northern Electric Cooperative crews are also on display in Redfield this year Old wire spools are
being used in that display to create a snowman and Christmas bulbs With all the construction on the Northern Electric system there is often a surplus of these spools The new Redfield display is a way for the office to show off its holiday electric cooperashytive pride and recycle unused materials at the same time
LED lighting is a key component in both displays making the season merry and bright without breaking the bank According to energygov a string of 50 LED lights costs a mere 13 cents to operate during the holiday season Old ceramic incandescent light bulbs cost about $13 to operate per string during 40 days of illumination So as you are out and about in the next few weeks please drive by both offices and take a look at these creative sustainable festive and joyful displays Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Northern Electric Cooperative
6 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 7
Co-op News
(Above) Nearly 30 strings of LED lights are used to decorate the front lawn of the Northern Electric office in Bath (Left) A toy soldier figurine is just one piece of the Northern Electric holiday light display (Below) Repurposed wire spools are used to create a festive display at the Northern Electric office in Redfield
Country Cookinrsquo Recipes Needed
Recipes are needed for the 32nd volume of
East River Electricrsquos Country Cookinrsquo cookbook
Please help us create another great cookbook by submitting
your favorite hearty recipes as well as recipes for the
ldquoLight Siderdquo section of the cookbook
Submission deadline is Monday February 1 2016
Submit via email to kkaupeastrivercoop
fax to 605-256-8057 or contact your local cooperative for
more information
Electric Youth Tour Inspiring Future Leaders for 50-plus Years
By Brenda Kle in jan
and Magen Howard
Positive influential life-changing All three words hold a host of meaning for
students who have participated in the annual Rural Electric Youth Tour
Since 1963 more than 1200 South Dakota teens have made the trek to Washington DC to learn about cooperatives the nationrsquos political proshycess and about their peers from across the country
ldquoThe trip that we took was extremely positive It was a great influence for leadershiprdquo said Shanna (Hilderman) Stueve of Wheaton Minn who as a teenager in 1996 represented West Central Electric
Cooperative in Murdo SD on the trip ldquoBasically the experience allowed me to see
things that I wouldnrsquot have necessarily been able to participate in It showed me different leadershyship styles not to mention all of the historical and incredibly interesting monuments that we are able to participate inrdquo Stueve said
ldquoI was incredibly interested in politics However I did not end up following that career pathrdquo said Stueve who along with her husband has an insurshyance and seed business in western Minnesota where they are members of Traverse Electric Cooperative
8 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
Left Participants from the 1965 or 1966 Youth Tour walk with Sen George McGovshyern second from right near the Capitol Photo courtesy Steve Smeenk Butte Electric Cooperative Opposite Page The 2015 South Dakota Rural Electric Youth Tour delegation conshysisted of 44 teens
ldquoAs a junior in high school having the opportunity meet the politicians that represented me was very important to me I feel like this is a trip of a lifetimerdquo she said ldquoNot only did I have the chance to see the different aspects of government but I also had the opportunity to see the different socioeconomic backgrounds based on region from across the country I feel like itrsquos a valuable exposure to culturerdquo
rooted in politics Youth Tour was born from a speech at the 1957 NRECA annual meeting by then-Sen Lynshy
don B Johnson He was a longtime advocate of electric co-ops having lobbied for the creation of Pedernales Electric Cooperative in 1937 as a young politician in Texas ldquoIf one thing comes out of this meeting it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and representsrdquo the future president said
With that encouragement Texas electric co-ops began sending summer interns to work in the senatorrsquos Washington DC office In 1958 an electric co-op in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a weeklong study tour of the nationrsquos capital Later that same year another busload came to Washington from Illinois The idea grew and other states sent busloads of students throughout the summer By 1959 the Youth Tour had grown to 130 participants
South Dakota sent its first delegation of 31 students representing 18 cooperashytives in 1963 The following year NRECA began to coordinate joint activities among the state delegations and suggested that co-op representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington DC during Youth Tour week The first year of the coordinated tour included about 400 teens from 12 states
As word spread the program grew ndash and grew and grew Youth Day generally on the Monday of Youth Tour is when all the state contingents converge to learn about grassroots politics and hear from inspirational speakers The students share their state pins often vying to get the most pins or those that are rare like those from Hawaiirsquos small group
In 2015 South Dakota electric cooperatives sent 44 teens on the trip It tied with the statersquos 1965 delegation as the largest to represent the state More than 1700 students participated in the 2015 Youth Tour and the 2016 tour scheduled for June 10-16 promises to be even bigger
Inspiring our youth For the past decade students have heard the inspiring story of Paralympian Mike Schlappi
a star athlete who was paralyzed as a teen State coordinators lobby for Schlappi to return year after year because they say the students never fail to take his story to heart
Schlappi was their age when his whole life changed from an accidental gunshot Today he makes the annual Youth Tour presentation a priority because he loves the kids
ldquoTheyrsquore so young and trying to figure out their lives Theyrsquove heard enough speakers and read enough books sometimes theyrsquoll roll their eyesrdquo Schlappi said ldquoBut theyrsquore away from parents and excited about their future and maybe got their eyes on the cute kid across the room Theyrsquore willing to make positive changes Back home they get labels and they have to live up to that [At Youth Tour] they can make new impressions on new friendsrdquo
Were you there
Did you or a family member go on Youth Tour Let us know
More than 1200 South Dakota teens have participatshyed in Youth Tour since 1963 and there are even more Minnesota and Nebraska teens who have gone through
Sadly in the past five decades wersquove lost track of
some of them Wersquod love to hear from you and
how the Youth Tour experience benefited you
Contact your local elecshytric cooperative
or find us on Facebook
are you ready
Do you know of an outstanding teen that would benefit from the Youth Tour experience Cooperatives participating in the 2016 Youth Tour are taking apshyplications for the program To find out more about your cooperativersquos participation and selection criteria contact them Yoursquoll find their address in this magazine
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 9
Youth News
Students Should Apply Now For $1000 amp $500 Scholarships
Many high school seniors arenrsquot just checking off the items on their Christmas lists this time of year they are also narrowing down their college choices
The price of higher education is always a factor in deciding which school students will attend next fall Northern Electric Cooperative and North Dakota-based power supplier Basin Electric Power Cooperative are once again offering two scholarships this year to help with the cost of college
ldquoEducation and commitment to community are two of the principles cooperatives operate underrdquo Northern Electric General Manager Char Hager said ldquoThese scholarships epitomize those principlesrdquo
University of South Dakota freshman Madisyn Waage was the 2015 recipient of the $500 scholarship awarded by Northern Electric Cooperative The money is being applied to tuition at USD for the Aberdeen Central graduate
ldquoIt was really helpfulrdquo Waage said ldquoItrsquos helping (Above L to R) Lucas Sternhagen was awarded a $1000 me pay for my classes this year so itrsquos definitely been scholarship in 2015 Madisyn Waage was the $500 scholshyrewardingrdquo arship recipient
Lucas Sternhagen was awarded the $1000 Applications and instructions on how to apply have been sent scholarship from Basin Electric in 2015 He is also a freshman to all of the school districts in the Northern Electric service at the University of South Dakota Sternhagen graduated from territory Information can also be found at Groton High School last spring wwwnorthernelectriccoop
To be eligible for the scholarships parents of the students ldquoJust be yourself and donrsquot be scared of failingrdquo Waage said must be current consumers of Northern Electric Cooperative ldquoJust take the time to apply because it could be worth itrdquo The scholarship application process includes a short essay For Waage that advice is paying off and documentation of academic and extracurricular activities
Heating Help Is Available
The Low -Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible South Dakotans pay for home heating costs Energy assistance may not pay for all your home heating costs but it will help ease the strain of the heating season Energy assistance is available from October 1 - May 15
Eligibility for the program is based on -Number of people in household -Gross income of everyone in household -Type of heating for the home -Geographic area you live in
Applications can be obtained by calling 1-800-233-8503 online at httpdsssdgoveconomicassistanceenergyassistancelowincomeaspx at the local Department of
Social Services office or from the Northern Electric office in Bath SD
10 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Youth News
Scholarship eligibility Applicants must be US citizens and
natural or adopted children of Northern Electric consumersmembers Dependents of Northern Electric employees are not eligible Any applicant must be a student who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time graduate or undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college university or
vocationaltechnical school
How the selection process works The scholarship awards are based on
academic excellence and financial need All applications are critically evaluated using a combination of several criteria including SATACT scores grade-point average work experience participation in school and community activities a statement by the student explaining hisher educational and career goals financial need and a written recommendation by a third party
Applications will be considered by an independent judge for Northern Electric and then submitted to Basin Electric for scholarship distribution
How to apply Applications are available from local
high school guidance counselors on the Northern Electric Cooperative website or directly from Northern Electric offices Applicants must complete the scholarship application and provide all the required information
Completed applications MUST BE RETURNED BY FEBRUARY 15 2016 to
Northern Electric Cooperative PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427
For more information contact Kay Albrecht at
605-225-0310 or 1-800-529-0310
Groft Selected As Scholar of the Week
(Above) Northern Electric Communications Director Ben Dunsmoor presents a $100 check to Northwestern High School Senior Isaac Groft for being named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week
Northwestern Area High School Senior Isaac Groft likes to get involved in almost everything at his school Groftrsquos ambition to take on new challenges is the reason the four-sport athlete from Ashton was named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week on December 7 Groft was nominated for the honor by Northwestern counselor Kari Brenner for maintaining a 365-grade point average and participating in multiple sports and extra-curricular activities ldquoI think we have good teachers here who push their studentsrdquo Groft said about his school Groft is the first student in the Northern Electric Cooperative territory to receive the recognition this year The Northwestern senior is also one of only 34 students who will be selected as the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week during the 2015-2016 school year Each recipient receives $100 from their local electric cooperative The award also means the student is eligible for two $500 scholarships and one $1000 scholarship which are given away at the Scholar of the Week banquet at the end of the school year ldquoItrsquos a really great honorrdquo Groft said ldquoItrsquos great that people are recognizing academic excellence here and I hope it motivates others to do wellrdquo A story featuring Groft and his achievements aired on KSFY on December 7 KSFY Television is a partner in the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week program and highlights the recipients every week
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 11
Teensrsquo Big Ideas Take Shape Young Entrepreneurs Plan for Success
By Brenda Kle in jan
Teens armed with business plans and dreams
descended on Aberdeen in early December to showshycase their concepts and compete in the ninth annual BIG Idea Final Competition
The Bent Perspective plan for an Origami intensive store brought top honors to Pierre student Haley Ketteler
Ketteler outlined how her company would provide customers with an all paper experience allowing clients to design paper arrangements for special events take classes to learn Origami purshychase paper creations kits and supplies and order custom creations As part of the experience she had to identify marketing opportunities define her competition and outline management and operashy
tions for the business Eight high school finalists were selected from
the 263 applications submitted from 37 different schools First round judges included 114 volunteers from the region along with 132 college entrepreshyneurship and business students Marketing designs were also submitted by 110 teams which included a logo and ad for their idea Ellen Schlechter of Faulkton High School was recognized for her Calvshying Book App which was the The Marketing Design competition winner
The eight finalists included Ketteler second-place finishers George Bernard and Mark Wesolick of St Thomas More High School in Rapid City SD third-place finisher MaKayla Price of Wessshy
12 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
1st Place Wins an iPad + $10002nd Place Wins an iPad + $5003rd Place Wins an iPad4th - 6th Places Win $3007th - 10th Places Win $100Sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the
Governorrsquos Office of Economic DevelopmentScholarship Criteria and Expectations | FlierDEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF A BUSINESS PLAN IS DECEM-
BER 18 2015
Listed above are the criteria necessary to get a high school student started in preparing a written business plan for the competition The South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the Governorrsquos Office of Economic Development have again donated the first place prize ndash an iPad plus $1000 Second place is an iPad plus $500 and third place is an iPad Fourth through sixth place prizes will be cash awards sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation in the amount of $300 each place Seventh through tenth place prizes is $100 each place It is recommended that all the points in the ldquoBusiness Start-Up Planrdquo be addressed Please click on the link above for entry requirements Judging will be based on the following criteria
Completeness of business plan Viability as an ongoing business Realistic financial projectionscash flow plan Conciseness in presentation Creativity and innovation
Judges for the contest include bankers educators and business people across the state First through sixth place plan submitters will be called to Pierre to participate in oral interviews in February and will be asked to remain for the presentation of awards that evening Students may attend with their parents and school advisor The evening event is a reception and banquet attended by 300 of our statersquos legislators constitutional officers bankers and spouses
Writing a business start-up plan helps you decide what is needed in terms of time money and resources to get a business underway The following outline should be helpful in that it ad-dresses many of the issues that should be considered when start-ing a business By thinking over some of the details with your ad-visers parents or friends and getting them down on paper yoursquoll have a good idea of how you want a business to take shape A business plan provides a concrete structure against which you can measure actual performance Yoursquoll also save yourself time and money in the long run If you do decide to create this business you will have a logical plan with which to get started
Contact your schoolrsquos business department or the South Dakota Bankers Association for more information
ington Springs High School Dalton Larson Jared Miller and Tyndall Petterson of West Central High School in Hartford SD Eli Gerry of Madison Central High School Tony Baumann of Redfield High School and two teams from St Thomas More Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks and Olivia Facenda and Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilson and Sophie Wittenberg
The competition encourages students to consider new ideas and opshyportunities for creating a business in their own region
ldquoWersquore trying to get them to start thinking about starting a business not necessarily starting the business but what it would take to start and run a businessrdquo said event organizer Kelly Weaver regional director with the South Dakota Small Business Development Center in Aberdeen SD
Participants were able to take part in panel discussions with the busishyness owners Weaver saidThe competition is coordinated by the Small Business Development Center and funded by Sanford Health East River Electric Power Cooperative REED Fund Dacotah Bank Student Loan Finance Corporation Aberdeen Development Corporation Northwestern Energy McQuillen Creative Group The Tom and Danielle Aman Founshydation and Midcontinent Communications Scholarships are provided by Northern State University and Presentation College The competition is a result of the input and collaboration of these organizations along with Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Aberdeen Downtown Associashytion Aberdeen Catholic School System ndash Roncalli High School Aberdeen School District ndash Central High School and Dacotah Bank
In addition to the schools listed above students from the following high schools also participated Aberdeen Central High School Bridgewashyter-Emery High School Bowdle High School Canistota High School Canton High School Durpree High School Edmund Central High School Ethan High School Eureka High School Faith High School Groton High School Hitchcock Tulare High School Hoven High School Ipswich High School Iroquois High School Lead-Deadwood High School Leola High School Milbank High School Mitchell High School Montrose High School Northwestern Sioux Valley High School Sioux Fall Christian Swift Home School Vermillion High School Wagshyner High School Warner High School Watertown High School Wilmot High School and Yankton High School A total of 414 students particishypated in a submission
For her winnng plan Ketteler won $1000 while Bernard and Weshysolickrsquos Caveman Custom Iron plan earned $500 for second place and Pricersquos plan for KP Photography received $250 for third place Scholarshyships to both Northern State University and Presentation College were also awarded Schlechter received $500 for her marketing design plan
Go to BIGIdeaSDcom for more information about the competition
BIG Idea Finalists were front row from left Cierra Veldhuizen Maria Wilson Haley Ketteler Jenny Rooks Brianna McGinnis and Sophie Wittenberg Standing from left were Olivia Facenda George Bernard Tony Baumann Mark Wesolick Eli Gerry Tyndall Petter-son Dalton Larson MaKayla Price and Jared Miller Photo by Dawn Sahli Photography
First Place Bent Perspective
Bent Perspective is an Origami intensive store focused on teaching the customers how to make origami artwork It will also offer services such as event decoration custom origami artwork pre-made origami artwork and kits This business will provide the community with a unique and fun activity for all ages It will help eliminate boredom in the community through a relaxing and fulfilling activity that all individuals can enjoy and appreciate
Haley Ketteler Pierre Riggs High School
Second Place caveman custom Iron
Caveman Custom Iron will produce hand-crafted steel goods and distribute these goods to people who want unique pieces of functional art to decorate their home garden or place of business Caveman Custom Iron will also produce tools such as knives or garden tools Potential customers are those who look for pieces of iron work to decorate their home and people looking for quality specialized tools for tasks such as woodworking and gardening
George Bernard and Mark Wesolick St Thomas More High School
Third Place KP Photography
KP Photography provides the talent of photography to the Wessington Springs area community Photographers can take senior pictures wedding pictures engagement pictures family pictures and more It is very convenient for the community by being close and for a low cost
MaKayla Price Wessington Springs High School
Finalists
The Cooler Backpack Company ndash Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks Olivia Facenda St Thomas More High School
The Spink County Outdoorsmen ndash Tony Baumann Redfield High School
All Seasons Lighting ndash Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilshyson Sophie Wittenberg St Thomas More High School
Gerryrsquos Pumpkins amp Produce ndash Eli Gerry Madison Central High School
SoDak Custom Hay Co ndash Dalton Larson Jared Miller Tyndall Petterson West Central High School
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 13
Double Threat The Right Strip Can Protect Devices Cut Energy Bills
There is little if anything you can buy today
that does not have some electronic component Even clothing as wearable electronics are starting to take hold Not to mention a device (httpwww makeymakeycom) that allows you to make a keyboard from bananas So itrsquos time to take a look at making sure your elecshytronics last as long as possible Irsquom not talking about replacement plans or extended warranties Today wersquore talkshying about protecting your products from electrical surges
The first order of business is to deshyfine a surge Herersquos one from Computer By Hope (httpwwwcomputerhopecomTom Tate jargonssurgehtm) on the lsquoNet ldquoAltershynatively known as a line surge a surge is an unexpected increase in voltage in an electrical current that causes damage to electrical equipment For example the standard United States voltage is 120V If an electrical current above this rating was to come through a power outlet for more than three nanoseconds this would be considered a surge anything less is considered a spike A surge is usually created by lightning and can damage unprotected computers and sometimes even protected computersrdquo
Many people think a blink from their electric cooperative or utility providerrsquos system is a surge but these are generally caused by something like a tree contacting a line In such cases the systemrsquos protective devices work causshying an interruption to protect the wires and other components These are not surges but more like turning a light on and off
True surges will enter a home through any numshyber of avenues The most obvious is through the power lines Less obvious is through the telephone lines cablesatellite connections water lines and any other metallic system that connects to your home So to protect against surges you need to take a three-pronged approach
Perhaps the most important thing to do is to be
14 January 2016 bull Cooperative ConneCtions
sure all the grounds in your home are good and that they are bonded together Over the years grounds can deteriorate new services can be added with inadequate grounding and so forth A faulty ground will allow surges into the home rather than bleeding
them off into the earth Get a qualified electrishycian to test and correct your groundshying system
Next protect your electrical service entrance with a surge device The easiest to install are those mounted behind the meter They can also be mounted at the main electric panel When a surge travels down the electric lines these devices will act to ldquoclamprdquo the surge and reduce its power These are sacrificial devices that allow themselves to be destroyed rather than allowing the surge to pass through Noble devices indeed
The third prong is to protect expensive devices at their point of use Computers and entertainment equipshyment are prime examples Remember that surges can enter the home via avenues other than the power lines Computers and entertainment equipshyment are frequently connected to cable and phone lines Those devices need to have protection at the point of use that covers all possible avenues These are generally in the form of a power strip or wall device most of us are familiar with Use a quality product from a manufacturer such as
Monster Belkin Tripp Lite or APC to name a few Look for one with a joule rating of at least 1000 a connected equipment warranty and compatibility with digital signals from cable and satellite While you are at it look for a ldquosmartrdquo strip that turns off all but one connected device when not in use
Save money on your electric bill while protecting your equipment Itrsquos a definite win-win
Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the Nationshyal Rural Electric Cooperative Association the Arlingshyton Va-based service arm of the nationrsquos 900-plus consumer-owned not-for-profit electric cooperatives
