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1/13/21 7:55 AM
E
CooperaN
COOPERATIVE
ws
News
Wisconsin
ENERGY Cooperative
contents February 2021
News
6
News BRIEFS
4
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Co-ops select leadership.
8 15 19 28
10
Charged WITH TRUST
Co-ops build rural Wisconsin EV charging network.
Member expectations have changed.
CEO MESSAGE
Paving the way for virtual meetings.
MY CO-OP
20
24
On the
COVER
Virtual ice-fishing event offers friendly competition for a good cause.
Recipes
All you need is love…and chocolate.
30
Kids &
CRITTERS
Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.
13
Appliance UPGRADE
The Energy Guide label can help compare the annual energy use of appliances.
Find out what’s happening at your local electric cooperative.
FURNACE MAINTENANCE
Ensure your furnace keeps running smoothly.
CLASSIFIEDS
Buy, sell, and trade with readers from across Wisconsin.
February 2021
WECN Feb21TOC.indd 1
3
1/18/21 5:06 PM
LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR Changing expectations
Sometimes a piece of the past makes you stop in your tracks and do a double-take. Dana Kelroy, Editor Staff at the Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative office in Gays Mills shared a note they found while cleaning out some files. It was a letter from a member, Dr. RJ Campbell of Prairie du Chien, postmarked May 12, 1958. It was addressed to Cliff Hooverson, then-manager of Crawford Electric Cooperative (predecessor to Scenic Rivers Energy). It read: Dear Sir: We have been without electric service out at farm for past few weeks. No rush as we use but very little now. I will be at farm Thursday if you care to go over that change you mentioned. Respectfully, Dr. RJ Campbell With so many present-day homes dependent on devices and many co-op members still working from home, hours without power is difficult, but weeks? Co-op line crews have always done a remarkable job of restoring power as quickly and safely as possible. But today, fortunately, advancements in digital technology have made it much easier for co-op personnel to monitor the system and maintain reliable service. We know from the notes we get that most members are extremely grateful for the work their co-op line crews do to get the power back on after an outage. However, thanks to today’s connected lifestyles, we sincerely doubt any member could show the kind of fortitude Dr. Campbell did, waiting weeks before even reporting that his power was out. Special thanks to Barb Murphy from Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative for sharing this piece of the past with us!
February 2021 Vol. 81 No. 8 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 $13 per year or $35 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 Pontiac, Ill. 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 Jennifer Taylor
WECA president & CEO editor associate editor contributing writer graphic designer advertising consultant editorial assistant
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
4
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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12/22/20 4:22 PM 1/8/21 4:46 PM
NEWS BRIEFS STEVE JOHNSON SELECTED TO SERVE ON WECA BOARD
The Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) board has selected Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative Director Steve Johnson to represent District 3. The seat was vacated by Diane Zimmerman, who reached her term limit. No persons were nominated at the WECA’s virtual
annual meeting in November, so the board identified several interested persons through outreach. In remarks to the board, Johnson advocated for broadband expansion. With the appointment, Johnson will serve one year in the position. District 3 includes East Central Energy, Bayfield, Polk-Burnett, Barron, Jump River, and Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperatives.
FLEXIBLE FINANCING FOR RURAL AMERICA MEASURE STILL ALIVE
In spite of the push from electric utility groups, Congress declined to include the Flexible Financing for Rural America proposal in the latest $900 billion stimulus/omnibus spending package. The bipartisan measure would allow electric cooperatives to refinance existing RUS loans to take advantage of lower interest rates, without paying a penalty, saving Wisconsin electric cooperatives more than $22 million per year in interest. Wisconsin Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson were among those pushing for the refinancing option on behalf of Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives, and the proposal is not dead yet. It could still be passed as a stand-alone bill. The stimulus package does include direct payments of $600 per person and $600 per child (income limit of $150,000 per household). It also includes $25 billion in rental assistance which can also be used to pay utility bills, and it extends and simplifies the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), allowing utility bills paid with PPP funds to be forgiven. The bill also includes a package of energy provisions, including the EASE Act, a $75 million grant program for municipal and electric co-ops to deploy energy storage and microgrids.
ADAMS-COLUMBIA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE SEEKS NEW GENERAL MANAGER Jay Porter has resigned from Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative, effective December 21, 2020, according to the Adams-Columbia board. Porter served less than five years in the position of general manager, which he started on June 16, 2016. John West is serving as interim general manager as the board launches a search to replace Porter. West worked as chief financial officer at AdamsColumbia before his retirement last year. In 2016, Porter replaced Marty Hillert, who retired after 19 years with Adams-Columbia. Prior to joining Adams-Columbia, Porter served as general manager/CEO at Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative. He also worked for We Energies, American Transmission Company, and Great River Energy.
6
ELECTRIC CO-OPS WIN $1.6 BILLION IN BROADBAND AUCTION Electric cooperatives across the country participated in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, and won the right to deploy broadband to nearly 1 million areas across the country at a cost of $1.6 billion. Winning bidders will extend service to more than 900,000 locations in 31 states, including Wisconsin. Winning bidders must file a detailed long-form application with the FCC, which must include deployment plans specific to their awards and areas to be served. Bidders are required to provide minimum speeds of 25 megabits per second for downloads and 3 Mbps for uploads.
