JUNE 2015 VOL. 16 NO. 2

2 June 2015 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

Annual Meeting Information

Notice of Annual Meeting GRAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of the members of Grand Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held at the West River Cooperative Telephone Company Warehouse in Bison, Perkins County, South Dakota, on Friday, June 5, 2015, beginning at 6:00 p.m. for the following purposes:

1. Determination of Quorum 2. Reading of Notice of Meeting 3. Reading of Minutes of Last Annual Meeting 4. Election of Three (3) Directors 5. Bylaw Changes EXPLANATION OF PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENT #1 (Article III, Section 5, Voting) The proposed Amendment clarifies that the prohibition upon proxy voting does not prohibit entities such as a

corporation from delegating a representative to vote on its behalf. EXPLANATION OF PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENT #2 (Article IV, Section 3(b), Directors Qualifications) The proposed Amendment provides that an individual seeking to become a director or a current director is not

disqualified solely due to his/her being engaged in selling plumbing appliances, fixtures or supplies. EXPLANATION OF PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENT #3 (Article IV, Section 7, Compensation) The proposed Amendment confirms that directors may be paid a fix sum and actual expenses for attendance at

authorized meetings, in addition to board meetings. EXPLANATION OF PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENT #4 (Article V, Section 2 and Section 4, Special Meetings) The proposed Amendment removes the language regarding electronic attendance at special meetings from section

2 and adds it to Section 4. A further provision allows Directors to establish policies for telephonic or electronic attendance at regular meetings.

EXPLANATION OF PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENT #5 (Article XII, AMENDMENTS) The proposed Amendment clarifies that before being placed before the Members, any proposed bylaw amendments

must first be proposed by the Board of Directors. EXPLANATION OF PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENT #6 (Article XIII, Television) The proposed Amendment removes the bylaw that states the Board of Directors is herby authorized to establish

television service to and for its members and to provide for the distribution thereof. 6. Restated Articles of Incorporation It has been proposed that the ARTICLES OF CONVERSION OF UPPER GRAND RIVER ELECTRIC

ASSOCIATION, INC. adopted in 1950 be replaced with RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF GRAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

7. New Business 8. Presentation and Consideration of Reports of Officers, Directors and Committees 9. Unfinished Business 10. Adjournment Dated this 14th day of May 2015. /s/ Sharon Longwood Sharon Longwood, Secretary Grand Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Information

(USPS 225-840)

BOARD OF DIRECTORSJohn Long, Red Owl - PresidentRoss Kopren, Prairie City - Vice PresidentSharon Longwood, Lemmon - SecretaryRayford Anderson, Buffalo - TreasurerMaxine Rasmussen, Camp Crook - DirectorGene Stensland, Ludlow - DirectorBrad Besler, Bison - DirectorLori Besler, Reva - DirectorReid Palmer, Faith - Director

General ManagerReed Metzger

Director of OperationsColle Nash

Director of FinanceColgan Huber

Manager of Electric OperationsMichael Lemburg

Assistant Manager of Electric OperationsSteve Senn

Manager of Customer Service andInternal OperationsPenny Nelson

EditorTally Seim

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • June 2015 3

GRAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS is published monthly by Grand Electric, 801 Coleman Ave., P O Box 39, Bison, SD 57620 for its members. Families subscribe to Grand Electric Cooperative Connections as part of their electric cooperative membership. Grand Electric Cooperative Connections’ purpose is to provide reliable, helpful information to electric cooperative members on matters pertaining to rural electrification and better rural living.

Subscription information: Subscription rate is $6.00 per year. Periodicals Postage Paid at Bison, S.D. 57620, and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Grand Electric Cooperative Connections, PO Box 39, Bison, S.D. 57620 TELEPHONE (605)244-5211; FAX (605) 244-7288.

Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting Entertainment:Music by Ruckus

With a life time of music and blended harmonies, Ruckus brings a variety of entertaining songs and music to their shows. Brothers Corey, Lance, and Pete Buer along with Kelly Smith first took the stage as Ruckus in 2000. Ruckus plays a mixture of older country western songs, classic rock and roll tunes, and a

newer style called Texas red dirt. Ruckus has played for countless dances, benefits, and festivals throughout the five state region. Most recently, Ruckus had the honor of opening for the legendary Charlie Daniels Band in Gillette, Wyoming. Ruckus is sure to entertain people of all ages.

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Registration & Demonstrations5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. BBQ Beef, Pork & Lamb Supper6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Business Meeting 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Entertainment-Ruckus

NEW GRAND PRIZESMembers register to win aGrill! Kids register to win an iPad mini!

Grand Electric’s Annual MeetingFriday, June 5, 2015West River Cooperative Telephone Company Warehouse

Most parents think water safety is first and foremost on their minds whenever they are enjoying summer activities with their kids. But when the unthinkable happens and a child drowns, parents and caregivers have been known to say, “I only looked away for a second.”

The Younger the Child, the Greater the RiskNot including boating incidents, about 10 people die from

drowning every day in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. While drowning is a risk for every age group, National Safety Council statistics point to drowning being the No. 1 cause of death for children ages 1 to 4. Deaths in this age group are mostly due to a child falling into a pool or being left alone in the bathtub.

Distractions Make for Tragedies Parents are cautioned all the time about water safety, but

drownings still occur. Always be aware and be in the present moment with your children. Following are a few water safety precautions: • Never leave your child alone; if you have to leave, take your child with you.

