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908 4th Ave. NE Watford City, ND Outpost - Killdeer, ND

701-444-9288 | 800-584-9239

JANUARY 2016

www.mckenzieelectric.com

Happy New YearWishing you the best in 2016

www.mckenzieelectric.com McKENZIE ELECTRIC NEWS , JANUARY 2016 C1

Support for local caregiversBY KATE RUGGLES

Life always seems to be calling us into the unexpected and unfamiliar. When we are

children, we think our parents are invincible. By the time we become parents, however, we realize that health can be fragile and fleeting. And the older our parents get, the less they may be able to take care of themselves.

Caring for aging parents is both wonderful and difficult. It requires a lot of things, one of which is support. Lori Raymond, an employee at the

Connie Wold Wellness Center, knows all too well about the need for support, which is why she has started a Caregiver Support Group for adult caregivers in McKenzie County.

Raymond became a caregiver when her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, could no longer be left alone. Raymond moved her mother into her home, and for the next six years, Raymond was responsible for every aspect of her mother’s life.

“I didn’t necessarily want to take care of my mom, and I didn’t always have the best attitude about it,” Raymond states. “It is the hardest thing I have ever done, and now that she is gone, I would not trade that time for anything.”

Raymond says caring for aging parents is difficult.

“There is so much you are responsible for, when you are caring for your parents. You have to help them take their medication, bathe

C2 JANUARY 2016 , McKENZIE ELECTRIC NEWS www.mckenzieelectric.com

and go to the bathroom. You are responsible for everything in their life,” Raymond says. “People have compared it to taking care of a child, but caring for your child is different. Your child is always improving. When you take care of your parents, they don’t get better. Their condition is always declining. You have to watch your parents devolve and every day, you lose a piece of them.”

Caregivers not only feel stressed, angry and alone but they also feel guilty for feeling that way.

“Unless someone has lived it or is living it, they do not understand,” Raymond says.

Raymond states that she took the best care of her mother that she could, which does not mean that she always did the best job. But she says finding support helped.

“Taking care of my mom gave me more time with her, and she did better with me than she did when she moved into a home,” Raymond explains. “But I also learned that I could not take care of my mom on my own. I needed help.”

Raymond found an adult day care, which she says was as a lifesaver. Raymond relied on her sister when she was available, which wasn’t as often, because she lived in another state. And Raymond joined a support group.

“Without that support group, I’m not sure I could have taken care of my mother as long as I did,” Raymond shares.

According to Raymond, a support group helps because it is a safe space where people can share freely without judgment. It is a place where adult caregivers can know they are not alone in what they are going through or what they are feeling. And it is a place where adults who are caring for their parents can be made aware of resources they might not be aware of.

Valerie Goldade of Dakota Family Solutions in Williston says that being a caretaker depends greatly on a

person’s mindset.“You can look at it like a chore

or an opportunity,” Goldade states. “It can be the difference between valuing every minute and hating every minute.”

For adults in McKenzie County who find themselves taking care of their parents, Goldade has a few recommendations, one of which is to look into whether or not Home Health Services in Williston can help.

“Their service range is 50 miles, and they have very strict restrictions, but they could be a good resource for those who qualify,” Goldade says.

For people providing care in their home, Goldade recommends having an occupational therapist do an assessment of the home.

“They can recommend different items to help keep your parents safe, like a handrail in the bathroom, a raised toilet seat, and a railing by the bed,” Goldade says. “It’s even more helpful if you are working with a good doctor who is willing to write a prescription for some of these things. That way, the insurance or Medicare covers the cost of these needed items and you do not have to pay for them out of pocket.”

Goldade also stresses that caregivers remember they are on the same team as their parents.

“You are fighting the disease together,” Goldade states. “Stay on

their team and do not let the disease identify who they are. Ask yourself, ‘If I were in this situation, how would I want to be treated?’ and help them retain as much of their dignity as possible.”

Raymond’s mother passed away this past year. After six years, Raymond was no longer able to care for her mother in her home. Raymond moved her to an assisted living facility near Raymond’s sister, and soon after, Raymond and her husband moved to Watford City.

It is now three years since Raymond has been a caregiver. It is her hope to take her experiences, the good and the bad, and empower caregivers in McKenzie County to take care of themselves, and to let them know they are not alone.

“Taking care of yourself is even more important than taking care of your parents,” Raymond states. “Because if you do not take care of yourself, you are not any good to the person you are taking care of.”

