BUTTE ELECTRIC OCTOBER 2021 VOL. 22 NO. 6
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BUTTE ELECTRIC
OCTOBER 2021 VOL. 22 NO. 6
ERATIVE
CONNECTIONS
Casey S. Hibbert invites
brave visitors to tour
the haunted Adams
House in Deadwood
Spooky SD
The most haunted
spaces in SD
Page 8
Libraries offer
places to grow
Page 12
CEO COLUMN
It’s a Matter of (Co-op!) Principles
vote in how the co-op is run, and each voice
ACE Hardware, State Farm, REI, Land and vote are equal. Butte Electric’s leadership
O’Lakes, and Butte Electric all share team and employees live here in our
something in common: we’re all cooperatives. communities. Our board of directors, who
We may be in different industries, but we helps set long-term priorities for the co-op,
all share a passion for serving our members also live locally on co-op lines. These board
and helping our communities thrive. In fact, members have been elected by neighbors
all cooperatives adhere to the same set of just like you. We know our members have a
seven principles that reflect our core values of valuable perspective, and that’s why we are
John Lee honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness, continually seeking your input and encourage
CEO and service to the greater community good. you to weigh in on important co-op issues
October is National Co-op Month, so this is and participate in co-op elections.
the perfect time to reflect on these principles Our close connection to this community
that have stood the test of time but also ensures we get a first-hand perspective on
provide a framework for the future. Let’s take members’ priorities, thereby enabling us
a look at the first three cooperative principles. to make informed decisions on long-term
VOLUNTARY AND OPEN MEMBERSHIP investments, such as economic development,
Just like all co-ops, Butte Electric was equipment and technology upgrades, etc.
created out of necessity––to meet a need MEMBERS’ ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION
that would have been otherwise unmet in As a utility, our mission is to provide
our communities. So in 1940, a group of safe, reliable, and affordable energy to
neighbors banded together and organized our members. But as a co-op, we are also
our electric co-op so everyone in our motivated by service to the community,
service territory could benefit. For a modest rather than profits. Members contribute
membership fee to the co-op, any farmer equitably to, and democratically control,
could get electricity brought to his farm. the capital of Butte Electric. At least part of
Neighbors came together to tackle a problem that capital remains the common property of
that they all had but couldn’t solve alone. They the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses
worked together for the benefit of the whole for co-op programs, initiatives, capital
community, and the newly established electric investments, and supporting other activities
lines helped power economic opportunity in approved by the membership.
the community. Because we are guided by seven cooperative
While this history may be forgotten, key principles, it’s not just about dollars––it’s
parts of that heritage remain––the focus on about opportunity for all and being fair when
our mission and serving the greater good. engaging with our members. The cooperative
In this, we include everyone to improve the way is a values-based business model.
quality of life and economic opportunity for Butte Electric is a reflection of our local
the communities we serve. communities and their evolving needs. We
DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL view our role as a catalyst for good and
Our co-op is well suited to meet the making our corner of the world a better
needs of our members because we are locally place.
governed. Each member gets a voice and a
2 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | OCTOBER 2021
CO-OP NEWS
CONNECTIONS
ERATIVE 81ST ANNUAL
MEETING
BUTTE
ELECTRIC
(ISSN 1531-1031)
Board of Directors
Cris Miller, Spearfish - President
Dan Marrs, Whitewood – Vice Pres.
Three directors will be elected to three-year
Thomas Brunner, Nisland – Secretary terms on the Board of Directors at the 81st
Daniel Hefner, Whitewood – Asst. Sec. Annual Meeting to be held at the Belle Fourche Bell Fourche Area
Travis Schenk, Spearfish – Treasurer
Thomas Casteel, Vale
Area Community Center on October 26, 2021. Community Center
Terms expiring will be:
October
James Mortenson, Spearfish
Chandy Olson, St. Onge District 1 – Travis Schenk, Spearfish
Steve Smeenk, Newell
District 2 – Tom Brunner, Nisland
Office Personnel District 3 – Tom Casteel, Vale 26, 2021
John Lee - CEO If any Butte Electric member is interested in
Kim Wince - Office Mgr./Accountant
serving on the board, please request a petition 5:30 PM
Laine Mitchell - Communications Director
Colleen Schreiner - Billing Clerk from our office by calling (605)456- 2494.
Angie Alexander - Administrative Assistant The completed petition, signed by 15 or more
Lee Ann Gaer - Member Services/Accountant
members, is due back September 27 by 4:00 p.m.
Operations Personnel To be a candidate, a member must reside in the district and not be employed
Brett Fosheim - Operations Manager by or financially interested in a competing enterprise or a business selling
Bart McLellan - Spearfish Operations Manager
Adam Zvorak - Foreman
electric energy or supplies to the Cooperative, or a business primarily engaged
Chuck Even - Foreman in selling electrical fixtures or supplies to the members of the Cooperative.
Jeff Hughes - Foreman Join us for the Butte Electric Annual Meeting and enjoy a free roast beef din-
Journeyman Lineman:
John Branham
ner while learning about the current happenings at Butte Electric Cooperative!
