RENVILLE-SIBLEY SEPTEMBER 2021 VOL. 22 NO. 5 - Renville-Sibley Cooperative Power Association
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RENVILLE-SIBLEY
SEPTEMBER 2021 VOL. 22 NO. 5
ERATIVE
CONNECTIONS
CONNECTIONS
Old Spink
New Spink
SD restaurants roll
with the changes
Page 8
Dealing with
drought
Page 12
Joyce Schermer,
Karisma Tripp and Brad
and Lori Johannsen are
shown at Spink Family
Restaurant in Elk Point
GUEST COLUMN
East River: Enhancing by Basin Electric Power Cooperative will also
bring solar energy to our generation mix in the
value to our members near future including what will be South Dakota’s
largest solar farm – the 128 megawatt Wild Springs
Solar farm – beginning in 2022. Currently, about
For 70 years, East River has worked alongside 25 percent of our energy mix comes from wind
our member systems in providing safe, affordable resources. Looking back about 10 years ago, just
and reliable power to our member-owners in 8 percent of our power supply came from wind.
eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota. Additionally, the percentage of coal in our power
By far, the biggest impact on our industry and supply sales has dropped 15 percent in the past
our nation over the past year was the COVID-19 decade, now making up only about 45 percent.
pandemic. While the pandemic brought immense With nuclear and recovered energy, our total
struggles - big and small - it also showcased the carbon free energy resources make up 45 percent of
strength of the cooperative business model and our power supply delivered to you.
the resilience of our cooperative family. Member
cooperatives stepped up to help each other through
the crisis and leaned on each other for advice. The
resilience of our cooperative structure also came
to the forefront with our member systems pulling
together to share resources, overcome challenges,
Tom Boyko support each other and keep the power on for
CEO, East River hundreds of thousands of people in our region,
320-826-2593 or including hospitals, schools and many other
800-826-2593 essential businesses.
Currently, over one-third of our
cooperative family’s generation
mix comes from renewable sources
including hydropower and wind,
with plans for steady and fiscally East River’s board-driven farm safety campaign
responsible growth. continued in 2020. This marked the award-
winning campaign’s fourth year and it reminds
farmers to be aware of electrical equipment when
Outside of the pandemic, East River continued working on the farm. It also educates them on the
our critical work of fulfilling the objectives outlined steps to take if their equipment contacts a power
within our strategic plan. Over the past year, we line. We’ve heard many positive stories of how
completed several key projects for our transmission the campaign’s message has led to farmers taking
system upgrade plan that will strengthen our the proper actions after accidents involving their
system’s backbone, improve reliability and provide equipment and power lines. We’re pleased to see
for future load growth. that the campaign is achieving its goal of keeping
East River and our power supply partners are our farming community safe while they do their
continuously looking to ensure we have a mix of important work.
power resources to serve our membership with East River exists to enhance the value of our
reliable and affordable electricity. As a result, we member systems and open communication with
employ an “all of the above’” generation strategy. each local co-op is essential for ensuring that East
Part of that strategy is using renewable energy. River’s efforts are in sync with the needs of the
Currently, over one-third of our cooperative membership. By staying connected and working
family’s generation mix comes from renewable together, our cooperative family will remain
sources including hydropower and wind, with energized for the future.
plans for steady and fiscally responsible growth.
Two new solar projects that have been announced
2 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2021
CO-OP NEWS
ERATIVE Keep safety in mind when
using standby generators
CONNECTIONS
RENVILLE-SIBLEY
CO-OP POWER
(USPS 019-074) While owning an emergency Transfer switches are critical for two
Board of Directors generator comes in handy during an reasons:
Roger Manthei – Chair extended power outage, you must • They prevent the backflow of
Wayland Zaske – Vice Chair consider the following. current across distribution lines that
Alan Neyers – Secretary/Treasurer
To safely use standby generators, could electrocute lineworkers trying to
Gary Eekhoff
Matt Haubrich operate them only in well-ventilated restore power during an outage.
Whitey Hinderman areas outdoors so emissions can’t
Gary Peterson enter your home. In addition,
Kylie Rieke always turn off a generator when
Helen Ruebel refueling it, and store gasoline,
diesel fuel, or propane outside of
Renville-Sibley Employees
Gene Allex – Line Superintendent
living areas.
Brian Athmann – Journeyman Lineman Plug appliances directly into
Shawn Beckler – Crew Chief a generator or use an extension
Mike Benson – Journeyman Lineman cord. Do not try to power a home’s
Brad Braulick – Crew Chief wiring by plugging the generator
Nick Bruns – Systems Coordinator into a wall outlet. • They protect the generator from
Anthony Carruth – Journeyman A permanently installed standby damage when electric service has been
Lineman
Amy Ervin – Consumer Accounts
generator for a home or business restored.
Representative requires a transfer switch to isolate it Installation of a standby generator
Brayden Fischer – Journeyman Lineman from the power grid. The main breaker should be done by a licensed electrician
Cindy Mertens – Administrative on an electric panel does not qualify and must comply with the National
Services Manager as a transfer switch under the National Electrical Code as well as state and local
DeeAnne Newville – CEO Electrical Code. 510700 codes.
Clint Olson – Journeyman Lineman
Kathy Ridl – Office Assistant
Shane Suess - PT Janitor
Lenae Wordes – Communications Thank You to Renville-Sibley Electric Co-op Power
Manager
Thanks for a great meal and the $25 support your core values. In addition,
RENVILLE-SIBLEY COOPERATIVE gift card we won in the drawing. You I want to thank you for the gift cards
CONNECTIONS is published monthly
by Renville-Sibley Co-op Power Asso- do amazing work. you give to nominating teachers. It is
ciation, 103 Oak Street, Danube, MN, Gary & Janice Simondet very much appreciated.
