Topic: Rural Electrification Administration (REA)
Interview of Earl Watkins, December 19, 2023
Interviewed by Rex Buchanan and Mike Lennen
Earl Watkins recalls his years of work with Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, a generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative headquartered in Hays, KS. Watkins describes navigating between requirements to provide power to member-owners and requirements of lenders, regulators, and other policymakers. He paints a picture of the unique position of a G&T cooperative in an industry dominated by large investor-owned utilities serving primarily densely populated areas. He also reflects how the co-op business model serves well a sparsely populated portion of Kansas where self-reliance is an important element of the Show Moreregional culture. Show Less
Interview of Lee Hamm, September 3, 2025
Interviewed by Joan Wagnon
In this interview, Lee Hamm, farmer, dairyman and former state legislator, recalls growing up in rural Pratt County during the Depression years. His descriptions of life on the farm are vivid as are his memories of being educated in a rural school. At the age of 96 his memories of his public service are still sharp. He served on two school boards, Glendale and Pratt, during the time that Kansas was in the process of consolidating its 2800 rural schools down to about 300. He ran for the Legislature in 1972 and served 20 years Show Moreunder 5 different governors before being appointed by Governor Joan Finney to head the Kansas Grain Inspection Department. Hamm closed the interview with some thoughts about the changes he has seen in state government and life in Kansas. Show Less