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CooperaN

COOPERATIVE

News

Wisconsin

ENERGY Cooperative

contents January 2020

News

CEO

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Message

Survey shows boost in co-op consumer conﬁdence.

6 15 28 30

On the

COVER

Cooperative spirit prevails on Washington Island.

Cheers to new beginnings!

NEWS BRIEFS

Electric co-ops welcome new faces.

MY CO-OP

Find out what’s happening at your local electric cooperative.

CLASSIFIEDS

Buy, sell, and trade with readers from across Wisconsin.

EVENTS

Frozen fun awaits this month.

Happy

TRAILS

Newest warming shelter enhances Rusk County snowmobiling.

Recipes

Warm up with oatmeal.

Kids &

CRITTERS

Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.

STOPPING SCAMS FOR BETTER SERVICE

TIPS TO AVOID SCAMS

Scammers can threaten you with everything from shutting off power to your home to legal action. Don't fall victim to these types of scams.

Here are a few reminders from your electric co-op.

January 2020

03_0001.indd 1

• Co-op employee never show up a door to demand

• Never give perso information to a unknown caller o Co-op represent have access to t they need to ser your account.

• Demands for im payment by wire cryptocurrency, or cash reload c should immedia raise red flags.

• If you think you’ contacted by a s falsely represent co-op, please let know as soon as

12/18/19 10:24 AM

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR New beginnings

In October, we happily welcomed back readers from Vernon Electric Cooperative. This month, for the first time ever, this publication Dana Kelroy, Editor is being distributed to the members of Washington Island Electric Cooperative (WIEC). A little cheesehead geography for you: Washington Island sits off the very tip of Door County. As you will see in the story that begins on page 9, Washington Island residents receive power from WIEC, Wisconsin’s smallest electric cooperative. What they lack in size, they make up for in heart. I mentioned in October to our new Vernon Electric readers that as a member of your local electric cooperative, you are entitled to know and understand how your utility operates. After all, you are owner-members. You receive this publication because your co-op sees the value of including you as part of the unified voice of Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives. Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News not only shares local co-op information (found on pages 15-18), but also offers more on the general pages, including in-depth news stories about legislative and regulatory issues, energy-efficiency tips, young member coverage, recipes, and travel features highlighting Wisconsin destinations within the small communities and rural areas where our state’s electric co-ops are located. This month on page 8, Steve Freese talks about a recent national consumer survey where co-op members gave their cooperatives high marks—from acknowledging the co-op is a trusted information source to commending their reliable service. This is timely info as the state’s electric cooperatives faced back-to-back snowstorms Thanksgiving weekend. Co-op members consistently praised their cooperatives on Facebook, appreciating co-op employees’ work in less than ideal circumstances over a holiday weekend. On page 13, we offer some tips to protect yourself from fraud. Scammers seem to target individuals during these cold, winter months. Their empty threats of cutting power are even more intimidating when outside temperatures are frigid. On page 20, we have oatmeal recipes that are just the ticket to warm you up when it’s cold outside. If the cold doesn’t bother you, see the story on page 24 about snowmobiling in Rusk County. There are also plenty of outdoor events on page 30 to cure your cabin fever. Cheers to the new beginnings a new year brings, and welcome to the WECN family, to our new readers from Washington Island! 4

January 2020 Vol. 80 No. 7 The Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News (Formerly Wisconsin R.E.C. News) has been published monthly and distributed since July 1940 to members of Wisconsin’s non-profit, consumer-owned rural electric cooperatives. It is available to non-members for $10 per year or $28 for three years. Members pay $6.93 per year. Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Steve Freese, president & CEO. USPS number: 688-480. Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Periodicals postage paid at Baraboo, Wis. Send correspondence to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Phone (608) 467-4650. Web site: www.wecnmagazine.com. Co-op Members: Please send address changes to your local electric co-op. Contact information can be found on page 18. Steve Freese Dana Kelroy Mary Erickson Julie Lund Ann Bailey Geri Miller

WECA president & CEO editor associate editor contributing writer graphic designer advertising consultant

For advertising opportunities please email ads@weca.coop. The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. We reserve the right to refuse advertisers. Please recycle

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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NEWS BRIEFS NEW YEAR, NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP

Some Wisconsin electric co-ops are ringing in the new year with new managers at the helm.

TAYLOR ELECTRIC

Kenneth Ceaglske is the new president & CEO of Taylor Electric Cooperative, effective January 3. For the past eight years, Ken served as general manager at Niobrara Electric Association in Lusk, Wyoming. Previous to that he worked in the transmission operations area of Great River Energy in Elk River, Minnesota, and held various positions at East Central Energy in Braham, Minnesota. His past service also includes 13 years on the City Council for the City of Braham, Minnesota, with three years as mayor. Ken takes over for Michael Schaefer, who retired after 37 years with Taylor Electric. Schaefer started as office manager in July 1982, and served as president/CEO since June 1992.

DUNN ENERGY Jesse Singerhouse takes the helm as the new CEO and general manager at Dunn Energy. Singerhouse is a longtime employee of the co-op, having served for more than 20 years, most recently as manager of administrative and member services. A Menomonie native, Jesse still lives on the family farm he grew up, and now operates the fifth-generation family farm. His great grandfather, Fred Williamson, worked as a rural electrician who helped bring power to many farms and homes during the beginning of the rural electrification program almost 80 years ago. He worked his way up at Dunn Energy, beginning as an intern during college. At the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, he earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education and an MBA in business management. Singerhouse takes over for James Hathaway, who retired after about 30 years of leadership at Dunn Energy Cooperative. Hathaway took home the statewide’s highest honor in 2018, the ACE (Ally of Cooperative Electrification) Award. Hathaway’s energy industry career includes service to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and later the Rural Electrification Administration. He joined Dunn Energy in 1990 as its finance manager, and took on the role of general manager and CEO in 1994. “WORST IN 18 YEARS”

not only led to outages, but also made access extremely difficult for those working to restore power. Chippewa Valley, Clark, AdamsColumbia, Vernon, Central Wisconsin, and Oakdale Electric Cooperatives all sent two-man crews to assist in hard-hit co-op areas including Eau Claire and Riverland Energy Cooperatives, and Oconto and Alger-Delta Electric Cooperatives, where the one-two weather punch led to outages lasting as long as seven days.

SECOND-YEAR SWEEP FOR OAKDALE IN SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION

High School; second place, a $500 scholarship went to Carson Hewitt, Reedsburg Area High School; and third place, a $250 scholarship was earned by Lily Schmitz, Sparta High School. Essay submissions were based on information presented at the WECA Youth Leadership Congress. Scholarship awards will be paid to the winning entrants upon proof of registration at any accredited college, university, or technical school.