Jacob Breidenbach
Mike Davis
James Gyles
Corey Hines
Kyle Nudd
Dave Pietz
Elliot Rayman
Pre-register for a chance to
Dalton Steiger
WIN A
Adam Willuweit
Craig Douthit - Work Order Clerk
Butte Electric Beacon Cooperative Connections is
32” TV
the monthly publication for the members of Butte
Electric Cooperative, Inc., PO Box 137, Newell,
SD 57760. Families subscribe to Cooperative
Connections as part of their electric cooperative
membership. Cooperative Connections’ purpose
is to provied reliable, helpful information
to electric cooperative members on electric Yes, I/we plan on attending the Butte Electric Cooperative’s
cooperative matters and better rural living.
81st Annual Meeting on Oct. 26, 2021.
Subscription information: Cooperative members
devote 50 cents from their monthly electric
payments for a subscription. Non-member Please plan on ________ person(s) for dinner.
subscriptions are available for $12 annually.
Name: ________________________________________________
Periodicals postage paid at City, SD 57427.
(as it appears on the mailing label)
Postmaster: Please send address changes to Butte
Electric Beacon, PO Box 137, Newell, SD 57760; Phone Number: ________________________________
telephone (605) 456-2494; fax (605) 456-2496;
Please cut out and return it to PO Box 137, Newell, SD 57760 by Oct. 18, 2021.
email butte@butteelectric.com
Must be present to win.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider
and employer.
OCTOBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 3
FIRE PREVENTION
WE’VE GOT SD
COVERED
Practice fire safety
this fall and winter
When the weather turns colder, you inevitably start
hearing more news about house fires. Even a small fire
can be devastating.
Most house fires are caused by cooking that gets out of hand,
according to the National Fire Protection Association. But the
second most common cause is materials in the home that catch
fire. This often occurs when a heat source, such as a space heater
or flying embers from a fireplace, comes into contact with fabric or
South Dakota’s electric cooperatives deliver affordable,
paper, which then ignite. Once a fire starts, it can move so rapidly
reliable power to our members in every corner of the state. But
that even the best efforts to put it out may fail.
we do so much more!
When it comes to old houses, the risks are even higher. The older
Visit our Co-op Connections Plus YouTube channel and you’ll
the wood is that a house is constructed of, the faster it burns. Once
see co-ops in action providing valuable consumer information
flames invade the walls of an old house, they move with frightening
at Dakotafest and the South Dakota
speed.
State Fair. You’ll see co-ops at local
Fire protection in any home is absolutely necessary, but even
community events and youth leader-
more careful precautions should be taken if your house is older.
ship programs. We’ve got South Dakota
Here’s how to help ensure the safety of your house and everyone
covered!
in it.
Simply scan the QR code to the right
Smoke detectors. These are the first and best line of defense;
and be sure to subscribe!
they allow you to get out of the house at the first whiff of smoke.
The NFPA found that six in 10 deaths in house fires occurred in
homes that did not have working smoke detectors. Go beyond the
federal recommendations and put a smoke detector in every room.
Stay on the even safer side by opting for those that detect both
smoke and carbon monoxide.
Fire extinguishers. Keep small fires from getting out of control
with fire extinguishers that are easily accessible. Choose several fire
extinguishers that are light enough for even kids to handle. Make
sure they have simple pull mechanisms that don’t require much
strength. Look for fire extinguishers that work for various parts of
the house; for instance, an extinguisher in the kitchen should be
able to handle grease fires.
Install arc-fault interrupters. These ingenious little gadgets
detect the electrical arcing that occurs when an old wire buried
deep in your wall begins to fail. Speak with an electrician about
where best to install interrupters and how your particular ones
work.
Maintain it all. Finally, test everything on a regular basis. Smoke
detectors should be tested every month, their batteries replaced
every six months, and old smoke detectors replaced every 10 years.
Opt to purchase an extra fire extinguisher so your family can take it Call 811 before you dig!
to the backyard and practice using it.
Have a plan. What if the worst happens and those smoke Fletcher Nutt
detectors go off? Have a plan to get out fast. Make sure those on
upper floors have a fire ladder that can get them safely to the Fletcher reminds readers of Cooperative Connections to
ground. Designate a meeting place for all family members, and be sure to call 811 before digging. Fletcher’s parents are
practice your safety plan at least once every six months. Donald Nutt and Amanda Larron of Sioux Falls.
Does all of this sound like overkill? It’s not! Fire safety is
imperative year-round for every home. Your home deserves Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your
to have the care required to keep it safe and sturdy, but more local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your
importantly, your family deserves the peace of mind that comes poster is published, you’ll receive a prize. All entries must
from knowing they are protected in an emergency. include your name, age, mailing address and the names of
your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged.
