HIGHLINE notes November 2020
Kรถrber Pharma Systems, page 4 Coloring Contest, page 7 Board Updates, page 9 Kรถrber automation technicians work to assemble packaging equipment for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
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November 2020 | Highline Notes 1
editorial
Guest Editorial: Project Tundra merits thorough research and evaluation Mac McLennan, Minnkota Power Cooperative president & CEO strategy is a critical part of Minnkota’s future power supply planning. While 42% of our generation capacity is currently carbon-free, we are evaluating a project that could significantly increase our percentage of carbon-free power by the end of the decade without sacrificing reliability or increasing costs compared to alternatives. If it seems too good to be true, let me explain.
Minnkota Power Cooperative is proud to use North Dakota’s homegrown resources to provide wholesale power to Cass County Electric Cooperative and 10 other electric cooperatives in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. By using a diverse mix of the state’s coal, wind and hydro resources, we are able to meet your energy needs 24 hours a day. Although Minnkota has added a significant amount of renewable energy over the last 15 years, coal remains a critical resource to ensure the reliability of the electric grid. Harsh winters in the Upper Midwest can significantly limit the ability of wind and solar farms to operate for extended periods of time. Minnkota and many of its neighboring utilities depend on baseload resources, such as coal, to provide the energy people need during these extreme weather events. Maintaining an all-of-the-above
Minnkota is in the process of thoroughly evaluating Project Tundra – an effort to build a carbon capture facility at our largest coal plant located 40 miles from Bismarck. State-of-the-art technologies are currently being explored to remove an amount of CO2 equivalent to permanently taking 600,000 gasoline-fueled vehicles off the road. The CO2 would then be safely and permanently stored more than a mile underground in deep, geologic formations. Historically, the hurdle for carbon capture has been economics. Now, however, Congress has opened the door with 45Q tax credits, which work similarly to the tax credits that have been enjoyed by wind and solar projects for many years. These tax credits will cover the vast majority of Project Tundra’s estimated $1.1 billion construction cost and future operating expenses. To be clear, Minnkota will not pursue Project Tundra if it places a significant risk on the membership against other future power supply options.
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Carbon capture may be new to some, but it is a well-established technology that has been in use for decades. That being said, there is a substantial amount of work that must be completed before we will know if the project is right for our facility. Currently, Minnkota is in the process of completing an advanced engineering and design study that will provide vital technical and economic information. Thorough research is also being conducted on the underground storage facility with leadership from the Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota. Test wells have been drilled down 10,000 feet to meticulously review the geology to ensure the injection of CO2 will be safe. We anticipate that our research and evaluation process will be completed in mid-2021 and a decision will be made on whether to move forward with the project late next year. Throughout the Project Tundra evaluation process, we’ve received invaluable bipartisan support from our state and federal delegations in North Dakota. Most importantly, we’ve received outstanding support from our membership and countless member-consumers across the region. We will continue to communicate with the member cooperative boards as we navigate through this project. Electricity is essential to our everyday life. We all want to push for it to be a better product – safer, more reliable, affordable for every
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Highline Notes
Content in Every Issue
Volume 78, Number 11
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community ads
safety
household, and as clean as possible. To reach these goals, it remains our belief at Minnkota that carbon capture technology must be implemented regionally, nationally and across the world. In fact, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – the world leaders in
photo
recipes
climate data and modeling – have made it clear that we will not meet ambitious climate goals without the advancement of carbon capture. Our hope is that Project Tundra can help bring this breakthrough technology another step toward widespread adoption.
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Board Meeting Highlights September
The Cass County Electric board of directors met on Sept. 29, 2020, and discussed the following topics: • Chairman Svenningsen read the resignation letter from John Froelich (District 1) and regretfully accepted his resignation. • Approved the September 2020 consent agenda of the regular board meeting consisting of minutes of the previous meeting, monthly department reports, director expense report, and the August purchased power adjustment (PPA). • The board welcomed Robert “Macâ€? McLennan, president/CEO of Minnkota Power Cooperative, who visited with the board and provided updates from Minnkota Power. • President/CEO Marshal Albright gave the President’s Report, noting brief updates on meetings with local legislators, the new safety violation operating procedure, updates from the Minnkota manager’s meeting, reviewed the agenda for the upcoming planning retreat, and an update on the EV fast charger ribbon cutting with the FMWF Chamber. • The board approved increasing the 2020 budget by $50,000 for additional tree trimming expenses due to summer storms. • The board welcomed Josh Kramer, NDAREC executive VP and general
manager, who visited with the board and provided updates from our statewide association. • The board approved allowing former director John Froelich to keep his Apple iPad provided by the cooperative. • The board appointed Director Marcy Svenningsen to serve the remaining term of the District 1 director seat. • Approved the September 2020 capital credit estate payments. • Accepted the August 2020 financial report. • Received updates from the Minnkota board meetings. • The board approved the recommendations from management staff to revise Policy 326 – Idle Services, to charge a line retention fee based on the current base charge for the respective account, which will be charged monthly to the member. • The board reviewed the upcoming meetings and events and rescheduled the December board meeting to Dec. 22, 2020. • The board approved to cast a vote for Jared Echternach, president/CEO, of Beltrami Electric Cooperative, for NRUCFC District 6 board of directors. The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020.
