Document:

Ex 10-1 Form 8-K Change in Control

    CHANGE
      IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

    

    

    This
      Change in Control Agreement (“Agreement”) dated as of June 30, 2005 is entered
      into by and between Black Hills Corporation (“Company”) and David R. Emery
      (“Employee”).

    

    
      	
              1.

            	
              RECITALS.

            

    

    

    The
      Board
      of Directors of the Company ("Board") has determined that it is in the best
      interests of the Company and its shareholders to encourage the Employee’s full
      attention and dedication to the Company currently and in the event of any
      threatened or pending Change in Control (as defined below). Therefore, in order
      to accomplish these objectives, the Board has caused the Company to enter into
      this Agreement.

    

    2.     DEFINITIONS. 

    

    “AFFILIATE”
      shall
      have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and
      Regulations of the Exchange Act.

    

    “BENEFICIAL
      OWNER”
      or
“BENEFICIAL
      OWNERSHIP”
      shall
      have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and
      Regulations under the Exchange Act”

    

    “CAUSE”
      means
      those events or conditions described in paragraph 9(a)(1) and (2)
      below.

     

    "CHANGE
      IN CONTROL"
      shall
      mean any of the following events:

    

    (a) The
      acquisition in a transaction or series of transactions by any Person of
      Beneficial Ownership of thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting
      power of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company; provided,
      however, that for purposes of this Agreement, the following acquisitions will
      not constitute a Change in Control: (A) any acquisition by the Company;
      (B) any acquisition of common stock of the Company by an underwriter
      holding securities of the Company in connection with a public offering thereof;
      and (C) any acquisition by any Person pursuant to a transaction which complies
      with subsections (c) (i), (ii) and (iii), below;

    

    (b) Individuals
      who, as of December 31, 2004 are members of the Board (the "Incumbent Board"),
      cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the
      Board; provided, however, that if the election, or nomination for election
      by
      the Company's common shareholders, of any new director was approved by a vote
      of
      at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Board, such new director shall, for
      purposes of this Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board;
      provided further, however, that no individual shall be considered a member
      of
      the Incumbent Board if such individual initially assumed office as a result
      of
      either an actual or threatened "Election Contest" (as described in Rule 14a-11
      promulgated under the Exchange Act) or other actual or threatened solicitation
      of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board (a
      "Proxy Contest") including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or
      settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest; 

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        1

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    (c) Consummation,
      following shareholder approval, of a reorganization, merger, or consolidation
      of
      the Company and/or its subsidiaries, or a sale or other disposition
      (whether  by sale, taxable or non-taxable exchange, formation
      of a
      joint venture or otherwise) of fifty percent (50%) or more of the assets of
      the
      Company and/or its subsidiaries (each a “Business Combination”), unless, in each
      case, immediately following such Business Combination, (i) all or substantially
      all of the individuals and entities who were beneficial owners of shares of
      the
      common stock of the Company immediately prior to such Business Combination
      beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more that fifty percent (50%) of
      the
      combined voting power of the then outstanding shares of the entity resulting
      from the Business Combination or any direct or indirect parent corporation
      thereof (including, without limitation, an entity which as a result of such
      transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets
      either directly or through one (1) or more subsidiaries)(the “Successor
      Entity”); (ii) no Person (excluding any Successor entity or any employee benefit
      plan or related trust, of the Company or such Successor Entity) owns, directly
      or indirectly, thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of
      the
      then outstanding shares of common stock of the Successor Entity, except to
      the
      extent that such ownership existed prior to such Business Combination; and
      (iii)
      at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the entity
      resulting from such Business Combination or any direct or indirect parent
      corporation thereof were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the
      execution of the initial agreement or action of the Board providing for such
      Business Combination; or

    

    (d) Approval
      by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution
      of
      the Company, except pursuant to a Business Combination that complies with
      subsections (c) (i), (ii), and (iii) above. 

    

    (e) A
      Change
      in Control shall not be deemed to occur solely because any Person (the "Subject
      Person") acquired Beneficial Ownership of more than the permitted amount of
      the
      then outstanding Common Stock as a result of the acquisition of Common Stock
      by
      the Company which, by reducing the number of shares of Common Stock then
      outstanding, increases the proportional number of shares Beneficially Owned
      by
      the Subject Persons, provided that if a Change in Control would occur (but
      for
      the operation of this sentence) as a result of the acquisition of Common Stock
      by the Company, and after such stock acquisition by the Company, the Subject
      Person becomes the Beneficial Owner of any additional Common Stock which
      increases the percentage of the then outstanding Common Stock Beneficially
      Owned
      by the Subject Person, then a Change in Control shall occur.

    

    (f) A
      Change
      in Control shall not be deemed to occur unless and until all regulatory
      approvals required in order to effectuate a Change in Control of the Company
      have been obtained and the transaction constituting the Change in Control has
      been consummated.

     

    
 

    
       

      
        2

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    
       

        “EFFECTIVE
          DATE"
          shall
          mean the first date on which a Change in Control occurs. The Effective
          Date does
          not occur and no benefits shall be paid under this Agreement if for any
          reason
          the Employee is not an employee of the Company on the day prior to the
          Effective
          Date.

      

    

    

    “EXCHANGE
      ACT”
      means
      the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any
      successor act thereto.”

    

    "GOOD
      REASON"
      means
      those events or conditions described in paragraph 9(c)(i) through (vii)
      below.

    

    "NOTICE
      OF TERMINATION"
      shall
      mean a notice which indicates the specific termination provision in this
      Agreement, if any, relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the
      facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Employee’s
      employment under the provisions so indicated. Any purported termination by
      the
      Company or Employee shall be communicated by written notice of termination
      to
      the other.

    

    “OMNIBUS
      INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN”
      shall
      mean the incentive compensation plan known as the “Black Hills Corporation
      Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan” as adopted on May 30, 2001, and as amended
      or replaced from time to time thereafter prior to the Effective Date.

    

    
      	
            	 	
              "PENSION
                EQUALIZATION PLAN"
                is the Company's pension equalization plan as amended and restated
                effective January 27, 1995, and as amended or replaced from
                time to
                time thereafter prior to the Effective Date.

            

    

    

    "PENSION
      PLAN"
      is the
      Company's tax qualified defined benefit pension plan as amended and restated
      effective October 1, 1989, and as amended from time to time thereafter
      prior to the Effective Date.

    

    “PERSON”
      shall
      have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act
      and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “group” as defined in
      Section 13(d).

    

    "PROTECTION
      PERIOD"
      shall
      mean the time period beginning on the Effective Date and which shall expire
      on
      the third anniversary of the Effective Date; provided, that the Protection
      Period shall in no event extend beyond the first day of the month following
      the
      month in which the Employee attains age 65, if Employee is an executive officer
      of the Company on the Effective Date.

    

    “RETIREMENT
      SAVINGS PLAN”
      shall
      mean the Black Hills Corporation Retirement Savings Plan (401K) as amended
      and
      restated on June 1, 2000, and as further amended from time to time thereafter
      prior to the effective date. 

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        3

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

     

    

    
      	
            	 	
              “SEVERANCE
                COMPENSATION”
                means the Employee’s base salary and annual incentive payment, together
                with discretionary bonuses paid in cash or vested stock, on a
                calendar-year basis. 

            

    

    

    
      	
            	 	
              “SUBSIDIARY”
                means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint
                venture, or other entity in which the Company has a majority voting
                interest.

            

    

    

    
      	
            	 	
              "TERMINATION
                DATE"
                shall mean the date subsequent to a Change in Control that the Employee’s
                employment with the Company
                terminates.

            

    

    

    "WELFARE
      BENEFITS"
      shall
      mean the Black Hills Corporation Medical and Dental Plan, the Black Hills
      Corporation Flexible Benefit Plan, and the Black Hills Corporation Employee
      Life
      and Long-Term Disability Plan, and the Short-Term Disability Plan, as the

    plans
      and
      the terms and conditions thereof exist on the day prior to the Effective
      Date.

    

    
      	
              3.

            	
              TERM
                OF AGREEMENT.

            

    

    

    The
      Term
      of this Agreement shall commence on the date of execution and shall continue
      in
      effect until June 1, 2008. If no Change in Control shall have occurred during
      the Term, this Agreement shall expire. If a Change in Control occurs during
      the
      Term, this Agreement shall remain in effect for full performance according
      to
      its terms. Upon expiration of this Agreement, the Company, by action of its
      Board of Directors, may elect to renew or not renew this Agreement, or may
      offer
      to renew the Agreement subject to modifications of any term or condition, at
      its
      discretion. The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, terminate this
      Agreement prior to the expiration of the Term, in the event that Employee,
      for
      any reason, ceases to be employed with the Company in a position as an executive
      officer within the meaning of the Exchange Act.. 

    

    
      	
              4.

            	
              EMPLOYMENT.

            

    

    

    Subject
      to the provisions of this Agreement, during the Protection Period the Company
      agrees to continue to employ the Employee and the Employee agrees to remain
      in
      the employ of the Company. During the Protection Period, the Employee shall
      be
      employed at a position substantially similar to Employee’s position prior to the
      Change in Control or in such other capacity as may be mutually agreed to in
      writing by the parties. Employee shall perform the duties, undertake the
      responsibilities and exercise the authority customarily performed, undertaken
      and exercised by persons situated in a similar capacity.

    

    During
      the Protection Period, excluding periods of vacation and sick leave to which
      Employee is entitled, Employee agrees to devote full attention and time during
      usual business hours to the business and affairs of the Company to the extent
      necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to Employee hereunder.
      It
      is expressly understood and agreed that to the extent that any civic, charitable
      or industry-related activities have been conducted by Employee prior to the
      Effective Date, the continued conduct of such activities (or the conduct of
      activities similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the Effective
      Date
      shall not thereafter be deemed to interfere with the performance of Employee’s
      responsibilities to the Company.

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        4

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

     

    

    
      	
              5.

            	
              COMPENSATION.

            

    

    

    During
      the Protection Period, the Company agrees to pay or cause to be paid to employee
      Annual Compensation at a rate at least equal to the highest rate of the
      Employee’s Annual Compensation as in effect at any time within one year
      preceding the Effective Date, and as may be increased from time to time. Such
      Annual Compensation shall be payable in accordance with the Company's customary
      practices applicable to its officers and employees. For purposes of this
      Agreement, "Annual Compensation" shall mean all of the following compensation
      paid to the Employee by the Company during a calendar year: (a) amounts which
      are includable in the gross income of the Employee for federal income tax
      purposes, including base salary, targeted annual incentive bonus, targeted
      long-term incentive grants and awards; and (b) matching contributions or other
      benefits payable under the Retirement Savings Plan; but excluding restricted
      stock awards, performance units or stock options that become vested or
      exercisable pursuant to Article 15 (Change in Control) of the Omnibus Incentive
      Compensation Plan, in a calendar year. 

    

    
      	
              6.

            	
              EMPLOYEE
                WELFARE AND PENSION BENEFITS.

            

    

    

    During
      the Protection Period, the Company shall provide to the Employee the Welfare
      Benefits and the Pension Plan, including supplemental medical insurance, travel
      accident insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability or life
      insurance benefits, or other substantially similar employee welfare and pension
      benefits, but in no event on a basis less favorable in terms of benefit levels
      and coverage than the Welfare Benefits and the Pension Plan. In the event
      Employee is not a participant in the Welfare Benefits or the Pension Plan prior
      to a Change of Control, then Company shall have no obligation to provide the
      Welfare Benefits or the Pension Plan or other substantially similar employee
      welfare and pension benefits as provided in this paragraph. 

    

    
      	
              7.

            	
              PENSION
                EQUALIZATION PLAN.

               

            

    

    During
      the Protection Period, the Company shall continue to provide to Employee (if
      Employee was a participant prior to the Change in Control) coverage and
      participation under the Pension Equalization Plan or a substantially similar
      supplemental retirement plan, but in no event on a basis less favorable in
      terms
      of benefit levels and coverage than the Pension Equalization Plan.

    

    
      	
              8.

            	
              OTHER
                BENEFITS.

