High school connection pays off

Perry Ptacek and Trent Stein grew up in the small town of Cogswell and

Perry Ptacek, lineworker in Wing

graduated together from Sargent Central High School in Forman. Their career path led them to Bismarck State College, where they attended one year of lineworker school. After graduation, their paths split for eight and a half years – only to reunite at the Wing Service Center.

Ptacek moved to Bath, S.D., where he took a job as a journeyman lineworker. As a native North Dakotan, he always returned home to hunt and fish. Because he loved the outdoors and his home state, he applied for a job with Capital Electric Cooperative when a position became available.

Because the job required some on-call hours, Ptacek declined an interview with the co-op – and his old high school friend, Stein, was hired for the position.

During that same timeframe, Bob Hanson retired from the Wing service center after 31 years of service. When Bob’s position opened up, Stein remembered his Cogswell connection. He called Ptacek in South Dakota and encouraged him to re-apply for the job.

The cooperative hired Ptacek to work in the Wing service area the beginning of July. He and Stein set poles, fix outages and maintain members’ service. Ptacek and his wife, Laura, live in town with their 18-month-old daughter, Ashley.

Outside of work, Ptacek says he still enjoys hunting and fishing, and driving his four-wheeler. He appreciates the time he spends with family, and says he loves being a dad.

“It’s the best thing in the world,” he says.

Capital Electric Cooperative welcomes Perry to the Wing service territory -- and thanks him for applying twice. Members, when you see lineworkers out and about, remember to tell them that you appreciate their timely service during all hours of the day … and night!