WISCONSIN PSC URGES UTILITIES TO HELP EXPEDITE EV TRANSITION The Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) is encouraging utilities to offer electric vehicle charging programs to help people transition to electric vehicles. The regulators have discussed mandatory programs, but instead voted for a framework for voluntary programs. Groups representing the fossil fuel industry, convenience stores, and ethanol producers questioned the PSC’s authority to require such programs. Lack of charging infrastructure and “range anxiety” are the most frequently cited barriers to EV adoption, followed by cost and public awareness. EVs make up less than 1 percent of cars on the road in Wisconsin, but the popularity is growing. As more utilities increase renewables and retire coal plants, the transportation sector has become the single largest source of carbon dioxide pollution in country. Most of Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives, which are not regulated by the PSC, recently signed on to participate in the “Charge EV” program, installing public EV chargers and offering in-home chargers for purchase. More info on the Charge EV program can be found on page 10.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
WECN Feb21NewsBriefs.indd 1
1/18/21 6:37 PM
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TOGETHER I VIRTUALLY
t was April 30, 1936, when 10 men gathered to build the foundation and write the rules that would govern the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, with the goal of electrifying rural Wisconsin and ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable power, way back then and into the future. They had no way of knowing what was to come more than 80 years later. Even one year ago it was hard to imagine that “the way we’ve always done things” would no longer be an option. Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative Board Chair Chuck Simmons tests The traditional gatherings of a virtual meeting platform for the co-op’s 2020 annual meeting. cooperative communities—for Photo courtesy of SREC annual meetings or member Steve Freese President and CEO appreciation events—would no other place as the board may determine.” That longer be allowed due to pandemic-related made perfect sense in 1936 when the statewide health and safety risks. was established, but it complicates our situation The foresight of those who organized the statetoday. I have attended most of our members’ wide 85 years ago is quite remarkable. The frameannual meetings; attendance ranges from 200 work has served us very well over the decades. The members to more than a thousand. Last year that Cooperative Principles the statewide was built on was not possible. are the same that we still adhere to today. In 2020, almost all scheduled annual meetings Principle number two, Democratic Member were postponed or delayed. Some got creative Control, is, I believe, the principle that allows us to and figured out ways to gather safely, such as stand out from all other types of electric utilities in “drive-in” style meetings where people stayed in our state and nation. Under this principle, co-ops their cars, listening to the meeting on the local operate as democratic organizations controlled by radio station and voting by honking their horn or members who actively participate in setting policies flashing their lights. and making decisions. The elected representatives We recognize the need to adjust state law, not are accountable to the membership. Coupled with only as we ride out the end of this pandemic, but the fact our electric cooperatives are not-for-profit so we are prepared for any potential future events. utilities, this allows co-ops to focus on the goal of The statewide organizers and lawmakers back in providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to the 1930s could not have considered such things members. as Zoom or WebEx meetings, but they are realities The coronavirus pandemic, though, put a we have to have as options today. time-honored tradition, required by state statute Just as we did several years ago when we were (Chapter 185), at odds with public health guidelines. able to change the law to allow for electronic Governor Tony Evers issued Executive Order #72 on voting, we are again working to change the law, March 12, 2020, the first of four public health emerthis time to clarify that virtual annual meetings gencies in Wisconsin, designating the Department are allowed. We are working with legislators and of Health (DHS) as the lead agency. DHS followed hoping the governor will sign our bill to ensure up with guidance to refrain from large gatherings we are fulfilling the requirements that allow for and practice social distancing, just as many of our our democratic member control. electric cooperatives were set to host their annual We look forward to the day when COVID-19 meetings, as they have done for so many decades. is a distant memory and we can all gather together The in-person gatherings are not only tradition— like we always have, but we also must be prepared they are required by statute, which says the annual for the times when we cannot. Just in case. meeting must be “held at the principal office or such
8
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
WECN Feb21Steve.indd 1
1/19/21 10:26 AM
NEED HELP KEEPING YOUR HOME WARM THIS WINTER? CALL 1-866-HEATWIS
I
n response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Department of Administration has adjusted the eligibility requirements for residents who are seeking heating and electric assistance through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). Eligibility is now based on the household’s previous month of income, rather than the former requirement of the previous three months of income, to ensure those who need assistance receive it more quickly.
WHEAP is a one-time benefit payment per season providing assistance for heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situations. Operating with federal and state funding, the program provides assistance to households to help lower the burden incurred with monthly energy costs. Most types of fuel are eligible to receive assistance. Whether you use wood, propane, natural gas, electricity, or fuel oil to heat your home, energy assistance is available if you qualify.
How to Apply Your household may be eligible for WHEAP services based on several factors, including your household’s size, income, and energy costs. If the gross income for your household is less than the amount shown on the chart at right, you might be eligible to receive assistance. Households must complete a Home Energy Plus application through the local WHEAP agency. For more information on WHEAP and how to
apply for assistance, please call 1-866-HEATWIS (432-8947), or visit the “Where to Apply” tab on www.homeenergyplus.wi.gov to find your local energy assistance agency.