            

    

    

    (a) Fringe
      Benefits, Perquisites, Vacation and Sick Leave.
      During
      the Protection Period, Employee shall be entitled to all fringe benefits,
      perquisites, and paid-time-off generally made available by the Company to its
      Employees. Unless otherwise provided herein, the fringe benefits, perquisites,
      and paid-time-off provided to Employee shall be on the same basis and terms
      as
      other similarly situated employees of the Company, but in no event shall be
      less
      favorable than the most favorable fringe benefits, perquisites, or paid-time-off
      to Employee at any time within one year preceding the Effective Date, or if
      more
      favorable, at any time thereafter.

     

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        5

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    (b) Expenses.
      Employee shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement of all expenses
      reasonably incurred by him in connection with the performance of his duties
      hereunder or for promoting, pursuing or otherwise furthering the business or
      interests of the Company. 

    

    (c) Indemnity.
      If, at
      the time of a Change in Control, the Employee was covered by an Indemnity
      Agreement, and/or Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance (D & O) coverage, then
      the Indemnity Agreement and D & O coverage shall continue in full force and
      effect throughout the Protection Period, and beyond the Protection Period,
      with
      respect to claims arising out of acts or omissions of the Employee prior to
      a
      Change in Control. If, following a Change in Control, Company or a Successor
      Entity adopts substitute Indemnity Agreements, and/or D & O coverage, for
      employees having substantially the same authority, duties, and responsibilities
      as Employee, then Employee shall be entitled to receive the benefit of such
      protection with respect to claims arising from acts or omissions of Employee
      following a Change in Control.

     

    

    
      	
              9.

            	
              TERMINATION.

            

    

    

    During
      the Protection Period, Employee’s employment hereunder may be terminated under
      the following circumstances:

    

    (a) Cause.
      The
      Company may terminate Employee’s employment for "Cause." A termination of
      employment is for "Cause" if Employee (1) enters a guilty plea, pleads
nolo
      contendre
      to, or
      is convicted of a felony offense that is demonstrably injurious to the Company;
      (2) intentionally engages in other conduct which is demonstrably injurious
      to
      the Company, monetarily or otherwise; or (3) fails, after reasonable request,
      to
      cooperate with the Company or governmental authorities in connection with a
      civil or criminal regulatory investigation or proceeding, or other civil
      litigation involving the Company; provided, however, that no termination of
      Employee’s employment shall be for Cause as set forth in clauses (2) or (3),
      above, unless (i) there shall have been delivered to Employee a copy of a
      written Notice of Termination, at least thirty (30) days in advance of the
      Termination Date, setting forth that Employee was guilty of the conduct set
      forth in such applicable clause and specifying the particulars thereof in
      detail; and (ii) Employee shall have been provided an opportunity to be heard
      by
      the Board (with the assistance of Employee’s counsel if Employee so desires). No
      act, nor failure to act, on Employee’s part shall be considered "intentional"
      unless he has acted, or failed to act, with an absence of good faith and without
      a reasonable belief that his action or failure to act was in the best interest
      of the Company. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the
      contrary, no failure to perform by Employee after a Notice of Termination is
      given to the Employee shall constitute Cause for purposes of this
      Agreement.

    

    (b) Disability.
      The
      Company may terminate Employee’s employment after having established Employee’s
      Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" means a physical or
      mental infirmity because of which Employee is receiving benefits under the
      Company sponsored long-term disability plan in which the Employee participates.
      Employee shall be entitled to the compensation and benefits provided for under
      this Agreement for any period during Protection Period and prior to the
      establishment of Employee’s Disability, during which Employee is unable to work
      due to a physical or mental infirmity, and up to the date long-term disability
      benefits are actually paid. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement
      to the contrary, and subject to applicable law and the provisions of the
      Company’s long-term disability policy, until the Termination Date specified in a
      Notice of Termination relating to Employee’s Disability, Employee shall be
      entitled to return to his position with the Company as set forth in this
      Agreement in which event no Disability of Employee will be deemed to have
      occurred.

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        6

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

     

     

     

    (c) Good
      Reason.
      During
      the Protection Period, the Employee may terminate his employment for "Good
      Reason." For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean the occurrence
      after the Effective Date of any of the events or conditions described
      below:

    

    (i) A
      material reduction of the Employee’s authority, duties, or responsibilities from
      those in effect prior to the Effective Date, other than an insubstantial or
      inadvertent reduction that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt
      of
      notice thereof given by Employee; provided that, any reduction in the foregoing
      resulting merely from the acquisition of the Company, or any Business
      Combination, by reason of which the Company thereafter exists as a subsidiary
      or
      division of another entity, shall not constitute Good Reason;

    

    (ii) A
      reduction in the Employee’s Annual Compensation as defined in Section 5, or any
      failure to pay the Employee any compensation or benefits to which he is entitled
      within seven (7) days of the date due;

    

    (iii) Any
      material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement, including,
      but not limited to, the Company's failure to provide the Employee Welfare and
      Pension Benefits and Pension Equalization Plan as set forth in Sections 6 and
      7
      above;

    

    (iv) The
      Company's requiring the Employee to be based outside a 50-mile radius from
      Employee’s usual and normal place of work prior to the Change in Control, except
      for reasonably required travel on the Company's business which is not
      substantially greater than such travel requirements prior to the Effective
      Date;

    

    (v) Any
      purported termination of the Employee’s employment for Cause by the Company
      which does not comply with the terms of Section 9(a) above; or

    

    (vi) The
      failure of the Company to obtain an agreement, satisfactory to the Employee,
      from any successor or assign of the Company to assume and agree to perform
      this
      Agreement, as contemplated in Section 14 hereof.

    

    
      
        
        

      

      
        7

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    (vii) During
      the “Window Period”, which shall mean the 30-day period immediately following
      the first anniversary of the Effective Date, the Employee may elect to terminate
      his employment for any reason, and such termination will be considered
      termination for Good Reason.

    

    In
      order
      to effectuate a termination under this Section 9(c), the Employee shall promptly
      deliver written notice to the Company upon the occurrence of, and stating the
      grounds for Good Reason in support of termination. For purposes of determining
      the amount of any cash payment payable to the Employee in accordance with
      Section 10, any reduction in compensation or benefits that would constitute
      Good
      Reason hereunder shall be deemed not to have occurred.

    

    
      	
              10.

            	
              COMPENSATION
                UPON TERMINATION.

               

            

    

    Upon
      termination of Employee's employment, prior to the end of the Protection Period,
      Employee shall be entitled to the following benefits:

    

    (a) If
      Employee’s employment with the Company shall be terminated (i) by the
      Company for Cause or Disability, or (ii) by reason of Employee’s death, or
      (iii) by Employee without "Good Reason," the Company shall pay Employee
      all
      amounts earned or accrued through the Termination Date, but not paid as of
      the
      Termination Date, including all Annual Compensation, reimbursement for
      reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by Employee on behalf of the Company
      during the period ending on the Termination Date, together with accrued vacation
      pay, and paid time off (collectively "Accrued Compensation"). In addition to
      the
      foregoing, if the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company for
      Disability or by reason of the Employee’s death, the Company shall pay to the
      Employee or his beneficiaries an amount equal to the "Pro Rata Bonus" (as
      hereinafter defined). For purposes of this Agreement, "Pro Rata Bonus" shall
      mean an amount equal to 100% of the target bonus that the Employee would have
      been eligible to receive for the Company's fiscal year in which the Employee's
      employment terminates, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is
      the
      number of days in such fiscal year through the Termination Date and the
      denominator of which is 365.

    

    (b) If
      the
      Employee’s employment with the Company shall be terminated (other than by reason
      of death) (i) by the Company other than for Cause or Disability,
      (ii) by Employee for Good Reason, Employee shall be entitled to the
      following:

    

    (i) The
      Company shall pay Employee all Accrued Compensation and a Pro Rata Bonus;

    

    (ii) The
      Company shall pay Employee, in lieu of any further compensation for periods
      subsequent to the Termination Date, a lump sum severance payment, in cash,
      in an
      amount equal to (w) 2.99 times (x) the Employee’s average Severance
      Compensation for the most recent five taxable years ending prior to the Change
      in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Employee is an executive
      officer who has attained the age of 62 on the Termination Date, the
      severance payment to be paid under this subsection shall be the amount described
      above multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number
      of
      days remaining until the Employee’s 65th
      birthday, and the denominator of which shall be 1095.

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        8

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    (iii) Within
      ten (10) business days after the Termination Date, and as a condition of
      receiving payments provided in Section 10 (b) (ii), Employee shall execute
      and
      deliver to Company the Waiver and Release Agreement (“Release”) attached hereto
      as Exhibit A. The severance payment shall not be paid unless the Employee has
      executed and delivered the Release, and the Release has become irrevocable
      as
      provided therein. Prior to the Effective Date, the Company may revise the
      Release to conform to applicable law, so long as the Release does not increase
      the obligations of Employee thereunder;

    

    (iv) If
      Employee, prior to the Termination Date, was a participant in any Welfare
      Benefits, the Company shall at its expense continue on behalf of Employee and
      his dependents and beneficiaries, for a period of three (3) years following
      the
      Termination Date, the Welfare Benefits or similar benefits no less favorable
      than the benefit levels and coverage provided to Employee prior to the
      Termination Date. Employee shall pay the employee portion of applicable premiums
      required to be paid by active employees of the Company. At its election, the
      Company may provide Employee and his dependents with equivalent benefits outside
      the Welfare Benefit plans or by providing Employee a cash payment sufficient
      for
      Employee to purchase equivalent benefits, so long as the net after-tax benefit
      is the same as if the Employee had remained an employee of the Company, and
      the
      benefits made available to Employee provide no loss or discontinuation of
      benefits, and full waiver of any preexisting condition of the Employee and
      any
      of the Employee’s eligible dependents. The Company's obligation with respect to
      the foregoing benefits shall be discontinued in the event that Employee becomes
      covered under the health insurance coverage of a subsequent employer which
      does
      not contain any exclusion or limitation with respect to any preexisting
      condition of the Employee or the Employee’s eligible dependents. For purposes of
      this provision, Employee shall have a duty to inform Company as to the terms
      and
      conditions of any subsequent employment and the corresponding benefits earned
      from such employment. 

    

    (v) Following
      the three (3) year period described in Section 10(b)(iv), above, Employee may
      elect to receive coverage under employee welfare plans of the Successor Entity
      at his then-current level of benefits (or reduced coverage at Employee’s
      election) by paying the premiums charged to regular full-time employees for
      such
      coverage. Such coverage shall provide benefits no less favorable than the
      benefits and coverage provided in the Welfare Benefits, with no loss or
      discontinuation of benefits, and full waiver of any preexisting condition of
      the
      Employee and any of the Employee’s eligible dependents. In the event of this
      election, Employee shall be eligible to receive such coverage, through the
      date
      of his retirement, and subsequently shall be eligible to continue coverage
      under
      the Successor Entity’s retiree health insurance coverage.

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        9

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    (vi) Employee
      shall be entitled to an amount of credited service for benefit accrual and
      vesting purposes under the Pension Equalization Plan (if Employee was a
      participant therein prior to a Change in Control) equal to a period of three
      (3)
      years following the Termination Date, and it shall be assumed for purposes
      of
      determining benefits under the Pension Equalization Plan, that Employee’s
      employment continued during such time period at the compensation level provided
      for in Section 5 above. In addition (if Employee was a participant in the
      Pension Plan prior to a Change in Control), the Employee shall be entitled
      to a
      supplemental Pension Plan benefit, which shall be the excess, if any, of
      (x) the amount that Employee would have been entitled to receive under
      the
      Pension Plan as if (i) Employee received additional credited service
      under
      the Pension Plan for an additional three (3) years, and (ii) Employee’s
      Annual Compensation as defined in Section 5 above remained in effect during
      such
      time period over (y) the amount that Employee will actually receive under the
      Pension Plan. This supplemental benefit shall be determined using the same
      factors, actuarial or otherwise, as used in determining Employee’s Pension Plan
      benefit and shall be payable at like terms and in like manner as the Pension
      Plan benefit. This supplemental benefit is not payable unless and until the
      Employee receives Pension Plan benefits. 

