Peggy Stolley was named one of the runners up of the Minnesota Touchstone Energy® Cooperative Heroes Award. Known for remarkable contributions to her community, Stolley’s dedication exemplifies the cooperative principle of “Concern for Community.” Lake Country Power recognized Stolley at the cooperative’s annual meeting on April 23 in Cromwell, MN.

Driven by compassion, Stolley helped launch free dental hygiene services and restorative dental referrals for patients of the Ely Community Health Center. She was instrumental in acquiring dental equipment, recruiting dentists and hygienists, finding the clinic’s current location, and performing outreach and education. She provided information for grant funding and researched “best practices” for an outreach dental practice.

The Minnesota Touchstone Energy® Cooperative Heroes Award honors individuals like Stolley who are making positive impacts within their communities. Sponsored by the Minnesota Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives, this award celebrates exceptional volunteerism and community involvement. Stolley received $500, which she has designated to go toward the Ely Community Health Center. As one of this year’s award winners, she stands as an inspiring example of cooperative values in action.

“Peggy’s dental hygiene work is not confined to the walls of the clinic and limited to just Ely residents,” said Sue Kangas-Packett who co-nominated Stolley for this statewide award. “Residents from all over Northeastern Minnesota have traveled to Ely and received dental care at her clinic. She also does outreach dental care at the Boundary Waters Care Center and Carefree Living facilities among other dental related services.” Anne Lincicome Johnson of Ely also contributed to Stolley’s nomination.

The other statewide award runner-up was Melissa Griggs of Oronoco who was recognized by People’s Energy Cooperative for her volunteer work. The first-place prize went to Grace Grell of St. Cloud for her work with the Ability Project. 

Touchstone Energy® Cooperative across Minnesota proudly celebrate individuals like Stolley, Griggs and Grell who embody cooperative values, especially commitment to community.