56230 for its members. Electric coop- Sincerely, Brenda Holm
erative members devote 50 cents from
their monthly electric payments for a Thank you very much for the door
subscription. Non-member subscrip- prize of a $25 credit towards our bill. I am sincerely honored to have
tions are available for $6 annually. Much appreciated! been selected as the recipient of
Periodicals Postage Paid at Danube
Post Office, Danube, MN 56230 and LuAnn Nere your scholarship. I will be using it
at additional mailing offices. POST- towards my education at Minnesota
MASTER: Send address changes to: Thank you for your donation for the State University – Mankato. I will
Renville-Sibley Cooperative Connec-
tions, PO Box 68, Danube, MN 56230; 4th of July. Morton appreciates your be pursuing a degree in Computer
Telephone (320) 826-2593; Toll Free contribution to our event. Engineering. This scholarship is
1-800-826-2593; Fax (320) 826-2679. 4th of July Committee greatly apapreciated to help me with
Web site: www.renville-sibley.coop my education goals. Thank you for the
Thank you for sponsoring the Scholar gift.
This institution is an equal of the Month program for area Kamren Freitag
opportunity provider and employer.
students. What a terrific program to
SEPTEMBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 3
OVERHEAD POWERLINES
TIPS FOR A SAFE
HARVEST
Be aware of
overhead power
lines on farms
Powerlines pose a major hazard for South Dakota
farmers. Lines over roads and rural areas have a
minimum clearance of 18 feet but just 12.5 feet over
residential private property.
The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center offers
Before working in a field hanging too low. this useful checklist for farm safety called Stop-Think-Act. Take
or around shops or grain • If contact is made with a these steps to minimize injury risks during harvest season.
bins, always take the time power line, remember that Stop • Do I have the right equip-
to note the location of your it is almost always • What could go wrong? ment and tools for the job?
cooperative’s power lines so safest to stay on the • How bad could it be? Act
• Has anything changed? • Make it safe.
that you can make sure to equipment. Make sure to
Think • Use the right tools.
remain a safe distance from warn others to stay away • Do I clearly understand the • Follow proper procedures.
them and stay free from and call the cooperative task? • Reduce risks.
harm. To stay safe around immediately. • Am I physically and mentally • Stop the task if it cannot be
overhead power lines, farm • The only reason to ready? done safely.
operators and workers decide to make an exit is if
must: the equipment is on fire. If
• Always use a spotter this is the case, then
when operating large remember to jump off the
machinery near utility equipment with both of
power lines. your feet together, avoiding
• Use extra caution when touching the ground and
raising augers or grain truck vehicle at the same time.
beds around co-op power Then, still keeping your
lines. feet together, “bunny hop”
• Keep equipment at away from the vehicle until
least 10 feet from power you reach a safe distance.
lines - at all times, and in all If you see someone else’s
directions. equipment that has come in
• Inspect the height contact with a power line in
of farm equipment to your area, the best help you
determine the proper can give will be from a safe You put the ‘pow’ in power!
clearance. distance.
Madilyn Gaikowski
• Always lower extensions Make sure to yell out to,
to the lowest setting when signal or call the equipment Madilyn sends out a special note of appreciation for
moving loads. operator to make sure
line workers across the state of South Dakota. She is the
daughter of Gene and Loree Gaikowski. Gene serves as
• Never attempt to move he or she remains in the
the Wessington Springs line foreman at Central Electric
a power line out of the way vehicle, and notify your local in Mitchell.
or raise it to get added cooperative immediately.
Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your
clearance. Please remember to local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3). If your
• Call your electric follow these tips to avoid poster is published, you’ll receive a prize. All entries must
cooperative immediately if accidents during the harvest include your name, age, mailing address and the names of
a power line is sagging or is season. your parents. Colored drawings are encouraged.
4 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2021
RECIPES
CROCKPOT
CRAVINGS
CROCKPOT BUTTERNUT
SQUASH WITH APPLES
Ingredients:
1 ½ to 2 lbs. butternut squash,
peeled and chopped (about 5
cups)
2 to 3 tart apples, chopped
(about 2 cups)
¼ c. dried cherries or cranberries
1 ½ tsp. grated fresh ginger
½ tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
CROCKPOT APPLE BUTTER ½ tsp. cinnamon
Ingredients: ¼ tsp. nutmeg
SLOW COOKER BEEF STEW
4 cups of sugar (more or less ½ c. apple cider
Ingredients:
depending on sweetness of ¼ tsp. salt
3 cups water
apples)
1 package McCormick® Classic
4 tsp. cinnamon METHOD
Beef Stew Seasoning Mix
¼ tsp. cloves Combine all ingredients in your
Packet slow cooker and stir together.
¼ tsp. salt
2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into Cover and cook on low 3-4 hours
METHOD 1-inch pieces or until squash is tender, then
Fill a 5 quart crockpot full of 1/4 cup flour turn to warm until serving. Can
chopped apples (quartered or 2 cups potato chunks also be baked in conventional
smaller), no need to peel, but 1 1/4 cups carrot chunks oven at 325 degrees until fork
do remove seeds. Tart apples are 1 medium onion, cut into thin tender. Sweet potatoes can be
best. Top with the ingredients wedges used instead of butternut squash
above. Lid won’t fit at first but if desired.