    

    (vii) The
      Company shall, to the extent necessary and only to the extent necessary, modify
      the timing of delivery of Severance Compensation if it is determined that the
      timing would subject the Severance Compensation to the additional tax and/or
      interest assessed under Code Section 409A. In such event, such payments shall
      occur as soon as practicable without causing such payments to trigger tax
      penalty under Code Section 409A. 

    

    
      	
              11.

            	
              OFFSET.

            

    

    

    Employee
      shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in
      this
      Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, and except as provided
      in
      Section 10(b)(iv), such payments shall not be reduced whether or not Employee
      obtains other employment.

    

    
      	
              12.

            	
              TAX
                EFFECT.

            

    

    

    (a) Gross-Up
      Payment. In the event it shall be determined that any Severance Compensation
      payment or distribution of any type by the Company, or by any Affiliate of
      the
      Company, or by any Person who acquires ownership or effective control of the
      Company or ownership of a substantial portion of the Company's assets (within
      the meaning of Section
      280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
      as
      amended (the "Code"), and the regulations thereunder) or any Affiliate of such
      Person, to or for the benefit of the Employee, whether paid or payable or
      distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or
      otherwise (the "Total Payments") (including but not limited to distribution
      of
      stock or options which vest upon a Change in Control pursuant to the Omnibus
      Incentive Stock Plan), is or will be subject to the excise tax imposed by
      Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such
      excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties,
      are
      collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then the Company shall pay an
      additional amount (the "Gross-Up Payment") such that the net amount retained
      by
      the Employee after deduction of any Excise Tax upon the Total Payments and
      any
      federal, state, and local income tax, penalties, interest and Excise Tax upon
      the Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal to the Total Payments. The Gross-Up Payment
      shall not include applicable payroll taxes, state or federal income taxes on
      the
      Total Payments, however. The Gross-Up Payment shall be made by the Company
      to
      the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or other
      appropriate taxing agency.

     

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        10

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    Notwithstanding
      the foregoing, in the event that the amount of the Total Payments does not
      exceed 110% of the largest amount that would result in no portion of the Total
      Payments being subject to the Excise Tax (the “Safe Harbor Amount”), then the
      Employee’s Total Payments shall be reduced to an amount equal to the Safe Harbor
      Amount. In applying any reduction required herein, Employee may elect whether
      the non-cash severance benefits or the cash severance benefits shall first
      be
      reduced. 

    

    (b) For
      purposes of determining the Gross-Up Payment, Employee shall be deemed to pay
      federal, state, and local income taxes at the highest applicable marginal rate
      for the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made net of the
      maximum reduction in federal income taxes that could be obtained from the
      deduction of state and local taxes. All determinations required to be made
      under
      this Section 12 shall be made by the Company in reliance upon any advice it
      deems appropriate, including but not limited to decisions regarding whether
      and
      when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment,
      whether and in what manner any Payments are to be reduced, and the assumptions
      to be used in arriving at such determinations. The decision of the Company
      shall
      be binding on the Employee, except to the extent the IRS or a court of competent
      jurisdiction makes a final and binding determination inconsistent therewith.
      The
      Company shall provide detailed supporting calculations to the Employee within
      15
      business days after receiving notice from Employee that there has been a
      Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company. Any Gross-Up
      Payment that becomes due pursuant to this Section 12 shall be paid promptly
      by
      the Company to Employee, but not later than five business days prior to the
      due
      date for the payment of the Excise Tax. As a result of the uncertainty in the
      application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination
      by the Company, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been
      made by the Company should have been made (“Underpayment”), consistent with the
      calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that the Company
      determines that there has been an Underpayment or exhausts its remedies pursuant
      to Section 12 (c), and Employee thereafter is required to make a payment of
      any
      Excise Tax, the Company shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that
      has
      occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to
      or
      for the benefit of Employee.

    
      
        
        

      

      
        11

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    (c) Employee
      shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the IRS that, if successful,
      would require the payment by the Company of a Gross-Up Payment (or an additional
      Gross-Up Payment). Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable,
      but
      no later than ten business days after Employee is informed in writing of such
      claim. Employee shall apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the
      date on which such claim is requested to be paid. Employee shall not pay such
      claim prior to the expiration of the 30-day period following the date on which
      it gives such notice to the Company (or such shorter period ending on the date
      that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due). If the Company
      notifies Employee in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it
      desires to contest such claim, Employee shall:

    

    (i) give
      the
      Company any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to such
      claim,

    

    (ii) Take
      such
      action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company shall reasonably
      request in writing from time to time, including, without limitation, accepting
      legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney reasonably
      selected by the Company,

    

    
      	 	
                     
                (iii)

            	
              Cooperate
                with the Company in good faith in order effectively to contest such
                claim,
                and 

            

    

    

    (iv) Permit
      the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such
      claim;

    

    provided,
      however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses
      (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such
      contest and shall indemnify and hold Employee harmless, on an after-tax basis,
      for any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest and penalties with respect
      thereto) imposed as a result of such representation and payment of costs and
      expenses. Without limitation of the foregoing provisions of this Section 12(c),
      the Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection with such contest
      and, in its sole discretion, may pursue or forgo any and all administrative
      appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in
      respect of such claim and may, in its sole discretion, either direct Employee
      to
      pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible
      manner, and Employee agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before
      any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one
      or
      more appellate courts, as the Company shall determine; provided, however, that
      if the Company directs Employee to pay such claim and sue for a refund, the
      Company shall indemnify and hold Employee harmless, on an after-tax basis,
      from
      any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest or penalties with respect
      thereto) imposed with respect to such payment; and further provided that any
      extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the
      taxable year of Employee with respect to which such contested amount is claimed
      to be due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore, the Company’s
      control of the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which a
      Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder. Employee shall be entitled to
      settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the IRS or
      any
      other taxing authority.

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        12

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    (d) If,
      at
      any time after receiving a Gross-Up Payment, Employee receives any refund of
      the
      associated Excise Tax, Employee shall (subject to the Company’s having complied
      with the requirements of Section 12(c), if applicable) promptly pay to the
      Company the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited
      thereon net of all applicable taxes. 

    

    
      	
              13.

            	
              OUTPLACEMENT
                SERVICES.

            

    

    

    The
      Company shall, at its expense, permit the Employee to participate in
      outplacement assistance services, as determined by the Company, which are:
      (a)
      as to executive officers, at a level appropriate for senior management of a
      public company; and (b) not more than six (6) months in duration. Outplacement
      services shall be provided in kind; cash shall not be paid in lieu thereof,
      nor
      will cash compensation be increased if Employee declines or does not use
      outplacement services. 

    

    
      	
              14.

            	
              SUCCESSORS
                AND ASSIGNS.

            

    

    

    This
      Agreement shall be binding upon any successor or assign (whether direct or
      indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or
      substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, in the same
      manner and to the same extent that the Company would be obligated under this
      Agreement if no succession had taken place. In the case of any transaction
      in
      which a successor or assign would not by the foregoing provision or by operation
      of law be bound by this Agreement, the Company shall require such successor
      or
      assign to expressly and unconditionally assume and agree to perform the
      obligations of the Company and each Employer under this Agreement, in the same
      manner and to the same extent that the Company and each Employer would be
      required to perform it if no such succession or assignment had taken place.
      

    

    Neither
      this Agreement nor any right or interest hereunder shall be assignable or
      transferable by the Employee, his beneficiaries or legal representatives, except
      by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure
      to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Employee’s legal personal
      representative.

    

    
      	
              15.

            	
              FEES
                AND EXPENSES.
                

            

    

    

    The
      Company shall pay all legal fees and related expenses (including the costs
      of
      experts, evidence and counsel) reasonably and in good faith incurred by the
      Employee as they become due as a result of (a) the Employee’s termination of
      employment (including all such fees and expenses, if any, incurred in contesting
      or disputing any such termination of employment), (b) the Employee seeking
      to
      obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this Agreement or by any
      other plan or arrangement maintained by the Company under which the Employee
      is
      or may be entitled to receive benefits; provided, however, that the
      circumstances set forth in clauses (a) and (b) of this Section (other than
      as a
      result of the Employee’s termination of employment at the expiration of the
      Protection Period) occurred on or after a Change in Control. For purposes of
      this Section, the Employee will not be deemed to have incurred legal fees or
      expenses reasonably or in good faith if, following resolution of a dispute
      under
      this Agreement, he has failed to prevail on at least one material issue in
      dispute.

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        13

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    
      	
              16.

            	
              NOTICE.

            

    

    

    For
      the
      purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for
      in
      the Agreement (including the Notice of Termination) shall be in writing and
      shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or sent by
      certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the
      respective addresses last given by each party to the other. All notices and
      communications shall be deemed to have been received on the date of delivery
      thereof or on the third business day after the mailing thereof, except that
      notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

    

    
      	
              17.

            	
              NONEXCLUSIVITY
                OF RIGHTS.
                

            

    

    

    Except
      as
      expressly provided herein, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit
      Employee’s continuing or future participation in any benefit, bonus, incentive
      or other plan or program provided by the Company or any of its subsidiaries
      and
      for which Employee may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit or reduce such
      rights as Employee may have under any other agreements with the Company or
      any
      of its subsidiaries. Amounts which are vested benefits or which Employee is
      otherwise entitled to receive under any plan or program of the Company or any
      of
      its subsidiaries shall be payable in accordance with such plan or program,
      except as explicitly modified by this Agreement; provided, however, and
      notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement, in the event that Employee
      is not a participant in or eligible to participate in any Welfare Benefits
      or
      the Pension Plan, then nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed
      to
      provide for or suggest the right in Employee to be a participant in or be
      eligible to participate in the Welfare Benefits or the Pension
      Plan.

    

    
      	
              18.

            	
              CONFIDENTIAL
                INFORMATION.

            

    

    

    The
      Employee shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company
      all
      material proprietary information, knowledge or data relating to the Company
      or
      any of its affiliated companies, and their respective businesses, which shall
      have been obtained by the Employee during the Employee’s employment by the
      Company or any of its affiliated companies and which shall not be or become
      public knowledge (other than by acts by the Employee or representatives of
      the
      Employee in violation of this Agreement). After termination of the Employee’s
      employment with the Company, the Employee shall not, without the prior written
      consent of the Company or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process,
      communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other
      than the Company and those designated by it. 

    

    
      	
              19.

            	
              MISCELLANEOUS.

            

    

    

    No
      provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such
      waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Employee
      and the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach
      by
      the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of
      this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver
      of
      similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior
      or
      subsequent time. No agreement or representations, oral or otherwise, express
      or
      implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either
      party which are not expressly set forth in this Agreement.

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        14

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    
      	
              20.

            	
              GOVERNING
                LAW.
                

            

    

    

    This
      Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with
      the
      laws of the state of South Dakota.

    

    
      	
              21.

            	
              SEVERABILITY.
                

            

    

    

    The
      provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or
      unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or
      enforceability of the other provisions hereof.

    

    
      	
              22.

            	
              NO
                GUARANTEED EMPLOYMENT.
                

            

    

    

    Employee
      and the Company acknowledge that, except as may otherwise be provided under
      any
      other written agreement between Employee and the Company, the employment of
      Employee by the Company is "at will" and, prior to the Effective Date, may
      be
      terminated by either Employee or the Company at any time. Moreover, if prior
      to
      the Effective Date, Employee’s employment with the Company terminates, Employee
      shall have no further rights under this Agreement.

    

    
      	
              23.

            	
              NO
                ADMINISTRATION.

            

    

    

    The
      parties hereto understand and agree that this Agreement shall not be subject
      to
      a separate ongoing administrative scheme to administer the benefits of this
      Agreement in that the benefits provided hereunder are capable of simple or
      mechanical determination upon the happening of a required event or
      events.

    

    
      	
              24.

            	
              SUBSIDIARY
                DEEMED TO BE COMPANY FOR PORTIONS OF AGREEMENT.