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Communications Team: Sara Hand Jocelyn Hovland      Printer: Forum Communications Printing Board of Directors: Douglas Anderson Sid Berg Kalvin Hoff, Treasurer Terry Kraft Wendy Loucks Glenn Mitzel, Secretary Thomas J. Seymour Marcy Svenningsen, Chair Jeff Triebold, Vice Chair Executive Staff: Marshal Albright, President/ CEO Jodi Bullinger, VP of Engineering & Operations Paul Matthys, VP of Member & Energy Services Chad Sapa, VP of Corporate Services & CFO Tim Sanden, VP of Information Technology & CIO Highline Notes (USPS 244-740) is published monthly by Cass County Electric Cooperative Inc., 3312 42nd St. S., Suite 200, Fargo, ND 58104. Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, North Dakota 58104, and at additional mailing offices. Subscription Rate: 28¢/month. Postmaster: Send address changes to Highline Notes 3312 42nd St. S., Suite 200 Fargo, ND 58104 Š Copyright Cass County Electric Cooperative 2020. All rights reserved. Questions: 701-356-4400 800-248-3292 info@kwh.com Call before you dig: 800-795-0555 or 811 Information about the cooperative, articles of incorporation, bylaws and more can be found at CassCountyElectric.com.
November 2020 | Highline Notes 3
Kö r b e r Pharma Systems by Luann Dart When Körber Pharma Systems began drafting blueprints for its new footprint, one of its first calls was to Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC). The new site did not include any electrical utilities, so the lines of communication – and the power lines – were soon humming. And communication with the cooperative helped the construction go much more smoothly. “It’s been really great to be able to have the contacts and get to know some of the people while working with them. For future growth and everything else, it just makes everything easier. The communication is really set up well. I think everybody keeps each other well-informed,” said Brian Jacobson, the vice president of operations with Körber Pharma who worked with CCEC in extending electrical service to Körber’s new 15,000-square-foot plant at 124th Ave. S. in Horace. While Körber is a well-established company globally, its footprint in the Fargo area is fairly fresh and rapidly growing. In 2017, Körber purchased Fargo Automation, which had been a locally owned company on 34th St. N. since 1996.
That sole location, however, soon proved to be too confining.
for them and for anyone else.”