4 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | OCTOBER 2021
RECIPES
PERFECT
PASTA PICKS SPAGHETTI PIE
Ingredients:
6 oz. spaghetti
2 T. butter
HERB BAKED CHICKEN AND
2 well beaten eggs
RATTLESNAKE PASTA PASTA
1/3 c. Parmesan cheese
Ingredients: Ingredients:
1 c. cottage cheese
1/4 c buttery spread 2 cups uncooked medium pasta,
1 lb. ground beef
2 T all-purpose flour such as rotini, penne or ziti
¼ c. chopped green pepper
3/4 c dairy milk 1 pound uncooked boneless
½ c. chopped onion
1/2 c vegetable broth skinless chicken breasts, cut
2 c. chopped tomatoes
1 T vegetable base into 1-inch cubes
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 c Parmesan cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 tsp. oregano
shredded cheese, divided
½ tsp. garlic salt
salt, to taste (optional) 1 1/2 cups water
½ c. shredded mozzarella
pepper, to taste (optional) 1 package McCormick® Italian
METHOD
1/4 c pickled jalapeno slices Herb Baked Chicken & Pasta
Cook spaghetti, drain. Stir in
3 T minced garlic Seasoning Mix
butter, Parmesan cheese and eggs.
10 oz. cooked rotisserie chicken, 1 can (14 1/2 ounces) petite In buttered 10 inch pie plate,
shredded diced tomatoes, undrained form the mixture into a crust.
1 green bell pepper, sliced METHOD Spread the cottage cheese over
1 red bell pepper, sliced Preheat oven to 375ºF. Place crust. Cook beef until browned.
1 handful fresh cilantro, minced pasta, chicken and 1 cup of the Drain fat. Stir tomatoes, sugar,
cheese in 13x9-inch baking dish. oregano and garlic salt into
1 pound whole-wheat linguini,
Mix water, Seasoning Mix and cooked beef. Put all in spaghetti
cooked crust. Bake 350 degrees for 25
tomatoes until well blended.
METHOD Pour over pasta and chicken. minutes. Add mozzarella and
In medium pot, melt buttery Stir to coat well, making sure cook five minutes more or until
spread then add flour; mix most of the pasta is covered with cheese is melted. Bulk sausage
well. Slowly add dairy milk and sauce. Cover with foil. Bake may replace ground beef.
vegetable broth, stirring well. 45 minutes or until chicken is Linda Sherry, Sioux Falls
Add vegetable base and Parmesan cooked through. Remove foil and
cheese; heat slowly until stir. Sprinkle with remaining 1 Please send your favorite dairy recipes
thickened. Add salt and pepper, cup cheese. Bake, uncovered, 5 to your local electric cooperative
to taste, if desired. Add jalapenos, minutes longer or until cheese (address found on Page 3). Each
recipe printed will be entered into a
garlic, bell peppers and roasted is melted. Let stand 5 minutes.
drawing for a prize in December 2021.
chicken; heat thoroughly.Serve (Sauce will continue to thicken All entries must include your name,
over cooked linguini. upon standing.) mailing address, phone number and
Family Features mccormick.com cooperative name.
OCTOBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 5
COLLABORATIVE EFFICIENCY
Dear Pat: I’ve heard heat pumps can
be a good alternative for heating my
home, but it looks like there are several heating efficiency and the Seasonal Energy
Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating measures
types available. Can you explain a few cooling efficiency. Minimum ratings for a new
heat pump are HSPF 8.2 and SEER 14. Heat
of the most common options? – Brett pumps with the ENERGY STAR® rating are
significantly more efficient than the minimum
Dear Brett: It’s a good idea to consider a standard. The quality of the installation also
heat pump for your home. The technology has matters, and some contractors will have more
improved a lot over the past 10-20 years and experience and training than others.
is likely to be at least 20 percent more efficient 2. MINI-SPLIT HEAT PUMP
than what you have now. Heat pumps can If your home does not have ductwork or
also cool your home during summer months, the ductwork is poorly designed or leaky, a
which is an added value! ductless mini-split heat pump might be your
Newer models can operate effectively in best bet. With a mini-split heat pump, tubes
sub-zero weather, but sometimes they do so by connected to the outside compressor carry
switching to electric resistance mode, which is refrigerant to one or more air handlers, which
much less efficient. In a colder climate, it may are mounted high on a wall to distribute
be worth investing in a dual fuel system where air. Thermostats regulate each air handler,
propane or another fuel provides supplemental providing control of different zones.
heat on extremely cold days. In climates that don’t experience extreme
Pat Keegan Here are a few situations where you might cold, a ductless heat pump could supply all
Collaborative use the different types of air-source heat the heating and cooling in a small home. They
Efficiency pumps. are often used in combination with a central
1. DUCTED HEAT PUMP heating and cooling system. Ductless mini-
If your home has a forced air furnace, a splits are an excellent option if you don’t have
centralized air-source heat pump can work central air ducts, your ducts are leaking or you
well. A compressor outside your home that only want the new ductless heat pump to heat
looks like an A/C unit is connected to your or cool part of the home.
home’s existing duct system. Like your 3. GEOTHERMAL (OR GROUND-SOURCE)
furnace, the temperature is controlled through HEAT PUMP
one main thermostat. This is a solid solution Several feet underground, the temperature
if your system has quality ductwork that heats remains constant year-round, typically 45-75
Brad Thiessen and cools every room evenly, which is rare. F, depending on latitude. Heat is transferred
Collaborative Ductwork in most homes is not designed into or out of the ground by pipes buried in a
Efficiency to heat or cool every room evenly. Long loop 10 feet underground or drilled up to 400
supply runs provide little air to some rooms, feet into the earth. The pipes carry water to a
and it’s typical for some rooms to lack return compressor, which uses a refrigerant to transfer
air registers. Also, ductwork is often leaky, the heat to or from your home’s ducts.
