MENOMONIE – Dunn Energy Cooperative celebrated their 89th Annual Meeting of Members on Thursday, May 14. Over 130 people attended, enjoying a buffet dinner with conversation.

Guest speaker, Ashley DeMuth, Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce, spoke on the ‘state of Dunn County.’ DeMuth shared that 65% of children entering primary school today will work in job categories that don’t even exist yet. She said that Dunn County’s story is still being written, with Dunn Energy members an important part of it – encouraging engagement at the very local level.

General Manager/CEO Jesse Singerhouse took time to recognize several groups: the twenty-two scholarship recipients; those who took part in the Power Connection Program, and employee milestones. Several long-time employees are retiring in 2026 including John Hestekin, Journeyman Lineman (37 years), Becky Weber, Billing/Accountant (27 years), and Dee Fox, Compliance Officer (22 years).

Singerhouse and board president Jeff Gasteyes held an informal Q & A session in the form of the ‘Plugged In’ video podcast that DEC recently launched. Members were encouraged to ask questions and topics that came up included grid stability, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.

During the business portion of the meeting, three incumbent directors retained their seats: Karl Varnes will continue to serve District 1 in his second term; Dean Stokke will continue to serve District 4 in his fourth and final term, and Rachel Kummer will continue to serve District 9 in her third term.

All attendees were treated to a pound of cheese from cooperative neighbor Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery and six members won bill credits ranging from $25 to $400.

For more information contact Jolene Fischer, 715-232-6240 [email protected]

Source: News release