Elected 17 years ago, director Bill Riebe of Pingree announced his retirement this year.
Riebe, of rural Pingree, joined the board before it operated by the name “Northern Plains.” Within his first few years of serving, Tri-County merged with Baker electric cooperatives to create what is now the geographically largest cooperative in the state.
General Manager Jay Jacobson said he will miss Riebe’s ideas and open mind.
Riebe, with a background in agriculture and a full-time job at Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge, understood the various needs of cooperative members, Jacobson said. Riebe was open to changes and innovation in regards to renewable energy, smart meters and organizational changes, all the while keeping in mind the pocketbooks of Northern Plains’ nearly 11,000 accounts.
With his free time, Riebe said he and his wife Elaine hope to travel and hit up area auction sales.
Thanks for your service Bill Riebe!