Parts of Wisconsin, mainly in the north and west near the snowbelt, were hit with back-to-back winter storms in the days before and after Thanksgiving that resulted in three feet or more of heavy, wet snow. “Due to the combination of heavy snow and high winds, I rate this storm as the worst in 18 years just for difficulty in access,” said Robert Cornell, manager of Washington Island Electric Cooperative. Cornell says the heavy, wet snow weighed down trees and branches, which

For the second consecutive year, students sponsored by Oakdale Electric Cooperative earned all three scholarships offered in this year’s WECA Youth Leadership Congress essay contest, held in conjunction with the annual co-op immersion event held in July at UW–River Falls. First place, a $1,000 scholarship, was awarded to Amanda Holmes, Mauston 6

WECA WELCOMES JENNIFER TAYLOR TO STAFF

Jennifer Taylor joined the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association this week as the new executive assistant. Jennifer is a Watertown native and a 1995 graduate of UW-Madison. She brings years of administrative experience to the position, and as an artist, she also brings creativity and the ability to assist with visual media. Jennifer lives in Madison with her husband, David, and two cats.

CYBER ATTACKERS TARGET SMALLER UTILITIES

Smaller utilities, some of which are near critical infrastructure, are being targeted by international hackers in what is likely an ongoing campaign. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has contacted some of the affected utilities, which include Wisconsin Rapids Water Works and Lighting Commission, Cloverland Electric Cooperative in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and Basin Electric Power Cooperative, a North Dakota utility which provides wholesale electricity to 141 electric cooperatives in nine states. According to the Wall Street Journal, Hong Kong-based hackers are targeting smaller utilities in what’s being called the “Lookback” cyberattacks, which were identified by researchers at a Silicon Valley cybersecurity company. The hackers use “phishing” emails that, if opened, may install malware on utility computers. None of the identified attempts to breach information have been successful. Matt Stormoen, information systems administrator at Wisconsin Rapids Water Works and Lighting Commission, says the FBI contacted the municipal utility in October suggesting it may have been targeted early in 2019. Stormoen says the Commission is now blocking all network traffic, including email, to and from Hong Kong.

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Heavy, wet snow pulls power lines nearly to the ground. Photo courtesy of Alex Glomski and Kris Dubiel, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative.

hen back-to-back snowstorms hit Wisconsin electric cooperatives in the central and northern parts of the state recently, the timing was bad, and the conditions were worse. The first storm rolled in just before the Thanksgiving holiday, which means many co-op employees were not watching football and sleeping off the turkey and fixings—they were at work. Linemen logged long days restoring power, and just when the job was almost complete—the next storm hit. And these weren’t the mild-type storms. These storms brought high winds, stinging sleet, and mainly heavy, wet snow that weighed down the trees and brought down lines from Eau Claire to Ogema to Stiles. Eventually, power was fully restored, and many members in the communities they serve responded with much gratitude and appreciation. In a word, they were thankful. Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives work hard to provide safe, reliable electricity, and as member-owned organizations, they are also an integral part of the community. A dedication to open communication and transparency every day of the year helps build the foundation for a trusting relationship. A newly released survey shows the people on the front lines at our electric cooperatives are getting it right. A recent national survey commissioned by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and conducted by Frederick Polls finds big gains in electric co-op consumer confidence, compared to just one year ago. In the survey, 84 percent of consumer members say their electric co-op keeps them informed about its actions, and 83 percent said it is a trusted source for information about energy use and devices, including solar (both up 5 points from 2018). Eighty-three percent of members say their co-op is a partner in understanding energy technologies and controlling electricity costs, up from 73 percent last year. Other positive data shows co-ops holding steady with prior surveys on overall job performance (93 percent positive), providing reliable service (95 percent positive), and quickly restoring service after outages (92 percent positive). Most respondents (56 percent) say their household electric bills are “about right” or “a bit low” versus 41 percent who say their bills

are “too high.” Fifty-seven percent say they would be loyal to their co-op even if allowed to choose a provider whose “price is slightly lower.” Even more (69 percent) would be loyal to the co-op over a competitor with no price difference. Questions about political engagement show a majority of members feel their co-op should encourage people to vote (75 percent), should send updates about government actions impacting co-ops (69 percent), and should ask members to contact elected officials on co-op issues (59 percent). Nearly all (96 percent) say they will vote in the 2020 elections. And despite reports of economic troubles in rural America, 75 percent of those who described themselves as “rural” say their local economy is strong. Finally, respondents in the survey overwhelmingly said electric co-ops are one of the most stable and longest operating members of local small town and rural America communities and as such, have a crucial role to play helping strengthen the local economy. The positive results of this annual survey, and the reaffirming appreciation electric cooperatives receive directly, such as feedback received after the recent storms, is a testament to the men and women who work so hard to build the trust of consumer members. One consumer posted to Oconto Electric Cooperative: “We are secluded with hard to reach power lines and they got us back on tonight!!! Thank you! Thank you!!” Another said to Washington Island Electric Cooperative: “Thank you to all the WIEC employees, you do an amazing job under less than desirable circumstances!” To Eau Claire Energy Co-op, “Love our linemen! Thanks for all your hard work! Be safe!” We are thankful for the co-op employees who didn’t get to spend Thanksgiving with their families this year. We are thankful for all of our members for their support. We are thankful not just to serve local communities, but to be part of local communities. And we are thankful for all of consumer members. (The telephone survey, which has been conducted annually for the past six years, polled 750 co-op consumer-members in mid-July. It has a margin of error of 3.6 percent.)

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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ISLAND POWER COOPERATIVE SPIRIT PREVAILS 17

ON WASHINGTON ISLAND

th Century poet John Donne coined the phrase “no man is an island” as a way of pointing out that people need each other to thrive. His famous words allude to the fact that by working together, people can overcome challenges that might otherwise seem insurmountable. One can’t help but wonder if Donne would ﬁnd it a bit ironic to discover that his quote has long been practiced on an actual island—Washington Island, just off the tip of Door County. This 35-square-mile piece of land is a popular retreat for vacationers seeking a peaceful getaway from the hectic pace of everyday life. Labeled an “Idyllic Isle” in a 2018 Wisconsin Favorites article in this very publication, Washington Island has beaches, boat tours, hiking trails, lavender ﬁelds, museums, and more that draw tens of thousands of visitors each year, mostly during the summer and early fall. However, there’s more to the island than what the tourists typically come to see. Washington Island is a year-round

home to 710 people, according to the last census, many of whom have family links to the island extending back multiple generations. The island’s unique geography that attracts visitors by the thousands also necessitates resourcefulness and cooperation in its permanent residents, qualities that are no less idyllic than the beaches and ﬁelds.

