Merl Bechen of rural Mitchell was elected to serve as Central Electric’s director-at-large during the cooperative’s Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at the Corn Palace. 

The director-at-large represents all eight counties served by the cooperative. Bechen replaces retired director-at-large Jim Headley of White Lake, who served on the board since 1996. 

Bechen said, “I know our co-op personnel very well and have a great admiration for the job they do day in and day out.” Bechen worked for East River Electric Power Cooperative for 43 years until his retirement this summer. In recent years, he worked out of Central Electric’s Betts Road location. 

During the meeting, Board President also recognized General Manager Ken Schlimgen for 35 years of service, a milestone he achieved in 2020. Door prizes capped off the evening for those in attendance.