By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA proposed merger of two northeast Kansas electric cooperatives has been rejected by coop members.The Boards of Trustees for Nemaha-Marshall Electric Cooperative Association in Axtell and Doniphan Electric Cooperative Association in Troy had unanimously approved taking the proposed consolidation to their members. Kansas law requires that each cooperative receive at least two-thirds approval by members.The vote was held on October 1st after extensive review of the proposal during special meetings with members of both electric cooperatives. Members of the Nemaha-Marshall Coop and the Doniphan Electric Coop voted both in person and by mail.“We are disappointed with the outcome. The Boards of Trustees have worked diligently on this issue. However, these are member owned and member driven electric cooperatives. The members have spoken with this vote,” Daniel O’Brien, General Manager for the Doniphan Electric Cooperative, said in a written statement released by the coop.“Our organization appreciates the work by both Boards of Trustees, the consultants and key employees who have worked to develop this proposal,” Kathleen O’Brien, General Manager for the Nemaha-Marshall Coop said in a written statement&nbsp;“Going forward, we will continue to provide our members with best-in-class electric service."

Members reject proposed merger of 2 Kansas electric cooperatives