Board of TrusteesMax LowreyPresident

Charles RiggsVice President

John SchonSecretary-Treasurer

Gene BeardTrustee

Edmond GardinerTrustee

Ronald Je� riesTrustee

Keith LeddyTrustee

Je� SwansonTrustee

John WhittingtonTrusteeStaff Cletas RainsGeneral Manager/CEO

Richard MitchellManager of Operations

Coni AdamsManager of Administration/HR

Claire HiegerDirector of Member Services

Sumner-Cowley Electric Co-op, Inc.

News from the

Wheat Capital

P.O. Box 220, Wellington, KS 67152888-326-3356

www.sucoop.com

S U M N E R- CO W L E YE L E C T R I C CO O P E R AT I V E

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Board of Directors Vacancies & VotingThis year, the election of candidates for the Board of Directors will be held for Districts 4, 5 and 6. Only members living in these districts will be eligible to cast ballots for the candidates representing the specifi c district.

Members who wish to run for a position on the Board of Direc-tors must provide a petition signed by no less than fi ve members in the candidate’s district. The candidate must also submit a brief paragraph stating their intent to run and a brief biography. The petition, statement and biography must be presented to Cletas Rains, CEO, by the close of business on January 31, 2014.

Prior to the 2014 annual meeting, Sumner-Cowley Electric will send out ballots to eligible members within the

district holding elections. The voting process will be conduct-ed entirely by mail prior to the annual meeting. Proxy votes will no longer be allowed nor will nominations from the fl oor.

A date has not yet been con-fi rmed for the 2014 annual meeting. Members will be made aware of the annual meeting date through our website, social media and Kansas Country Living.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call our offi ce at 620-326-3356. We will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

Director Terms Expiring in 2014 DISTRICT 4Edmond Gardiner DISTRICT 5Gene Beard DISTRICT 6Charles Riggs

Sign Up for Member Advisory CommitteeDo you have comments, suggestions or questions for your co-op? Make your opinion known by par-ticipating in the Member Advisory Committee. The committee will meet quarterly to discuss a variety of topics such as rate structure, vot-ing procedures and other coopera-tive issues. Cooperative offi cials will listen to the discussion and use the committee’s feedback to better Sumner-Cowley Electric.

Being a committee member

provides an excellent opportunity for you to voice your opinions about the cooperative. The com-mittee will be one of the best ways for members to implement change in their cooperative.

If you are interested in partici-pating or would like more informa-tion, please contact our offi ce at 620-326-3356 or visit our website at sucocoop.com.

NOVEMBER 2013 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING 16-A

Every year, Sumner-Cowley Electric awards two students with a trip of a lifetime–to the Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., or the Coop-erative Youth Leadership Camp in Steamboat Springs, CO. These trips off er students the opportunity to travel, meet new people, improve their resume and so much more.

We had the good fortune to speak with Joni (Everhart) Hopkins, former Youth Tour attendee, about the impact the Youth Tour had on her future. If you are considering applying for the 2014 Youth Tour or Coopera-tive Youth Leadership Camp, read how Youth Tour changed Joni’s life.

QWhat year did you participate in Youth Tour?

AIt was either 1984 or 1985. I know I was traveling with the rural elec-

tric in 1985, but can’t remember the two-years that I served. I think it was 1984 to 1986.

QWhat have you been doing since Youth Tour and what are you

doing now?

AI graduated from Kansas State University in Manhattan with a

degree in Journalism. I also have a MBA from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina.

Now, I manage a sales division for the Federal Reserve System. My team works with fi nancial institutions coast-to-coast and in all US territo-ries to help supply payment services to the public through their fi nancial institution. It is an honor to be part of an organization where you know your work is helping to provide and maintain an eff ective and effi cient payment system.