INCOME GUIDELINES FOR THE 2020–2021 HOME ENERGY PLUS PROGRAM YEAR 60 PERCENT OF STATE MEDIAN INCOME GUIDELINES HOUSEHOLD SIZE
ONE MONTH INCOME
ANNUAL INCOME
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
2,490.08 $ 3,256.33 $ 4,022.50 $ 4,788.67 $ 5,554.83 $ 6,321.00 $ 6,464.67 $ 6,608.33
$29,881 $39,076 $48,270 $57,464 $66,658 $75,852 $77,576 $79,300 February 2021
WHEAP filler page Feb.indd 1
9
1/14/21 2:43 PM
CHARGED WITH
“T
COOPS BUILD RURAL WISCONSIN EV CHARGING NETWORK
hese things are cool!” more than half of all new vehicles Roger Wiff said after by 2040. The surge comes in part taking his first spin in a because the price of EVs is dropping. Chevy Bolt. Wiff, a board member Due to lower battery costs, analysts for both Pierce Pepin Cooperative predict some new EVs will rival the Services and the Wisconsin Electric cost of some gas-powered vehicles, Cooperative Association, made a at about $25,000, by 2023. living driving big diesel-burning “EVs are the future,” said Nate semi-trucks with lots of horseBoettcher, power, and he has joined the president fast-growing group of electric and CEO of vehicle (EV) fans. Pierce Pepin The number of electric Cooperative vehicles on the road in WisconServices. sin has doubled both of the past “GM just two years, to about 10,000 in changed 2020, but that is still less than their logo Byron Nolde, 1 percent of cars on the road. and has baCEO, Oconto Still, as technology improves sically told Electric Cooperative and the cost of EVs is dropping, the market, BloombergNEF expects they they are all will account for 10 percent of in. Ford is passenger vehicle sales by 2025 and coming out with their Mach-E this
“The smart
charger
technology
IS KEY.”
10
year and the F-150 next year. GMC sold out of the Hummer EV in 10 minutes. I am not aware of a single major manufacturer that hasn’t retooled and begun positioning for the EV future. It’s a great, great opportunity for us as co-ops to create additional value for the service we provide.” Based on that knowledge, Boettcher spearheaded the justlaunched program known as “Charge EV” and almost every Wisconsin electric cooperative jumped on board. Through Charge EV, the coops are installing co-op-branded public-use Level 2 and Level 3 chargers and offering in-home chargers that have intelligence built in to allow for load control and time-ofuse rates. Working with ZEF Energy, a company that specializes in smart transportation electrification technol-
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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ogy, the co-op-branded “smart chargers” can provide additional data to the utility. They also have revenue grade metrology, so members don’t need an additional meter to take advantage of co-op incentive rates. “The smart charger technology is key,” said Byron Nolde, CEO of Oconto Electric Cooperative. “We will be able to offer members a special rate if they charge their vehicles at night, which helps us with load control and helps them save money.” Oconto Electric recently added an electric vehicle to its fleet that employees and board members can drive for a week at a time to get the feel of what it’s like. The goal of the Charge EV program is to help ease the transition to EVs and address range anxiety by building a grid of co-op-branded charging stations and offering a virtual map for drivers to access, which Brian Zelenak, president and CEO of St. Croix Electric Cooperative, sees as a big benefit. “What if you want to take your EV to the cabin for the weekend, or drive north to see the leaves change? Are there charging stations in those rural towns? Do you know where they are? With Charge EV, you will now have access to a brand you can trust.” “To eliminate range anxiety is an important reason we went with Charge EV,” Bayfield Electric Cooperative CEO Diane Berweger said. “Also, by offering the same charger to each member, we all will have the same knowledge when a member calls on the cooperative for advice.” Berweger says Bayfield Electric has a strong renewable membership base, which is another driving force behind the transition to EVs. As utilities reduce emissions by increasing renewable energy sources and shuttering more coal plants, the transportation industry is now the top contributor of carbon emissions in the nation. In a recent survey, half of the Bayfield Electric membership expressed interest in owning an electric car within the next 10 years.
DRIVE ELECTRIC
The average electric vehicle can save a driver who drives 15,000 miles in a year about $850 annually on fuel. All-electric vehicles start to pay for themselves a long time before they reach the end of their expected lifespans, leading to significant savings over time. -Fleet Carma
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CO-OP FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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Steve Stroshane, Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative general manager, says they already have dozens of members who drive EVs, so they already offer charger rebates and they are looking to build on that with the Charge EV program. “Moving from gas to electricity reduces pollution, and the gap improves as the electric grid gets greener,” he said. “Polk-Burnett supports EV owners and looks forward to changing the way rural Wisconsin fuels transportation.” The Charge EV network launched with a group of 29 electric co-ops, mostly in Wisconsin, but also Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota. Boettcher
St. Croix Electric Cooperative’s 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV made the trip north from Hammond to neighboring Jump River Electric Cooperative, where it was able to charge. David Chavie, Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services engineering technician, installs the Charge EV charger at the home of PPCS members Kurt and Diana Buckner.
envisions the program growing to be a nationally cooperative effort. “We believe co-op members will appreciate they can charge with another community-owned and co-op-supplied EV charger,” Boettcher said. “It’s sort of like buying your cheese from local creamery instead of going to Wal-Mart
when you visit your family out of state. You are supporting local business by charging on a co-op’s lines, and we believe this will have an appeal to members of electric co-ops.” Charger locations and other information can be found at www.charge.coop.—Julie Lund
PARTICIPATING ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES: Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative Inc., Postville, Iowa
Oakdale Electric Cooperative, Oakdale, Wis.
