July 2013

L i g h t s

Beltrami ElectricCooperative Inc.

®

Unclaimed capital credits – page 32013 scholarship recipients – page 8

2 Northern Lights • July 2013

Northern Lights (USPS 016488), Vol. 60, No. 7 is published monthly by Beltrami Electric Cooperative Inc., 4111 Technology Drive N.W., Bemidji, Minnesota 56619-0488. Subscription rate $5. Periodicals postage paid at Bemidji, MN 56601.

Postmaster: Please send address corrections to Beltrami Electric Cooperative Inc., P.O. Box 488, Bemidji, Minnesota 56619-0488.

Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday

Customer Service: 218-444-2540 or 1-800-955-6083

www.beltramielectric.com

Board of DirectorsPresident Rick Coe, District 6 (Square Butte Director)Vice President Jeff Nelson, District 3Secretary Murl Nord, District 1Treasurer Judy Honer, District 9Directors: Lea Perkins, District 2; Jerry Larson Sr., District 4; Robert Wallner, District 5; John Lund, District 7; Terry Diffley, District 8, (Minnkota Director) General Manager Lynette Nieuwsma

Editor Mitch Raile

NORtheRNNORtheRNL i g h t s

Minnesota State Electrical Inspectors Beltrami and Clearwater Counties

Mark Smythe 218-751-0487 or fax 218-751-3900

e-mail: masmythe@paulbunyan.net smytheelectricinspections.comCass and Hubbard Counties

Steve Schauland 218-652-2213 or fax 218-333-0451

These are the inspectors covering the area served by Beltrami Electric. They can be reached by phone Monday through Friday between 7 and 8:30 a.m. or by fax or email as indicated.

Gopher State One Call 1-800-252-1166 or 811

Anyone who plans to dig is required by law to notify the state of their intentions at least 48 hours in advance.

All digging requires the 48-hour notification so that buried telephone line, television cable, pipelines, utility electrical lines, municipal water and sewer lines can be located to ensure that none will be severed or damaged.

ON THE COVER: Jorge Prince (left), CFO, and Jason LaValley, president & CEO, of Bemidji-based LaValley Industries stand near a new shipment of DECKHAND® pipe handling systems.

Hello fellow Beltrami Electric member-owners! My name is Mitch Raile and I am the Marketing Communication

Specialist for your cooperative, as well as the editor of this newsletter. I am excited to tell you about some of the key features from the recent launch of a new informational campaign from Touchstone Energy®.

As you may know, Beltrami Electric is a member of Touchstone Energy®, which is an alliance of 746 member-owned electric cooperatives located in 46 states, all of whom are dedicated to providing their members with reliable, high-quality service at competitive prices. Their new informational campaign, “The Power of Co-op Membership,” focuses on five core messages that spotlight how co-ops bring value into the lives of their members and community every day. For the foreseeable future, you will probably be seeing some examples of these messages via TV, radio, billboards, newspapers, websites and other forms of media. Without any more delay, I’d like to tell you about the five key points of this new campaign, straight from the folks at Touchstone Energy®.

Power of Electricity - The electricity your co-op provides is essential to everyday life and is often taken for granted. Now more than ever we depend on electricity to enhance our quality of life and stay connected. Through innovation and new technology electric co-ops are doing everything we can to keep electricity reliable and affordable.

Everyday Value – While so many things we buy have climbed steadily in price over the years, electricity is still one of the best values out there. That’s comforting to know because electricity is essential to energizing our lives and keeping us connected. And that’s a powerful thing.

Membership – Your electric co-op belongs to the members it serves. You have a say in how the co-op is run. You can feel confident that decisions are made in the best interest of the members and the best interest of your community.

Working Together (Using Energy Wisely) – We all have a responsibility. With the helpful tools and resources from your electric co-op, using energy wisely is easier than you think. Especially when we are working together. After all, using energy responsibly and saving money go hand in hand. Which is something every member can have a hand in.

Connections – Your co-op membership means more than just affordable electricity for every member. With the Co-op Connections® Card, it also means savings at hundreds of participating local and national retailers. Just another way your co-op is connecting with members on pocketbook issues. To see a list of local businesses participating in the Co-op Connections® program, visit www.beltramielectric.com/Coop_Connections.aspx.

Touchstone Energy® has done a great job developing this new campaign, using feedback that many of the individual co-ops have given them over the years. We here at Beltrami Electric hope these messages resonate with you, the member-owner, and think you will really appreciate the themes of this campaign. To get a closer look at what Touchstone Energy® has done to promote their message, and to get energy saving tips, I encourage you to visit www.togetherwesave.com. Thank you for your membership!

