By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette
Clear skies and warmer weather brought out a nearly standing-room only crowd to the Guthrie County Fairgrounds Event Center on Saturday for the Guthrie County REC annual meeting, where members received updates from the REC, enjoyed a free meal and won prizes.
Property owners residing in Districts 4, 5 and 6 had directors up for reelection. Michael Moore, Don Schwartz and Steve Bireline were all incumbents running unopposed, and all were reelected.
Annabelle Baggett shared a slide presentation and stories about the 2025 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C., which was sponsored by the REC.
An extension cord registration gift was provided to all members in attendance, as was a free membership meal catered by Lidderdale Country Store Catering. Numerous door prizes were also awarded including:
- Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Dash Hot Air Popcorn Popper
- Ninja Sizzle Indoor Electric Grill
- Philips Electric Toothbrush
- EverStart Jump Starter with Compressor
- Shark Steam Mop
- Ninja 4 Qt Air Fryer
- 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
- LED Adjustable Work Lights with Stand
- Electric Throw Blanket
- 39-Piece Household Tool Set
- Smart Touchscreen WiFi Digital Calendar
- Miko Next Electric Towel Warmer
- Costway Electric Boot Dryer
- Mega Chef 3.5 Quart Casserole Slow Cooker
- Portable Power Station
- WiFi Digital Picture Frame
- Better Homes & Gardens Candle Warmer Lamp
- Four $25 American Express gift cards
- Two $50 American Express gift cards
- Grand Prize: Electric Cart Grill
According to reports supplied at the meeting, Guthrie County REC built 19.9 miles of overhead line in 2025; added 44 new services; finished installing underground line at the third Wambold addition in Stuart that will allow for 42 more residential lots; and replaced rotten poles.
Guthrie County REC also acquired a new wire trailer form Rice Trailer Co. for line work as earmarked in the 2025 capital budget. In addition, the REC acquired a new basket truck from Altec for line work as earmarked in the 2022 capital budget and a new digger truck from Altec for line work at earmarked in the 2023 capital budget.
In terms of growth, the REC finished construction and energized the new Mockingbird substation near Hamlin and continued construction projects at the Perry Industrial Park. These projects add power and reliability to support business expansions in both areas of the service territory. New regulators were also installed at the Panora and Woodward substations. Regulators help keep the voltage within the desired range for members who are served by that feeder. In addition, the REC serviced line breakers, which are safety devices to help prevent equipment damage, fires and other hazards when an electrical fault occurs.
Guthrie County REC serves more than 4,600 members in Adair, Audubon, Cass, Dallas, Greene and Guthrie counties.
REC office staff and linemen.
The 2025 Guthrie County REC board of directors: Front row: Steve Bireline, Julie Kiley, CEO Cozy Nelsen and Jim Mazour. Back row: Don Schwartz, Michael Moore, Ronny Bristle, Andrew Van Aernam and Jason Fett.
Kim Betts took home a smokeless indoor grill as a prize at the 2025 Guthrie County REC annual meeting on Jan. 3.
Lila Bilbrey won a towel warmer at the 2025 Guthrie County REC annual meeting on Saturday.
Daniel Wittrock was one of the prize winners at the REC annual meeting on Jan. 3.
Brenda Dinkla won a slow cooker at the 2025 Guthrie County REC annual meeting.
A large crowd was in attendance at the 2025 Guthrie County REC annual meeting.
Annabelle Baggett shares a slide presentation and stories about the 2025 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C.
Board President Steve Bireline runs the annual meeting.
CEO Cozy Nelsen addresses the crowd.
REC board member Joni Rees recognizes Todd Tinken for his years of service.