• Enroll children 3 and older in swimming lessons, but remember that lessons don’t make your child “drown-proof.”

• Lifeguards aren’t babysitters; always keep your eyes on your child.

• Don’t let children play around drains and suction fittings.• Never consume alcohol when operating a boat and always

make sure everyone is wearing approved life jackets.• Don’t underestimate the power of water; even rivers and

lakes can have undertows.• Always have a first aid kit and emergency contacts handy.• Get training in CPR.• If a child is missing, check the water first.

The following rules apply to all swimmers:• Never swim alone.• Don’t dive into unknown bodies of water.• Don’t push or jump on others.• Be prepared for an emergency.

Every pool, every lake and every warm summer day holds the possibility of new, fun summer experiences. All you need to add is your undivided attention.

Source: nsc.org

Drowning: It Can Happen In An Instant

SafetyTips

4 June 2015 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

Hayden McNinch, Fourth-grader at Menno School District Hayden is the daughter of Steve and Katie Huber, Olivet, S.D. They are members of Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Marion, S.D.

Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your poster is published, you’ll receive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address and the names of your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged.

“Don’t play with electricity.” Kids’ Corner Safety Poster

REPLACE, NEVER REPAIR DAMAGED EXTENSION CORDS.Helping members use electricity safely, that’s the power of your co-op membership. Learn more from the experts

themselves at TogetherWeSave.com.

IF IT’S NOT INSULATED, NEITHER ARE YOU.

Touchstone Energy® CooperativesThe power of human connections.®

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • June 2015 5

Dairy Delights

Kids’ Corner Safety Poster

RecipesReader

In blender, combine all ingredients. Blend for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or until desired smoothness is achieved. Yield: 1 serving

Nutritional information per serving: 290 calories; 7 g total fat (0.5 g saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 42 g carbohydrates; 3 g fiber; 31 g sugars; 17 g protein; 75 mg sodium; 502 mg potassium Pictured, Cooperative Connections

Powerhouse Green Smoothie2 T. sugar1 cup half and half or milk1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup rock salt (regular, rock or kosher works)Ice cubes

Put first three ingredients in a quart-size ziplock bag and seal. Put rock salt and ice in a gallon-size bag. Add the smaller bag to the larger bag and seal. Squeeze the bag for 10 to 15 minutes. Mary Ellen Luikens, Tea

Crunchy Potato Balls2 cups very stiff mashed potatoes2 cups finely chopped ham1 cup shredded Cheddar or Swiss cheese1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 egg, beaten1 tsp. mustard1/4 tsp. pepper2 to 4 T. flour1-3/4 cups crushed corn flakes

Combine first 7 ingredients; mix well. Add enough flour to make mixture stiff. Chill. Shape into 1-inch balls. Roll in corn flakes. Place on greased baking sheet. Bake at 350°F. for 25 minutes..

Mary Truman, Kimball

Ice Cream in a Bag

Tutmaj (Armenian) Yogurt Soup1 egg, beaten3 cups plain or Greek yogurt1 tsp. salt2 cups water

1 cup flat egg noodles4 T. butter2 T. crushed dry mint1 small onion, diced

In a 2-quart saucepan, beat egg, yogurt and salt for 3 minutes. Add water. Cook on high, stirring constantly, until boiling. Add noodles. Lower heat and cook until noodles are tender. In fry pan, saute onions in butter until light brown. Add mint. Pour into soup. Cook for 5 minutes. When reheating soup, if too thick, add some boiling water.

Rose Tucker, Hot Springs

3/4 cup seedless green grapes1/2 cup ripe banana slices1/4 cup chopped kale

2/3 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt1-1/2 tsp. canola oil1/2 cup ice cubes

Please send your favorite dessert, salad and garden produce recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on page 3). Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in December 2015. All entries must include your name, mailing address, telephone number and cooperative name.

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened1/2 cup sugar1 egg

1/2 cup coconut, if desired1 (16.5 oz.) roll Pillsbury® refrigerated chocolate chip cookies

In small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and egg until smooth. Stir in coconut. In ungreased, 8- or 9-inch square pan, break up half of cookie dough. With floured fingers, press dough evenly in bottom of pan to form crust. Spread cream cheese mixture over dough. Crumble and sprinkle remaining half of dough over cream cheese mixture. Bake at 350°F. for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Cool 30 minutes. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until chilled. Store in refrigerator.

Paula Vogel, Ethan

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Wake-up Casserole8 frozen hashbrown patties4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese2 cups cubed ham

7 eggs1 cup milk1/2 tsp. salt1/2 tsp. dry mustard

Place hashbrown patties in a single layer in a greased 10x9-inch glass dish. Sprinkle with cheese and ham. In a bowl, beat eggs, milk, salt and mustard. Pour over ham and cheese. Cover and bake at 350°F. for 1 hour. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until edges are golden brown and knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Mary Jessen, Holabird

Rapid Ruby Rhubarb1-1/4 cups flour, divided1/3 cup powdered sugar1/2 cup butter

2 eggs, beaten3/4 cup sugar2 cups finely chopped rhubarb

Mix together 1 cup flour, powdered sugar and butter. Press into 8x8-inch pan. Bake at 350°F. for 15 minutes. Combine eggs, sugar, remaining flour and rhubarb. Spread over hot crust. Bake 30 minutes or until set. Let cool 15 minutes before serving.