Touchstone Energy® launches new campaignGUEST EDITORIAL By Mitch Raile

Northern Lights • July 2013 3

Unclaimed capital creditsAaser Estate, Gretchen A., Akeley, Minn.Adams, Elizabeth, Cass Lake, Minn.Adams, Gregory A., Bemidji, Minn.Alderson, Robin, Walker, Minn.Altringer, Paul C., Eagan, Minn.Anderson, Andy, Bemidji, Minn.Anderson, Jeanne M., Redlake, Minn.Anderson, Leonard E., Holmen, Wis.Anderson, Mark R., Bemidji, Minn.Anderson, Mary J., International Falls, Minn.Andrew, Lowell D., Lengby, Minn.Archer, John, Hermantown, Minn. Aune, Ben, Duluth, Minn.Aunon, Joseph, Sioux City, IowaAxelson, Donald R., Hemet, Calif.Ayotte, JoAnn, Newport News, Va.Baczewski, Thomas P., Bemidji, Minn.Badwound, Marvin, Rosebud, S.D.Bailey, Robert V., Walker, Minn.Bandemer, John T., North Branch, Minn.Barr, M. D., Rogers, Ariz.Barwick, Gregory A., Bemidji, Minn.Beardslee, Gary I., Pine River, Minn.Beavers, Kathryn W., Hackensack, Minn.Beavers, Ken, Laporte, Minn.Beech, Russell, Minneapolis, Minn.Behr, Harold A., Moab, UtahBeito, Peter, Bemidji, Minn.Bellefy, Corey Z., Deer River, Minn.Bement, George R., Bemidji, Minn.Bender, Richard, Monticello, Minn.Bender, Robert J., Brainerd, Minn.Benhardus, Penny, Pequot Lakes, Minn.Bennett, Jeffrey D., Staples, Minn.Bice, Dean, Salt Lake City, UtahBillings, Preston, Fergus Falls, Minn.Bishop, James A., Hallock, Minn.Block, Burel, Albany, Ga.Boe, Stephen J., La Grande, Ore.Boettcher, Robert L., Verndale, Minn.Brandt, James D., Austin, Minn.Brewster, Paul K., Kearneysville, W. Va.Broten, Stanley W., Dunkerton, IowaBrown, Alan M., Wahpeton, N.D.Brown, Stewart, Mesa, Ariz.Bruce, Loren B., Bemidji, Minn.Brucki, Nancy L., Bemidji, Minn.Brumley, Randy T., Greensboro, N.C.Bryant, Kathalene M., Crosby, Tex.Buckley, Floyd, Springfield, Ill.Buness, Wendy, Albany, Ore.Burke, Herman, Cahokia, Ill.Butcher, Anthony G., Cass Lake, Minn.Butorac, Cheryl A., Chisholm, Minn.Buzzell, Pamela, Bemidji, Minn.Byers, C. A., Bemidji, Minn.

Calhoon Estate, Helen, Laporte, Minn.Carter, Vernon W., Farmington, Minn.Cave, Carol, Ladysmith, Wis.Charles, Gloria A., El Paso, Tex.Chinook Venture, Bemidji, Minn.Christenson, Maynard O., Saint Paul, Minn.Christiansen, Brent, Noblesville, Ind.Christofferson, Rueben, Fergus Falls, Minn.Clark, Charles R., Littleton, Colo.Clark, David A., Becida, Minn.Cleveland, Robin, Rogers, Minn.Comby, Esterline, Saint Paul, Minn.Connor, Jonathan, Cass Lake, Minn.Conrad III, Lawrence E., Fridley, Minn.Conway, Jane M., Solway, Minn.Corneliusen, Clyde, Beaufort, S.C.Cornell, Mike B., Big Piney, Wyo.Counsell, Daniel, Climax, Minn.Crawford, Richard W., Fargo, N.D.Cronk, William, Two Harbors, Minn.Crow, F. R., Brooklyn Center, Minn.Curtis Homes Co, Minneapolis, Minn.Dadco Food Products, Eau Claire, Wis.Dahl, Becky, Hines, Minn.Daken, Terry Sue, Kelliher, Minn.Dargis, Mary J., Bemidji, Minn.Davis, Florence, Grass Lake, Mich.Davis, Sarah A., Bemidji, Minn.Debellas, Alfred F., Humble, Tex.Deml, J Lenore, River Falls, Wis.Dill, James C., Bemidji, Minn.Dirnberger, Richard A., Ames, IowaEichberg, Robert S., Cass Lake, Minn.Elsner, Imogene, Minneapolis, Minn.Enger, John M., Germantown Hills, Ill.Erickson Estate, Manford E., Bemidji, Minn.Erickson, Karen, Bemidji, Minn.Fairbanks, John R., Bemidji, Minn.Falin, Gerald, Lawton, Okla.Fallgren, Paul, Bemidji, Minn.Fiedler, Tonya, Goodridge, Minn.Fitch Jr., Donald M., Bemidji, Minn.Flint, Dawn J., Bemidji, Minn.Ford, William, Iowa City, IowaFors, Greg, Bloomington, Minn.Frederick, Dennis, Starbuck, Minn.Garnett, R. B., Bemidji, Minn.Grove, Rosemary, Grand Rapids, Minn.Guel, Melvin, Dent, Minn.Guice, John A., Kansas City, Mo.Haberman, Douglas D., Maple Grove, Minn.Hadley, Sandra, Walker, Minn.Hammond, Russell, Forest Lake, Minn.Hanson, Cindy A., Cedar, Minn.Hanzes, Richard, Bemidji, Minn.Harr, Ronda, Bemidji, Minn.