ADVANCED POWER STRIPS Which one is right for me
I want to stop WASTING ENERGY in myhellip
I always turn off my electronics when done
Why donrsquot I turn them off
Do I put it to sleep or shut
down
Do I want manual or automated power control
Does it stay docked or is it frequently moved
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER HOME OFFICE
NO YES
Is the computer a laptop or tablet
NO YES
I fall asleep I forget Irsquoll do it Automatic Sleep Shut down Always Moved often myself docked
T i Activ ity Monitor Power Strip
itch
COST
FEATURES
POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
mer p
Remote Swp
Master-Control led Power Strip
Masterless Power Strip
Power strip automatically
pre-set schedule
Power strip looks for signs of activity in the room and
detected
Power strip can be turned
switch
When a primary device (such as a computer or TV)
power strip automatically
outlets where the peripheral devices (such as the printer or game console) are plugged in
When all of the controlled
power to those outlets completely eliminating all of the vampire loads
You have to set up the timer and stick to your schedule for maximum energy savings
Motion sensors dont always work perfectly
To save any energy you have to remember to turn
time
It can be tricky to select which appliance should be your master device
powered appliance could
strip
Digital or dial timer Motion sensor or an infrared eye that detects remote control use around the TV or stereo
A tethered switch or a remote switch
One outlet is labeled as the master
No master outlet Description may include automatic switching or power detection
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden CO 80401 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wastepaper including 10 post consumer waste
NRELPO-5500-60461 bull October 2013 303-275-3000 bull wwwnrelgov Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC
Cooperative ConneCtions bull January 2016 15
Power Stri Power Stri
regional Dateline November 20-January 10
Winter Wonderland Falls Park Sioux Falls SD 605-275-6060
November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 am to 10 pm Pierre SD 605-773-3178
December 5-26 Deck Your Halls Holiday Art Show and Sale 10 am to 5 pm Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season Lead SD 605-584-3896
December 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015 5 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
December 20 Christmas Caroling at The Abbey 2 to 4 pm Marvin SD 605-398-9200
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Yearrsquos Eve Dance Ramkota Convention Center Aberdeen SD 605-229-1072 httpsouthdakotawish orgnews-and-eventscalen-dar-of-eventsevents-time-fold-ernew-years-eve-aberdeen
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am to 11 pm Mobridge SD 605-845-2500
Events of Special Note January 5-7
Dakota Farm Show Dakota Dome Vermillion SD 507-437-7969
February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show Convention Center Sioux Falls SD 605-231-3100 wwwwinterfestofwheelscom
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
Photo by miKe KjoSe Clay-union eleCtRiC CoRPoRation
Please call ahead to confirm date time and location of event
January 10 17 24 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 am to 315 pm CST Mission SD 605-259-3252 ext 3
January 16 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer SD 605-440-1405
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 1245 to 830 pm Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 1-800-468-6463
January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 29-30 35th Annual Farm Home and Sport Show Armory Webster SD 605-345-4468 wwwwebstersdcom
January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show amp Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-355-3861
January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert Eureka SD jalvarezmmgyglobalcom
February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown SD 605-886-7335
February 7 South Dakotarsquos Largest Tailgate Party Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
February 9-13 Winter Farm Show 9 am to 4 pm Watertown SD 605-886-5814
February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115
March 5 Trade Show 9 am to 3 pm Custer SD 605-673-2244
March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9 am to 3 pm MST Philip SD 605-859-2635 605-859-2280 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 7
Co-op News
(Above) Nearly 30 strings of LED lights are used to decorate the front lawn of the Northern Electric office in Bath (Left) A toy soldier figurine is just one piece of the Northern Electric holiday light display (Below) Repurposed wire spools are used to create a festive display at the Northern Electric office in Redfield
Country Cookinrsquo Recipes Needed
Recipes are needed for the 32nd volume of
East River Electricrsquos Country Cookinrsquo cookbook
Please help us create another great cookbook by submitting
your favorite hearty recipes as well as recipes for the
ldquoLight Siderdquo section of the cookbook
Submission deadline is Monday February 1 2016
Submit via email to kkaupeastrivercoop
fax to 605-256-8057 or contact your local cooperative for
more information
Electric Youth Tour Inspiring Future Leaders for 50-plus Years
By Brenda Kle in jan
and Magen Howard
Positive influential life-changing All three words hold a host of meaning for
students who have participated in the annual Rural Electric Youth Tour
Since 1963 more than 1200 South Dakota teens have made the trek to Washington DC to learn about cooperatives the nationrsquos political proshycess and about their peers from across the country
ldquoThe trip that we took was extremely positive It was a great influence for leadershiprdquo said Shanna (Hilderman) Stueve of Wheaton Minn who as a teenager in 1996 represented West Central Electric
Cooperative in Murdo SD on the trip ldquoBasically the experience allowed me to see
things that I wouldnrsquot have necessarily been able to participate in It showed me different leadershyship styles not to mention all of the historical and incredibly interesting monuments that we are able to participate inrdquo Stueve said
ldquoI was incredibly interested in politics However I did not end up following that career pathrdquo said Stueve who along with her husband has an insurshyance and seed business in western Minnesota where they are members of Traverse Electric Cooperative
8 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
Left Participants from the 1965 or 1966 Youth Tour walk with Sen George McGovshyern second from right near the Capitol Photo courtesy Steve Smeenk Butte Electric Cooperative Opposite Page The 2015 South Dakota Rural Electric Youth Tour delegation conshysisted of 44 teens
ldquoAs a junior in high school having the opportunity meet the politicians that represented me was very important to me I feel like this is a trip of a lifetimerdquo she said ldquoNot only did I have the chance to see the different aspects of government but I also had the opportunity to see the different socioeconomic backgrounds based on region from across the country I feel like itrsquos a valuable exposure to culturerdquo
rooted in politics Youth Tour was born from a speech at the 1957 NRECA annual meeting by then-Sen Lynshy
don B Johnson He was a longtime advocate of electric co-ops having lobbied for the creation of Pedernales Electric Cooperative in 1937 as a young politician in Texas ldquoIf one thing comes out of this meeting it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and representsrdquo the future president said
With that encouragement Texas electric co-ops began sending summer interns to work in the senatorrsquos Washington DC office In 1958 an electric co-op in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a weeklong study tour of the nationrsquos capital Later that same year another busload came to Washington from Illinois The idea grew and other states sent busloads of students throughout the summer By 1959 the Youth Tour had grown to 130 participants
South Dakota sent its first delegation of 31 students representing 18 cooperashytives in 1963 The following year NRECA began to coordinate joint activities among the state delegations and suggested that co-op representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington DC during Youth Tour week The first year of the coordinated tour included about 400 teens from 12 states
As word spread the program grew ndash and grew and grew Youth Day generally on the Monday of Youth Tour is when all the state contingents converge to learn about grassroots politics and hear from inspirational speakers The students share their state pins often vying to get the most pins or those that are rare like those from Hawaiirsquos small group
In 2015 South Dakota electric cooperatives sent 44 teens on the trip It tied with the statersquos 1965 delegation as the largest to represent the state More than 1700 students participated in the 2015 Youth Tour and the 2016 tour scheduled for June 10-16 promises to be even bigger
Inspiring our youth For the past decade students have heard the inspiring story of Paralympian Mike Schlappi
a star athlete who was paralyzed as a teen State coordinators lobby for Schlappi to return year after year because they say the students never fail to take his story to heart
Schlappi was their age when his whole life changed from an accidental gunshot Today he makes the annual Youth Tour presentation a priority because he loves the kids
ldquoTheyrsquore so young and trying to figure out their lives Theyrsquove heard enough speakers and read enough books sometimes theyrsquoll roll their eyesrdquo Schlappi said ldquoBut theyrsquore away from parents and excited about their future and maybe got their eyes on the cute kid across the room Theyrsquore willing to make positive changes Back home they get labels and they have to live up to that [At Youth Tour] they can make new impressions on new friendsrdquo
Were you there
Did you or a family member go on Youth Tour Let us know
More than 1200 South Dakota teens have participatshyed in Youth Tour since 1963 and there are even more Minnesota and Nebraska teens who have gone through
Sadly in the past five decades wersquove lost track of
some of them Wersquod love to hear from you and
how the Youth Tour experience benefited you
Contact your local elecshytric cooperative
or find us on Facebook
are you ready
Do you know of an outstanding teen that would benefit from the Youth Tour experience Cooperatives participating in the 2016 Youth Tour are taking apshyplications for the program To find out more about your cooperativersquos participation and selection criteria contact them Yoursquoll find their address in this magazine
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 9
Youth News
Students Should Apply Now For $1000 amp $500 Scholarships
Many high school seniors arenrsquot just checking off the items on their Christmas lists this time of year they are also narrowing down their college choices
The price of higher education is always a factor in deciding which school students will attend next fall Northern Electric Cooperative and North Dakota-based power supplier Basin Electric Power Cooperative are once again offering two scholarships this year to help with the cost of college
ldquoEducation and commitment to community are two of the principles cooperatives operate underrdquo Northern Electric General Manager Char Hager said ldquoThese scholarships epitomize those principlesrdquo
University of South Dakota freshman Madisyn Waage was the 2015 recipient of the $500 scholarship awarded by Northern Electric Cooperative The money is being applied to tuition at USD for the Aberdeen Central graduate
ldquoIt was really helpfulrdquo Waage said ldquoItrsquos helping (Above L to R) Lucas Sternhagen was awarded a $1000 me pay for my classes this year so itrsquos definitely been scholarship in 2015 Madisyn Waage was the $500 scholshyrewardingrdquo arship recipient
Lucas Sternhagen was awarded the $1000 Applications and instructions on how to apply have been sent scholarship from Basin Electric in 2015 He is also a freshman to all of the school districts in the Northern Electric service at the University of South Dakota Sternhagen graduated from territory Information can also be found at Groton High School last spring wwwnorthernelectriccoop
To be eligible for the scholarships parents of the students ldquoJust be yourself and donrsquot be scared of failingrdquo Waage said must be current consumers of Northern Electric Cooperative ldquoJust take the time to apply because it could be worth itrdquo The scholarship application process includes a short essay For Waage that advice is paying off and documentation of academic and extracurricular activities
Heating Help Is Available
The Low -Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible South Dakotans pay for home heating costs Energy assistance may not pay for all your home heating costs but it will help ease the strain of the heating season Energy assistance is available from October 1 - May 15
Eligibility for the program is based on -Number of people in household -Gross income of everyone in household -Type of heating for the home -Geographic area you live in
Applications can be obtained by calling 1-800-233-8503 online at httpdsssdgoveconomicassistanceenergyassistancelowincomeaspx at the local Department of
Social Services office or from the Northern Electric office in Bath SD
10 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Youth News
Scholarship eligibility Applicants must be US citizens and
natural or adopted children of Northern Electric consumersmembers Dependents of Northern Electric employees are not eligible Any applicant must be a student who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time graduate or undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college university or
vocationaltechnical school
How the selection process works The scholarship awards are based on
academic excellence and financial need All applications are critically evaluated using a combination of several criteria including SATACT scores grade-point average work experience participation in school and community activities a statement by the student explaining hisher educational and career goals financial need and a written recommendation by a third party
Applications will be considered by an independent judge for Northern Electric and then submitted to Basin Electric for scholarship distribution
How to apply Applications are available from local
high school guidance counselors on the Northern Electric Cooperative website or directly from Northern Electric offices Applicants must complete the scholarship application and provide all the required information
Completed applications MUST BE RETURNED BY FEBRUARY 15 2016 to
Northern Electric Cooperative PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427
For more information contact Kay Albrecht at
605-225-0310 or 1-800-529-0310
Groft Selected As Scholar of the Week
(Above) Northern Electric Communications Director Ben Dunsmoor presents a $100 check to Northwestern High School Senior Isaac Groft for being named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week
Northwestern Area High School Senior Isaac Groft likes to get involved in almost everything at his school Groftrsquos ambition to take on new challenges is the reason the four-sport athlete from Ashton was named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week on December 7 Groft was nominated for the honor by Northwestern counselor Kari Brenner for maintaining a 365-grade point average and participating in multiple sports and extra-curricular activities ldquoI think we have good teachers here who push their studentsrdquo Groft said about his school Groft is the first student in the Northern Electric Cooperative territory to receive the recognition this year The Northwestern senior is also one of only 34 students who will be selected as the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week during the 2015-2016 school year Each recipient receives $100 from their local electric cooperative The award also means the student is eligible for two $500 scholarships and one $1000 scholarship which are given away at the Scholar of the Week banquet at the end of the school year ldquoItrsquos a really great honorrdquo Groft said ldquoItrsquos great that people are recognizing academic excellence here and I hope it motivates others to do wellrdquo A story featuring Groft and his achievements aired on KSFY on December 7 KSFY Television is a partner in the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week program and highlights the recipients every week
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 11
Teensrsquo Big Ideas Take Shape Young Entrepreneurs Plan for Success
By Brenda Kle in jan
Teens armed with business plans and dreams
descended on Aberdeen in early December to showshycase their concepts and compete in the ninth annual BIG Idea Final Competition
The Bent Perspective plan for an Origami intensive store brought top honors to Pierre student Haley Ketteler
Ketteler outlined how her company would provide customers with an all paper experience allowing clients to design paper arrangements for special events take classes to learn Origami purshychase paper creations kits and supplies and order custom creations As part of the experience she had to identify marketing opportunities define her competition and outline management and operashy
tions for the business Eight high school finalists were selected from
the 263 applications submitted from 37 different schools First round judges included 114 volunteers from the region along with 132 college entrepreshyneurship and business students Marketing designs were also submitted by 110 teams which included a logo and ad for their idea Ellen Schlechter of Faulkton High School was recognized for her Calvshying Book App which was the The Marketing Design competition winner
The eight finalists included Ketteler second-place finishers George Bernard and Mark Wesolick of St Thomas More High School in Rapid City SD third-place finisher MaKayla Price of Wessshy
12 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
1st Place Wins an iPad + $10002nd Place Wins an iPad + $5003rd Place Wins an iPad4th - 6th Places Win $3007th - 10th Places Win $100Sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the
Governorrsquos Office of Economic DevelopmentScholarship Criteria and Expectations | FlierDEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF A BUSINESS PLAN IS DECEM-
BER 18 2015
Listed above are the criteria necessary to get a high school student started in preparing a written business plan for the competition The South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the Governorrsquos Office of Economic Development have again donated the first place prize ndash an iPad plus $1000 Second place is an iPad plus $500 and third place is an iPad Fourth through sixth place prizes will be cash awards sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation in the amount of $300 each place Seventh through tenth place prizes is $100 each place It is recommended that all the points in the ldquoBusiness Start-Up Planrdquo be addressed Please click on the link above for entry requirements Judging will be based on the following criteria
Completeness of business plan Viability as an ongoing business Realistic financial projectionscash flow plan Conciseness in presentation Creativity and innovation
Judges for the contest include bankers educators and business people across the state First through sixth place plan submitters will be called to Pierre to participate in oral interviews in February and will be asked to remain for the presentation of awards that evening Students may attend with their parents and school advisor The evening event is a reception and banquet attended by 300 of our statersquos legislators constitutional officers bankers and spouses
Writing a business start-up plan helps you decide what is needed in terms of time money and resources to get a business underway The following outline should be helpful in that it ad-dresses many of the issues that should be considered when start-ing a business By thinking over some of the details with your ad-visers parents or friends and getting them down on paper yoursquoll have a good idea of how you want a business to take shape A business plan provides a concrete structure against which you can measure actual performance Yoursquoll also save yourself time and money in the long run If you do decide to create this business you will have a logical plan with which to get started
Contact your schoolrsquos business department or the South Dakota Bankers Association for more information
ington Springs High School Dalton Larson Jared Miller and Tyndall Petterson of West Central High School in Hartford SD Eli Gerry of Madison Central High School Tony Baumann of Redfield High School and two teams from St Thomas More Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks and Olivia Facenda and Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilson and Sophie Wittenberg
The competition encourages students to consider new ideas and opshyportunities for creating a business in their own region
ldquoWersquore trying to get them to start thinking about starting a business not necessarily starting the business but what it would take to start and run a businessrdquo said event organizer Kelly Weaver regional director with the South Dakota Small Business Development Center in Aberdeen SD
Participants were able to take part in panel discussions with the busishyness owners Weaver saidThe competition is coordinated by the Small Business Development Center and funded by Sanford Health East River Electric Power Cooperative REED Fund Dacotah Bank Student Loan Finance Corporation Aberdeen Development Corporation Northwestern Energy McQuillen Creative Group The Tom and Danielle Aman Founshydation and Midcontinent Communications Scholarships are provided by Northern State University and Presentation College The competition is a result of the input and collaboration of these organizations along with Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Aberdeen Downtown Associashytion Aberdeen Catholic School System ndash Roncalli High School Aberdeen School District ndash Central High School and Dacotah Bank
In addition to the schools listed above students from the following high schools also participated Aberdeen Central High School Bridgewashyter-Emery High School Bowdle High School Canistota High School Canton High School Durpree High School Edmund Central High School Ethan High School Eureka High School Faith High School Groton High School Hitchcock Tulare High School Hoven High School Ipswich High School Iroquois High School Lead-Deadwood High School Leola High School Milbank High School Mitchell High School Montrose High School Northwestern Sioux Valley High School Sioux Fall Christian Swift Home School Vermillion High School Wagshyner High School Warner High School Watertown High School Wilmot High School and Yankton High School A total of 414 students particishypated in a submission
For her winnng plan Ketteler won $1000 while Bernard and Weshysolickrsquos Caveman Custom Iron plan earned $500 for second place and Pricersquos plan for KP Photography received $250 for third place Scholarshyships to both Northern State University and Presentation College were also awarded Schlechter received $500 for her marketing design plan
Go to BIGIdeaSDcom for more information about the competition
BIG Idea Finalists were front row from left Cierra Veldhuizen Maria Wilson Haley Ketteler Jenny Rooks Brianna McGinnis and Sophie Wittenberg Standing from left were Olivia Facenda George Bernard Tony Baumann Mark Wesolick Eli Gerry Tyndall Petter-son Dalton Larson MaKayla Price and Jared Miller Photo by Dawn Sahli Photography
First Place Bent Perspective
Bent Perspective is an Origami intensive store focused on teaching the customers how to make origami artwork It will also offer services such as event decoration custom origami artwork pre-made origami artwork and kits This business will provide the community with a unique and fun activity for all ages It will help eliminate boredom in the community through a relaxing and fulfilling activity that all individuals can enjoy and appreciate
Haley Ketteler Pierre Riggs High School
Second Place caveman custom Iron
Caveman Custom Iron will produce hand-crafted steel goods and distribute these goods to people who want unique pieces of functional art to decorate their home garden or place of business Caveman Custom Iron will also produce tools such as knives or garden tools Potential customers are those who look for pieces of iron work to decorate their home and people looking for quality specialized tools for tasks such as woodworking and gardening
George Bernard and Mark Wesolick St Thomas More High School
Third Place KP Photography
KP Photography provides the talent of photography to the Wessington Springs area community Photographers can take senior pictures wedding pictures engagement pictures family pictures and more It is very convenient for the community by being close and for a low cost
MaKayla Price Wessington Springs High School
Finalists
The Cooler Backpack Company ndash Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks Olivia Facenda St Thomas More High School
The Spink County Outdoorsmen ndash Tony Baumann Redfield High School
All Seasons Lighting ndash Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilshyson Sophie Wittenberg St Thomas More High School
Gerryrsquos Pumpkins amp Produce ndash Eli Gerry Madison Central High School
SoDak Custom Hay Co ndash Dalton Larson Jared Miller Tyndall Petterson West Central High School
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 13
Double Threat The Right Strip Can Protect Devices Cut Energy Bills
There is little if anything you can buy today
that does not have some electronic component Even clothing as wearable electronics are starting to take hold Not to mention a device (httpwww makeymakeycom) that allows you to make a keyboard from bananas So itrsquos time to take a look at making sure your elecshytronics last as long as possible Irsquom not talking about replacement plans or extended warranties Today wersquore talkshying about protecting your products from electrical surges