Barron Electric Cooperative, Barron, Wis.
Oconto Electric Cooperative, Oconto Falls, Wis.
Bayfield Electric Cooperative, Iron River, Wis.
People’s Energy Cooperative, Oronoco, Minn.
Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative, Rosholt, Wis.
Pierce Pepin Electric Cooperative, Ellsworth, Wis.
Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, Cornell, Wis.
Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative, Centuria, Wis.
Clark Electric Cooperative, Greenwood, Wis.
Price Electric Cooperative, Phillips, Wis.
Dairyland Power Cooperative, La Crosse, Wis.
Richland Electric Cooperative, Richland Center, Wis.
Dunn Energy Cooperative, Menomonie, Wis.
Riverland Electric Cooperative, Arcadia, Wis.
Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, Fall Creek, Wis.
Rock Energy Cooperative, Janesville, Wis.
Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services, Albert Lea, Minn.
Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative, Lancaster, Wis.
Heartland Power Cooperative, Thompson, Iowa
St. Croix Electric Cooperative, Hammond, Wis.
Jackson Electric Cooperative, Black River Falls, Wis.
Taylor Electric Cooperative, Medford, Wis.
Jo-Carroll Energy, Elizabeth, Ill.
Vernon Electric Cooperative, Westby, Wis.
Jump River Electric Cooperative, Ladysmith, Wis.
Washington Island Electric Cooperative, Washington Island, Wis.
MiEnergy Cooperative, Rushford, Minn.
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Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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WHICH KITCHEN APPLIANCE SHOULD I
UPGRADE?
Dear Pat and Brad:
My husband and I just bought a home that was built in the 1970s. The kitchen appliances are so old that they may be originals, but we only have enough money for one appliance upgrade. Which appliance replacement will help reduce our energy bills the most?—Jessica
Dear Jessica: You’re smart to
consider energy use as you look at replacing appliances because most new appliances use much less energy than they did in the past. Manufacturers have found innovative ways to reduce appliance energy use without sacrificing performance. The federal government began tightening appliance standards in the 1980s and has continued as technological innovations became more cost-effective.
It may seem like the oldest appliance should go first. That may make
sense if you want the looks and features of a newer oven or dishwasher. But with most appliances, the energy savings you get from a new one will take several years to pay for itself with the energy saved. The appliance replacement most likely to produce the greatest energy savings is your refrigerator. An older fridge can cost about $20 to run every month. Replacing an old fridge with a new ENERGY STAR®-rated model can cut that down to less than $5 a month. The ENERGY STAR® label certifies that the appliance saves energy. New refrigerators will include an additional label, the Energy Guide label, which shows how much energy it uses annually and compares that to the most and least efficient models available. It’s also possible to measure how much energy your fridge is using with a kWh meter. Energy auditors use these meters to measure energy use for common household appliances. Sometimes the energy use of an older fridge can be reduced by replacing the seal around the door. When you’re looking to replace an old fridge, style counts. A topfreezer setup is the most efficient, while a lower-freezer unit offers medi-
um savings, and a side-by-side style is the least energy efficient. If your goal is to save money on your energy bill, resist the urge to keep the old fridge in the basement or garage––that won’t help you reduce your energy use. An old fridge in an uninsulated garage on a hot summer day can use a lot of energy. Maybe you just need more freezer space. If so, we recommend the most efficient freezer you can find. You can find recommendations on www.energystar.gov. If your current fridge is in good condition, another appliance you may want to consider upgrading is the dishwasher. With most of us spending more time at home these days, chances
OUR 58th YEAR
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The Energy Guide label provides important information for comparing the annual energy use of appliances. Lists key features of the appliance you’re looking at and the similar models that make up the cost range below.
The maker, model, and size tell you exactly what product this label describes.
Replacing an old fridge with an ENERGY STAR®-rated model can cut the monthly cost to operate from $20 to less than $5 a month. Photo courtesy of Scott Van Osdol
Upgrading your old dishwasher with an ENERGY STAR®-rated model is another potential area for energy savings. Photo courtesy of KitchenAid
are you’re using your dishwasher more than you used to. As with any major purchase, be sure to read customer reviews for any brands and models you’re considering, and look for additional opportunities to save money, like an upcoming Presidents’ Day appliance sale.
Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency write on energy efficiency topics 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% of the nation’s landscape. For additional energy tips and information on Collaborative Efficiency visit: www.collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips. 14
The cost range helps you compare the energy use of different models by showing you the range of operating costs for models with similar features. An estimate of how much electricity the appliance uses in a year based on typical use. Multiply this by your local electricity rate on your utility bill to better judge what your actual operating cost might be. Source: Federal Trade Commission
If you see the ENERGY STAR logo, it means the product is better for the environment because it uses less energy than standard models.