Hartfiel, Joel T., Bemidji, Minn.Heathcote, Duncan J., Maplewood, Minn.Hegland Sign Co, Bemidji, Minn.Heintzman, Thomas, Anchorage, AlaskaHelm Estate, Lois, Red Lake Falls, Minn.Hense Estate, Martin, Bemidji, Minn.Hershey, Jeffrey E., Shevlin, Minn.Hess, Todd M., Minneapolis, Minn.Higgins, Kathryn, Park River, N.D.Hill Estate, David B., Waskish, Minn.Hill, Linda J., Bemidji, Minn.Hinter, Gerald, Warroad, Minn.Hofland, Ann C., Denver, Colo.Holmes, Claude, Saint Louis, Mo.Holznagel, Wayne D., Bemidji, Minn.Hovsepian Estate, Grisha, Coconut Creek, Fla.Hoyt, Antone, Wheaton, Minn.Hurst, Edward C., Bonnieville, Ky.Hushagen, Brian P., Edwardsville, Ill.Isacson, Jeffrey A., Waukee, IowaJackson, Jim D., Abilene, Kans.Jenks, Jodi G., Bemidji, Minn.Johnson, Dianne K., South Haven, Minn.Johnson, Eric R., Bemidji, Minn.Johnson, Mary L., Bagley, Minn.Johnson, Mathew P., Bemidji, Minn.Jones, Alan C., Grand Rapids, Minn.Jones, David, Bemidji, Minn.Kampfer, Marguerite G., Mesa, Ariz.Kane, Bernard P., Orland Park, Ill.Kazle, Scott, Zimmerman, Minn.Kerby, Jane Z., Minneapolis, Minn.Kesler, Donald, Minneapolis, Minn.Kilde, Debra L., Bemidji, Minn.Kile, Christopher R., Klamath Falls, Ore.Kjonaas, Eva H., Grand Rapids, Minn.Klink Nichols, Nancy, Deerwood, Minn.Kobler, Harry J., Drayton, N.D.Kolman, Barry, Harrisonburg, Va.Konrad, Gerald, Duluth, Minn.Kos, Matthew J., Arlington Heights, Ill.Kragness, Burt, Moorhead, Minn.Krall, Anthony J., Bemidji, Minn.Kramer, Alvin F., Weatherford, Tex.Krantz, Beth, Dover, OhioKrebes, John, Algonquin, Ill.Kuykendall, Dutch C., Farmersville, Tex.LaFond, Regina, Bemidji, Minn.Larsen, Robert, Auberry, Calif.Larson, David C., Minnetonka, Minn.Lattu, Jon T., Bemidji, Minn.Lehrfeld, Marc, Minneapolis, Minn.Lemieux, Franklin, Madison, Wis.Leslin, Daniel C., Bemidji, Minn.

continued on page 7

4 Northern Lights • July 2013

Gripon success

A

Entrepreneurial spirit drives LaValley Industries

A few years ago, Jason LaValley took the biggest risk of his life. He quit his job, sold his house and poured his entire life savings of $50,000 into an idea he had scribbled on a piece of paper.

There was no need to jot down a backup plan.

LaValley’s idea has since evolved into a multimillion-dollar company, LaValley Industries, that employs 20 people and helps boost several businesses in Bemidji, Minn.

LaValley, a 35-year-old Bemidji High School graduate, freely admits he had no formal business or engineer training when he began developing the DECKHAND® pipe handling system, the company’s trademark product. He came up with the concept while working as a horizontal drilling superintendent in the pipeline industry.

One night in 2005, LaValley was at a muddy job site in Texas when a pipe rack support failed and crushed a crew member’s ankle. LaValley returned to his hotel room that night thinking of ways to help his crew be safer and more efficient. He stayed up feverishly sketching the design for a hydraulic arm attachment for excavators that could precisely maneuver large pieces of pipe around a work site – even in the harshest conditions.

He immediately faxed a copy of the design back to his father in Bemidji.

“My dad called me up and said, ‘What is this? Chicken scratch?’” LaValley recalled.

With a brief explanation, the LaValley family took the drawing into the garage and began constructing a prototype. From that point forward, LaValley put every dollar he had into the DECKHAND®.

“There was a time when I was two or three house payments behind and creditors were calling me every single day,” LaValley said. “If I wouldn’t have had the support of my wife and family, I would never have made it.”