Robert Cornell, manager of Washington Island Electric Cooperative, stands in front of the co-op office, the same building the co-op has occupied since it was first started in 1939 (incorporated in 1940). This building used to be a butcher shop owned by the Schmidt family, who farmed on the property behind the building. Through the years the building has undergone several renovations, with additional garage and shop space added on.

Cooperation Throughout To say that all of Washington Island is a cooperative place is not an exaggeration. If you live here, you belong to at least one co-op—Washington Island Electric Cooperative (WIEC). As the only power provider on the island, WIEC is an essential community team member, partnering with other entities not just to fulﬁll the seventh cooperative principle of Concern for Community, but because it’s simply the best way—and quite often the only way—to perform some essential tasks in a community where resources are limited. And as WIEC Manager Robert Cornell frequently

points out, “What’s good for the island is good for the co-op.” For example, WIEC is the only outfit on the island with a bucket truck. As such, the co-op often works with the town when it comes to tree trimming, sharing equipment and crews whether serving the co-op’s specific needs or the town’s. The co-op also lends a hand— and equipment—to take out nuisance trees, clear overgrowth around community facilities, hang seasonal lights at the community center, and perform other tasks for the good of the island. An otherwise slow day might find a January 2020

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co-op lineman at work in the garage, making one of the banner holders that appear throughout the island. “Why have the town spend $300 on a banner holder when we can make them ourselves?” Cornell reasoned. By working together in this way, the community is able to do more— sometimes much more—with less. Not many small communities can boast a lighted Little League ballfield, for example, but Washington Island has one. Cornell explained that some years back, the local Lions Club decided to install lights at the Little League ballfield in memory of Irwing “Henry” Nelson, WIEC’s second manager (Cornell is the third). WIEC donated the poles and labor, the Rural Electric Supply Cooperative (RESCO) donated all the underground wire, and a couple of local electricians donated material. In addition, Cornell obtained light fixtures at cost, and the co-op shared that cost equally with the Lions Club. To maximize use of the lights, the Lions Club sets up a skating rink at the ballfield during the winter months, resulting in a year-round youth recreation facility that enhances the quality of life on the island.

Small in Numbers Only

With just 1,100 meters, WIEC is the smallest of the state’s electric co-ops. Cornell is not only the manager, but also one of the co-op’s linemen. He’s one of only four WIEC employees, with office manager Mary Andersen and linemen Mike Jorgenson and Don Johnson rounding out the staff. By necessity, each performs a multitude of tasks. “You name it, we do it,” Cornell said. “We do our own tree trimming, and we maintain our own vehicles. It’s just the four of us doing all of this on our own.” When circumstances call for more help, Cornell can always count on one of his board members. Secretary-Treasurer Lee Engstrom has gone out in a number of bad storms to serve as Cornell’s groundman. Just recently, Engstrom worked a 14-hour shift with Cornell following a severe

Cooperation comes through during Island’s cable replacement project

This is a damaged piece of cable, with what Cornell calls a “$4 million hole” caused by repeated ice shoves over many years. Repair of the damaged submarine cable between Washington Island and the Door County mainland was performed from a barge. (Photo courtesy of Curt Plaunt, Bois Blanc Island Ferry)

ashington Island’s recent submarine cable repair/replacement project brought to light just how unique the challenges are when it comes to providing electric service to an island. At the same time, the project highlighted the power of cooperatives—and of cooperation in general—in overcoming those challenges. Early in the morning of June 15, 2018, the 37-year-old cable carrying electricity from the tip of the Door County Peninsula to Washington Island across the Porte des Morts Straights failed. Subsequent examination of the underwater cable showed that it been catastrophically damaged by repeated ice shoves. Washington Island Electric Cooperative (WIEC) restored service in less than half an hour by activating two generators. However, mechanical problems disabled one of them within days, bringing calls for heightened conservation by co-op members, who responded positively. In the meantime, Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) set to work obtaining a regulatory waiver to keep delivery of the new generator from being delayed. The generators provided the entire island with power for the two weeks it took to bring repair vessels to the scene, locate the fault, raise the damaged cable to the surface, and splice in new sections of cable for a temporary fix. WECA also helped obtain a disaster declaration from then-Governor Scott Walker, directing state agencies to assist with ongoing repair. For a permanent solution, the co-op made plans to reroute a replacement cable across Plum Island, a route where ice shoves have not historically been a problem. Rerouting the cable over Plum Island also meant one of three sections of the cable would be over land, which would make any future repairs much easier. Moving forward with this plan required a permit to have the replacement cable cross the uninhabited Plum Island, which is part of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. WECA helped facilitate this process by endorsing WIEC’s plan in public comments. Typically, a permit of this type takes years to obtain, but in this case it was granted within weeks. Racing against time, officials worked to install the new cable before winter weather set in and forced a hold on the project, which was completed in early February. The total cost to repair and replace the damaged cable was more than $4 million. Washington Island’s isolation kept the number of people affected by the damaged cable from meeting criteria for an emergency declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). So WECA and WIEC turned to Governor Tony Evers’ office and state legislators to try to get a $2 million appropriation in the budget bill. This quest was ultimately successful thanks in part to all of the state’s electric cooperatives, which gave their united support to the measure and lobbied their legislators for budget assistance for Washington Island during WECA’s 2019 Education and Lobby Day event.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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WIEC Board President Orion Mann is the third generation of his family to operate Mann’s Store, the only grocery store on Washington Island. Mann’s grandfather, George Mann, opened the business as a mercantile store since 1902. George Mann also served as president of WIEC’s first board of directors. WIEC Director Hoyt Purinton is president of the Washington Island Ferry Line; his grandfather, Arni Richter, was also a WIEC director. Purinton is a fourth-generation captain whose skills were essential when the main cable to the island was damaged in 2018 (see sidebar). WIEC Manager Robert Cornell said Purinton is the one who located the damaged portion of the cable and took the diver out to the spot. Calling the ferry line “a huge partner,” Cornell said the ferry line also allowed docking for all the materials and personnel needed for the months-long project at no cost.

snowstorm on December 1. Board President Orion Mann and Director Hoyt Purinton have helped out during service calls as well. And if they’re not available, Cornell’s own wife, Patty, who has a Commercial Driver’s License, has been known to drive the truck. “There’s not a lot of co-ops that can say, a) the board secretary goes out on outage calls, or b) the wife of the manager goes out,” Cornell chuckled. He also pointed out that being the only power provider to an island of one government entity opens up some opportunities when it comes to providing extra services. When the State Legislature began requiring utilities to spend 1.2 percent of their gross operating revenues on energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in 2005, utilities had the option of contributing their share to Focus on Energy or operating their own Commitment to Community programs. WIEC opted to keep the money on the island and provide its own program, focusing on community projects that benefit the entire island. Some of the projects WIEC has completed as part of its Commitment to Community program include installing energy-efficient lighting in the community center, the school, and the Art

and Nature Center, and starting a solar project at the school.