What you might pay to run the appliance for a year, based on its electricity use and the national average cost of energy. The cost appears on labels for all models and brands, so you can compare energy use just like you would price or other features.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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TIME FOR SOME MID-WINTER FURNACE MAINTENANCE Your furnace has been churning away for a few months now, but it will be a while yet before you’ll be able to go without it. Even if you weren’t able to schedule a routine furnace inspection before the cold weather set in, there are steps you can take to ensure your furnace keeps running smoothly, safely, and efficiently through spring.
• Clean or change the air filter. If you started the heating season with a fresh filter and haven’t thought of it since, it’s probably time to clean or change it. A dirty air filter can make your furnace work harder due to limited air flow. Change it or replace it according to manufacturer’s instructions so the system can work efficiently. • Visually inspect the furnace to check for debris. You’ll want to do this on a warmer day so you can turn off the power to the furnace to look at the inside. Debris can be removed with a broom or small vacuum. • Inspect your carbon monoxide detectors. If you don’t have any, install them now. If there’s a problem with the fuel burning in your furnace, it could lead to higher concentrations of carbon monoxide, a highly poisonous gas that has no color or smell. A carbon monoxide detector will let you know if there’s a dangerous level of carbon monoxide in your house. • Clean the clutter around your furnace. Don’t store any flammable materials or liquids anywhere near it. Sources: energy.gov, Safeelectricity February 2021
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ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE‌
and Slow Cooker Fudge Pudding Cake Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wheat Foods Council. First Layer: 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 cup milk 2 Tbsp butter, melted 1/2 tsp vanilla Spray the slow cooker with baking spray. Mix brown sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir in milk, butter, and vanilla. Spoon batter into bottom of slow cooker; dough will be very thick. Second Layer: 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1-3/4 cups boiling water In another bowl, mix together cocoa and brown sugar. Sprinkle evenly over batter. Do not stir. Pour boiling water over the top. Do not stir. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until the cake pulls away from the sides of the slow cooker (pudding will be bubbling through). Serve immediately with ice cream or whipped topping, if desired. Or let set for 10 minutes and then invert onto a plate. Spoon pudding left in the pot over the cake. Utensils Needed: 3 or 3-1/2 quart slow cooker; Servings: 8
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Citrus-Walnut Biscotti Dipped in Bittersweet Ganache
Recipe and photos courtesy of both www.CUESA.org and Jen Musty of www.batterbakery.com.
Biscotti
1 tsp vanilla extract 1-1/2 Tbsp citrus zest (orange or tangerine, for example) 3 cups plus 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1 cup chopped walnuts
Ganache
2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips or chunks
1/2 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup canola oil
2 cups heavy cream
To make the biscotti, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and zest together until smooth. In a medium bowl with a clean whisk, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the large bowl, mixing until just combined. Add the walnuts. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The dough will be very sticky. On a parchment-lined sheet pan, form the dough into one 5-inch wide, 1/2-inch tall, 14-inch long log. Bake until firm to the touch, about 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, then slice at an angle into 1-inch-wide pieces. Lay the pieces out on a sheet pan with fresh parchment paper and return to the oven for 15 to 20 minutes to finish cooking and dry out. They should be crunchy. Undipped biscotti may be kept in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. To make the ganache, in a large saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a low boil over medium heat. Turn off the heat and add the chocolate, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk gently and set aside for about 10 minutes, allowing the chocolate to melt. Whisk again, this time until the ganache is smooth. Allow to cool slightly before dipping. Set a wire cooling rack over a parchment-lined sheet pan. Dip the cooled biscotti into the ganache halfway. Allow the excess ganache to drip off, then set over the wire rack. After the ganache has set slightly, transfer to a sheet pan lined with fresh parchment paper to cool completely before serving. Makes 12 large biscotti.
Chocolate Blueberry Smoothie Recipe and photo courtesy of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. 1 cup frozen blueberries 2 tsp cocoa powder 1 cup milk (of your choice) 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 dash ground cinnamon 1 dash ground nutmeg 2 tsp maple syrup (or agave)
Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. If desired, strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass for a smoother texture. Garnish with a few whole blueberries and serve immediately.
Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe and photo courtesy of the National Pecan Shellers Association. For the Dough
10 Tbsp unsalted butter 6 Tbsp demerara or granulated sugar
1 egg yolk 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and the sugar. Add the egg and mix until well combined. Stir in the flour and combine to make a dough. Pat the dough into a 9-inch pie plate. For the Topping:
1 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup demerara or granulated sugar
6 Tbsp unsalted butter 3 Tbsp milk 1/3 cup bitter chocolate, chopped
In a small saucepan, combine the chopped pecans, sugar, butter, milk, and chocolate. Heat over low heat until chocolate melts. Pour the chocolate pecan mixture over the pie dough. Bake for 30 minutes. Turn the oven off and let the pie sit for an additional 15 minutes. Serve while still warm. Serves: 6
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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/.
