DANR Announces Winners of Annual Resource Conservation Speech Contest

Apr 24, 2024 | Latest News

The 63^rd annual Resource Conservation Speech Contest State Finals were held at the State Capitol in Pierre on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

The contest theme was “Working Grassland, Why Should We Care?”

Winning first place and a $1,200 scholarship was Abigail Lewis. Lewis was sponsored by the Moody Conservation District and is a sophomore at Flandreau High School. She is the daughter of Paul and Jessica Lewis of Flandreau.

Winning second place and a $800 scholarship was Bobbi Eide. Eide was sponsored by the Potter County Conservation District and is a sophomore at Gettysburg High School. She is the daughter of Gerri and Shon Eide of Gettysburg.

Winning third place and a $500 scholarship was Johnathon Neuharth. Neuharth was sponsored by the Stanley County Conservation District and is the son of Levi and Crystal Neuharth of Fort Pierre.

Scholarships are provided by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of South Dakota. The contest is co-sponsored by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) and the South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts.

South Dakota high school students first participated in a local contest sponsored by their conservation district. Two students from each district are eligible to participate in an area contest. From there, the top two winners from each of the designated areas advance to the state finals.

Next year’s contest theme is “Let your natural resources teach you their lessons”. For more information on how to participate, contact your local conservation district office or DANR at 605.773.3623.

East River Electric’s 60th Annual LifeScape Fundraiser a Success

Apr 24, 2024 | Latest News

East River Electric’s 60^th annual fundraiser to support LifeScape was a success, raising over $38,600. LifeScape is an organization that promotes independence for over 2,500 children and adults with disabilities throughout South Dakota. The event was held as an online auction and an online raffle. Many local businesses generously donated items to the auction and cash to the LifeScape organization.

“The online auction and raffle were very successful and every year, I am amazed at how our employees step up for this very worthy cause. Commitment to Community is a cooperative value, and our employees strive to demonstrate it every day,” said East River CEO/General Manager Bob Sahr. “My thanks go out to all the East River employees who assisted with this event. We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the local businesses and member cooperatives that donated items to the auction and money to LifeScape. Our fundraiser was a success because of your generosity!”

East River’s annual fundraising efforts have helped provide for the very best in medical care, therapy, education and other services for the children at LifeScape. Several local children and people from around the region are served by LifeScape.

The East River Employees Committee donated $1,000, a total matched by East River Electric at $1,000. In the 60 years since the East River fundraiser began, more than $450,200 has been raised to help LifeScape provide services to children and adults in rural South Dakota.