Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News February 2022 by American MainStreet Publications

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CONTENTS February 2022 Vol. 82 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.

CHARGE

Improve Safety

2022 will be the year of transportation transformation.

Upgrade smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

USPS number: 688-480. Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703.

Wisconsin Favorites Mush to Love with Northern Pines Sled Dog Race.

Periodicals postage paid at Sun Prairie, Wis.

Send correspondence to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Phone (608) 467-4650.

Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.

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 geri@weca.coop. The appearance of advertising or events does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. We reserve the right to refuse advertisers.

Kids & Critters

Join us on

On the cover: This month’s cover photo is courtesy of Studio One Photography

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS BRIEFS

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

15 MY CO-OP 20 RECIPES 22 READER RECIPES 28 CLASSIFIEDS 30 EVENTS

Please recycle wecnmagazine.com

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February 2022

1/19/22 4:34 PM

SYMBOL SEARCH HIDDEN OBJECT GAME

Winning our kitchen kit for the January magazine was Jackson Electric Cooperative member Rick Engstrom. He found the snowshoe, “on page 22 in the upper left corner (in the spoon). I like your new look, I didn’t think you could improve your magazine as it was already very good but you did! Nicely organized.” This month we challenge readers to find this pie, inspired by our recipes on page 20. 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. Send entries by February 26.

Enter via the “Symbol Search” link on the homepage of wecnmagazine.com. You can also enter by mail (don’t forget to include the name of your cooperative):

SYMBOL SEARCH WECA 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703

Good luck! 4

WE’RE #1… SOMETIMES

e have so much to be proud of here in America’s Dairyland. Of course, at the top of the list is our dairy industry. Despite a push from California, we still reign supreme as the land of cheese. We also produce more cranberries than any other state, and our Green Bay Packers have won the most NFL championship titles. Wisconsin has also led the nation in paper manufacturing. As the editor of a 32-page publication delivered to 152,000 homes each month, I tend to think about paper more than I’d like since we use our fair share. Publishing in such a paper- and printer-friendly state has always been a boon for us. We’ve enjoyed healthy competition among printers, keeping this magazine costeffective for our readers. For the first time, though, we hit a bit of a hiccup with our January issue. Paper mills are closing, and paper needs to be trucked in from farther and farther away. Due to the supply-chain chaos that has hampered virtually every industry these past few months, we weren’t able to secure all of our needed paper until after press time. As a result, some readers received their January issues later than they are used to, and we apologize for that. We’ll do our best to keep delivery on track and continue to be your trusted, friendly source of energy information (and so much more). After all, in our last reader survey, 95 percent of readers said that this publication contains “relevant and useful information,” and 93 percent prefer to receive it in a printed format. So, while we may not have been the first publication in your mailbox this month, we hope we’re still #1 with you, our readers. Dana Kelroy Editor

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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NEWS BRIEFS

WECA President and CEO Steve Freese displays his “Keeping the Lights On” specialty plate recognizing Wisconsin utility workers.

“Keeping the Lights On” License Plate Orders Needed “Keeping the Lights On” specialty plates recognizing Wisconsin’s utility workers are now available, but more people need to order the plates to meet the quota for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to continue to offer them. As of January, 418 drivers opted for the plates on their registration. The DOT must receive 500 by the end of 2022. The plates are available with a one-time fee of $15. Vehicles that qualify to display the specialty plates include automobiles, motor homes, private trucks weighing 8,000 pounds or less, and farm trucks weighing 12,000 pounds or less. For more information, search “Keeping the Lights On” on the DOT web page at wisconsindot.gov.

Emissions Up 7 Percent

According to Carbon Monitor, an academic group that tracks emissions, overall emissions were up 7 percent for 2021 as of the end of October. This falls in line with the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which says there was also a 7 percent increase in energyrelated emissions. Emissions dropped more than 10 percent in 2020, due largely to pandemicrelated lockdowns. Coal, oil, and gas consumption all

increased in 2021 as the American economy began to recover. U.S. emissions in 2021 were below 2019 levels, however. Power sector have emissions dropped by one-third from 2005 to 2019.

Some furniture and infrastructure items are going to Habitat for Humanity in La Crosse for its local ReStore business, which is a discount home improvement store.

Youth Leadership Congress Moves to UW-Stout

Dairyland Power Completes Purchase of Rockgen Energy Center

The Youth Leadership Congress (YLC) will be held in-person this summer for the first time in three years, and youth will be gathering at a new location when they come together July 12–14, 2022. After 56 years at UW-River Falls, the event will now take place on the campus of UW-Stout. The traditional three-day event is a unique opportunity for youth across Wisconsin to develop leadership skills while learning the purpose, operation, and scope of cooperative businesses. Attendees also have the chance to enter a scholarship essay contest and run for the youth board. Those elected to the board may attend the annual National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) National Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., the following June. Youth interested in attending should contact their local co-op or Tina Walden at tina@weca.coop.

Dairyland’s Genoa Site Donations Help Local Schools, Organizations

The retirement of Dairyland Power Cooperative’s Genoa Station #3 power plant is benefitting schools and organizations with the donation of equipment and materials from the plant, which officially shut down on June 1, 2021, after 52 years in service. According to Dairyland, DeSoto High School is using laboratory equipment donations from Dairyland’s Genoa Site. Eleva-Strum School District received professional equipment from the Genoa Site Maintenance Shop for its Cardinal Manufacturing Program at the high school.