Do you have a son or daughter who is in the graduating class of 2014? If so, he or she has the opportunity to apply for scholar-ships that are annually awarded at our Annual Meeting. Applying for these scholarships is easy and worthwhile.Applications are available at the

offi ce; they can also be mailed or e-mailed. For more informa-tion and to obtain an applica-tion, contact Claire Hieger at 888-326-3356.Submit the application, copy

of transcript and one letter of recommendation (written by a non-related person) to our offi ce no later than JANUARY 31, 2014.

The applications will be reviewed and winners will be an-nounced at our spring 2014 Annual Meeting. Your child must be pres-ent to win.

Sumner-Cowley Electric Off ers Scholarships to Seniors

ATTENTIONHigh School Seniors Apply NOW for the Sumner-Cowley Electric Scholarship Application

Deadline January 31, 2014

Hopkins Recalls Youth Tour Experience After 28 Years

Hopkins (standing, back right) collaborates with other Youth Tour attendees during their annual meeting and planning session in Washington, D.C.

Joni (Everhart) Hopkins presents at a district conference in Wyo-ming as a Youth Leadership Council representative.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING NOVEMBER 201316-B

N E W S F RO M T H E W H E AT C A P I TA L F RO M S U M N E R- CO W L E Y E L E C T R I C CO O P E R AT I V E

Q What is your favorite memory of Youth Tour?

AI loved seeing Washington, D.C., for the first time and meeting

other very involved students from across the United States.

I still remember that the original purpose of the tour was started from a comment by Lyndon Johnson when he said the rural electric cooperatives should take youth to DC to learn about the flag and what it represents.

I loved experiencing the city and all it represents. I remember going to a ceremony on the White House lawn, meeting my representatives and senators, attending ceremonies at monuments and learning about the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. I was in awe of every-thing I saw and experienced on that trip. I travel to D.C. for work and every time I land in the city I think back to the trips I took there as a youth.

Q Do you still keep in touch with anyone you met on Youth Tour?

AI do stay in contact with a few members of the youth tour. I

only wish I would have had the social networks available to youth today when I was on the tour.

The summer after we went on the trip, I invited the entire Kansas delegation to my home in Welling-ton and we had fun catching up but most of us have lost touch as we went to different colleges, married and moved around.

QWhat was the most influential part of Youth Tour?

AWhen I was on the tour, I was elected to the National Rural

Electric Youth Leadership Council (YLC). That position allowed me to represent the state of Kansas at district, state, regional and national events. Those experiences were life changing for me. I was exposed to new environments, new people and new experiences. This girl from a small town with limited travel expe-rience was traveling to various states to give speeches and learn from great mentors.

QDid participating in Youth Tour impact your future?

AThe youth tour exposed me to governmental organizations and

service oriented jobs. From that point on, I wanted to work for an organi-zation with a purpose to serve our

country. The Federal Reserve System was created by Con-gress in 1913, and through our mission we strive to keep the national economy strong and the world econ-omy stable. Although my department may only have a small impact on the overall mission, I like working for an organization that serves others with integrity.

During my time on the YLC, I gave speeches about how cooperatives played a very important role in the nation’s economy and were

Local Event Calendar

ANTHONYNOV 2–41st Annual Sunflower Arts & Crafts Show: Join the fun from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Anthony Municipal Hall.NOV 29–Christmas Parade & Santa Comes to Town: Bring the kids to Memorial Park to meet Santa! Lineup begins at 5 p.m.OXFORDNOV 29 & 30–Annual Christmas in the Country: Enjoy small town tradition while shopping, dining and touring Oxford. There are numerous vendors, free surrey rides, Christmas music and home tours in a Christmas atmosphere.WINFIELDNOV 2–William Newton Hospital Annual Auxiliary Bazaar: A variety of homemade items including baked goods, candies, jellies and crafts will be for sale. Join the fun from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Physicians Pavilion.NOV 17-DEC 30–Winfield Isle of Lights: Enjoy the mile long drive-through holiday extravaganza! The displays are lit by thousands of twinkling lights and feature beloved settings. Located at Island Park from 6 to 10 p.m.NOV 24–Winfield’s BEST Holiday Open House: The Chamber’s BEST retail committee is getting ready to kick-off the annual Holiday Goodie Giveaway event with the Holiday Open House. Many of the participating businesses will have specials and treats for shoppers from 1 to 4 p.m.

