Community Awards

Lake Country Power and Minnesota’s electric cooperatives are pleased to announce a new award where applicants can nominate individuals within their communities for the “Cooperative Heroes Award.” This award replaces the Touchstone Energy Community Award that has recognized many community organizations since 2005. The new heroes award will single out individuals in the State of Minnesota who are making a positive difference in their communities.

If someone comes to mind, now is your chance to recognize their community service and help support their cause. The Cooperative Heroes Award will be a collaboration among Minnesota’s electric cooperatives. Minnesota is served by 44 distribution cooperatives, covering 85% of Minnesota and reaching every county in the state.

The heroes award provides an opportunity for co-op members, employees and directors to nominate an individual who has made meaningful contributions and positive impacts in their community. The nominee does not need to be a co-op member.

Cooperative Heroes Award celebrates Minnesota’s cooperativevalues – integrity, innovation, reliability, accountability and commitment to community. Judges will carefully evaluate each application and nominee for these qualities as they select three outstanding winners in Minnesota.

Each winner will receive funding to support a local nonprofit or good cause of their choice. First place receives $1,000; second and third place receive $500 each.

Nominations are open from October 1 through November 15, with a short application available online at www.mrea.org/programs/touchstone-energy. Winners will be announced in January.

Cooperative Heros Award with a star graphic
man and a woman posing with an award

Peggy Stolley named winner of Minnesota Cooperative Heroes Award 

Peggy Stolley was named one of the runners up of the Minnesota Touchstone Energy® Cooperative Heroes Award. Known for remarkable contributions to her community, Stolley’s dedication exemplifies the cooperative principle of “Concern for Community.” Lake Country Power recognized Stolley at the cooperative’s annual meeting on April 23 in Cromwell, MN.

Driven by compassion, Stolley helped launch free dental hygiene services and restorative dental referrals for patients of the Ely Community Health Center. 

She was instrumental in acquiring dental equipment, recruiting dentists and hygienists, finding the clinic’s current location, and performing outreach and education. She provided information for grant funding and researched “best practices” for an outreach dental practice.

“Peggy’s dental hygiene work is not confined to the walls of the clinic and limited to just Ely residents,” said Sue Kangas-Packett who co-nominated Stolley for this statewide award. “Residents from all over Northeastern Minnesota have traveled to Ely and received dental care at her clinic. She also does outreach dental care at the Boundary Waters Care Center and Carefree Living facilities among other dental related services.” Anne Lincicome Johnson of Ely also contributed to Stolley’s nomination.