Hickok Elementary Receives $1,000 H.U.G.S. Grant

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Members of Pioneer Electric’s Helping Us Give to Society (H.U.G.S.) program presented the Hickok Elementary physical education program with a $1,000 grant on February 7. The school will use the grant to purchase exercise balls for its cardio drumming unit.

“Cardio drumming combines music with exercise for great health benefits,” explained Nick Boe, Hickok Elementary P.E. teacher. “The cardio drumming unit will benefit our first and second grade students by teaching them the importance of a healthy heart at a young age.”

“A rewarding aspect of H.U.G.S. is being able to be a part of a large variety of community projects,” said Anita Wendt, vice president of energy services at Pioneer Electric. “The funds from this grant will benefit students each year and help them practice a healthy lifestyle.”

Pioneer Electric funds its H.U.G.S. team through recycled materials. Pieces of steel, aluminum, and copper taken out of service are recycled and turned into funds for grants. As funds become available, Pioneer Electric accepts applications for projects to fund within its service territory.

Pioneer Electric’s Scholarships Are Now Open

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Pioneer Electric’s 2024 Scholarship applications are open to eligible high school seniors. The cooperative’s general scholarship fund will award $20,000 in scholarships to 2024 graduates. Power Line Technology scholarships ($3,000) are also available to seniors considering a career in power line technology.

To apply, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Attend a post-secondary education institution (in person or online) during the fall 2024 semester.
  • Be a 2024 high school graduate and reside within the district of one of the following schools:
    • Elkhart High School
    • Stanton County High School
    • Hugoton High School
    • Lakin High School
    • Moscow High School
    • Rolla High School
    • Syracuse High School
    • Ulysses High School

Students must complete the online application in its entirety and provide:

  • A one-page resume stating the student’s future plans, activities participated in while in high school,
    accomplishments and honors received, community involvement and employment experience. Please do not include references.
  • A seventh-semester transcript (official or certified copy) from the applicant’s high school
    • Transcripts may be submitted via mail or emailed.
      • MAIL: Official transcripts may be mailed to:
        • Pioneer Electric Scholarship Program
          c/o Alyssa Hammond
          PO Box 368
          Ulysses, KS 67880
        • EMAIL: Transcripts may also be emailed to ahammond@pioneerelectric. coop. Transcripts submitted via email will only be accepted if sent by a staff member of the student’s school (counselor, office secretary, or principal)

THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR EITHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IS MARCH 6 AT NOON. Students must ensure that all materials have been submitted by the deadline in order for their application to be considered. Applications are available on Pioneer Electric’s website under the community tab.

Questions regarding Pioneer Electric’s scholarship program, eligibility or application my be directed to Alyssa Hammond, Communications Specialist by calling 620-356-1211 or emailing ahammond@pioneerelectric.coop.

Extreme Cold Weather Expected

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More cold weather is on its way this weekend. Taking steps to prepare now can help make weathering colder temperatures more bearable:
– Prepare supplies in advance. Replace flashlight batteries and have bottled water and nonperishable food items available.
– Check generators now. Be sure you know how to operate your generator safely, have a proper disconnect switch installed by a licensed electrician and have fuel and oil on hand. Keep generators safely away from your home or garage to ensure exhaust fumes do not enter buildings.
– Members with medical necessities for electricity may consider a backup plan in the event of a power outage. This may include a backup source for power or staying at another location.
– Collect firewood or ensure you have fuel for any safe alternative heat source.
– Decrease your energy use. Consider lowering your thermostat a few degrees, opening blinds during the day to allow sunshine in (don’t forget to close them at night), using small appliances like crockpots to cook meals and unplugging any unnecessary or unused electronics.
– Know Pioneer Electric’s outage reporting number: 1 (888) 551-4140.