Seven Employees Honored During WVEC’s Annual Meeting

The 79th Annual Membership Meeting of the Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Thursday, June 17, at the Milbank High School. According to WVEC’s general manager, Dave Page, the traditional meal and children’s program were eliminated due to the uncertainty of member participation. After a quorum of 50 members registered, President Bill Tostenson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. President Tostenson confirmed the quorum, invited everyone to join in the National Anthem, and introduced the board of directors, former directors and employees, and special guests. Tostenson noted that the annual meeting of 2020 was canceled due to coronavirus concerns. He stated there were no contested elections or bylaw amendments in 2020. Treasurer Krista Atyeo-Gortmaker presented the treasurer’s report for the year 2020.  

Page welcomed the members, introduced all of the employees, and presented seven employees with service awards. Awards included: Gene Sass for 35 years of service; Jack Hoeke for 25 years of service; Eric Pederson for 20 years of service; Brandon Schmieg for 15 years of service; Kenne Dailie for 15 years of service; Jessica Schuchard for 10 years of service; and Ryan Dunnihoo for five years of service. Clee Brakke was the winner of the $500 cash drawing.Districts 3, 4, and 6 had open seats up for election. Only one candidate for each of the districts was submitted; They included Darren Strasser, Tom Berens, and Scot Niedert respectively. With no other members nominated in their district, the candidates were duly elected.

The board of directors sponsored an amendment to Article III, Section 1 of the Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative bylaws to remove the requirement to hold the annual meeting in the first six months. This allows the meeting to be held at any time during the year. The amendment also provides for the postponement or cancelation of the meeting due to public health concerns as allowed by law. The amendment passed (66-10).With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.