Hopkins Recalls Youth Tour Experience After 28 Years

Hopkins (lower left) with the Youth Leadership Coun-cil at the NRECA Annual Meeting in Las Vegas.

Happy Thanksgiving! Sumner-Cowley wishes our members a Happy Thanksgiving. Our offices will be closed November 28-29 in observance of the holiday.

Veteran’s Day is Nov. 11Sumner-Cowley thanks all veterans for their service.

Continued on page 16-D

NOVEMBER 2013 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING 16-C

important to lo-cal communities that they served. Those themes I talked about over 25 years ago laid a foundation for me and guided me in my career choices.

QWhat advice

would you give to students who are considering applying to be a Youth Tour attendee?

A I would tell them to listen and learn throughout the entire

process. The application and inter-view process were well managed, and I learned how to articulate my thoughts and views in an interview process. This helped me down the road when I applied for college schol-arships and jobs.

If you are fortunate to get cho-sen for the tour, take in every experi-ence and talk to everyone involved. The leaders and the speakers will broaden your knowledge base and will challenge you to think beyond the city limits of your hometown. And most of all have fun! Enjoy the dances, the late night chats with your roommates, the meal time fun with other Youth Tour participants and the silly games you make up while waiting in line at the White House.

Dustin Greenough Q: Where are you from?A: Abilene, KSQ: How long have you been a lineman?A: I’ve been a lineman for eight years.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a lineman?A: I like the diversity of the jobs we do.Q: What is your favorite band or artist?

A: The Red Dirt artist, Stoney LaRue.Q: What is your favorite football team?A: Kansas State Wildcats!Q: What is your ideal night out for fun?A: A night out at your local watering hole.Q: What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving?A: Eating until I can’t stand.

If you’re expecting guests for holiday festivities, consider giving your heating unit a break. With the oven cranked up and the house packed with people, the temperature will rise on its own. Also make sure it has a clean fi lter so it can work as effi ciently as possible all winter long. Find more ways to save at TogetherWeSave.com.

Dustin Greenough

Get to Know Your Linemen

Tip of the Month

Do You Know Someone Who Should Apply for Youth Tour?If you are interested in learning more about the Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., or Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in Steamboat Springs, CO, please visit our website at www.sucocoop.com and click on “Community.”

We will provide more details on how to apply on our website, social media and Kansas Country Living.

Youth Tour Continued from page 16-C

Important Meter Reading InformationWe continue to make strides daily toward full implementation of the Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system.

We are ready to start using the readings provided by the meters for the billing process, which will free some of our members from the responsibility of read-ing their meters. If your service is on the following substations and your meter has been changed out, you may stop read-ing your meter: ANSON, CALDWELL, BELLE PLAINE, KING, MILLER, NOR-WICH, RUNNYMEDE and SILVERDALEsubstations.

For those members that are

served by the Geuda Springs, Creswell, South Haven,

Rome, Oxford, Milan and Riverdale substa-

tions, you will still need to read your meter even if it has been changed out. The substa-tion equipment is

not ready to handle the information at this

time. You will be noti-fi ed at a later date when these meters no longer need to be read.

Regularly reading your electric meter allows Sumner-Cowley Elec-tric to more accurately anticipate its power needs, which helps keep your electric bill aff ordable. If you any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our offi ce at 888-326-3356.

Important Meter Reading InformationWe continue to make strides daily toward full implementation of the Automated Metering

someof our members from the responsibility of read-

served by the Geuda Springs, Creswell, South Haven,

Rome, Oxford, Milan and Riverdale substa-

tions, you need to read your

tion equipment is not ready to handle

the information at this time. You will be noti-fi ed at a later date when Sumner-Cowley’s new

AMI meter.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING NOVEMBER 201316-D