With a functioning prototype, LaValley borrowed $1,000 from his uncle for fuel to drive down to a work site in Florida for field testing. The contraption was like nothing the crew had ever seen before, LaValley said.

“Even when it broke down, they welded it back together just to keep it on site,” LaValley said. “When you’ve got a customer fixing your tool to keep it on the job, that means you’ve probably got something.”

Building the businessWith positive feedback, a revived

LaValley took his idea to the Northwest Regional Small Business Development Center on the campus of Bemidji State University. There he met with the center director Jorge Prince in his first month on the job.

Jason LaValley, president & CEO of LaValley Indus-tries, sketched out his idea for the DECkhanD® pipe handling system in 2005 while working in the horizontal drilling industry. The now fully developed product is in high demand across the world.

The DECkhanD® uses an excavator’s hydraulics to safely load or unload pipe.

Northern Lights • July 2013 5

“I thought somebody had to have already done this somewhere in the world,” Prince said. “I spent a good amount of time doing patent searches before I realized that this was an entirely new concept.”

Impressed with the product, Prince helped LaValley put together a business plan and financial projections to obtain a loan. But faced with the economic recession, there were few banks that would listen.

After countless rejections, Security Bank USA in Bemidji put faith in the two homegrown entrepreneurs with a $260,000 small business loan. Shortly thereafter, Prince was all in with LaValley, joining the company as partner and chief financial officer.

“I knew from the day I met Jason that he had a passion and he was willing to put everything on the line,” Prince said. “To be a really good entrepreneur isn’t the same as being a good inventor. It requires an all-in commitment. That’s a really hard thing to ask of people, but it was never a problem for Jason.”

In the meantime, LaValley continued to make improvements to the product. The latest generation of the DECKHAND® has a single modular head with a series of interchangeable arms for directional drilling, pipe handling and utility pole handling.

The DECKHAND’S® claw-like grippers can rotate an 80-foot pipe in a 360-degree pattern, safely controlling it even when covered in snow, ice or dirt. Specialized protective padding on the arms helps secure the pipe without compromising its coating.

Besides the DECKHAND®, other industry options for loading and stacking pipe are chains or a suction-based lift system. Both present challenges, Prince said, noting that they need clean, dry surfaces and no wind to work properly.

“So much of this work happens in the muck, in the mud, in the rain, in the dark,” Prince said. “If the excavator is running, our tool is running.”

Staying in BemidjiJust as the DECKHAND® was hitting

the market, LaValley and Prince had big

business knocking on their front door. Enbridge was constructing a pipeline outside of Bemidji and was willing to test the product on site.

Soon enough, an international distribution deal with PipeLine Machinery was signed and the company began churning out products for crews as far away as Australia.

To keep up with growing demand, the company purchased a 25,000-square-foot building with 10 acres of testing grounds in Beltrami Electric Cooperative’s service area in 2011.

LaValley Industries also owns the building next door, which it rents to Melrose Metalworks, a company that completes the machining work for the DECKHAND®. LaValley said almost all of the company’s machining, welding and powder coating is contracted out to businesses in Bemidji.

With customers across the world, LaValley and Prince said they could have located the company anywhere. But it was important to keep their roots in Bemidji.

“We really believe we’re going to do something great here,” LaValley said.

Chief Financial Officer Jorge Prince examines a newly assembled DECkhanD®, which includes a single, modular head with interchangeable claw-like arm attachments.

6 Northern Lights • July 2013

Northern Lights

For Sale:Forty seven 20’ links of 1½ PVC 1120 160 psi SDR pipe, used but good condition, stored inside, $1.50 each, 760-8694 or 243-2977.

“New” Minn Kota Traxxis electric trolling motor, transom mount, 36” shaft, 55# thrust, w/60 amp circuit breaker & Exide deep cycle battery, $325, 444-8032.

Honda 350 Big Red with reverse; Johnson 2 hp, outboard; Arctic Cat RT 600 triple utility trailer; 38” riding lawn mower, 243-2985.

Cooper tires/wheels, 205-7015; 14’ Sunsetter awning, screen, lights, 308-1604.

14’ Crestliner, 6 hp Evinrude, EZ loader trailer, nice unit, $1,000; 12’ IH drill on low rubber, grass seed attachment; Hesten 5510 baler excellent condition; 990 IH mower, very good condition; IH 706 tractor German diesel, add-on three point, field ready, tires like new; Minnesota No. 5 5-bar belt driven rake, very good; Herd broadcast seeder, M-96, PTO driven, 3 Bu. capacity, drawbar mounted, 5510 Hesten round baler, bought new, always shedded, excellent, 1,000 lb., Big 7 Minn. hay wagon, 10’ x 18’ bed for square or round bales, treated back, very good 647-8199.

Wood splitter; 2-stage hydraulic pump, 28-gallon per minute, 751-9543.