Getting Things Done

A look back through the co-op’s history shows that WIEC has always found a way to get things done, despite the challenges that are inherent with living on an island. This includes the co-op’s very formation. In the 1930s and ’40s, it was hard enough to bring electricity across miles of countryside to a sparsely populated farming community, but it was even more challenging for a sparsely populated community surrounded by water and separated from the nearest city by a seven-mile strait treacherous enough to be known as Death’s Door. Indeed, WIEC was the last electric co-op in the state to be energized, at the end of 1945. The journey to that point was long and challenging. Ray Krause, who served as WIEC’s first manager, is credited with bringing electricity to the island. He recounted the journey in an article for the Washington Island Forum in 1974. In that article, he recalled that when he first came to the island in the 1920s, only four places had electricity, provided by gasoline-driven generators. In the 1930s Krause began to seriously explore

how electricity could be brought to the island on a bigger scale. Krause was dogged in his exploration, often traveling at his own expense to meet with various people who offered little hope at first. Krause wrote that in about 1935, he was encouraged to learn that nearby Beaver Island (Michigan), smaller than Washington Island, had succeeded in getting a loan from the newly established Rural Electrification Administration (REA) for a small diesel generating unit. Krause set to work trying to obtain a loan for Washington Island; however, REA initially said such a project wouldn’t work. It wasn’t just REA officials he had to convince otherwise. Most island residents were skeptical, at best. “Many citizens thought I was crazy to keep at this,” Krause wrote, “that the town would be bankrupt, that I was getting paid somehow for all this, etc., or that I wouldn’t do it. I was criticized severely and called every mean name you can think of and some you can’t think of.” REA eventually granted the loan, and Krause was appointed coordinator of the project. He and attorney Herman Leasum went to work obtaining rightof-way easements and convincing more people to sign on as members, still not an easy task. “I wish there was more time and space to list the various reasons why they didn’t want lines on or over their property,” Krause wrote. “Some of them were, ‘It will spoil my land,’ ‘It may kill my animals,’ ‘When this project fails, which I know it will, the government will take away my land,’ etc.” The first meeting of the incorporators was held on August 24, 1940, but another setback occurred in 1941 with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The fledgling co-op had just begun staking lines when REA gave word that all operations were to be suspended as materials were needed for the war effort. Krause turned to teaching school, returning to the island’s rural electrification project when it resumed in 1945. Records show WIEC was built on the sixth Cooperative Principle, Cooperation Among Cooperatives, with its first diesel generating unit purchased used from January 2020

WECN Jan20Feature1.indd 3

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Waushara Electric Cooperative (now part of AdamsColumbia Electric Cooperative) for $4,000. The first member to be hooked up to electricity was the high school, “because the children would soon be future citizens,” Krause wrote.

Diesel Engines on Display

The cooperative’s growth is carefully recorded in the back rooms of the co-op office, which house each of the generators that at one time powered the island. “We call this our museum,” Cornell said. The island was powered by diesel generating units until the cost of diesel fuel skyrocketed, justifying the cost of running a cable underwater from the mainland to the island. That operation, captured on film by Cornell’s grandfather, occurred in 1981. Cornell himself was on hand for this momentous transition to cable. “I’d like to tell you I remember [the diesel engines] running,” he said. “They ran 600 rpms, in the background, all the time. But the only time I really remember them is when they weren’t running because it was silent. The people who lived across the street couldn’t sleep at night when they stopped running because of the quiet.” Cornell said the engines continued to be used as backup until 1996, when two state-of-the-art engines capable of carrying the island’s entire load, if necessary, were added. They were called upon to do just that a little over a year ago, when repeated ice shoves caused catastrophic damage to a piece of the underwater cable, cutting off the power source for 12 days (see sidebar) until the cable could be repaired and ultimately replaced. The generators did their job; through this harrowing time, members were only out of power for two and a half hours.

Future Projects

A more robust electrical system is not the only positive outcome of the monumental cable replacement project. WIEC used the opportunity to perform additional upgrades, all for the good of the island. Fiber-optic cable was laid along with the new three-cable system installed between Washington Island and the mainland, opening the door for future fiber projects. Just recently, WIEC finished laying fiber from Washington Island to nearby Plum Island. A fiber pilot project, in conjunction with telecommunications provider NSight, is currently underway on a loop of Washington Island. Also, the new cable was rerouted through Plum Island, between Washington Island and the mainland, which created an opportunity for WIEC to install service feeds on the uninhabited island. Plum Island is part of the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and it’s home to an historic Coast Guard life-saving station and boathouse. There’s limited public-access docking at the island, and a couple of annual events that include transportation to it. However, the lack of electricity and potable water on the island has limited the potential for tourist opportunities and renovations to the historic structures. The newly installed service feeds make such projects possible. WIEC may not be immediately benefitting from this latest upgrade, but the groundwork is now in place for projects that will benefit all of Washington Island in the future. It’s fair to guess to that John Donne himself would approve. —Mary Erickson

Ray Krause, WIEC’s first manager, consults with lineman Conrad Schmidt. Schmidt’s family owned the former butcher shop that became the WIEC office building. The co-op’s original diesel engine, a 1936 unit bought used from Waushara Electric Cooperative for $4,000, is on display in the shop space behind the co-op office along with the other diesel units that once powered the island. This engine is but one example of WIEC’s reliance on the Sixth Cooperative Principle, Cooperation Among Cooperatives. The co-op also has two safes bought used from Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative in 1953, and a third safe that came from Oconto Electric Cooperative (visible at left behind Krause in the top photo). Also, records show the co-op’s founders routinely turned to nearby Oconto Electric in establishing WIEC. WIEC’s first member to be hooked up to electricity was the island’s high school, now an Art and Nature Center, used regularly for various classes and events.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN Jan20Feature1.indd 4

12/17/19 8:06 AM

STOPPING SCAMS FOR

BETTER SERVICE CONSUMERS URGED TO HELP FIGHT FRAUD

ur increasingly connected world is giving scammers more opportunities to connect with unsuspecting consumers, and local authorities, utilities, and other businesses are working overtime to keep people informed. They suggest that “if you see something, say something,” is a vigilance adage that can help prevent you, your family, or your business from being victimized. “The Federal Trade Commission has been hearing about scammers impersonating utility companies in an effort to get your money,” said Lisa Lake, a federal consumer education specialist. “Your reports help us ﬁght these scams.” Electric cooperatives are among the businesses and consumer organizations supporting Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS). The international consortium of electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer providers, and trade and industry associations is sharing information on payment scams, identity theft, sales, and service schemes. Imposter scams are the most common type of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), according

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WECN Jan20Feature2.indd 1

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TIPS TO AVOID SCAMS

Scammers can threaten you with everything from shutting off power to your home to legal action. Don't fall victim to these types of scams.