which creates comfort issues. If leaky ducts A geothermal system is extremely energy
are located in unheated areas such as attics, it efficient since the earth’s temperature is
will increase your heating and cooling costs. warmer than the outside air in the winter and
Poor ductwork will render any kind of central cooler than the outside air in the summer. But
heating or cooling system much less effective. I should note this efficiency comes with a high
Some HVAC contractors can repair ductwork price tag, which is the initial cost to install the
problems if the ductwork is accessible. pipe loop or drill the hole for a vertical pipe
Heat pumps vary in efficiency, and this is I hope this information provides a good
measured in two ways. The Heating Seasonal starting point in your research of heat pumps.
Performance Factor (HSPF) rating measures
6 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | OCTOBER 2021
OLYMPIC STARDOM
USD alumnus Chris Nilsen follows Coyote Beijing Olympics and also qualified for
the Olympics in Athens in 2004 and
tradition of success with a silver medal London in 2012.
Miles couldn’t resist taking a few
Billy Gibson good-natured jabs as his protégé during
wishers at the Muenster University
the celebration: “I’m a little upset with
billy.gibson@sdrea.coop Center in Vermillion. Trailing behind a
Chris right now. It took me about
police escort, the USD grad rolled onto
12 years after graduation to win an
Pole vaulters have a term to describe campus perched proudly in the back of
Olympic medal and he did it in a year.
one of their worst nightmares. It’s called a Jeep and waved to the onlookers lining
He got a better color than I did and
being “spit out,” a phrase that sounds a the streets with his silver medal glinting
jumped about a foot higher.”
lot like what happened in the Biblical in the summer sun.
Then he turned more serious
account of Jonah and the whale. The celebration included his
in congratulating Nilsen on his
In the world of track and field, it’s parents, Mark and Karen Nilsen,
accomplishment: “It was a pretty special
an ignominious term that vaulters use university officials, athletic department
moment to coach him at the Olympics.
when you sprint as fast as you can down representatives and a bevy of youngsters
As a coach, you want the best out of
the runway and plant your pole but you who got to hold the medal for a moment
your athlete and it was a special moment
don’t have enough force to get up and and dream of their own Olympic success
to see him respond to adversity when he
over the bar. The result is a humiliating one day.
missed 19 feet on the first attempt and
and often painful return to terra firma. Nilsen turned in a personal best of 19
then come back and win the silver.”
It’s an experience Chris Nilsen knows feet, 7 inches during his time in Tokyo.
Nilsen credited Miles and the
all too well after getting the spitting Coming up two inches shy of Swedish
supportive cultural environment at USD
treatment three straight times during his gold medalist Armand “Mondo”
Duplantis, Nilsen became the only U.S. for much of his success.
first attempt at pole vaulting back when “The reason I came here was because
he was a freshman at Park Hill High vaulter to finish second or better in the
of the culture. USD was my fourth
School in Kansas City. event since 2004.
official visit after a few SEC schools. But
But years of hard work, the support The celebration on the Coyotes
Derek looked me in the eye and said,
of family and friends, and the guidance campus was the first time Nilsen’s
‘You can go to any school you want in
of several capable coaches paid off when parents saw their son since he departed
the country and probably become a
Nilsen secured a silver medal in the for Tokyo to prepare for the games. His
better pole vaulter, but you’ll never find
Tokyo Olympics. USD track coach, Derek Miles, was
a coach who cares more about you than
The University of South Dakota the only other individual allowed to
I do.’ It shows what kind of person he
alumnus was given a grand reception accompany Nilsen due to COVID-19
is and he’s allowed to be that kind of
when he returned from Tokyo and restrictions. Miles claimed a bronze
person because of the culture here.”
met a crowd of several hundred well- medal in the pole vault at the 2008
OCTOBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 7
SD SPOOKS
SEARCHING
FOR SPOOKS
Casey S. Hibbert peers out into the natural world through a window in the top floor of the haunted Adams House in
Deadwood. Photos by Billy Gibson
Paranormal enthusiasts search for signs Miller developed a passion for
of the hereafter in SD’s haunted spaces the paranormal when he had an
unexplained experience as a youngster.