Jan Nelson, Belle Fourche

At about 25 cents per 8-ounce serving, milk is a bargain, especially when you consider all the liquid assets inside – protein, calcium, potassium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and more. Source: www.dairymakessense.com

Annual Meeting Information

6 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • June 2015

Management ReportIt is our pleasure to report to the members on the past year’s operation of the Cooperative. We had another

successful year in 2014. Revenues for 2014 came in at $17,124,002; compared to 2013 revenues, we saw a slight decrease of about $44,000. The biggest reason for the slight drop in revenue was due to some major compressors that were down for maintenance in 2014. In 2015 we predict a decrease in revenue again as a result of lower oil prices and large compressor sites not running at full capacity. On the expense side, we did see a jump in expense compared to 2013. The primary reason for this increase is a result of depreciation on our old meters. In 2014 we completed most of our meter change out. In doing so we needed to accelerate the deprecation on the old meters to remove them from our books. Also interest expense increased as a result of setting up a new loan to cover interim repair expenses associated with the 2013 storm.

As you will note under the “Statement of Revenue” that $11 million of the $17 million revenue in 2014 was generated from the Compressor Sites and Oil Wells we serve in the Harding County area. We have seen an influx of growth in all areas of our Cooperative. Residential meters experienced the largest increase of 29, Small Commercial 7, Irrigation decreased 4 and Oil loads increased 15. Overall, we had an increase in total meters from 5,125 to 5,172. The year 2014 was as strong a year operationally as it was financially. We finished the year with total margins of $1,200,697.

On the balance sheet you can see there have been some major changes from 2013 to 2014. You will see that the present value of our system has increase by about $6 million compared to 2013. This is a result of the 2013 storm. Also you can see that our cash decreased about $5 million from 2013 - this is also a result of the 2013 storm. Under “Restricted Cash” you will see a major increase. In 2013 we had just over $1 million in this account but in 2014 we have over $31 million. This account primarily consists of the TransCanada payments for future builds. However, around $20 million of that money is from FEMA for the storm repairs in 2013. As you may remember 19375 SD Hwy 34, Howes when FEMA was helping us with the Atlas storm damage, they informed us about a new program that allows you to receive your money up front. Since we had over 32 million dollars in damage from storm Atlas and we are still waiting for funds from a storm in 2010, we elected to take the payment up front, which accounts for a portion of the large increase in restricted cash. Not all projects were included in the up front payment from FEMA. There were a couple projects we wanted to change the location of the line, and when you change the line from its original state, it is best to run those projects through actual cost reimbursement. Also worth noting is that long-term debt did increase about $9 million from the year before. This also is a result of the Atlas storm in 2013. While we did add debt we believe that receiving our FEMA funds up front has resulted in less debt, to the Cooperative. Since we don’t have to carry the $32 million of damage in debt this will be a huge savings to our members.

Over the course of 2014 we were able to accomplish many PO Box 247, Bison large projects and make huge improvements to the reliability of our electric system. Improvements that not only make our job easier, but also improvements that future generations will benefit from.

For many years you have heard management talk about safety and the importance of every employee making it home safely each night. Safety will always be a top priority here at Grand Electric and we continue to provide training and follow the correct procedures to make sure our employees are educated. I am pleased to report that our employee group has 70 months or 630,947 hours with no lost-time accidents. We continue to look for tools and training to help make everyone safer in the work place and make facility updates as needed.

As you can see financially and operationally, your Cooperative continues to thrive and grow. I look forward to seeing all of the upgrades be put into place and the reliability and efficiency of our system greatly improved.

Reed Metzger, General Manager John Long, President

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • June 2015 7

Unapproved Minutes of 2014 Annual MeetingThe Annual Meeting of the members of Grand Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held in the West River

Warehouse, Bison, Perkins County, State of South Dakota on Friday, June 6, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.The meeting was called to order by John Long, President, who presided. Sharon Longwood, Secretary, kept the

minutes of the meeting.The President announced that 187 members had registered and that the same constituted a quorum of

members. The President announced that the meeting would be conducted in accordance with “Roberts Rules of Order” and that Attorney Ronda Miller would serve as parliamentarian.

The invocation was given by Pastor Dana Lockhart, Buffalo, South Dakota.The winner of “Plinko” was Larry Fritz, Lemmon who won $95 cash.A motion was made, seconded and carried to dispense with the reading of the Notice of the Meeting.A motion was made, seconded and carried to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the last Annual

Meeting held on June 7, 2013 and approve these minutes as presented in the “Cooperative Connections.”Alice Holcomb gave the report of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee Meeting was held

on May 9, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Grand Electric Cooperative headquarters building in Bison, South Dakota. Six members of the Nominating Committee were present: Jerry Martin, Meadow; Alice Holcomb, Buffalo; Marlin Ingalls, Faith; David Tilus, Buffalo; LaVonne Foss, Lemmon and Keith Hanson, Sr., Reva. The group acting as a committee selected Alice Holcomb to chair the meeting and LaVonne Foss to serve as Secretary of the meeting.

John Long, Red Owl, SD was nominated by the committee PO Box 451, Buffalo for the directorship now held by John Long.

Brad Besler, Bison, SD was nominated by the committee for the directorship now held by Brad Besler.Maxine Rasmussen, Camp Crook, SD and was nominated for the directorship now held by Maxine

Rasmussen.Attorney Miller then called for nominations from the floor for all director positions. There being no

nominations from the floor, a motion was made and seconded that nominations cease and a unanimous ballot be cast for John Long, Brad Besler and Maxine Rasmussen. The motion carried.

