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Westby Mayor Danny Helgerson, center, displays the Community Service Award presented to him Sept. 17 during the WPPI Energy 45th Annual Meeting and Anniversary Celebration alongside President and CEO Mike Peters, left, and WPPI Board Chair Jim Stawicki - WPPI Energy photo

WPPI Energy honors Westby Mayor Danny Helgerson and Westby Utility at annual meeting

Oct. 3, 2025

WESTBY, Wis. — WPPI Energy marked its 45th annual meeting and anniversary celebration on Sept. 17 by recognizing Westby Mayor Danny Helgerson for his dedication to the community. Westby Utilities was also honored for its milestone anniversary.

“These honors highlight the remarkable dedication of this utility and its staff to providing safe, reliable and affordable power to those they serve,” said Mike Peters, president and CEO of WPPI Energy. “Our members are at their best when they work together to help communities thrive.”

Westby Director of Public Works Ron Janzen, center, poses for a photo with the utility’s anniversary milestone plaque alongside WPPI Energy Board Chair Jim Stawicki and President and CEO Mike Peters during the WPPI Energy 45th Annual Meeting and Anniversary Celebration – WPPI Energy photo

Helgerson received WPPI’s Community Service Award, created in honor of Richard “Dixie” Kirchoff. The award recognizes member utility managers and public officials who demonstrate the value of public power through active community involvement and a strong commitment to volunteerism.

The mayor was commended for his leadership in attracting growth and supporting community development. He played a key role in securing a developer for the city’s industrial park, helping to increase demand for services and investment in local infrastructure.

Helgerson also helped organize the city’s largest event to date, coordinating with city, county and federal authorities to host President Joe Biden last year during his visit highlighting historic energy investments in rural America.

“The mayor is an active collaborator on utility operations,” said Ron Janzen, director of public works in Westby. “You can see that he deserves this honor because of how he celebrates community value by continuously supporting local organizations through his time as a volunteer.”

WPPI also recognized Westby Utilities for its longevity and service to the community, celebrating the utility’s 110th anniversary.

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