“I was in my bedroom and – I don’t
Billy Gibson For the past 10 years, Miller and know how or why it happened – the
billy.gibson@sdrea.coop his crew have been conducting their closet door blew off the hinges and
missions all across the Black Hills went flying across the room. My
Those eerie, creaky footsteps area and have logged scores of audio parents thought the door came down
heard coming from the stairwell recordings and other evidence they because I’d been swinging on it like a
in Deadwood’s historic Adams offer as possible proof of the existence monkey. I was a little unnerved and
House could be the restless spirit of of the hereafter. slept on the couch for a month. But I
former owner W.E. Adams. Or they Every October, Miller invites started reading academic material on
could simply be a figment of the fearless guests to accompany the the subject to see if there was really
imagination. investigators on their missions. But he something to this paranormal thing,
Maurice “Mo” Miller isn’t going often warns visitors beforehand: Don’t and it’s been my passion ever since.”
to try to convince you either way. come dressed in a Dracula costume The BHPI team has several black
He just wants to collect evidence or some silly getup - this is serious metal cases, or “spirit boxes” full of
that there was in fact an unexplained business. devices, contraptions and gizmos
sound and let you draw your own “This isn’t a dog-and-pony they use to detect the presence of
conclusions. show,” Miller said. “We never do wandering ghosts. There are electro-
Miller is founder and lead sleuth investigations with the public on magnetic field meters, binoptic
of the Black Hills Paranormal Halloween because people will come cameras, infrared static cameras,
Investigations team. He and his dressed up as a vampire or a witch and digital audio recorders and more.
six-member squad aren’t out to bust think it’s the county fair. The shows They’ve completed investigations of
ghosts or chase mischievous spirits on TV are for entertainment. We have many haunted places in Deadwood
away. They only want to make a fun, but we don’t contrive things for and the surrounding area such as the
friendly connection with inhabitants entertainment value and promise we’ll Homestake Opera House, the Bullock
of the afterlife, maybe say hello and deliver a ghost in a jar or yank one out Hotel, the Brothel Deadwood, the
spend some quality time together. into the open with a hook.” Lucky Nugget Casino and others.
8 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | OCTOBER 2021
SD SPOOKS
Black Hills Paranormal Investigations team member LeAnn Harlan keeps an eye out for spirits during a recent visit to a
private residence in Spearfish. Above/right, a device used by BHPI triggers when spirits are detected nearby.
As far as the fear factor goes, Miller selling author Ann Charles, but there
said during late-night investigations a many other famously haunted places Visit these haunted sites
he often finds himself keeping a close and spaces around the state. if you dare
eye on BHPI Case Manager Mark Author Chad Lewis has been
Shadley, a retired police sergeant and researching paranormal activity in Here is our Top 10 list of the eeriest,
seasoned law enforcement officer. If South Dakota, across the region, and scariest, most haunted places in South
the former lawman starts showing around world for nearly 30 years Dakota. Enter at your own risk:
and has written 25 books on the • Bullock Hotel - Deadwood
• Adams House - Deadwood
supernatural, including The South
• Old Minnehaha Courthouse
Dakota Road Guide to Haunted Museum - Sioux Falls
Locations as part of his “Unexplained” • Dakota Theater - Yankton
series. While Lewis has made many • Hotel Alex Johnson - Rapid City
television appearances, he often • Sioux San Hospital - Rapid City
speaks to local audiences and calls • Lucky Nugget Casino - Deadwood
attention to some of the lesser known • Homestake Opera House - Lead
haunted sites such as Devil’s Gulch • Eastons Castle - Aberdeen
in Garretson and Spirit Mound State • Mount Marty College - Yankton
Historic Prairie near Vermillion.
“Spirit Mound’s legends date
back as far as Lewis and Clark. In Theatre in Yankton, Eastons Castle in
their journals, they wrote that once Aberdeen and others.
arriving upon Spirt Mound, their With Halloween coming up, Lewis
guides would go no further as they encourages anyone interested in all
feared small creatures that looked like things unexplained to get out and
little people and were very good with explore haunted sites and also to
poisonous arrows.” learn more about the history, lore and
BHPI lead investigator Maurice “Mo”
Miller discusses strategy with Deb
He has explored many haunted sites culture of different locations.
Sutton and Kayleigh Johnson. in the Hills such as the Mount Moriah “I think people should venture out
Cemetery and the Keystone Mount and see things for themselves and
signs of fright or starts heading for the View Cemetery at the foot of Mount make their own determinations,” he
door, then it’s probably time to scram. Rushmore. But Lewis has also studied said. “If you go out to Spirit Mound,
The Black Hills area is often spooky places in eastern South Dakota make sure to leave an offering like
considered a hotbed of paranormal such as the Orpheum Theatre and Old a shiny rock or candy for the Little
activity of the kind depicted in local Minnehaha Courthouse in Sioux Falls, People. This will protect you from
folklore and in the tales spun by best- Mount Marty College and Dakota them getting followed home.”
OCTOBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 9
CYBERSECURITY
GET
FAMILIAR
WITH CYBER
BASICS
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Laine Mitchell
lainem@butteelectric.com several steps that we can take daily password cracking tools to enable
to mitigate risks and stay one step attackers to break into accounts.
ahead of malefactors. Here are a few USE A STRONG PASSWORD
We are more connected than quick tips: MANAGER
ever, and being “cyber smart” is of ENABLE MULTI-FACTOR This may seem obvious, but all too
the utmost importance. This year AUTHENTICATION often, utilizing a password manager
has already seen more than a fair Multi-factor authentication is overlooked. Spending more
share of cyber attacks and breaches, (MFA) adds that necessary second time online during the pandemic
including the high-profile attacks check to verify your identity has certainly contributed to more
on the Colonial Pipeline and other when logging in to one of your attackers prowling for accounts.
critical infrastructure. Furthermore, accounts. By requiring multiple Using long, complex, and unique
as has been underlined by these methods of authentication, you are passwords is a good way to stop your
recent breaches, cyberattacks are protecting your account from being account from being hacked, and
becoming more sophisticated, compromised, even if a bad actor an easy way of keeping track and
involving more actors cropping hijacks your password. In this way, remembering your passwords is by
up each day. Luckily, there are MFAs make it more difficult for using a password manager.