Dairyland Power Cooperative has officially acquired the RockGen Energy Center, a 503-megawatt natural gas power plant located east of Madison, in the community of Cambridge. The 20-year-old RockGen Energy Center is a simple-cycle, dual fuel power generating facility that operates mainly on natural gas. It has the ability to ramp up and down quickly, which provides reliability to support intermittent solar and wind resources. In 2020, recommissioning was completed to allow operation on fuel oil as a backup fuel source. This fuel flexibility enhances reliability in the region if the natural gas supply is limited. Dairyland announced its intention to acquire the plant last August and the deal was finalized last month.

Biden Advances Clean Energy Measures

The Biden Administration announced new clean energy measures related to grid upgrades, offshore wind, and renewable energy on public lands. According to the announcement, the administration will invest $20 billion into expansion of the nation’s transmission networks and will target “shovel ready” projects that deliver clean energy. For the electric grid, the administration says it will help finance high-voltage transmission lines and other improvements with a $2.5 billion revolving fund, and work with regional grid organizations, utilities, and state regulatory commissions to identify and expedite critical projects.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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MESSAGE from the CEO

REDISTRICTING: AN ‘INSIDE BASEBALL’ GAME

ven though a good portion of the population likely has an opinion on legislative redistricting, very few understand the process and the politics that govern it. Redistricting is one of the most partisan issues that legislators are constitutionally required to deal with every 10 years after the U.S. Census is complete. It truly is the ultimate “inside baseball” game when it comes to partisan politics, and it is An image from 1812, drawn by Elkanah Tisdale, of a playing out right now at the Wisconsin Capitol. Massachusetts legislative map looked like a giant Redistricting is the process by which states adjust the salamander. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons boundaries of congressional, state legislative, and local electoral districts to account for shifts in population. As mentioned earlier, this occurs every 10 years. Not only is Enter the courts. Without getting too far into the weeds it partisan, it is also very complicated. For example, due to on explaining state and federal judicial review of the significant advancements in data and demographic analysis, redistricting saga in Wisconsin, it appears that the the drawing of maps from the early 1970s or ‘80s is Wisconsin Supreme Court is poised to technologically different than it is now. The litigious ultimately decide how this gets resolved. The nature of partisan redistricting also often leads to a court has informed interested parties that it will tremendous amount of judicial involvement from take a “least change” approach to redrawing the federal and state courts. political district lines. This means that they are orRedistricting battles often occur because one dering parties to submit maps that make the least party will accuse the other of drawing unfair, or amount of changes to the existing maps drawn in “gerrymandered,” maps. Anyone who has studied 2011, while still making adjustments to account U.S. political history has likely heard this term. for population shifts, and adherence to other legal Its origins date back to 1812 when Massachusetts Steve Freese principles like the Voting Rights Act, compact and Governor Elbridge Gerry signed a bill that created President and CEO contiguous districts, minimizing municipal splits, a senate legislative map so disjointed that a Boston etc. It is expected that the court will make a decision soon Globe illustrator named Elkanah Tisdale drew a now very so lines are in place with sufficient time for candidates and famous picture map that looked like a monster, almost like municipal election officials to prepare for the 2022 general a giant salamander. The poet Richard Alsop is credited with election. arguing that it looked like a “gerry mander” and to this day Do you care? You’re probably asking yourself why the term is still used when describing political maps that seem you should. If I’m making the argument that this is all to make little sense other than for partisan gain. inside baseball with a fierce partisan bent and ultimately With Republicans controlling both legislative houses and the courts will decide it anyway, it seems like a logical Governor Evers holding the veto pen, the odds that maps question to ask. What all this demonstrates is that elections could be drawn by Republicans and signed into law by a matter and they have consequences. Legislative elections Democratic governor were dismal at best. In January of 2020, matter. Supreme Court elections matter. the governor issued an executive order creating the People’s No matter your position on whether you approve or disMap Commission charged with, among other things, drawing approve of the current redistricting process, these maps will maps “free from partisan bias and partisan advantage.” At the be in place for 10 years. The maps for the next decade will same time, the legislature pushed forward with drafting and produce elected officials who will vote on state budgets and introducing their own maps. Charging that the Commission’s other legislation that will impact your daily lives. So yes, I maps were fatally flawed, Republicans put them up for a vote think you should care. You may not like how it’s done, but anyway. They were soundly rejected, with many Democrats I think it’s important that you at least have a better underjoining Republicans in opposition. Ultimately, GOP-drawn standing behind the process and politics of this critically maps were passed last November, with Evers quickly vetoing important decennial event. them.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction

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enturies ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear. On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise. Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed. We found a limited supply of turquoise from Arizona and snatched it up for our Sedona Turquoise C. Collection. Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-ofa-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today! Jewelry Specifications: • Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings

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FEATURE

2022: THE YEAR OF TRANSPORTATION TRANSFORMATION

his is it. This year is the “end of the beginning” of the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), according to many industry analysts, and automakers are ready. For example, Ford announced it is doubling up on production of the F-150 Lightning, which goes on sale in limited numbers this spring. General Motors says it will have 10 EV models on car lots within two years, and Chrysler says its ﬂeet will be exclusively electric within six years. President Joe Biden’s goal is for 50 percent of new vehicle sales in the United “There is no better entity States to be electric or hybrids by 2030, than electric cooperatives plug-in up from the current 3.4 to step in and fill the percent, according to gaps to help ease range federal data. Here’s the problem: anxiety so people in all Many consumers are areas can consider the still warming up to the benefits of an electric idea of plugging in their vehicle and have a choice.” cars.According to the 2022 Global Automotive Consumer Study by Deloitte, which was just released in January, 69 percent of Americans still prefer a gas-fueled engine for their next vehicle, 22 percent prefer some type of

