East River Electric Power Cooperative is excited to announce the three winners of the fourth annual Who Powers You? contest, who were chosen from among its 20 finalists. Each year, the contest, held in partnership among Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives throughout the region, spotlights outstanding individuals and organizations across eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota who are making a difference in their communities while recognizing them for their remarkable efforts in empowering and inspiring others.
“As an electric cooperative, our services extend beyond delivering safe, affordable, and reliable power to our member-owners,” said Chris Studer, Chief Member and Public Relations Officer at East River Electric Power Cooperative. The Who Powers You? contest highlights the commitment of our co-op to the communities and member-owners that we serve. We know that our co-op community is filled with people making a difference and we are honored to celebrate them.”
A total of twenty finalists were featured weekly on KELOLAND Living from March through mid-May. Three contest winners were announced on May 22, 2025. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges.
Area IV Senior Nutrition, headquartered in Northern Electric Cooperative’s service territory, has been awarded the first-place grand prize in the contest.
The organization serves individuals across a 16-county region in central and northeastern South Dakota. For 51 years, they have worked to support the health and wellness of older adults by providing nutritious meals and meaningful social connections. Their efforts not only help seniors maintain physical health but also foster emotional well-being through companionship.
As the grand prize winner, Area IV Senior Nutrition received a $3,000 award to support its continued efforts. The Who Powers You? award recognizes the organization and those who work and volunteer there as true ambassadors of rural communities and the individuals within them.
The second place, $1,500 prize, was awarded to GROW South Dakota. Headquartered in the Traverse Electric Cooperative service territory, the organization serves residents across the entire state of South Dakota. It provides vital programs and services that support housing, community development, economic advancement, digital literacy, financial coaching, and more, including energy efficiency outreach like a weatherization program that helps residents lower energy costs and improve their home comfort and safety. The organization’s work is an excellent example of how giving back strengthens and empowers communities. They are powering the region through their dedication and mission to support individuals in numerous ways.
Higgins-Jessen-Olson Post #88 American Legion of White and Toronto, located in the Sioux Valley Energy Cooperative service area, was awarded the third-place $500 award in the contest. For the past 35 years, the post has actively honored veterans and promoted flag advocacy. Their four-person honor guard presents the colors at Deubrook High School sporting events, graduations, and other extracurricular activities. They have also presented at other events in the area when ROTC cadets were unavailable. In the past year alone, the post presented the colors 32 times. They are a shining example of commitment to the communities they live in.
To learn more about the Who Powers You? contest, visit whopowersyoucontest.com.