The Caregiver Support Group meets the first Tuesday of every month in the conference room of the Connie Wold Wellness Center at noon. It is an open group and participants do not have to be wellness center members to attend. n


Ican still remember the day my parents bought their fi rst VHS player. It was a big silver box.

While I don’t know exactly how much it cost, I remember that for them, it was a lot of money. Th is is always my jumping-off point when I make the statement, “technology has come so far.” Smartphones and tablets are the “Penny’s Computer Book” (Inspector Gadget) of today. And while their presence in our lives today keeps us connected and safe,

they also open up a whole new realm of issues for the younger generation.

To educate children in providing a positive school community in this technological era, Sgt. Tom Rich, a cyber safety expert for the Stopit Program and a sergeant with the Summit Police Department in New Jersey, came to Watford City to talk to elementary and high school students about safety, responsibility and accountability online.

On Dec. 3, 2015, Sgt. Rich talked

to students in grades three through 12 at the Watford City elementary and high school about the times in which we are living. The message he presented to the students was not just about safety and security, it was about being a person of integrity in an age where everything can be seen, accessed, over-blown and memorialized online.

“See, I made mistakes in my youth, and your parents and teachers, they made mistakes in their youth

SAFETYCYBER

BY BROOKE SOLBERG


also. But unless they share those mistakes, no one will find out about them,” Sgt. Rich explained. “But you, everything you do in your youth is memorialized in your digital footprint. It cannot be deleted, it will always be there.”

According to Rich, 573 billion text messages are sent in the United States per month, which averages out to 19.1 billion text messages sent per day in the United States.

“You are going through the hardest years of your life. And with this device,” Rich told the students. “That is a lot of responsibility.”

Sgt. Rich brought the adage, ‘If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all,’ into the 21st century in his message when he talked to the students about what he calls, “keyboard courage.”

“People seem to become someone different when they post on this device,” he told the teens, holding up his iPhone. “But you cannot let the computer, smartphone or tablet change you into a different person. You have to be a good person and treat others how you want to be treated, whether face-to-face or behind a keyboard.”

While Sgt. Rich’s first message was

Internet responsibility, his second message was safety.

“How many of you play the game Minecraft?” Rich asked the students. “So how many of you have talked to a stranger online?”

He states that roughly 65-80 percent of the student population he has spoken to say they have talked with a stranger online.

“Some of the questions the students tell me they have been asked,” stated Sgt. Rich, “are: What is your name? Where do you live? Do you snapchat? Are you home alone?”

Rich stated that students need to be careful when they are online, because there is no way to know that the person they are talking with is who they say they are.

In his seminar, he taught the students how to untag their global position from their posts and pictures.

“If you are not careful, your global position, or you longitude and latitude, can be linked to your pictures and posts,” stated Sgt. Rich. “Which gives whoever clicks on that picture your exact location.”

That may be OK if only their friends and family can see the picture, but Rich then educated the

teens on why a hashtag complicates the security of their posts.

“Let’s say your settings only allow your friends to see your pictures and posts. Once you put a hashtag on it and post it on Instragram, Twitter or Facebook, it puts that picture in a digital room, so anyone can have access to the picture and any information that is linked to the picture, such as your global position,” Sgt. Rich stated. “You need to make sure your settings are set up the right way, so you are not made vulnerable to predators.”

Sgt. Rich’s final message to the teens was a message of hope.

“Some people think you are a lost generation. They think you are buried in your devices and you don’t care about the world or anything that is going on,” he said. “But I do not believe that at all. You are a product of a generation, a technology generation. That does not make it bad or you bad. It just means that we have to look at things in a different way.”

Sgt. Rich stated that technology is not going away. The messages and expectations that people have are the same – people expect to be treated with manners and respect. The way those things are carried out may look differently with a smartphone or computer, but it does not make them any less important when dealing with people.

“It is all about perception,” he said. “People do not realize how powerful their words are, that once you say something, you cannot just say, ‘lol,’ ‘jk.’ You have to respect each other and understand that you do have the power to make a difference.”

Sgt. Rich was brought to Watford City through the efforts of Dakota Family Solutions and CrossPoint Church. Sgt. Rich has spoken at more than 700 events around the country, which have reached over 500,000 students. n


Use your space heater safelyMany people turn to space heaters as a convenient source

of warmth in winter months. However, space heaters can be dangerous if not used properly. • Keep the heater at least three feet from fl ammable

items such as curtains, furniture or bedspreads. • Select a space heater with a guard around the

heating element.• Read and follow the manufacturer’s

operating instructions.• Keep children and pets away from space heaters.• Never leave a space heater unattended. Always unplug

the heater when it is not in use. Never go to sleep with a space heater still operating.