hybrid, and only 5 percent are ready to go all-in with a full electric vehicle (4 percent selected “other”). In the survey, people in the United States cited range anxiety (fear of running out of battery charge) as the number one factor preventing them from going electric. Nevertheless, Wisconsin electric cooperatives are already working to ease those concerns. It’s now been more than a year since Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services President and CEO Nate Boettcher spearheaded the effort that launched “CHARGE EV, LLC,” a co-op branded network that includes the installation of public charging stations and offers home charging units, installed, for purchase by cooperative members. The CHARGE network launched in December of 2020 with a group of 29 electric co-ops, including a few in Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota, and the rest in Wisconsin, with the goal of becoming a national cooperative effort. In just one year, the initiative has doubled in size and now includes 49 participating cooperatives. And this is key since the transition to EVs is lagging in rural areas, prompting concerns that, as with electrification and broadband, rural America will be left behind in the opportunity to own EVs due to lack of charging stations. “There is no better entity than electric cooperatives to step in and fill the gaps to help ease range anxiety so people in all areas can consider the benefits of an electric vehicle

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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and have a choice,” Boettcher said. One of those benefits is lower cost to “fuel,” especially for those who mainly charge their EV at home. Home charging allows for maximum savings compared to public charging stations, similar to how it is cheaper to eat meals at home than it is to dine out. Through CHARGE, which all Wisconsin electric cooperatives participate in, members have the opportunity to choose from three levels of smart home chargers, ranging in cost from $900 to $1,400. All have the ability to communicate with the owner, allow for the special rates, and in the future will allow for energy to be pushed back to the grid. Some co-ops offer rebates to help with the initial costs of home chargers. For example, Pierce Pepin offers rebates ranging from $400 to $800 on residential charging stations. In addition, members can cut more costs by charging during “off-peak” hours, such as overnight. In the Deloitte survey, of the people who said they would not charge their vehicle at home, more than 60 percent said the cost of installing a charger is too much, or they were not sure how to do it. The cost of driving an EV compared to a gas-fueled vehicle varies depending on where you live and what model you drive. According to an analysis by the Wall Street Journal, which looked at a sample of cities across the country, a driver of the Ford Mach-E living in Madison, Wisconsin, and charging mainly at home will save an average of $588 per year on fuel costs. In the Deloitte survey, U.S. consumers said to consider the purchase of an electric vehicle, they would expect it to run 518 miles on a single charge. That exceeds what most EVs can do (200 to 350 miles is typical for newer EVs). However, most gasfueled vehicles don’t meet that goal either. At an average of 25 miles per

gallon, a car would need a 21-gallon tank to go 518 miles. Most cars have gas tanks that hold 12 to 16 gallons of fuel, which means they run 300 to 400 miles on a single tank, on average. To help ease concerns about range anxiety in rural areas of Wisconsin, the CHARGE website (Charge.coop) includes a map of charging stations that are well-positioned between Wisconsin’s less populated cities to help drivers feel assured that they will get to where they are going. Many of the cooperative CHARGE stations are currently free. Electric vehicles are at the forefront of the effort to limit the effects of climate change, as the transportation industry is currently the biggest polluter (surpassing the energy industry in 2017). Princeton’s Net Zero America study includes a detailed

One of the first level-3 fast-charging stations in rural Wisconsin was this one installed at Kickapoo Creekside, a popular restaurant stop at the intersection of Highways 14,10:52 61, and in Readstown, in Morton_Wi.energy.Coop.News.1.22.qxp_Layout 1 12/7/21 AM131 Page 1 Vernon Electric Cooperative’s territory.

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February 2022

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pathway to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Its scenarios require Wisconsin drivers to transition to 2.3 million to 4.2 million electric vehicles on the road by 2040, less than 20 years from now. That seems monumental, as the latest figures from the Department of Transportation show only 7,521 EVs registered in Wisconsin as of mid-2021. But as much as that seems like a long shot, Americans have transitioned to new technology in rapid form before. Just 20 short years ago, most of us were still using a landline. As of 2000, only one in four Americans had a cell phone. The very first Apple iPhone was introduced in 2007, just 15 years ago. Currently, 97 percent of American adults have a cell phone, including 100 percent of those ages 18-49, according to Pew Research. As of this writing, the Biden Administration’s “Build Back Better” plan, which includes electric vehicle buyer incentives, remains stalled in the Senate. However, analysts remain convinced the era of the electric vehicle is here—or at least, it’s close—as public perception shifts from novelty to mainstream, due to advancements in charging technology, reduced manufacturing costs, extended range capabilities, an increase in available EV models, greater selection of affordable EVs, and an ever-growing charging infrastructure landscape thanks to forward-thinking, innovative programs such as CHARGE. The electric vehicle era is here.—Julie Lund 12

This past fall, Dunn Energy Cooperative officially opened a level 3 fast charger at the Eau Claire Travel Center/29 Pines location on Highway 29 and County Highway T. The Residence Inn in Eau Claire is one of two hotels that was recently provided with a Level 2 charger by Eau Claire Energy Cooperative. Pictured here are Adam Westaby, Eau Claire Energy’s member services associate (right), and Chuck Langland, general manager of Residence Inn. The co-op will soon be providing similar chargers to two more hotels/ resorts and a nature reserve.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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FEATURE

IMPROVE SAFETY

with Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detector Upgrades

f that old smoke detector, discolored, stained with paint or years of household grime, could send you a message silently, it might say “please replace me.” Those lifesaving warning devices designed to alert us to smoke and ﬁre were never meant to last forever. “The National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories suggests replacing smoke every 10 years,” said Nicolette Nye, a public affairs specialist with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Both organizations cite sensor degradation rates of 3% per year for their replacement recommendations. “After 10 years, there would a potential of a 30% failure rate,” said Nye, who also cited a CPSC recommendation that consumers look for smoke alarms rated or certiﬁed by Underwriters Laboratories and designated by the symbol “UL” or the Electrical Testing Laboratories, marked with the “ETL” logo. Both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are designed with a timeframe or useful lifespan of 10 years, said Shawn Mahoney, a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical services engineer. “Once they start to reach their end of life, consumers may notice alarm signals—typically a chirping sound that is either a low battery or an indication of the device’s end of life, meaning that it’s time the unit was replaced,” said Mahoney.