1/2 cup sliced celery
settles down as apples cook.
Begin cooking on high and when Linda Sherry, Sioux Falls
bubbling, put heat on low and METHOD
cook all night, or until thick and Mix vegetables, water and Beef
dark color. Stir occasionally. If Stew Seasoning Mix in slow Please send your favorite dairy recipes
need be, blend a few seconds to cooker. Coat beef with flour. Stir to your local electric cooperative
into ingredients in slow cooker. (address found on Page 3). Each
soften peels. Pour into jars and recipe printed will be entered into a
seal. Cover. Cook 8 hours on low or 5
hours on high until beef is tender. drawing for a prize in December 2021.
All entries must include your name,
Cherie Leibel, Timber mailing address, phone number and
Lake mccormick.com cooperative name.
SEPTEMBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 5
CO-OP NEWS
Unclaimed capital Energy Star Rebates
credit checks Available to Members
Renville-Sibley offers rebates to members who purchase
Listed below are Renville-Sibley members who the following Energy Star certified appliances for their
were mailed a capital credit check in December home: refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, clothes washer,
of 2014 and have either not cashed the check or clothes dryer, dehumidifier, central air-conditioner and room
the check was returned to our office due to an air-conditioner.
old address. If you know of a correct address or To qualify for the rebate, the unit must be currently
telephone number for these members, please Energy Star certified. Occasionally, Energy Star changes their
qualification of what is certified. Therefore, what was Energy
contact Renville-Sibley Co-op Power at 800-826-
Star certified last year or even last month, may or may not
2593. If no contact is made with these members, be currently Energy Star certified due to a change in the
the money is paid out to students through our requirements. Renville-Sibley would like to remind members
scholarship program. to verify that the appliance they are purchasing is currently
Energy Star certified by visiting the Energy Star website www.
energystar.gov.
ALARCON, JOSE KNUTSON, ERVIN
Once in the website, click on Find Products tab at the top
BARAJAS, RAMON KOHLER, DARWIN
of the page and then click on the appliance you are interested
BEAGER, TODD KORDOVSKY, DAN in purchasing. Next, click on the “Explore Models” and search
BELLIG, RANDY LOTHERT, DENNIS S by the brand of the appliance you are purchasing. Renville-
BITKER, JANET MALLON, MIKE Sibley also uses this web site to verify that the appliance is
CARLSON, DUSTHAN MARK TWAIN CABLEVISION LP currently Energy Star certified before issuing the rebate. This
CHAPMAN, BRENT MARTIN, JERRY web site has a host of other information to assist members in
COLUMBUS, CLYDE MARXEN, BILL becoming energy efficient.
DAVIS, ROBERT MILROY, SALLY Rebate forms can be found on Renville-Sibley’s website
DECLERCQ, JAMES MORARIE, MARK http://renville-sibley.coop/content/energy-star-rebates.
DEVRIES, LARRY NESBURG, DAVID Rebates must be submitted within 90 days of purchase. Please
ECKLAND, STEVE OLIVIA CANNING CO contact the office if you have any questions on rebates or on
EDWARDS, JOHN POMEROY, RANDY Energy Star products.
EVANS, LEAMON JR RADDATZ, MARJORIE
FISCHER, GERALD REID, MARY
Renville-Sibley’s
GOEPFERICH, GREG RENVILLE, RENEE
GRAFENSTEIN, STEVE ROCHA, JORGE office will be
HAASE, LINDA ROEBKE, ALAN closed on Monday,
HALE, TIM RUTER, ED
HANSON, ERLAND SALINAS, ERASTO JR September 6 in
HANSON, LORI SANDERS, JAMES observance of
HANSON, MARK SCHICKERT, DIANE
HEIMERMAN, JAMES SCHMIDT, CHARLES
Labor Day.
HELMUTH, WILLIAM SR SCHULTZ, LEE
Comparative Report
HILL, CATHERINE S SCHWEISS FARM INC
HILLMANN, TODD SMITH, KORY
HOLSTAD, JAMES SWENSON, BRYAN
Current One Year Ago 10 Years Ago
JENSEN, DERYL THORNE, JAMES YTD through YTD through YTD through
JENSEN, DORIS M TIMGREN, RONALD June 30, 2021 June 30, 2020 June 30, 2011
JOHNSTON, MICHAEL L TREVINO, OSCAR average # of Consumers 1,882 1,882 1,928
JONES, LARRY WHITELEY, JAMES J kWhs purchased 97,438,868 82,917,981 84,502,006
Cost of purchased power $6,346,347.89 $5,148,989.08 $3,786,676.91
6 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2021
CO-OP NEWS
2020 Margin Allocated to the Membership
As a member of Renville-Sibley Cooperative Power Association, you YNNN
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
own a portion of the cooperative. One of the many ownership benefits Renville-Sibley Co-op Power
103 Oak Street
Statement Date 08/15/2021
123400
is receiving an allocation of the co-op’s margin. Generally, co-ops PO Box 68
Danube MN 56230-0068
Account Number
Payment Due 09/03/2021
operate at cost. That means the goal of a co-op is to collect enough Service Summary
Previous Balance $222.00
revenue to run and expand the business, without over-charging Phone: (320) 826-2593 Toll Free (800) 826-2593
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Payment Received 08/03/2021
Balance Forward
Thank You! -$222.00
$0.00
members. www.renville-sibley.coop Current Charges
Total Amount Due
$121.00
$121.00
Any excess revenue is allocated back to the membership in the form 1483 1 AB 0.412
ANY MEMBER Message from your Co-op
12345 ELECTRIC ROAD August member events include Farmfest and Family-a-Fair
of capital credits. This allocation is based on the amount of electricity ANYWHERE MN 56565 night. Remember to bring the coupon from the newsletter with
you to Farmfest so you can be registered for a prize drawing.