The first order of business is to deshyfine a surge Herersquos one from Computer By Hope (httpwwwcomputerhopecomTom Tate jargonssurgehtm) on the lsquoNet ldquoAltershynatively known as a line surge a surge is an unexpected increase in voltage in an electrical current that causes damage to electrical equipment For example the standard United States voltage is 120V If an electrical current above this rating was to come through a power outlet for more than three nanoseconds this would be considered a surge anything less is considered a spike A surge is usually created by lightning and can damage unprotected computers and sometimes even protected computersrdquo
Many people think a blink from their electric cooperative or utility providerrsquos system is a surge but these are generally caused by something like a tree contacting a line In such cases the systemrsquos protective devices work causshying an interruption to protect the wires and other components These are not surges but more like turning a light on and off
True surges will enter a home through any numshyber of avenues The most obvious is through the power lines Less obvious is through the telephone lines cablesatellite connections water lines and any other metallic system that connects to your home So to protect against surges you need to take a three-pronged approach
Perhaps the most important thing to do is to be
14 January 2016 bull Cooperative ConneCtions
sure all the grounds in your home are good and that they are bonded together Over the years grounds can deteriorate new services can be added with inadequate grounding and so forth A faulty ground will allow surges into the home rather than bleeding
them off into the earth Get a qualified electrishycian to test and correct your groundshying system
Next protect your electrical service entrance with a surge device The easiest to install are those mounted behind the meter They can also be mounted at the main electric panel When a surge travels down the electric lines these devices will act to ldquoclamprdquo the surge and reduce its power These are sacrificial devices that allow themselves to be destroyed rather than allowing the surge to pass through Noble devices indeed
The third prong is to protect expensive devices at their point of use Computers and entertainment equipshyment are prime examples Remember that surges can enter the home via avenues other than the power lines Computers and entertainment equipshyment are frequently connected to cable and phone lines Those devices need to have protection at the point of use that covers all possible avenues These are generally in the form of a power strip or wall device most of us are familiar with Use a quality product from a manufacturer such as
Monster Belkin Tripp Lite or APC to name a few Look for one with a joule rating of at least 1000 a connected equipment warranty and compatibility with digital signals from cable and satellite While you are at it look for a ldquosmartrdquo strip that turns off all but one connected device when not in use
Save money on your electric bill while protecting your equipment Itrsquos a definite win-win
Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the Nationshyal Rural Electric Cooperative Association the Arlingshyton Va-based service arm of the nationrsquos 900-plus consumer-owned not-for-profit electric cooperatives
ADVANCED POWER STRIPS Which one is right for me
I want to stop WASTING ENERGY in myhellip
I always turn off my electronics when done
Why donrsquot I turn them off
Do I put it to sleep or shut
down
Do I want manual or automated power control
Does it stay docked or is it frequently moved
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER HOME OFFICE
NO YES
Is the computer a laptop or tablet
NO YES
I fall asleep I forget Irsquoll do it Automatic Sleep Shut down Always Moved often myself docked
T i Activ ity Monitor Power Strip
itch
COST
FEATURES
POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
mer p
Remote Swp
Master-Control led Power Strip
Masterless Power Strip
Power strip automatically
pre-set schedule
Power strip looks for signs of activity in the room and
detected
Power strip can be turned
switch
When a primary device (such as a computer or TV)
power strip automatically
outlets where the peripheral devices (such as the printer or game console) are plugged in
When all of the controlled
power to those outlets completely eliminating all of the vampire loads
You have to set up the timer and stick to your schedule for maximum energy savings
Motion sensors dont always work perfectly
To save any energy you have to remember to turn
time
It can be tricky to select which appliance should be your master device
powered appliance could
strip
Digital or dial timer Motion sensor or an infrared eye that detects remote control use around the TV or stereo
A tethered switch or a remote switch
One outlet is labeled as the master
No master outlet Description may include automatic switching or power detection
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden CO 80401 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wastepaper including 10 post consumer waste
NRELPO-5500-60461 bull October 2013 303-275-3000 bull wwwnrelgov Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC
Cooperative ConneCtions bull January 2016 15
Power Stri Power Stri
regional Dateline November 20-January 10
Winter Wonderland Falls Park Sioux Falls SD 605-275-6060
November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 am to 10 pm Pierre SD 605-773-3178
December 5-26 Deck Your Halls Holiday Art Show and Sale 10 am to 5 pm Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season Lead SD 605-584-3896
December 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015 5 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
December 20 Christmas Caroling at The Abbey 2 to 4 pm Marvin SD 605-398-9200
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Yearrsquos Eve Dance Ramkota Convention Center Aberdeen SD 605-229-1072 httpsouthdakotawish orgnews-and-eventscalen-dar-of-eventsevents-time-fold-ernew-years-eve-aberdeen
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am to 11 pm Mobridge SD 605-845-2500
Events of Special Note January 5-7
Dakota Farm Show Dakota Dome Vermillion SD 507-437-7969
February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show Convention Center Sioux Falls SD 605-231-3100 wwwwinterfestofwheelscom
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
Photo by miKe KjoSe Clay-union eleCtRiC CoRPoRation
Please call ahead to confirm date time and location of event
January 10 17 24 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 am to 315 pm CST Mission SD 605-259-3252 ext 3
January 16 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer SD 605-440-1405
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 1245 to 830 pm Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 1-800-468-6463
January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 29-30 35th Annual Farm Home and Sport Show Armory Webster SD 605-345-4468 wwwwebstersdcom
January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show amp Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-355-3861
January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert Eureka SD jalvarezmmgyglobalcom
February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown SD 605-886-7335
February 7 South Dakotarsquos Largest Tailgate Party Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
February 9-13 Winter Farm Show 9 am to 4 pm Watertown SD 605-886-5814
February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115
March 5 Trade Show 9 am to 3 pm Custer SD 605-673-2244
March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9 am to 3 pm MST Philip SD 605-859-2635 605-859-2280 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219
Electric Youth Tour Inspiring Future Leaders for 50-plus Years
By Brenda Kle in jan
and Magen Howard
Positive influential life-changing All three words hold a host of meaning for
students who have participated in the annual Rural Electric Youth Tour
Since 1963 more than 1200 South Dakota teens have made the trek to Washington DC to learn about cooperatives the nationrsquos political proshycess and about their peers from across the country
ldquoThe trip that we took was extremely positive It was a great influence for leadershiprdquo said Shanna (Hilderman) Stueve of Wheaton Minn who as a teenager in 1996 represented West Central Electric
Cooperative in Murdo SD on the trip ldquoBasically the experience allowed me to see
things that I wouldnrsquot have necessarily been able to participate in It showed me different leadershyship styles not to mention all of the historical and incredibly interesting monuments that we are able to participate inrdquo Stueve said
ldquoI was incredibly interested in politics However I did not end up following that career pathrdquo said Stueve who along with her husband has an insurshyance and seed business in western Minnesota where they are members of Traverse Electric Cooperative
8 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
Left Participants from the 1965 or 1966 Youth Tour walk with Sen George McGovshyern second from right near the Capitol Photo courtesy Steve Smeenk Butte Electric Cooperative Opposite Page The 2015 South Dakota Rural Electric Youth Tour delegation conshysisted of 44 teens
ldquoAs a junior in high school having the opportunity meet the politicians that represented me was very important to me I feel like this is a trip of a lifetimerdquo she said ldquoNot only did I have the chance to see the different aspects of government but I also had the opportunity to see the different socioeconomic backgrounds based on region from across the country I feel like itrsquos a valuable exposure to culturerdquo
rooted in politics Youth Tour was born from a speech at the 1957 NRECA annual meeting by then-Sen Lynshy
don B Johnson He was a longtime advocate of electric co-ops having lobbied for the creation of Pedernales Electric Cooperative in 1937 as a young politician in Texas ldquoIf one thing comes out of this meeting it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and representsrdquo the future president said
With that encouragement Texas electric co-ops began sending summer interns to work in the senatorrsquos Washington DC office In 1958 an electric co-op in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a weeklong study tour of the nationrsquos capital Later that same year another busload came to Washington from Illinois The idea grew and other states sent busloads of students throughout the summer By 1959 the Youth Tour had grown to 130 participants
South Dakota sent its first delegation of 31 students representing 18 cooperashytives in 1963 The following year NRECA began to coordinate joint activities among the state delegations and suggested that co-op representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington DC during Youth Tour week The first year of the coordinated tour included about 400 teens from 12 states
As word spread the program grew ndash and grew and grew Youth Day generally on the Monday of Youth Tour is when all the state contingents converge to learn about grassroots politics and hear from inspirational speakers The students share their state pins often vying to get the most pins or those that are rare like those from Hawaiirsquos small group
In 2015 South Dakota electric cooperatives sent 44 teens on the trip It tied with the statersquos 1965 delegation as the largest to represent the state More than 1700 students participated in the 2015 Youth Tour and the 2016 tour scheduled for June 10-16 promises to be even bigger
Inspiring our youth For the past decade students have heard the inspiring story of Paralympian Mike Schlappi
a star athlete who was paralyzed as a teen State coordinators lobby for Schlappi to return year after year because they say the students never fail to take his story to heart
Schlappi was their age when his whole life changed from an accidental gunshot Today he makes the annual Youth Tour presentation a priority because he loves the kids
ldquoTheyrsquore so young and trying to figure out their lives Theyrsquove heard enough speakers and read enough books sometimes theyrsquoll roll their eyesrdquo Schlappi said ldquoBut theyrsquore away from parents and excited about their future and maybe got their eyes on the cute kid across the room Theyrsquore willing to make positive changes Back home they get labels and they have to live up to that [At Youth Tour] they can make new impressions on new friendsrdquo
Were you there
Did you or a family member go on Youth Tour Let us know
More than 1200 South Dakota teens have participatshyed in Youth Tour since 1963 and there are even more Minnesota and Nebraska teens who have gone through
Sadly in the past five decades wersquove lost track of
some of them Wersquod love to hear from you and
how the Youth Tour experience benefited you
Contact your local elecshytric cooperative
or find us on Facebook
are you ready
Do you know of an outstanding teen that would benefit from the Youth Tour experience Cooperatives participating in the 2016 Youth Tour are taking apshyplications for the program To find out more about your cooperativersquos participation and selection criteria contact them Yoursquoll find their address in this magazine
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 9
Youth News
Students Should Apply Now For $1000 amp $500 Scholarships
Many high school seniors arenrsquot just checking off the items on their Christmas lists this time of year they are also narrowing down their college choices
The price of higher education is always a factor in deciding which school students will attend next fall Northern Electric Cooperative and North Dakota-based power supplier Basin Electric Power Cooperative are once again offering two scholarships this year to help with the cost of college
ldquoEducation and commitment to community are two of the principles cooperatives operate underrdquo Northern Electric General Manager Char Hager said ldquoThese scholarships epitomize those principlesrdquo
University of South Dakota freshman Madisyn Waage was the 2015 recipient of the $500 scholarship awarded by Northern Electric Cooperative The money is being applied to tuition at USD for the Aberdeen Central graduate
ldquoIt was really helpfulrdquo Waage said ldquoItrsquos helping (Above L to R) Lucas Sternhagen was awarded a $1000 me pay for my classes this year so itrsquos definitely been scholarship in 2015 Madisyn Waage was the $500 scholshyrewardingrdquo arship recipient
Lucas Sternhagen was awarded the $1000 Applications and instructions on how to apply have been sent scholarship from Basin Electric in 2015 He is also a freshman to all of the school districts in the Northern Electric service at the University of South Dakota Sternhagen graduated from territory Information can also be found at Groton High School last spring wwwnorthernelectriccoop
To be eligible for the scholarships parents of the students ldquoJust be yourself and donrsquot be scared of failingrdquo Waage said must be current consumers of Northern Electric Cooperative ldquoJust take the time to apply because it could be worth itrdquo The scholarship application process includes a short essay For Waage that advice is paying off and documentation of academic and extracurricular activities
Heating Help Is Available
The Low -Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible South Dakotans pay for home heating costs Energy assistance may not pay for all your home heating costs but it will help ease the strain of the heating season Energy assistance is available from October 1 - May 15
Eligibility for the program is based on -Number of people in household -Gross income of everyone in household -Type of heating for the home -Geographic area you live in
Applications can be obtained by calling 1-800-233-8503 online at httpdsssdgoveconomicassistanceenergyassistancelowincomeaspx at the local Department of
Social Services office or from the Northern Electric office in Bath SD
10 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Youth News
Scholarship eligibility Applicants must be US citizens and
natural or adopted children of Northern Electric consumersmembers Dependents of Northern Electric employees are not eligible Any applicant must be a student who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time graduate or undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college university or
vocationaltechnical school
How the selection process works The scholarship awards are based on
academic excellence and financial need All applications are critically evaluated using a combination of several criteria including SATACT scores grade-point average work experience participation in school and community activities a statement by the student explaining hisher educational and career goals financial need and a written recommendation by a third party
Applications will be considered by an independent judge for Northern Electric and then submitted to Basin Electric for scholarship distribution
How to apply Applications are available from local
high school guidance counselors on the Northern Electric Cooperative website or directly from Northern Electric offices Applicants must complete the scholarship application and provide all the required information
Completed applications MUST BE RETURNED BY FEBRUARY 15 2016 to
Northern Electric Cooperative PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427
For more information contact Kay Albrecht at
605-225-0310 or 1-800-529-0310
Groft Selected As Scholar of the Week
(Above) Northern Electric Communications Director Ben Dunsmoor presents a $100 check to Northwestern High School Senior Isaac Groft for being named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week
Northwestern Area High School Senior Isaac Groft likes to get involved in almost everything at his school Groftrsquos ambition to take on new challenges is the reason the four-sport athlete from Ashton was named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week on December 7 Groft was nominated for the honor by Northwestern counselor Kari Brenner for maintaining a 365-grade point average and participating in multiple sports and extra-curricular activities ldquoI think we have good teachers here who push their studentsrdquo Groft said about his school Groft is the first student in the Northern Electric Cooperative territory to receive the recognition this year The Northwestern senior is also one of only 34 students who will be selected as the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week during the 2015-2016 school year Each recipient receives $100 from their local electric cooperative The award also means the student is eligible for two $500 scholarships and one $1000 scholarship which are given away at the Scholar of the Week banquet at the end of the school year ldquoItrsquos a really great honorrdquo Groft said ldquoItrsquos great that people are recognizing academic excellence here and I hope it motivates others to do wellrdquo A story featuring Groft and his achievements aired on KSFY on December 7 KSFY Television is a partner in the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week program and highlights the recipients every week
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 11
Teensrsquo Big Ideas Take Shape Young Entrepreneurs Plan for Success
By Brenda Kle in jan
Teens armed with business plans and dreams
descended on Aberdeen in early December to showshycase their concepts and compete in the ninth annual BIG Idea Final Competition
The Bent Perspective plan for an Origami intensive store brought top honors to Pierre student Haley Ketteler
Ketteler outlined how her company would provide customers with an all paper experience allowing clients to design paper arrangements for special events take classes to learn Origami purshychase paper creations kits and supplies and order custom creations As part of the experience she had to identify marketing opportunities define her competition and outline management and operashy
tions for the business Eight high school finalists were selected from
the 263 applications submitted from 37 different schools First round judges included 114 volunteers from the region along with 132 college entrepreshyneurship and business students Marketing designs were also submitted by 110 teams which included a logo and ad for their idea Ellen Schlechter of Faulkton High School was recognized for her Calvshying Book App which was the The Marketing Design competition winner
The eight finalists included Ketteler second-place finishers George Bernard and Mark Wesolick of St Thomas More High School in Rapid City SD third-place finisher MaKayla Price of Wessshy
12 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
1st Place Wins an iPad + $10002nd Place Wins an iPad + $5003rd Place Wins an iPad4th - 6th Places Win $3007th - 10th Places Win $100Sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the
Governorrsquos Office of Economic DevelopmentScholarship Criteria and Expectations | FlierDEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF A BUSINESS PLAN IS DECEM-
BER 18 2015
Listed above are the criteria necessary to get a high school student started in preparing a written business plan for the competition The South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the Governorrsquos Office of Economic Development have again donated the first place prize ndash an iPad plus $1000 Second place is an iPad plus $500 and third place is an iPad Fourth through sixth place prizes will be cash awards sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation in the amount of $300 each place Seventh through tenth place prizes is $100 each place It is recommended that all the points in the ldquoBusiness Start-Up Planrdquo be addressed Please click on the link above for entry requirements Judging will be based on the following criteria
Completeness of business plan Viability as an ongoing business Realistic financial projectionscash flow plan Conciseness in presentation Creativity and innovation
Judges for the contest include bankers educators and business people across the state First through sixth place plan submitters will be called to Pierre to participate in oral interviews in February and will be asked to remain for the presentation of awards that evening Students may attend with their parents and school advisor The evening event is a reception and banquet attended by 300 of our statersquos legislators constitutional officers bankers and spouses
Writing a business start-up plan helps you decide what is needed in terms of time money and resources to get a business underway The following outline should be helpful in that it ad-dresses many of the issues that should be considered when start-ing a business By thinking over some of the details with your ad-visers parents or friends and getting them down on paper yoursquoll have a good idea of how you want a business to take shape A business plan provides a concrete structure against which you can measure actual performance Yoursquoll also save yourself time and money in the long run If you do decide to create this business you will have a logical plan with which to get started
Contact your schoolrsquos business department or the South Dakota Bankers Association for more information
ington Springs High School Dalton Larson Jared Miller and Tyndall Petterson of West Central High School in Hartford SD Eli Gerry of Madison Central High School Tony Baumann of Redfield High School and two teams from St Thomas More Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks and Olivia Facenda and Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilson and Sophie Wittenberg
The competition encourages students to consider new ideas and opshyportunities for creating a business in their own region
ldquoWersquore trying to get them to start thinking about starting a business not necessarily starting the business but what it would take to start and run a businessrdquo said event organizer Kelly Weaver regional director with the South Dakota Small Business Development Center in Aberdeen SD
Participants were able to take part in panel discussions with the busishyness owners Weaver saidThe competition is coordinated by the Small Business Development Center and funded by Sanford Health East River Electric Power Cooperative REED Fund Dacotah Bank Student Loan Finance Corporation Aberdeen Development Corporation Northwestern Energy McQuillen Creative Group The Tom and Danielle Aman Founshydation and Midcontinent Communications Scholarships are provided by Northern State University and Presentation College The competition is a result of the input and collaboration of these organizations along with Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Aberdeen Downtown Associashytion Aberdeen Catholic School System ndash Roncalli High School Aberdeen School District ndash Central High School and Dacotah Bank
In addition to the schools listed above students from the following high schools also participated Aberdeen Central High School Bridgewashyter-Emery High School Bowdle High School Canistota High School Canton High School Durpree High School Edmund Central High School Ethan High School Eureka High School Faith High School Groton High School Hitchcock Tulare High School Hoven High School Ipswich High School Iroquois High School Lead-Deadwood High School Leola High School Milbank High School Mitchell High School Montrose High School Northwestern Sioux Valley High School Sioux Fall Christian Swift Home School Vermillion High School Wagshyner High School Warner High School Watertown High School Wilmot High School and Yankton High School A total of 414 students particishypated in a submission
For her winnng plan Ketteler won $1000 while Bernard and Weshysolickrsquos Caveman Custom Iron plan earned $500 for second place and Pricersquos plan for KP Photography received $250 for third place Scholarshyships to both Northern State University and Presentation College were also awarded Schlechter received $500 for her marketing design plan
