FINNEY COUNTY–Wheatland Electric Cooperative Inc., has donated $14,352 in unused funds from a former metering school to three area non-profit organizations.

Donations in the amount of $4,784.17 each were made to Russell Child Development Center, Meals on Wheels, and Real Men, Real Leaders in December.

The donated funds were left over from the Underground Overhead Metering (UOM) School, an annual training program coordinated previously by Wheatland Electric, the City of Garden City, Pioneer Electric Co-Op Inc., and Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

The regional training program was held in Finney County for 46 years until 2020. Wheatland representatives who sit on a committee that oversaw the metering school prior to its closure chose to donate Wheatland’s share of unused funds to these local organizations.

Matt Scheeter, Wheatland Electric’s purchasing manager, chaired the committee that oversaw the program. He said the decision to close the metering school was one made with heavy hearts.

“We would like to take this time to thank every one of you that helped make this school a great success,” Scheeter said. “We wish you all nothing but the best in your future endeavors.”

Other Wheatland representatives on the metering school’s committee include Jana Harkness, a journeyman meter technician, and Rick Klaus, director of operations.

About Us

Our Mission: Delivering Energy for Life – Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc., a member owned distribution cooperative headquartered in Scott City, KS, was established in 1948 as a distribution and power cooperative, in the state of Kansas. Today, Wheatland Electric serves more than 33,000 electric meters in 17 different counties and maintains over 4,000 miles of distribution power lines across western and southcentral Kansas. Together, with the help of our members, we are committed to building a better and stronger rural America. Visit www.weci.net for more information.