More information on both of these events can be found in the
each member consumed during the year. The 2020 allocation ATDFAATFTAFTFATTTFDDAADATAAFTDFDADFDTDFAFDTAFFFTFDTDDTATATFTADTDA Cooperative Connections newsletter.
information will be located on the August statement. Past members Map Location: 9876543 Service Location: 12345 ELECTRIC ROAD Substation: Emmet
who received electricity from Renville-Sibley in 2020 and no longer Meter No.
81758445
From
07/01/2021
Services
To
07/31/2021
Days
31 314
Readings
Previous Present
318
Meter
Multiplier
160
kWh
Usage
640
Rate Description
GENERAL SERVICE
have an active service with us will receive their allocation notice in the 1708410 07/01/2021 07/31/2021 31 93423 93490 1 67 RESISTANCE HEAT
kWh Usage History Current Service Detail
mail. 6000
Balance Forward
GENERAL SERVICE
$0.00
Please remember, this allocation is not payable now and does not
5120
4500 4320 Customer Charge $42.00
3520 3680 3520
3000
Energy Charge 640 kWh@ 0.1202 $76.93
Water Heater Credit -$6.50
represent cash, but rather your equity in the co-op. You cannot apply
2080 2080
1440
1500 1120 960 1120
800 640 RESISTANCE HEAT
Sub Meter Charge $2.50
this amount to your electric bill. Renville-Sibley uses the allocated, but
Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Total Electric Charges $114.93
PERIOD ENDING 06/2020 06/2021
Avg Daily Temp 70 67 Minnesota Sales Tax $5.93
unretired capital credits to improve and expand our electric system and
Avg Daily kWh 37 21 Operation Round Up $0.14
Other Services & Credits $6.07
Total Electric, Other Services & Credits $121.00
meet our other capital needs. This reduces our need to borrow money Capital Credit Statement
Total Patronage for 2020 $2,596.33
Total Amount Due 09/03/2021
Total Amount Due After 09/03/2021
$121.00
$122.82
and helps us provide reliable electric service to the membership. RSCPA
Category Unretired
Balance
$2,573.82
2020
Allocation
$203.32
TOTAL
$2,777.14
When our financial condition permits, the co-op retires, or pays, East River
Basin
TOTAL
$597.30
$1,081.86
$4,252.98
$78.79
$220.58
$502.69
$676.09
$1,302.44
$4,755.67
the capital credits to members in cash. Allocating and retiring margins
to members helps distinguish the difference between cooperatives and KEEP
other utilities. Renville-Sibley is proud to support our communities
SEND Please do not staple or paperclip.
ANY MEMBER 123400
12345 ELECTRIC ROAD
Account Number
by putting money back into the local economy - and into the pockets ANYWHERE MN 56565 Total Due 09/03/2021 $121.00
of those we serve. The best way to ensure you receive this allocation Total Due After 09/03/2021 $122.82
when it is retired is to keep your mailing address up-to-date with the Please check here and complete the appropriate section on the reverse side
to update your Mailing Address, Phone Numbers, or Email.
cooperative.
RENVILLE-SIBLEY CO-OP POWER
A common question regarding the allocation and retirement
1
PO BOX 68
DANUBE MN 56230-0068
of capital credits is if this amount should be reported to the IRS.
Renville-Sibley recommends members visit with their tax advisor on 250720000411000000012100000012282071120197
this matter.
Farmers: Getting proper rest can make a big difference
For many farmers, fall requires long days • Create a bedroom environment that
in the field and little rest. The pressure to encourages sleep; keep it quiet, dark and
harvest as much as possible increases the risk cool.
of injury. In fact, most injuries occur during • Limit electronic device use.
the spring and fall when stress and fatigue are • Avoid large meals, caffeine and alcohol
common. before bedtime.
The safety and health of workers, In addition to improving sleep, managing
including making time for sleep, should stress is an important component to injury
be a priority, according to Josie Rudolphi, prevention, health and safety, according to
University of Illinois Extension associate Rudolphi. “By using the ‘Four A’ Method
research scientist. “Rushing and cutting of avoid (planning ahead), adapt (changing
corners can lead to injury, which no one has The demands of harvest are stressful, and expectations), alter (changing the situation
time for, especially during harvest,” she says. a lack of sleep can intensify that and lead to when you can) and accept (acknowledging
Rudolphi grew up on a farm and errors in the fields or even on the roads. that a situation is what it is), farmers can
understands the pressures of harvest season. To improve sleep, Rudolphi advises successfully manage the stress of long hours
She says getting proper rest can make a farmers to go to bed and wake up at regular and unpredictability,” she adds.
difference in staying safe, but during the time times when possible. They can use rainy days For information about safety around
crunch of harvest season, farmers sacrifice to catch up on sleep. electricity, including farm and ranch safety,
sleep to work late into the night. Other sleep health tips include: visit SafeElectricity.org.
SEPTEMBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 7
SPINK RESTAURANT
RISING FROM
THE ASHES
Rhonda Otten, along with her husband and three sons, has worked to keep Spink Family Restaurant open for business.
Photos by Billy Gibson
Spink restaurant emerges strong from here. We had a lot more space
hardships brought by fire and pandemic and we were finally getting in the
groove.”