Go to BIGIdeaSDcom for more information about the competition
BIG Idea Finalists were front row from left Cierra Veldhuizen Maria Wilson Haley Ketteler Jenny Rooks Brianna McGinnis and Sophie Wittenberg Standing from left were Olivia Facenda George Bernard Tony Baumann Mark Wesolick Eli Gerry Tyndall Petter-son Dalton Larson MaKayla Price and Jared Miller Photo by Dawn Sahli Photography
First Place Bent Perspective
Bent Perspective is an Origami intensive store focused on teaching the customers how to make origami artwork It will also offer services such as event decoration custom origami artwork pre-made origami artwork and kits This business will provide the community with a unique and fun activity for all ages It will help eliminate boredom in the community through a relaxing and fulfilling activity that all individuals can enjoy and appreciate
Haley Ketteler Pierre Riggs High School
Second Place caveman custom Iron
Caveman Custom Iron will produce hand-crafted steel goods and distribute these goods to people who want unique pieces of functional art to decorate their home garden or place of business Caveman Custom Iron will also produce tools such as knives or garden tools Potential customers are those who look for pieces of iron work to decorate their home and people looking for quality specialized tools for tasks such as woodworking and gardening
George Bernard and Mark Wesolick St Thomas More High School
Third Place KP Photography
KP Photography provides the talent of photography to the Wessington Springs area community Photographers can take senior pictures wedding pictures engagement pictures family pictures and more It is very convenient for the community by being close and for a low cost
MaKayla Price Wessington Springs High School
Finalists
The Cooler Backpack Company ndash Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks Olivia Facenda St Thomas More High School
The Spink County Outdoorsmen ndash Tony Baumann Redfield High School
All Seasons Lighting ndash Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilshyson Sophie Wittenberg St Thomas More High School
Gerryrsquos Pumpkins amp Produce ndash Eli Gerry Madison Central High School
SoDak Custom Hay Co ndash Dalton Larson Jared Miller Tyndall Petterson West Central High School
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 13
Double Threat The Right Strip Can Protect Devices Cut Energy Bills
There is little if anything you can buy today
that does not have some electronic component Even clothing as wearable electronics are starting to take hold Not to mention a device (httpwww makeymakeycom) that allows you to make a keyboard from bananas So itrsquos time to take a look at making sure your elecshytronics last as long as possible Irsquom not talking about replacement plans or extended warranties Today wersquore talkshying about protecting your products from electrical surges
The first order of business is to deshyfine a surge Herersquos one from Computer By Hope (httpwwwcomputerhopecomTom Tate jargonssurgehtm) on the lsquoNet ldquoAltershynatively known as a line surge a surge is an unexpected increase in voltage in an electrical current that causes damage to electrical equipment For example the standard United States voltage is 120V If an electrical current above this rating was to come through a power outlet for more than three nanoseconds this would be considered a surge anything less is considered a spike A surge is usually created by lightning and can damage unprotected computers and sometimes even protected computersrdquo
Many people think a blink from their electric cooperative or utility providerrsquos system is a surge but these are generally caused by something like a tree contacting a line In such cases the systemrsquos protective devices work causshying an interruption to protect the wires and other components These are not surges but more like turning a light on and off
True surges will enter a home through any numshyber of avenues The most obvious is through the power lines Less obvious is through the telephone lines cablesatellite connections water lines and any other metallic system that connects to your home So to protect against surges you need to take a three-pronged approach
Perhaps the most important thing to do is to be
14 January 2016 bull Cooperative ConneCtions
sure all the grounds in your home are good and that they are bonded together Over the years grounds can deteriorate new services can be added with inadequate grounding and so forth A faulty ground will allow surges into the home rather than bleeding
them off into the earth Get a qualified electrishycian to test and correct your groundshying system
Next protect your electrical service entrance with a surge device The easiest to install are those mounted behind the meter They can also be mounted at the main electric panel When a surge travels down the electric lines these devices will act to ldquoclamprdquo the surge and reduce its power These are sacrificial devices that allow themselves to be destroyed rather than allowing the surge to pass through Noble devices indeed
The third prong is to protect expensive devices at their point of use Computers and entertainment equipshyment are prime examples Remember that surges can enter the home via avenues other than the power lines Computers and entertainment equipshyment are frequently connected to cable and phone lines Those devices need to have protection at the point of use that covers all possible avenues These are generally in the form of a power strip or wall device most of us are familiar with Use a quality product from a manufacturer such as
Monster Belkin Tripp Lite or APC to name a few Look for one with a joule rating of at least 1000 a connected equipment warranty and compatibility with digital signals from cable and satellite While you are at it look for a ldquosmartrdquo strip that turns off all but one connected device when not in use
Save money on your electric bill while protecting your equipment Itrsquos a definite win-win
Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the Nationshyal Rural Electric Cooperative Association the Arlingshyton Va-based service arm of the nationrsquos 900-plus consumer-owned not-for-profit electric cooperatives
ADVANCED POWER STRIPS Which one is right for me
I want to stop WASTING ENERGY in myhellip
I always turn off my electronics when done
Why donrsquot I turn them off
Do I put it to sleep or shut
down
Do I want manual or automated power control
Does it stay docked or is it frequently moved
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER HOME OFFICE
NO YES
Is the computer a laptop or tablet
NO YES
I fall asleep I forget Irsquoll do it Automatic Sleep Shut down Always Moved often myself docked
T i Activ ity Monitor Power Strip
itch
COST
FEATURES
POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
mer p
Remote Swp
Master-Control led Power Strip
Masterless Power Strip
Power strip automatically
pre-set schedule
Power strip looks for signs of activity in the room and
detected
Power strip can be turned
switch
When a primary device (such as a computer or TV)
power strip automatically
outlets where the peripheral devices (such as the printer or game console) are plugged in
When all of the controlled
power to those outlets completely eliminating all of the vampire loads
You have to set up the timer and stick to your schedule for maximum energy savings
Motion sensors dont always work perfectly
To save any energy you have to remember to turn
time
It can be tricky to select which appliance should be your master device
powered appliance could
strip
Digital or dial timer Motion sensor or an infrared eye that detects remote control use around the TV or stereo
A tethered switch or a remote switch
One outlet is labeled as the master
No master outlet Description may include automatic switching or power detection
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden CO 80401 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wastepaper including 10 post consumer waste
NRELPO-5500-60461 bull October 2013 303-275-3000 bull wwwnrelgov Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC
Cooperative ConneCtions bull January 2016 15
Power Stri Power Stri
regional Dateline November 20-January 10
Winter Wonderland Falls Park Sioux Falls SD 605-275-6060
November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 am to 10 pm Pierre SD 605-773-3178
December 5-26 Deck Your Halls Holiday Art Show and Sale 10 am to 5 pm Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season Lead SD 605-584-3896
December 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015 5 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
December 20 Christmas Caroling at The Abbey 2 to 4 pm Marvin SD 605-398-9200
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Yearrsquos Eve Dance Ramkota Convention Center Aberdeen SD 605-229-1072 httpsouthdakotawish orgnews-and-eventscalen-dar-of-eventsevents-time-fold-ernew-years-eve-aberdeen
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am to 11 pm Mobridge SD 605-845-2500
Events of Special Note January 5-7
Dakota Farm Show Dakota Dome Vermillion SD 507-437-7969
February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show Convention Center Sioux Falls SD 605-231-3100 wwwwinterfestofwheelscom
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
Photo by miKe KjoSe Clay-union eleCtRiC CoRPoRation
Please call ahead to confirm date time and location of event
January 10 17 24 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 am to 315 pm CST Mission SD 605-259-3252 ext 3
January 16 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer SD 605-440-1405
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 1245 to 830 pm Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 1-800-468-6463
January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 29-30 35th Annual Farm Home and Sport Show Armory Webster SD 605-345-4468 wwwwebstersdcom
January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show amp Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-355-3861
January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert Eureka SD jalvarezmmgyglobalcom
February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown SD 605-886-7335
February 7 South Dakotarsquos Largest Tailgate Party Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
February 9-13 Winter Farm Show 9 am to 4 pm Watertown SD 605-886-5814
February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115
March 5 Trade Show 9 am to 3 pm Custer SD 605-673-2244
March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9 am to 3 pm MST Philip SD 605-859-2635 605-859-2280 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219
Left Participants from the 1965 or 1966 Youth Tour walk with Sen George McGovshyern second from right near the Capitol Photo courtesy Steve Smeenk Butte Electric Cooperative Opposite Page The 2015 South Dakota Rural Electric Youth Tour delegation conshysisted of 44 teens
ldquoAs a junior in high school having the opportunity meet the politicians that represented me was very important to me I feel like this is a trip of a lifetimerdquo she said ldquoNot only did I have the chance to see the different aspects of government but I also had the opportunity to see the different socioeconomic backgrounds based on region from across the country I feel like itrsquos a valuable exposure to culturerdquo
rooted in politics Youth Tour was born from a speech at the 1957 NRECA annual meeting by then-Sen Lynshy
don B Johnson He was a longtime advocate of electric co-ops having lobbied for the creation of Pedernales Electric Cooperative in 1937 as a young politician in Texas ldquoIf one thing comes out of this meeting it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and representsrdquo the future president said
With that encouragement Texas electric co-ops began sending summer interns to work in the senatorrsquos Washington DC office In 1958 an electric co-op in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a weeklong study tour of the nationrsquos capital Later that same year another busload came to Washington from Illinois The idea grew and other states sent busloads of students throughout the summer By 1959 the Youth Tour had grown to 130 participants
South Dakota sent its first delegation of 31 students representing 18 cooperashytives in 1963 The following year NRECA began to coordinate joint activities among the state delegations and suggested that co-op representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington DC during Youth Tour week The first year of the coordinated tour included about 400 teens from 12 states
As word spread the program grew ndash and grew and grew Youth Day generally on the Monday of Youth Tour is when all the state contingents converge to learn about grassroots politics and hear from inspirational speakers The students share their state pins often vying to get the most pins or those that are rare like those from Hawaiirsquos small group
In 2015 South Dakota electric cooperatives sent 44 teens on the trip It tied with the statersquos 1965 delegation as the largest to represent the state More than 1700 students participated in the 2015 Youth Tour and the 2016 tour scheduled for June 10-16 promises to be even bigger
Inspiring our youth For the past decade students have heard the inspiring story of Paralympian Mike Schlappi
a star athlete who was paralyzed as a teen State coordinators lobby for Schlappi to return year after year because they say the students never fail to take his story to heart
Schlappi was their age when his whole life changed from an accidental gunshot Today he makes the annual Youth Tour presentation a priority because he loves the kids
ldquoTheyrsquore so young and trying to figure out their lives Theyrsquove heard enough speakers and read enough books sometimes theyrsquoll roll their eyesrdquo Schlappi said ldquoBut theyrsquore away from parents and excited about their future and maybe got their eyes on the cute kid across the room Theyrsquore willing to make positive changes Back home they get labels and they have to live up to that [At Youth Tour] they can make new impressions on new friendsrdquo
Were you there
Did you or a family member go on Youth Tour Let us know
More than 1200 South Dakota teens have participatshyed in Youth Tour since 1963 and there are even more Minnesota and Nebraska teens who have gone through
Sadly in the past five decades wersquove lost track of
some of them Wersquod love to hear from you and
how the Youth Tour experience benefited you
Contact your local elecshytric cooperative
or find us on Facebook
are you ready
Do you know of an outstanding teen that would benefit from the Youth Tour experience Cooperatives participating in the 2016 Youth Tour are taking apshyplications for the program To find out more about your cooperativersquos participation and selection criteria contact them Yoursquoll find their address in this magazine
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 9
Youth News
Students Should Apply Now For $1000 amp $500 Scholarships
Many high school seniors arenrsquot just checking off the items on their Christmas lists this time of year they are also narrowing down their college choices
The price of higher education is always a factor in deciding which school students will attend next fall Northern Electric Cooperative and North Dakota-based power supplier Basin Electric Power Cooperative are once again offering two scholarships this year to help with the cost of college
ldquoEducation and commitment to community are two of the principles cooperatives operate underrdquo Northern Electric General Manager Char Hager said ldquoThese scholarships epitomize those principlesrdquo
University of South Dakota freshman Madisyn Waage was the 2015 recipient of the $500 scholarship awarded by Northern Electric Cooperative The money is being applied to tuition at USD for the Aberdeen Central graduate
ldquoIt was really helpfulrdquo Waage said ldquoItrsquos helping (Above L to R) Lucas Sternhagen was awarded a $1000 me pay for my classes this year so itrsquos definitely been scholarship in 2015 Madisyn Waage was the $500 scholshyrewardingrdquo arship recipient
Lucas Sternhagen was awarded the $1000 Applications and instructions on how to apply have been sent scholarship from Basin Electric in 2015 He is also a freshman to all of the school districts in the Northern Electric service at the University of South Dakota Sternhagen graduated from territory Information can also be found at Groton High School last spring wwwnorthernelectriccoop
To be eligible for the scholarships parents of the students ldquoJust be yourself and donrsquot be scared of failingrdquo Waage said must be current consumers of Northern Electric Cooperative ldquoJust take the time to apply because it could be worth itrdquo The scholarship application process includes a short essay For Waage that advice is paying off and documentation of academic and extracurricular activities
Heating Help Is Available
The Low -Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible South Dakotans pay for home heating costs Energy assistance may not pay for all your home heating costs but it will help ease the strain of the heating season Energy assistance is available from October 1 - May 15
Eligibility for the program is based on -Number of people in household -Gross income of everyone in household -Type of heating for the home -Geographic area you live in
Applications can be obtained by calling 1-800-233-8503 online at httpdsssdgoveconomicassistanceenergyassistancelowincomeaspx at the local Department of
Social Services office or from the Northern Electric office in Bath SD
10 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Youth News
Scholarship eligibility Applicants must be US citizens and
natural or adopted children of Northern Electric consumersmembers Dependents of Northern Electric employees are not eligible Any applicant must be a student who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time graduate or undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college university or
vocationaltechnical school
How the selection process works The scholarship awards are based on
academic excellence and financial need All applications are critically evaluated using a combination of several criteria including SATACT scores grade-point average work experience participation in school and community activities a statement by the student explaining hisher educational and career goals financial need and a written recommendation by a third party
Applications will be considered by an independent judge for Northern Electric and then submitted to Basin Electric for scholarship distribution
How to apply Applications are available from local
high school guidance counselors on the Northern Electric Cooperative website or directly from Northern Electric offices Applicants must complete the scholarship application and provide all the required information
Completed applications MUST BE RETURNED BY FEBRUARY 15 2016 to
Northern Electric Cooperative PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427
For more information contact Kay Albrecht at
605-225-0310 or 1-800-529-0310
Groft Selected As Scholar of the Week
(Above) Northern Electric Communications Director Ben Dunsmoor presents a $100 check to Northwestern High School Senior Isaac Groft for being named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week
Northwestern Area High School Senior Isaac Groft likes to get involved in almost everything at his school Groftrsquos ambition to take on new challenges is the reason the four-sport athlete from Ashton was named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week on December 7 Groft was nominated for the honor by Northwestern counselor Kari Brenner for maintaining a 365-grade point average and participating in multiple sports and extra-curricular activities ldquoI think we have good teachers here who push their studentsrdquo Groft said about his school Groft is the first student in the Northern Electric Cooperative territory to receive the recognition this year The Northwestern senior is also one of only 34 students who will be selected as the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week during the 2015-2016 school year Each recipient receives $100 from their local electric cooperative The award also means the student is eligible for two $500 scholarships and one $1000 scholarship which are given away at the Scholar of the Week banquet at the end of the school year ldquoItrsquos a really great honorrdquo Groft said ldquoItrsquos great that people are recognizing academic excellence here and I hope it motivates others to do wellrdquo A story featuring Groft and his achievements aired on KSFY on December 7 KSFY Television is a partner in the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week program and highlights the recipients every week
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 11
Teensrsquo Big Ideas Take Shape Young Entrepreneurs Plan for Success
By Brenda Kle in jan
Teens armed with business plans and dreams
descended on Aberdeen in early December to showshycase their concepts and compete in the ninth annual BIG Idea Final Competition
The Bent Perspective plan for an Origami intensive store brought top honors to Pierre student Haley Ketteler
Ketteler outlined how her company would provide customers with an all paper experience allowing clients to design paper arrangements for special events take classes to learn Origami purshychase paper creations kits and supplies and order custom creations As part of the experience she had to identify marketing opportunities define her competition and outline management and operashy
tions for the business Eight high school finalists were selected from
the 263 applications submitted from 37 different schools First round judges included 114 volunteers from the region along with 132 college entrepreshyneurship and business students Marketing designs were also submitted by 110 teams which included a logo and ad for their idea Ellen Schlechter of Faulkton High School was recognized for her Calvshying Book App which was the The Marketing Design competition winner
The eight finalists included Ketteler second-place finishers George Bernard and Mark Wesolick of St Thomas More High School in Rapid City SD third-place finisher MaKayla Price of Wessshy
12 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
1st Place Wins an iPad + $10002nd Place Wins an iPad + $5003rd Place Wins an iPad4th - 6th Places Win $3007th - 10th Places Win $100Sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the
Governorrsquos Office of Economic DevelopmentScholarship Criteria and Expectations | FlierDEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF A BUSINESS PLAN IS DECEM-
BER 18 2015
Listed above are the criteria necessary to get a high school student started in preparing a written business plan for the competition The South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the Governorrsquos Office of Economic Development have again donated the first place prize ndash an iPad plus $1000 Second place is an iPad plus $500 and third place is an iPad Fourth through sixth place prizes will be cash awards sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation in the amount of $300 each place Seventh through tenth place prizes is $100 each place It is recommended that all the points in the ldquoBusiness Start-Up Planrdquo be addressed Please click on the link above for entry requirements Judging will be based on the following criteria
Completeness of business plan Viability as an ongoing business Realistic financial projectionscash flow plan Conciseness in presentation Creativity and innovation
Judges for the contest include bankers educators and business people across the state First through sixth place plan submitters will be called to Pierre to participate in oral interviews in February and will be asked to remain for the presentation of awards that evening Students may attend with their parents and school advisor The evening event is a reception and banquet attended by 300 of our statersquos legislators constitutional officers bankers and spouses
Writing a business start-up plan helps you decide what is needed in terms of time money and resources to get a business underway The following outline should be helpful in that it ad-dresses many of the issues that should be considered when start-ing a business By thinking over some of the details with your ad-visers parents or friends and getting them down on paper yoursquoll have a good idea of how you want a business to take shape A business plan provides a concrete structure against which you can measure actual performance Yoursquoll also save yourself time and money in the long run If you do decide to create this business you will have a logical plan with which to get started
Contact your schoolrsquos business department or the South Dakota Bankers Association for more information
ington Springs High School Dalton Larson Jared Miller and Tyndall Petterson of West Central High School in Hartford SD Eli Gerry of Madison Central High School Tony Baumann of Redfield High School and two teams from St Thomas More Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks and Olivia Facenda and Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilson and Sophie Wittenberg
The competition encourages students to consider new ideas and opshyportunities for creating a business in their own region
ldquoWersquore trying to get them to start thinking about starting a business not necessarily starting the business but what it would take to start and run a businessrdquo said event organizer Kelly Weaver regional director with the South Dakota Small Business Development Center in Aberdeen SD
Participants were able to take part in panel discussions with the busishyness owners Weaver saidThe competition is coordinated by the Small Business Development Center and funded by Sanford Health East River Electric Power Cooperative REED Fund Dacotah Bank Student Loan Finance Corporation Aberdeen Development Corporation Northwestern Energy McQuillen Creative Group The Tom and Danielle Aman Founshydation and Midcontinent Communications Scholarships are provided by Northern State University and Presentation College The competition is a result of the input and collaboration of these organizations along with Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Aberdeen Downtown Associashytion Aberdeen Catholic School System ndash Roncalli High School Aberdeen School District ndash Central High School and Dacotah Bank