CCEC also provided Körber with an electricity use forecast, so the “We expanded it up to our company could better budget its property lines to where we operating costs into the future. couldn’t grow the building “The key in all of this is anymore,” Jacobson said. communication,” Miller said. So, Körber looked south “We’re always just a phone call along the I-29 corridor to construct away.” a facility for machining and office space. And Jacobson appreciated the personal contact throughout the “It was an opportunity to have expansion. a large enough space to where we could always keep expanding “It becomes way more personal. and not run out of room within It’s surprising how businesses get the property,” Jacobson said. bigger, but you’re still able to have CCEC extended power lines to that personal connection with accommodate the new facility and people within those businesses,” kept the future in sight. he said. “Everybody is easy to talk to. You can always reach out when “We have put some things in you need something.” place to ensure the future growth of Körber. We installed a switch In February, Körber held its grand nearby, so as they grow and opening at the new facility, as that area develops, we’ll be moving its machining enterprise able to handle other loads. We to the south location and can upgrade the transformer, if keeping assembly at the north needed,” said Bob Miller, business location. The company’s goal is to accounts executive with CCEC. eventually move the entire facility “We are ready for them to expand into the new location. at any moment.” “The plan is to basically expand Extending electrical service was that building and move the entire not insurmountable, but had its facility under one roof again,” challenges. Jacobson said. The existing north campus is twice the size “We had to rethink that a little of the new south campus, so an bit and make sure we take the expansion on the south campus necessary measures to ensure would be extensive. And CCEC they have a reliable energy source continues to work with Körber to and we can serve them well,” provide reliable service. Miller said. “We’re trying to futureproof everything, too, so we realize “Every member is important, of what’s necessary for future growth course. Some of our commercial
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“KĂśrber Pharma is actively working with vaccine producers on projects related to planned COVID vaccines. There is potential that machines produced in Fargo will form part of the future supply chain put to work to fight the virus.â€? - Brian Jacobson
members have sophisticated equipment and processes downtime can be costly, making service reliability essential. We want to communicate any planned utility work with the member and keep them informed in the event of an outage so they can plan accordingly,â€? Miller said. “We are there for the members to try to help them as much as possible.â€? With 118 employees in Fargo, KĂśrber is a leading international technology group based in Hamburg, Germany, that has around 10,000 employees and more than 100 locations all over the world. In Fargo, the focus lies on manufacturing custom automated pharmaceutical and medical packaging and handling equipment, selling to a global market. For instance, it creates pharmaceutical packaging equipment that handles syringes or medications. At the new facility, raw material is sliced with a water jet or sawed to size, then placed into computerized numerical control (CNC) machines to produce the final parts. COVID-19 has impacted the business, as it has most businesses. “It’s definitely changed the way we do business,â€? Jacobson said. “A majority of it is how we maintain people’s health and the rules we had to put in place to ensure their safety and continue operations.â€?
KĂśrber provides innovative, automated equipment for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Shown: Overhead syringe transport
But a COVID-19 vaccine may increase the need for its services. “KĂśrber Pharma is actively working with vaccine producers on projects related to planned COVID vaccines. There is potential that machines produced in Fargo will form part of the future supply chain put to work to fight the virus.â€? Jacobson shared. A pharmaceutical packaging company is unique to Fargo, Jacobson said, but Fargo has been receptive. “It’s really been based off the culture around here. The amount of effort many in the community put forth toward growth is appreciated and can be seen throughout the area. We do a lot of custom manufacturing, so NDSU (North Dakota State University) and the engineering department has been vital for us,â€? he said. “KĂśrber is an example of what our region has to offer, that we can be high-tech and very competitive with other parts of the country and the world using our resources that we have in the state to help power our local economy. It’s a way to help drive our local economy and keep things as local as possible,â€? Miller said. “There are a lot of things that go on in our backyard that not everybody realizes. People would be surprised to know that things like that are done here in North Dakota, and there are a lot more stories like KĂśrber, too. This is a great place for businesses to be and we continue to encourage that.â€?
Example of detail CNC machining
North campus assembly area South campus machining area
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November 2020 | Highline Notes 5
Holiday Lighting Contest
Merry, bright, and EFFICIENT! Decking the halls doesn’t have to take a toll on your energy bill! Keep your holiday lighting merry, bright, and energy efficient with LED light strands. Here are a few quick tips to kick your holiday season off worry free! Consider replacing older light strands with LED lights. LED strands use 90% less electricity than regular lights and last 10 times longer than the old standard bulbs. You can get the look of cozy lighting with LEDs. Just look for
Win an LED Holiday Christmas Lighting Package from Cass County Electric Cooperative! Visit CassCountyElectric.com/ LEDlights to sign up for a chance to win $200 worth of new holiday lights. You choose the color(s)! The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Nov. 20, 2020.
“warm white” on the label. Unlike older strands, LED lights give off virtually no heat, making them safer for kids and pets (and reindeer).
These gems of technological advancement truly sip electricity and are even lower cost when paired with a timer. A reasonable estimate of power consumption is seven watts per 100 lights. How Save energy by setting a timer for does that compare to the old outdoor lighting and decorations. incandescent? Each of those bulbs Program the timer, so the lights used 12 watts, so a string of 100 turn on in the evening and turn off devoured 1200 watts! at night when you typically sleep. Making the switch to LED lights In addition to the information will ensure you can enjoy the listed, there is the cost of operation convenient, cost-effective lights savings from LEDs. Your holiday throughout the most cheerful display does not have to cost you time of year! unreasonable amounts of money.