Consumers who have working smoke alarms in their homes die in fires at about half the rate of those who do not have alarms.

The NFPA not only recommends that batteries be replaced once a year, but also urges you to test the unit once a month as an added precaution against failure. Chirping, prompted by a drained battery will typically stop within seven days and when that happens, the unit stops functioning. “If you’re just waiting to hear the sound and not testing regularly, there’s a possibility that you’re going to miss that, especially if you have battery-only systems,” Mahoney said. According to the CPSC, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors represent good investments in your family’s safety, said Nye, emphasizing that both types of devices should be replaced after 10 years. “Consumers who have working smoke alarms in their homes die in fires at about half the rate of those who do not have alarms. Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home and outside of sleeping areas. CO detectors are designed to sound the alert before carbon monoxide reaches life threatening levels.” Design improvements are another great reason to consider replacement of older units. Ionization smoke alarms made their debut in the consumer market in 1970. Photoelectric smoke detectors were first patented in 1972, and the first 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarms hit the market in 1995. Since then, units using the best features of all three technologies have become popular.

Info courtesy of FEMA

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Many states have upgraded building codes to require hardwired smoke alarms with battery backup, and carbon monoxide detectors in all new residential construction. As ﬁre codes have evolved to require smoke alarms in close proximity to cooking appliances, manufacturers have improved the technology, said NFPA’s Mahoney. “They can distinguish between an actual ﬁre event in the home and cooking fumes, reducing the incidence of nuisance alarms.” Features for residential alarms and detectors are also available to enhance the safety of the hearing

impaired, said Nye, adding that those include bed shakers and strobe lights offering another level of alert to ﬁre or carbon monoxide danger. 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.

Winter Storms Bring

Increased Risk for

CO POISONING

alf of all home fires occur in December, January, and February. But did you know that instances of carbon monoxide poisoning also increase during the winter months? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 430 people die each year in the United States from accidental CO poisoning, and another 50,000 require emergency room visits. The chance for power outages increases with winter storms, in turn also increasing the risk for CO poisoning. According to Rutgers University, carbon monoxide mainly comes from gas appliances and heating systems. Other sources— common during winter weather— include portable gas generators, snow-blocked tailpipes, heating and dryer vents, portable room heaters, fireplace or chimney flues, and malfunctioning heating systems for indoor swimming pools and hot tubs. RUTGERS SUGGESTS TAKING THESE MEASURES TO MINIMIZE POISONING RISK:

•

Clear snow from heating and dryer vents and car tailpipes.

•

Do not idle a car in the garage, and be careful not to utilize the remote start on your key fob from inside the house by mistake.

•

Inspect chimney and heating systems to prevent blockages. Open flues when using the fireplace.

•

Only use generators outside, and place at least 20 feet away from any structure.

•

Never use a stove or charcoalburning device to heat your home.

Carbon monoxide detectors are designed to sound the alert before carbon monoxide reaches life-threatening levels. Photo courtesy of Abi Begum The National Fire Protection Association recommends that a working smoke detector be installed in every bedroom, on every level of a home, and in hallways outside of sleeping areas. Photo courtesy of Scott Van Osdol

Info courtesy Rutgers University

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GIVE SOME

Love

TO YOUR ENERGY BILL The kitchen is often the heart of the home, especially during these chilly winter months when baking makes for a fun family activity that warms the house as well as the tummy. But did you know that the kitchen typically uses the most energy compared to other rooms in a home? It’s not surprising, when you think of all the heavily used appliances that are collected in this one spot. Fortunately, the kitchen also offers many opportunities to cut down on your energy use. Even little steps can make a big difference.

Appliance Action: If you’re in the market for new appliances, look for the Energy Star label, which assures you’re getting one of the most energy efficient appliances available. But if you’re not ready to purchase new appliances, you can still save by unplugging appliances like coffee makers, microwaves, and toaster ovens when they’re not in use. These appliances continue to draw energy, whether you’re using them or not. No Peeking: Resist the urge to open the oven door mid-bake. Each burst of delightful aroma also wastes a lot of energy. Check your progress through a glass door instead. Keep Frigid Air in the Fridge: Make those trips to the fridge for more ingredients quick. If you keep the door open too long the fridge will have to work harder to cool the temperature again. Light up with LEDs: The kitchen is typically one of the brightest rooms in the house. If you haven’t already, switch out all of your bulbs with energysaving LED bulbs. Residential LEDs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, plus they last up to 25 times longer. Wait for the Dishwasher: As tempting as it may be to wash your baking dishes by hand as you go, you’ll save more energy if you wait for a full load and run your dishwasher. An Energy Star-rated dishwasher uses less than half as much energy as washing dishes by hand, and less water as well. Even older models can be used more efficiently if you’re mindful of running full loads and letting dishes air dry. Source: U.S. Department of Energy February 2022

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AS EASY

AS PIE Queen Bee Apple Pie Recipe and photo courtesy of the National Honey Board.

