Mar 21, 2025 | Latest News
Crews from East River Electric Power Cooperative are supporting Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO) in the aftermath of a severe storm that caused significant damage to the region’s electrical infrastructure. East River Electric received a call Wednesday, March 19, requesting storm assistance and the cooperative quickly responded by organizing a team of linemen as well as specialized equipment to support restoration efforts.
An eight-person crew, including Travis Rude (crew foreman), Ryan Himley, Jordan Kisor, Erik Nesheim, Ethan Krier, Jace Jones, Cory Schwinger, and Eli Fanning will join their Iowa counterparts, as well as other co-ops providing mutual aid in Salix, Iowa, just south of Sioux City and plan for up to two weeks of work to restore the damaged infrastructure.
“Our neighbors at NIPCO have always been there for us, and we are proud to return that support in their time of need,” said East River Electric CEO and General Manager Bob Sahr. “I cannot thank our employees enough for their willingness to step up on short notice. This reflects the cooperative spirit of mutual aid and a united commitment to community.”
The conditions awaiting the crew are challenging. The storm has left poles downed and the river bottom area they will be working in is muddy and difficult to navigate, but they will do whatever is needed to help get systems up and running again while ensuring that safety remains a top priority.
Cooperation among cooperatives is one of the principles that guide East River Electric. By stepping up and providing mutual aid, East River employees can assist in recovery efforts, helping NIPCO’s members regain power as quickly and safely as possible.
Mar 11, 2025 | Latest News
Jordan Pedersen of Madison is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from Basin Electric Power Cooperative based in Bismarck, N.D. He is the son of Maria Anderson and Steven Pedersen and Abby Reverts-Pederson.
Basin Electric awards over 170 scholarships per year to children of member cooperative employees and children of member cooperative consumers across the region. Pedersen’s mother, Maria, works as a project coordinator in project services at East River Electric Power Cooperative in Madison, a Basin Electric member.
Jordan will attend South Dakota State University in Brookings to pursue pre-chiropractic. Throughout his years at Madison High School, Jordan was involved in football, baseball, powerlifting, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the National Honor Society. He was also an “A” honor roll student. In his spare time, he likes to play baseball and golf, enjoys the outdoors, volunteering at his church with A/V equipment and teaching the youth programs and engaging in anything that makes him productive. Because Jordan firmly believes in physical health and wellbeing, he frequents the gym.
“I am proud to be part of a rural electric cooperative family because I know that East River Electric cares about keeping their customers’ lights on, they care about the community, and they care about keeping electricity rates as low as possible. These three things improve the quality of life not only in the Madison community, but communities across eastern South Dakota,” said Jordan.
“Jordan has shown himself to be a leader in the classroom, on the field, and across the community. He is very deserving of this award and has a bright future.” said East River Electric CEO/General Manager Bob Sahr. “We will wish him well as he embarks on college.”
Since the scholarship program began, over 5,000 students in the Basin Electric system have benefited from this program. Recipients are selected based on academic record, potential to succeed, leadership, and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, a statement of education, and career goals and an outside appraisal by a teacher or adviser.