Electric Cooperative is partnering with Home Instead to help make the holidays memorable for local seniors that otherwise may not receive a gift. Here’s how you can help: • Visit Cass County Electric Cooperative at 4100 32nd Ave S Fargo. SHARE THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WITH A SENIOR! • Remove a bulb with the senior’s gift request Be a Santa to a Senior by Home Instead Senior Care from the tree in our lobby. identifies seniors in our area that may be lonely or • Purchase the requested gift(s) listed on the bulb. financially challenged and coordinates the purchase • Return the bulb and unwrapped gift(s) in the and delivery of a holiday gift. This year, Cass County designated box by Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. 6 Highline Notes | November 2020
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Coloring Contest
Submit your child’s coloring sheet and tell us why their teacher is the best around. One student will receive $50 to Scheels, and the teacher wins $100 to Target for supplies. The winner will be announced on Nov. 20, 2020. Email to ccec@kwh.com or mail to CCEC, Attn: Color Contest. By returning the sheet, you acknowledge that your child’s name and completed page may be used on our social media channels. Please include name, age, parent’s/guardian’s names, teacher and statement with the submission.
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November 2020 | Highline Notes 7
- UNCLAIMED CAPITAL CREDITS In March 2020, Cass County Electric Cooperative directors approved a general retirement of $2 million in capital credits to members who purchased electricity prior to 1999. Check our website for friends and family. If you recognize a name, please let the individual know that they can contact Cass County Electric Cooperative at 800-248-3292 or info@kwh.com to claim their capital credit check.
CassCountyElectric.com/capital-credits
2021 DIRECTOR ELECTIONS If you are a Cass County Electric Cooperative member and are interested in becoming a director, contact Karen Egeberg at 701-356-4405 for a 2021 director election petition packet. In compliance with bylaw requirements, a petition, biographical information and such other information as the board or credentialing committee may require to establish and verify the qualifications of the proposed director to serve must be delivered to the cooperative office no less than 90 days (Jan. 20, 2021) prior to the date of the Annual Member Meeting of Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at which an election will be held: District 2 Douglas Anderson (I) Arthur District 3 Sidney Berg (I) Colfax District 5(1) Wendy Loucks (I) Fargo Following the cooperative bylaws, the board of directors voted to appoint current at-large director, Marcy Svenningsen, to fill the unexpired term, through 2022, in District 1 that opened with director Froelich’s resignation. This appointment created a vacancy in the at-large director position. The board appointed Terry Kraft, board candidate in the 2020 director election, to fill the unexpired at-large term, through 2023, until the 2021 Annual Meeting. District 1 Marcy Svenningsen (I) Valley City District At-Large Terry Kraft (I) West Fargo Directors are elected by ballot for a three-year term and must be a bona fide resident of the director district in which they are seeking directorship.
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 (3 Directors) District 6
* Director 9 is an at-large position The names of all candidates who submit the required information in the time and manner specified in Article III. Section 3.6 of the Bylaws will be submitted to a credentialing committee consisting of between three and eight members, as determined by the Board of Directors. The credentialing committee may require candidates to provide and verify additional information deemed relevant by the credentialing committee. CCEC bylaws and articles of incorporation can be found at CassCountyElectric.com; a written copy is also available upon request.
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- Board of Directors Update John Froelich Knowledge, dedication, and committed board members are the cornerstone of the cooperative business model. Cass County Electric Cooperative thanks John Froelich, District 1, Valley City, ND, for 25 years of service to the cooperative and the membership. Mr. Froelich served as board secretary from 1996 through 2015 and served on many board committees throughout
his tenure. Froelich farmed for 35 years and, at one point, raised 400 head of registered Angus cattle. Since retiring, he has served his community by delivering meals to the elderly, managed a local rural cemetery, served on numerous committees and boards, and recently served as a Barnes County commissioner. We wish John the best in his future endeavors!
Marcy Svenningsen Following the cooperative bylaws, the Cass County Electric Cooperative board of directors voted to elect current at-large Director, Marcy Svenningsen, to fill the unexpired term in District 1 that recently opened with Director Froelich’s resignation. This appointment created a vacancy in the at-large director position. The board elected Terry Kraft (board candidate in the 2020 director election) to fill the
unexpired at-large term until the 2021 Annual Meeting. Members will have the opportunity to vote for District 2, District 3, District 5(1), District 1, and District atlarge directors at the 2021 Annual Meeting. If you would like additional information regarding the process of filling director vacancies or how to become a director, please contact Karen at 701-356-4405.