6 cups green apples, pared and sliced 2 Tbsp lemon juice 1-1/4 cups cold water 1/3 cup cornstarch 1 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1 cup honey 1 pkg (15 oz) 9-inch pie crusts (2 crusts per package) 1/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped 1/3 cup raisins Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toss together apples and lemon juice in a large bowl; set aside. In a small saucepan, whisk together cold water, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add honey; mix well. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir until mixture thickens and becomes translucent. Pour hot honey mixture over apple mixture; toss to coat evenly. Turn apple mixture into pastry-lined 9-inch pie plate. Sprinkle walnuts and raisins over apples. Place second crust over filling. Seal and flute edges. Cut slits in top crust for steam to escape. Bake 35–40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. Serves 8.

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RECIPES Blueberry Whoopie Pies with Blueberry Lemon Mascarpone Filling Recipe/photo courtesy of the US Highbush Blueberry Council.

Blueberry Lemon Mascarpone Filling 3-1/2 cups mascarpone cheese 3/4 tsp lemon juice 1-3/4 cups frozen blueberries, 1 cup powdered sugar 1 tsp kosher salt thawed 3/4 tsp lemon zest

In a food processor, whip mascarpone cheese, blueberries with liquid, lemon zest, lemon juice, powdered sugar, and salt together until smooth. Some blueberry speckles are good, but overall texture should be spreadable. Transfer to an air-tight container. Store chilled in a refrigerator below 40 degrees.

Bananas Foster Cream Cheese Pie Recipe and photo courtesy of the American Egg Board. A simple dessert with classic Bananas Foster flavors.

Graham Cracker Crust 1-1/2 cups (4 oz) graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup sugar 1/3 cup butter, room temperature Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a medium bowl. Add butter; mix until thoroughly blended. Press crumb mixture evenly and firmly against bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake in oven until center is firm to the touch and edge is lightly browned, 8–10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Banana Layer 2 Tbsp butter 2-1/2 cups sliced bananas (1/4-inch thick) 1/4 cup sugar 1-1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1 (9-inch) graham cracker pie crust Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add bananas; cook, stirring gently, until soft, about 2 minutes. Do not mash. Add sugar, lemon juice, and pie spice. Cook, stirring gently, until mixture thickens, approx. 1 to 1-1/2 minutes. Spread evenly in bottom of cooled crumb crust.

Cream Cheese Layer 2 pkgs (8 oz each) cream cheese, room temperature 6 large eggs, room temperature 1 cup sugar 1-1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1-1/2 tsp vanilla 1/3 cup all-purpose flour Combine cream cheese, eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla in mixing bowl. Beat on high speed until well blended. Reduce speed to low. Beat in flour just until blended and no streaks of flour remain. Pour over banana mixture. Carefully place pie on rack in center of oven. Bake until knife inserted midway between center and edge of pie comes out clean, 40–45 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack. Refrigerate, loosely covered, until firm, several hours or overnight. Serves 8.

Blueberry Whoopie Pies 3 cups all-purpose flour 1-1/2 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp vanilla extract 6 tsp baking powder 2 large eggs 3 cups canned blueberries, 1-1/2 cups granulated cane sugar pureed with liquid Preheat oven to 350 degrees (with no fan if possible). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Set aside. In a separate larger mixing bowl, whisk eggs, vanilla extract, and blueberry puree together until thoroughly mixed. Fold dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients using a rubber spatula. Mix until just combined—do not over mix. On a silicone or greased parchment-lined, full-sized baking sheet, portion 2 oz scoops of batter in a circle shape, spaced approx. 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 minutes, rotating pans halfway through. Remove cakes from oven and let cool on the sheet for 10 minutes. Transfer cakes from baking sheet to a wire rack to completely cool (approx. 1 to 1-1/2 hours). Assemble whoopie pies in the following order: 1 cooled whoopie cake half, 1/4 cup whipped blueberry mascarpone filling, spread evenly over flat side of the cake half, 1 cooled whoopie cake half, flat side touching the filling. Serve cool/room temperature. (Do not serve cold.) Makes 24 servings. RECIPE TIP: If using a convection oven, preheat oven to 325 degrees, with fan on LOW. It is important to not overbake these cakes in order to keep a blue cake color and prevent cake browning.

French Silk Pie Recipe and photo courtesy of the American Egg Board. This recipe is a good source of protein, vitamin A, and folate, and an excellent source of choline.

1 cup sugar 1/4 tsp cream of tartar 6 large eggs 4 squares (1 oz each) unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped 1-1/2 tsp vanilla 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature 1 (9-inch) graham cracker or basic pie crust, pre-baked and cooled

Whipped topping (optional) 1/4 cup freshly grated orange peel/zest, chocolate shavings, or sliced almonds for garnish (optional)

Mix sugar and cream of tartar in medium-heavy saucepan. Add eggs; beat until well blended. Add chocolate; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and temperature reaches 160 degrees. Do not allow to boil. Remove from heat immediately. Set pan in larger pan of ice water to cool quickly. Stir vigorously until temperature of mixture falls to 80–90 degrees. Remove pan from ice water. Stir in vanilla. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, approx. 3–4 minutes. Add cooled egg mixture; beat on high speed approx. 4–5 minutes. Pour into pie shell. Refrigerate, loosely covered, at least 6 hours before serving. Slice and add any toppings if desired, before serving. Promptly refrigerate any leftover pie. Serves 8.

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READER RECIPES Venison-Quebec Woodsmen Style

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/. Due to potential food safety issues, we cannot accept canning recipes.

ROMAYNE LINDSTROM, IOLA 3 cups dry beans (such as Northern white beans) 1 (16 oz) bottle dry or semi-sweet apple cider 1/2 lb salt pork, cubed 2 carrots, sliced 4 large onions, minced fine 1 tsp summer savory 1 cup maple syrup 1 bay leaf Salt and pepper, to taste 2 lbs venison, cubed Soak beans in cold water for 12 hours. Drain and save the water. Put beans in large pot or roaster and add the cider, 2 cups of bean-soak water, and all remaining ingredients except the venison. Mix, cover, and bake in oven at 300 degrees for 5 hours. Add water if it starts getting dry, using any remaining bean-soak water. When beans are tender, but not completely cooked, add the cubed venison. Re-cover and cook another 2 hours. If dry, add more cider.