2000 GMC 4-wheel drive pickup; 1986 Chevrolet Suburban; antique entryway bench; antique Victoria cabinet; propane refrigerators, 556-9440.

Five truck tires, 245 x 90R 9.5, offer; John Deere dozer, 350 with bucket, $4,750/obo, 760-0072.

Child’s card table, with two black chairs, blue metal with black vinyl covering, nice condition, $18, 243-3363.

Three-inch wide hardwood (oak) flooring from Home Depot (Bruce), $2/sq. ft.; high efficiency natural gas furnace with central air, make offer, 556-6736.

1993 SunLite pop-up pickup camper, excellent condition w/owner's manual, fridge, 3-burner stove, AC, propane and electric, new roof vents, $1,975, 209-5667.

Homemade crazy and block quilts, twin $35, full $40, queen $45, king $55; all-oak antique chairs, $25 each; rockers, $75; parlor table, $75; sq. oak dining room table, $220; cabinets and portable sewing machines, $15 each; new pink,

king-size bedspread, $20; portable white sewing machine, $20; newly covered desk chair in navy, $25, 243-2702.

John Deere F510 riding mower, zero radius; push power mower; extended mirrors for 1999-2006 Chevy truck, make offer, 987-2307.

Yamaha 8 hp, 2-stroke motor and Lund 12’ boat and trailer, sell together or separate, 444-7953.

Janome Memory Craft 6600 sewing machine, great condition, all feet, attachments and booklet, I am selling it because I want to upgrade to a higher level of machine, $1,200 firm, cash only, 586-2594.

1994 Coleman Destiny Cedar XL pop-up camper, gas/electric/water, stored inside, $2,500/obo, 444-6165.

Cheap blueprint machine, excellent condition, make offer, 759-2305.

20 hp Mercury, excellent condition, $275, 243-3164.

Pickup camper, self-contained, AC/DC, gas, $550/obo, 339-3083.

Men’s trail/road bike, Giant; Sedona, cross country skis; women’s size 8 boots; fishing lures and equip-ment, 224-2789.

Four 21’ steel frame gates with cattle panels for the center, $80/each; twin/full size collapsible bed frame, $35, 224-2895 after 9 p.m.

Two shaker style rocking chairs, $100/each; 3 other rocking chairs range from $35 to $75; love seat size futon, $100; dining table, $200; meat market butcher block table, $100; travel trailer, $6,000; chain saw large tree wood carving, $150; antique large Japanese solid wood fish, $200; pump out water fast, paid $1,000, used for one day, 243-3084.

Wool yardage (new), some 1.5-yard pieces in dark colors from Treadle Yard Goods St. Paul, some plaids enough for man’s shirt, $10/yard; 2 used woolen blankets, regular size, 759-1929 before 6 p.m. please.

Maple sap aluminum bucket, lid, tap, $6/set, make your own maple syrup, 766-4829.

Collectibles & antiques, dishes, furniture, cards, buttons, misc., 547-3619.

Boatlift, up and down power and roof, 586-2285.

14’ fishing boats and trailers, starting at $225, 224-2836.

’82 27’ Winnebago Chieftain motor home 454, 36K, 6.5 Onan generator 65 hours, new hot water heater, new electric only refrigerator, lots of storage space, $52,000 or reasonable offer, 854-7407.

2007 Frontier 30’ travel trailer, 1 slide-out, queen bed, sofa, 2 chairs, dining table with bench seats, $12,000, 243-3197.

John Deere, 1983, 14 hp, seized up Kohler engine, garden tractor, 48” deck w/bagger, snow blower, detachable cab, make offer, 586-2594.

1999 Chevrolet S10 2-door pickup, 4-cylinder 139,000 miles, runs good, some rust, $1,500, 854-7276.

Like new Med-Lift adjustable chair, soft green, $400; Craftmatic split queen adjustable bed, $500; GE gas range, Spectra with extra large self-cleaning oven, white $125; under cupboard mount Amana Radarange with exhaust fan, white, $25; large Bargain Hound dog carrier, $50, cash only, all in good working order, 507-360-3761 or 507-360-3763.

Large pile of mixed firewood, cut approximately 16” from last July’s storm, $50/pickup load, U-Haul, 766-8481.

Vision Fitness T7000 treadmill w/spare tread, over $1,000 when new, make an offer; 2 1970 vintage Steelcase 4-drawer file cabinets, make an offer, 770-500-5051.

1974 International Harvester industrial loader, runs good, brand new rear tires and carburetor, $3,800/obo; stand-up surround one-piece, never used, $400/obo, was $800 new; all parts from 2000 Ford Taurus, 987-2932 or 773-294-2314.

Magic Chef white electric kitchen range, works OK, $80; John Vincent full-size violin and case, $1,500, 224-2811.

Three orange Bantam Feather footed roosters, 1-year old, 243-3112.

Wurlitzer spinet piano, $375, 647-8559.

