Deuel School District Receives $10,757 Donation from Deuel County Farmers Union Pride Pump Program in Clear Lake

Northeast Radio SD News – Clear Lake, SD - A local fuel initiative has turned everyday fill-ups into considerable support for local education. The Deuel School District received a $10,757.01 donation thanks to the Deuel County Farmers Union (DCFU) Pride Pump Program and matching funds from cooperative lender CoBank.

DCFU General Manager Scott Jaeger, along with DCFU employees Max Mewherter and Mitchell Svatos, presented the donation check to Deuel School District Superintendent Chad Schiernbeck and Business Manager Ellen Schmahl.

How the Pride Pump Program Works

The donation is the direct result of DCFU’s seasonal fundraising effort at its Clear Lake facility. From September through May during the 2025–2026 school year, one designated fuel dispenser operated as the Deuel Cardinal Pride Pump.

For every gallon of fuel purchased from that pump:

·         DCFU donated $0.03 per gallon directly to the school district.

·         Community drivers generated $5,757.01 in total donations from DCFU through their purchases over the course of the school year.

CoBank Boosts Total with $5,000 Match

To maximize the impact on local students, Jaeger requested matching funds through CoBank, a regional cooperative lender that supports community development projects. CoBank approved a $5,000 match, pushing the final check total past the $10,000 mark.

"DCFU is committed to investing in and supporting the communities it serves, and we greatly appreciate its continued partnership with Deuel School," district representatives shared in a statement on social media, extending thanks to DCFU, CoBank, and all local residents who chose the Pride Pump during the school year.