Maple Fudge KAREN VICK, ONALASKA 2 Tbsp butter 2 cups pure maple syrup 1 cup heavy cream 3/4 cup brown sugar Pinch of salt 2/3 cup walnuts (optional) 1 Tbsp vanilla Line an 8-x8-inch pan with wax paper and use butter to coat. Combine maple syrup, cream, brown sugar, and salt in a pot over medium heat while stirring. Bring to a boil (or 240 degrees on a candy thermometer), stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Add nuts and vanilla. Beat until it loses its gloss. Pour into pan and cool, cut, and wrap. Store in refrigerator.

Chicken Piccata SLOW-COOKER HUNGARIAN GOULASH REQUESTS FROM OUR READERS

CAROL KLOTZ, LOMBARD, ILL. (BAYFIELD CO-OP MEMBER)

An online reader liked the spinach recipes featured in our May magazine and is looking for more reader suggestions for adding spinach to recipes.

2 lbs beef stew meat 1 lb white mushrooms, sliced 4 carrots, sliced on an angle 1 large yellow onion, diced 1 rutabaga, peeled and diced 1 parsnip, peeled and sliced SEND TO: WECN, Reader Recipes, 3 garlic cloves, minced 222 West Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703-2719 1/4 cup tomato paste or jennifer@weca.coop. 3 Tbsp Hungarian paprika 2 tsp sea salt 3 Tbsp sweetener of choice (optional) 1/4 cup liquid amino acid (such as Bragg’s) or substitute soy sauce (optional) 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 4 cups beef broth 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) Put beef in slow cooker; add mushrooms, carrots, onion, rutabaga, parsnip, and garlic. Whisk together tomato paste, liquid aminos/soy sauce (if used), paprika, sweetener, salt, and pepper; then add broth and whisk. Pour mixture over meat and vegetables. Cover and cook on HIGH for 6 hours. Serve topped with parsley. Serves 8.

CAROL KLOTZ, LOMBARD, ILL. (BAYFIELD CO-OP MEMBER) 4 boneless chicken breasts 1 (12 oz) package brown rice spaghetti (or wheat) 4 Tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp sea salt 1/4 cup oat or almond flour (or wheat) 1/4 tsp ground black pepper 1 shallot, minced 1 cup chicken broth Juice of 2 lemons, plus a few slices for garnish 1/2 cup coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk 1/4 cup capers 1/4 cup chopped parsley Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place a shallow baking pan in oven to use for keeping chicken breasts warm. Tenderize chicken breasts by pounding until approx. 1/2-inch thick. Boil water and cook spaghetti according to directions and set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a frying pan. Add salt and pepper to flour, dredge chicken breasts, and place in skillet with oil. Cook 4–5 minutes each side until cooked through and golden brown. Transfer to warming pan in oven. Add shallot to the same frying pan and sauté for approx. 2 minutes. Add broth and deglaze any particles sticking to bottom of pan. Stir in lemon juice, coconut milk, and capers. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes to create a sauce. To serve, divide spaghetti among 4 plates. Top each with a chicken breast. Cover with sauce and garnish with lemon slices and parsley.

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NEED HELP PAYING YOUR HEATING BILL? CALL 1-866-HEATWIS

he Department of Administration offers heating and electric assistance to qualified households through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP).

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. Eligibility is 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. 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 2021–2022 HOME ENERGY PLUS PROGRAM YEAR (through 9/30/2022) 60 PERCENT OF STATE MEDIAN INCOME GUIDELINES HOUSEHOLD SIZE

ONE MONTH INCOME

ANNUAL INCOME

$2,591.92

$31,103

$3,389.42

$40,673

$4,186.92

$50,243

$4,984.42

$59,813

$5,781.92

$69,383

$6,579.42

$78,953

$6,729.00

$80,748

$6,878.50

$82,542 February 2022

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MUSH TO LOVE Northern Pines Sled Dog Race Filled with Fun and Excitement

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WISC NSIN FAVORITES

f winter doldrums are creeping in, you might ﬁnd yourself looking for ways to keep your mood from going to the dogs completely. One way to do that is to go right to the dogs, especially those that are competing in the Northern Pines Sled Dog Race in Iron River. At this annual event, you can take in the enthusiasm and sheer joy exuded by the highly trained, excited dogs as they speed through the snow—a sure way to blast away winter blues.

Held at the Northern Pines Golf Course and Event Center on Bayﬁeld Electric Cooperative’s lines, this year’s Northern Pines Sled Dog Race is set for February 19, and it will feature some of the best sled-dog teams and mushers in the Midwest. The day’s races include a 32-mile mid-distance run for eight-dog teams, a 17-mile open race for teams of up to 14 dogs, a 4.4-mile run for four-dog teams, and an 8.2-mile race for six-dog teams.

THE MEANING OF MUSH And other sled dog terms Mush Traditionally, “mush” was a phrase used to get a dog team moving forward, although it’s rarely used today. More common commands to start a team include “hike,” or even a whistle or vocal sound. Mushers don’t really need to say anything to get the team to take off ; when the dogs feel the release of the sled hook they are off and running.

Musher This is the person who drives the dog team. Mushers are also called drivers.

Lead Dog The most critical part of the team, lead dogs set the pace and keep the other dogs on the trail. They respond to the musher’s commands of “gee” (right turn) and “haw” (left turn).