Taxidermy mount, 2 fisher in glass cabinet, $1,300; 16' smoker craft w/trailer and 40 hp Nissan motor, $1,600; Shorelander trailer, $475; 3-burner gas grill, like new, $95, 586-2534.

Alaska pickup camper with hydraulic lift; RainGo gutters, downspouts and accessories; set of two good tread 16" tires; other 16" tires; deluxe sewing machine, 586-2860.

Classified ads rulesFor sale and wanted items only. No rental, business, service, real estate or personal ads. Ads are published on a first-come, first-served basis and are free to Beltrami Electric members. Due to space constraints, there is no guarantee your ad will appear. The ad deadline is the first of the month to be included in the next issue. For example, an ad received July 1 would be included in the August issue due out the end of July. An ad received July 2 would be included in the September issue due out the end of August. Ads are preferred to be submitted to the Web at www.beltramielectric.com or via email at info@beltramielectric.com, but may be submitted by mail, phone or in person at the cooperative. All telephone numbers are presumed to have a 218 area code unless otherwise noted.

Wanted:16’ fishing boat with console, 40 hp and roller trailer, 760-5957

Used small boatlift, 1,800-2,000 lbs., with remov-able cover, 333-3747.

Buying lawn mower riders; 3-wheelers and 4-wheelers; small campers; utility trailers, small pickups, 252-0589 or 224-3675.

Laporte Knit’n Stitch is looking for yarn that you no longer need. We make usable items for donation by knitting caps, hats, mittens, lap blankets, muffs, baby items and more for use by those in our area & nationally if we find need. Call Mary at 333-3747 to make arrangements for pick up.

Wood splitter, 224-3405.

Aluminum canoe, 224-2836.

Camper with end kitchen and slide-out, bumper pull or 5th wheel, Tim at 556-0374.

¾ ton 4WD pickup; small economical car, garden tiller, 987-2932 or 773-294-2314.

Good, used inexpensive boat trailer for light 16’ boat, 647-8993.

We are l king for you!

Beltrami Electric is looking for Leasha R Roy, whose last known address was in Bemidji. If you know her whereabouts, please call the cooperative office at 218-444-2540 or 800-955-6083.

Security Man coloring contest winnerDarla Brown, Cass Lake, was selected as the Beltrami Electric winner of a brand-new bicycle and helmet in the Northern Safety & Security coloring contest. She colored a picture of “Security Man” and was randomly selected from those who submitted their artwork. Thanks to everyone who participated. The Beltrami Electric office

will be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of

Independence Day.

Happy Independence Day!

Northern Lights • July 2013 7

Beltrami Electric’s board of directors conducted its monthly meeting Wednesday, May 29, 2013. All directors were present except Lea Perkins. Also present were General Manager Lynette Nieuwsma, Manager of Finance & Accounting Sid Sletten and Executive Secretary Kay Olson.

The following reports were given:• NewemployeesChrisKelseyandJessica

Shaffer were introduced to the board. The boardwelcomedChrisandJessicatoourcooperative.

• NewdirectorBobWallnerandreturningdirectors Murl Nord and Terry Diffley were congratulated and welcomed to the board.

• ManagerNieuwsmamadehermonthlyreport, including an update on operations, CooperativeDevelopment,LLC,NorthernSafety&Security,LLC,theMinnkotaManager’s meeting and the Minnesota Rural Electric Trust annual meeting.

• ManagerNieuwsmaandRickCoereportedontheNRECALegislativeConferenceheldinWashington,D.C.

• SidSlettengavetheFinancialandStatistical report for April, including review of work orders #0413 and #0413a and special equipment. He also reviewed the loan portfolio in detail with the board.

• SamMasonandMitchRailediscussedtheannual meeting held April 25, 2013. The Annual Meeting for 2014 is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2014.

• MarkGlaess,ManagerofMinnesotaRuralElectric Association, discussed education and legislative initiatives in 2013 and 2014.

• TheManagerpresentedarequestfora donation to the Touchstone Energy CooperativesOklahomaReliefFund.

• ManagerNieuwsmareviewedtheupdatedService Standards 3000 regarding changes to the contribution in aid and requests for electrical inspection confirmation.

• TerryDiffleyreportedontheMinnkotaboard meeting.

The following actions were taken:• Approvedadonationof$300totheTouchstoneEnergyCooperativesOklahoma Relief Fund.

• RickCoewaselectedPresident,JeffNelson was elected Vice President, Murl NordwaselectedSecretaryandJudyHoner was elected Treasurer.

• MurlNordwaselectedtotheCooperativeDevelopmentLLCboard of governors.

• ApprovedmovingtheJulyboardmeetingtoWednesday,July24,2013.

The next board meeting will be June 26, 2013, beginning at 9 a.m.

