Pioneer Electric Awards H.U.G.S. to Steven’s County 4-H Extension for Building Renovations

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Pioneer Electric’s Helping Us Give to Society (H.U.G.S.) team presented the Steven’s County 4-H Council with a $9,000 grant to assist in making repairs in the Stevens County 4-H building. Renovations will fix leaks in the roof of the building.

The youth representatives of the Stevens County 4-H Council formed a committee, focused on creating a plan for renovations for the building. The roof became an immediate priority for the group, and they began to look towards outside assistance for the project.

“This building has been around since the late ’40s to early ’50s and needs some major repairs,” said Ron Honig, Wild West District Extension Agent. “The goal of this project is to stop the damage occurring to the building due to the leaks. A bid was sought last spring, before the COVID-19 virus which, then shut down all building use and renovation plans. Now that we are back to allowing 4-H groups to use the building, we are seeking funds to fix the issues in the building.”

The project is the start of other renovations that the extension office hopes to complete in the building. The committee hopes to renovate the bathrooms, lighting, doors, and flooring. Those interested in making donations or assisting with these projects may contact the Stevens County Extension Office at 620-544-4359.

Pioneer Electric Helps Fund Summer Robotics Camp

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Employees of Pioneer Electric presented organizers of the Tiger Robotics Summer Camp with a $2,500 grant courtesy of the cooperative’s Helping Us Give to Society (H.U.G.S.) program on Thursday, January 7. The money will be used to fund the Tiger Robotics Summer Camp, a program aimed at helping middle school students in Ulysses. The camps goal will be to engage students in fun and learning opportunities provided through S.T.E.M. (science,technology, engineering and mathematics). The camp will focus on approximately 15 students chosen through teacher recommendation. Particpants in the camp will be able tp enjoy the benefits of the camp at no cost.

“It’s important that kids have the opportunity to engage in programs like the Tiger Robotics Summer Camp,” said Anita Wendt, vice president of energy services. “Camps like this allows students to learn in a new way and introduce them to careers that they may have not known exisited.”

The program will target at-risk students at Kepley Middle school entering sixth, seventh and eighth grades in the 2021-2022 school year. Through designing, building and coding robots, students will be introduced to skills like critical thinking, communication and collaboration that will benefit them in their futures. During the camp, students will work together to design their own robot and challenge others using VEX IQ, a programable, snap-together robotic system.

“It’s a great way to introduce students to science, techonolgy, engineering, and math concepts through an engaging medium” said Justin Coffey, vice principal at Ulysses High School and camp organizer. “The Vex IQ competition requires students to work in teams and problem solve to code their robots.”

Kits purchased with the funds from the H.U.G.S. grant will be re-usable, allowing the club to build a foundation for future summer camps.

Pioneer Electric Grants American Legion $9,000 in H.U.G.S. Funds for New Roof

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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.