Here are a few reminders from your electric co-op. to UUAS ofﬁcials. “Impersonators call homes and small businesses demanding payment for supposedly delinquent bills and threatening to terminate service.” The frequency of the incidents picks up during peak heating and cooling seasons, in part because consumers are most concerned when temperature extremes increase the urgency of maintaining utility service. Variations on the scam are also becoming more common. Rather than making an initial claim that a consumer owes an outstanding balance, some scammers are now claiming an overpayment is the reason for a telephone call to a consumer. They will make contact in an attempt to get banking information so they can process a refund. “Never give banking information over the phone unless you place the call to a number you know is legitimate,” wrote the FTC’s Lake in an FTC blog. There has also been an uptick in door-to-door scams by people claiming to represent utility providers like your electric co-op. Representatives knock or ring the doorbell offering to replace or repair a meter or other device, or solicit personal information to sign a consumer up for programs that could reduce their energy bills. They may try to charge you for the phony service, sell you unnecessary products, collect personal information for use in identity theft, or simply gain entry to steal valuables, ofﬁcials said. 14

• Co-op employees will never show up at your door to demand payment. • Never give personal information to an unknown caller or visitor. Co-op representatives have access to the details they need to service your account. • Demands for immediate payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or cash reload cards should immediately raise red flags. • If you think you’ve been contacted by a scammer falsely representing the co-op, please contact the co-op as soon as possible.

High-pressure demands are a common tactic in many of the schemes. Urging immediate decisions or actions, like immediate payment, particularly by a specific option like a gift card, wire transfer, cell phone, or third-party computer app should raise serious concerns. Utility-connected scams are common, because utility services are so common. Lighting, heating, water, and sewage services are all essential to modern living, so any threat of service disconnections can provoke a lot of anxiety. Your first defense is personal awareness of your account status, including knowing whether balances are up to date. This is becoming more important as scammers use more automatic dialers or robocalls to phish for potential marks. “Even if the caller insists you have a past due bill, that’s a big red flag,” said Lake, offering an alternative response. “Contact the utility company directly using the number on your paper bill or on the company’s website. Don’t call any number the caller gave you.” Derrill Holly writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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Cranberry Pecan Granola 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/2 tsp salt 1 Tbsp vanilla extract 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 2 cups chopped pecans 4 cups dried cranberries

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Line two jellyroll pans with silicone mats or parchment. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, heat the oil, sugar, syrup, and salt until clear, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla extract. Place the rolled oats and the pecans in a large mixing bowl and pour the sugar mixture over. Stir with a spatula to coat the oats and pecans evenly. Divide the mixture between the lined jellyroll pans, patting with the back of the spatula to make thin, even layers. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes, rotating the sheets and stirring halfway through. Cool slightly before stirring in the dried cranberries and storing.

Warm Up to Oatmeal

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN Jan20Recipes.indd 2

12/17/19 1:30 PM

Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Cookies 8 oz package cream cheese, softened 8 Tbsp margarine or butter, softened 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs 1/2 tsp vanilla 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1-1/2 tsp baking soda 3 cups oats (quick or oldfashioned, uncooked) 1 cup chopped nuts Powdered sugar (optional)

In large bowl, beat cream cheese, margarine/butter, and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add melted chocolate; mix well. Add combined flour and baking soda; mix well. Add oats and nuts; mix well. Cover; chill at least 1 hour. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place 3 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Makes about 6 dozen. Bake 8–10 minutes or until cookies are almost set. (Centers should still be moist. Do not overbake.) Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired. Store tightly covered. COOK’S NOTE: To melt chocolate chips, place in 1-quart glass measuring cup or microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1–2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Or, place in top part of double boiler over hot, not boiling, water; stir occasionally until smooth.

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats 1/2 cup oats 1/2 cup nonfat milk 1/4 cup plain, nonfat yogurt

1/2 cup apple, chopped 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp honey 1 tsp chia seeds

Add oats to your container of choice and pour in milk and low-fat yogurt. Add in a layer of chopped apples, and top off with cinnamon, drizzle of honey, and chia seeds. Place in fridge and enjoy in the morning or a few hours later. Let steep for at least 8 hours in a refrigerator 40 degrees or colder. Best to eat within 24 hours.

Quaker’s Best Oatmeal Muffins Muffins 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup oats (quick or old-fashioned, uncooked) 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1 cup skim milk 1/4 cup canola oil 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 tsp vanilla Streusel 1/3 cup oats (quick or old-fashioned, uncooked) 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 2 Tbsp margarine or butter, chilled and cut into pieces

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line twelve medium muffin cups with paper baking cups or spray bottoms only with cooking spray. For streusel, in small bowl, combine oats, flour, and sugar; mix well. Cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives until mixture is crumbly. Set aside. For muffins, in large bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, and baking powder; mix well. In small bowl, combine milk, oil, egg, and vanilla; blend well. Add to dry ingredients all at once; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not overmix.) Fill muffin cups almost full. Sprinkle with reserved streusel, patting gently. Bake 18–20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool muffins in pan on wire rack 5 minutes. Remove from pan. Serve warm.

Spinach-Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf 3/4 cup oats (quick or old-fashioned, uncooked) 1 cup coarsely chopped mushrooms 1/4 cup chopped onion 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 lb 99% lean ground turkey breast 1/2 cup fat-free milk 1 egg white, lightly beaten 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend 1/2 tsp salt (optional) 1/4 tsp black pepper

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly spray medium skillet with cooking spray. Cook mushrooms and onion in skillet over medium-low heat 4 minutes or until onion is tender; remove from heat. Add spinach, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese; mix well. Set aside. In large bowl, combine turkey, oats, milk, egg white, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mixing lightly but thoroughly. Spoon 2/3 of turkey mixture lengthwise down center of 11-x 7-inch glass baking dish. Form a deep indentation down middle of turkey; fill indentation with reserved spinach mixture. Top with remaining turkey, forming a loaf. Seal edges to completely enclose spinach filling. Bake 30–35 minutes or until thermometer registers 170 degrees and juices show no pink color. Remove from oven; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Return to oven 1–2 minutes or until cheese melts. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing. COOK’S NOTE: If ground turkey breast is not available, 1 pound 90% lean ground turkey may be substituted. Proceed as recipe directs.

Photos and recipes on this page courtesy of the Quaker Oats Company

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12/17/19 1:30 PM

RECIPE EXCHANGE Submit your favorite recipes to be featured on our reader recipe page. Email to jennifer@weca.coop. For bonus recipes, go to http://wecnmagazine.com/recipes/.

