Month: January 2021

H.U.G.S Program Awards $2,000 to Grant County EMS for Medical Equipment Upgrade

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Representatives from Pioneer Electric presented the Grant County EMS with a check for $2,000 made possible through the cooperative’s Helping Us Give to Society (H.U.G.S.) program on Tuesday, January 5. The Grant County EMS will use the funds to update several key pieces of equipment used to determine the course they must take for care of patients.

“At the beginning of each call, we assess the patient’s airway,” said Paul Fort, Grant County EMS director. “This evaluation is critical in helping us determine the next steps for the patient.”

Fort will use the H.U.G.S. funds to purchase four portable suction devices (replacing old and less efficient models), four sets of fiberoptic laryngoscope handles, and two styles of one-time-use fiberoptic laryngoscope blades. The purchase of improved equipment will benefit EMTs and patients alike.

“Our first-responders are a vital part of the community,” said Anita Wendt, vice president of energy services. “The upgraded equipment will be a benefit to not only Grant County EMS, but for everyone they serve.”

Pioneer Electric’s H.U.G.S. program is funded through the recycling of materials like steel, aluminum, or copper. As funds become available, Pioneer Electric seeks out projects within its service territory focused on impacting and improving communities.

Grant Count Extension Receives H.U.G.S. Grant to Assist in Digital Education Opportunities

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Members of the Pioneer Electric Helping Us Give to Society (H.U.G.S.) team presented Grant County Extension staff with a $2,000 grant. The grant will help purchase equipment to assist with virtual education presentations. The Extension staff hopes the equipment will allow them to better reach Grant County residents and provide them with various educational opportunities.

“The (H.U.G.S.) team felt this was a great opportunity for the Extension and our community,” said Dee Longoria, H.U.G.S. team member. “We see more and more organizations utilize digital tools and resources to help empower southwest Kansas. We hope that this will assist the Grant County Extension to serve our local youth and others.”

In December, K-State Research and Extension mandated that Extension events be held virtually unless there is justification for holding it in person. Additionally, in-person events should have a virtual option available. To accommodate the new requirements, the Grant County Extension looked into cameras and other equipment to make meetings more accessible. The new camera system will allow virtual viewers to see all the individuals in attendance in a meeting/presentation and focus on the person speaking. Extension staff will also have the ability to record events and share them digitally.

“We have provided 4-H cooking workshops, project meetings, and club meetings virtually,” said Monica Walker, extension agent. “However, we lack the technology to do this effectively. The equipment will help us better facilitate virtual meetings and will allow us to hold hybrid meetings for those that can attend in person and those that can’t. This allows those that are not attending in person to hear and see the speakers better and increase their engagement. The equipment will also allow us to record and present educational presentations.”

Those interested in learning more about the various programs offered by the Grant County Extension may call their office at 356-1721.

Pioneer Electric Scholarship Application Now Open

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Pioneer Electric will offer $20,000 in academic scholarships to high school seniors planning to attend a postsecondary education institution (in-person or online) during the fall 2021 semester. In addition to the $20,000 in scholarships, Pioneer Electric will also offer $3,000 in scholarships to graduates planning to attend an Electrical Power Technology program during the fall 2021 semester.

Eligible applicants must be a 2021 high school graduate and reside within the district of one of the following schools: Elkhart, Stanton County, Hugoton, Lakin, Moscow, Rolla, Syracuse or Ulysses. Applications must be completed in their entirety and submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on February 2, 2021 in order to be considered, late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

A complete list of requirements and the application to apply can be found on Pioneer Electric’s scholarship page.

Questions regarding scholarships or the application process may be directed to Drew Waechter, Communications Coordinator, at dwaechter@pioneerelectric.coop or by calling 620-356-1211.