In addition to the schools listed above students from the following high schools also participated Aberdeen Central High School Bridgewashyter-Emery High School Bowdle High School Canistota High School Canton High School Durpree High School Edmund Central High School Ethan High School Eureka High School Faith High School Groton High School Hitchcock Tulare High School Hoven High School Ipswich High School Iroquois High School Lead-Deadwood High School Leola High School Milbank High School Mitchell High School Montrose High School Northwestern Sioux Valley High School Sioux Fall Christian Swift Home School Vermillion High School Wagshyner High School Warner High School Watertown High School Wilmot High School and Yankton High School A total of 414 students particishypated in a submission
For her winnng plan Ketteler won $1000 while Bernard and Weshysolickrsquos Caveman Custom Iron plan earned $500 for second place and Pricersquos plan for KP Photography received $250 for third place Scholarshyships to both Northern State University and Presentation College were also awarded Schlechter received $500 for her marketing design plan
Go to BIGIdeaSDcom for more information about the competition
BIG Idea Finalists were front row from left Cierra Veldhuizen Maria Wilson Haley Ketteler Jenny Rooks Brianna McGinnis and Sophie Wittenberg Standing from left were Olivia Facenda George Bernard Tony Baumann Mark Wesolick Eli Gerry Tyndall Petter-son Dalton Larson MaKayla Price and Jared Miller Photo by Dawn Sahli Photography
First Place Bent Perspective
Bent Perspective is an Origami intensive store focused on teaching the customers how to make origami artwork It will also offer services such as event decoration custom origami artwork pre-made origami artwork and kits This business will provide the community with a unique and fun activity for all ages It will help eliminate boredom in the community through a relaxing and fulfilling activity that all individuals can enjoy and appreciate
Haley Ketteler Pierre Riggs High School
Second Place caveman custom Iron
Caveman Custom Iron will produce hand-crafted steel goods and distribute these goods to people who want unique pieces of functional art to decorate their home garden or place of business Caveman Custom Iron will also produce tools such as knives or garden tools Potential customers are those who look for pieces of iron work to decorate their home and people looking for quality specialized tools for tasks such as woodworking and gardening
George Bernard and Mark Wesolick St Thomas More High School
Third Place KP Photography
KP Photography provides the talent of photography to the Wessington Springs area community Photographers can take senior pictures wedding pictures engagement pictures family pictures and more It is very convenient for the community by being close and for a low cost
MaKayla Price Wessington Springs High School
Finalists
The Cooler Backpack Company ndash Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks Olivia Facenda St Thomas More High School
The Spink County Outdoorsmen ndash Tony Baumann Redfield High School
All Seasons Lighting ndash Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilshyson Sophie Wittenberg St Thomas More High School
Gerryrsquos Pumpkins amp Produce ndash Eli Gerry Madison Central High School
SoDak Custom Hay Co ndash Dalton Larson Jared Miller Tyndall Petterson West Central High School
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 13
Double Threat The Right Strip Can Protect Devices Cut Energy Bills
There is little if anything you can buy today
that does not have some electronic component Even clothing as wearable electronics are starting to take hold Not to mention a device (httpwww makeymakeycom) that allows you to make a keyboard from bananas So itrsquos time to take a look at making sure your elecshytronics last as long as possible Irsquom not talking about replacement plans or extended warranties Today wersquore talkshying about protecting your products from electrical surges
The first order of business is to deshyfine a surge Herersquos one from Computer By Hope (httpwwwcomputerhopecomTom Tate jargonssurgehtm) on the lsquoNet ldquoAltershynatively known as a line surge a surge is an unexpected increase in voltage in an electrical current that causes damage to electrical equipment For example the standard United States voltage is 120V If an electrical current above this rating was to come through a power outlet for more than three nanoseconds this would be considered a surge anything less is considered a spike A surge is usually created by lightning and can damage unprotected computers and sometimes even protected computersrdquo
Many people think a blink from their electric cooperative or utility providerrsquos system is a surge but these are generally caused by something like a tree contacting a line In such cases the systemrsquos protective devices work causshying an interruption to protect the wires and other components These are not surges but more like turning a light on and off
True surges will enter a home through any numshyber of avenues The most obvious is through the power lines Less obvious is through the telephone lines cablesatellite connections water lines and any other metallic system that connects to your home So to protect against surges you need to take a three-pronged approach
Perhaps the most important thing to do is to be
14 January 2016 bull Cooperative ConneCtions
sure all the grounds in your home are good and that they are bonded together Over the years grounds can deteriorate new services can be added with inadequate grounding and so forth A faulty ground will allow surges into the home rather than bleeding
them off into the earth Get a qualified electrishycian to test and correct your groundshying system
Next protect your electrical service entrance with a surge device The easiest to install are those mounted behind the meter They can also be mounted at the main electric panel When a surge travels down the electric lines these devices will act to ldquoclamprdquo the surge and reduce its power These are sacrificial devices that allow themselves to be destroyed rather than allowing the surge to pass through Noble devices indeed
The third prong is to protect expensive devices at their point of use Computers and entertainment equipshyment are prime examples Remember that surges can enter the home via avenues other than the power lines Computers and entertainment equipshyment are frequently connected to cable and phone lines Those devices need to have protection at the point of use that covers all possible avenues These are generally in the form of a power strip or wall device most of us are familiar with Use a quality product from a manufacturer such as
Monster Belkin Tripp Lite or APC to name a few Look for one with a joule rating of at least 1000 a connected equipment warranty and compatibility with digital signals from cable and satellite While you are at it look for a ldquosmartrdquo strip that turns off all but one connected device when not in use
Save money on your electric bill while protecting your equipment Itrsquos a definite win-win
Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the Nationshyal Rural Electric Cooperative Association the Arlingshyton Va-based service arm of the nationrsquos 900-plus consumer-owned not-for-profit electric cooperatives
ADVANCED POWER STRIPS Which one is right for me
I want to stop WASTING ENERGY in myhellip
I always turn off my electronics when done
Why donrsquot I turn them off
Do I put it to sleep or shut
down
Do I want manual or automated power control
Does it stay docked or is it frequently moved
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER HOME OFFICE
NO YES
Is the computer a laptop or tablet
NO YES
I fall asleep I forget Irsquoll do it Automatic Sleep Shut down Always Moved often myself docked
T i Activ ity Monitor Power Strip
itch
COST
FEATURES
POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
mer p
Remote Swp
Master-Control led Power Strip
Masterless Power Strip
Power strip automatically
pre-set schedule
Power strip looks for signs of activity in the room and
detected
Power strip can be turned
switch
When a primary device (such as a computer or TV)
power strip automatically
outlets where the peripheral devices (such as the printer or game console) are plugged in
When all of the controlled
power to those outlets completely eliminating all of the vampire loads
You have to set up the timer and stick to your schedule for maximum energy savings
Motion sensors dont always work perfectly
To save any energy you have to remember to turn
time
It can be tricky to select which appliance should be your master device
powered appliance could
strip
Digital or dial timer Motion sensor or an infrared eye that detects remote control use around the TV or stereo
A tethered switch or a remote switch
One outlet is labeled as the master
No master outlet Description may include automatic switching or power detection
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden CO 80401 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wastepaper including 10 post consumer waste
NRELPO-5500-60461 bull October 2013 303-275-3000 bull wwwnrelgov Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC
Cooperative ConneCtions bull January 2016 15
Power Stri Power Stri
regional Dateline November 20-January 10
Winter Wonderland Falls Park Sioux Falls SD 605-275-6060
November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 am to 10 pm Pierre SD 605-773-3178
December 5-26 Deck Your Halls Holiday Art Show and Sale 10 am to 5 pm Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season Lead SD 605-584-3896
December 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015 5 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
December 20 Christmas Caroling at The Abbey 2 to 4 pm Marvin SD 605-398-9200
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Yearrsquos Eve Dance Ramkota Convention Center Aberdeen SD 605-229-1072 httpsouthdakotawish orgnews-and-eventscalen-dar-of-eventsevents-time-fold-ernew-years-eve-aberdeen
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am to 11 pm Mobridge SD 605-845-2500
Events of Special Note January 5-7
Dakota Farm Show Dakota Dome Vermillion SD 507-437-7969
February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show Convention Center Sioux Falls SD 605-231-3100 wwwwinterfestofwheelscom
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
Photo by miKe KjoSe Clay-union eleCtRiC CoRPoRation
Please call ahead to confirm date time and location of event
January 10 17 24 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 am to 315 pm CST Mission SD 605-259-3252 ext 3
January 16 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer SD 605-440-1405
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 1245 to 830 pm Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 1-800-468-6463
January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 29-30 35th Annual Farm Home and Sport Show Armory Webster SD 605-345-4468 wwwwebstersdcom
January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show amp Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-355-3861
January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert Eureka SD jalvarezmmgyglobalcom
February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown SD 605-886-7335
February 7 South Dakotarsquos Largest Tailgate Party Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
February 9-13 Winter Farm Show 9 am to 4 pm Watertown SD 605-886-5814
February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115
March 5 Trade Show 9 am to 3 pm Custer SD 605-673-2244
March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9 am to 3 pm MST Philip SD 605-859-2635 605-859-2280 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219
Youth News
Students Should Apply Now For $1000 amp $500 Scholarships
Many high school seniors arenrsquot just checking off the items on their Christmas lists this time of year they are also narrowing down their college choices
The price of higher education is always a factor in deciding which school students will attend next fall Northern Electric Cooperative and North Dakota-based power supplier Basin Electric Power Cooperative are once again offering two scholarships this year to help with the cost of college
ldquoEducation and commitment to community are two of the principles cooperatives operate underrdquo Northern Electric General Manager Char Hager said ldquoThese scholarships epitomize those principlesrdquo
University of South Dakota freshman Madisyn Waage was the 2015 recipient of the $500 scholarship awarded by Northern Electric Cooperative The money is being applied to tuition at USD for the Aberdeen Central graduate
ldquoIt was really helpfulrdquo Waage said ldquoItrsquos helping (Above L to R) Lucas Sternhagen was awarded a $1000 me pay for my classes this year so itrsquos definitely been scholarship in 2015 Madisyn Waage was the $500 scholshyrewardingrdquo arship recipient
Lucas Sternhagen was awarded the $1000 Applications and instructions on how to apply have been sent scholarship from Basin Electric in 2015 He is also a freshman to all of the school districts in the Northern Electric service at the University of South Dakota Sternhagen graduated from territory Information can also be found at Groton High School last spring wwwnorthernelectriccoop
To be eligible for the scholarships parents of the students ldquoJust be yourself and donrsquot be scared of failingrdquo Waage said must be current consumers of Northern Electric Cooperative ldquoJust take the time to apply because it could be worth itrdquo The scholarship application process includes a short essay For Waage that advice is paying off and documentation of academic and extracurricular activities
Heating Help Is Available
The Low -Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps eligible South Dakotans pay for home heating costs Energy assistance may not pay for all your home heating costs but it will help ease the strain of the heating season Energy assistance is available from October 1 - May 15
Eligibility for the program is based on -Number of people in household -Gross income of everyone in household -Type of heating for the home -Geographic area you live in
Applications can be obtained by calling 1-800-233-8503 online at httpdsssdgoveconomicassistanceenergyassistancelowincomeaspx at the local Department of
Social Services office or from the Northern Electric office in Bath SD
10 January 2016 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS
Youth News
Scholarship eligibility Applicants must be US citizens and
natural or adopted children of Northern Electric consumersmembers Dependents of Northern Electric employees are not eligible Any applicant must be a student who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time graduate or undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college university or
vocationaltechnical school
How the selection process works The scholarship awards are based on
academic excellence and financial need All applications are critically evaluated using a combination of several criteria including SATACT scores grade-point average work experience participation in school and community activities a statement by the student explaining hisher educational and career goals financial need and a written recommendation by a third party
Applications will be considered by an independent judge for Northern Electric and then submitted to Basin Electric for scholarship distribution
How to apply Applications are available from local
high school guidance counselors on the Northern Electric Cooperative website or directly from Northern Electric offices Applicants must complete the scholarship application and provide all the required information
Completed applications MUST BE RETURNED BY FEBRUARY 15 2016 to
Northern Electric Cooperative PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427
For more information contact Kay Albrecht at
605-225-0310 or 1-800-529-0310
Groft Selected As Scholar of the Week
(Above) Northern Electric Communications Director Ben Dunsmoor presents a $100 check to Northwestern High School Senior Isaac Groft for being named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week
Northwestern Area High School Senior Isaac Groft likes to get involved in almost everything at his school Groftrsquos ambition to take on new challenges is the reason the four-sport athlete from Ashton was named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week on December 7 Groft was nominated for the honor by Northwestern counselor Kari Brenner for maintaining a 365-grade point average and participating in multiple sports and extra-curricular activities ldquoI think we have good teachers here who push their studentsrdquo Groft said about his school Groft is the first student in the Northern Electric Cooperative territory to receive the recognition this year The Northwestern senior is also one of only 34 students who will be selected as the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week during the 2015-2016 school year Each recipient receives $100 from their local electric cooperative The award also means the student is eligible for two $500 scholarships and one $1000 scholarship which are given away at the Scholar of the Week banquet at the end of the school year ldquoItrsquos a really great honorrdquo Groft said ldquoItrsquos great that people are recognizing academic excellence here and I hope it motivates others to do wellrdquo A story featuring Groft and his achievements aired on KSFY on December 7 KSFY Television is a partner in the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week program and highlights the recipients every week
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 11
Teensrsquo Big Ideas Take Shape Young Entrepreneurs Plan for Success
By Brenda Kle in jan
Teens armed with business plans and dreams
descended on Aberdeen in early December to showshycase their concepts and compete in the ninth annual BIG Idea Final Competition
The Bent Perspective plan for an Origami intensive store brought top honors to Pierre student Haley Ketteler
Ketteler outlined how her company would provide customers with an all paper experience allowing clients to design paper arrangements for special events take classes to learn Origami purshychase paper creations kits and supplies and order custom creations As part of the experience she had to identify marketing opportunities define her competition and outline management and operashy
tions for the business Eight high school finalists were selected from
the 263 applications submitted from 37 different schools First round judges included 114 volunteers from the region along with 132 college entrepreshyneurship and business students Marketing designs were also submitted by 110 teams which included a logo and ad for their idea Ellen Schlechter of Faulkton High School was recognized for her Calvshying Book App which was the The Marketing Design competition winner
The eight finalists included Ketteler second-place finishers George Bernard and Mark Wesolick of St Thomas More High School in Rapid City SD third-place finisher MaKayla Price of Wessshy
12 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
1st Place Wins an iPad + $10002nd Place Wins an iPad + $5003rd Place Wins an iPad4th - 6th Places Win $3007th - 10th Places Win $100Sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the
Governorrsquos Office of Economic DevelopmentScholarship Criteria and Expectations | FlierDEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF A BUSINESS PLAN IS DECEM-
BER 18 2015
Listed above are the criteria necessary to get a high school student started in preparing a written business plan for the competition The South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the Governorrsquos Office of Economic Development have again donated the first place prize ndash an iPad plus $1000 Second place is an iPad plus $500 and third place is an iPad Fourth through sixth place prizes will be cash awards sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation in the amount of $300 each place Seventh through tenth place prizes is $100 each place It is recommended that all the points in the ldquoBusiness Start-Up Planrdquo be addressed Please click on the link above for entry requirements Judging will be based on the following criteria
Completeness of business plan Viability as an ongoing business Realistic financial projectionscash flow plan Conciseness in presentation Creativity and innovation
Judges for the contest include bankers educators and business people across the state First through sixth place plan submitters will be called to Pierre to participate in oral interviews in February and will be asked to remain for the presentation of awards that evening Students may attend with their parents and school advisor The evening event is a reception and banquet attended by 300 of our statersquos legislators constitutional officers bankers and spouses
Writing a business start-up plan helps you decide what is needed in terms of time money and resources to get a business underway The following outline should be helpful in that it ad-dresses many of the issues that should be considered when start-ing a business By thinking over some of the details with your ad-visers parents or friends and getting them down on paper yoursquoll have a good idea of how you want a business to take shape A business plan provides a concrete structure against which you can measure actual performance Yoursquoll also save yourself time and money in the long run If you do decide to create this business you will have a logical plan with which to get started
Contact your schoolrsquos business department or the South Dakota Bankers Association for more information
ington Springs High School Dalton Larson Jared Miller and Tyndall Petterson of West Central High School in Hartford SD Eli Gerry of Madison Central High School Tony Baumann of Redfield High School and two teams from St Thomas More Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks and Olivia Facenda and Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilson and Sophie Wittenberg
The competition encourages students to consider new ideas and opshyportunities for creating a business in their own region
ldquoWersquore trying to get them to start thinking about starting a business not necessarily starting the business but what it would take to start and run a businessrdquo said event organizer Kelly Weaver regional director with the South Dakota Small Business Development Center in Aberdeen SD
Participants were able to take part in panel discussions with the busishyness owners Weaver saidThe competition is coordinated by the Small Business Development Center and funded by Sanford Health East River Electric Power Cooperative REED Fund Dacotah Bank Student Loan Finance Corporation Aberdeen Development Corporation Northwestern Energy McQuillen Creative Group The Tom and Danielle Aman Founshydation and Midcontinent Communications Scholarships are provided by Northern State University and Presentation College The competition is a result of the input and collaboration of these organizations along with Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Aberdeen Downtown Associashytion Aberdeen Catholic School System ndash Roncalli High School Aberdeen School District ndash Central High School and Dacotah Bank
In addition to the schools listed above students from the following high schools also participated Aberdeen Central High School Bridgewashyter-Emery High School Bowdle High School Canistota High School Canton High School Durpree High School Edmund Central High School Ethan High School Eureka High School Faith High School Groton High School Hitchcock Tulare High School Hoven High School Ipswich High School Iroquois High School Lead-Deadwood High School Leola High School Milbank High School Mitchell High School Montrose High School Northwestern Sioux Valley High School Sioux Fall Christian Swift Home School Vermillion High School Wagshyner High School Warner High School Watertown High School Wilmot High School and Yankton High School A total of 414 students particishypated in a submission
For her winnng plan Ketteler won $1000 while Bernard and Weshysolickrsquos Caveman Custom Iron plan earned $500 for second place and Pricersquos plan for KP Photography received $250 for third place Scholarshyships to both Northern State University and Presentation College were also awarded Schlechter received $500 for her marketing design plan
Go to BIGIdeaSDcom for more information about the competition
BIG Idea Finalists were front row from left Cierra Veldhuizen Maria Wilson Haley Ketteler Jenny Rooks Brianna McGinnis and Sophie Wittenberg Standing from left were Olivia Facenda George Bernard Tony Baumann Mark Wesolick Eli Gerry Tyndall Petter-son Dalton Larson MaKayla Price and Jared Miller Photo by Dawn Sahli Photography
First Place Bent Perspective
Bent Perspective is an Origami intensive store focused on teaching the customers how to make origami artwork It will also offer services such as event decoration custom origami artwork pre-made origami artwork and kits This business will provide the community with a unique and fun activity for all ages It will help eliminate boredom in the community through a relaxing and fulfilling activity that all individuals can enjoy and appreciate
Haley Ketteler Pierre Riggs High School
Second Place caveman custom Iron
Caveman Custom Iron will produce hand-crafted steel goods and distribute these goods to people who want unique pieces of functional art to decorate their home garden or place of business Caveman Custom Iron will also produce tools such as knives or garden tools Potential customers are those who look for pieces of iron work to decorate their home and people looking for quality specialized tools for tasks such as woodworking and gardening
George Bernard and Mark Wesolick St Thomas More High School