Facing the same problems as just
Billy Gibson popular attraction was totally about every restaurant owner in
billy.gibson@sdrea.coop consumed by fire. the state and nation, the Ottens
The way the Ottens saw it, there were forced to hit the pause button
Old Spink. New Spink. was no option but to rebuild. and try to figure out the next step
That’s how Rhonda Otten But the planned resurrection of to take. They closed for a month,
variously refers to her restaurant, the business wouldn’t occur in regrouped, and then returned to
depending on whether she’s alluding the confines of Spink. The new offer carry-out service only.
to the Spink Café that burned iteration, renamed Spink Family Members of the community
down in 2019 or the Spink Family Restaurant, would be located in rallied to support the restaurant,
restaurant that was throttled by the the old American Legion hall in including employees at Union
pandemic but is thriving today. downtown Elk Point. County Electric located just two
For more than 20 years, the Spink By all accounts, the “new Spink” blocks away.
Café was a big draw in the township wasn’t so easy to bring forth from According to Union County
located in Union County. The eatery the ashes. Two weeks after working Electric General Manager Matt
was known for its Friday night fish hard to get the new facility ready for Klein, the cooperative always strives
fries during Lent, Sunday dinners business in Elk Point, the pandemic to support other local businesses
and its famous Spinkburger. The hit and threatened to dash the that help the community thrive.
80-year-old structure had recently Ottens’ hopes for good. “At lunchtime you’re likely to
been re-decorated with a 50s theme, “The fire was in November, we see some of our guys eating there,”
featuring old LPs, vinyl album made the decision to keep going Klein said. “When they had carry-
covers on the wall and pictures of in December, and we re-opened in out, we ordered food for meetings
Elvis Presley. March. We were open for two weeks and just did what we could to help –
But life for Otten and her when the pandemic hit, Rhonda just like we do with other members
husband Sam changed in November said. “Those two weeks were very, of the community. We help
of 2019 when the area’s most very busy. It was a madhouse in whenever and wherever we can.”
8 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2021
SPINK RESTAURANT
Server Karisma Tripp tends to another satisfied customer at Spink Family Restaurant in Elk Point.
Rhonda said it was inspiring to see area from Sedona, Ariz., and always
the town pull together to face the make a point to stop at Spink, Percentage of South
impact of the pandemic, and also to preferring the hot beef sandwich and Dakota restaurants
help the business survive after the the prime rib sandwich.
back-to-back calamities. “It’s always good every time you
come,” said Schermer, a resident
75%
forced to lay off some
of Akron who opted for her staff members during
go-to French Dip. “You’re never the pandemic.
disappointed in the food or the
service. It’s wonderful.”
Also enjoying a lunchtime meal
were several employees of Valley various times through the years.
Ag Supply. The company is located “It’s going to have to be torn down
a half mile from the old Spink eventually, but we just don’t want to
Cody Olson, center, enjoys lunch with building that was destroyed by fire. let it go,” Rhonda said. “There are
his co-workers from Valley Ag Supply. “We used to go there all the time so many memories attached to that
and we were disappointed when it place; both of our parents were such
“The community really supported burned down. You could see our a big part of it.”
us and we’re very grateful for that,” fertilizer plant from there,” said She emphasized that while the
she said. “But we’ve seen this many Cody Olson while noshing on restaurant is in a new location, the
times before; people watching out the French Dip. “Now there’s no food is the same as before. The
for each other and helping when place to go. So, we just drive into Ottens, who have always used family
there’s a need. That’s what really town because it’s so good. It’s great recipes, depend on all three of their
pushed us through.” that they came back and are still sons – ages 17 through 23 – to
One regular patron who is happy operating.” handle the cooking to maintain
to see the new Spink succeeding As for “old Spink,” the Ottens consistency on a daily basis.
is Joyce Schermer. She occupied a are still trying to figure out what to “The secret to our success is that
table in the restaurant one recent do with the heap left in the wake of the five of us do all the cooking here.
lunch hour along with her son Brad the conflagration. The building had We use time-proven family recipes
Johannsen and his wife Lori. The an upstairs apartment where several that have been popular for decades,”
Johannsens are regular visitors to the members of the family lived at Rhonda said.
SEPTEMBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 9
CO-OP NEWS
WHERE’S THE
NUMBER?
Last month Quentin Keehl did
Operation Round Up not find his member number
in the newsletter. The credit
will increase to a value of $60.
Board elects officers and Another number has been
hidden in this newsletter. If
approves donations you find your number and
call the office by the 1st of
The Operation Round Up Board Renville County survivors September, you will receive
of Trustees met on Wednesday, and the Cancer Research Pilot this credit on your electric
July 14th. The board elected the studies. statement. Good luck in your
following officers: • SWWC Foundation for
search!
