The Who Powers You contest shines light on those who make a difference in our community. From feeding seniors and supporting veterans to energizing the community and spearheading local programs, these local heroes often go unsung. Chances are, someone you know deserves recognition for their hard work and commitment to the community.
This will be the fifth year that East River Cooperative will sponsor the contest. The nominations are open to anyone in East River Cooperative’s territory, which encompasses 25 cooperatives in eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota, including Northern Electric Cooperative. The contest will honor 20 individuals or organizations who are making an impact.
Nominations can be for individuals, groups, or organizations. Winners and finalists will be selected by a panel of judges based on the impact the nominee has on the community. Nominees who make it as finalists will be featured on weekly on KELOLAND living. The contest winners will also be announced on KELOLAND. Watch this year and last year’s interviews at WhoPowersYouContest.com
Contest finalists could win one of the following cash prizes:
Grand Prize Winner: $3,000
Second Place: $1,500
Third Place: $500
Previous grand prize winners
Two of the grand prize winners have been from Northern’s service territory: Area IV Nutrition and DTOM Veterans Ranch.
Area IV Senior Nutrition employees won in 2025. 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.
In 2024, Becky Krause won for her role in many community projects and efforts that enrich Deuel County. She’s deeply involved with the farming industry, supporting local farmers through her banking expertise and hands-on experience. She also serves on the Stewards Against Childhood Hunger committee, providing weekend backpacks for students. Her role in the Deuel County Community Foundation is significant, organizing major fundraisers and promoting scholarships for local students. She also mentors high school students, offering guidance on college, tech schools, and finances. She is actively involved with her church.
Bob and Nancy Montross won in 2023 due to their instrumental role in countless projects has helped bring vibrancy to the De Smet area and South Dakota. Bob, known as the “promoter,” and Nancy, referred to as the “organizer,” form an exceptional team who have dedicated time and effort to raising funds for the De Smet Event & Wellness Center, supporting the Arts Council, serving on the cemetery board, and helping to bring concerts into the area. The Montrosses’ unwavering dedication to the Beef Bucks organization has significantly raised awareness of agriculture and beef, not just in South Dakota but across the nation.
In 2022, DTOM (Don’t Tread on Me) Foundation and Veteran’s Ranch won. The DTOM Foundation and Veterans Ranch provides a safe place for healing and recovery for military service members, veterans, and their families. The organization provides housing assistance, food and clothing assistance, and medical assistance to veterans along with Max Rhythmic Motion Sequencing (MRMS) equine therapy. This specialized therapy uses horses to treat veterans for traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, anxiety, and other injuries. All services at the ranch are funded by donations and offered at no cost.
Nominations open
Nominations will open Feb. 1 and close mid-April. Know more than one person/group that deserves recognition? You can nominate multiple people/organizations but cannot submit multiple nominations for the same person/organization.
Submit your nomination and see the full requirements and rules at WhoPowersYouContest.com.