• Do not use an extension cord or power strip with a space heater.

Use portable generators safelyDuring an unexpected power outage, a portable genera-

tor can keep us comfortable until power is restored. But if not operated properly, a generator can quickly become dan-gerous.

What’s the fi rst rule? Never, ever use a generator indoors – even with windows open – or in an enclosed area, includ-ing an attached garage. Locate the generator where fumes cannot fi lter into your home through windows or doors – even 15 feet is too close. • To avoid risk of shock, use your generator only

on a dry surface where rain or snow can’t leak or puddle underneath.

• For stationary generators that are permanently installed, a licensed electrician will need to install a “transfer switch” that complies with the National Elec-tric Code. Th e switch safely cuts the electricity to the power lines.

• Shut down the generator and let it cool down before you refuel – gasoline or kerosene spilled on a hot gen-erator could start a fi re.

Other safety precautions• Frayed wires can cause fi res. Replace all worn, old or

damaged appliance cords immediately.• Replace any electrical tool if it causes even small elec-

trical shocks, overheats or gives off smoke or sparks.• Keep electrical appliances away from wet fl oors and

counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.

• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fi t into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.

• Use safety closures to child-proof electrical outlets.• Use electrical extension cords wisely; never overload

extension cords or wall sockets.• Immediately shut off , then professionally replace, light

switches that are hot to the touch and lights that fl icker.• Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically

increases your chances of surviving a fi re. And remem-ber to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family. n

winter

As we snuggle into our homes during the winter season, McKenzie Electric Cooperative shares some safety tips for the winter season.


CHECK OUT THE ESSAY-CONTEST GUIDELINES AT

www.ndyouthtour.com and www.youthtour.coop

JUNE 11 to 17, 2016

TOP 3 REASONS TO ENTER THE ESSAY-WRITING CONTEST1. All-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.,

compliments of McKenzie Electric Cooperative.2. A whole week to visit unforgettable historic

monuments, museums and the U.S. Capitol.3. A learning experience you’ll never forget.

• To enter the essay-writing contest, you must be a sophomore or junior in high school.

• You and your parents or guardian must be served by McKenzie Electric Cooperative.

• If you have questions, contact Brooke Solberg, McKenzie Electric, at the address listed below, or call 701-444-9288 during regular business hours.

• The deadline is Jan. 29, 2016. Emailed entries should be directed to [email protected], and hard-copy entries mailed to: Youth Tour Essay Contest, McKenzie Electric Cooperative, P.O. Box 649, Watford City, ND 58854-0649.

ESSAY QUESTION:“Pick one of the four Touchstone Energy® core values ― innovation, integrity, accountability and commitment to community ― and describe how you see this in action at McKenzie Electric Cooperative.”

HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORES & JUNIORS

North Dakota Electric Cooperative

WRITE A WINNING ESSAY AND WIN A TRIP OF A LIFETIME!

An all-expense-paid trip to WASHINGTON, D.C.

Find out why you should write an essay for the

2016 Youth Tour. Visit www.youtube.com/ndarec

Travis AndersonNorth Dakota Youth Leadership

Council delegate


November 24, 2015The regular meeting of the McKenzie

Electric Board of Directors was held at the Headquarters Building in Watford City, North Dakota. Directors present were: Clayton Monsen, Donald Link, Rondee Hanna, Travis Thompson, Ray Tescher, Glen Houghton, Cameron Wahlstrom, Tim Wasem and Ken Sanford. Cooperative Manager/CEO John Skurupey, Attorney Dennis Johnson and staff personnel of McKenzie Electric were also present.

PRELIMINARIES: Director Ken Sanford was welcomed to the Board of Directors; Sanford was elected at the special member election of Region 1 members on October 28, 2015. The agenda for the meeting and minutes of the previous board meeting were approved by the Board of Directors. Director expenses were also approved.

DIRECTOR DISCUSSIONS: The Board discussed director policies and will begin a policy review at the next board meeting. An ongoing easement issue was discussed by the Board and management.

