The Stanton County Health Coalition was awarded $10,000 in grants courtesy of Pioneer Electric’s H.U.G.S. (Helping Us Give to Society) program. Members of the coalition met with Pioneer Electric H.U.G.S. members on Jan. 4. The grant will be used to complete work on the coalition’s walking path project.

“The overall well-being of Stanton County residents is the top priority of the Stanton County Health Coalition,” said coalition member, Jennifer Rios. “The walking path will benefit every resident in the community.”

Rios stated that, in addition to the one-mile walking path, funds have also been raised to include a gazebo, picnic tables and benches along the path.

The walking path will begin at Battin Park and continue through the City of Johnson. It has been designed to accommodate strollers and enable individuals to pass each other.

“Stanton County Health Coalition has created a great opportunity for the community to get outside and enjoy the benefits of this walking path,” said Anita Wendt, Pioneer Electric’s vice president of Energy Services. “Projects like this have a long-lasting impact for their communities and we’re excited to be part of it.”

Members of Pioneer Electric’s Helping Us Give To Society (H.U.G.S.) team met with representatives of the American Legion Post 79 on Jan. 4 in Ulysses to present the Legion with a $2,900 grant. Funds from the grant will be used to replace grass at the Veterans Memorial with a rockscape.

 

“Replacing the grass at the memorial will save the Legion approximately $1,450 per year,” said Kyle Stringham, a member of the Legion. “We’ll be able to use the money saved to make resources available to veterans in Grant County.”

 

The Legion also hopes to replace a cedar fence along the memorial’s east side.

“We’re proud to partner with the Legion and community of Ulysses on this project,” said Anita Wendt, Pioneer Electric vice president of Energy Services. “Not only will this help the Legion make more of an impact for the veterans in the area, but also bring great improvements to such an honorable monument.”

Funds Pioneer Electric’s H.U.G.S program are generated by recycling scrap materials like aluminum, steel or copper taken from poles no longer in service. Over time, these funds can be substantial. Organizations interested in applying for grant funding through Pioneer Electric’s H.U.G.S. program may review the application and guidelines listed online at www.pioneerelectric.coop

Electric space heaters can help warm a room quickly. However, they can be as dangerous as convenient if used improperly. Safe Electricity urges everyone in the home to understand the importance of using space heaters safely:

• Purchase only space heaters that have been safety tested and UL-approved. Make sure the unit has an emergency tip-over shut-off feature and heating element guards. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operation and care.
• Before using a space heater, make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition.
• Make sure the heater is clean and in good condition.
• Place the heater out of high-traffic areas and on a level, hard, non-flammable floor surface.
• Space heaters have one purpose —to provide supplemental heating. Never use them to thaw pipes, cook food, or dry clothing or towels.
• Remember to keep space heaters at least three feet from combustible liquids, like fuel, spray cans, and paint, and flammable items such as draperies, blankets, and sofas.
• Never allow pets or children near an electric heater. Accidental contact could cause serious shock or burns.
• Do not overload circuits. Never use extension cords or multiple plugs with a space heater and make sure not to plug the unit into the same circuit as other electric appliances.
• If your space heater is plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and it trips, don’t assume there is something wrong with the GFCI. Immediately stop using the heater until a professional can check it— if not, a serious shock could occur.
• Never leave space heaters unattended. Turn off your space heater and unplug it before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Replace older space heaters with newer, safer models.