Members of the Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Inc. Helping Us Give to Society (H.U.G.S.) program presented $10,000 in grant funds to the High Plains Rural Restoration Foundation on July 2, 2026. The grant is a combination of H.U.G.S. funds and matching funds courtesy of CoBank’s Sharing Success program. The foundation will use the grant to complete “phase one” of its Stanton County Ag Complex, located in Johnson, Kansas.

“Completion of this first phase is pivotal to the success of our 4H and FFA livestock programs,” said Kayla Jones, the foundation’s Treasurer. “Many of our livestock families lack land or facilities necessary to house livestock projects. Without adequate infrastructure, participation in these programs becomes limited, and valuable agricultural learning opportunities are lost.”

To complete Phase One of the foundation’s project, Jones says the grant will be used to purchase materials for a retaining fence, a feed storage barn and electrical infrastructure.

“Proper lighting is essential for youth to complete chores in the early mornings and evenings,” said Jones. “Access to electricity will also help ensure a safe environment for users of the complex and the protection of livestock and equipment.”

“Pioneer Electric welcomes the opportunity to support the High Plains Rural Restoration Foundation through awarding them this grant,” said Ruby Terrazas, HUGS representative. “We’re excited to see how the program will continue to grow now that they will have additional security and power.”

The H.U.G.S. program offers grant funding to community-based projects within Pioneer Electric’s service territory. Tax-exempt organizations interested in applying may visit the cooperative’s website (www.pioneerelectric.coop) for more information.

The Pioneer Electric Cooperative has awarded the Grant County Extension Council a $400 grant courtesy of the cooperative’s Helping Us Give To Society (H.U.G.S.) program. The grant will fund professional cleaning and servicing of 14 sewing machines to ensure they remain well-maintained for community use.

“The sewing machines are heavily utilized by our 4-H Sewing & Textiles project and the Fiber Arts project, said Monica Walker, Grant County Extension Agent. “They must be serviced annually so they remain in working order and prevent costly, premature wear. We’re grateful to the H.U.G.S. team for awarding us this grant.”

Pioneer Electric’s H.U.G.S. program is funded by the recycling of scrap materials, such as steel, copper, and aluminum, from electric infrastructure taken out of service. Grants are available to projects within our service territory seeking to improve and strengthen our rural communities.

“The H.U.G.S. program exists to serve our communities and support projects that will help them grow,” said Ruby Terrazas, H.U.G.S. team member. “The skills that the students enrolled in these projects are life-long skills that will benefit them now and into the future.