Attorney Miller declared John Long, Brad Besler and Maxine Rasmussen elected as directors. A motion was made, seconded and carried to dispense with the reading of the annual Treasurer’s Report and to

approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented in the “Cooperative Connections.”Drawings for door prizes were held.Steve Tomac, Senior Legislative Representative from Basin Electric, gave a power point 16133 Minnehaha Pl,

Union Center presentation.Manager Metzger gave a report, along with a power point presentation, on the accomplishments of the

Cooperative over the last year and the challenges facing Grand Electric in the future. Drawings for door prizes were held.

Directors and employees were recognized for their years of service as follows:Director: Gene Stensland, 25 years. Employees: Connie Bootz, 5 years; Rachel Eggebo, 10 years; Tally Seim, 10

years; Tami Kilcoyne, 25 years and Keith Hulm, 30 years.New employees Janelle Goddard, Customer Service Representative, Sara Hauser, Customer Service

Representative, and Curtis Wentz, Customer Sales and Service Apprentice Technician were introduced. Manager Metzger announced that Joshua Sackmann, Lemmon and Sydney Arneson, Meadow were the winners

of the Basin Electric/Grand Electric $500 Scholarships.The winner of the Grand Prize drawing for a 42” Flat Screen TV was John Peck, Bison. There being no further business to come before the members, the meeting was adjourned upon motion duly

made, seconded and carried. Sharon Longwood, Secretary John Long, President

Annual Meeting Information

By Brenda Kle in jan

To the Moon Gee-Aye Dairy Puts Astronauts to Work

Astronauts steve, Princess, Quincey and vannabegan doing the daily milking at the Gee-Aye Dairy west of Ethan, S.D., in June 2012. The four are not space cowboys but rather a team of robots that milk cows in Gary and Amy Blase’s 160-head herd of Holsteins round the clock.

Adapting to the robots was a learning process for both the Blases and the cattle.

“Every cow reacts in her own way,” said Gary. “It wasn’t hard to get them to use the robots.”

Each cow is equipped with a special collar and activity monitor that tells the robots when she was last milked and if it is time to milk again. (The cow can choose to be milked up to six times a day, depending on her lactation and milk production.)

A special pellet feed is in a trough at the milking station. As the cow feeds, an overhead 3-D camera records the cow’s position in the milker. The robot’s

arm slides into place and lasers locate each quarter of the cow’s udder, attaching the milker. (The cow’s first milking is mapped and stored in the computer, making subsequent milkings a bit quicker.)

One could argue the cows are part of the fitness craze and have their own version of a Fitbit. Just like the exercise monitor worn on millions of humans’ wrists, the dairy cattle have activity monitors hang-ing from their numbered collars.

From those monitors, the Blases can track how many times a given cow went to milk, what the cow’s temperature and weight were while being milked and how many minutes a day the cow spends in rumination. (Dairy cattle spend about 450 to 500 minutes a day chewing their cud. Departures from that range may indicate a variety of issues that may need to be addressed.) The data collected by the robots also includes the amount of time each of

8 June 2015 • Cooperative ConneCtions

Cooperative ConneCtions • June 2015 9

To the Moon Gee-Aye Dairy Puts Astronauts to Work

the cow’s quarters was milked, how much milk was produced and other pieces of data.

“We probably didn’t realize how hard it was to put it all together,” said Gary, explaining the data being recorded and displayed on the robot. “When you see this, that means what?” But, armed with the data collected, the Blases can make adjustments in their management of their herd.

As the Blases’ explain “Quincey,” the robot that serves as the primary training station for the cattle, one cow in particular seems to believe that the robot will forget her previous approaches to the milk-ing station that morning. Cow No. 1881 has been known to attempt milking 50 times a day on her quest for the pellets that are only fed while a cow is being milked. She approaches the milking station and Quincey quickly analyzes her data and imme-diately swings the exit gate – and attached feeding

trough – out of 1881’s reach. In a roughly 45 minute win-dow, that cow has approached and been rejected by Quincey three times.

The robots also know which cattle are being treated – or doctored – for various ailments and diverts those cows’ milk to a dump tank, which is used on farm and does not enter the farm’s sell-able milk supply. The robot then commences a complete wash down before the next healthy cow is milked.

Three times a day, the robots automatically shut down for a whole-system wash down.

While investigating the robots, the Blases, who married in 1972 and have been dairying ever since, visited 10 dairies in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minne-sota. Ultimately, they decided to invest in the robots and retrofitted their existing operation.

“Dairying is always going to be labor-intensive and time-consuming,” said Amy, noting that while the robots handle the collection of milk, they don’t feed the cattle, scoop out the barn alleyways or change the animals’ bedding.”

The robots have given the Blases freedom from the clock and the parlor, though.

“It’s opened an opportunity to follow our grand-kids a bit more,” noted Amy.

Meet theRoBots

steve: Named in honor of an employee of the dairy who died of a heart attack on his way to work.

Princess: Named for the Gee-Aye Dairy’s record-producing cow, who was declared a Gold Medal Dam in August 2000. Her daughter, Princette, is set to break her production record.

Quincey: Named for one of the fam-ily’s top show cows, Quincey is the robot that all cows are trained on.