10 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | OCTOBER 2021CYBERSECURITY
PERFORM SOFTWARE UPDATES
When a device prompts that and be aware
it’s time to update the software, of who can
it may be tempting to simply access your
click postpone, and ignore the documents. Heating season is upon us!
message. However, having the latest This extends
security software, web browser, and from Google If you have an electric heat
operating system on devices is one docs to Zoom meter, be sure to the breaker
of the best defenses against online calls, and to the heat meter is turned
threats. So, don’t wait - update. beyond. For on to collect the discounted
DO YOUR RESEARCH meetings on heat rate!
Common sense is a crucial part of Zoom, for
maintaining good online hygiene, example,
and an intuitive step to stay safe create
online is to do some research before passwords so
downloading anything new you are only those
downloading to your device, such invited to the session can attend, presence. Following these tips
as apps. Before downloading any and restrict who can share their is also easy, and free. By taking
new learning app on your device, screen or files with the rest of the preventive measures and making
make sure that it’s by checking attendees. a habit of practicing online safety,
who created the app, what the user Being cyber smart and you can decrease your odds of
reviews say, and if there are any maintaining stellar online hygiene is being hacked exponentially
articles published online about the the best way to protect yourself and preventing lost time, money, as
app’s privacy and security features. others from cyber attacks. No single well as annoyance.
CHECK YOUR SETTINGS tip is foolproof but taken together
Be diligent by double-checking they can make a real difference
your privacy and security settings in taking control of your online
OCTOBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 11A PLACE TO GROW
A PLACE
TO GROW
Public libraries across the state continue to serve the needs of their communities as places to go for a wide range of experiences.
South Dakota’s public library system grows
and adapts to an ever-changing cultural computers with internet access,
37 subscriptions to magazines and
and technological landscape periodicals, and free WiFi access.
In the year prior to the pandemic,
Billy Gibson changes in culture and contemporary 3.7 million visits were made to the
billy.gibson@sdrea.coop lifestyles, South Dakota’s libraries state’s 107 public libraries while nearly
are still delivering the goods - and half the state’s residents held a library
The state’s public library system got the books - in their respective card. In 2019, more than 600 of the
its start even before there was a state. communities. state’s citizens were employed at a
In 1886, three years before South Mary K. Schlim is the head public library, and a collective 5.8
Dakota achieved statehood, the librarian in Howard and says the million digital and physical materials
Howard Public Library was chartered community takes a lot of pride in were circulated.
and quickly became a point of pride being home to the state’s first facility. Brenda Hemmelman, access and
for the people of present-day Miner She takes an optimistic view of the development services director for
County. future of libraries...as long as they the state library system, said libraries
The contents of the library have continue to adapt. return $4 in various programs
long since been relocated to a modern “I think libraries have a bright and services for every $1 invested.
facility in the town’s Municipal future,” she said. “You just have to She describes libraries as a sound
Building, but the original structure keep updating and modernizing and investment in communities large and
can still be visited at Prairie Village in keeping up with the trends and the small.
nearby Madison. technology. We have the computers, Hemmelman recently announced
As the first of its kind in the but we’re adding new books all the the distribution of nearly $2 million
state, the Howard Public Library is time. There will always be demand in grant money disbursed to a total of
still a thriving entity and serves as from people who want an actual, 78 public, local school and academic
a testament to the versatility and physical book to read. There will libraries across the state. The grant
resiliency of the state’s library system. always be a need for libraries.” money came from the Institute of
Standing strong through world wars, Schlim said her facility is open six Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
recessions, depressions, funding days a week with more than 14,000 through American Rescue Plan Act
pressures, political challenges and books on the shelves, five public (ARPA) funds.
12 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | OCTOBER 2021A PLACE TO GROW
STATE LIBRARY DIGITIZES 41 VOLUMES
OF SOUTH DAKOTA HISTORICAL
COLLECTIONS
“This will help our libraries invest in infrastructure,
technology and materials that will serve their patrons
through modern, innovative facilities and practices well
into the future,” Hemmelman said.