Board MeetingHighlightsLeuch, Richard E., Cincinnati, Ohio

Lewis, Karen, Saint Paul, Minn.Lewis, Robert C., Crosby, Tex.Liberkowski Jr., Ted, Saint Paul, Minn.Linquist, William, Champlin, Minn.Lodmell, Angela S., Sumas, Wash.Lorenz, Thomas R., Grand Forks, N.D.Loyd, Ralph W., Mesa, Ariz.Luther, Lyle, Park Rapids, Minn.Mackie, Marvin D., Los Banos, Calif.Maddox, Tina, Laporte, Minn.Manning, George M., Santee, Calif.Marion, Louis, Kent, OhioMariz, Patricia A., Kerrick, Minn.Matson, Norman, Grand Marais, Minn.Mattfield Jr., Howard A., Pavillion, Wyo.Mattson, Reuben W., Pine Island, Minn.McCarthy, Maureen, Minneapolis, Minn.McCashland, Benjamin W., Moorhead, Minn.McCormick, Michael, Minneapolis, Minn.McElhose, Rose M., Arlington Heights, Ill.McLaughlin, Albertina, Grand Forks, N.D.McMahon, Barbara, Cass Lake, Minn.McPhail, Jean, Ocala, Fla.Mechtel, Eligires J., Bemidji, Minn.Mergens, Pamela A., Rochester, Minn.Miller, Lawrence E., Blackduck, Minn.Miller, Raymond M., Bemidji, Minn.Miller, William M., Walker, Minn.Miner, Devi, Window Rock, Ariz.Molitor, Mike, Burnsville, Minn.Moose, Gerald, Arizona City, Ariz.Moquist, Dale C., College Station, Tex.Mummert, Steve, Bemidji, Minn.Murphy, Edward R., Benedict, Minn.Neadeau Estate, Alvin, Redby, Minn.Nelson, Charles B., Bemidji, Minn.Nelson, Corrie L., Grand Rapids, Minn.Nelson, Deanna L., Blackduck, Minn.Nelson, Paul A., Superior, Wis.Nelson, Tony, Menahga, Minn.Nichols, Jon P., Wyoming, Mich.Nolden Estate, Elmire M., North Branch, Minn.Nordstrom, Rebecca S., Savage, Minn.North Racing Circuits, Grand Forks, N.D.Nyland, Machel R., Circle Pines, Minn.Oakgrove, Lois, Redby, Minn.O'Brien, Joseph J., Aitkin, Minn.O'Donnell, Albert S., Mesa, Ariz.Oliver, Charlotte A., Tampa, Fla.Olson, Arvid, G., Bagley, Minn.Olson, Barbara M., Cass Lake, Minn.Olson, James, Mahnomen, Minn.Olson, Odean, Bemidji, Minn.Olson, Peter B., Bemidji, Minn.Olson, Rebecca L., Sartell, Minn.

Olson, William R., Mesa, Ariz.Oppegard, Betty, Mahnomen, Minn.Otto, Ronald, Shakopee, Minn.Palmer, Janice M., New London, Minn.Paulson, David, Fosston, Minn.Paulson, Jay, Saint Paul, Minn.Peacock, Thomas D., Cass Lake, Minn.Pennington, Debra, Kailua, Kona HawaiiPetersen, Diane M., Bemidji, Minn.Peterson, Raymond, Burnet, Tex.Peterson, Ronnie D., Woodbury, Minn.Peterson, Thomas L., Council Bluffs, IowaPhillips, Richard D., Snohomish, Wash.Pierce, Mona M., Cass Lake, Minn.Proseus, Byron, Buffalo, Wyo.Rainville, James T., Sun City, Ariz.Ralls, David R., Sun Prairie, Wis.Reddemann, Lisa, Park Rapids, Minn.Reeves, Billy, Fergus Falls, Minn.Reuter, Tom, Chisago City, Minn.Reynolds, Jeannette A., Hines, Minn.Risdon, Les, Ponsford, Minn.Rollings, Richard E., San Juan, PRRosequist, Mark, Annandale, Minn.Ross, John B., Minneapolis, Minn.Rossbach, Clara, Redlake, Minn.Roth, Dawn, Minneapolis, Minn.Sachtleben, George W., Walker, Minn.Samkus, John F., Savage, Minn.Sandahl, Richard, Alberta, Canada Sazesh, Julie, Lengby, Minn.Schmidt, Paula, Bemidji, Minn.Schroeder, Terri, Bemidji, Minn.Schue, Edward, Charleston, S.C.Schultz, Herbert L., Austin, Minn.Schulz, Ron G., Red Wing, Minn.Seitz, Eugene, Bemidji, Minn.Severson, Robert O., Pelican Rapids, Minn.Shearer, Colleen, Benedict, Minn.Shrader, W. D., Hermann, Mo.Sides, Richard L., Drexel, Mo.Skelton, Grant D., Fort Dodge, IowaSkluzacek Estate, Edward, Apple Valley, Minn.Skoda, James M., Payson, Ariz.Skunes, Ron W., Cass Lake, Minn.Slone, Cathy, Bemidji, Minn.Smith, Ada, Blackduck, Minn.Smith, Anita S., Bemidji, Minn.Smith, Douglas W., Bemidji, Minn.Smith Estate, Walter J., Woodbury, Minn.Smith, Leslie C., Glenrock, Wyo.Smith, Lorna J., Vancouver, Wash.Smith, Sharon K., Redby, Minn.Smith, Troy W., Walker, Minn.Sokalski, Lillian I., Menasha, Wis.Spec Cont of Bem Inc, Laporte, Minn.Squier, David V., Bemidji, Minn.Stanton, Beverly, Lincoln, Nebr.Staples, Eileen, Roscoe, Minn.