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Sheet Cake Rosetta Gruss, Marshall
2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups sugar 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup water 1/2 cup butter, cubed 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1/4 cup baking cocoa 3 eggs 1/2 cup sour cream 2 tsp vanilla extract Frosting:
3 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup milk 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup chopped salted or unsalted peanuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13-x9-inch cookie sheet. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. In a small saucepan, combine water, butter, peanut butter, and cocoa; bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add to flour mixture, stirring until just moistened. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until blended; add to flour mixture, whisking constantly. Pour onto cookie sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Prepare frosting while cake is baking.
Peanut Butter Cookie Cake Deana Block, Black River Falls Cake
12 oz peanut butter 1 cup butter 1-3/4 cup white sugar 2 eggs 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking soda 1-1/2 cups milk Pinch of salt Frosting
8 oz peanut butter 1/3 cup melted butter 1/2 to 1 cup granulated sugar
Grease cake pan. Set oven to 350 degrees. Mix all cake ingredients well. Batter should be on the thicker (not too creamy) side. Pour batter into pan; flatten and bake for 20-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool and sprinkle sugar on top or use frosting. Cut into bar-shaped pieces. Peanut butter frosting or other types of frostings work well, but do not use jam or jelly frosting. For the frosting, lightly melt peanut butter and add just enough melted butter until smooth and creamy. Add enough sugar to taste while retaining a creamy consistency.
Baker’s tip: Have a glass of cool water ready when spreading frosting on the cake to keep it from sticking to your spreading knife or spatula.
In a large bowl, beat confectioners’ sugar, peanut butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Remove cake from oven; place on a wire rack. Immediately spread frosting onto cake; sprinkle with peanuts. Cool completely.
REQUESTS
from our
READERS
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An online reader is sick of the dull winter weather and is looking for citrus recipes to brighten their spirits. Send 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!
Peach Delight (a Betty Crocker / General Mills Recipe) Lavaughn Buehl, Janesville
1 (16 oz) can sliced peaches in light sauce 1 pkg yellow cake mix 1 (6 oz) container peach yogurt or 2/3 cup plain yogurt 1 (4 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Generously grease and flour 2 round pans, 8-or 9-x1-1/2-inches. Drain peaches, reserving sauce. Add enough water to reserved sauce to measure 1-1/4 cups. Prepare cake mix as directed on package, except substitute sauce mixture for the water. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake and cool as directed. Cut peaches into bite-sized pieces. Mix yogurt and whipped topping; fold in peaches. Fill middle layer with about half of the peach mixture and place second cake on top. Spoon remaining peach mixture over top of cake. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled.
Meatballs
Shirley Lewis, Madison
2 eggs, beaten 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs 1/2 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley 1 envelope spaghetti sauce mix, divided 1/2 tsp salt 1-1/2 lbs ground beef 1/2 lb ground pork 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce 1/2 cup water
In a bowl, combine eggs, bread crumbs, cheese, parsley, 2 tablespoons spaghetti sauce mix, and salt. Crumble beef and pork over mixture and mix well. Shape into 20-24 meatballs. In a skillet, cook the meatballs until no longer pink; drain. Stir in tomato sauce, water, and remaining spaghetti sauce mix. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25 minutes. Makes about 8 servings.
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Feeling chilled?
HEAT your SPACE safely
Before you dust off your space heater and plug it in, consider that most home heating fire deaths (86%) involve space heaters, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In fact, heating equipment is the second-leading cause of U.S. home fires (cooking is the leading cause). More than half of the heating-related home fires start when flammable items are too close to the heat source, according to the NFPA. Those items include upholstered furniture, clothing, a mattress or bedding. Nearly half of all home heating fires occur in December, January and February.
Here are some space heater safety tips: • Only use them as the manufacturer recommends • Do not leave them unattended • Give them space: remove any flammable items within 3 feet • Plug them directly into outlets; don’t use an extension cord • Consider using a dedicated circuit to avoid overload • Keep children and pets away from space heaters at all times • Turn them off before you leave the room or go to sleep
Learn more at:
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A N ICE WAY TO FISH VIRTUAL ICE-FISHING EVENT OFFERS FRIENDLY COMPETITION FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Ice
fishing is a form of recreation that seems to be ideally suited for a pandemic. It’s an outdoor activity that by its very nature is an exercise in social distancing, and it can be enjoyed pretty much anywhere there’s a sheet of ice over a body of water. That means in Wisconsin, with its more than 15,000 fresh-water lakes, no one has to venture too far from home to find a place to ice fish. Despite the solitary nature of this outdoor sport, large ice-fishing contests—a beloved winter tradition in our lake-heavy state—have not been immune to the effects of COVID-19. Restrictions necessary to protect
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public safety have forced some longstanding ice-fishing tournaments to be canceled or postponed, while others have been adapted as virtual events. One contest that is proceeding as usual is the ice-fishing event held each February by the St. Croix Valley Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). Now in its third year, this event hasn’t needed any retooling to ensure its safety as it was created on a model that’s already about as pandemic-proof as possible. Held the entire month of February, the SART ice-fishing contest is open to anyone, and fish may be caught from any lake, in Wisconsin or even beyond the state’s borders.