Swing (Point) Dog Positioned directly behind the lead dogs, swing dogs help steer the team around corners.

Team Dogs The team’s core, team dogs pull the sled and maintain speed or pace. There can be several pairs of team dogs, depending on the size of the team.

Wheel Dog These are the two dogs closest to the sled. Their job is to pull the sled out and around corners or trees. Not necessarily the largest dogs of the team, wheel dogs are strong and sometimes the most agile. Sources: northernpinessdr.com and Iditarod.com Photo at left by Amber’s Impressions Photography

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The races begin with a downhill sprint through the golf course, entering the Bayfield County Trail system and the Tri-County Corridor, a 63-mile trail system connecting Ashland to Superior. Although the competition level is high, you don’t need a high level of sleddog knowledge to appreciate and enjoy this family-friendly event. “The course allows for several vantage points so the spectators are able to watch more of the race than the start and finish,” said Geri Dresen, director of the Iron River Chamber of Commerce. “This makes it very easy for people to see the big picture of what it takes to run the race, handle the dogs, and of course win.” People will also see that it’s not just the Northern Pines event that’s family friendly—the activity itself is a positive, healthy experience for those families that catch the sledding spark. Frank Stone, who serves as treasurer and chute judge for the event, has a son who took to mushing as an 8-year-old and stayed with it for 10 years. Stone said the sport not only provides significant growth and development opportunities for the children who get involved, but it also bonds the whole family over a shared commitment. In that way, he said, dog sledding is much more than just a sport. “A sport, at the end of the season, you take your golf clubs and you put them away. You put your fishing pole away, your tennis racket,” he pointed out. “This is a lifestyle. When a dog musher decides to take something like this on, they’re developing a lifestyle. These dogs need to be cared for, fed, vet-checked, trained. It is a total involvement that brings the entire family together.”

Community Cooperation

The Northern Pines Sled Dog Race has grown steadily since it was ﬁrst introduced four years ago. Dresen explained that plans began in 2018 to develop a family-friendly dog-sledding event in the Iron River area, already a popular spot for all manner of outdoor recreation. wecnmagazine.com

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TIPS for Getting the Most out of your Northern Pines Sled Dog Race Experience • Leave your own dogs at home. For the safety of all involved, pets are not allowed within the staging and race course areas where they can distract the competitors.

• Stay off the race course at all times. The dog sled teams move fast, leaving the chute at two-minute intervals during a race. Stick to the viewing vantage points that are safely off the trail. For the best viewing spot, come early to the main starting area.

• Ask permission before touching any sled dogs before, during, or after the race. There are plenty of

opportunities to interact with mushers and ask about their dogs or equipment throughout the day, but be respectful of their time and space as they prepare their teams to race. Never attempt to feed a sled dog.

• The best vantage point for photos is just outside the orange starting chute; be sure to allow for a safe distance when mushers bring their dogs to the chute. Venture into the woods for some great “wilderness” shots during the race; just be sure to stay off the trail and take care to not spook the dogs as they run past.

Source: northernpinessdr.com

Mushers and their teams race against the clock, leaving the starting chute at twominute intervals. Photo by Studio One Photography

The Northern Pines Golf Course was quickly identified as an excellent venue for the new event as it had already hosted a family sledding activity and is ideally located near the Bayfield County Trails. Race trails were developed through the cooperation of the townships, forestry personnel, and private landowners. A special Dog Sled Race Committee that includes mushers and former mushers was formed to handle planning and logistics. Many community businesses, organizations, and individuals stepped up to help. The inaugural Northern Pines Sled Dog Race showcased 29 mushers and attracted about 600 spectators. Since then, those numbers have continued to rise, even during the pandemic. Dresen said the 2021 event saw more mushers and about twice as many spectators as the first race just a few years earlier, although due to COVID concerns many visitors last year chose to remain in their vehicles as they took in the races at various vantage points. This year,

Dresen said musher spots had filled within two weeks, with 47 mushers set to compete and a waiting list for any unexpected openings. Mushers come from throughout the Midwest and beyond. Past events even attracted mushers and sled teams from Canada, before COVID forced border closures. A couple of new events have been added this year, including a weightpulling demonstration showcasing the strength of various dogs in different classes, and a 75-foot Mutt Run, open to children and their own dogs provided the canines are of reasonable size and in good health. Sleds, harnesses, and a pool of dogs will be available to children who want to give the Mutt Run a try but don’t have dogs of their own. In between races, spectators have an opportunity to learn more about the sport by talking to the mushers and wandering through vendor displays inside the Northern Pines clubhouse while warming up with food and drink. At past events, visitors have also been

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WISC NSIN FAVORITES able to pet dogs from a local shelter that were brought on site for the day.

Local Support Although the Northern Pines Sled Dog Race draws national and even international participation, support is mostly local. “Most of our volunteers come from the Iron River area,” Dresen said. Among them is Jennifer Koivisto, Bayfield Electric Cooperative’s billing clerk. For the past two years, Koivisto has been the volunteer coordinator for the Northern Pines Sled Dog Race, overseeing about 50 volunteers who do everything from set up needed materials prior to the race, guard intersections, direct visitor parking, and monitor the starting line. Koivisto is a self-described animal lover with four dogs of her own. With past experience working in the veterinary field and helping out at a sled dog race in Duluth, Minnesota, she is well suited and skilled for her volunteer position with the Northern Pines race. “I love the dogs. The handlers are absolutely amazing,” Koivisto said. “They have such amazing personalities. You can feel the love for their dogs, their handlers, and this amazing winter sport.” Visitors can get close enough to feel the love themselves. Dresen said most first-time spectators are amazed at how close they are able to get to the start and finish lines. She encourages spectators to stay for the day and take in every race because each is different, with different breeds of dogs, different sized teams, and mushers of many different backgrounds and styles. “The excitement of the day is truly an experience of a lifetime,” she added.— Mary Erickson The Northern Pines Sled Dog is Saturday, February 19, at the Northern Pines Golf Course and Event Center, 69420 Airport Road, Iron River, WI 54847. The day begins with an opening ceremony and anthem at 8:30 a.m. and concludes with an awards ceremony at 4 p.m. For a full schedule and more information, visit northernpinessdr.com or call 715-372-8558.