Fast Chocolate-Pecan Fudge

Grandma’s Fry Bread

1/2 cup butter or margarine 3/4 cup cocoa 4 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup evaporated milk 1 cup pecan pieces

2 cups ﬂour, unsifted 1/2 Tbsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 3/4 cup warm water 1/2 cup lard

Liz Behrendt, Arkdale

Line an 8-x8-x2-inch pan with aluminum foil; set aside. In a 2-quart microwave-proof bowl, microwave butter on high (full power) 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until melted. Add cocoa; stir until smooth. Stir in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla; blend well (mixture will be dry and crumbly). Stir in evaporated milk. Microwave on high, 1–2 minutes or until mixture is hot. Stir until smooth; add pecan pieces. Pour into prepared pan. Cover and chill until ﬁrm; cut into squares. Store covered in refrigerator. Conventional Directions: Prepare pan as above. In medium saucepan, melt butter. Remove from heat; stir in cocoa. Stir in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla; add evaporated milk. Stir constantly over low heat until warm and smooth; add pecan pieces. Pour into prepared pan; chill and store as above.

Old-Fashioned Brown Sugar Fudge

Lorraine LaMarr, Greenwood

1 cup brown sugar 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup milk 1 Tbsp butter 1/2 cup chopped nuts 1 tsp vanilla Combine sugars and milk and cook to 234 degrees (soft ball stage), stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add butter. Cool to 110 degrees or until bottom of the pan feels warm. Add nuts and vanilla and beat until thick and creamy. Pour into buttered 8-x8-inch pan. Cool and cut into squares. 22

Virginia Yanda, Friendship

Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together; add water. On a floured tabletop, knead it all together until it is a soft ball of dough, but not too sticky. Cover the ball of dough with a towel for 5–10 minutes. Break the dough ball into four pieces. Flatten and shape pieces into flat rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. In a large heavy skillet (grandma always used her cast iron fry pan), heat the lard until it is hot and fry the dough rounds one at a time, until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side.

Potato Pancakes

Bonnie Morrow, Friendship

1 cup ﬂour 2 tsp salt 2 tsp baking powder 1/8 tsp white pepper 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup milk 4 Tbsp melted butter 2 Tbsp grated onion 3 cups grated raw potato Maple syrup or applesauce (optional) Grate potatoes just before using to prevent discoloring. Combine all ingredients and drop by the spoonful, spreading out, and fry until brown on both sides, about 3 minutes. Serve with syrup or applesauce.

Hershey’s Cocoa Fudge Linda Meade, Eland

2/3 cup cocoa 3 cups sugar 1/8 tsp salt 1-1/2 cups whole milk, no substitute 1/4 cup real butter, no substitute 1 tsp vanilla extract Combine cocoa, sugar, and salt in large saucepan (3-quart size). Add milk gradually, mixing thoroughly. Bring to a ‘bubbly’ boil on high heat, stirring continuously. Reduce heat to medium and continue to boil the mixture, without stirring, until it reaches a temperature of 232 degrees or until a small amount of mixture forms a soft ball when dipped into cold water. Note: Be sure that the bulb of the thermometer is not resting on the bottom of the saucepan. Remove saucepan from heat; add butter and vanilla to mixture. Do not stir. Allow fudge to cool at room temperature until it reaches 110 degrees. Beat by hand or with electric mixer until the fudge thickens and loses some of its gloss. Quickly pour and spread fudge in lightly buttered 8-x8-x2-inch pan.

REQUESTS from our

READERS Linda from Neenah is looking for a recipe her mother used to make called Pituzzi. She thinks it was of German or Dutch origin. It was made with cabbage and potatoes, boiled on the stove, possibly with pork or ham. If you can help, have a request of your own, or would like to submit a recipe for publication, please write to

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, What’s Cooking? 222 West Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703-2719 or contact us via our website, www. wecnmagazine.com. Thanks!

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN Jan20ReaderRecipes.indd 1

12/13/19 12:27 PM

SNOWMOBILE SAFETY Stay safe as you take to the trails this winter • Watch out for power poles, guy wires, and electrical equipment such as transformers and cabinets that can be hidden in heavy snow. • Slow down, stay alert to your surroundings, and stay on designated, marked trails. • If you see a downed power line, stay away from it and call 911 to report it. There is no way to tell if a power line is live just by looking at it—always assume any downed line is live. • If you approach an accident scene where a power line may be involved, wait for help to arrive before attempting to provide assistance.

Brought to you by:

January 2020

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Happy TRAILS

NEWEST WARMING SHELTER ENHANCES RUSK COUNTY SNOWMOBILING EXPERIENCE

ith consistent snowfalls and 330 miles of groomed trails that wind along sparkling frozen rivers, through thick forests, across bridges, and over the rolling Blue Hills, snowmobiling has always been good in Rusk County. Just recently, it got even better with the completion of the county’s fourth warming shelter, this one located on the Dairyland Reservoir in Ladysmith. Opened in December 2018, the Quarry Park Shelter is the result of a community effort led by Dairyland Power Cooperative, which owns and operates the nearby Flambeau Hydroelectric Station. Dairyland is also wholesale power provider for Jump River Electric Cooperative, one of the local businesses that contributed to the shelter.

“Dairyland wanted a cooperative effort with the community in developing the park shelter,” said Dennis Arendt, a technician at Dairyland’s Flambeau Hydroelectric Station. “The shelter can be used by residents and visitors and is adjacent to the Flambeau River, a small waterfall, and great trail and fishing opportunities.” A key partner was the Ladysmith Driftbusters Snowmobile Club, one of nine snowmobile clubs in Rusk County that collectively maintain the trail system. Arendt is vice president of the Driftbusters, and Dee John Dupee, also a technician at the Flambeau Hydrostation, is a club member as well. Dupee explained Dairyland owned the land on which the shelter is located and was planning to turn

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WISCONSIN FAVORITES the area into a park for public use. As snowmobilers themselves, he and Arendt saw the area’s potential for a shelter. “There was a spot on the land along the river where a cabin had been, so the concrete slab was still there, and we got to looking at that and thought this would be an absolutely beautiful spot for a shelter, since it’s right near the snowmobile trails,” Dupee said. The Driftbusters Club, which maintains about 85 miles of the county’s trail system, embraced the project. “When Dairyland approached us and said they were looking for the community to take an interest in it we jumped at the chance because our club didn’t have a warming shelter, and a shelter could only go on public land,” said Jim Wappenschmidt, treasurer of the Ladysmith Driftbusters and a member of Jump River Electric Cooperative.