Stately, Jesslyn, Redlake, Minn.Stenquist, Glenn R., Vadnais Heights, Minn.Stewart, Pamela, Bemidji, Minn.Stock Jr., Charles I., Laporte, Minn.Stoddard, Alvin L., Shawnee Mission, Kans.Stokes, Joseph P., Gilford, N.H.Stroeh, Wayne L., Harlingen, Tex.Stromberg, Mark, Shawnee Mission, Kans.Strong, Valerie, Redlake, Minn.Sunrise Builders Inc, Clearbrook, Minn.Sunset View Chalet, Bemidji, Minn.Swann M. W., Blackduck, Minn.Swanson, Leonard R., Fertile, Minn.Swanson Estate, Michael E., Leonard, Minn.Sweeney, John J., Saint Paul, Minn.Syverson, Alpha G., Fargo, N.D.Tankersley, Betsy, San Carlos, Ariz.Tepley, Tammy J., Bemidji, Minn.Thomas, Steven L., Cass Lake, Minn.Thompson, Doug, Edgeley, N.D.Thompson, Susan D., Bemidji, Minn.Thorson, Gerald, Bemidji, Minn.Thune, Lonnie, Bemidji, Minn.Thureen, Orville C., East Grand Forks, Minn.Timmerman, Tim W., North Port, Fla.Tobin, Darlene, Staten Island, N.Y.Townsend, Linda, Benedict, Minn.Treseler, Lillian, Phoenix, Ariz.Triplett, John, Saint Peters, Mo.Unger, James L., Grand Rapids, Minn.Vanasse, Gregory, Delano, Minn.Velisek, Patricia R., Bemidji, Minn.Vinar Estate, Robert, Perris, Calif.Wahlin, Joseph A., Bemidji, Minn.Walker D and P, Baldwin, Wis.Wallace, John V., Bemidji, Minn.Wallis, Vickie C., Sugarland, Tex.Warner, Robert C., Marco Island, Fla.Webb, Stanley M., Washington, D.C.Weckworth, Gary, Bemidji, Minn.Weigelt, Dale, Spooner, Wis.White, Clinton A., Titusville, Fla.White, Warren D., Aurora, Minn.Wihanto, Nick D., Avon, N.Y.Wilcox, Richard N., Dexter, Mich.Willert, Howard A., Blaine, Minn.Willhite, Clayton, Bemidji, Minn.Williams, Lloyd, Truman, Minn.Wind, Darlene, Albuquerque, N.M.Wittowski Estate, Ione, Sauk Rapids, Minn.Wolters, John C., Madras, Ore.Wood, Steven J., Bemidji, Minn.Wosmek Sr, Todd, Zimmerman, Minn.WRW Inc, Bemidji, Minn.Yahraes Jr., Thomas R., Dillon, Mont.Zacher, Terrance, Pipestone, Minn.Zilka, Richard L., Minneapolis, Minn.Zopf, Mildred M., Spokane Valley, Wash.

Unclaimed capital credits (cont'd)

4111 Technology DR NW PO Box 488 Bemidji, MN 56619-0488 218-444-2540 • 800-955-6083 www.beltramielectric.com

Beltrami ElectricCooperative Inc.

®

Cooperative owned and operated

Beltrami Electric awards scholarships annually to students attending seven high schools within BEC’s service territory. They are awarded from unclaimed capital credits allocated to members. This year, the cooperative awarded $1,000 to each school. To be eligible, students’ parent(s) or guardian must be a Beltrami Electric member and show proof of enrollment in a postsecondary education institution the following year. Each school selects the winners through committees or career guidance centers. Beltrami Electric is proud to contribute to the further education of the selected students each year. We wish them the best of luck in their studies and careers.

FaLeisha Desjarlait Red Lake High School

Nicholas Gubbels Bemidji High School

Dominic Anderson Blackduck High School

Maranda Pula Kelliher High School

Shauntay Nicole Roy Red Lake High School

Jared Nielson Walker High School

Katherine Rousu Cass Lake-Bena High School

2013Congratulations

Class of

scholarshiprecipients