Pioneer Electric Cooperative has been busy this February, awarding thousands of dollars in grant funding to local organizations through its Helping Us Give to Society (H.U.G.S.) program — with additional support from CoBank’s Sharing Success Program — to strengthen safety, education and community spaces across Ulysses.
In recent weeks, the cooperative presented grants benefiting the Ulysses Gun Club, Ulysses High School Library, Ulysses FFA, and the Grant County Civic Center, reinforcing Pioneer Electric’s commitment to investing back into the communities it serves.
The Ulysses Gun Club was awarded a $2,850 H.U.G.S. grant, along with a matching $2,850 from CoBank, to upgrade lighting at its trap shooting range. Improved lighting will enhance visibility and safety for participants, including 4-H members, businesses and individuals from across southwest Kansas. Whitney Verhage noted that winter league shooting often takes place after dark, and current lighting does not provide adequate visibility to safely see targets. Updated lighting is expected to increase participation, particularly among youth who can only practice in the evenings.
On February 10, the Ulysses High School Library received a $4,200 H.U.G.S. grant to update student seating.From the Pioneer Electric press release Librarian Jennifer Burns said the goal is to create “a comfortable, welcoming, and updated space for everyone in our school.” The funding will allow the library to purchase four new club chairs, enhancing the environment for students who use the space daily.
The same day, Pioneer Electric awarded a $2,000 grant to the Ulysses FFA Organization. The funds will support an outdoor beautification project that includes installing low-maintenance flower beds to reduce upkeep demands on USD 214 maintenance staff. A portion of the grant will also fund new signage for the FFA barn south of Ulysses. UHS Ag teacher Reile Meile said the project not only improves campus appearance but also teaches students the value of service and stewardship. “This project will also teach students the importance of giving back to their community through hard work and service,” Meile said.
Earlier in the month, on February 5, the Grant County Civic Center received two $5,000 grants — one from H.U.G.S. and one from CoBank — to address lighting insufficiencies in the east parking lot. Civic Center General Manager Mari Honstead emphasized that improved lighting will enhance visibility and safety for visitors attending events, meetings and dances. “Poor lighting affects all of our visitors,” Honstead said. “Updating these lights will make it easier for everyone to see in the parking lot at night and also cut down on any other potential issues during events.”
Ruby Terrazas, a member of the H.U.G.S. team, highlighted the broader mission of the program. “H.U.G.S. is an opportunity for Pioneer Electric to give back to our members in ways that support the communities we serve,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for organizations looking to make positive changes in their communities.”
As a not-for-profit cooperative, Pioneer Electric’s H.U.G.S. program provides grant funding to tax-exempt organizations within its service territory. Schools and non-profits interested in applying can find more information on the cooperative’s website.
From youth programs and school improvements to public safety enhancements, Pioneer Electric’s recent grants demonstrate a continued investment in the well-being and growth of the Ulysses community.
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