Vanna: Named for the head of one of the dairy’s top show cow families.

opposite page: Gary Blase analyzes screens of data collected about his herd through the Gee-Aye Dairy’s Lely Astronaut robotic milking machines. Among the data Gary is moni-toring closely is the output of one cow – Princette – who is about to break her mother’s milk production record. one of the robots is named for the mother – Princess – who produce 328,000 pounds of milk (roughly 6.5 semi tankers full) in her lifetime. Above: the data is used to adjust feed rations and other factors in the herd’s health. Right: Gary shows the milk collection area of astronaut Quincy. the monitor on the door shows real-time data collected by the robot and also allows the Blases to make adjustments. top: Amy demonstrates how the touch-screen is used to guide the milker’s lasers in place for a cow’s initial milking. the process is then automatic, unless a problem occurs.

10 June 2015 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

Cooperative News

The Story Behind the SwitchEducating the youth of our area about the dangers of electricity is something we don’t take lightly here at Grand Electric, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the learning experience fun! Kim Kranz from Basin Electric visited Faith Grade School, Harding County Grade School, Lemmon Grade School and Bison Grade School in early April to present the Story Behind the Switch to students. Her presentation details many 14856 Ludlow Rd, Ralph difference scenarios a child or an adult may find themselves in, involving electricity, and teaches them the safest way to avoid or remove themselves from each situation. Later she goes on to explain how electricity is created and delivered to our homes, giving students a whole new respect for the luxury of electricity, they often take for granted.

This presentation is brought to our schools every 2-3 years, in addition to the Farm Safety Presentation Grand Electric Representatives bring to the schools on a regular basis.

Above right: Kim Kranz begins her presentation at the Bison School.Right: Jayda Seim gets a hair raising experience after being charged with static electricity from a Van de Graaff generator. Garrett Holzer then prepares to be shocked when the two students make contact.

Corporation Voting DelegatesThe Grand Electric Annual Meeting Voting Delegate Certificate for Corporations is printed below. Please fill out this certificate at your next regular meeting and present it at the Annual Meeting during registration.

These certificates are for all corporations, churches, townships, halls and schools that are members of Grand Electric and wish to vote on behalf of their corporation at the Annual Meeting on June 5, 2015.

2015 Voting Delegate FormThis is to certify that of (print name of voting delegate) (address) or of , is authorized to represent (print name of additional delegate) (address) at the Annual Meeting of Grand Electric Cooperative, Inc. to be held

Friday, June 5, 2015 in Bison, South Dakota. or (President) (Secretary) Date

Find your address and win $20 There are five new addresses hidden in this issue. The addresses we are using are the mailing addresses that are on your monthly electric bill. It includes a rural route address or a box number along with the town. Two members found their address in the May issue of

the Cooperative Connections. Finding their addresses were: LaVonne Foss, Lemmon and James Spenny, Lemmon. If you

find your address, let us know and you will be credited $20.00 on your next electric bill.

Deadline is May 29, 2015.

If your electricity is off for longer than 15

minutes, contact our business office at (605) 244-5211 or

1-800-592-1803.

Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

After Hours, Weekendsand Holidays Call1-877-896-0033

(toll free)

This toll-free call is directed to the Dispatch Service provided by Basin Electric Power Cooperative. Once the outage call is received by Basin Electric, they will contact the Grand Electric employee who is on call to respond to the outage. By utilizing this after hour service, members will have only one number to call for outages. This service also provides an additional safety precaution for our linemen, as Basin Electric will track and keep in touch with the linemen as to the status and progress of each outage. When you report an outage,

PLEASE HAVE THE METER NUMBER TO

IDENTIFY THE OUTAGE LOCATION

In Case of an Outage

During NormalWorking Hours

Electric Operations

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • June 2015 11

Grand Electric offices will be closed Monday, May 25th in observance of

Memorial Day.

Susie Skjoldal ResignsCustomer Service/Marketing Supervisor Susie Skjoldal resigned from her position at Grand Electric, effective April 22. Susie began her career at Grand on June 17, 1996 as a Secretary which then changed to the title of Customer Service Representative in 2004. She celebrated 15 years in June of 2011 and a few months later in November, was promoted to Customer Service Supervisor, overseeing the Customer Service Representatives.

Susie’s kindness, compassion for others and her bubbly personality will be greatly missed at the Cooperative. She

was a dedicated employee who balanced her life on their ranch north of Bison with her second home here at the office for nearly 19 years. We wish her nothing but the best.

National Lineman Appreciation DayThis day was first recognized in 2013 when the U.S. Senate passed a resolution to recognize linemen, the profession of linemen, the contributions of the brave men and women who protect public safety.

We celebrated our linemen here at Grand on April 13th with cake and ice cream and a big THANK YOU!

12 June 2015 • Cooperative ConneCtions

Mistress mary might have been contrary in getting her garden to grow, but community gardens are bringing young and old together to develop local foods and provide training to upcoming gardeners.

“Community gardens keep popping up all over the state. I maintain a list, but I’m sure it’s just a small portion of what’s out there,” said Chris Zdorovtsov, South Dakota State University Exten-sion community development field specialist with the SDSU Consumer Sciences Department.

“I have about 70 on my list, but I think that’s only a portion – probably only half to a third of what’s out there,” said Zdorovtsov.