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WISCONSIN FAVORITES
Dustin Bune has participated in the SART ice-fishing event since it was launched three years ago. Bune is the son-in-law of Tom Gunderson, vice president of SART and one of the event’s organizers; and Liz Gunderson, communications coordinator at Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services.
“You can go anywhere—we don’t care where you fish, because everything’s done electronically,” said Tom Gunderson, vice president of SART. Gunderson is a criminal justice instructor at Chippewa Valley Technical College’s River Falls campus with 30 years of experience in law enforcement. He’s also an ice-fishing enthusiast himself and one of the event’s organizers. Registration opens on January 15 each year and remains open throughout February. Prospective participants simply go to the SART website at stcroixvalleysart.org to sign up. Upon registering, participants are given a list of contest rules, including an email address where they submit a photo of their fish alongside a measuring device such as a tape measure or ruler to verify size of the catch.
“The contest starts February 1 at 12:01 a.m.,” Gunderson said. “People can start fishing and then submitting photos of their fish to the email address that’s included with the information that they get on the website. We just start logging every week, going through all the pictures and keeping track of what people submit on a big spreadsheet.” This year’s contest has four categories: Walleye, Northern, Pan Fish, and new this year, Trout. The participant who catches the longest recorded fish in each category wins, with ties determined from a drawing. “We added another category this year because we had a bunch of people who wanted to include trout,” Gunderson said. “A couple of the lakes around here are connected by rivers and you can catch trout on the lakes in the wintertime when you’re ice fishing.” Door prizes, many of them donated by area businesses, are awarded weekly in a random drawing of contestants who submitted photos during the previous week. Examples of door prizes include ice-fishing gear, gift cards to local businesses, and hats and T-shirts. At the end of the contest, winners in each category
receive a grand prize of an item such as a fish locator or an ice auger.
About SART Prizes aren’t all contestants are fishing for. This event is one of two major fundraisers that support the mission of SART, a nonprofit organization that offers services free of charge to individuals of all ages, male and female, who are victims of sexual assault. SART is the only such provider in the region. Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services, St. Croix Electric Cooperative, and Barron Electric Cooperative are among the community organizations that support SART’s services through donations. Those services include examinations by licensed nurses with extensive training in collecting sexual assault evidence, either at one of the SART locations in River Falls or Rice Lake, or at one of the 10 hospitals in Pierce, St. Croix, Polk, or Barron counties, with whom SART partners. The organization also provides personal advocacy services for anyone who may have questions about their experience and/or need someone to talk to, or for anyone in need of a personal advocate alongside during an evidence
Ice fishing is a family-friendly activity for all ages. At left, Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative member Adam Sengbusch and his daughter, Finley, enjoy a day on the ice together in Oxford. At right, Jessica Wohlfert holds up her catch—a 33-inch Northern pike. Photos courtesy of Keith Wohlfert February 2021
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exam. Clients make their way to SART through a variety of channels: Some contact the organization directly, while others report assaults, or suspicions of abuse on behalf of another, at one of the partner hospitals or law-enforcement agencies in the four-county St. Croix Valley area, which then reach out to SART. No one is turned away. People from outside the four-county area who would like SART’s services can either come to one of the organization’s two facilities or stop at one of the hospitals that SART contracts with and request the organization’s services. “We provide services to them for free as well. They don’t get a surprise bill in the mail for anything, if it’s done through our facility,” Gunderson said. This is where the fundraising events come in. Forensic evidence kits, pay for qualified nurses, etc., are not cheap. SART keeps victims from having to foot the bill for these necessary services by turning to grants, community donations, and fundraising efforts like the ice-fishing event. Enjoying a winter day on a frozen lake is a nICE way to help out.—Mary Erickson For more information about the SART ice-fishing event, including rules and regulations, visit stcroixvalleysart.org and click on the Events tab in the menu.
5 BENEFITS OF
ICE FISHING PHYSICAL EXERCISE
Ice fishing requires you to exert quite a bit of physical effort. You’ve got to be mobile if you hope to have a bountiful outing, but you can’t just steer your boat to another spot. You’ve got to pack up your gear on your sled and either drag it or drive it across the ice to another spot, where you’ll have to drill a new hole. All of this activity gives you a healthy workout.
AFFORDABLE
It doesn’t cost much to go ice fishing. Although you can certainly splurge on the latest gear and accessories, all you really need is an ice-fishing rod and reel, a hand auger, and some warm clothing. Thanks to the solid ice surface, you can access a large body of water without the added expense of a boat.
CLEANSING COLD
Any activity that gets you outside in the winter is good for your health. When properly dressed for it, cold weather comes with a number of health benefits, including increased metabolism, improved sleep, and a more robust immune system.
STRESS RELIEF
Don’t forget about your mental health. Spending time on the ice, surrounded by nature and separated from the distractions of daily life, is a great way to clear your mind and bring your stress level way down.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Ice fishing is easy enough for even young children to try, so it’s an activity an entire family can enjoy together. To participate in the SART ice-fishing contest, anglers submit photos of their catch alongside a measuring device to verify the length of the fish.