            

    

    

    In
      the
      event that subsequent to the date of this Agreement the Employee becomes an
      employee of a Subsidiary of the Company, or in the event that any Employee
      is an
      employee of a Subsidiary of the Company, the references to “Company” in this
      Agreement shall be deemed to be a reference to the Subsidiary which may employ
      the Employee to the extent necessary to preserve the intent of this Agreement;
      provided, that nothing herein shall mean or suggest that any benefits are
      applicable hereunder upon a Change in Control of a Subsidiary rather than the
      Company.

    

    
      
        
        

      

      
        15

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    
      	
              25.

            	
              ENTIRE
                AGREEMENT.
                

            

    

    

    This
      Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and
      supersedes all prior agreements, if any, understandings and arrangements, oral
      or written, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter
      hereof. 

    

    Dated
      this 30th day of June, 2005.

    

    BLACK
      HILLS CORPORATION

    

    

    By:
      /s/Steven J. Helmers

    Title:
      Sr. Vice President 

    and
      General Counsel

    

     

    EMPLOYEE

    

    

    /s/
      David
      R. Emery

    David
      R.
      Emery 

    

    

    

    
      
        
        

      

      
        16

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    EXHIBIT
      A

    

    WAIVER
      AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

    

    

    This
      Waiver
      and Release Agreement
      (the
      "Waiver and Release") is entered into by and among Black Hills Corporation
      ("Company") and David R. Emery ("Employee") this ____ day of _______________,
      _____.

    

    1. 
General
      Waiver and Release. For
      and
      in consideration of the agreement of Company to provide Employee the severance
      benefits described in that certain Change in Control Agreement, dated as of
      June
      ____, 2005, between Employee and the Company (the "Agreement"), Employee, with
      the intention of binding himself and all of his heirs, executors, administrators
      and assigns, does hereby release, remise, acquit and forever discharge the
      Company, and all of their respective past and present officers, directors,
      stockholders, employees, agents, parent corporations, predecessors,
      subsidiaries, affiliates, estates, successors, assigns and attorneys
      (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Released Parties") from any and all
      claims, charges, actions, causes of action, sums of money due, suits, debts,
      covenants, contracts, agreements, rights, damages, promises, demands or
      liabilities (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Claims") whatsoever,
      in
      law or in equity, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, which
      Employee, individually or as a member of any class, now has, owns or holds
      or
      has at any time heretofore ever had, owned or held against the Released Parties,
      which arise out of or are in any way connected with Employee's employment with
      the Company or any of the Released Parties or the termination of any such
      employment relationship, including, but not by way of limitation, Claims
      pursuant to federal, state or local statute, regulation, ordinance or common-law
      for (i) employment discrimination; (ii) wrongful discharge; (iii) breach of
      contract; (iv) tort actions of any type, including those for intentional or
      negligent infliction of emotional harm; and (v) unpaid benefits, wages,
      compensation, commissions, bonuses or incentive payments of any type, except
      as
      follows:

    

    
      	 	
              a.

            	
              Those
                obligations of the Company and its affiliates under the Agreement,
                pursuant to which this Waiver and Release is being executed and delivered;
                

            

    

    

    
      	 	
              b.

            	
              Claims,
                if any, for Employee's accrued or vested benefits under the retirement
                plans, savings plans, investment plans and employee welfare benefit
                plans,
                if any, of the Released Parties (within the meaning of Section 3(1)
                of the
                Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA")), as amended;
                provided, however, that nothing herein is intended to or shall be
                construed to require the Released Parties to institute or continue
                in
                effect any particular plan or benefit sponsored by the Released Parties
                and the Company and all other Released Parties hereby reserve the
                right to
                amend or terminate any such plan or benefit at any time; and

               

            

    

    
      	 	
              c.
                

            	
              Any
                rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses to which Employee
                may
                otherwise be entitled pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation or
                Bylaws
                of any of the Released Parties, or by contract or applicable law,
                as a
                result of Employee's service as an officer or director of any of
                the
                Released Parties.

            

    

     

     

    
 

    
      
        
        

      

      
        A-1

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    Employee
      further understands and agrees that he has knowingly relinquished, waived and
      forever released any and all remedies arising out of the aforesaid employment
      relationship or the termination thereof, including, without limitation, claims
      for backpay, front pay, liquidated damages, compensatory damages, general
      damages, special damages, punitive damages, exemplary damages, costs, expenses
      and attorneys' fees.

    

    2. 
Waiver
      and Release of ADEA Claims. Without
      limiting the generality of the foregoing, and also for and in consideration
      of
      the Company's agreement to provide Employee severance payments and benefits
      as
      described in the Agreement, Employee specifically acknowledges and agrees that
      he does hereby knowingly and voluntarily release the Company and all other
      Released Parties from any and all claims arising under the Age Discrimination
      in
      Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 621, et seq. ("ADEA"), which Employee ever had or
      now has from the beginning of time up to the date this Waiver and Release is
      executed, including, but not by way of limitation, those ADEA Claims which
      are
      in any way connected with any employment relationship or the termination of
      any
      employment relationship which existed between the Company or any other Released
      Parties and Employee. Employee also acknowledges that he has been provided
      with
      a notice, as required by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990,
      that
      contains (i) information about the individuals covered under the Agreement,
      (ii)
      the eligibility factors for participation in the Agreement, (iii) the time
      limits applicable to the Agreement, (iv) the job titles and ages of the
      employees designated to participate in the Agreement, (v) and the ages of the
      employees in the same job classification who have not been designated to
      participate in the Agreement. Employee further acknowledges and agrees that
      he
      has been advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Waiver
      and
      Release and that he has been given forty-five (45) days to consider this Waiver
      and Release prior to its execution. Employee agrees that in the event that
      he
      executes this Waiver and Release prior to the expiration of the forty-five
      (45)
      day period, he shall waive the balance of said period. Employee also understands
      that he may revoke this Waiver and Release of ADEA Claims at any time within
      seven (7) days following its execution and that, if Employee revokes this Waiver
      and Release of ADEA Claims within such seven (7) day period, it shall not be
      effective or enforceable and he will not receive the above-described
      consideration or any payments provided for in the Agreement that have not been
      paid.

    

    3. 
Covenant
      Not to Sue. Employee
      acknowledges and agrees that this Waiver and Release may not be revoked at
      any
      time after the expiration of the seven (7) day revocation period and that he
      will not institute any suit, action, or proceeding, whether at law or equity,
      challenging the enforceability of this Waiver and Release. Should Employee
      ever
      attempt to challenge the terms of this Waiver and Release, attempt to obtain
      an
      order declaring this Waiver and Release to be null and void, or institute
      litigation against any of the Released Parties based upon a Claim other than
      an
      ADEA Claim which is covered by the terms of this Waiver and Release, Employee
      will as a condition precedent to such action repay all monies paid to him under
      the terms of this Waiver and Release. Furthermore, if Employee does not prevail
      in an action to challenge this Waiver and Release, to obtain an order declaring
      this Waiver and Release to be null and void, or in any action against any of
      the
      Released Parties based upon a Claim other than an ADEA Claim which is covered
      by
      the Waiver and Release set forth herein, Employee shall pay to the Company
      and/or the appropriate Released Parties all their costs and attorneys' fees
      incurred in their defense of Employee's action.

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        A-2

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    Provided,
      however, that it is understood and agreed by the parties that Employee shall
      not
      be required to repay the monies paid to him under the terms of this Waiver
      and
      Release or pay the Company and/or the appropriate Released Parties all their
      costs and attorneys' fees incurred in their defense of Employee's action (except
      those attorneys' fees or costs specifically authorized under federal law) in
      the
      event that Employee seeks to challenge his Waiver and Release of Claims under
      the ADEA.

    

    4. 
Denial
      of Liability.
      Employee
      acknowledges and agrees that neither the payment of severance payments or
      benefits under the Agreement nor this Waiver and Release is to be construed
      in
      any way as an admission of any liability whatsoever by Company or any of the
      other Released Parties, by whom liability is expressly denied.

    

    5. 
Agreement
      Not to Seek Further Relief. Employee
      acknowledges and agrees that he has not, with respect to any transaction or
      state of facts existing prior to the date of execution of this Waiver and
      Release, filed any complaints, charges or lawsuits against any of the Released
      Parties with any governmental agency or any court or tribunal, and that he
      will
      not do so at any time hereafter. Employee further acknowledges and agrees that
      he hereby waives any right to accept any relief or recovery, including costs
      and
      attorneys' fees that may arise from any charge or complaint before any federal,
      state or local court or administrative agency against the Released
      Parties.

    

    6. 
Company
      Property. Employee
      agrees that he will not retain or destroy, and will immediately return to the
      Company, any and all property of the Company in his possession or subject to
      his
      control, including, but not limited to, keys, credit and identification cards,
      personal items or equipment provided for his use, customer files and
      information, all other files and documents relating to the Company and its
      business, together with all written or recorded materials, documents, computer
      disks, plans, records or notes or other papers belonging to the Company.
      Employee further agrees not to make, distribute or retain copies of any such
      information or property.

    

    7. 
Confidentiality
      Agreement. Employee
      acknowledges that the terms of this Waiver and Release must be kept
      confidential. Accordingly, Employee agrees not to disclose or publish to any
      person or entity, except as required by law or as necessary to prepare tax
      returns, the terms and conditions or sums being paid in connection with this
      Waiver and Release.

    

    8. 
Cooperation.
      Employee
      agrees to cooperate with the Company and its attorneys in connection with all
      lawsuits, claims, investigations, or similar proceedings, including the
      provision of testimony as my reasonably be required, arising out of or in any
      way related to Employee’s employment by the Company or any of its
      Subsidiaries. 

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        A-3

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    9. 
Acknowledgment.
      Employee
      acknowledges that he has carefully read and fully understands the terms of
      this
      Waiver and Release and the Agreement and that this Waiver and Release is
      executed by Employee voluntarily and is not based upon any representations
      or
      statements of any kind made by the Company or any or the other Released Parties
      as to the merits, legal liabilities or value of his claims. Employee further
      acknowledges that he has had a full and reasonable opportunity to consider
      this
      Waiver Release and that he has not been pressured or in any way coerced into
      executing this Waiver and Release.

    

    10.         
       Choice
      of Laws. This
      Waiver and Release and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall
      be
      governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of South
      Dakota.

    

    11.          
      Severability.
      With
      the
      exception of the waiver and releases contained in Sections 1 and 2 above, if
      any
      provision of this Waiver and Release is unenforceable or is held to be
      unenforceable, such provision shall be fully severable, and this Waiver and
      Release and its terms shall be construed and enforced as if such unenforceable
      provision had never comprised a part hereof, the remaining provisions hereof
      shall remain in full force and effect, and the court construing the provisions
      shall add as a part hereof a provision as similar in terms and effect to such
      unenforceable provision as may be enforceable, in lieu of the unenforceable
      provision. In the event that both of the releases contained in Sections 1 and
      2
      above are unenforceable or are held to be unenforceable, the parties understand
      and agree that the remaining provisions of this Waiver and Release shall be
      rendered null and void and that neither party shall have any further obligation
      under any provision of this Waiver and Release.

    

    12.          
      Entire
      Agreement. This
      document contains all terms of the Waiver and Release and supersedes and
      invalidates any previous agreements or contracts regarding the same subject
      matter. No representations, inducements, promises or agreements, oral or
      otherwise, which are not embodied herein shall be of any force or
      effect.

    

    
      
        
        

      

      
        A-4

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    IN
      WITNESS WHEREOF,
      the
      undersigned acknowledges that he has read this Waiver and Release Agreement
      and
      sets his hand and seal this ____ day of _______________, _____.

    

    EMPLOYEE

    

    

    ____________________________________

    David
      R.
      Emery

    

    

    BLACK
      HILLS CORPORATION

    

    

    By:__________________________________

    Title:

    

    

    Subscribed
      and sworn to and subscribed before me this _____ day of _______________, _____.
      

    

    

    ____________________________________

    Notary
      Public

    My
      Commission Expires:Ex 10-2 Form 8-K Change in Control

    CHANGE
      IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

    

    

    This
      Change in Control Agreement ("Agreement") dated as of ________________, _____
      is
      entered into by and between Black Hills Corporation ("Company") and
      ________________________ (“Employee”).

    

    
      	
              1.

            	
              RECITALS.