Grant-funded items include the following:
• Technology to replace old computer equipment As the South Dakota State Historical Society celebrates
• Podcasting equipment its 120th year, the South Dakota State Library has
• Digitization equipment digitized all 41 volumes of the South Dakota Historical
• Books, audio books, e-books Collections. From 1902 to 1982, this series was published
• 3D printers and other makerspace equipment biennially by the Department of History (now the South
• Furniture with embedded technology Dakota State Historical Society) as part of its mission to
• Library automation software collect, preserve and make accessible the history of the
• SMART boards/Promethean boards for classroom state. All 41 volumes are now available via the Featured
teaching and displays. Collections section of the South Dakota State Library’s
The state system also purchased an additional $76,000 Digital Collections.
worth of audiobooks and e-books for the South Dakota These volumes cover a wide array of topics and are
Titles to Go (SDTTG) a valuable resource for students, teachers, and scholarly
consortium with funds researchers. Six editors presided over the South Dakota
from IMLS through ARPA. Historical Collections during its run, including Doane
Hemmelman said SDTTG Robinson, Will G. Robinson and Dayton Canaday.
program usage increased 18 Their different editing styles and interests are evident
percent from 2019 to 2020 as throughout the volumes. Taken as a whole, the series
users checked out more than represents an evolution in perspectives on the state’s
400,000 titles. history, heritage and culture. In 1989, an index to the
Hemmelman said libraries collection was compiled and published to aid researchers.
face an ongoing challenge to The South Dakota State Library serves as the state’s
remain relevant and useful in a depository for current and historical state agency
rapidly changing technological publications, some of which go back to territorial days.
landscape. She said libraries were fortunate to receive the The South Dakota State Library’s Digital Collections
recent grant money after 96 percent of the state’s facilities reflect the history and culture of South Dakota. Primarily
closed temporarily during the pandemic. of interest to librarians, researchers, and genealogists,
She was quick to note, however, that 86 percent the digital collections include newspaper articles, South
continued to provide public services even though the Dakota library photographs, state government annual
physical facility may have been closed. More than 80 reports and research reports, South Dakota Codified
percent provided outside or curbside checkout services and Laws, Session Laws, House and Senate Journals and
all of them increased access to digital materials. more. Access the collections at: sdsdl-montage.auto-
For Hemmelman, those indicators point to a promising graphics.com/.
future for the state’s public library system.
OCTOBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 13COOPERATIVE LIFE
CRAZY
ABOUT
CO-OPS
Entertainer and Mount Vernon Mayor Weston Frank bears a co-op logo on his forearm in memory of his great grandfather.
South Dakota’s cooperative leaders As for Weston Frank, the co-op
leave a legacy of service in local symbol has an even deeper meaning
than the memory of his great
communities throughout the state grandfather.
“That logo stands for a time
Billy Gibson Howard Frank, who started working when men did what they said they
billy.gibson@sdrea.coop at the ag co-op in Wessington would. You could trust the word
Springs after his gas station business of your fellow man, and the local
Some people place a lot of faith burned to the ground. He eventually co-op board. I have on occasion
and belief in the cooperative way of retired from the co-op in the caught grief from some folks who
doing business. mid-1990s. associate the double circle with poor
And then some people don’t mind When Weston Frank takes a memories and situations. I always
letting the world know exactly glance at that image on his arm, apologize that they feel that way, but
where they stand on cooperatives he remembers a man who had the co-op provided for my family for
and what they represent. earned the respect of everyone in his many years without incident. For
When Weston Frank pulls up his community. me, the logo helps me remember the
shirt sleeve, everyone can see how “I love the double circle co-op man, the good he did and the love
much cooperatives mean to him. He logo because it’s something my he had for his family.”
has the word “COOP” tattooed in great grandfather wore every day. Cooperatives have been part
big, bold letters right there on his Everyone knew him as a kind and of South Dakota’s landscape for
forearm. quiet man who would help anyone. well over 100 years, and have an
Frank, who is mayor of Mount He’d stay late to get a job done, estimated annual economic impact
Vernon and an entertainer well- then head out to the 281 Junction of $8 to $10 billion. Collectively,
known throughout the state, had the on Sunday afternoon at the drop cooperatives provide an estimated
cooperative logo inked into his arm of a hat to help a stranded stranger. 16,000 jobs for South Dakotans,
for a special reason. He got the tat I never met one person who had and contribute almost $600 million
in memory of his great grandfather, something bad to say about him.” in tax revenue to the state.
14 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | OCTOBER 2021COOPERATIVE LIFE
South Dakota Cooperative Association Hall of Famer Charles Birkholt served as general
manager of Cam Wal Electric Cooperative for the last eight of his 45 years there. After
retiring from Cam Wal, Birkholt served on the board of Venture Telecommunications.
25 years. At the end of December
each year, she would accompany her
dad down to the co-op to help take
The cooperative spirit also Estimated economic
inventory.
runs through the veins of Brenda impact
“On the way over we’d talk about
Forman, executive director of
the South Dakota Association of
Cooperatives. Her introduction
the co-op and how it got started
and why he served on the board, $8-10
to the co-op world came early in
life when she was a girl growing
to help people,” Forman recalled.
