Representatives of Pioneer Electric’s Helping Us Give to Society (H.U.G.S.) were proud to present the American Legion Post 79 with a grant for $9,000. The American Legion will use the funds to replace the roof of their building.

The roof of the American Legion building will require a full replacement and installation of new materials to prevent the leaks the current roof causes. Renovations are scheduled to begin in March and take approximately three months.

“The roof repair will help us continue our Bingo fundraising events which is our main source of funding,” said Kyle Stringham, American Legion member. “It will also help us maintain a patriotic presence in the community.”

The American Legion Post 79 is a source of support for veterans in Grant County, including support for their families and burial rights. The American Legion also hosts a weekly Bingo night for members of the community, provides scholarships and are available for other civic efforts.

“The American Legion building is an integral fixture in Grant County,” said Anita Wendt, vice president of energy services. “They support the community through so many means and Pioneer Electric is proud to return the favor. Putting a new roof on their building will help them serve the community in an even greater capacity.”

Pioneer Electric’s H.U.G.S. program is made possible through the recycling of materials like steel, copper and aluminum taken out of service due to repair or rebuild. As funds become available, the cooperative seeks out projects focused on improving their communities.

Representatives from Pioneer Electric presented Pheasant Heaven Charities with a  check totaling $14,352.52 on Friday, January 8. Funds for the donation were available due to the disbanding of the Underground, Overhead, Metering (UOM) School. Beginning in 1974, the UOM school provided training to linemen and kept them up-to-date on new tools and products used in electrical power distribution.  The non-profit training event, sponsored by Pioneer Electric, Wheatland Electric and the City of Garden City Electrical Department, formally disbanded in 2020.

“We wanted to ensure that these funds, created in southwest Kansas, were given back to a southwest Kansas organization,” said Mike Haney, a former board member for the UOM school and manager of engineering and operations at Pioneer Electric. “Pheasant Heaven Charities goes above and beyond to assist those in need throughout our region.”

Pheasant Heaven Charities will use the donation to fund assistance opportunities for individuals dealing with medical needs. Additionally, the charity will use the money for their scholarship program and assist in supporting other organizations throughout southwest Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle.

Pheasant Heaven Charities’ goal is to assist individuals with medical needs. In addition to its benevolent assistance program, Pheasant Heaven Charities provides support to cancer patients within a 50-mile radius of Hugoton through its Love From Above Committee. The committee also provides snacks and water for two cancer center locations in Liberal. Persons in need of assistance may apply online at www.pheasantheavencharities.com or contact Sharon Concannon at 620-544-4318.

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.