Third Place KP Photography
KP Photography provides the talent of photography to the Wessington Springs area community Photographers can take senior pictures wedding pictures engagement pictures family pictures and more It is very convenient for the community by being close and for a low cost
MaKayla Price Wessington Springs High School
Finalists
The Cooler Backpack Company ndash Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks Olivia Facenda St Thomas More High School
The Spink County Outdoorsmen ndash Tony Baumann Redfield High School
All Seasons Lighting ndash Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilshyson Sophie Wittenberg St Thomas More High School
Gerryrsquos Pumpkins amp Produce ndash Eli Gerry Madison Central High School
SoDak Custom Hay Co ndash Dalton Larson Jared Miller Tyndall Petterson West Central High School
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 13
Double Threat The Right Strip Can Protect Devices Cut Energy Bills
There is little if anything you can buy today
that does not have some electronic component Even clothing as wearable electronics are starting to take hold Not to mention a device (httpwww makeymakeycom) that allows you to make a keyboard from bananas So itrsquos time to take a look at making sure your elecshytronics last as long as possible Irsquom not talking about replacement plans or extended warranties Today wersquore talkshying about protecting your products from electrical surges
The first order of business is to deshyfine a surge Herersquos one from Computer By Hope (httpwwwcomputerhopecomTom Tate jargonssurgehtm) on the lsquoNet ldquoAltershynatively known as a line surge a surge is an unexpected increase in voltage in an electrical current that causes damage to electrical equipment For example the standard United States voltage is 120V If an electrical current above this rating was to come through a power outlet for more than three nanoseconds this would be considered a surge anything less is considered a spike A surge is usually created by lightning and can damage unprotected computers and sometimes even protected computersrdquo
Many people think a blink from their electric cooperative or utility providerrsquos system is a surge but these are generally caused by something like a tree contacting a line In such cases the systemrsquos protective devices work causshying an interruption to protect the wires and other components These are not surges but more like turning a light on and off
True surges will enter a home through any numshyber of avenues The most obvious is through the power lines Less obvious is through the telephone lines cablesatellite connections water lines and any other metallic system that connects to your home So to protect against surges you need to take a three-pronged approach
Perhaps the most important thing to do is to be
14 January 2016 bull Cooperative ConneCtions
sure all the grounds in your home are good and that they are bonded together Over the years grounds can deteriorate new services can be added with inadequate grounding and so forth A faulty ground will allow surges into the home rather than bleeding
them off into the earth Get a qualified electrishycian to test and correct your groundshying system
Next protect your electrical service entrance with a surge device The easiest to install are those mounted behind the meter They can also be mounted at the main electric panel When a surge travels down the electric lines these devices will act to ldquoclamprdquo the surge and reduce its power These are sacrificial devices that allow themselves to be destroyed rather than allowing the surge to pass through Noble devices indeed
The third prong is to protect expensive devices at their point of use Computers and entertainment equipshyment are prime examples Remember that surges can enter the home via avenues other than the power lines Computers and entertainment equipshyment are frequently connected to cable and phone lines Those devices need to have protection at the point of use that covers all possible avenues These are generally in the form of a power strip or wall device most of us are familiar with Use a quality product from a manufacturer such as
Monster Belkin Tripp Lite or APC to name a few Look for one with a joule rating of at least 1000 a connected equipment warranty and compatibility with digital signals from cable and satellite While you are at it look for a ldquosmartrdquo strip that turns off all but one connected device when not in use
Save money on your electric bill while protecting your equipment Itrsquos a definite win-win
Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the Nationshyal Rural Electric Cooperative Association the Arlingshyton Va-based service arm of the nationrsquos 900-plus consumer-owned not-for-profit electric cooperatives
ADVANCED POWER STRIPS Which one is right for me
I want to stop WASTING ENERGY in myhellip
I always turn off my electronics when done
Why donrsquot I turn them off
Do I put it to sleep or shut
down
Do I want manual or automated power control
Does it stay docked or is it frequently moved
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER HOME OFFICE
NO YES
Is the computer a laptop or tablet
NO YES
I fall asleep I forget Irsquoll do it Automatic Sleep Shut down Always Moved often myself docked
T i Activ ity Monitor Power Strip
itch
COST
FEATURES
POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
mer p
Remote Swp
Master-Control led Power Strip
Masterless Power Strip
Power strip automatically
pre-set schedule
Power strip looks for signs of activity in the room and
detected
Power strip can be turned
switch
When a primary device (such as a computer or TV)
power strip automatically
outlets where the peripheral devices (such as the printer or game console) are plugged in
When all of the controlled
power to those outlets completely eliminating all of the vampire loads
You have to set up the timer and stick to your schedule for maximum energy savings
Motion sensors dont always work perfectly
To save any energy you have to remember to turn
time
It can be tricky to select which appliance should be your master device
powered appliance could
strip
Digital or dial timer Motion sensor or an infrared eye that detects remote control use around the TV or stereo
A tethered switch or a remote switch
One outlet is labeled as the master
No master outlet Description may include automatic switching or power detection
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden CO 80401 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wastepaper including 10 post consumer waste
NRELPO-5500-60461 bull October 2013 303-275-3000 bull wwwnrelgov Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC
Cooperative ConneCtions bull January 2016 15
Power Stri Power Stri
regional Dateline November 20-January 10
Winter Wonderland Falls Park Sioux Falls SD 605-275-6060
November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 am to 10 pm Pierre SD 605-773-3178
December 5-26 Deck Your Halls Holiday Art Show and Sale 10 am to 5 pm Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season Lead SD 605-584-3896
December 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015 5 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
December 20 Christmas Caroling at The Abbey 2 to 4 pm Marvin SD 605-398-9200
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Yearrsquos Eve Dance Ramkota Convention Center Aberdeen SD 605-229-1072 httpsouthdakotawish orgnews-and-eventscalen-dar-of-eventsevents-time-fold-ernew-years-eve-aberdeen
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am to 11 pm Mobridge SD 605-845-2500
Events of Special Note January 5-7
Dakota Farm Show Dakota Dome Vermillion SD 507-437-7969
February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show Convention Center Sioux Falls SD 605-231-3100 wwwwinterfestofwheelscom
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
Photo by miKe KjoSe Clay-union eleCtRiC CoRPoRation
Please call ahead to confirm date time and location of event
January 10 17 24 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 am to 315 pm CST Mission SD 605-259-3252 ext 3
January 16 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer SD 605-440-1405
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 1245 to 830 pm Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 1-800-468-6463
January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 29-30 35th Annual Farm Home and Sport Show Armory Webster SD 605-345-4468 wwwwebstersdcom
January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show amp Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-355-3861
January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert Eureka SD jalvarezmmgyglobalcom
February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown SD 605-886-7335
February 7 South Dakotarsquos Largest Tailgate Party Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
February 9-13 Winter Farm Show 9 am to 4 pm Watertown SD 605-886-5814
February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115
March 5 Trade Show 9 am to 3 pm Custer SD 605-673-2244
March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9 am to 3 pm MST Philip SD 605-859-2635 605-859-2280 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219
Youth News
Scholarship eligibility Applicants must be US citizens and
natural or adopted children of Northern Electric consumersmembers Dependents of Northern Electric employees are not eligible Any applicant must be a student who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time graduate or undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college university or
vocationaltechnical school
How the selection process works The scholarship awards are based on
academic excellence and financial need All applications are critically evaluated using a combination of several criteria including SATACT scores grade-point average work experience participation in school and community activities a statement by the student explaining hisher educational and career goals financial need and a written recommendation by a third party
Applications will be considered by an independent judge for Northern Electric and then submitted to Basin Electric for scholarship distribution
How to apply Applications are available from local
high school guidance counselors on the Northern Electric Cooperative website or directly from Northern Electric offices Applicants must complete the scholarship application and provide all the required information
Completed applications MUST BE RETURNED BY FEBRUARY 15 2016 to
Northern Electric Cooperative PO Box 457 Bath SD 57427
For more information contact Kay Albrecht at
605-225-0310 or 1-800-529-0310
Groft Selected As Scholar of the Week
(Above) Northern Electric Communications Director Ben Dunsmoor presents a $100 check to Northwestern High School Senior Isaac Groft for being named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week
Northwestern Area High School Senior Isaac Groft likes to get involved in almost everything at his school Groftrsquos ambition to take on new challenges is the reason the four-sport athlete from Ashton was named the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week on December 7 Groft was nominated for the honor by Northwestern counselor Kari Brenner for maintaining a 365-grade point average and participating in multiple sports and extra-curricular activities ldquoI think we have good teachers here who push their studentsrdquo Groft said about his school Groft is the first student in the Northern Electric Cooperative territory to receive the recognition this year The Northwestern senior is also one of only 34 students who will be selected as the KSFY Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week during the 2015-2016 school year Each recipient receives $100 from their local electric cooperative The award also means the student is eligible for two $500 scholarships and one $1000 scholarship which are given away at the Scholar of the Week banquet at the end of the school year ldquoItrsquos a really great honorrdquo Groft said ldquoItrsquos great that people are recognizing academic excellence here and I hope it motivates others to do wellrdquo A story featuring Groft and his achievements aired on KSFY on December 7 KSFY Television is a partner in the Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week program and highlights the recipients every week
COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull January 2016 11
Teensrsquo Big Ideas Take Shape Young Entrepreneurs Plan for Success
By Brenda Kle in jan
Teens armed with business plans and dreams
descended on Aberdeen in early December to showshycase their concepts and compete in the ninth annual BIG Idea Final Competition
The Bent Perspective plan for an Origami intensive store brought top honors to Pierre student Haley Ketteler
Ketteler outlined how her company would provide customers with an all paper experience allowing clients to design paper arrangements for special events take classes to learn Origami purshychase paper creations kits and supplies and order custom creations As part of the experience she had to identify marketing opportunities define her competition and outline management and operashy
tions for the business Eight high school finalists were selected from
the 263 applications submitted from 37 different schools First round judges included 114 volunteers from the region along with 132 college entrepreshyneurship and business students Marketing designs were also submitted by 110 teams which included a logo and ad for their idea Ellen Schlechter of Faulkton High School was recognized for her Calvshying Book App which was the The Marketing Design competition winner
The eight finalists included Ketteler second-place finishers George Bernard and Mark Wesolick of St Thomas More High School in Rapid City SD third-place finisher MaKayla Price of Wessshy
12 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
1st Place Wins an iPad + $10002nd Place Wins an iPad + $5003rd Place Wins an iPad4th - 6th Places Win $3007th - 10th Places Win $100Sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the
Governorrsquos Office of Economic DevelopmentScholarship Criteria and Expectations | FlierDEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF A BUSINESS PLAN IS DECEM-
BER 18 2015
Listed above are the criteria necessary to get a high school student started in preparing a written business plan for the competition The South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the Governorrsquos Office of Economic Development have again donated the first place prize ndash an iPad plus $1000 Second place is an iPad plus $500 and third place is an iPad Fourth through sixth place prizes will be cash awards sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation in the amount of $300 each place Seventh through tenth place prizes is $100 each place It is recommended that all the points in the ldquoBusiness Start-Up Planrdquo be addressed Please click on the link above for entry requirements Judging will be based on the following criteria
Completeness of business plan Viability as an ongoing business Realistic financial projectionscash flow plan Conciseness in presentation Creativity and innovation
Judges for the contest include bankers educators and business people across the state First through sixth place plan submitters will be called to Pierre to participate in oral interviews in February and will be asked to remain for the presentation of awards that evening Students may attend with their parents and school advisor The evening event is a reception and banquet attended by 300 of our statersquos legislators constitutional officers bankers and spouses
Writing a business start-up plan helps you decide what is needed in terms of time money and resources to get a business underway The following outline should be helpful in that it ad-dresses many of the issues that should be considered when start-ing a business By thinking over some of the details with your ad-visers parents or friends and getting them down on paper yoursquoll have a good idea of how you want a business to take shape A business plan provides a concrete structure against which you can measure actual performance Yoursquoll also save yourself time and money in the long run If you do decide to create this business you will have a logical plan with which to get started
Contact your schoolrsquos business department or the South Dakota Bankers Association for more information
ington Springs High School Dalton Larson Jared Miller and Tyndall Petterson of West Central High School in Hartford SD Eli Gerry of Madison Central High School Tony Baumann of Redfield High School and two teams from St Thomas More Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks and Olivia Facenda and Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilson and Sophie Wittenberg
The competition encourages students to consider new ideas and opshyportunities for creating a business in their own region
ldquoWersquore trying to get them to start thinking about starting a business not necessarily starting the business but what it would take to start and run a businessrdquo said event organizer Kelly Weaver regional director with the South Dakota Small Business Development Center in Aberdeen SD
Participants were able to take part in panel discussions with the busishyness owners Weaver saidThe competition is coordinated by the Small Business Development Center and funded by Sanford Health East River Electric Power Cooperative REED Fund Dacotah Bank Student Loan Finance Corporation Aberdeen Development Corporation Northwestern Energy McQuillen Creative Group The Tom and Danielle Aman Founshydation and Midcontinent Communications Scholarships are provided by Northern State University and Presentation College The competition is a result of the input and collaboration of these organizations along with Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Aberdeen Downtown Associashytion Aberdeen Catholic School System ndash Roncalli High School Aberdeen School District ndash Central High School and Dacotah Bank
In addition to the schools listed above students from the following high schools also participated Aberdeen Central High School Bridgewashyter-Emery High School Bowdle High School Canistota High School Canton High School Durpree High School Edmund Central High School Ethan High School Eureka High School Faith High School Groton High School Hitchcock Tulare High School Hoven High School Ipswich High School Iroquois High School Lead-Deadwood High School Leola High School Milbank High School Mitchell High School Montrose High School Northwestern Sioux Valley High School Sioux Fall Christian Swift Home School Vermillion High School Wagshyner High School Warner High School Watertown High School Wilmot High School and Yankton High School A total of 414 students particishypated in a submission
For her winnng plan Ketteler won $1000 while Bernard and Weshysolickrsquos Caveman Custom Iron plan earned $500 for second place and Pricersquos plan for KP Photography received $250 for third place Scholarshyships to both Northern State University and Presentation College were also awarded Schlechter received $500 for her marketing design plan
Go to BIGIdeaSDcom for more information about the competition
BIG Idea Finalists were front row from left Cierra Veldhuizen Maria Wilson Haley Ketteler Jenny Rooks Brianna McGinnis and Sophie Wittenberg Standing from left were Olivia Facenda George Bernard Tony Baumann Mark Wesolick Eli Gerry Tyndall Petter-son Dalton Larson MaKayla Price and Jared Miller Photo by Dawn Sahli Photography
First Place Bent Perspective
Bent Perspective is an Origami intensive store focused on teaching the customers how to make origami artwork It will also offer services such as event decoration custom origami artwork pre-made origami artwork and kits This business will provide the community with a unique and fun activity for all ages It will help eliminate boredom in the community through a relaxing and fulfilling activity that all individuals can enjoy and appreciate
Haley Ketteler Pierre Riggs High School
Second Place caveman custom Iron
Caveman Custom Iron will produce hand-crafted steel goods and distribute these goods to people who want unique pieces of functional art to decorate their home garden or place of business Caveman Custom Iron will also produce tools such as knives or garden tools Potential customers are those who look for pieces of iron work to decorate their home and people looking for quality specialized tools for tasks such as woodworking and gardening
George Bernard and Mark Wesolick St Thomas More High School
Third Place KP Photography
KP Photography provides the talent of photography to the Wessington Springs area community Photographers can take senior pictures wedding pictures engagement pictures family pictures and more It is very convenient for the community by being close and for a low cost
MaKayla Price Wessington Springs High School
Finalists
The Cooler Backpack Company ndash Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks Olivia Facenda St Thomas More High School
The Spink County Outdoorsmen ndash Tony Baumann Redfield High School
All Seasons Lighting ndash Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilshyson Sophie Wittenberg St Thomas More High School
Gerryrsquos Pumpkins amp Produce ndash Eli Gerry Madison Central High School
SoDak Custom Hay Co ndash Dalton Larson Jared Miller Tyndall Petterson West Central High School
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 13
Double Threat The Right Strip Can Protect Devices Cut Energy Bills
There is little if anything you can buy today
that does not have some electronic component Even clothing as wearable electronics are starting to take hold Not to mention a device (httpwww makeymakeycom) that allows you to make a keyboard from bananas So itrsquos time to take a look at making sure your elecshytronics last as long as possible Irsquom not talking about replacement plans or extended warranties Today wersquore talkshying about protecting your products from electrical surges
The first order of business is to deshyfine a surge Herersquos one from Computer By Hope (httpwwwcomputerhopecomTom Tate jargonssurgehtm) on the lsquoNet ldquoAltershynatively known as a line surge a surge is an unexpected increase in voltage in an electrical current that causes damage to electrical equipment For example the standard United States voltage is 120V If an electrical current above this rating was to come through a power outlet for more than three nanoseconds this would be considered a surge anything less is considered a spike A surge is usually created by lightning and can damage unprotected computers and sometimes even protected computersrdquo
Many people think a blink from their electric cooperative or utility providerrsquos system is a surge but these are generally caused by something like a tree contacting a line In such cases the systemrsquos protective devices work causshying an interruption to protect the wires and other components These are not surges but more like turning a light on and off
True surges will enter a home through any numshyber of avenues The most obvious is through the power lines Less obvious is through the telephone lines cablesatellite connections water lines and any other metallic system that connects to your home So to protect against surges you need to take a three-pronged approach
Perhaps the most important thing to do is to be
14 January 2016 bull Cooperative ConneCtions
sure all the grounds in your home are good and that they are bonded together Over the years grounds can deteriorate new services can be added with inadequate grounding and so forth A faulty ground will allow surges into the home rather than bleeding
them off into the earth Get a qualified electrishycian to test and correct your groundshying system
Next protect your electrical service entrance with a surge device The easiest to install are those mounted behind the meter They can also be mounted at the main electric panel When a surge travels down the electric lines these devices will act to ldquoclamprdquo the surge and reduce its power These are sacrificial devices that allow themselves to be destroyed rather than allowing the surge to pass through Noble devices indeed
The third prong is to protect expensive devices at their point of use Computers and entertainment equipshyment are prime examples Remember that surges can enter the home via avenues other than the power lines Computers and entertainment equipshyment are frequently connected to cable and phone lines Those devices need to have protection at the point of use that covers all possible avenues These are generally in the form of a power strip or wall device most of us are familiar with Use a quality product from a manufacturer such as
Monster Belkin Tripp Lite or APC to name a few Look for one with a joule rating of at least 1000 a connected equipment warranty and compatibility with digital signals from cable and satellite While you are at it look for a ldquosmartrdquo strip that turns off all but one connected device when not in use
Save money on your electric bill while protecting your equipment Itrsquos a definite win-win
Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the Nationshyal Rural Electric Cooperative Association the Arlingshyton Va-based service arm of the nationrsquos 900-plus consumer-owned not-for-profit electric cooperatives
ADVANCED POWER STRIPS Which one is right for me
I want to stop WASTING ENERGY in myhellip
I always turn off my electronics when done
Why donrsquot I turn them off
Do I put it to sleep or shut
down
Do I want manual or automated power control
Does it stay docked or is it frequently moved
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER HOME OFFICE
NO YES
Is the computer a laptop or tablet
NO YES
I fall asleep I forget Irsquoll do it Automatic Sleep Shut down Always Moved often myself docked
T i Activ ity Monitor Power Strip
itch
COST
FEATURES
POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
mer p
Remote Swp
Master-Control led Power Strip
Masterless Power Strip
Power strip automatically
pre-set schedule
Power strip looks for signs of activity in the room and
detected