            

    

    

    The
      Board
      of Directors of the Company ("Board") has determined that it is in the best
      interests of the Company and its shareholders to encourage the Employee’s full
      attention and dedication to the Company currently and in the event of any
      threatened or pending Change in Control (as defined below). Therefore, in order
      to accomplish these objectives, the Board has caused the Company to enter into
      this Agreement.

     

    2.     DEFINITIONS. 

    

    “AFFILIATE”
      shall
      have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and
      Regulations of the Exchange Act.

    

    “BENEFICIAL
      OWNER”
      or
“BENEFICIAL
      OWNERSHIP”
      shall
      have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and
      Regulations under the Exchange Act”

    

    “CAUSE”
      means
      those events or conditions described in paragraph 9(a)(1) and (2)
      below.

     

    "CHANGE
      IN CONTROL"
      shall
      mean any of the following events:

    

    (a) The
      acquisition in a transaction or series of transactions by any Person of
      Beneficial Ownership of thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting
      power of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company; provided,
      however, that for purposes of this Agreement, the following acquisitions will
      not constitute a Change in Control: (A) any acquisition by the Company;
      (B) any acquisition of common stock of the Company by an underwriter
      holding securities of the Company in connection with a public offering thereof;
      and (C) any acquisition by any Person pursuant to a transaction which complies
      with subsections (c) (i), (ii) and (iii), below;

    

    (b) Individuals
      who, as of December 31, 2004 are members of the Board (the "Incumbent Board"),
      cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the
      Board; provided, however, that if the election, or nomination for election
      by
      the Company's common shareholders, of any new director was approved by a vote
      of
      at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Board, such new director shall, for
      purposes of this Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board;
      provided further, however, that no individual shall be considered a member
      of
      the Incumbent Board if such individual initially assumed office as a result
      of
      either an actual or threatened "Election Contest" (as described in Rule 14a-11
      promulgated under the Exchange Act) or other actual or threatened solicitation
      of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board (a
      "Proxy Contest") including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or
      settle any Election Contest or Proxy Contest; 

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        1

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    (c) Consummation,
      following shareholder approval, of a reorganization, merger, or consolidation
      of
      the Company and/or its subsidiaries, or a sale or other disposition (whether
      by
      sale, taxable or non-taxable exchange, formation of a joint venture or
      otherwise) of fifty percent (50%) or more of the assets of the Company and/or
      its subsidiaries (each a “Business Combination”), unless, in each case,
      immediately following such Business Combination, (i) all or substantially all
      of
      the individuals and entities who were beneficial owners of shares of the common
      stock of the Company immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially
      own, directly or indirectly, more that fifty percent (50%) of the combined
      voting power of the then outstanding shares of the entity resulting from the
      Business Combination or any direct or indirect parent corporation thereof
      (including, without limitation, an entity which as a result of such transaction
      owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either
      directly or through one (1) or more subsidiaries)(the “Successor Entity”); (ii)
      no Person (excluding any Successor entity or any employee benefit plan or
      related trust, of the Company or such Successor Entity) owns, directly or
      indirectly, thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the
      then outstanding shares of common stock of the Successor Entity, except to
      the
      extent that such ownership existed prior to such Business Combination; and
      (iii)
      at least a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the entity
      resulting from such Business Combination or any direct or indirect parent
      corporation thereof were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the
      execution of the initial agreement or action of the Board providing for such
      Business Combination; or

    

    (d) Approval
      by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution
      of
      the Company, except pursuant to a Business Combination that complies with
      subsections (c) (i), (ii), and (iii) above. 

    

    (e) A
      Change
      in Control shall not be deemed to occur solely because any Person (the "Subject
      Person") acquired Beneficial Ownership of more than the permitted amount of
      the
      then outstanding Common Stock as a result of the acquisition of Common Stock
      by
      the Company which, by reducing the number of shares of Common Stock then
      outstanding, increases the proportional number of shares Beneficially Owned
      by
      the Subject Persons, provided that if a Change in Control would occur (but
      for
      the operation of this sentence) as a result of the acquisition of Common Stock
      by the Company, and after such stock acquisition by the Company, the Subject
      Person becomes the Beneficial Owner of any additional Common Stock which
      increases the percentage of the then outstanding Common Stock Beneficially
      Owned
      by the Subject Person, then a Change in Control shall occur.

     

    
 

    
      
        
        

      

      
        2

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    (f) A
      Change
      in Control shall not be deemed to occur unless and until all regulatory
      approvals required in order to effectuate a Change in Control of the Company
      have been obtained and the transaction constituting the Change in Control has
      been consummated.

    

    
      	
            	 	
              "EFFECTIVE
                DATE"
                shall mean the first date on which a Change in Control occurs. The
                Effective Date does not occur and no benefits shall be paid under
                this
                Agreement if for any reason the Employee is not an employee of the
                Company
                on the day prior to the Effective
                Date.

            

    

    

    “EXCHANGE
      ACT”
      means
      the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any
      successor act thereto.”

    

    "GOOD
      REASON"
      means
      those events or conditions described in paragraph 9(c)(i) through (vi)
      below.

    

    "NOTICE
      OF TERMINATION"
      shall
      mean a notice which indicates the specific termination provision in this
      Agreement, if any, relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the
      facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Employee’s
      employment under the provisions so indicated. Any purported termination by
      the
      Company or Employee shall be communicated by written notice of termination
      to
      the other.

    

    “OMNIBUS
      INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN”
      shall
      mean the incentive compensation plan known as the “Black Hills Corporation
      Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan” as adopted on May 30, 2001, and as amended
      or replaced from time to time thereafter prior to the Effective Date.

    

    
      	
            	 	
              "PENSION
                EQUALIZATION PLAN"
                is the Company's pension equalization plan as amended and restated
                effective January 27, 1995, and as amended or replaced from
                time to
                time thereafter prior to the Effective Date.

            

    

    

    "PENSION
      PLAN"
      is the
      Company's tax qualified defined benefit pension plan as amended and restated
      effective October 1, 1989, and as amended from time to time thereafter
      prior to the Effective Date.

    

    “PERSON”
      shall
      have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act
      and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a “group” as defined in
      Section 13(d).

    

    "PROTECTION
      PERIOD"
      shall
      mean the time period beginning on the Effective Date and which shall expire
      on
      the second anniversary of the Effective Date; provided, that the Protection
      Period shall in no event extend beyond the first day of the month following
      the
      month in which the Employee attains age 65, if Employee is an executive officer
      of the Company on the Effective Date.

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        3

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    “RETIREMENT
      SAVINGS PLAN”
      shall
      mean the Black Hills Corporation Retirement Savings Plan (401K) as amended
      and
      restated on June 1, 2000, and as further amended from time to time thereafter
      prior to the effective date. 

    

    
      	
            	 	
              “SEVERANCE
                COMPENSATION”
                means the Employee’s base salary and annual incentive payment, together
                with discretionary bonuses paid in cash or vested stock, on a
                calendar-year basis. 

            

    

    

    
      	
            	 	
              “SUBSIDIARY”
                means any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint
                venture, or other entity in which the Company has a majority voting
                interest.

            

    

    

    
      	
            	 	
              "TERMINATION
                DATE"
                shall mean the date subsequent to a Change in Control that the Employee’s
                employment with the Company
                terminates.

            

    

    

    "WELFARE
      BENEFITS"
      shall
      mean the Black Hills Corporation Medical and Dental Plan, the Black Hills
      Corporation Flexible Benefit Plan, and the Black Hills Corporation Employee
      Life
      and Long-Term Disability Plan, and the Short-Term Disability Plan, as the

    plans
      and
      the terms and conditions thereof exist on the day prior to the Effective
      Date.

    

    
      	
              3.

            	
              TERM
                OF AGREEMENT.

            

    

    

    The
      Term
      of this Agreement shall commence on the date of execution and shall continue
      in
      effect until June 1, 2008. If no Change in Control shall have occurred during
      the Term, this Agreement shall expire. If a Change in Control occurs during
      the
      Term, this Agreement shall remain in effect for full performance according
      to
      its terms. Upon expiration of this Agreement, the Company, by action of its
      Board of Directors, may elect to renew or not renew this Agreement, or may
      offer
      to renew the Agreement subject to modifications of any term or condition, at
      its
      discretion. The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, terminate this
      Agreement prior to the expiration of the Term, in the event that Employee,
      for
      any reason, ceases to be employed with the Company in a position as an executive
      officer within the meaning of the Exchange Act.

    

    
      	
              4.

            	
              EMPLOYMENT.

            

    

    

    Subject
      to the provisions of this Agreement, during the Protection Period the Company
      agrees to continue to employ the Employee and the Employee agrees to remain
      in
      the employ of the Company. During the Protection Period, the Employee shall
      be
      employed at a position substantially similar to Employee’s position prior to the
      Change in Control or in such other capacity as may be mutually agreed to in
      writing by the parties. Employee shall perform the duties, undertake the
      responsibilities and exercise the authority customarily performed, undertaken
      and exercised by persons situated in a similar capacity.

    

    During
      the Protection Period, excluding periods of vacation and sick leave to which
      Employee is entitled, Employee agrees to devote full attention and time during
      usual business hours to the business and affairs of the Company to the extent
      necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to Employee hereunder.
      It
      is expressly understood and agreed that to the extent that any civic, charitable
      or industry-related activities have been conducted by Employee prior to the
      Effective Date, the continued conduct of such activities (or the conduct of
      activities similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the Effective
      Date
      shall not thereafter be deemed to interfere with the performance of Employee’s
      responsibilities to the Company.

     

     

    
 

    
      
        
        

      

      
        4

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    
      	
              5.

            	
              COMPENSATION.

            

    

    

    During
      the Protection Period, the Company agrees to pay or cause to be paid to employee
      Annual Compensation at a rate at least equal to the highest rate of the
      Employee’s Annual Compensation as in effect at any time within one year
      preceding the Effective Date, and as may be increased from time to time. Such
      Annual Compensation shall be payable in accordance with the Company's customary
      practices applicable to its officers and employees. For purposes of this
      Agreement, "Annual Compensation" shall mean all of the following compensation
      paid to the Employee by the Company during a calendar year: (a) amounts which
      are includable in the gross income of the Employee for federal income tax
      purposes, including base salary, targeted annual incentive bonus, targeted
      long-term incentive grants and awards; and (b) matching contributions or other
      benefits payable under the Retirement Savings Plan; but excluding restricted
      stock awards, performance units or stock options that become vested or
      exercisable pursuant to Article 15 (Change in Control) of the Omnibus Incentive
      Compensation Plan, in a calendar year. 

    

    
      	
              6.

            	
              EMPLOYEE
                WELFARE AND PENSION BENEFITS.

            

    

    

    During
      the Protection Period, the Company shall provide to the Employee the Welfare
      Benefits and the Pension Plan, including supplemental medical insurance, travel
      accident insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability or life
      insurance benefits, or other substantially similar employee welfare and pension
      benefits, but in no event on a basis less favorable in terms of benefit levels
      and coverage than the Welfare Benefits and the Pension Plan. In the event
      Employee is not a participant in the Welfare Benefits or the Pension Plan prior
      to a Change of Control, then Company shall have no obligation to provide the
      Welfare Benefits or the Pension Plan or other substantially similar employee
      welfare and pension benefits as provided in this paragraph. 

    

    
      	
              7.

            	
              PENSION
                EQUALIZATION PLAN.

               

            

    

    During
      the Protection Period, the Company shall continue to provide to Employee (if
      Employee was a participant prior to the Change in Control) coverage and
      participation under the Pension Equalization Plan or a substantially similar
      supplemental retirement plan, but in no event on a basis less favorable in
      terms
      of benefit levels and coverage than the Pension Equalization Plan.

    

    
      	
              8.

            	
              OTHER
                BENEFITS.

            

    

    

    (a) Fringe
      Benefits, Perquisites, Vacation and Sick Leave.
      During
      the Protection Period, Employee shall be entitled to all fringe benefits,
      perquisites, and paid-time-off generally made available by the Company to its
      Employees. Unless otherwise provided herein, the fringe benefits, perquisites,
      and paid-time-off provided to Employee shall be on the same basis and terms
      as
      other similarly situated employees of the Company, but in no event shall be
      less
      favorable than the most favorable fringe benefits, perquisites, or paid-time-off
      to Employee at any time within one year preceding the Effective Date, or if
      more
      favorable, at any time thereafter.