Terry Kraft The CCEC Board of Directors recently voted for Terry Kraft to fill the At-Large director position. Terry Kraft ran for the board of directors in 2020. Kraft says that he always had an interest in electrical power generation and distribution, and the impact it has on society. He also noted, “Service levels provided by Cass County Electric Cooperative (some of the best in the country)
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impact all of us daily and should never be taken for granted”. Serving as a Cass County Electric Cooperative director will allow him to utilize past management and operational experience to help support the cooperative’s mission and future initiatives for growth. He also expressed, “I look forward to serving the community”. November 2020 | Highline Notes 9
tech
Techy, safe, and sanitary: PhoneSoap Your smartphone stores many things – contacts, emails, social media platforms, and GERMS. Everything you touch, from grocery carts to money can carry microbes that are transferred to and stored on your phone. It’s time to open your eyes to the realization your phone is a breeding ground for germs. Studies show your smartphone is 18 times dirtier than a public restroom.
PhoneSoap uses UV-C lights to kill undergoing laboratory testing, germs, and it does not emit heat PhoneSoap eliminated 99.9% or harmful chemicals. of common household germs, including bacteria that leads to To sanitize your phone, simply E.coli, Salmonella, staph, flu, and place it in the PhoneSoap the common cold. compartment and close the lid. The sanitization cycle starts Unfortunately, just using alcohol automatically and runs for wipes will not do the trick to roughly 10 minutes (PhoneSoap deep clean your phone. If you are 3) or 5 minutes (PhoneSoap Pro). skeptical, you can find the review When the glowing blue lightning on YouTube. PhoneSoap has not bolt icon on the top shuts off, been tested on COVID-19, but the sanitation is complete. One keeping your phone clean reduces PhoneSoap and products like downfall of PhoneSoap is it your exposure to harmful bacteria it are devices that sanitize and doesn’t take fingerprints out, that could impact your health. neutralize bacteria collected on so you will still have to use a your phone, keys, and other small microfiber cloth. Bottom line items. PhoneSoap offers a range At $80 for the basic version, of products that vary in size, price, The PhoneSoap 3 fits all phone PhoneSoap seems worth the and how fast they sterilize devices. models and sizes and can sanitize investment if you don’t plan on more than just smartphones, washing your hands and face How it works including keys, credit cards, before and after each time you After unboxing the PhoneSoap, earbuds, and watches! If you are pick up your device. This small you are welcomed with a modern, concerned about size, check out device packs a powerful punch sleek design and a power PhoneSoap’s other products at and provides users peace of mind adaptor. PhoneSoap 3.0 has two PhoneSoap.com. while delivering real results. If standard 5V USB ports accessible PhoneSoap does not fit your on the back of the device next Does it work? budget, you can use a microfiber to the unit’s power port. You The question is, does PhoneSoap cloth and a gentle disinfectant. can also plug your phone in to actually work? The Discovery You can also be thrifty and create charge before placing it into the Channel did a deep dive on your own cleaner by mixing 40% “mini tanning bed” to sanitize. PhoneSoap and found that, after rubbing alcohol and 60% water. 10 Highline Notes | November 2020 CassCountyElectric.com
give back Operation Round Up Cass County Electric Cooperative Foundation
Interested in joining the Operation Round Up team as a director? The board of directors meets quarterly and determines the distribution of funds based on available funds, assistance required, and severity of needs. Directors consist of members from each of our six districts of Cass County Electric Cooperative and one at-large member. Please contact Jessica Mack at jmack@kwh.com for additional information.
Cass County Electric Cooperative members that round up their bills, and employees that round down their paychecks, have raised over $3.25 million for local nonprofit organizations. These funds benefit members within Cass County Electric Cooperative’s service area. If your organization is interested in applying for funds, please visit CassCountyElectric.com/oru.
September 2020
Applications reviewed Organization 12 Individual 1 Emergency 1 Applications approved Organization 11 $50,200 Individual 1 $800 Emergency 1 $500 Applications denied 1 Applications tabled 0 2020 Year-to-Date Summary Per member average contribution $3.83 Average member participation 82.1% Total income $146,992 (Income includes contributions, interest earned, and donations/memorials.)
Applications approved
50
Featured Recipient:
Quilts of Valor
Quilts of Valor (QOV) Foundation started in 2003 with a dream - literally a dream. Founder Catherine Roberts’ son Nat was serving a deployment in Iraq. According to Catherine, her dream painted a vivid image of a young man whose demons surrounded him, and in the next scene, he had a quilt with love sewn in each seam. Each QOV is made with quality and is not a “charity quilt” - it is “awarded.” Each QOV says, “Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and valor in serving our nation.” Quilts of Valor has awarded more than 250,000 quilts across our nation to date.