President – Ty Erickson Innovation in Education -
OUTAGE
Vice President – Butch Buschette $1,000
Secretary/Treasurer – Louise - Activities and programs for
REPORT
Kiecker students, families and over 70
The following donations were schools in the 18 counties of
approved: southwest and west central
• Cedar Mountain Imagination MN. Outage Report – affecting 10
Library - $1,000 • WC-CEO Program - $1,000 members or more
- Books for children from birth - MACCRAY, KMS and Date: 06-23-21
to age 5 through the Dolly RCW collaborative effort Time off: 8:15 am
Parton Imagination Library. to teach students about Time on: 8:48 am
• Imagination Library Redwood entrepreneurship by directly Substation: Emmet
Falls FPC - $1,000 working with area businesses. Cause: Scheduled
- Books for children from birth • Fairfax Royalty - $1,000
to age 5 through the Dolly - Funds to run the program. Date: 06-23-21
Parton Imagination Library. The next meeting will be held Time off: 10:21 am
• Renville County Walk in the on Wednesday, October 13 at 3:30 Time on: 10:27 am
Park - $500 pm. The deadline for applications is Substation: Kingman
- Financial assistance for October 1. Cause: Scheduled
FREE Want Ad Service
Date: 06-30-21
Time off: 1:00 pm
Time on: 1:57 pm
Members can submit ads for the following categories: Giveaway, For Sale, For Rent and Substation: Birch Cooley
Wanted. Ads should be, or are limited to, no more than 15 words and must be received Cause: Scheduled
by the first of the month to be included in the following month’s newsletter. Renville-Sibley
Please contact Renville-Sibley’s
reserves the right to edit content or exclude ads due to space restrictions. Ads will be run
one time only unless resubmitted. Please complete the following information and mail to office for more details about
the Renville-Sibley Cooperative Power, P.O. Box 68, Danube, MN 56230. these power outages.
Name: __________________________________________________________________
WANTED
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
Phone number: _____________________________________
Ad to be placed (limit of 15 words per ad)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Three - 14- or 16-inch fully
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
mounted plows. Contact
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Roy Myers,
Type of ad: o Giveaway o For Sale o For Rent o Wanted Renville, MN
320-522-2749
10 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2021CO-OP NEWS
MISSION
July board meeting highlights STATEMENT
The July board meeting was held on • CoBank Director Election and Renville-Sibley Coopera-
Monday, July 26 at 8 am. All board Nominating Committee tive Power Association will
members were present. Others present Candidates provide efficient, reliable
were CEO DeeAnne Newville, Cindy The board reviewed: electric energy and services
Mertens, Gene Allex and Lenae Wordes. • Conflict of Interest
to enhance the quality of
Also in attendance was Attorney Jeff • Minnesota Electric Cooperatives’
Commitment to Transparency & rural living.
Whitmore.
The election of officers was held with Accountability
the following results: • Capital credits transferred
• Chairman – Roger Manthei • Total new members
• Vice Chairman – Wayland Zaske
•Secretary/Treasurer – Alan Neyers
• Reports from staff members as to
the activities in their department.
PLANNING A
The board reviewed and approved the
following items:
Items in the reports include:
- High-level Statement of
CHANGE IN
• Minutes of the June 21 board
meeting
Operations review – YTD through
June (unaudited)
SERVICE?
• Director compensation – - Organization activities
- per diem for other meetings - Facilities update Renville-Sibley encourages
increased from $180/day to $200/ - East River update any member planning on
day - Basin Electric update making changes to their
- per diem for virtual meetings - NRECA update service in 2021 to please
increased from $30/hour to $35/ - MREA update
contact our office as soon
hour to a max of $200/day - Linecrew work in progress,
equipment update, and outage as possible. To complete
• Board committees
• Annual meeting is set for Thursday, update these projects on time,
March 31, 2022, location to be - Accounts receivable material may need to be
determined - Annual meeting ordered well in advance as
• Board meeting dates and times from - Renville-Sibley logo often there is an extended
September 2021 to August 2022 - Farmfest
lead time to get the appro-
• Officer appointments of the - Family-a-Fair night
priate material. In addition,
cooperative
• Operating and disbursement reports Please contact the Renville- crew time will be scheduled
for the month of June Sibley office if you would like more in the order projects and
• Capital credits to an estate information regarding the board materials are received.
• Safety report for July meeting.
• RESCO Director Election
• Loan documents for RUS AA8 loan
• Corporate Debt Limit
NOTICE:
The August board meeting will be held on August 30 at
8 a.m. The September board meeting will be held on
September 27 at 8 a.m.
SEPTEMBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 11DEALING WITH DROUGHT
LEARNING
FROM ADVERSITY
The Dakota Lakes Research Farm produces information helpful to farmers and ranchers dealing with drought. Photos by Billy Gibson
SDSU agriculture researcher Dwayne Beck
looks for better ways to gain higher yields feet long. Caffe, a native of France,
is an ag professor at SDSU, while
through crop rotations and other techniques Paul is a local farmer and research
technician.
Billy Gibson opportunity to learn. The two-member team moved
billy.gibson@sdrea.coop So, what exactly did the farming from section to section, cleaning
and ranching community learn out the collection bin as they went
The drought conditions that in 1988 when adverse weather to keep the samples from being
gripped the state through the conditions caused an estimated $60 contaminated and corrupting the
summer months caused difficulty for billion in agricultural damage across research data. The samples were
farmers and ranchers. The drought the U.S.?
in 2012 also made it difficult to “We learned not to do tillage,”
grow and harvest a productive crop. Beck responds without hesitation.
But it’s the drought that occurred “This drought is about the worse
in 1988 that Dwayne Beck I’ve seen since 1988, and we learned
remembers most. Beck, 70, is a then that in this part of the country
researcher with SDSU who runs the if you till, you’re screwed. No-till
Dakota Lakes research farm near gives you a chance to have a decent
Canning. crop and run a viable farming
According to the National operation.”
Integrated Drought Information And the key to succeeding
System, as of June 23 more than without tilling is proper crop
97 percent of South Dakota and all rotation. That’s what keeps Beck and
of Minnesota were categorized as other researchers busy.
“abnormally dry.” On a recent afternoon, Melanie
As someone who considers Caffe and her assistant Nick Paul
himself a seasoned investigator and were operating a small combine to
problem solver, Beck looks at the gather their test crops laid out in Dwayne Beck runs the Dakota Farms
current drought conditions as an strips measuring five feet wide by 20 research facility near Canning.