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        5

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    (b) Expenses.
      Employee shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement of all expenses
      reasonably incurred by him in connection with the performance of his duties
      hereunder or for promoting, pursuing or otherwise furthering the business or
      interests of the Company. 

    

    (c) Indemnity.
      If, at
      the time of a Change in Control, the Employee was covered by an Indemnity
      Agreement, and/or Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance (D & O) coverage, then
      the Indemnity Agreement and D & O coverage shall continue in full force and
      effect throughout the Protection Period, and beyond the Protection Period,
      with
      respect to claims arising out of acts or omissions of the Employee prior to
      a
      Change in Control. If, following a Change in Control, Company or a Successor
      Entity adopts substitute Indemnity Agreements, and/or D & O coverage, for
      employees having substantially the same authority, duties, and responsibilities
      as Employee, then Employee shall be entitled to receive the benefit of such
      protection with respect to claims arising from acts or omissions of Employee
      following a Change in Control.

    

    
      	
              9.

            	
              TERMINATION.

            

    

    

    During
      the Protection Period, Employee’s employment hereunder may be terminated under
      the following circumstances:

    

    (a) Cause.
      The
      Company may terminate Employee’s employment for "Cause." A termination of
      employment is for "Cause" if Employee (1) enters a guilty plea, pleads
nolo
      contendre
      to, or
      is convicted of a felony offense that is demonstrably injurious to the Company;
      (2) intentionally engages in other conduct which is demonstrably injurious
      to
      the Company, monetarily or otherwise; or (3) fails, after reasonable request,
      to
      cooperate with the Company or governmental authorities in connection with a
      civil or criminal regulatory investigation or proceeding, or other civil
      litigation involving the Company; provided, however, that no termination of
      Employee’s employment shall be for Cause as set forth in clauses (2) or (3),
      above, unless (i) there shall have been delivered to Employee a copy of a
      written Notice of Termination, at least thirty (30) days in advance of the
      Termination Date, setting forth that Employee was guilty of the conduct set
      forth in such applicable clause and specifying the particulars thereof in
      detail; and (ii) Employee shall have been provided an opportunity to be heard
      by
      the Board (with the assistance of Employee’s counsel if Employee so desires). No
      act, nor failure to act, on Employee’s part shall be considered "intentional"
      unless he has acted, or failed to act, with an absence of good faith and without
      a reasonable belief that his action or failure to act was in the best interest
      of the Company. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the
      contrary, no failure to perform by Employee after a Notice of Termination is
      given to the Employee shall constitute Cause for purposes of this
      Agreement.

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        6

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

     

    
 

    (b) Disability.
      The
      Company may terminate Employee’s employment after having established Employee’s
      Disability. For purposes of this Agreement, "Disability" means a physical or
      mental infirmity because of which Employee is receiving benefits under the
      Company sponsored long-term disability plan in which the Employee participates.
      Employee shall be entitled to the compensation and benefits provided for under
      this Agreement for any period during Protection Period and prior to the
      establishment of Employee’s Disability, during which Employee is unable to work
      due to a physical or mental infirmity, and up to the date long-term disability
      benefits are actually paid. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement
      to the contrary, and subject to applicable law and the provisions of the
      Company’s long-term disability policy, until the Termination Date specified in a
      Notice of Termination relating to Employee’s Disability, Employee shall be
      entitled to return to his position with the Company as set forth in this
      Agreement in which event no Disability of Employee will be deemed to have
      occurred.

    

    (c) Good
      Reason.
      During
      the Protection Period, the Employee may terminate his employment for "Good
      Reason." For purposes of this Agreement, "Good Reason" shall mean the occurrence
      after the Effective Date of any of the events or conditions described
      below:

    

    (i) A
      material reduction of the Employee’s authority, duties, or responsibilities from
      those in effect prior to the Effective Date, other than an insubstantial or
      inadvertent reduction that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt
      of
      notice thereof given by Employee; provided that, any reduction in the foregoing
      resulting merely from the acquisition of the Company, or any Business
      Combination, by reason of which the Company thereafter exists as a subsidiary
      or
      division of another entity, shall not constitute Good Reason;

    

    (ii) A
      reduction in the Employee’s Annual Compensation as defined in Section 5, or any
      failure to pay the Employee any compensation or benefits to which he is entitled
      within seven (7) days of the date due;

    

    (iii) Any
      material breach by the Company of any provision of this Agreement, including,
      but not limited to, the Company's failure to provide the Employee Welfare and
      Pension Benefits and Pension Equalization Plan as set forth in Sections 6 and
      7
      above;

    

    (iv) The
      Company's requiring the Employee to be based outside a 50-mile radius from
      Employee’s usual and normal place of work prior to the Change in Control, except
      for reasonably required travel on the Company's business which is not
      substantially greater than such travel requirements prior to the Effective
      Date;

    

    (v) Any
      purported termination of the Employee’s employment for Cause by the Company
      which does not comply with the terms of Section 9(a) above; or

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        7

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    (vi) The
      failure of the Company to obtain an agreement, satisfactory to the Employee,
      from any successor or assign of the Company to assume and agree to perform
      this
      Agreement, as contemplated in Section 14 hereof.

    

    In
      order
      to effectuate a termination under this Section 9(c), the Employee shall promptly
      deliver written notice to the Company upon the occurrence of, and stating the
      grounds for Good Reason in support of termination. For purposes of determining
      the amount of any cash payment payable to the Employee in accordance with
      Section 10, any reduction in compensation or benefits that would constitute
      Good
      Reason hereunder shall be deemed not to have occurred.

    

    
      	
              10.

            	
              COMPENSATION
                UPON TERMINATION.

            

    

    Upon
      termination of Employee's employment, prior to the end of the Protection Period,
      Employee shall be entitled to the following benefits:

    

    (a) If
      Employee’s employment with the Company shall be terminated (i) by the
      Company for Cause or Disability, or (ii) by reason of Employee’s death, or
      (iii) by Employee without "Good Reason," the Company shall pay Employee
      all
      amounts earned or accrued through the Termination Date, but not paid as of
      the
      Termination Date, including all Annual Compensation, reimbursement for
      reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by Employee on behalf of the Company
      during the period ending on the Termination Date, together with accrued vacation
      pay, and paid time off (collectively "Accrued Compensation"). In addition to
      the
      foregoing, if the Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company for
      Disability or by reason of the Employee’s death, the Company shall pay to the
      Employee or his beneficiaries an amount equal to the "Pro Rata Bonus" (as
      hereinafter defined). For purposes of this Agreement, "Pro Rata Bonus" shall
      mean an amount equal to 100% of the target bonus that the Employee would have
      been eligible to receive for the Company's fiscal year in which the Employee's
      employment terminates, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is
      the
      number of days in such fiscal year through the Termination Date and the
      denominator of which is 365.

    

    (b) If
      the
      Employee’s employment with the Company shall be terminated (other than by reason
      of death) (i) by the Company other than for Cause or Disability, or
      (ii) by Employee for Good Reason, Employee shall be entitled to the
      following:

    

    (i) The
      Company shall pay Employee all Accrued Compensation and a Pro Rata Bonus;

    

    (ii) The
      Company shall pay Employee, in lieu of any further compensation for periods
      subsequent to the Termination Date, a lump sum severance payment, in cash,
      in an
      amount equal to (w) two (2) times (x) the Employee’s average Severance
      Compensation for the most recent five taxable years ending prior to the Change
      in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Employee is an executive
      officer who has attained the age of 63 on the Termination Date, the severance
      payment to be paid under this subsection shall be the amount described above
      multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of days
      remaining until the Employee’s 65th
      birthday, and the denominator of which shall be 730.

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        8

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    (iii) Within
      ten (10) business days after the Termination Date, and as a condition of
      receiving payments provided in Section 10 (b) (ii), Employee shall execute
      and
      deliver to Company the Waiver and Release Agreement (“Release”) attached hereto
      as Exhibit A. The severance payment shall not be paid unless the Employee has
      executed and delivered the Release, and the Release has become irrevocable
      as
      provided therein. Prior to the Effective Date, the Company may revise the
      Release to conform to applicable law, so long as the Release does not increase
      the obligations of Employee thereunder;

    

    (iv) If
      Employee, prior to the Termination Date, was a participant in any Welfare
      Benefits, the Company shall at its expense continue on behalf of Employee and
      his dependents and beneficiaries, for a period of two (2) years following the
      Termination Date, the Welfare Benefits or similar benefits no less favorable
      than the benefit levels and coverage provided to Employee prior to the
      Termination Date. Employee shall pay the employee portion of applicable premiums
      required to be paid by active employees of the Company. At its election, the
      Company may provide Employee and his dependents with equivalent benefits outside
      the Welfare Benefit plans or by providing Employee a cash payment sufficient
      for
      Employee to purchase equivalent benefits, so long as the net after-tax benefit
      is the same as if the Employee had remained an employee of the Company, and
      the
      benefits made available to Employee provide no loss or discontinuation of
      benefits, and full waiver of any preexisting condition of the Employee and
      any
      of the Employee’s eligible dependents. The Company's obligation with respect to
      the foregoing benefits shall be discontinued in the event that Employee becomes
      covered under the health insurance coverage of a subsequent employer which
      does
      not contain any exclusion or limitation with respect to any preexisting
      condition of the Employee or the Employee’s eligible dependents. For purposes of
      this provision, Employee shall have a duty to inform Company as to the terms
      and
      conditions of any subsequent employment and the corresponding benefits earned
      from such employment. 

    

    (v) Following
      the two (2) year period described in Section 10(b)(iv), above, Employee may
      elect to receive coverage under employee welfare plans of the Successor Entity
      at his then-current level of benefits (or reduced coverage at Employee’s
      election) by paying the premiums charged to regular full-time employees for
      such
      coverage. Such coverage shall provide benefits no less favorable than the
      benefits and coverage provided in the Welfare Benefits, with no loss or
      discontinuation of benefits, and full waiver of any preexisting condition of
      the
      Employee and any of the Employee’s eligible dependents. In the event of this
      election, Employee shall be eligible to receive such coverage, through the
      date
      of his retirement, and subsequently shall be eligible to continue coverage
      under
      the Successor Entity’s retiree health insurance coverage.

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        9

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    (vi) Employee
      shall be entitled to an amount of credited service for benefit accrual and
      vesting purposes under the Pension Equalization Plan (if Employee was a
      participant therein prior to a Change in Control) equal to a period of two
      (2)
      years following the Termination Date, and it shall be assumed for purposes
      of
      determining benefits under the Pension Equalization Plan, that Employee’s
      employment continued during such time period at the compensation level provided
      for in Section 5 above. In addition (if Employee was a participant in the
      Pension Plan prior to a Change in Control), the Employee shall be entitled
      to a
      supplemental Pension Plan benefit, which shall be the excess, if any, of
      (x) the amount that Employee would have been entitled to receive under
      the
      Pension Plan as if (i) Employee received additional credited service
      under
      the Pension Plan for an additional two (2) years, and (ii) Employee’s
      Annual Compensation as defined in Section 5 above remained in effect during
      such
      time period over (y) the amount that Employee will actually receive under the
      Pension Plan. This supplemental benefit shall be determined using the same
      factors, actuarial or otherwise, as used in determining Employee’s Pension Plan
      benefit and shall be payable at like terms and in like manner as the Pension
      Plan benefit. This supplemental benefit is not payable unless and until the
      Employee receives Pension Plan benefits. 

    

    (vii) The
      Company shall, to the extent necessary and only to the extent necessary, modify
      the timing of delivery of Severance Compensation if it is determined that the
      timing would subject the Severance Compensation to the additional tax and/or
      interest assessed under Code Section 409A. In such event, such payments shall
      occur as soon as practicable without causing such payments to trigger tax
      penalty under Code Section 409A. 

    

    
      	
              11.

            	
              OFFSET.