Power strip can be turned
switch
When a primary device (such as a computer or TV)
power strip automatically
outlets where the peripheral devices (such as the printer or game console) are plugged in
When all of the controlled
power to those outlets completely eliminating all of the vampire loads
You have to set up the timer and stick to your schedule for maximum energy savings
Motion sensors dont always work perfectly
To save any energy you have to remember to turn
time
It can be tricky to select which appliance should be your master device
powered appliance could
strip
Digital or dial timer Motion sensor or an infrared eye that detects remote control use around the TV or stereo
A tethered switch or a remote switch
One outlet is labeled as the master
No master outlet Description may include automatic switching or power detection
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden CO 80401 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wastepaper including 10 post consumer waste
NRELPO-5500-60461 bull October 2013 303-275-3000 bull wwwnrelgov Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC
Cooperative ConneCtions bull January 2016 15
Power Stri Power Stri
regional Dateline November 20-January 10
Winter Wonderland Falls Park Sioux Falls SD 605-275-6060
November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 am to 10 pm Pierre SD 605-773-3178
December 5-26 Deck Your Halls Holiday Art Show and Sale 10 am to 5 pm Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season Lead SD 605-584-3896
December 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015 5 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
December 20 Christmas Caroling at The Abbey 2 to 4 pm Marvin SD 605-398-9200
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Yearrsquos Eve Dance Ramkota Convention Center Aberdeen SD 605-229-1072 httpsouthdakotawish orgnews-and-eventscalen-dar-of-eventsevents-time-fold-ernew-years-eve-aberdeen
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am to 11 pm Mobridge SD 605-845-2500
Events of Special Note January 5-7
Dakota Farm Show Dakota Dome Vermillion SD 507-437-7969
February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show Convention Center Sioux Falls SD 605-231-3100 wwwwinterfestofwheelscom
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
Photo by miKe KjoSe Clay-union eleCtRiC CoRPoRation
Please call ahead to confirm date time and location of event
January 10 17 24 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 am to 315 pm CST Mission SD 605-259-3252 ext 3
January 16 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer SD 605-440-1405
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 1245 to 830 pm Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 1-800-468-6463
January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 29-30 35th Annual Farm Home and Sport Show Armory Webster SD 605-345-4468 wwwwebstersdcom
January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show amp Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-355-3861
January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert Eureka SD jalvarezmmgyglobalcom
February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown SD 605-886-7335
February 7 South Dakotarsquos Largest Tailgate Party Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
February 9-13 Winter Farm Show 9 am to 4 pm Watertown SD 605-886-5814
February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115
March 5 Trade Show 9 am to 3 pm Custer SD 605-673-2244
March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9 am to 3 pm MST Philip SD 605-859-2635 605-859-2280 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219
Teensrsquo Big Ideas Take Shape Young Entrepreneurs Plan for Success
By Brenda Kle in jan
Teens armed with business plans and dreams
descended on Aberdeen in early December to showshycase their concepts and compete in the ninth annual BIG Idea Final Competition
The Bent Perspective plan for an Origami intensive store brought top honors to Pierre student Haley Ketteler
Ketteler outlined how her company would provide customers with an all paper experience allowing clients to design paper arrangements for special events take classes to learn Origami purshychase paper creations kits and supplies and order custom creations As part of the experience she had to identify marketing opportunities define her competition and outline management and operashy
tions for the business Eight high school finalists were selected from
the 263 applications submitted from 37 different schools First round judges included 114 volunteers from the region along with 132 college entrepreshyneurship and business students Marketing designs were also submitted by 110 teams which included a logo and ad for their idea Ellen Schlechter of Faulkton High School was recognized for her Calvshying Book App which was the The Marketing Design competition winner
The eight finalists included Ketteler second-place finishers George Bernard and Mark Wesolick of St Thomas More High School in Rapid City SD third-place finisher MaKayla Price of Wessshy
12 January 2016 bull cooPeraTIve connecTIonS
1st Place Wins an iPad + $10002nd Place Wins an iPad + $5003rd Place Wins an iPad4th - 6th Places Win $3007th - 10th Places Win $100Sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the
Governorrsquos Office of Economic DevelopmentScholarship Criteria and Expectations | FlierDEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF A BUSINESS PLAN IS DECEM-
BER 18 2015
Listed above are the criteria necessary to get a high school student started in preparing a written business plan for the competition The South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the Governorrsquos Office of Economic Development have again donated the first place prize ndash an iPad plus $1000 Second place is an iPad plus $500 and third place is an iPad Fourth through sixth place prizes will be cash awards sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation in the amount of $300 each place Seventh through tenth place prizes is $100 each place It is recommended that all the points in the ldquoBusiness Start-Up Planrdquo be addressed Please click on the link above for entry requirements Judging will be based on the following criteria
Completeness of business plan Viability as an ongoing business Realistic financial projectionscash flow plan Conciseness in presentation Creativity and innovation
Judges for the contest include bankers educators and business people across the state First through sixth place plan submitters will be called to Pierre to participate in oral interviews in February and will be asked to remain for the presentation of awards that evening Students may attend with their parents and school advisor The evening event is a reception and banquet attended by 300 of our statersquos legislators constitutional officers bankers and spouses
Writing a business start-up plan helps you decide what is needed in terms of time money and resources to get a business underway The following outline should be helpful in that it ad-dresses many of the issues that should be considered when start-ing a business By thinking over some of the details with your ad-visers parents or friends and getting them down on paper yoursquoll have a good idea of how you want a business to take shape A business plan provides a concrete structure against which you can measure actual performance Yoursquoll also save yourself time and money in the long run If you do decide to create this business you will have a logical plan with which to get started
Contact your schoolrsquos business department or the South Dakota Bankers Association for more information
ington Springs High School Dalton Larson Jared Miller and Tyndall Petterson of West Central High School in Hartford SD Eli Gerry of Madison Central High School Tony Baumann of Redfield High School and two teams from St Thomas More Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks and Olivia Facenda and Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilson and Sophie Wittenberg
The competition encourages students to consider new ideas and opshyportunities for creating a business in their own region
ldquoWersquore trying to get them to start thinking about starting a business not necessarily starting the business but what it would take to start and run a businessrdquo said event organizer Kelly Weaver regional director with the South Dakota Small Business Development Center in Aberdeen SD
Participants were able to take part in panel discussions with the busishyness owners Weaver saidThe competition is coordinated by the Small Business Development Center and funded by Sanford Health East River Electric Power Cooperative REED Fund Dacotah Bank Student Loan Finance Corporation Aberdeen Development Corporation Northwestern Energy McQuillen Creative Group The Tom and Danielle Aman Founshydation and Midcontinent Communications Scholarships are provided by Northern State University and Presentation College The competition is a result of the input and collaboration of these organizations along with Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Aberdeen Downtown Associashytion Aberdeen Catholic School System ndash Roncalli High School Aberdeen School District ndash Central High School and Dacotah Bank
In addition to the schools listed above students from the following high schools also participated Aberdeen Central High School Bridgewashyter-Emery High School Bowdle High School Canistota High School Canton High School Durpree High School Edmund Central High School Ethan High School Eureka High School Faith High School Groton High School Hitchcock Tulare High School Hoven High School Ipswich High School Iroquois High School Lead-Deadwood High School Leola High School Milbank High School Mitchell High School Montrose High School Northwestern Sioux Valley High School Sioux Fall Christian Swift Home School Vermillion High School Wagshyner High School Warner High School Watertown High School Wilmot High School and Yankton High School A total of 414 students particishypated in a submission
For her winnng plan Ketteler won $1000 while Bernard and Weshysolickrsquos Caveman Custom Iron plan earned $500 for second place and Pricersquos plan for KP Photography received $250 for third place Scholarshyships to both Northern State University and Presentation College were also awarded Schlechter received $500 for her marketing design plan
Go to BIGIdeaSDcom for more information about the competition
BIG Idea Finalists were front row from left Cierra Veldhuizen Maria Wilson Haley Ketteler Jenny Rooks Brianna McGinnis and Sophie Wittenberg Standing from left were Olivia Facenda George Bernard Tony Baumann Mark Wesolick Eli Gerry Tyndall Petter-son Dalton Larson MaKayla Price and Jared Miller Photo by Dawn Sahli Photography
First Place Bent Perspective
Bent Perspective is an Origami intensive store focused on teaching the customers how to make origami artwork It will also offer services such as event decoration custom origami artwork pre-made origami artwork and kits This business will provide the community with a unique and fun activity for all ages It will help eliminate boredom in the community through a relaxing and fulfilling activity that all individuals can enjoy and appreciate
Haley Ketteler Pierre Riggs High School
Second Place caveman custom Iron
Caveman Custom Iron will produce hand-crafted steel goods and distribute these goods to people who want unique pieces of functional art to decorate their home garden or place of business Caveman Custom Iron will also produce tools such as knives or garden tools Potential customers are those who look for pieces of iron work to decorate their home and people looking for quality specialized tools for tasks such as woodworking and gardening
George Bernard and Mark Wesolick St Thomas More High School
Third Place KP Photography
KP Photography provides the talent of photography to the Wessington Springs area community Photographers can take senior pictures wedding pictures engagement pictures family pictures and more It is very convenient for the community by being close and for a low cost
MaKayla Price Wessington Springs High School
Finalists
The Cooler Backpack Company ndash Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks Olivia Facenda St Thomas More High School
The Spink County Outdoorsmen ndash Tony Baumann Redfield High School
All Seasons Lighting ndash Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilshyson Sophie Wittenberg St Thomas More High School
Gerryrsquos Pumpkins amp Produce ndash Eli Gerry Madison Central High School
SoDak Custom Hay Co ndash Dalton Larson Jared Miller Tyndall Petterson West Central High School
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 13
Double Threat The Right Strip Can Protect Devices Cut Energy Bills
There is little if anything you can buy today
that does not have some electronic component Even clothing as wearable electronics are starting to take hold Not to mention a device (httpwww makeymakeycom) that allows you to make a keyboard from bananas So itrsquos time to take a look at making sure your elecshytronics last as long as possible Irsquom not talking about replacement plans or extended warranties Today wersquore talkshying about protecting your products from electrical surges
The first order of business is to deshyfine a surge Herersquos one from Computer By Hope (httpwwwcomputerhopecomTom Tate jargonssurgehtm) on the lsquoNet ldquoAltershynatively known as a line surge a surge is an unexpected increase in voltage in an electrical current that causes damage to electrical equipment For example the standard United States voltage is 120V If an electrical current above this rating was to come through a power outlet for more than three nanoseconds this would be considered a surge anything less is considered a spike A surge is usually created by lightning and can damage unprotected computers and sometimes even protected computersrdquo
Many people think a blink from their electric cooperative or utility providerrsquos system is a surge but these are generally caused by something like a tree contacting a line In such cases the systemrsquos protective devices work causshying an interruption to protect the wires and other components These are not surges but more like turning a light on and off
True surges will enter a home through any numshyber of avenues The most obvious is through the power lines Less obvious is through the telephone lines cablesatellite connections water lines and any other metallic system that connects to your home So to protect against surges you need to take a three-pronged approach
Perhaps the most important thing to do is to be
14 January 2016 bull Cooperative ConneCtions
sure all the grounds in your home are good and that they are bonded together Over the years grounds can deteriorate new services can be added with inadequate grounding and so forth A faulty ground will allow surges into the home rather than bleeding
them off into the earth Get a qualified electrishycian to test and correct your groundshying system
Next protect your electrical service entrance with a surge device The easiest to install are those mounted behind the meter They can also be mounted at the main electric panel When a surge travels down the electric lines these devices will act to ldquoclamprdquo the surge and reduce its power These are sacrificial devices that allow themselves to be destroyed rather than allowing the surge to pass through Noble devices indeed
The third prong is to protect expensive devices at their point of use Computers and entertainment equipshyment are prime examples Remember that surges can enter the home via avenues other than the power lines Computers and entertainment equipshyment are frequently connected to cable and phone lines Those devices need to have protection at the point of use that covers all possible avenues These are generally in the form of a power strip or wall device most of us are familiar with Use a quality product from a manufacturer such as
Monster Belkin Tripp Lite or APC to name a few Look for one with a joule rating of at least 1000 a connected equipment warranty and compatibility with digital signals from cable and satellite While you are at it look for a ldquosmartrdquo strip that turns off all but one connected device when not in use
Save money on your electric bill while protecting your equipment Itrsquos a definite win-win
Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the Nationshyal Rural Electric Cooperative Association the Arlingshyton Va-based service arm of the nationrsquos 900-plus consumer-owned not-for-profit electric cooperatives
ADVANCED POWER STRIPS Which one is right for me
I want to stop WASTING ENERGY in myhellip
I always turn off my electronics when done
Why donrsquot I turn them off
Do I put it to sleep or shut
down
Do I want manual or automated power control
Does it stay docked or is it frequently moved
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER HOME OFFICE
NO YES
Is the computer a laptop or tablet
NO YES
I fall asleep I forget Irsquoll do it Automatic Sleep Shut down Always Moved often myself docked
T i Activ ity Monitor Power Strip
itch
COST
FEATURES
POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
mer p
Remote Swp
Master-Control led Power Strip
Masterless Power Strip
Power strip automatically
pre-set schedule
Power strip looks for signs of activity in the room and
detected
Power strip can be turned
switch
When a primary device (such as a computer or TV)
power strip automatically
outlets where the peripheral devices (such as the printer or game console) are plugged in
When all of the controlled
power to those outlets completely eliminating all of the vampire loads
You have to set up the timer and stick to your schedule for maximum energy savings
Motion sensors dont always work perfectly
To save any energy you have to remember to turn
time
It can be tricky to select which appliance should be your master device
powered appliance could
strip
Digital or dial timer Motion sensor or an infrared eye that detects remote control use around the TV or stereo
A tethered switch or a remote switch
One outlet is labeled as the master
No master outlet Description may include automatic switching or power detection
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden CO 80401 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wastepaper including 10 post consumer waste
NRELPO-5500-60461 bull October 2013 303-275-3000 bull wwwnrelgov Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC
Cooperative ConneCtions bull January 2016 15
Power Stri Power Stri
regional Dateline November 20-January 10
Winter Wonderland Falls Park Sioux Falls SD 605-275-6060
November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 am to 10 pm Pierre SD 605-773-3178
December 5-26 Deck Your Halls Holiday Art Show and Sale 10 am to 5 pm Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season Lead SD 605-584-3896
December 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015 5 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
December 20 Christmas Caroling at The Abbey 2 to 4 pm Marvin SD 605-398-9200
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Yearrsquos Eve Dance Ramkota Convention Center Aberdeen SD 605-229-1072 httpsouthdakotawish orgnews-and-eventscalen-dar-of-eventsevents-time-fold-ernew-years-eve-aberdeen
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am to 11 pm Mobridge SD 605-845-2500
Events of Special Note January 5-7
Dakota Farm Show Dakota Dome Vermillion SD 507-437-7969
February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show Convention Center Sioux Falls SD 605-231-3100 wwwwinterfestofwheelscom
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
Photo by miKe KjoSe Clay-union eleCtRiC CoRPoRation
Please call ahead to confirm date time and location of event
January 10 17 24 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 am to 315 pm CST Mission SD 605-259-3252 ext 3
January 16 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer SD 605-440-1405
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 1245 to 830 pm Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 1-800-468-6463
January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 29-30 35th Annual Farm Home and Sport Show Armory Webster SD 605-345-4468 wwwwebstersdcom
January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show amp Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-355-3861
January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert Eureka SD jalvarezmmgyglobalcom
February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown SD 605-886-7335
February 7 South Dakotarsquos Largest Tailgate Party Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
February 9-13 Winter Farm Show 9 am to 4 pm Watertown SD 605-886-5814
February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115
March 5 Trade Show 9 am to 3 pm Custer SD 605-673-2244
March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9 am to 3 pm MST Philip SD 605-859-2635 605-859-2280 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219
1st Place Wins an iPad + $10002nd Place Wins an iPad + $5003rd Place Wins an iPad4th - 6th Places Win $3007th - 10th Places Win $100Sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the
Governorrsquos Office of Economic DevelopmentScholarship Criteria and Expectations | FlierDEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF A BUSINESS PLAN IS DECEM-
BER 18 2015
Listed above are the criteria necessary to get a high school student started in preparing a written business plan for the competition The South Dakota Bankers Foundation and the Governorrsquos Office of Economic Development have again donated the first place prize ndash an iPad plus $1000 Second place is an iPad plus $500 and third place is an iPad Fourth through sixth place prizes will be cash awards sponsored by the South Dakota Bankers Foundation in the amount of $300 each place Seventh through tenth place prizes is $100 each place It is recommended that all the points in the ldquoBusiness Start-Up Planrdquo be addressed Please click on the link above for entry requirements Judging will be based on the following criteria
Completeness of business plan Viability as an ongoing business Realistic financial projectionscash flow plan Conciseness in presentation Creativity and innovation
Judges for the contest include bankers educators and business people across the state First through sixth place plan submitters will be called to Pierre to participate in oral interviews in February and will be asked to remain for the presentation of awards that evening Students may attend with their parents and school advisor The evening event is a reception and banquet attended by 300 of our statersquos legislators constitutional officers bankers and spouses
Writing a business start-up plan helps you decide what is needed in terms of time money and resources to get a business underway The following outline should be helpful in that it ad-dresses many of the issues that should be considered when start-ing a business By thinking over some of the details with your ad-visers parents or friends and getting them down on paper yoursquoll have a good idea of how you want a business to take shape A business plan provides a concrete structure against which you can measure actual performance Yoursquoll also save yourself time and money in the long run If you do decide to create this business you will have a logical plan with which to get started
Contact your schoolrsquos business department or the South Dakota Bankers Association for more information
ington Springs High School Dalton Larson Jared Miller and Tyndall Petterson of West Central High School in Hartford SD Eli Gerry of Madison Central High School Tony Baumann of Redfield High School and two teams from St Thomas More Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks and Olivia Facenda and Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilson and Sophie Wittenberg
The competition encourages students to consider new ideas and opshyportunities for creating a business in their own region
ldquoWersquore trying to get them to start thinking about starting a business not necessarily starting the business but what it would take to start and run a businessrdquo said event organizer Kelly Weaver regional director with the South Dakota Small Business Development Center in Aberdeen SD
Participants were able to take part in panel discussions with the busishyness owners Weaver saidThe competition is coordinated by the Small Business Development Center and funded by Sanford Health East River Electric Power Cooperative REED Fund Dacotah Bank Student Loan Finance Corporation Aberdeen Development Corporation Northwestern Energy McQuillen Creative Group The Tom and Danielle Aman Founshydation and Midcontinent Communications Scholarships are provided by Northern State University and Presentation College The competition is a result of the input and collaboration of these organizations along with Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Aberdeen Downtown Associashytion Aberdeen Catholic School System ndash Roncalli High School Aberdeen School District ndash Central High School and Dacotah Bank
In addition to the schools listed above students from the following high schools also participated Aberdeen Central High School Bridgewashyter-Emery High School Bowdle High School Canistota High School Canton High School Durpree High School Edmund Central High School Ethan High School Eureka High School Faith High School Groton High School Hitchcock Tulare High School Hoven High School Ipswich High School Iroquois High School Lead-Deadwood High School Leola High School Milbank High School Mitchell High School Montrose High School Northwestern Sioux Valley High School Sioux Fall Christian Swift Home School Vermillion High School Wagshyner High School Warner High School Watertown High School Wilmot High School and Yankton High School A total of 414 students particishypated in a submission
For her winnng plan Ketteler won $1000 while Bernard and Weshysolickrsquos Caveman Custom Iron plan earned $500 for second place and Pricersquos plan for KP Photography received $250 for third place Scholarshyships to both Northern State University and Presentation College were also awarded Schlechter received $500 for her marketing design plan