ASSOCIATED ORGANIZATIONS: Donald Link reported the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) Board had met and indicated several items were discussed. The ND REC Benefit Trust will begin operation on December 1, 2015. Also reported at the NDAREC Board was the progress of two Legislative Study Committees pertaining to the One Call system and natural gas service possibly extending to rural areas; public hearings hosted by the State Health Department on the EPA Clean Power Plan and the NRECA Legislative Conference. Voting delegates to the NDAREC annual meeting are Ray Tescher, Rondee Hanna, Ken Sanford, Glen Houghton; alternate delegates are Clayton Monsen, Donald Link, Tim Wasem, Travis Thompson. Director Ray Tescher reported on a recent guest editorial in the Minneapolis Star Tribune titled “Is hydropower green? Not really” and also the response from Mid-West Electric Consumers Association to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

POWER SUPPLY: Travis Thompson reported on the recent Upper Missouri Power Cooperative (UMPC) board meeting and discussed several issues. The Basin 345kV line from Charlie Creek to Judson is expected to be energized by December 2015. The Patent Gate and Kummer Ridge portions of the 345kV line should be completed in 2016. Upper Missouri continues to pursue a change to their Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) wholesale power billing from non-coincidental demand to coincidental demand billing, which will shift the

cost of power among UMPC members. Upper Missouri approved a capital credit retirement.

ATTORNEY’S REPORT: Attorney Dennis Johnson reported on several items including an ongoing easement issue that is soon to be resolved, discussions with McKenzie County and Dunn County regarding right of set off for road moves, contractor agreements and delinquent accounts.

GENERAL MANAGER/CEO REPORT: General Manager/CEO John Skurupey reported continued progress is being made with the Three Affiliated Tribes regarding terms and conditions for easements on the Reservation. Manager Skurupey reported on a recent Upper Missouri Managers Advisory meeting and an HDR (Engineering Consultant) Planning Session. MEC has almost completed the evaluation of cost and coverage between BCBS & NRECA health insurance plans. Several other issues were discussed with the Board of Directors. A copy of the Basin Load Forecast was provided to the Board of Directors for their review.

OFFICE REPORT: Financial and statistical reports for October were reviewed with the Board along with a budget-to-date comparison and the comparative cash report. A proposed regulatory liability for plant paid for by contribution in aid of construction was briefly discussed. The Board approved to write-off bad debts, for nonpayment of electric accounts, as presented. The Board and management also discussed bankruptcy as it pertains to electric accounts and capital credits. A review of the headquarters project and project to date expenses were provided to the Board. The Board also approved special capital credit retirements.

ENGINEERING REPORT: A report was given regarding cyber security, physical security, asset management system and TWACS (metering). The Board declined to approve an easement request for a salt water pipeline to pass through MEC’s property. The Board and management also discussed several possible transmission projects.

OPERATIONS/CONTRACT MANAGEMENT REPORT: An update was given on the projects currently being worked on by MEC contractors and a work order progress report. The report also indicated the following: Grassy Butte area was converted to 14.4kV; Galaxy Transmission line and transformer were energized. Crews continue to respond to outages and maintenance issues, working on inventory, retirements and work order projects.

SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR: An update was given on the continuing process to develop policies and programs for MEC to become

NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) compliant—final compliance program documents are in review. The cooperative is working toward having a maintenance and testing plan in place by December 31. An update was given on the status of substation land acquisition and the progress of right of way acquisition for transmission projects.

MEMBER SERVICES REPORT: The Board reviewed the member service report. An update was given on the recent Operation Round Up meeting. The MEC Board reappointed Doreen Orf, Nikki Darrington and Gayle Gunderson to the Operation Round Up Board of Directors.

NEXT MEETING DATE: The next meeting date was set for December 22, 2015 at the Watford City Headquarters building.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. n

Board report

Tescher

Link

Hanna

Thompson

Wahlstrom

Sanford

Monsen

Houghton

BOARD OF

DIRECTORS

Wasem

908 4th Ave. NEWatford City, N.D. 58854

Phone: 701-444-9288Toll-free: 800-584-9239

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS:Clayton Monsen, Chairperson Director, District 2B, Arnegard .................. 586-3336 Donald Link, Vice Chairperson Statewide Director Director, District 2A, Alexander ............... 828-3427

Rondee Hanna, Sec.-Treas. Director, District 2C, Watford City ......... 675-2516

Travis Thompson, Director-At-Large Director, District 1C, Charlson ................. 675-2373 Upper Missouri G&T Director

Cameron Wahlstrom Director, District 1A, Alexander ............... 770-6631

Ken Sanford Director, District 1B, Watford City .......... 842-2581

Ray Tescher Director, District 3A, Beach ....................... 565-2342

Glen Houghton Director, District 3B, Grassy Butte ........... 863-6606

Tim Wasem, Director, District 3C, Halliday ................... 938-4376

GENERAL MANAGER/CEO:John Skurupey701-570-3542

Web page: http://www.mckenzieelectric.com

Email: [email protected]


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