12 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2021DEALING WITH DROUGHT
HOPS GROWERS NAVIGATING THEIR
WAY THROUGH CHANGING INDUSTRY
Billy Gibson
billy.gibson@sdrea.coop
In many ways, Ryan Heine is like the average South
Dakota farmer. He frets about the weather, plans for the
future, worries about finances, watches the markets and is
constantly trying to find a buyer for the crop he hopes will
make.
But his crop is unlike most of the others that emerge from
the South Dakota soil. Heine is owner of 6th Meridian Hop
Farm near Yankton. His is one of six such farms left in the
state growing hops for brewers to transform into craft beer.
Heine also sees
his work as different
compared to most
farmers – he relies
Melanie Caffe and Nick Paul collect samples from a field at the on his nose a lot.
Dakota Farms Research Station near Canning. “There’s a lot of
experimenting with
bagged and taken into the lab where Caffe and Paul different aromas.
planned to perform fertility experiments with the goal of There are so many
developing varieties with higher yield, higher quality and flavor profiles and
stronger drought resistance. varieties of hops that are used in creating craft beer,” he said.
“There’s a vast palette of different aromas, and the market
Much of the research centers around maximizing will dictate what consumers prefer.”
yields through effective crop rotations. Beck has spent Ryan and his wife Michelle launched their hop operation in
much of his career considering the ways farming was 2014, leaving Omaha and returning to the small family farm
conducted 100 or more years ago and how it can be near Yankton in pursuit of a more grounded lifestyle for their
improved. five children.
“We wanted to get out of the city and back to our farming
“The Natives grew crops before the Spaniards came roots,” said Ryan, who works remotely as an electrical
and brought horses. They were all no-tillers because they engineer for a company out of Minneapolis.
didn’t have cows and horses to pull the plows. They grew Ryan’s interest in growing the essential elements of craft
13 different kinds of corn, beans, squash and sunflowers. beer began when he was a student at Parks College in St.
They were very successful. The settlers never asked Louis, Mo. He went out with his friends and found most of
what was offered at bars, pubs and restaurants was bland
anyone how to grow crops here, they just got out their and uninspiring. He knew he liked the flavor of beer and he
plow and started turning over the soil.” knew he liked the simplicity of the farming lifestyle.
Beck has seen the wonders of crop rotation in his “So I started doing some home brewing and found that it
research. Some of his fields are rotated five ways. was a fun hobby to pursue. Now we have one of the biggest
“Good rotations can produce a lack of disturbance in operations in the state,” he said.
Heine’s time on the farm is spent fussing over flavor and
places where you don’t have a lot of water. Our research aroma profiles, acid levels, yeast growth, oil content, insect
shows 99 percent of resistance issues could be solved invasions, disease infections and more. He and Michelle do
with better crop rotations. There are fields where we all the growing, harvesting, processing, drying, pulverizing,
haven’t used insecticides for 18 years.” preserving, pressing and packaging.
Beck said his methods aren’t always adopted by He finds markets by visiting with brewers, forging
relationships across the region and even keeping in touch
industry but he continues to gather data and push out with his college buddies.
the information obtained through research. “There are some college roommates I’ve kept in touch
“The nice about being a research guy is you always with who are brewers and we’re always talking about how to
have more things to learn,” he said. “The more you improve our products,” he said. “Hops growers are down to
research, the more you don’t know, but we’re always just a handful in the state, but for those who have survived, I
think the outlook is good.”
looking for answers.”
SEPTEMBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 13A STICKY SITUATION
BULLISH
ON BEES
Beekeeping industry struggles with his own operation were acquired
drought and other obstacles along from beekeepers making a bee-line
straight out of the business.
with overall agriculture sector The list of real and potential
apiary antagonists is long.
Billy Gibson Sibley Co-op Power, he ships his Apiculturists are constantly trying
billy.gibson@sdrea.coop hives for pollination purposes all to protect their colonies from
across the Midwest and to other various types of threats including
Becoming a beekeeper wasn’t regions as well to help growers gain several species of mites, insecticides,
something Chad Holbrook dreamed higher crop yields. pesticides, extreme weather and
about back when he worked as a “After I got my first bee hive I destruction of their habitat.
farm loan officer in Texas. just really enjoyed doing it, and it One pitfall not often discussed in
But he decided it might be an snowballed and just kept increasing the public discourse is the attrition
interesting hobby, so about 10 years every year,” Holbrook said. “I finally that takes place from merely moving
ago he bought himself a hive just for quit my day job to run the business colonies from one patch of farmland
the fun of it. in January of 2017, which is to the next, and in some cases,
As things sometimes tend to something I never thought I’d do.” moving hives from one spot to
go, one hive led to two, two hives That’s a move that took some another to protect them during the
led to four and before he knew it, courage because Holbrook knew inclement non-pollinating months.