            

    

    

    Employee
      shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in
      this
      Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise, and except as provided
      in
      Section 10(b)(iv), such payments shall not be reduced whether or not Employee
      obtains other employment.

    

    
      	
              12.

            	
              TAX
                EFFECT.

            

    

    

    (a) Gross-Up
      Payment. In the event it shall be determined that any Severance Compensation
      payment or distribution of any type by the Company, or by any Affiliate of
      the
      Company, or by any Person who acquires ownership or effective control of the
      Company or ownership of a substantial portion of the Company's assets (within
      the meaning of Section
      280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
      as
      amended (the "Code"), and the regulations thereunder) or any Affiliate of such
      Person, to or for the benefit of the Employee, whether paid or payable or
      distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or
      otherwise (the "Total Payments") (including but not limited to distribution
      of
      stock or options which vest upon a Change in Control pursuant to the Omnibus
      Incentive Compensation Plan), is or will be subject to the excise tax imposed
      by
      Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such
      excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties,
      are
      collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then the Company shall pay an
      additional amount (the "Gross-Up Payment") such that the net amount retained
      by
      the Employee after deduction of any Excise Tax upon the Total Payments and
      any
      federal, state, and local income tax, penalties, interest and Excise Tax upon
      the Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal to the Total Payments. The Gross-Up Payment
      shall not include applicable payroll taxes, state or federal income taxes on
      the
      Total Payments, however. The Gross-Up Payment shall be made by the Company
      to
      the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or other
      appropriate taxing agency.

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        10

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    Notwithstanding
      the foregoing, in the event that the amount of the Total Payments does not
      exceed 110% of the largest amount that would result in no portion of the Total
      Payments being subject to the Excise Tax (the “Safe Harbor Amount”), then the
      Employee’s Total Payments shall be reduced to an amount equal to the Safe Harbor
      Amount. In applying any reduction required herein, Employee may elect whether
      the noncash severance benefits or the cash severance benefits shall first be
      reduced. 

    

    (b) For
      purposes of determining the Gross-Up Payment, Employee shall be deemed to pay
      federal, state, and local income taxes at the highest applicable marginal rate
      for the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made net of the
      maximum reduction in federal income taxes that could be obtained from the
      deduction of state and local taxes. All determinations required to be made
      under
      this Section 12 shall be made by the Company in reliance upon any advice it
      deems appropriate, including but not limited to decisions regarding whether
      and
      when a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment,
      whether and in what manner any Payments are to be reduced, and the assumptions
      to be used in arriving at such determinations. The decision of the Company
      shall
      be binding on the Employee, except to the extent the IRS or a court of competent
      jurisdiction makes a final and binding determination inconsistent therewith.
      The
      Company shall provide detailed supporting calculations to the Employee within
      15
      business days after receiving notice from Employee that there has been a
      Payment, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company. Any Gross-Up
      Payment that becomes due pursuant to this Section 12 shall be paid promptly
      by
      the Company to Employee, but not later than five business days prior to the
      due
      date for the payment of the Excise Tax. As a result of the uncertainty in the
      application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination
      by the Company, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been
      made by the Company should have been made (“Underpayment”), consistent with the
      calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that the Company
      determines that there has been an Underpayment or exhausts its remedies pursuant
      to Section 12 (c), and Employee thereafter is required to make a payment of
      any
      Excise Tax, the Company shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that
      has
      occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to
      or
      for the benefit of Employee.

     

    (c) Employee
      shall notify the Company in writing of any claim by the IRS that, if successful,
      would require the payment by the Company of a Gross-Up Payment (or an additional
      Gross-Up Payment). Such notification shall be given as soon as practicable,
      but
      no later than ten business days after Employee is informed in writing of such
      claim. Employee shall apprise the Company of the nature of such claim and the
      date on which such claim is requested to be paid. Employee shall not pay such
      claim prior to the expiration of the 30-day period following the date on which
      it gives such notice to the Company (or such shorter period ending on the date
      that any payment of taxes with respect to such claim is due). If the Company
      notifies Employee in writing prior to the expiration of such period that it
      desires to contest such claim, Employee shall:

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        11

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    (i) give
      the
      Company any information reasonably requested by the Company relating to such
      claim,

    

    (ii) Take
      such
      action in connection with contesting such claim as the Company shall reasonably
      request in writing from time to time, including, 

                    without limitation,
      accepting legal representation with respect to such claim by an attorney
      reasonably selected by the Company,

    

    
      	
            	
              (iii)

            	
               Cooperate
                with the Company in good faith in order effectively to contest such
                claim,
                and 

            

    

    

    (iv) Permit
      the Company to participate in any proceedings relating to such
      claim;

    

    provided,
      however, that the Company shall bear and pay directly all costs and expenses
      (including additional interest and penalties) incurred in connection with such
      contest and shall indemnify and hold Employee harmless, on an after-tax basis,
      for any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest and penalties with respect
      thereto) imposed as a result of such representation and payment of costs and
      expenses. Without limitation of the foregoing provisions of this Section 12(c),
      the Company shall control all proceedings taken in connection with such contest
      and, in its sole discretion, may pursue or forgo any and all administrative
      appeals, proceedings, hearings and conferences with the taxing authority in
      respect of such claim and may, in its sole discretion, either direct Employee
      to
      pay the tax claimed and sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible
      manner, and Employee agrees to prosecute such contest to a determination before
      any administrative tribunal, in a court of initial jurisdiction and in one
      or
      more appellate courts, as the Company shall determine; provided, however, that
      if the Company directs Employee to pay such claim and sue for a refund, the
      Company shall indemnify and hold Employee harmless, on an after-tax basis,
      from
      any Excise Tax or income tax (including interest or penalties with respect
      thereto) imposed with respect to such payment; and further provided that any
      extension of the statute of limitations relating to payment of taxes for the
      taxable year of Employee with respect to which such contested amount is claimed
      to be due is limited solely to such contested amount. Furthermore, the Company’s
      control of the contest shall be limited to issues with respect to which a
      Gross-Up Payment would be payable hereunder. Employee shall be entitled to
      settle or contest, as the case may be, any other issue raised by the IRS or
      any
      other taxing authority.

     

    (d) If,
      at
      any time after receiving a Gross-Up Payment, Employee receives any refund of
      the
      associated Excise Tax, Employee shall (subject to the Company’s having complied
      with the requirements of Section 12(c), if applicable) promptly pay to the
      Company the amount of such refund (together with any interest paid or credited
      thereon net of all applicable taxes. 

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        12

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    
      	
              13.

            	
              OUTPLACEMENT
                SERVICES.

            

    

    

    The
      Company shall, at its expense, permit the Employee to participate in
      outplacement assistance services, as determined by the Company, which are:
      (a)
      as to executive officers, at a level appropriate for senior management of a
      public company; and (b) not more than six (6) months in duration. Outplacement
      services shall be provided in kind; cash shall not be paid in lieu thereof,
      nor
      will cash compensation be increased if Employee declines or does not use
      outplacement services. 

    

    
      	
              14.

            	
              SUCCESSORS
                AND ASSIGNS.

            

    

    

    This
      Agreement shall be binding upon any successor or assign (whether direct or
      indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or
      substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, in the same
      manner and to the same extent that the Company would be obligated under this
      Agreement if no succession had taken place. In the case of any transaction
      in
      which a successor or assign would not by the foregoing provision or by operation
      of law be bound by this Agreement, the Company shall require such successor
      or
      assign to expressly and unconditionally assume and agree to perform the
      obligations of the Company and each Employer under this Agreement, in the same
      manner and to the same extent that the Company and each Employer would be
      required to perform it if no such succession or assignment had taken place.
      

    

    Neither
      this Agreement nor any right or interest hereunder shall be assignable or
      transferable by the Employee, his beneficiaries or legal representatives, except
      by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure
      to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Employee’s legal personal
      representative.

    

    
      	
              15.

            	
              FEES
                AND EXPENSES.
                

            

    

    

    The
      Company shall pay all legal fees and related expenses (including the costs
      of
      experts, evidence and counsel) reasonably and in good faith incurred by the
      Employee as they become due as a result of (a) the Employee’s termination of
      employment (including all such fees and expenses, if any, incurred in contesting
      or disputing any such termination of employment), (b) the Employee seeking
      to
      obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this Agreement or by any
      other plan or arrangement maintained by the Company under which the Employee
      is
      or may be entitled to receive benefits; provided, however, that the
      circumstances set forth in clauses (a) and (b) of this Section (other than
      as a
      result of the Employee’s termination of employment at the expiration of the
      Protection Period) occurred on or after a Change in Control. For purposes of
      this Section, the Employee will not be deemed to have incurred legal fees or
      expenses reasonably or in good faith if, following resolution of a dispute
      under
      this Agreement, he has failed to prevail on at least one material issue in
      dispute.

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        13

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    

    
      	
              16.

            	
              NOTICE.

            

    

    

    For
      the
      purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for
      in
      the Agreement (including the Notice of Termination) shall be in writing and
      shall be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or sent by
      certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the
      respective addresses last given by each party to the other. All notices and
      communications shall be deemed to have been received on the date of delivery
      thereof or on the third business day after the mailing thereof, except that
      notice of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.

    

    
      	
              17.

            	
              NONEXCLUSIVITY
                OF RIGHTS.
                

            

    

    

    Except
      as
      expressly provided herein, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or limit
      Employee’s continuing or future participation in any benefit, bonus, incentive
      or other plan or program provided by the Company or any of its subsidiaries
      and
      for which Employee may qualify, nor shall anything herein limit or reduce such
      rights as Employee may have under any other agreements with the Company or
      any
      of its subsidiaries. Amounts which are vested benefits or which Employee is
      otherwise entitled to receive under any plan or program of the Company or any
      of
      its subsidiaries shall be payable in accordance with such plan or program,
      except as explicitly modified by this Agreement; provided, however, and
      notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement, in the event that Employee
      is not a participant in or eligible to participate in any Welfare Benefits
      or
      the Pension Plan, then nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed
      to
      provide for or suggest the right in Employee to be a participant in or be
      eligible to participate in the Welfare Benefits or the Pension
      Plan.

    

    
      	
              18.

            	
              CONFIDENTIAL
                INFORMATION.

            

    

    

    The
      Employee shall hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company
      all
      material proprietary information, knowledge or data relating to the Company
      or
      any of its affiliated companies, and their respective businesses, which shall
      have been obtained by the Employee during the Employee’s employment by the
      Company or any of its affiliated companies and which shall not be or become
      public knowledge (other than by acts by the Employee or representatives of
      the
      Employee in violation of this Agreement). After termination of the Employee’s
      employment with the Company, the Employee shall not, without the prior written
      consent of the Company or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process,
      communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other
      than the Company and those designated by it. 

    

    
      	
              19.

            	
              MISCELLANEOUS.

            

    

    

    No
      provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such
      waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Employee
      and the Company. No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach
      by
      the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of
      this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver
      of
      similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior
      or
      subsequent time. No agreement or representations, oral or otherwise, express
      or
      implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either
      party which are not expressly set forth in this Agreement.

    

    
      
        
        

      

      
        14

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    
      	
              20.

            	
              GOVERNING
                LAW.
                

            

    

    

    This
      Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with
      the
      laws of the state of South Dakota.

    

    
      	
              21.

            	
              SEVERABILITY.
                

            

    

    

    The
      provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or
      unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or
      enforceability of the other provisions hereof.

    

    
      	
              22.

            	
              NO
                GUARANTEED EMPLOYMENT.
                

            

    

    

    Employee
      and the Company acknowledge that, except as may otherwise be provided under
      any
      other written agreement between Employee and the Company, the employment of
      Employee by the Company is "at will" and, prior to the Effective Date, may
      be
      terminated by either Employee or the Company at any time. Moreover, if prior
      to
      the Effective Date, Employee’s employment with the Company terminates, Employee
      shall have no further rights under this Agreement.

    

    
      	
              23.

            	
              NO
                ADMINISTRATION.

            

    

    

    The
      parties hereto understand and agree that this Agreement shall not be subject
      to
      a separate ongoing administrative scheme to administer the benefits of this
      Agreement in that the benefits provided hereunder are capable of simple or
      mechanical determination upon the happening of a required event or
      events.