Multi-Purpose, Repurpose

The shelter is a multi-use facility, open and available to the public year-round. It’s located just off Quarry Road, providing easy access for ATV riders. In the winter, snowmobilers can access the shelter via a trail the Driftbusters extended right to the building. While Quarry Park Shelter is a perfect stopping point for outdoor sports enthusiasts of all kinds who utilize the trails, it’s also a beautiful destination in itself for anyone seeking a quiet spot to spend a couple of hours ﬁshing or just taking in the view of the Flambeau River from a picnic table out front. “It’s a good place to sit and reﬂect by the river,” said Wappenschmidt. “We’re very proud of it.” The shelter was built with sustainable construction practices, utilizing plenty of repurposed materials, including all the windows and doors, which were salvaged from another project. All the cedar benches and picnic tables at the shelter were made from power poles that were salvaged from a retired Dairyland transmission project. These salvaged poles were also repurposed for the trim and the support poles out front. Jump River Electric provided a pole truck and a co-op employee donated the

The Quarry Park Shelter is looked after by the Ladysmith Snowdrifters Club, which also maintains about 85 miles of trails in Rusk County. (Photos courtesy of Rusk County Tourism)

time and labor to install the rafters. Many other local volunteers helped as well. “It was a nice effort by everyone in the area,” Dupee noted.

Traveling the Trails

Once the shelter was built, the Ladysmith Driftbusters assumed stewardship, keeping the building stocked with ﬁrewood and maps of the Rusk County trail system for visitors to use. The county’s other three shelters are similarly maintained by other snowmo-

bile clubs. They’re located at all reaches of the county, enabling snowmobilers to make a day of exploring the entire trail system with opportunities to stop and warm up at regular intervals. The trails in between the shelters are well marked and carefully groomed by the county’s snowmobile clubs, providing for quality riding. “I’ve ridden all around the state—I’ve been to so many different counties I can’t even count—and I have to say Rusk County is one of the most well marked January 2020

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With its location on the Flambeau River just below the Big Falls Dam, the new Quarry Park Shelter is a beautiful stop for outdoor enthusiasts at any time of the year.

systems in the state, and it’s all volunteer,” Wappenschmidt said. “To have a system kept up this well, it takes a lot of volunteer hours. Our club really strives to do the best with the personnel we have.” He said the Driftbusters are out packing the snow on the trails as much as three times a week to prepare for the peak snowmobile season, which typically lasts about a month but varies depending on the season’s snowfall. The quality of the trails is comple-

mented by the surroundings they pass through. Each section of the county’s trail system is unique, with its own distinctive scenery to explore. “I don’t really have a favorite, but I guess my favorite stretches of the trails are the remote areas where you don’t have a lot of houses and road crossings,” Wappenschmidt said. “I like being in remote areas because you get to see things that you don’t get to see anywhere else, like albino turkeys. I also saw my first

snowshoe hare here. There’s just a lot of wildlife to see.” And now, thanks to a cooperative community, effort, there’s another shelter to see as well.—Mary Erickson To learn more about snowmobiling in Rusk County and check for snow conditions, visit ruskcountywi.com or call 800-535-RUSK. To reach the Quarry Park Shelter, traveling east on Highway 8, turn left on County Road X and continue until you reach Quarry Park Road. The shelter is to the left.

(Trail map courtesy of Rusk County Tourism)

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YOUNG MEMBERS

Kids and Critters January 2020 1. Alayna and her pony Anna enjoy a snowy day. Photo submitted by Rita Burrell, a member of Adams-Columbia Electric. 2. Darcy and Chevy the pitbull snuggle together. Photo submitted by Ken Heser, a member of Taylor Electric. 3. Kiley and Blake meet a new bovine buddy. Photo submitted by Robert and Kim McCarty, members of Adams-Columbia Electric.

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4. Natasha and Owen pet a bunny. Photo submitted by Mary Schuh, a member of Dunn Electric.

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Send photos of kids with animals, along with a brief description, to WECN Magazine, 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703. Please include the name of your electric co-op. Photos will be returned. If in good-resolution, electronic format, photos may also be uploaded via wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab. By submitting, sender implies that he/ she has rights to and owns the image, and grants WECN permission to use the image. By submitting, the parent or legal guardian also authorizes us the right to publish the image.

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CLASSIFIEDS MISCELLANEOUS

COLLECTOR BUYING WAR SOUVENIRS: German, Japanese, U.S. weapons, medals, helmets, daggers, swords, military items. 715-213-4565. WANTED: DEER TAGS, back tags. Trapping, bear, hunting licenses. Otter, bobcat, ﬁsher tags. Old traps. David Schober, W4234 Rock Creek Rd., Loyal, WI 54446. 715-255-9284. WANTED: PAYING CASH FOR WW-2 GERMAN, JAPANESE FLAGS, DAGGERS, SWORDS, GUNS. ETC. 715-340-1974. USED BILLBOARD VINYLS/TARPS: Possible sizes available: 14x48=$50, 10x36=$28.80, 10x30=$24. Expired billboard faces, hemmed. Shipping and tax not included in listed price. MUST CALL FOR AVAILABILITY PRIOR TO PICK UP 800-536-7446. Vinyls can also be picked up at Jones Sign, 1711 Scheuring Road, De Pere, WI 54115. RURAL LIFE HISTORY BOOK: Machine Shed Memories—a Chronicle of Rural Life in Wisconsin. Order at www.machineshedmemories.com. BUY-SELL-TRADE MILITARY SURPLUS, J&R Military Surplus, 10106 ST. HWY 35, De Soto, WI 54624, 608-648-2112. “A DEALERSHIP CHRISTMAS”, half-hour dramedy filmed in Superior, WI now available on Amazon.com. www.hollywoodrookies.com.

REAL ESTATE

UPPER MICHIGAN. 1800’ of Lakeshore, 35 acres, pristine lake. Near trout streams, golf, casino, ski, snowmobile trails. Surrounded by Ottawa Forest. Very private. $297, 000. 715-495-2081 or 715-495-3244. VACATION RENTAL. Cape Coral, FL. Beautiful 3 bedroom home on gulf access canal. 10,000 lb boat lift. Weekly rental or more. Call Al. 608-295-7433. SMOKY MOUNTAINS VACATION RENTAL, Sevierville, TN. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath. 2-day minimum stay. Contact acepilot@bloomer.net. LOT FOR SALE: LEHIGH ACRES, FLORIDA. Near Red Sox Stadium. $24,900.00. Phone 1-608-847-6608.