The Mutt Run offers children a chance to try out sled dog racing with their own pets. Photo by Janet Martens

Between races spectators can see team dogs up close and learn about the different breeds that participate in this sport. Photo by Studio One

Photography

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Real Estate 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.

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LA CROSSE’S HISTORIC CONCORDIA BALLROOM. Supported by community for the community. Dancing, receptions, reunions, concerts, fundraisers. Live music! Lets’s polka! www.concordiaballroom.com | 608-782-7049. WANTE D: O LD M E TAL AN D WO O D SIGNS. Gas, oil, soda, country store, etc. Private collector. 920-373-3515 / jefish@ bayland.net / 54154. CA$H: BUYING HOT WHEELS.’67-’76, also consider ’77-present. Bpotts64@gmail.com / 608-314-6890. FO R SALE: 1957-1960 M ILWAUK E E BRAVES MEMORABILIA from when I was a kid. John. 608-824-4446.

Reach 152,000 mailboxes geri@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—Classifieds, 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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OUR 60th YEAR

BEFORE YOU DIG

CALL 811

WE'RE IN

152,000 MAILBOXES EACH MONTH. ADVERTISE WITH US. 414-975-0917

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WISCONSIN EVENTS

February 2022

6 FFA Farm Toy Show—Marshfield. Senior high school field house, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Farm toy displays and vendors with farm toys available for sale. Contact Mark at 715-743-7152. 12 Jig’s Up Ice Fishing Contest—Chippewa Falls. The Edge Pub & Eatery and The View on Lake Wissota, 7 a.m.–2 p.m. (Scheels Kids Klub fishing event at 12 p.m. Free lunch for the kids and prizes.) Participants may register one fish per $25 ticket. Over $80,000 in cash and prizes, including a 2-year lease on a Ford F150 truck. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20. Prizes include a Polaris Sportsman 4-wheeler, $500 Scheels gift cards, and more. $100 gift card prizes for the top fish by weight in each category. All state regulations and bag limits apply. Contact 715-836-3377 for contest rules.

WE N E V E R S TOP

12 Fisheree & Raffle—Rosholt. Tree Lake Boat Launch, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Fishing, activities, live music 1–4 p.m. Basket raffles, 50/50, free children’s raffle, and more! 19 Fête du Voyageur—Prairie Du Chien. Dousman House Hotel Event Center, 5–8 p.m. Social hour 5–6 p.m. (cash bar), dinner 6–7 pm, program 7–8 p.m. Traditional French elegant meal: Canadian yellow split pea soup, cornbread, French meat pie, wild rice, garlic green beans, and crepes with cherry sauce. $35 per person. Reservations required. 608-326-6960. 20 Kids Ice Fishing Day—Willard. Rock Dam Lake Clubhouse, 12–3 p.m. Ages 15 and younger. Call Roy at 715-773-0311 for more info. 26 Ice Fishing Contest—Willard. Rock Dam Lake, 10 a.m.– 3 p.m. Prizes, raffles, and food. 715-773-0311 for more info. 26 Snowmobile Trails of Monroe County Event—Wilton. Community Center, 7–10 p.m. Raffles, drawings, food, and fun for everyone. $5 ticket includes door prizes, food, and beverages. Tickets available at the door or from club members. Trail access to event will be available, weather permitting. 27 Ice Fishing Jamboree—Butternut. Donner’s Bay Resort, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Ice fishing tournament held on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage. Cash prizes for largest fish in several categories. Hot food, warm & cold beverages, and tickets for many raffles. Fun for all! Snowmobile Trail #9. Call 715-476-2555 for more info.

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to the wecnmagazine.com through the “Events” tab.

Not everyone starts their day at the same time, or in the same way. But no matter when or how, your local Touchstone Energy cooperative is there to help you power every moment of it. To learn more, visit TouchstoneEnergy.com

YOUR SOURCE FOR POWER. AND INFORMATION.

Wisconsin Events is a public service for our readers. Due to space limits, we may need to eliminate details, so be sure to include a phone number (with area code) where callers may obtain more info. If we receive more listings than space allows us to print, we reserve the right to select those we believe will be of interest to the greatest number of readers. Please no virtual events. Events can also be mailed to: WECN, Events, 222 W. Washington Ave. Ste. 680, Madison WI 53703-2719

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YOUNG MEMBERS

Kids and Critters February 2022

1. Britta and Braelee hike with Britta the cat. Photo submitted by Rachel Tschanz, a member of Riverland Energy. 2. Cole gives some love to new puppy Emmy. Photo submitted by Grandma Rose Mary Richardson, a member of Riverland Energy. 3. Brianna plays with Pixel the cat. Photo submitted by Marie Berger, a member of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services. 4. Forrest tries to keep the hay tank full for Blackberry and her calf. Photo submitted by Grandpa Steve Hanke, a member of Central Wisconsin Electric.

4 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 goodresolution, 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.

Upload photos directly to the wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab.

GENERATE YOUR WAY THROUGH STORMS SAFELY Make sure there’s nothing plugged into the portable generator when you turn it on. Never connect a generator directly to the home. Operate the generator on a stable, dry surface outside of the home.

Source: Safe Electricity

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