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Sources: Business Insider, Bass Angler Magazine
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EASY WAYS TO TAKE OUT THE CHILL AND LOWER YOUR BILL If you’re looking for ways to reduce your household expenses, try these simple steps to cut your winter energy costs. You can find more energy-saving tips at energy.gov.
Let the sun shine in. The world’s best furnace is right outside your window! Open up your curtains on south-facing windows during the day to let the sun shine in. It will make your room warmer, enabling you to turn your thermostat back a bit without sacrificing comfort. Just remember to close the window coverings when the sun goes down to help keep the heat inside.
Watch those filters. Over time furnace filters can become clogged up with dirt and debris, reducing the air flow and making your furnace work harder. Clean or replace your filter as directed by the manufacturer and your furnace will run more efficiently.
Feel free to vent. Make sure your heating registers and/or vents are able to do their job. Don’t block them with furniture, curtains, or household objects, and clean them occasionally to keep dust and debris from building up and blocking the air flow.
Avoid flaming out. There’s nothing like a crackling fire for creating a cozy atmosphere, but if you’re not careful your wood-burning fireplace could be doing more harm than good. Make sure your flue is closed tight when the fireplace is not in use to avoid sending the heat right up the chimney and out of your house. Also, make sure your damper has a tight seal. Better yet, consider an electric fireplace insert.
Wrap up. This may seem obvious, but bulk up your indoor wardrobe! Bundle up in fuzzy sweaters and socks so you can lower your thermostat a little bit. You can generally save about 3% for every degree you drop your thermostat in the winter, so layer up! Source: Department of Energy
Brought to you by: February 2021
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CLASSIFIEDS MISCELLANEOUS
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. USED BILLBOARD VINYLS/TARPS: Possible sizes available: 14x48=$70, 10x36=$37, 10x30=$30. 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.
PLANTS & SHRUBS 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 Available For Spring Planting. Also evergreens & deciduous seedlings and transplants, strawberries, blueberries, asparagus, rhubarb, and much more. For additional info: Call toll free (888) 803-8733 or write to Woodstock Nursery, W6291 State Hwy 95, Neillsville, WI 54456. Also check us out at Wallace-Woodstock.com.
REAL ESTATE
VACATION RENTALS—Chippewa Flowage in Hayward, WI. A private 4-bedroom / 2-bath is available, and also a 3-bedroom / 1-1/2 bath is available. Docks at both locations. Year-round rentals. On snowmobile and ATV trails. Contact Jen at 715-558-2759. VACATION RENTAL. Cape Coral, FL. Beautiful 3 bedroom home on gulf access canal. 10,000lb boat lift. Weekly rental or more. Call Al. 608-295-7433. HUNTERS/SNOWMOBILERS/HORSES PARADISE in Marathon County. Beautiful 3-bedroom / 3.5 bathroom home on approximately 60 acres. Trophy whitetails and turkeys abundant. Also great place to raise horses. See photos and all the details of this great piece of property at Zillow. com. 201696 Bentley Rd, Rosholt, WI 54473. This was formerly 2117 Birch Rd, Rosholt, WI. Call Kerry at 715-581-3327.
ADVERTISE WITH US MORE THAN 152,000 MAILBOXES EACH MONTH Reach rural readers ads@weca.coop
Classified ads reach more than 152,000 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. Jennifer, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Ph: 608-467-4638. Email jennifer@ weca.coop. We reserve the right to refuse ads.
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February 2021
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YOUNG MEMBERS
Kids and Critters February 2021
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1. Katie gets help from her two besties, Annie & Opie, stacking wood to head to the cabin. Photo submitted by Kelly Phillips, a member of Taylor Electric. 2. Brinlee brushes her pony on her grandparents’ farm. Photo submitted by Amber Bruce, a member of Adams-Columbia Electric. 3. Kaylee cares for a new calf. Photo submitted by Great-Grandparents Robert and Dorothy Sebion, members of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services. 4. Brenna worked hard all summer with her fair sheep, Easton. She gives a thumbs up before entering the show ring. Photo submitted by James Bruce, a member of Adams-Columbia Electric.
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Upload photos directly
to the new wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab. 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.
WELCOME BACK TO OUR HIDDEN OBJECT GAME,
“SYMBOL SEARCH” Last month, we hid a symbol—an animal track—in the pages of Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, and we asked you to find it to qualify for a prize.
Marilyn Meyers, a member of Clark Electric Cooperative, mailed in her winning entry. “I did not have any luck finding last month’s symbol, but this month’s symbol of ‘Animal Track’ is found on page 14 in the caption words of the photo of Jenna Lundquist. I love contests. Keep them coming. Always so many good articles and useful information to use. Love the recipe section too.” This month, while you are on the ice waiting on your tip-ups to alert you about a fish on the line, and reading our Wisconsin Favorites story about ice fishing on page 24, we challenge you to find this fish. (Hint: The symbol is NOT on pages 24-26). Remember that the symbol can be anywhere and any size. One randomly selected winner will receive a Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News kitchen kit. One entry per household, please.
Enter via the “Symbol Search” link on the homepage of wecnmagazine.com.
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You can also enter by mail: Symbol Search Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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