“Community gardens are creating a place for people to grow food for themselves when they may not otherwise have the land to do so or if they don’t have the equipment to till up a space,” she said,

noting that the garden spaces can be an ideal setting for older South Dakotans to continue gardening.

SDSU Extension has four key programs designed to foster community and youth-oriented gardening.

First is the Community and Family Exten-sion Leaders Children’s Gardening $150 Mini Grants. Available each spring, the grants help educational garden projects fund seeds, plants, small garden equipment or other programming materials. The grant is offered to any school-age group, K-12, with preference given to after-school and out-of-school time programs. Participants must partner with SDSU Extension through a Master Gardener, a county 4-H youth program advisor, FNP/EFNEP assistant or other connection.

Next up is the SDSU Extension Seed Bank which offers educational gardens across the state of South Dakota 20 vegetable seed packets. The

By Brenda Kle in jan

Helping Community Gardens Grow

2014 The Mini-Grants Awarded

Family Extension Leaders provided funding for the $125 mini-grants.

to purchase seeds, plants or small garden equipment or utilize the award to purchase programming materials.

incorporate plant science and nutrition education topics.

2014 awardees included:

4-H Youth Community Garden, Meade County 4-H, Sturgis Andes Central Afterschool Program & Charles Mix Co. 4-H, Lake Andes Christian Center Daycare, Sioux Falls Harding County School District & Harding Country 4-H, Buffalo Lemmon Jr. Master Gardeners, Lemmon Lutheran Social Services of S.D.- New Beginnings Center, Aberdeen M & M Day Care & Jungle After School Program, Huron North Rapid Community Schools, Rapid City Rosebud Juvenile Detention Center, White River S.D. Discovery Center, Pierre Wall Afterschool Program-WASP Wounded Knee School District, Manderson

For more information on this program contact Chris Zdorovtsov at 605.782.3290Youth & Community Gardening Grants

the Kids Gardening Grants website.

community gardens keep popping up all over the state. I maintain a list, but I’m sure it’s just a small portion of what’s out there.

I have about 70 on my list, but I think that’s only a portion - probably only half to a third of what’s out there.

We have a seed bank - there may be a few outMay be some available for 2015 available.

Similar project for youth education gardens

school garden grant that opens in the winter.

have the equipment to till up a spaceand for the elderly

educational activities, schools and youth clubs utilizing

total production - not something easily tracked.community gardens usually are family plants

some are

some of the smallest towns are providing some of these sites.

different models...Brookings, SF, get an assigned plot

Whole era of the victory garden brought gardening back as an important for food production.Many had backyard gardens, but gardens were also tilled up in some public places to “plant, plant, plant”

Late 1800s some vacant lot cultivation started in Detroit in 1893. For unemployed to grow food for some production to happen.School gardens extended from then until the 20s.

Cooperative ConneCtions • June 2015 13

Helping Community Gardens Grow

donated seeds are intended for newly starting and established educational gardens for youth or adults.

The South Dakota School Garden Grant provided by SDSU Extension is available to help newly starting school gardens launch programs focused on grow-ing and consuming fruits and vegetables. This program provides K-12 schools with funding and development support to help them launch successful garden projects. Award winners will receive project development coaching from SDSU Extension staff, 20 seed packets and $1,000 for purchasing construction supplies, tools/equipment, plants and programming materials.

Kids Gardening Grants and Fundraising is a comprehensive list of national grants and deadlines related to youth and community gardening.

Zdorovtsov noted that communities of all sizes are taking advantage of the vari-ous programs. “Some of the smallest towns are providing some of these sites.”

Interest in community gardening goes back generations.“The whole era of the World War II-era Victory Garden brought gardening

back as an important means for food production,” said Zdorovtsov.While many people had backyard gardens, gardens were also tilled up in some

public places to “plant, plant, plant.”While the Victory Gardens may be first to come to mind, Zdorovtsov noted

that in the early 1890s, vacant lots in Detroit, Mich., were used for the unem-ployed to grow food to feed their families and create income.

“School gardens extended from then until the 1920s and there was a move-ment during World War I for a war garden campaign,” she said.

The Depression also brought relief and sustenance gardening for food and income, followed by the more well-known Victory Gardens.

“Then it drifted away, but then in the 1970s, community gardens started to happen again with interest in starting urban gardens,” she said. In 1978, the Community Garden Association was formed.

“I’ve seen interest every year; it’s been consistent since I started in this posi-tion in 2008. There are one to three new ones each year in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Rapid City, S.D., but also in smaller communities like Wakonda, S.D., and Arlington, S.D.,” Zdorovtsov said. “In general there are probably more than there were 15 years; probably the newer trend is incorporating them into schools and curriculum.”

The South Dakota Discovery Center in Pierre has gardens that have benefited from the grants, including the center’s model square-foot gardens.

“The purpose of the gardens is to demonstrate that a lot of produce can be grown in a small space, for little expense and provide family’s access to fresh veg-etables,” said Kristie Maher, SDDC executive director. “Each spring students help plant gardens. Often they make seed starter mats, paper towels upon which they glue the proper number of seeds properly spaced out. Two of the gardens feature hoop greenhouse roofs to help the seeds get started. During the growing season, SDDC guests are welcome to help weed, water and harvest and to use their senses to explore the various plants.

“Gardening goes hand-in-hand with the South Dakota Harvest of the Month (www.sdharvestofthemonth.org) program that shares tasting opportunities and health benefits in order to encourage kids and families to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Maher.

