May 26, 2023 | Latest News
East River Electric Power Cooperative was recently recognized for excellence in workplace safety and health, as they were presented with a Meritorious Achievement Award during the 2023 Minnesota Safety and Health Conference, May 2-3. East River is one of over 200 employers honored through the awards program coordinated by the Minnesota Safety Council.
Applicants were judged on several years of injury data as it compares with their industry’s national statistics, and on their progress in implementing a comprehensive safety program. Winners were recognized at three levels: Meritorious Achievement, Outstanding Achievement and Award of Honor. The Governor’s Safety Awards program has been celebrating exceptional safety performance by Minnesota employers since 1934.
May 23, 2023 | Latest News
Area electric cooperatives – Sioux Valley Energy, Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Central Electric Cooperative, Charles Mix Electric Association, Northern Electric Cooperative and Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative – acknowledged sow management company, PIPESTONE’S, support of carbon-free resources by presenting the company with Renewable Energy Credit (REC) certificates on Monday, May 15 at the Sioux Valley Energy Brandon Service Center located at 108 N. Heritage Rd., Brandon, SD 57005.
A Certificate of Partnership was also presented to PIPESTONE by East River Electric Power Cooperative.
PIPESTONE was formed in 1988 and manages over 70 sow farms for 450 family farmers across the Midwest. PIPESTONE provides resources and expertise in management, health, research, business, nutrition, and marketing to over 1,500 pig farmers in total.
In 2021, PIPESTONE began to focus efforts to lower its carbon footprint with the investment in Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) purchased from area electric cooperatives serving PIPESTONE facilities.
Pictured left to right, Tim McCarthy – Sioux Valley Energy, Terry Wolters – PIPESTONE, Justin Roelofs – PIPESTONE, Russel Gall – Charles Mix Electric Assn., Todd Nelson – Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Patrick Soukup Central Electric Cooperative, Mark Weber – Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative
May 3, 2023 | Community, Latest News
Jack Neises of Carthage is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from Basin Electric Power Cooperative based in Bismarck, N.D. He is the son of Curt and Angie Neises.
Basin Electric awards over 170 scholarships per year to children of member cooperative employees and children of member cooperative consumers across the region. Neises’ mother, Angie, works as an Economic Development Finance Specialist for the REED Fund at East River Electric Power Cooperative in Madison, a Basin Electric member.
Jack will attend Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell to pursue a degree in business. Throughout his years at Howard High School, Jack was involved in football, wrestling, baseball, choir, H club, Math Club, National Honor Society, and was on the A Honor roll all four years. In his spare time, he volunteered at his church, Feeding South Dakota, for the Canova baseball program, and other sports programs. “I would like to thank East River Electric and Basin Electric for providing this scholarship opportunity,” said Jack. “It will help with my tuition expenses as I further my education at Dakota Wesleyan University.”
“Congratulations to Jack and his family on this wonderful honor,” said East River Electric CEO/General Manager Bob Sahr. “Jack’s commitment to academics, athletics, and his community shows his dedication to achieving his goals. We wish Jack well as he continues his education at Dakota Wesleyan University.”
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.
Cutline: (Left to Right) Bob Sahr, Jack Neises, and Angie Neises.
Apr 14, 2023 | Community, Latest News
East River Electric’s 59th annual fundraiser to support LifeScape was a success, raising over $37,800. LifeScape is an organization which promotes independence for over 5,000 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. Basin Electric matched the donation at $2,000 and CoBank also contributed a matching donation of $2,000. In the 59 years since the East River fundraiser began, more than $417,400 has been raised to help LifeScape provide services to children and adults in rural South Dakota.
PHOTO CUTLINE – LifeScape empowers people to live their best lives.
Mar 14, 2023 | Community, Latest News
The Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity recently received a $600 donation from East River Electric Cooperative’s employees. Matt Tesch, East River Employees Committee Chair, said, “The Employees Committee works hard to make a difference in our communities. We hosted a pizza fundraiser and are happy to be able to donate the funds raised to Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity.”
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. The donation from East River will go toward construction costs for building a home in Madison. Habitat relies on such donations to help fund the work. Housing impacts many aspects of a person’s life. Those who own safe and affordable housing often have fewer health issues, have children that do better in school, and experience many benefits that impact their families well into the future.
Randy Grimsley, resource development director at Brookings Area Habitat for Humanity, expressed appreciation for the donation. “We are so thankful for East River Electric’s donation. Every dollar helps us bring affordable housing to people in this area, and the impact is often felt beyond,” said Randy. “It’s wonderful to know that people support our endeavors and look forward to continued work in the community for years to come.”
PHOTO CUTLINE – East River Electric employees present the check to Jake McGlade from Habitat for Humanity. Left to right: Justin Mikel, Alexander Kramer, Matt Tesch, Erica Fitzhugh, Jake McGlade, and Michael Olson.