“Something that touched me deeply billion
happened when a gentleman came of South Dakota’s
up in Gettysburg where both her cooperatives
up to me once and I told him I was
grandfather and father served on the
from Gettysburg. He said he knew
Cenex board of directors.
my dad and they worked on the
“THAT LOGO STANDS FOR A Cenex board together. He looked “I enjoyed working at both co-ops
TIME WHEN MEN DID WHAT around at the other people and told and being able to see things on both
them I come from good stock. That sides of the board table,” he said. “It
THEY SAID THEY WOULD. YOU was one heckuva of a compliment, gives you different things to think
COULD TRUST THE WORD OF coming from someone who thought about and makes you understand
YOUR FELLOW MAN, AND THE that much of my dad and granddad you have to keep an open mind. But
and their involvement in the co-op.” in both positions, you’re working
LOCAL CO-OP BOARD.” Charles Birkholt is a member to improve the service and your
of the SDAC Hall of Fame and relationship with your members.”
At the age of 14, Forman landed
has served consumers of both a Birkholt said he encourages all
her first job at the local Cenex
telecommunications co-op and cooperative members, employees
station and worked there through
an electric co-op. Back in 1952, and leaders across the state to
high school and college, often filling
Birkholt joined Cam Wal Electric pause a moment during Co-op
a spot on the spraying crew. She
in Selby as a groundsman at the rate Month in October to reflect on the
joined the co-op association 25 years
of 85 cents an hour. He climbed importance of these not-for-profit
ago and has carried on the mission
his way up to manager and recalls organizations.
of serving the association’s members
farmers complaining about their $5 “The consumer is our primary
and lauding the many benefits of
monthly power bills. He later retired goal, our only reason for existing.
cooperative businesses, including
after 45 years of service at Cam Wal. That is very unique and isn’t the
telecommunications, farm supply,
But Birkholt wasn’t done yet. case for investor-owned enterprises.
marketing and electric organizations.
Shortly after retiring 20 years ago, We’re the underdogs, so that just
Her father, Richard Mangin, held
he joined the board of Venture means we have to work harder,” he
a position on the Cenex board for
Communications. said.
OCTOBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 15OCTOBER 11
Native American Day
Celebration
Crazy Horse Memorial, Crazy
Horse, SD, 605-673-4681
OCTOBER 16-17
Heartland Quilter’s Guild
Highland Conference Center,
Mitchell SD, Contact Karen at
605-996-6726 for more info
OCTOBER 16-17
KELOLAND Living Arts
& Crafts Show
Best Western Plus Exhibit Hall
& Annex, Sioux Falls, SD, email
events@keloland.com for
Pheasant Hunting Season more info
Opening Day
October 16, 2021 OCTOBER 22-23
Governor’s South
Dakota Showcase
1201 N West Avenue, Sioux
SEPTEMBER 25 OCTOBER 1-3 Falls, SD, 605-773-3301
Great Downtown SiouxperCon
Pumpkin Festival 1201 N West Avenue, Sioux OCTOBER 29-30
526 Main Street, Rapid City, SD, Falls, SD, visit siouxpercon.com Deadweird
605-716-7979 for more details and tickets Various Locations, Deadwood,
SD, 605-578-1876
SEPTEMBER 25-26 OCTOBER 2-3
Menno Pioneer Power Show Fort Pierre Horse Races OCTOBER 30
Menno, SD, contact Daniel at Stanley County Fairgrounds, 16th Holiday Shopping
mennopowershow@yahoo.com Fort Pierre, SD, 605-223-2178 Extravaganza
for more details Davison County Fairgrounds,
OCTOBER 7-10 Mitchell, SD, call Cindy at
SEPTEMBER 25-26 Annual Great 605-999-8563 for more info
Reza: Edge of Illusion Scarecrow Festival
Oscar Larson Performing Arts Campbell Park, Huron, SD, OCTOBER 30
Center, Brookings, SD, tickets 605-354-0491 Scare in the Square
on sale at Main Street Square, Rapid City,
To have your event http://www.RezaLive.com OCTOBER 8-9 SD, 605-716-7979
Junkin’ Market Days
listed on this page, send OCTOBER 30
SEPTEMBER 30 W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, Sioux
complete information, 7th Annual Taste of Falls, SD, 605-941-4958 Yankton’s Harvest
including date, event, Sioux Falls Halloween
place and contact to your Washington Pavilion, Sioux OCTOBER 8-10 Downtown, Yankton, SD, email
Falls, SD, 605-367-6000 Pumpkin Festival mandi@bostonsyankton.com
local electric cooperative.
Country Apple Orchard, for more info
Include your name, SEPTEMBER 30 - Harrisburg, SD, 605-743-2424
address and daytime OCTOBER 3 NOVEMBER 13
telephone number. Festival of Books OCTOBER 9-10 Sisseton Area Merchants &
Various Locations, Deadwood, Sioux Falls Quilters’ Guild Crafters Holiday Open
Information must be
SD, 605-688-6113 Bi-annual Quilt Show – “Fall House Extravaganza
submitted at least eight in Love with Quilting” Sisseton, SD, call Beverly at
weeks prior to your OCTOBER 1-2 Sioux Falls Convention Center, 605-698-7425 for more info
event. Please call ahead Oktoberfest Sioux Falls, SD, for more info
to confirm date, time and Various Locations, Deadwood, visit siouxfallsquiltersguild.com Note: Please make sure to
SD, 605-578-1876 or send an email to call ahead to verify the event
location of event.
sfqg2021show@gmail.com is still being held.You can also read