Interested in starting a community garden? SDSU Extension provides coach-ing to teams interested in starting successful community gardens. The teams can assist local planners with guidance on garden models, site selection, overcoming challenges, budgeting, applications and guidelines. A development workbook: Diggin’ the Dirt, Community, is also available. Communities are also welcome to request online webinars on community garden topics. More info at: http://igrow.org/community-development/local-foods/community-gardens

Movement in WWI for a war garden campaign

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CFeL Children’s Garden Grants

ten youth and school gardens received funding this spring to launch or enhance garden programs across the South Dakota. SDSU Exten-sion and the Community and Family Extension Leaders (CFEL) provided funding for the $150 mini-grants.

The gardens can use the funds to purchase seeds, plants or small garden equipment or utilize the award to purchase programming materials. Garden programs must have an SDSU Extension partner, such as a Master Gardner, a county 4-H youth program advisor, or FNP/EFNEP assistant. They must provide programming to a school-age group, K-12, incorporate hands-on learning experiences for a six- to 12-week period and incorporate plant science and nutrition education topics.

2015 awardees:• Bad Nation Rustlers 4-H, Ft. Thompson• Bon Homme 4-H Jr. Garden Club, Tyndall• Centerville FFA, Centerville• EmBe, Sioux Falls• Kennebec Women’s Club-Community

Garden, Kennebec• Lutheran Social Services of S.D. – New

Beginnings Center, Aberdeen• North Rapid Community Schools, Rapid City• Oahe YMCA, Pierre• St. Elizabeth Seton Elementary School,

Rapid City• Youth and Family Services, Inc., Rapid City

2014 awardees:• 4-H Youth Community Garden, Meade

County 4-H, Sturgis• Andes Central Afterschool Program and

Charles Mix Co. 4-H, Lake Andes• Christian Center Daycare, Sioux Falls• Harding County School District and Harding

County 4-H, Buffalo• Lemmon Jr. Master Gardeners, Lemmon• Lutheran Social Services of S.D. – New

Beginnings Center, Aberdeen• M&M Day Care and Jungle After School

Program, Huron• North Rapid Community Schools, Rapid City• Rosebud Juvenile Detention Center, White

River• South Dakota Discovery Center, Pierre• Wall Afterschool Program-WASP, Wall• Wounded Knee School District, Manderson

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Further explanation of item 6 in the Notice of Annual Meeting on page 2 (Restated Articles of Incorporation).

PROPOSED RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OFGRAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

It has been proposed that the ARTICLES OF CONVERSION OF UPPER GRAND RIVER ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC. adopted in 1950 be replaced with RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF GRAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. REASONING: The 1950 document was created under a section of the law that no longer exists. By Restating the Articles, they have been updated with correct statutory citations and general simplification consistent with South Dakota Codified Law Section 47-21 - Rural Electric Cooperatives. To be approved, no less than two-thirds of those members voting thereon at a meeting must vote in favor of the restated document.

RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF

GRAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

PREAMBLEResolved, that Articles FIRST through TWELFTH being all of the existing Articles of Conversion of Upper Grand River Electric Association,

Inc. and now named Grand Electric Cooperative, Inc. hereby are repealed in their entirety; and that the following Restated Articles of Incorporation, executed pursuant to SDCL 47-21, which shall supercede existing Articles and Amendments are hereby adopted:

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this Cooperative is Grand Electric Cooperative, Inc.

ARTICLE II - TERMThe term for which this Cooperative shall exist is perpetual.

ARTICLE III - PURPOSEThe purpose for which the Cooperative is formed is to engage in any activity within the purposes for which cooperatives may be organized.

ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIPThe Cooperative shall be a non-profit organization and shall not have capital stock. The requirements for membership in the association shall

be provided in these restated Articles of Incorporation and in the By-Laws. Membership in the Cooperative may be obtained and held only by those who shall patronize the Cooperative. No member shall have more than one (1) vote in any meeting of the cooperative. No Member shall be

responsible for the debts or liabilities of the cooperative.

ARTICLE V - DIRECTORSThe number of directors of the Cooperative shall be as stated in the By-Laws.

ARTICLE VI - PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESSThe Cooperative shall have its principal place of business in the City of Bison, County of Perkins, State of South Dakota.

ARTICLE VII - DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS IN THE EVENT OF LIQUIDATION

Upon dissolution, the assets of the Cooperative shall be applied as follows:1. To pay all debts and liabilities of the Cooperative;2. To retire all capital furnished through patronage as provided in the By-Laws; and3. The remaining property and assets of the Cooperative shall be distributed among the members and former members in proportion which

the aggregate patronage of each member bears to the total patronage of all such members unless otherwise provided by law

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTSThese Restated Articles of Incorporation may be amended in the manner provided by statute.

