Transcript
P.O. Box 307, Mankato, KS 66956 www.rollinghills.coop
ROLLING HILLS E L E C T R I C C O O P E R AT I V E
Rolling Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc. Douglas Jackson–General Manager
Board of Trustees Gary Frieling, Athol President–District 2
Jim Ehrlich, Wilson Vice-President–District 1
Kevin Cromwell, Haddam Secretary–District 3
Bernard Bohnen, Dorrance Treasurer–District 1
Paul Wilson, Burr Oak Trustee–District 2
Leon Eck, Tipton Trustee–District 2
Robert Fredrickson, Ellsworth Trustee–District 1
Melroy Kopsa, Cuba Trustee–District 3
Jay Overmiller, Lebanon Trustee–District 2
Justin Trost, Concordia Trustee–District 3
District Offices District 1–Ellsworth 208 W. First Street P.O. Box 125 Ellsworth, KS 67439-0125 785-472-4021
District 2–Mankato 122 W. Main P.O. Box 307 Mankato, KS 66956-0307 785-378-3151 District 3–Belleville 2305 US 81 Hwy P.O. Box 309 Belleville, KS 66935-0309 785-527-2251
FROM THE MANAGER
NEWS
Looking for the Next Generation of Leaders
What do 1,700 high school students, our nation’s capital and electric cooperatives have in common? The Electric Cooperative Youth Doug Jackson Tour, of course! Youth Tour was established with one thought in mind—to inspire our next generation of leaders. Since 1964, more than 50,000 young Americans have taken advantage of this special opportunity offered by their electric cooperatives. Rolling Hills Electric is a longtime supporter of Youth Tour. It all takes place in June, when hundreds of electric co-ops across the country send participants to Washington, D.C., for a chance to learn about the cooperative business model and a full week of sightseeing. While in D.C., participants have a chance to meet with their elected officials and discuss the issues that are important back home. Without a doubt, Youth Tour has grown into an invaluable program that gives young Americans an experience that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Rolling Hills Electric will send one lucky student to the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.,
and a second winner to the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in Steamboat Springs, CO. In addition to leadership and motivational activities, there is plenty of time for fun including volleyball, swimming, dancing, pizza parties, a banquet, shopping and rafting the Colorado River. The Youth Tour contest deadline is January 18, so if you know of a a high school junior interested in traveling to Washington, D.C., or Steamboat Springs, CO, to experience the trip of a lifetime, please encourage them to apply! An application is included on page 16-D of this centerspread. The application due date is JANUARY 18, 2016. These trips are so much more than sightseeing. Students have repeatedly shared that these experiences have helped them grow into successful professionals. It has also benefited our local communities. Participants return home with a deeper understanding and skill set of what it takes to be leader, and as a result, they put these skills to use right here in our community. Help us find the next generation of leaders by sharing the Youth Tour experience with a promising student. For more information about Rolling Hills Electric’s Youth Tour program, call Linnea Beebe at 785-472-4021 or visit www.rollinghills.coop. JANUARY 2016
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N E W S F R O M R O L L I N G H I L L S E L E C T R I C C O O P E R AT I V E
Using Space Heaters & Electric Blankets Many people turn to space heaters or electric blankets for added warmth in the winter. If you use either of these, keep safety considerations in mind and use these devices with caution. When buying a space heater or electric blanket, check for approved safety certification marks to verify that the product has been tested for safety. Look for safety features, including an automatic shut off. Be very cautious about buying this type of equipment used. They may not have up-to-date safety mechanisms. Your safety is worth the investment in a new heater or blanket. Use the following tips for using space heaters and electric blankets: ff Plug the devices directly into outlets; avoid using an extension cord. ff Always remember to turn off space heaters and electric blankets when not in use. ff Many fires start when flammable products are placed too close to space heaters. Heaters should be kept at least three-feet from blankets, clothing, paper, and other flammables. ff Place space heaters out of high-traffic areas and on a level, hard, non-flammable floor surface — NOT on carpets, furniture, or countertops. ff Be aware of pets and children near heating appliances. Pets should never be allowed to sleep on electric blankets. ff Keep heaters and electric blankets away from water. If they become wet, do not turn them on to dry. ff Regularly examine cords to make sure there is no cracking or fraying. Do not use damaged appliances. Also inspect blanket to ensure that it is not worn or damaged. It should not have any charred or dark areas. Replace old or damaged blankets. ff Store your electric blanket in a manner which avoids creasing. If it cannot be stored flat, loosely fold or roll the blanket in a cool, dry closet.
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Watt’s Happenin’ – Winter Report
November 17 – Progress continues on the centralized facility in Beloit.
The holidays have passed us by once again. I’m sure that several of us have over eaten and have somewhat of a New Year’s resolution. We Linnea Beebe should be thankful that we have food on the table, a roof over our heads, family and friends to share the holidays with.
Mutual Aid
Thanksgiving weekend brought minor icing, but thankfully, no major ice storms to the Rolling Hills service area. However, the storm did affect other neighboring co-ops. Rolling Hills sent two bucket trucks and four linemen from Ellsworth, and one bucket truck and two linemen from Belleville, to provide mutual aid for DS&O Electric Cooperative in Solomon. When finished at DS&O, crews joined Rolling Hills’ Osborne crew of one bucket truck and two linemen at Flint Hills RECA in Council Grove to help restore
power to their members.
Centralized Facility Update
On November 17, Beloit received a couple inches of rain which slowed construction progress, as you can see in the picture above. As of December 15, progress was back on schedule and the builders still have weather days available when needed. The schedule includes completing ice and water shield in addition to completion of the metal roof by Christmas. Once this is completed, work will resume on the inside of the building.
