CMS News and Events

Highlights from the 2006 Annual Meeting

The 60th Annual Meeting of CMS Electric was held on April 21st in Protection, KS. The members and guests attending the meeting were treated to a delicious BBQ meal prepared by Kim's Ribs of Guymon, OK with approximately 240 being served. Those in attendance were entertained by The Clawson Clan, Cooper, Jacqueline, Walker, and Gatlin, children of Dan and Tamra Clawson of Meade. The 88 members present voted to re-elect Jeff Headrick as a Trustee for District 1, Clifford Friesen as a Trustee for District 2, and Darrol Miller as a Trustee for District 3.

Ray Dowling, meter reader recently retired, was honored for his 15 years of service. A fishing pole was presented to Mr. Dowling in appreciation for his service and Mrs. Dowling was presented with a planter of flowers.

General Manager Kirk Thompson gave an update on the Cooperative's financial position and operation activities.

Following the business meeting, door prizes were given with members Susand Jarnagin won a 20" flat screen televisions and Betty Ewy won a 24" flat screen TV. New this year were special drawings for children of members. Clayton Jarnagin won a bike and Luke Baker won an I-Pod Shuffle. Many other great prizes were awarded in the drawing, including Energy Certificates for up to $100.00 off the winner's CMS electric bill.

2006 Scholarships Awarded

The following High School seniors were awarded $400.00 scholarships at the 60th CMS Electric Cooperative, Inc. Annual Meeting in Protection, KS on April 21.

· Jordan Jarnigan from Protection was awarded a scholarship for District #3. She is the daughter of Kent and Susan Jarnagin. Jordan plans to study Pre-Medicine at Southwesetern University.

· Luke Baker of Protection was awarded a scholarship for District #3. He is the son of Kenyon and Julie Baker. Luke plans to study Agriculture in the fall.

· Rebecca Leggett from Satanta was awarded a scholarship for District #1. She is the daughter of Todd and Kim Leggett. Rebecca plans to study Pre-Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma Panhandle University.

· Erika Winkler from Liberal was awarded a scholarship for District #1. She is the daughter of N.L. and Gloria Winkler. Erica plans to study Youth Ministry and Graphic Design at Evangel University.

· Shaina Ediger from Meade was awarded a scholarship for District #2. She is the daughter of Ivan and Wynelle Ediger. Shaina plans to study English/Creative Writing in the fall.

· Stevie McGee from Meade was awarded a scholarship for District #2. She is the daughter of Tony and Elaine McGee. Stevie plans to study Music Performance at Friends University in the fall.

Protection Valley Manor

The Protection Valley Manor is a non-profit adult Long-term care facility located in Protection, KS. Established in February 1974, PVM is now planning to renovate and expand its current facility. The Comanche County Economic Development Foundation has applied for Kansas Tax Credits on behalf of Protection Valley Manor.

The CMS Board of Trustees has agreed to sponsor a loan-grant application to the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program on behalf of Protection Valley Manor. Protection Valley Manor would repay the loan over a 10-year period into a Revolving Loan Fund administered my CMS. These funds will then be available for loans to projects in the CMS Service Area.

Combining Tax Credits, the USDA loan and Protection Valley Manor equity, the renovation project will benefit not only the residents of Protection Valley Manor, but the entire area as well. For more information please contact our office at (800) 794-2353. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Irrigation Load Control

CMS Electric offers an irrigation rate with a reduced horsepower charge in exchange for interruption of the load during peak hours in June, July, August, and September. A device is installed that monitors the pump, providing the coop information about the amount of irrigation load running at a given time. The device will shut off power and restore power based upon a signal from the coop. Load control periods have historically occurred on weekdays from approximately 5pm-7:30-pm, during the hottest days of the month.

Consumers can also receive status information about their pumps, load control periods and power outages via this system. For more information please contact our office at (800) 794-2353. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Reduce Your Air-Conditioner Cost

The trick to reducing your summer air conditioning costs is to reduce the amount of time that your air conditioner runs. There are three basic wasy to reduce operating hours. The first is to make sure your system is running properly with good maintenance and service. The second is to increase your thermostat setting either manually or automatically. And the third is to employ low-cost cooling methods.

Your system's filters and coils should be cleaned periodically. A dirty system deteriorates air conditioning performance and increases operating time. Ask your service technician how to change filters and how to clean your outdoor coil. The filters should be chaged every one to three months and the outdoor coil should be cleaned every year.

If your home is vacant for part of the day, use a programmable thermostat to turn the temperature up before you leave and down before you return. You will need to experiment with different time settings to test how long it takes the system to recover from the higher temperature. By the way, closing registers in unused rooms doesn't usually help to reduce operating hours and may reduce your system's efficiency.

For low-cost cooling methods, try these effective improvements to reduce air conditioning operating hours.

· Set your thermostat up 4 degrees and run room fans to move the air and cool your family by the wind chill effect.
· Install shades, blinds, awnings, sunscreens, or window films to your sunny-side windows.
· Insulate your attic to the maximum practical depth of insulation.
· Line-dry your clothes if possible.
· Don't use your oven on hot days.
· Install compact flourescent lamps in the fixtures you use the most. Old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs produce 10% light and 90% heat.