RECAP OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF
GOLDENWEST ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
JULY 16, 2025
President Dale Schweigert called the annual meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at the Wibaux County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall and reported that 48 members had registered which constituted a quorum. Those in attendance were welcomed to the 77th annual meeting of the members. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the Tastee Hut was thanked for the wonderful brisket meal.
Attorney Rich Batterman was called upon to read the official notice of the annual meeting and the proof of mailing which stated that 679 invitations were mailed via the Wibaux Post Office on July 1, 2025.
Dale introduced the board of directors and special guests from LYREC, MYEC, Upper Missouri, Basin Electric, McCone Electric, Slope Electric, and HDR Engineering.
Dale gave the President’s Report. Summers, McNea is the new auditing firm for GWEC. The new office building and updated shop are nearing completion. Dale discussed the power supply and the cost-of-service study which resulted in a rate adjustment in January 2025. Through the Grassroots group, a Wildfire Mitigation Plan was developed to meet MT and ND requirements. The shared services with LYREC and MYEC have resulted in the sharing of equipment, materials, engineering, and much more.
Jason Brothen, GWEC CEO, presented his report. The metering system upgrade has given GWEC the ability to be more accurate with billing, help with outage management, system planning, and information sharing. Jason encouraged members to continue signing up for online payments through SmartHub. Operations continues upgrades of overhead and underground maintenance, substation maintenance, and pole replacements. Upgrading the new office building is a capital project spread out over 35 years to have the least impact upon membership. GWEC has done a great job holding down costs while maintaining reliability. Brothen then introduced the GWEC staff and asked them to come forward.
Jason introduced Brent Battenfeld, journeyman lineman from MYEC, who traveled to Guatemala to bring electricity to a remote village and school. Jason interviewed Brent about his professional and personal impacts from the trip.
Jason introduced Attorney Rich Batterman to conduct the director election. The nominating committee meeting was held May 21, 2025. The District #1 nominee was David Franz. Batterman asked for nominations from the floor for the District #1 director position. After calling three times and hearing no other nominations, a motion was
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made to cease nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for David Franz. The motion was seconded and carried.
The District #3 nominee was Kent Kahl. Batterman asked for nominations from the floor for the District #3 director position. After calling three times and hearing no other nominations, a motion was made to cease nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Kent Kahl. The motion was seconded and carried.
The District #3 nominee was Kent Kahl. Batterman asked for nominations from the floor for the District #3 director position. After calling three times and hearing no other nominations, a motion was made to cease nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Kent Kahl. The motion was seconded and carried.
Rich Batterman stated that there are no Bylaw amendments to present, but there may be updates to look for in the coming year.
Lana reported that there were five students registered for the 2025 Luck of the Draw Scholarships. The five recipients that will be awarded $1,000 scholarships were Elorah Amsler, Kaytlynn Gaub, Austin Gaub, Will Ree, and Wyatt Ree.
Dale called for any unfinished, new, or old business. There being no further business, the following door prizes were awarded:
• 25’ extension cord (WESCO): CD Nelson
• 50’ extension cord (WESCO): Wenz Farms (Doug Wenz)
• Igloo Cooler (GWEC): Colton Tousignant
• Solo Stove (GWEC): Jim Welsh
• 32” FireTV (GWEC): Jean Hanratty
• $100 GWEC Bill Credit: Jonathan Lynn
• Electric Indoor Grill (GWEC): Don Wyrick
• Cordless Tire Inflator (GWEC): Craig Lunde
• Tool Kit (HDR): Steve Raisler
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