HARDWOOD AND CONIFER SEEDLINGS AND TRANSPLANTS. Thousands available, Oaks, Maples, Highbred Poplar, Hickory, Cherry, Dogwoods, Ninebark, Cranberry, Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Spruce, Pine, Cedar, food plot and grafted apple trees too, large bareroot shade trees including Autumn Blaze. Check us out on the web at www.paintcreeknursery.com, Facebook and YouTube also. Paint Creek Nursery, Cadott, WI 715-723-2072. FRUIT, NUT, SHADE, & ORNAMENTAL TREES AVAILBLE FOR SPRING PLANTING Also evergreens & deciduous seedlings and transplants, strawberries, blueberries, asparagus, rhubarb, and much more. For additional info: Call Toll Free 888803-8733 or write to Woodstock Nursery, W6291 State Hwy 95 Neillsville, WI 54456. Also check us out at Wallace-Woodstock.com.

PLANTS & SHRUBS PREMIUM SPRUCE TREES 7-8 FOOT TALL when planted. Balled & burlapped and ready to plant. Perfect for a manicured yard or a natural fence or along a driveway. These are nicely shaped and full from all sides. $79.99 call 608-981-2169. COVER SPRUCE TREES 8-10 FOOT TALL random sizes. Balled & burlapped and ready to plant. These trees are nice but they are not perfect. Great for wildlife or blocking a messy neighbor or even making a windbreak. $59.99 Call 608-981-2169.

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Classified ads reach more than 181,000 mailboxes. RATES: For non-members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $25 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $1.25 each. For members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $14 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $.70 each. Count name, address, and phone number as part of ad. Please include zip code. FOR PROOF OF MEMBERSHIP, please include your address label from your copy of the magazine. FREQUENCY DISCOUNTS: 2% discount for 3 months; 5% for 6 months; 10% for 12 months. DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the ad is to appear. All classified ads must be paid in advance. There is no agency discount on classifieds. Make check or money order payable to: WECA. Mail to: WECN, Attn. Dana Kelroy, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Ph: 608-467-4599. Email dana@weca.coop. We reserve the right to refuse ads.

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WISCONSIN EVENTS Dec. 31–Jan. 1 New Year’s Eve Celebration— Eau Claire. Westgate Sportsman’s Club, 7 p.m.–1 a.m. Snacks, games, and friends. Come for the fun, stay for the New Year’s toast. 715-832-4548. 2 All-You-Can-Eat Chicken Dinner—Eau Claire. Westgate Sportsman’s Club, 4–7:30 p.m. All you can eat chicken dinner the first Thursday of the month. 715-832-4548. 8–26 WinterFest Tavern League Tour— Price County. Tour Tavern League member establishments, make a purchase, receive a stamp, and be entered to win cash prizes. Drawing will be Jan. 26 at noon at Club 13 during the Chaparral’s breakfast. 11 Ice Derby—Suring. Kelly Lake, 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Fishing contest with cash prizes, boys & girls bike giveaway, bacon/bucket raffles, heated tent, food & drinks, grand prize of $5000 cash. Call 920-655-2052. 11 PTC2 Special Occasion Dress Sale— Neillsville. High School; drop-off times: Jan. 5, 11 a.m–1 p.m.; Jan. 10, 6–8 p.m.; sale date is Jan. 11, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Special occasion dresses (prom, wedding, first communion, quinceanera, mother of the bride, etc.). 11 Varmint Hunt & Souperlicious Saturday— Chaseburg. Tippy Toe Inn, 12–5 p.m. Soup serving 2 p.m. until gone, free will donation accepted for the soup. Bake sale. Hunt with 3-person teams, entry fee $25 per team, awards to be given. 608-452-3367. 11 Elvis Presley Movies—Colfax. Municipal Building, 1–5 p.m. Commemorating the Jan. 11 birthday of Elvis Presley with two free movies at the Cozy Theater. 715-962-3311. 18 Fisheree—Briggsville. Wagon Wheel Boat Landing, 6 a.m.–3 p.m. Raffles and prizes for largest fish. Tickets $5. 608-253-6567. 30

January 2019 17–19 Friends of the Library Book Sale— Eau Claire. L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library (Lower Level), Jan. 17 & 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m; Jan. 19, 1–4 p.m. Wide variety of non-ﬁction, children’s, adult ﬁction, and young adult books, as well as audio books, music CDs & DVDs. Discount bag sale on Jan. 18 & 19. 715-839-5004.

23–30 100-Mile Vintage Snowmobile Enduro Ride—Hayward. Flat Creek Lodge, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Hosted by: Northwest Relic Riders Vintage Snowmobile Club. Cost: $20/sled, includes lunch. Vintage trivia, worthless trivia, rafﬂes, and drawings. Limiting riders to ﬁrst 40 to sign up. Deadline Jan. 23. 608-295-5795.

17–18 Silver Mine Ski Jump—Eau Claire. Silvermine Drive. Junior World Qualifer events on Friday night; head to head bracket on Saturday.

24–26 WinterFest—Phillips. Fri. evening candlelight walk at the Wisconsin Concrete Park. Sat., ice fishing contest on the Phillips Chain of Lakes, followed by a snowmobile parade, and fireworks in town. Sun., Chaparrals pancake breakfast along with raffle drawings at noon at Club 13. Fun filled weekend of winter festivities. 715-339-4100.

18 Lake Sherwood Fisheree—Nekoosa. Lake Sherwood Lodge, 8 a.m.– 4 p.m Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Awards ceremony at 5 p.m. Registration fees are $15 for adults; $5 for kids 12 & under. Cash prizes for largest northern, bass, walleye, and largest overall fish. Kids compete for trophies for pan fish. Door prizes, raffle, kids’ lunch, and crafts. 715-325-4066. 18 Ice Fishing Derby—Pound. Wouters’ Front II, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Eighteen cash fishing prizes, raffles, food, music, refreshments; all in a very large heated tent. 920-897-3373. 18 Castle Rock Pink Ribbon Ride—Friendship. Splash Waterfront Bar & Grill, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Registration starts at 10 a.m. All proceeds go to the local Friends & Family Cancer Foundation. Sponsored by Rustic Ridge Riders Inc. Snowmobile/ATV Club. 608-339-3090. 18 PTown Tramp Snowshoe Race—Medford. Perkinstown Winter Sports Area, 10 a.m.–3 p.m, 3-mile, 6-mile, and kids’ races. Registration available online, by mail, or day of event. 715-965-3286. 19 Brat Feed—Holcombe. Flaters Resort Pavillion, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Join the Flambeau Area Trail Tenders 50th Anniversary Brat Feed, with a bonfire, raffles, food, and beverages. Ride, sled, or drive. 715-595-4771.

25 Flurry Snowshoe Race— Phillips. School forest, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m, 5k & 10k run/walk, includes shirt & chili meal. Wis. State Snowshoe Championships. www.phillipsﬂurry. com or 715-339-6254. 26 Ice Fishing Contest— Gilman. Miller Dam, 9 a.m.–2:45 p.m Great prizes, heated shelter, food & refreshments, and music & fun for the whole family. www.millerdamlakeassoc.com, or 715-314-2035.

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