Right of Way Maintenance
Winter is when Rolling Hills trims or removes trees that are interfering with power lines in our right of way. If you have trees that are in the right of way, Rolling Hills employees will contact the you, the member, for authorization if the trees should be trimmed or removed. Line maintenance, like tree trimming, is an important part of providing reliable electric service. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Nelson Recognized for 20 Years of Service On November 24,
MARIE NELSON
was recognized for 20 years of service with Rolling Hills Electric. She was presented with a certificate of appreciation and a watch. Nelson began work with Smoky Hill
Manager Doug Jackson (right) presents a certificate of appreciation to Marie Nelson for 20 years of co-op service.
Electric on December 31, 1995, as cashier/receptionist. She has had various job responsibilities over the years. Her current responsibilities consist of billing clerk and WildBlue administrator. She and her husband, Troy, reside is Ellsworth. They have one son, Collin, who is a student at Kansas State University. Congratulations, Marie!
Stay Aware & Stay Prepared for Winter Weather As we approach the winter weather season, it is important to remember to be prepared. Winter weather can cause hazardous travel conditions, downed power lines, and extended power outages. Stay aware. Stay prepared. Know the difference between watches and warnings: ff A winter storm watch means stormy conditions, including heavy snow, freezing rain, or sleet are likely within the next few days. You should be aware that this means adverse conditions could begin within 12 to 48 hours. ff A winter storm warning means conditions can become adverse within the next 24 hours. Those in the range of the warning should be aware of impeding conditions and consider altering plans to travel. ff A blizzard warning means an affected area should seek refuge immediately due to high levels of
snow, strong winds, and near-zero visibility to those traveling. Only venture outside if absolutely necessary. Downed power lines could be submerged in snow and ice, making them difficult to see. If you must go outside, use caution and treat all downed and hanging lines as if they are energized. If travel is necessary, be especially cautious driving, and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Its supplies should include a windshield scraper, a first aid kit, a cell phone charging adaptor, booster cables, a blanket, and a flashlight with extra batteries. Never drive over a downed line because that could pull down the pole and other equipment, causing additional hazards. If you see a downed line, do not get out of your car. The safest place is inside the vehicle. Contact Rolling Hills Electric immediately.
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Steps to Sealing Air Leaks
Did you know heating and cooling accounts for roughly half of your home’s energy use? Caulking cracks and gaps around windows, doors and spaces around wires (telephone, electrical, cable and gas lines), water spigots and dryer vents can pay off with big energy savings. The updates may cost between $5 and $30, but they will result in energy savings of approximately 5 to 10 percent. For the project, you will need the following materials: caulk, caulking gun, knife or tool to cut, rags, and water.
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Prep – Clean the area where you will be applying the caulk. Remove any dirt, loose paint or old, cracked caulk. Be sure the area is dry before applying new caulk appropriate for your application.
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Load – You will need to pull the plunger all the way back to load the tube of caulk into the barrel of the caulking gun. Next, squeeze the trigger a few times until the plunger makes contact with the tube. Squeeze once or twice more to fill the tip with caulk.
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Apply – To figure out the right amount of caulk needed, experiment with an out-of-the-way section. You may find that you need less caulk than you thought. Hold the caulking gun at a slight angle. Apply steady pressure on the trigger to create a solid stream from the tip, which should be placed 1/2 inch or less from the intended destination of the material. Use just enough caulk to do the job. Use your finger to gently press the caulk into the corner, crack or space.
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Release – Once the trigger is fully depressed, allow it to spring back and depress it again. Keep the gun moving while caulk is still coming out of the tip.
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Clean – Use a damp cloth or rag to clean off most of the excess caulk. Use a dry cloth to clean off the rest. JANUARY 2016
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Apply by January 18 to Win a Trip of a Lifetime Students from Kansas will If you live on Rolling Hills join more than 1,700 youth Electric Cooperative lines to attend the Electric Co-op and have a high school juYouth Tour June 9-16, 2016. nior, he or she will not want to miss out on this trip-ofa-lifetime! Each winner also receives a $500 scholarship to the college or trade school of his or her choice. Students do not have to be an honor student to participate. The only requirement is that a parent(s) or guardian(s) reside on Rolling Hills Electric power lines. Below is an apmemorials, Smithsonian museums, Mt. Vernon, plication for the 2016 tours. Ft. McHenry and many other historical sites, as well as visit with our congressional delegation. Electric Cooperative Youth Tour This year’s trip will be June 9-16, 2016. Students from Kansas join 1,700 students from across the nation to Washington, D.C., to tour Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp is held just outside of Steamboat Springs, CO, each July. In addition to leadership and motivational activities, there is plenty of time for fun including volleyball, swimming, dancing, pizza parties, a banquet, shopping and rafting the Colorado River. This year’s camp will be July 16-22, 2016. Parents, encourage your child to apply. The trips are fully-funded by Rolling Hills Electric. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact Linnea at 785-472-4021 or lbeebe@ Students from four states gather to develop leadership skills at Cooperative rollinghills.coop. Youth Leadership Camp. The 2016 camp will be July 16-22.
Application for Scholarships & Youth Tours–January 18, 2016
May be submitted to Ellsworth office by mail to P.O. Box 125, Ellsworth, KS 67439 or by FAX to Attn: Linnea at 785-472-4652. Name of Applicant ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________ City___________________________________________ State ______ Zip ___________________ Birth Date ________________________ School ________________________________________________________Year in School ______________________ Name of Parents or Guardians ____________________________________________________________ Parents' Phone Number __________________________ I agree that all information supplied in this application is accurate and true. Signature of Applicant ___________________________________________________ I hereby grant permission for ___________________________________________________to enter the 2016 Youth Tour competition sponsored by Rolling Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc. Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian __________________________________________________________________________
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