Child Care & New Tenant Update
Nobles Cooperative Electric shares an update on plans for its former office, including potential future child care use, grant fund changes, and a new tenant, Geronimo Power.
Change in Plans: A New Direction for Our Former Office
Over the past year, we’ve been moving full steam ahead on plans to convert our former office into a child care facility to serve families in Nobles County. With strong community support and several hundred thousand dollars in grant funding secured, we had been preparing for renovations and aiming for an opening date in June 2026.
Recently, however, those plans have shifted—and we want to share the reasons behind that change and what comes next for the building.
YMCA Steps Forward on Child Care
We recently learned that the YMCA in Worthington is hoping to expand its services to include child care. While their project is still in the early discussion stages and not yet ready for construction, the YMCA is a well-established organization with experience in serving families and youth.
After thoughtful discussion, we determined it would not make sense to directly compete with another provider that is well-positioned to help meet the child care needs in our region. Instead, we feel it’s in the best interest of the community to support their efforts and avoid duplicating services.
We certainly wish the YMCA well on this project—expanded child care options are something our area truly needs.
What Happens to the Grant Funds?
Although our original project will not move forward as envisioned, we’re encouraged that the effort put into securing funds will still benefit local families. Nobles County will retain a portion of the grant dollars initially earmarked for our project. Those funds will now be redirected to support another important community initiative in the Rushmore area.
Keeping the Door Open for Future Child Care
Even though we have paused our own child care facility plans, we are not closing the door on the idea entirely. If the YMCA’s child care plans do not move forward, we remain open to revisiting the concept of housing a child care center at our former office. The need for child care in our region remains very real, and we are committed to being part of the solution where it makes sense.
A New Tenant: Geronimo Power
To keep the building active and productive, Nobles Cooperative Electric will be renting the space to Geronimo Power as they begin work in the area on wind, solar, and data center projects. Their temporary use of the building ensures it remains occupied and maintained while child care plans continue to develop elsewhere, giving us the flexibility to adapt as future opportunities arise. Our Worthington lineworkers will continue operating from the location as well.
Our Commitment Remains the Same
Plans may change, but our commitment to the communities we serve remains as strong as ever. Whether through supporting new projects, helping direct grant dollars to where they are most needed, or partnering with organizations like the YMCA and Geronimo Power, we will continue looking for ways to help our area grow, thrive, and move forward.
If you have questions about the future of our former office, child care facility updates, or our partnership with Geronimo Power, please reach out—we’re always glad to visit.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Nobles Cooperative Electric is committed to keeping our members informed as plans evolve.
Your co-op. Your community. Your questions matter.
Have questions?
Your Cooperative team is here to assist with your membership and service questions.