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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Lighting the way is a legacy many lineworkers leave their families. For the Peterson family, it’s a Christmas tradition.
This is Dustin Peterson’s third year decorating his hometown of Robinson with lights and holiday fanfare. It’s a custom he inherited from his father, the late Keith Peterson.
Dustin, a power lineworker for Northern Plains Electric Cooperative in Robinson, adopted the practice of decorating the town after his dad’s death. Keith died of esophageal cancer in November 2011. For 28 years, Keith worked in the Robinson outpost as a power lineworker for Northern Plains Electric Cooperative.
Northern Plains Electric has headquarter offices in Carrington and Cando. Prior to Dustin’s work in Robinson, he served as a power lineman for Northern Plains Electric’s sister co-op, Dakota Valley Electric in Gackle.
About 30 people live in Robinson, which is located in Kidder County, 30 miles west of Woodworth.
Hanging holiday décor isn’t the only tradition Dustin acquired.
Like his father, Dustin is also a member of the Robinson City Council and the Robinson Lions Club.
“I used to help my dad hang the lights when I was a kid, so it’s only fitting I continue the tradition now,” Dustin said.
Northern Plains Electric Cooperative allows line workers to do community-minded projects like this during the business day.
“One of our cooperative principles is commitment to community,” said Craig Rysavy, operations manager. “Using the co-op’s time and equipment is a way we demonstrate that.”
To hang the strands of multi-colored LED’s, Dustin solicited the help of his whole family, including fiancé Krissy Clark, brother, Darin and his girlfriend, Cally Musland, sister, Danielle, and Danielle’s husband, Mike.
Attending to her ailing father, Dustin’s mother, Julie, was unable to attend. Her father passed away last month.
“It broke my heart not to be there, but I look forward to helping in the future.” Dustin uses his Northern Plains Electric bucket truck to post the lights, which crisscross
Main Street.
And this year, a special guest helped. The Peterson’s passed on the tradition to a third generation – Dustin’s son, Dylan Keith Peterson, who celebrates his first birthday on December 24th.