14 June 2015 • COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

Annual Meeting Information

4,501 Residential $3,838,025 4,053,812 51 Residential - Seasonal 19,707 21,550 5 Irrigation 6,667 3,172 355 Small Commercial 749,446 836,741 254 Oil Wells 2,476,449 2,939,883 4 Compressor Sites 9,358,550 8,574,516 2 Street Lighting 22,866 22,866 Other 679,816 657,458 Line Retention 16,656 14,0045,172 Total Revenue $17,168,182 17,124,002

Purchased Power $10,849,558 10,619,071Operations & Maintenance 845,725 880,769Depreciation & Amortization 1,304,857 1,759,364Interest 1,136,551 1,356,760Consumer Accounts Expense 283,316 314,126Customer Service, Information & Sales Expense 176,466 194,518General & Administration 1,330,006 1,379,644Taxes 368,327 346,847Other Deductions 16,200 12,152Total Operating Expense $16,311,006 16,863,251

Operating Margin 857,176 260,751 Nonoperating Margin 370,843 356,674Generation - Transmission & OtherCooperative Capital Credits 625,061 583,272

TOTAL MARGIN $1,853,080 1,200,697

2013 2014

Revenues

Expenses

Statement of Revenue and Expense

Accounts

What We Own as of December 31, 2014

Present Value of Our System is $38,541,215 44,035,792Cash and Cash Equivalents 7,870,300 2,450,203Restricted Cash 1,000,033 31,173,958We Have Invested in Other Physical Property & Other Investments 7,012,734 7,462,743Electric Bills Due 1,889,924 2,177,183Notes & Other Accounts Receivable Due 650,000 650,000Materials and Supplies on Hand 826,070 1,215,248Prepaid Service and Supplies 106,673 90,712Interest Receivable on Investments 7,674 0Other Deferred Charges 1,352,672 1,192,893FEMA Grants Receivable 7,300,000 2,346,000

TOTAL ASSETS $66,557,295 92,794,732

What We Owe as of December 31, 2014Total Notes $67,139,306 78,006,306Deferred Interest Due RUS 0 0Principal Paid Back When Due (38,772,715) (40,972,223)We Have Funds Still Available 0 0

Long Term Debt 28,366,591 37,034,086

Current Accounts Payable 3,689,334 1,075,995Cash Deposits by Consumers 12,034 15,518Taxes Accrued 814,509 699,727Miscellaneous Deferred Credits 17,508,782 37,020,567We Have Margins and Other Equities 16,166,045 16,948,842

TOTAL LIABILITIES $66,557,295 92,794,732

Balance Sheet

2013 2014

Amount your Cooperative has paid on Long-Term Debt as of December 31, 2014Total Interest $21,753,113

Principal Paid Back When Due $40,972,223

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS • June 2015 15

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June 20-21 Arts in the Park

Aberdeen, SD, 605-226-1557

June 26-28 Motongator Joe’s Country

Music Festival, Madison, SD 605-256-3644

June 27 Uptown Summer Festival Watertown, SD, 605-886-3040

July 3-5 Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate

147th Annual Wacipi Ceremonial Grounds Agency Village, SD 605-698-8217

September 6 A Night of Memories: The

Great Western Cattle Trail (annual fund-raiser for the museum), at the Lions Civic Center in Buffalo, SD

605-870-0064

June 6-7 SDQG Quilt Show Aberdeen, SD, 605-228-3545

June 6-August 9 The 47th Annual Red Cloud

Indian Art Show Heritage Center at Red Cloud Indian School Pine Ridge, SD, 605-867-8257

June 7 Miss Prairie Village & Prairie

Princess Pageant Madison, SD, 605-256-3644

June 7 Mickelson Trail Marathon

Deadwood, SD, 605-584-3896

June 7-13 RASDAK – Ride Across South

Dakota Bike Tour Spearfish, SD, rasdak.com

June 12 Northern Bull Riding Tour Madison, SD, 605-256-3844

May 25 Annual Quilt Show sponsored

by Prairie Points Quilt Guild Harding County Memorial REC

Center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Noon luncheon and trunk

show, Buffalo, SD Kay Baier at 605-375-3314 or

email kaybaier@sdplains.com

June 5 Shrine Circus, Mobridge, SD 605-225-4841

June 5-7 Fort Sisseton Historical Festival

Fort Sisseton State Park Lake City, SD, 605-448-5474

June 5-7 Black Hills Quilt Show & Sale

Rapid City, SD, bhquilters.org

June 5-7 Wheel Jam, Huron, SD

605-353-7340

June 6 Car and Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet

Sisseton, SD, 605-698-3401

June 6 Gold Rush Gravel Grinder

Spearfish, SD, 605-641-4963

June 6-7 Spring Volksmarch at Crazy

Horse Memorial Crazy Horse, SD, 605-673-4681

www.crazyhorsememorial.org

June 6-7 Siouxland Renaissance Festival

Sioux Falls, SD, 866-489-9241

June 12-14 Hills and Valley Riding Club

Annual Trail Ride Sica Hollow State Park Sisseton, SD, 605-742-3077

June 13 Art & Wine Festival

Rapid City, SD, 605-716-7979

June 19-20 Wild Bill Days, Main Street Deadwood, SD, 605-578-1876

June 19-21 Crazy Horse Stampede Rodeo and Gift from Mother Earth Crazy Horse, SD

605-673-4681

June 20 22nd Annual Kids Free Fishing Day, Gardner Lake Buffalo, SD, 605-375-3525

June 20-21 Kite and Bike Festival

Brookings, SD, 605-688-5423

Events of Special Note

To have your event listed on this page, send complete information, including date, event, place and contact to your local electric cooperative. Include your name, address and daytime telephone number. Information must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to your event. Please call ahead to confirm date, time and location of event.

June 5-6 Dairy Fest, Brookings, SD 605-692-7539

June 13 Outdoor Purple Martin Festival

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Columbia, SD, 605-396-2381 Pre-registration at www.purplemartindakotas.org