Capital Electric Commends Employees for Years of Service
Capital Electric Cooperative recently recognized six employees for their years of service and dedication to the co-op. Bob Hanson, Doug Jahner (not pictured) and Les Vietz were honored for 30 years; Rich Dunn and Steve Harrington were commended for 20 years; and Dale Twardoski was thanked for 15 years. Bob Hanson
BOB HANSON, LINEWORKER
Hanson’s work as a lineworker includes pole maintenance, meter readings, substation checks and any overhead and underground work. Stationed in Wing, his service area covers the towns of Driscoll, Goodrich, McClusky, Moffit, Wilton, Wing, and everywhere in between.
Hanson chose to work in Wing because it’s next to his hometown of Robinson. He’s met some appreciative member-consumers over the years—some of which have offered him gasoline and socks during wet storm conditions.
The cold temperatures and blustery winds often make his job challenging, but he says the Capital Electric crew does everything possible to fix an outage in dangerous conditions.
While he’s pondering retirement and looking forward to more fishing and hunting, Hanson and his wife, Rosemary, haven’t announced plans for the future.
Les Vietz
LES VIETZ, CREW FOREMAN
Vietz works with substations and oversees the lineworkers as crew foreman. As witnessed by a roomful of colleagues, he also has a secret passion for entertaining crowds and giving creative speeches at Christmas parties.
Over the years, the co-op has seen significant changes. Vietz says technology upgrades and electronic apparatus have made his job challenging, but he’s pleased to see a growing consumer base and is proud to be a part of a progressive cooperative.
Originally from McClusky, Vietz still has family in the area and remains close with brothers and sisters. He enjoys “burning up vacation” fishing on the Professional Walleye Trail and might make reeling a full-time career after he retires from Capital Electric down the road.
RICH DUNN, ENGINEERING ASSISTANT
Rich Dunn
Dunn’s daily duties can be a mystery—even to him. “You never know what’s going to walk through the door next,” he says with a laugh. As engineering assistant, Dunn works with computers, radios, telephone systems, engineering substations, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and the two-way automated communication system (TWACS).
He finds keeping up with technology can be a challenge, but applauds the co-ops efforts in upgrading and integrating new equipment. “Over the years, we know the concepts, but the tools we use might be a little different,” he says.
Away from work, Dunn enjoys riding his motorcycle, spending time with his four college-age kids and his wife, Mary, and caring for three dogs and two horses.
Steve Harrington
STEVE HARRINGTON, LINEWORKER
His father worked as a lineworker for 35 years. His son currently serves as a lineworker in Minnesota. So it’s no surprise that Steve Harrington has also worked as a lineworker for the past 27 years.
Prior to his 20 years at Capital Electric, Harrington worked as a lineworker for Cass County Electric. Also a native of Robinson, he grew up a couple blocks away from fellow lineworker Bob Hanson. His wife, Joane, is a native of Wing, so the small town seemed like a good place to plant some roots.
Harrington says his job is interesting because the duties are never the same. He thrives on receiving trouble calls and restoring people’s electricity as soon as he can.
With an interest in the outdoors and wildlife, Harrington enjoys the freedom of not working an office job. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family—especially his four grandkids.
When asked if he was satisfied with his choice of careers, Harrington didn’t hesitate. “If I had to do things all over again, I’d do the same thing,” he says.
Dale Twardoski
DALE TWARDOSKI, LINEWORKER
Dale Twardoski’s job as a lineworker includes pole maintenance, meter readings, substation checks and any overhead and underground work.
“At this co-op, we pretty much do everything. It’s an interesting job and we are never know what we’ll be doing next,” he says.
Prior to his 15 years with Capital Electric, he worked at West Plains Electric Cooperative as a lineworker for five years. From Dickinson to Bismarck, the state’s unpredictable weather has produced a countless number of outages. Twardoski takes pride in getting the lights on as soon as possible.
When not responding to work calls, his responsibilities switch from lineworker to active parent. Twardoski and his wife, Anita, juggle their time between hockey, soccer and fishing with their two daughters and son.