    

    
      	
              24.

            	
              SUBSIDIARY
                DEEMED TO BE COMPANY FOR PORTIONS OF AGREEMENT.

            

    

    

    In
      the
      event that subsequent to the date of this Agreement the Employee becomes an
      employee of a Subsidiary of the Company, or in the event that any Employee
      is an
      employee of a Subsidiary of the Company, the references to “Company” in this
      Agreement shall be deemed to be a reference to the Subsidiary which may employ
      the Employee to the extent necessary to preserve the intent of this Agreement;
      provided, that nothing herein shall mean or suggest that any benefits are
      applicable hereunder upon a Change in Control of a Subsidiary rather than the
      Company.

    

    
      
        
        

      

      
        15

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    
      	
              25.

            	
              ENTIRE
                AGREEMENT.
                

            

    

    

    This
      Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and
      supersedes all prior agreements, if any, understandings and arrangements, oral
      or written, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter
      hereof. 

    

    Dated
      this ____ day of _______________, _____.

    

    BLACK
      HILLS CORPORATION

    

    

    By:_________________________________

    Title:

    

    

    EMPLOYEE

    

    

    ___________________________________

    

     

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        16

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

     

     

     

    EXHIBIT
      A

    

    WAIVER
      AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

    

    

    This
      Waiver
      and Release Agreement
      (the
      "Waiver and Release") is entered into by and among Black Hills Corporation
      ("Company") and ____________________ ("Employee") this ____ day of
      _______________, _____.

    

    1. General
      Waiver and Release. For
      and
      in consideration of the agreement of Company to provide Employee the severance
      benefits described in that certain Change in Control Agreement, dated as of
      June
      ____, 2005, between Employee and the Company (the "Agreement"), Employee, with
      the intention of binding himself and all of his heirs, executors, administrators
      and assigns, does hereby release, remise, acquit and forever discharge the
      Company, and all of their respective past and present officers, directors,
      stockholders, employees, agents, parent corporations, predecessors,
      subsidiaries, affiliates, estates, successors, assigns and attorneys
      (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Released Parties") from any and all
      claims, charges, actions, causes of action, sums of money due, suits, debts,
      covenants, contracts, agreements, rights, damages, promises, demands or
      liabilities (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Claims") whatsoever,
      in
      law or in equity, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, which
      Employee, individually or as a member of any class, now has, owns or holds
      or
      has at any time heretofore ever had, owned or held against the Released Parties,
      which arise out of or are in any way connected with Employee's employment with
      the Company or any of the Released Parties or the termination of any such
      employment relationship, including, but not by way of limitation, Claims
      pursuant to federal, state or local statute, regulation, ordinance or common-law
      for (i) employment discrimination; (ii) wrongful discharge; (iii) breach of
      contract; (iv) tort actions of any type, including those for intentional or
      negligent infliction of emotional harm; and (v) unpaid benefits, wages,
      compensation, commissions, bonuses or incentive payments of any type, except
      as
      follows:

    

    
      	 	
              a.

            	
              Those
                obligations of the Company and its affiliates under the Agreement,
                pursuant to which this Waiver and Release is being executed and delivered;
                

            

    

    

    
      	 	
              b.

            	
              Claims,
                if any, for Employee's accrued or vested benefits under the retirement
                plans, savings plans, investment plans and employee welfare benefit
                plans,
                if any, of the Released Parties (within the meaning of Section 3(1)
                of the
                Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA")), as amended;
                provided, however, that nothing herein is intended to or shall be
                construed to require the Released Parties to institute or continue
                in
                effect any particular plan or benefit sponsored by the Released Parties
                and the Company and all other Released Parties hereby reserve the
                right to
                amend or terminate any such plan or benefit at any time; and

               

            

    

    
      	 	
              c.
                

            	
              Any
                rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses to which Employee
                may
                otherwise be entitled pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation or
                Bylaws
                of any of the Released Parties, or by contract or applicable law,
                as a
                result of Employee's service as an officer or director of any of
                the
                Released Parties.

            

    

    

     

    
      
        
        

      

      
        A-1

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

        Employee
      further understands and agrees that he has knowingly relinquished, waived and
      forever released any and all remedies arising out of the aforesaid employment
      relationship or the termination thereof, including, without limitation, claims
      for backpay, front pay, liquidated damages, compensatory damages, general
      damages, special damages, punitive damages, exemplary damages, costs, expenses
      and attorneys' fees.

    

    2. Waiver
      and Release of ADEA Claims. Without
      limiting the generality of the foregoing, and also for and in consideration
      of
      the Company's agreement to provide Employee severance payments and benefits
      as
      described in the Agreement, Employee specifically acknowledges and agrees that
      he does hereby knowingly and voluntarily release the Company and all other
      Released Parties from any and all claims arising under the Age Discrimination
      in
      Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 621, et seq. ("ADEA"), which Employee ever had or
      now has from the beginning of time up to the date this Waiver and Release is
      executed, including, but not by way of limitation, those ADEA Claims which
      are
      in any way connected with any employment relationship or the termination of
      any
      employment relationship which existed between the Company or any other Released
      Parties and Employee. Employee also acknowledges that he has been provided
      with
      a notice, as required by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990,
      that
      contains (i) information about the individuals covered under the Agreement,
      (ii)
      the eligibility factors for participation in the Agreement, (iii) the time
      limits applicable to the Agreement, (iv) the job titles and ages of the
      employees designated to participate in the Agreement, (v) and the ages of the
      employees in the same job classification who have not been designated to
      participate in the Agreement. Employee further acknowledges and agrees that
      he
      has been advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Waiver
      and
      Release and that he has been given forty-five (45) days to consider this Waiver
      and Release prior to its execution. Employee agrees that in the event that
      he
      executes this Waiver and Release prior to the expiration of the forty-five
      (45)
      day period, he shall waive the balance of said period. Employee also understands
      that he may revoke this Waiver and Release of ADEA Claims at any time within
      seven (7) days following its execution and that, if Employee revokes this Waiver
      and Release of ADEA Claims within such seven (7) day period, it shall not be
      effective or enforceable and he will not receive the above-described
      consideration or any payments provided for in the Agreement that have not been
      paid.

    

    3. Covenant
      Not to Sue. Employee
      acknowledges and agrees that this Waiver and Release may not be revoked at
      any
      time after the expiration of the seven (7) day revocation period and that he
      will not institute any suit, action, or proceeding, whether at law or equity,
      challenging the enforceability of this Waiver and Release. Should Employee
      ever
      attempt to challenge the terms of this Waiver and Release, attempt to obtain
      an
      order declaring this Waiver and Release to be null and void, or institute
      litigation against any of the Released Parties based upon a Claim other than
      an
      ADEA Claim which is covered by the terms of this Waiver and Release, Employee
      will as a condition precedent to such action repay all monies paid to him under
      the terms of this Waiver and Release. Furthermore, if Employee does not prevail
      in an action to challenge this Waiver and Release, to obtain an order declaring
      this Waiver and Release to be null and void, or in any action against any of
      the
      Released Parties based upon a Claim other than an ADEA Claim which is covered
      by
      the Waiver and Release set forth herein, Employee shall pay to the Company
      and/or the appropriate Released Parties all their costs and attorneys' fees
      incurred in their defense of Employee's action.

    

    
      
        
        

      

      
        A-2

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    Provided,
      however, that it is understood and agreed by the parties that Employee shall
      not
      be required to repay the monies paid to him under the terms of this Waiver
      and
      Release or pay the Company and/or the appropriate Released Parties all their
      costs and attorneys' fees incurred in their defense of Employee's action (except
      those attorneys' fees or costs specifically authorized under federal law) in
      the
      event that Employee seeks to challenge his Waiver and Release of Claims under
      the ADEA.

    

    4. Denial
      of Liability.
      Employee
      acknowledges and agrees that neither the payment of severance payments or
      benefits under the Agreement nor this Waiver and Release is to be construed
      in
      any way as an admission of any liability whatsoever by Company or any of the
      other Released Parties, by whom liability is expressly denied.

    

    5. Agreement
      Not to Seek Further Relief. Employee
      acknowledges and agrees that he has not, with respect to any transaction or
      state of facts existing prior to the date of execution of this Waiver and
      Release, filed any complaints, charges or lawsuits against any of the Released
      Parties with any governmental agency or any court or tribunal, and that he
      will
      not do so at any time hereafter. Employee further acknowledges and agrees that
      he hereby waives any right to accept any relief or recovery, including costs
      and
      attorneys' fees that may arise from any charge or complaint before any federal,
      state or local court or administrative agency against the Released
      Parties.

    

    6. Company
      Property. Employee
      agrees that he will not retain or destroy, and will immediately return to the
      Company, any and all property of the Company in his possession or subject to
      his
      control, including, but not limited to, keys, credit and identification cards,
      personal items or equipment provided for his use, customer files and
      information, all other files and documents relating to the Company and its
      business, together with all written or recorded materials, documents, computer
      disks, plans, records or notes or other papers belonging to the Company.
      Employee further agrees not to make, distribute or retain copies of any such
      information or property.

    

    7. Confidentiality
      Agreement. Employee
      acknowledges that the terms of this Waiver and Release must be kept
      confidential. Accordingly, Employee agrees not to disclose or publish to any
      person or entity, except as required by law or as necessary to prepare tax
      returns, the terms and conditions or sums being paid in connection with this
      Waiver and Release.

     

    
 

    
      
        
        

      

      
        A-3

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    8. Cooperation.
      Employee
      agrees to cooperate with the Company and its attorneys in connection with all
      lawsuits, claims, investigations, or similar proceedings, including the
      provision of testimony as my reasonably be required, arising out of or in any
      way related to Employee’s employment by the Company or any of its
      Subsidiaries. 

    

    9. Acknowledgment.
      Employee
      acknowledges that he has carefully read and fully understands the terms of
      this
      Waiver and Release and the Agreement and that this Waiver and Release is
      executed by Employee voluntarily and is not based upon any representations
      or
      statements of any kind made by the Company or any or the other Released Parties
      as to the merits, legal liabilities or value of his claims. Employee further
      acknowledges that he has had a full and reasonable opportunity to consider
      this
      Waiver Release and that he has not been pressured or in any way coerced into
      executing this Waiver and Release.

    

    10.  Choice
      of Laws. This
      Waiver and Release and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto shall
      be
      governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of South
      Dakota.

    

    11.  Severability.
      With
      the
      exception of the waiver and releases contained in Sections 1 and 2 above, if
      any
      provision of this Waiver and Release is unenforceable or is held to be
      unenforceable, such provision shall be fully severable, and this Waiver and
      Release and its terms shall be construed and enforced as if such unenforceable
      provision had never comprised a part hereof, the remaining provisions hereof
      shall remain in full force and effect, and the court construing the provisions
      shall add as a part hereof a provision as similar in terms and effect to such
      unenforceable provision as may be enforceable, in lieu of the unenforceable
      provision. In the event that both of the releases contained in Sections 1 and
      2
      above are unenforceable or are held to be unenforceable, the parties understand
      and agree that the remaining provisions of this Waiver and Release shall be
      rendered null and void and that neither party shall have any further obligation
      under any provision of this Waiver and Release.

    

    12. Entire
      Agreement. This
      document contains all terms of the Waiver and Release and supersedes and
      invalidates any previous agreements or contracts regarding the same subject
      matter. No representations, inducements, promises or agreements, oral or
      otherwise, which are not embodied herein shall be of any force or
      effect.

    

    
      
        
        

      

      
        A-4

        
          

        

      

      
        
        

      

    

    IN
      WITNESS WHEREOF,
      the
      undersigned acknowledges that he has read this Waiver and Release Agreement
      and
      sets his hand and seal this ____ day of _______________, _____.

    

    EMPLOYEE

    

    

    ____________________________________

    

    

    BLACK
      HILLS CORPORATION

    

    

    By:__________________________________

    Title:

    

    

    Subscribed
      and sworn to and subscribed before me this _____ day of _______________,
      _____.

    

    

    ____________________________________

    Notary
      Public

    My
      Commission Expires:

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00087-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00087-of-00352.parquet"}]]