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November 2020 | Highline Notes 11
ads
All ads must be 40 words or fewer and will be abbreviated following our guidelines. No real estate or commercial ads will be accepted. Ads are published for members at no charge as space permits on a firstreceived, first-printed basis. Ads are due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Members may submit only one ad per issue. Editor reserves the right to edit or reject any ad. Email ads to: ccec@kwh.com.
A 2021 calendar will replace the typical Highline Notes format in December. Look for ads to return in January.
For sale: 1 tire, 106T discover, 235/70R16, mt. only on 16” rim, like new, $65. 701361-5040 Red Wing Crocks, good cond. Beater jars (quart size) – 2. One of each of the following: 2-gal, 3-gal, 4-gal, 5-gal, 20-gal. Fargo. 701-7994677 Quilting frame, like new, 2 lengths of boards, one for small quilt, one for large, $40. 701-490-3161 Bayview Pacific bicycle (girl model) 26” tires, blue like new, $50. 320304-2761 Apartment size piano, very good cond. $400/OBO. Metal fence posts & orange snow fence, $50/OBO. LP grill, decent cond. $100/OBO. Older sports card sets. 701-371-9779 12-piece lighted Christmas silhouettes of Nativity scene, three
kings, shepherd & sheep, 2 angels, 1 star. Powder-coated frames w/ attached lights, 47”-68” H, Set $60. Lge pickup load of seasoned firewood, make an offer. 701-2930805 Work bench ww/2 drawers & 2 open compartments, 54”W x 20”D x 39”H, pegboard included, $40. 701-371-2961 Deutz-Allis, 54 hp diesel w/loader & snow bucket. Live PTO & 3 point hitch, rear tire chains. Rotary mower w/3 point hitch. All very good cond. 701-400-1010 Powerpartner 6000 Kawasaki stand by generator w/20’ power cord to plug into pole, used twice, recoil start, $450. 701-484-5284 Ceramic acrylic paints, several colors, some fined greenware. 701351-1190
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12 Highline Notes | November 2020 CassCountyElectric.com
1964 – 1966 Ford Mustang: EC259 Champion All Aluminum Radiator, 2-Row Core, cools up to 350hp, radiator 19.63” W x 21” H, core: 17.25” W x 16.38” H x 1.75” thick, Inlet: 1.5” - Outlet: 1.75” - Tanks: 2.5” thick, Tubes: 0.75” thick, new w/spacer kit, cost $268.50 asking $150. davel@ slcomp.com 1980s 826 JD snowblower, works well, $120. 701-238-9892 4 point backhoe attachment. Two 400 versatile 18 ft swathers. Hay crimper on one. Two 400 versatile swathers for parts. 701-430-1964 Wanted Rosemeade Pottery produced in Wahpeton from 1940-1961. Pheasant trays, figurines, advertising pieces, dog head ashtrays, rare items, complete collections. 701-405-3772
s safety Do your part. #BeCyberSmart
Let’s face it: Humans cannot live without their phones, gadgets, and technology. On average, Americans check their phones 96 times per day. If you do the math, that’s once every 10 minutes. Together with Cass County Electric Cooperative, it’s time to do your part to stay safe online and on your phone. We gathered a few tips to help you learn the different types of schemes and common tricks cyberattackers are using today. Follow these tips to do your part in protecting each other’s information.
Reme elect mber: Hu ric e ntin neve quipmen g r in s eason t is !
Phishing is a type of cyberattack that uses a disguised email or text as a weapon. The goal is to trick the recipient into believing the message is something they want or need – a bank request, contest win notification, or note from their CEO leadind them to click on the link or download an attachment. A crisis, like the pandemic, gives attackers a hook to reel in their bait.
suspicious, contact that source report spam. via call, text, or message their - Report it directly on your phoneknown social media account. look for the report junk or spam - Don’t post personal data, like button your birthday, vacation plans, - Copy the message and forward it home address, or phone number to 7726 (SPAM) publicly on social media. - Please report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/ Smishing complaint It’s not uncommon to receive a text from an unknown number trying to trick you into revealing personal information. Scammers are using multiple tactics to acquire your passwords, account numbers, and Social Security number. Scammers are smooth and use stories that correlate with current events, such as the election, a package pick-up notice, fake invoices, or promises to pay off student loans. Nine times out of 10, scammers will ask you to click on a link that could install harmful malware onto your device, and like a ghost, you will not realize that it’s stealing your personal information.