Holbrook was giving his day job the from his brief experience that while Holbrook figures the attrition rate
boot. Goodbye business suit, hello bees can be tough buggers, they also can be up to 10 percent anytime
beekeeping suit. have plenty of obstacles threatening hives are loaded onto a truck and
These days, Holbrook manages their place in nature and their very hauled to different locations. It’s
about 3,000 hives out of his main existence. a significant loss considering an
headquarters in Fairfax, MN, After all, some of the boxes, estimated one-third of the world’s
although he still has some hives back frames, pallets and extraction food supply depends on the
in Texas. A member of Renville- equipment he purchased to start pollination work performed by
14 COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2021A STICKY SITUATION
The estimated value
$9.2
billion
of the worldwide honey
market
Honey bees pollinate roughly one-third of the world’s agriculture crops.
honey bees. Since 2010, beekeepers Holbrook, who describes apply for a permit, take an online
in South Dakota, Minnesota and himself as a migratory commercial class, inform their neighbors of
across the country have experienced beekeeper, typically transports their intentions and adhere to other
historically high colony loss rates of bees to California every January to prescribed guidelines.
nearly 30 percent a year impacting pollinate that state’s almond crop Holbrook reports that through the
roughly 90 different agricultural and then heads to his facility in spring and summer seasons - and
crops ranging from almonds and Texas to extract honey. July is the despite the drought - honey prices
apples on the West Coast to cotton slowest month of the year, then have seen an upward shift. For
and cranberries in the East. there’s a short fall season before instance, he said the price for honey
“Keeping them alive is the hardest the bees head to an indoor storage in the region last year was about
thing,” Holbrook said. “There are facility in Idaho for protection $1.70 per pound but has climbed to
substances farmers use to manage against the cold. more than $2.25. The international
vegetation and help their crops, but Despite the drought conditions market is expected to expand from
it’s causing a reduction in the forage that have caused stress for farmers, $9.2 billion to $19 billion by 2028.
area for bees. But everybody has to ranchers and apiculturists across “We were fortunate that we’ve had
make a living and I don’t fault the the region, Holbrook is bullish on some timely rains and the hot, dry
farmers…if I were them I’d probably the beekeeping industry. He noted weather hasn’t caused problems for
be doing the same thing. But we that the city of Sioux Falls recently my business. It has been an average
can all look for ways to be more approved an ordinance that allows crop for me. But you don’t ever
environmentally friendly because residents to maintain hives on their really know for sure until the honey
we’re all making a living off nature.” property. Would-be beekeepers must is extracted,” he said.
According to owner Kiah Crowley, Sunrise Hives in Spearfish maintains about 400 bee colonies. Photo by Sunrise Hives
SEPTEMBER 2021 | COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS 15REGISTER TO WIN!
Bring this coupon and mailing label to the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives
booth at the South Dakota State Fair to win a prize!
Your Phone Number:__________________________________________________
Your E-mail Address: __________________________________________________
South Dakota State Fair SEPTEMBER 18
September 2-6, 2021 Health Connect Fair
Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls,
SD, 888-761-5437
SEPTEMBER 18-19
Northeast South Dakota
Celtic Faire and Games
37925 Youth Camp Road,
Aberdeen, SD, 605-380-5828
SEPTEMBER 23-25
Custer State Park Buffalo
Roundup & Arts Festival
13329 US Highway 16A,
Custer, SD, 605-255-4515
SEPTEMBER 25
Great Downtown Pumpkin
Festival
526 Main Street, Rapid City,
AUGUST 22 SEPTEMBER 9-12 SD, 605-716-7979
St. Andrew’s Fun Fest, Music SD State Senior Games
& Chicken Dinner Watertown, SD, Contact SEPTEMBER 25-26
15 SE 1st Street, Fairfax, MN, Howard at 605-491-0635 for Menno Pioneer Power Show
507-426-7739 more information Menno, SD, contact Daniel at
mennopowershow@yahoo.com
AUGUST 26-29 SEPTEMBER 10 for more details
58th Annual Steam Mickelson Star Trail
Threshing Jamboree Rochford Trailhead, Hill City, OCTOBER 1-3
Prairie Village, Madison, SD, SD, register at https://www. SiouxperCon
605-256-3644 eventbrite.com/e/mickelson-star- 1201 N West Avenue, Sioux
trail-night-tickets-140121383831 Falls, SD, visit siouxpercon.com
AUGUST 27-28 for more details and tickets
To have your event Sizzlin’ Summer Nights SEPTEMBER 10-11
listed on this page, send Main Street, Aberdeen, SD, Ribs, Rods & Rock n’ Roll OCTOBER 8-10
complete information, 605-226-3441 Main Street, Vermillion, SD, 2021 Black Hills Powwow
605-624-2021 Rushmore Plaza Civic Center,
including date, event,
AUGUST 27-29 Rapid City, SD, 605-341-0925
place and contact to your Fall River Hot Air Balloon Fest SEPTEMBER 11-12
local electric cooperative. Hot Springs Municipal Airport, Fall Harvest Festival OCTOBER 9-10
Include your name, Hot Springs, SD, 605-745-4140 Delmont, SD, 605-928-3792 Sioux Falls Quilters’ Guild
Bi-annual Quilt Show
address and daytime SEPTEMBER 12
AUGUST 28 1201 N West Avenue, Sioux
telephone number. McCrossan Boys Ranch Annual Antique Car & Falls, SD, for more info visit
Information must be Xtreme Event Rodeo Tractor Parade siouxfallsquiltersguild.com or
submitted at least eight McCrossan Boys Ranch Campus, Main Street, Farmer, SD, send an email to
Sioux Falls, SD, 605-339-1203 605-239-4498 sfqg2021show@gmail.com
weeks prior to your
event. Please call ahead SEPTEMBER 2-6 SEPTEMBER 17-18
to confirm date, time and South Dakota State Fair Deadwood Jam Note: Please make sure to
location of event. State Fairgrounds, Huron, SD, Main Street, Deadwood, SD, call ahead to verify the event
605-353-7340 605-578-1876 is still being held.You can also read