Go to BIGIdeaSDcom for more information about the competition
BIG Idea Finalists were front row from left Cierra Veldhuizen Maria Wilson Haley Ketteler Jenny Rooks Brianna McGinnis and Sophie Wittenberg Standing from left were Olivia Facenda George Bernard Tony Baumann Mark Wesolick Eli Gerry Tyndall Petter-son Dalton Larson MaKayla Price and Jared Miller Photo by Dawn Sahli Photography
First Place Bent Perspective
Bent Perspective is an Origami intensive store focused on teaching the customers how to make origami artwork It will also offer services such as event decoration custom origami artwork pre-made origami artwork and kits This business will provide the community with a unique and fun activity for all ages It will help eliminate boredom in the community through a relaxing and fulfilling activity that all individuals can enjoy and appreciate
Haley Ketteler Pierre Riggs High School
Second Place caveman custom Iron
Caveman Custom Iron will produce hand-crafted steel goods and distribute these goods to people who want unique pieces of functional art to decorate their home garden or place of business Caveman Custom Iron will also produce tools such as knives or garden tools Potential customers are those who look for pieces of iron work to decorate their home and people looking for quality specialized tools for tasks such as woodworking and gardening
George Bernard and Mark Wesolick St Thomas More High School
Third Place KP Photography
KP Photography provides the talent of photography to the Wessington Springs area community Photographers can take senior pictures wedding pictures engagement pictures family pictures and more It is very convenient for the community by being close and for a low cost
MaKayla Price Wessington Springs High School
Finalists
The Cooler Backpack Company ndash Cierra Veldhuizen Jenny Rooks Olivia Facenda St Thomas More High School
The Spink County Outdoorsmen ndash Tony Baumann Redfield High School
All Seasons Lighting ndash Brianna McGinnis Maria Wilshyson Sophie Wittenberg St Thomas More High School
Gerryrsquos Pumpkins amp Produce ndash Eli Gerry Madison Central High School
SoDak Custom Hay Co ndash Dalton Larson Jared Miller Tyndall Petterson West Central High School
cooPeraTIve connecTIonS bull January 2016 13
Double Threat The Right Strip Can Protect Devices Cut Energy Bills
There is little if anything you can buy today
that does not have some electronic component Even clothing as wearable electronics are starting to take hold Not to mention a device (httpwww makeymakeycom) that allows you to make a keyboard from bananas So itrsquos time to take a look at making sure your elecshytronics last as long as possible Irsquom not talking about replacement plans or extended warranties Today wersquore talkshying about protecting your products from electrical surges
The first order of business is to deshyfine a surge Herersquos one from Computer By Hope (httpwwwcomputerhopecomTom Tate jargonssurgehtm) on the lsquoNet ldquoAltershynatively known as a line surge a surge is an unexpected increase in voltage in an electrical current that causes damage to electrical equipment For example the standard United States voltage is 120V If an electrical current above this rating was to come through a power outlet for more than three nanoseconds this would be considered a surge anything less is considered a spike A surge is usually created by lightning and can damage unprotected computers and sometimes even protected computersrdquo
Many people think a blink from their electric cooperative or utility providerrsquos system is a surge but these are generally caused by something like a tree contacting a line In such cases the systemrsquos protective devices work causshying an interruption to protect the wires and other components These are not surges but more like turning a light on and off
True surges will enter a home through any numshyber of avenues The most obvious is through the power lines Less obvious is through the telephone lines cablesatellite connections water lines and any other metallic system that connects to your home So to protect against surges you need to take a three-pronged approach
Perhaps the most important thing to do is to be
14 January 2016 bull Cooperative ConneCtions
sure all the grounds in your home are good and that they are bonded together Over the years grounds can deteriorate new services can be added with inadequate grounding and so forth A faulty ground will allow surges into the home rather than bleeding
them off into the earth Get a qualified electrishycian to test and correct your groundshying system
Next protect your electrical service entrance with a surge device The easiest to install are those mounted behind the meter They can also be mounted at the main electric panel When a surge travels down the electric lines these devices will act to ldquoclamprdquo the surge and reduce its power These are sacrificial devices that allow themselves to be destroyed rather than allowing the surge to pass through Noble devices indeed
The third prong is to protect expensive devices at their point of use Computers and entertainment equipshyment are prime examples Remember that surges can enter the home via avenues other than the power lines Computers and entertainment equipshyment are frequently connected to cable and phone lines Those devices need to have protection at the point of use that covers all possible avenues These are generally in the form of a power strip or wall device most of us are familiar with Use a quality product from a manufacturer such as
Monster Belkin Tripp Lite or APC to name a few Look for one with a joule rating of at least 1000 a connected equipment warranty and compatibility with digital signals from cable and satellite While you are at it look for a ldquosmartrdquo strip that turns off all but one connected device when not in use
Save money on your electric bill while protecting your equipment Itrsquos a definite win-win
Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the Nationshyal Rural Electric Cooperative Association the Arlingshyton Va-based service arm of the nationrsquos 900-plus consumer-owned not-for-profit electric cooperatives
ADVANCED POWER STRIPS Which one is right for me
I want to stop WASTING ENERGY in myhellip
I always turn off my electronics when done
Why donrsquot I turn them off
Do I put it to sleep or shut
down
Do I want manual or automated power control
Does it stay docked or is it frequently moved
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER HOME OFFICE
NO YES
Is the computer a laptop or tablet
NO YES
I fall asleep I forget Irsquoll do it Automatic Sleep Shut down Always Moved often myself docked
T i Activ ity Monitor Power Strip
itch
COST
FEATURES
POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
mer p
Remote Swp
Master-Control led Power Strip
Masterless Power Strip
Power strip automatically
pre-set schedule
Power strip looks for signs of activity in the room and
detected
Power strip can be turned
switch
When a primary device (such as a computer or TV)
power strip automatically
outlets where the peripheral devices (such as the printer or game console) are plugged in
When all of the controlled
power to those outlets completely eliminating all of the vampire loads
You have to set up the timer and stick to your schedule for maximum energy savings
Motion sensors dont always work perfectly
To save any energy you have to remember to turn
time
It can be tricky to select which appliance should be your master device
powered appliance could
strip
Digital or dial timer Motion sensor or an infrared eye that detects remote control use around the TV or stereo
A tethered switch or a remote switch
One outlet is labeled as the master
No master outlet Description may include automatic switching or power detection
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden CO 80401 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wastepaper including 10 post consumer waste
NRELPO-5500-60461 bull October 2013 303-275-3000 bull wwwnrelgov Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC
Cooperative ConneCtions bull January 2016 15
Power Stri Power Stri
regional Dateline November 20-January 10
Winter Wonderland Falls Park Sioux Falls SD 605-275-6060
November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 am to 10 pm Pierre SD 605-773-3178
December 5-26 Deck Your Halls Holiday Art Show and Sale 10 am to 5 pm Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season Lead SD 605-584-3896
December 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015 5 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
December 20 Christmas Caroling at The Abbey 2 to 4 pm Marvin SD 605-398-9200
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Yearrsquos Eve Dance Ramkota Convention Center Aberdeen SD 605-229-1072 httpsouthdakotawish orgnews-and-eventscalen-dar-of-eventsevents-time-fold-ernew-years-eve-aberdeen
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am to 11 pm Mobridge SD 605-845-2500
Events of Special Note January 5-7
Dakota Farm Show Dakota Dome Vermillion SD 507-437-7969
February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show Convention Center Sioux Falls SD 605-231-3100 wwwwinterfestofwheelscom
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
Photo by miKe KjoSe Clay-union eleCtRiC CoRPoRation
Please call ahead to confirm date time and location of event
January 10 17 24 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 am to 315 pm CST Mission SD 605-259-3252 ext 3
January 16 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer SD 605-440-1405
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 1245 to 830 pm Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 1-800-468-6463
January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 29-30 35th Annual Farm Home and Sport Show Armory Webster SD 605-345-4468 wwwwebstersdcom
January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show amp Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-355-3861
January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert Eureka SD jalvarezmmgyglobalcom
February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown SD 605-886-7335
February 7 South Dakotarsquos Largest Tailgate Party Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
February 9-13 Winter Farm Show 9 am to 4 pm Watertown SD 605-886-5814
February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115
March 5 Trade Show 9 am to 3 pm Custer SD 605-673-2244
March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9 am to 3 pm MST Philip SD 605-859-2635 605-859-2280 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219
Double Threat The Right Strip Can Protect Devices Cut Energy Bills
There is little if anything you can buy today
that does not have some electronic component Even clothing as wearable electronics are starting to take hold Not to mention a device (httpwww makeymakeycom) that allows you to make a keyboard from bananas So itrsquos time to take a look at making sure your elecshytronics last as long as possible Irsquom not talking about replacement plans or extended warranties Today wersquore talkshying about protecting your products from electrical surges
The first order of business is to deshyfine a surge Herersquos one from Computer By Hope (httpwwwcomputerhopecomTom Tate jargonssurgehtm) on the lsquoNet ldquoAltershynatively known as a line surge a surge is an unexpected increase in voltage in an electrical current that causes damage to electrical equipment For example the standard United States voltage is 120V If an electrical current above this rating was to come through a power outlet for more than three nanoseconds this would be considered a surge anything less is considered a spike A surge is usually created by lightning and can damage unprotected computers and sometimes even protected computersrdquo
Many people think a blink from their electric cooperative or utility providerrsquos system is a surge but these are generally caused by something like a tree contacting a line In such cases the systemrsquos protective devices work causshying an interruption to protect the wires and other components These are not surges but more like turning a light on and off
True surges will enter a home through any numshyber of avenues The most obvious is through the power lines Less obvious is through the telephone lines cablesatellite connections water lines and any other metallic system that connects to your home So to protect against surges you need to take a three-pronged approach
Perhaps the most important thing to do is to be
14 January 2016 bull Cooperative ConneCtions
sure all the grounds in your home are good and that they are bonded together Over the years grounds can deteriorate new services can be added with inadequate grounding and so forth A faulty ground will allow surges into the home rather than bleeding
them off into the earth Get a qualified electrishycian to test and correct your groundshying system
Next protect your electrical service entrance with a surge device The easiest to install are those mounted behind the meter They can also be mounted at the main electric panel When a surge travels down the electric lines these devices will act to ldquoclamprdquo the surge and reduce its power These are sacrificial devices that allow themselves to be destroyed rather than allowing the surge to pass through Noble devices indeed
The third prong is to protect expensive devices at their point of use Computers and entertainment equipshyment are prime examples Remember that surges can enter the home via avenues other than the power lines Computers and entertainment equipshyment are frequently connected to cable and phone lines Those devices need to have protection at the point of use that covers all possible avenues These are generally in the form of a power strip or wall device most of us are familiar with Use a quality product from a manufacturer such as
Monster Belkin Tripp Lite or APC to name a few Look for one with a joule rating of at least 1000 a connected equipment warranty and compatibility with digital signals from cable and satellite While you are at it look for a ldquosmartrdquo strip that turns off all but one connected device when not in use
Save money on your electric bill while protecting your equipment Itrsquos a definite win-win
Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the Nationshyal Rural Electric Cooperative Association the Arlingshyton Va-based service arm of the nationrsquos 900-plus consumer-owned not-for-profit electric cooperatives
ADVANCED POWER STRIPS Which one is right for me
I want to stop WASTING ENERGY in myhellip
I always turn off my electronics when done
Why donrsquot I turn them off
Do I put it to sleep or shut
down
Do I want manual or automated power control
Does it stay docked or is it frequently moved
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER HOME OFFICE
NO YES
Is the computer a laptop or tablet
NO YES
I fall asleep I forget Irsquoll do it Automatic Sleep Shut down Always Moved often myself docked
T i Activ ity Monitor Power Strip
itch
COST
FEATURES
POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
mer p
Remote Swp
Master-Control led Power Strip
Masterless Power Strip
Power strip automatically
pre-set schedule
Power strip looks for signs of activity in the room and
detected
Power strip can be turned
switch
When a primary device (such as a computer or TV)
power strip automatically
outlets where the peripheral devices (such as the printer or game console) are plugged in
When all of the controlled
power to those outlets completely eliminating all of the vampire loads
You have to set up the timer and stick to your schedule for maximum energy savings
Motion sensors dont always work perfectly
To save any energy you have to remember to turn
time
It can be tricky to select which appliance should be your master device
powered appliance could
strip
Digital or dial timer Motion sensor or an infrared eye that detects remote control use around the TV or stereo
A tethered switch or a remote switch
One outlet is labeled as the master
No master outlet Description may include automatic switching or power detection
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden CO 80401 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wastepaper including 10 post consumer waste
NRELPO-5500-60461 bull October 2013 303-275-3000 bull wwwnrelgov Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC
Cooperative ConneCtions bull January 2016 15
Power Stri Power Stri
regional Dateline November 20-January 10
Winter Wonderland Falls Park Sioux Falls SD 605-275-6060
November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 am to 10 pm Pierre SD 605-773-3178
December 5-26 Deck Your Halls Holiday Art Show and Sale 10 am to 5 pm Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season Lead SD 605-584-3896
December 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015 5 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
December 20 Christmas Caroling at The Abbey 2 to 4 pm Marvin SD 605-398-9200
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Yearrsquos Eve Dance Ramkota Convention Center Aberdeen SD 605-229-1072 httpsouthdakotawish orgnews-and-eventscalen-dar-of-eventsevents-time-fold-ernew-years-eve-aberdeen
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am to 11 pm Mobridge SD 605-845-2500
Events of Special Note January 5-7
Dakota Farm Show Dakota Dome Vermillion SD 507-437-7969
February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show Convention Center Sioux Falls SD 605-231-3100 wwwwinterfestofwheelscom
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
Photo by miKe KjoSe Clay-union eleCtRiC CoRPoRation
Please call ahead to confirm date time and location of event
January 10 17 24 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 am to 315 pm CST Mission SD 605-259-3252 ext 3
January 16 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer SD 605-440-1405
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 1245 to 830 pm Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 1-800-468-6463
January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 29-30 35th Annual Farm Home and Sport Show Armory Webster SD 605-345-4468 wwwwebstersdcom
January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show amp Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-355-3861
January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert Eureka SD jalvarezmmgyglobalcom
February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown SD 605-886-7335
February 7 South Dakotarsquos Largest Tailgate Party Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
February 9-13 Winter Farm Show 9 am to 4 pm Watertown SD 605-886-5814
February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115
March 5 Trade Show 9 am to 3 pm Custer SD 605-673-2244
March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9 am to 3 pm MST Philip SD 605-859-2635 605-859-2280 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219
ADVANCED POWER STRIPS Which one is right for me
I want to stop WASTING ENERGY in myhellip
I always turn off my electronics when done
Why donrsquot I turn them off
Do I put it to sleep or shut
down
Do I want manual or automated power control
Does it stay docked or is it frequently moved
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER HOME OFFICE
NO YES
Is the computer a laptop or tablet
NO YES
I fall asleep I forget Irsquoll do it Automatic Sleep Shut down Always Moved often myself docked
T i Activ ity Monitor Power Strip
itch
COST
FEATURES
POSSIBLE DRAWBACKS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
mer p
Remote Swp
Master-Control led Power Strip
Masterless Power Strip
Power strip automatically
pre-set schedule
Power strip looks for signs of activity in the room and
detected
Power strip can be turned
switch
When a primary device (such as a computer or TV)
power strip automatically
outlets where the peripheral devices (such as the printer or game console) are plugged in
When all of the controlled
power to those outlets completely eliminating all of the vampire loads
You have to set up the timer and stick to your schedule for maximum energy savings
Motion sensors dont always work perfectly
To save any energy you have to remember to turn
time
It can be tricky to select which appliance should be your master device
powered appliance could
strip
Digital or dial timer Motion sensor or an infrared eye that detects remote control use around the TV or stereo
A tethered switch or a remote switch
One outlet is labeled as the master
No master outlet Description may include automatic switching or power detection
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden CO 80401 Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy wastepaper including 10 post consumer waste
NRELPO-5500-60461 bull October 2013 303-275-3000 bull wwwnrelgov Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC
Cooperative ConneCtions bull January 2016 15
Power Stri Power Stri
regional Dateline November 20-January 10
Winter Wonderland Falls Park Sioux Falls SD 605-275-6060
November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 am to 10 pm Pierre SD 605-773-3178
December 5-26 Deck Your Halls Holiday Art Show and Sale 10 am to 5 pm Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season Lead SD 605-584-3896
December 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015 5 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
December 20 Christmas Caroling at The Abbey 2 to 4 pm Marvin SD 605-398-9200
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Yearrsquos Eve Dance Ramkota Convention Center Aberdeen SD 605-229-1072 httpsouthdakotawish orgnews-and-eventscalen-dar-of-eventsevents-time-fold-ernew-years-eve-aberdeen
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am to 11 pm Mobridge SD 605-845-2500
Events of Special Note January 5-7
Dakota Farm Show Dakota Dome Vermillion SD 507-437-7969
February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show Convention Center Sioux Falls SD 605-231-3100 wwwwinterfestofwheelscom
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
Photo by miKe KjoSe Clay-union eleCtRiC CoRPoRation
Please call ahead to confirm date time and location of event
January 10 17 24 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 am to 315 pm CST Mission SD 605-259-3252 ext 3
January 16 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer SD 605-440-1405
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 1245 to 830 pm Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 1-800-468-6463
January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 29-30 35th Annual Farm Home and Sport Show Armory Webster SD 605-345-4468 wwwwebstersdcom
January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show amp Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-355-3861
January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert Eureka SD jalvarezmmgyglobalcom
February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown SD 605-886-7335
February 7 South Dakotarsquos Largest Tailgate Party Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
February 9-13 Winter Farm Show 9 am to 4 pm Watertown SD 605-886-5814
February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115
March 5 Trade Show 9 am to 3 pm Custer SD 605-673-2244
March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9 am to 3 pm MST Philip SD 605-859-2635 605-859-2280 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219
regional Dateline November 20-January 10
Winter Wonderland Falls Park Sioux Falls SD 605-275-6060
November 24-December 26 Christmas at the Capitol 8 am to 10 pm Pierre SD 605-773-3178
December 5-26 Deck Your Halls Holiday Art Show and Sale 10 am to 5 pm Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
December 15-March 31 South Dakota snowmobile trails season Lead SD 605-584-3896
December 17-19 Strawbale Winery Twilight Flights 2015 5 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
December 20 Christmas Caroling at The Abbey 2 to 4 pm Marvin SD 605-398-9200
December 31 Make-A-Wish New Yearrsquos Eve Dance Ramkota Convention Center Aberdeen SD 605-229-1072 httpsouthdakotawish orgnews-and-eventscalen-dar-of-eventsevents-time-fold-ernew-years-eve-aberdeen
January 7-9 15th Annual Ice Fishing Tournament 10 am to 11 pm Mobridge SD 605-845-2500
Events of Special Note January 5-7
Dakota Farm Show Dakota Dome Vermillion SD 507-437-7969
February 5-7 Winterfest of Wheels Indoor Car Show Convention Center Sioux Falls SD 605-231-3100 wwwwinterfestofwheelscom
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
Photo by miKe KjoSe Clay-union eleCtRiC CoRPoRation
Please call ahead to confirm date time and location of event
January 10 17 24 31 Foreign Film Festival Spearfish SD 605-642-7973
January 12 37th Annual Ranchers Workshop Antelope Multi-purpose Building 9 am to 315 pm CST Mission SD 605-259-3252 ext 3
January 16 Bark Beetle Blues Crawl Custer SD 605-440-1405
January 21-24 Snowmobile Rally Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 22-23 ISOC SnoCross Shootout 1245 to 830 pm Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 23-24 Broadway Play Series Dirty Dancing Fine Arts Theatre Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 1-800-468-6463
January 29-30 Mardi Gras Weekend Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
January 29-30 35th Annual Farm Home and Sport Show Armory Webster SD 605-345-4468 wwwwebstersdcom
January 29-February 7 Black Hills Stock Show amp Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-355-3861
January 31 Eureka Hymns Annual Concert Eureka SD jalvarezmmgyglobalcom
February 5-6 Living History Fair Watertown SD 605-886-7335
February 7 South Dakotarsquos Largest Tailgate Party Deadwood SD 605-578-1876
February 9-13 Winter Farm Show 9 am to 4 pm Watertown SD 605-886-5814
February 12 Strawbale Winery Valentine Twilight Flights 2016 6 to 10 pm Renner SD 605-543-5071
February 24-28 SD State Dart Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115
March 5 Trade Show 9 am to 3 pm Custer SD 605-673-2244
March 12-13 2016 Gun Show American Legion Hall Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9 am to 3 pm MST Philip SD 605-859-2635 605-859-2280 605-859-2892 or 605-859-2219