There are several steps you can take and mindsets you should get into that will keep you from becoming a phishing statistic, including: - Always check the spelling of the URLs in email links before you click or enter sensitive information. - Watch out for fake or cloned websites, they look similar, but the web address does not match. - If you receive an email from a known source, but it seems
Dealing with smishing The first thing you should do when you receive a link from an unexpected text message is to slow down. Do not click on any links! If the company is legitimate, they will not ask for your personal information through a text message. To verify the text message information, call the company directly using the phone number on their website. When in doubt, do not click the link and delete the message. There are a few ways to
Example
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November 2020 | Highline Notes 13
photo ND Through Your Eyes
We look forward to publishing member photos that encompass anything North Dakota. Upload your image to CassCountyElectric.com/photo to have your image considered for the magazine.
Bradley Hurajt, West Fargo
- Member Calendar Photo Contest -
Over the past few months, we invited members to share their most captivating North Dakota images for a chance to appear in our 2021 calendar! An employee team reviewed the photos submitted for the calendars, and 13 winners were selected. Each monthly winner received $50, with the cover photo winner receiving $100! The calendars will be mailed out in place of our December issue of Highline Notes, so look for beautiful North Dakota scenes in your mailbox early in December. 14 Highline Notes | November 2020 CassCountyElectric.com
o
food
Hearty Slow Cooker Soups & Stews
Email recipes to ccec@kwh.com or mail to: Cass County Electric; Highline Notes, 4100 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58104
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil 2 pounds stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes Salt and ground black pepper, to taste 1 pound baby red potatoes, quartered 4 carrots, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices 1 onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups beef broth 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Preparation
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, to taste. Add beef to the skillet and cook until evenly browned, about 2-3 minutes. Place beef, potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic into a slow cooker. Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire, thyme, rosemary, and paprika until well combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and 1/2 cup stew broth. Stir in flour mixture into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes, or until thickened.
Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana Ingredients
1 pound ground hot Italian sausage 1 teaspoon garlic, minced 1 yellow onion, chopped 4 russet potatoes, diced Salt, to taste Black pepper, to taste 4 cups chicken broth 1 bunch kale, stems removed and torn into bite-sized pieces 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Preparation
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown and crumble hot Italian sausage, about 5-8 minutes. Add onion and garlic and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until some of the onion begins to turn translucent (no need to cook onion completely at this point). Drain grease from skillet. In a slow cooker, add cooked sausage & veggies plus the diced potato. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour chicken broth on top. There should be enough broth to cover the tops of the potatoes; if there is not, add up to 2 cups water so potatoes are covered. Gently stir ingredients, cover slow cooker, and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Remove lid from crock pot and add kale and heavy whipping cream, then stir to combine. Cover slow cooker and cook on high for another 30 minutes.
Slow Cooker Bean and Bacon Soup Ingredients
saltine crackers
1 pound dried Great Northern Beans or 5 (15.5) cans small white beans, drained 6 cups chicken stock 3 carrots, diced 2 ribs celery, diced 1 onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 3/4 pound bacon, cut into pieces 3 tablespoons tomato paste 3 green onions (just the green part) Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Rinse dried beans and soak overnight covered in water. Drain beans and place in slow cooker. In a skillet, add bacon and cook until crispy, remove and set aside. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, give it a good stir and cook 3-4 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low. Using an immersion blender, give the soup a few pulses just to make it creamier. Or you can remove 1 1/2 cups of the soup and put it in a food processor or blender, then add it back into the soup. Serve it with some extra bacon, some green onions on top and a bunch of saltine crackers.
CassCountyElectric.com
November 2020 | Highline Notes 15
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HOLIDAY NIGHTS ~ at the Red River Zoo ~ Presented by Cass County Electric Cooperative
5:30 PM to 8:30 PM: Nov. 27 & 28, Dec. 4 & 5, Dec. 11 & 12, Dec. 18 & 19 Spot the elf scavenger hunt | Campfire & s’mores station | Stroll through the festively decorated zoo Special animal presentations & encounters | Reduced admission | Free carousel rides 16 Highline Notes | November 2020 CassCountyElectric.com