Sentinel Project Coming Soon!
Jared Routh
Since 2008, High West Energy has had the opportunity to serve F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming; however, our involvement with the military began in 1962 when we powered 98 missile sites. 60 years later, we continue to support the military by serving F.E. Warren as well as supporting military functions within the communities we serve. We have built great relationships with military members and leaders, which helps us serve the base to the best of our abilities.
The agreement that we have with F.E. Warren is one where we provide operations, maintenance, renewals, and replacements as it is vital that we maintain the lines and equipment for the security and defense of our nation.
Most recently, F.E. Warren Air Force Base is the first of the three bases to begin implementing the Sentinel weapon system, previously known as the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent. This system will replace the Minuteman III missile system and greatly benefit this area of Wyoming and Western Nebraska. We are collaborating with F.E. Warren and defense contractor Northrop Grumman as this project begins. This project involves an extensive amount of planning and coordination among all parties.
Northrop Grumman, who was awarded the contract in September of 2020, will begin the construction for the Sentinel project in 2024 and it is projected to take approximately 10 years to complete. This would include construction throughout the missile field, installation of utility corridors, and construction at the launch facility or missile alert facility.
This project will allow for opportunities to partner with the Air Force regarding career and technical education programs at high schools and community colleges. Many of the people who are helping with this project will come in from other areas, but the Air Force has a goal to hire from local communities without harming small business owners and residents who depend on skilled technicians. This project will support local businesses and help develop the workforce by bringing more people into the area for small businesses and bringing potential people to the area who can contribute to our surrounding communities.
Employees will rely on local housing; however, there will also be a work hub in Southwest Nebraska where employees will be able to stay. Most employees helping with this project will not bring families with them to the area, so there will be little impact on the schools in the area.
While serving a military base may seem challenging, members of our team regularly communicate with military operations as it requires an abundance of technology and information to collaborate with the base. With the Sentinel project coming into this area, we will keep our members updated on the status of the project as information becomes available.
Sources: Sentinel ICBM
Giving Members A Voice Since 1936
High West Energy is owned by its members, and it is our responsibility to let our members have a voice in our operations. The democratic process is important to us and from the time High West Energy was created, members have voted to elect the Board of Directors. We want to continue to honor this process and we encourage members to participate.
The first step in this process is selecting the nominating committee, which is comprised of a member from each district. If you are interested in being on the committee this year, you can submit your name for consideration to Brooke Darden by emailing brooke.darden@highwest.coop or calling 307-365-6862. The deadline for applying to this committee is Thursday, February 23.
Members can vote for the Board of Directors at our annual meeting that will be held on June 15, 2023. Members are also welcome to run to represent their district on the Board of Directors. More information about board applications will be available soon, if you are interested in running for a board position. The last day to apply for the Board of Directors is Monday, March 13. Seats in District 12 and District 15 will be up for election.
High West Energy will publicly announce the names of all the candidates for this year’s election no later than Thursday, May 4. Ballots for the election, along with our annual report, will be sent out Thursday, May 25.
The entire process will conclude at High West’s annual meeting with the announcement of the election results. This year’s annual meeting will be on Thursday, June 15.
Attention Members!
Starting with our January billing cycle, which will become available in February, we will bill a couple of days earlier each month. We understand that it is getting harder and harder to pay bills, and we would like to get your bill to you sooner!
Winter Energy Efficiency Tips
1. Wash your clothes in cold water if possible.
2. Clean or replace all filters in your home.
3. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower.
4. Reset your water heater thermostat.
5. Avoid using your exhaust fans.
Recipe of the Month!
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joe
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
- 8 oz. brown mushrooms, minced
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp. ketchup
- 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper
- 6 brioche buns
- 1 cup beef broth slurry
- 8 oz. sliced provolone cheese
Add lean ground beef to an iron skillet over heat and keep stirring until the ground beef is cooked thoroughly. Remove the ground beef from the skillet. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add in the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and the ground beef. Add the salt, pepper, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Next, add the provolone cheese and mix it in until it melts. Finally, put the filling on top of the brioche buns and enjoy!
To submit recipes or content ideas, please email sparks@highwest.coop.
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