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CooperaN

COOPERATIVE

News

Wisconsin

ENERGY Cooperative

contents March 2020

News

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

BRIEFS

Co-ops honor their champions.

8 15 28 30

Getting up

TO SPEED

Co-ops assess high-speed broadband expansion.

There’s still time.

CEO MESSAGE

Smart

HOMES

Consider these security tips for connected devices.

Recipes

Savor the luck of the Irish.

On the

COVER

Eagles thrill in Ferryville.

(Photo courtesy of Helen Anderson)

CENSUS 101: MAKE IT COUNT

Realize the value of your vote.

MY CO-OP

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

CLASSIFIEDS

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

EVENTS

Get out-and-about this March.

It’s in the

CONSTITUTION The U.S. Constitution mandates that everyone in the country be counted every 10 years. The first census was in 1790.

It’s about fair

Every 10 years, the results of the census are used to reapportion the House of Representatives, determining how many seats each state gets.

T e in

REPRESENTATION

March 2020

WECN Mar20TOC.indd 1

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LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR Still Time

March usually begins the transition from our peaceful, still time of winter into the more lively Dana Kelroy, Editor spring season. I say “usually” because parts of Wisconsin have had snow on the ground as late as May in recent years, but I digress. For those readers who enjoy our Midwest winters, there’s still time to enjoy winter activities like sledding, snowshoeing, skiing, ice ﬁshing, snowmobiling, etc. There’s also still time for you to submit your photos for our Winter Recreation Photo Contest like these entries below. See page 27 for details. Winners will be announced on our website and Facebook page.

March 2020 Vol. 80 No. 9 The Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News (Formerly Wisconsin R.E.C. News) has been published monthly and distributed since July 1940 to members of Wisconsin’s non-profit, consumer-owned rural electric cooperatives. It is available to non-members for $10 per year or $28 for three years. Members pay $6.93 per year. Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Steve Freese, president & CEO. USPS number: 688-480. Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Periodicals postage paid at Baraboo, Wis. Send correspondence to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Phone (608) 467-4650. Web site: www.wecnmagazine.com.

Photo courtesy of Kami Healey, Adams-Columbia Electric

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

Photo courtesy of Laura Folgers, Oakdale Electric

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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NEWS BRIEFS LEGISLATORS FAST-TRACK FARM BILLS

Left: Governor Evers (on right) receives his Champion of Electric Cooperatives award from WECA CEO Steve Freese. Right: Senator André Jacques (fourth from left) and Representative Joel Kitchens (second from right) are flanked by members of the Washington Island Electric Cooperative board and management.

“CHAMPION” AWARDS RECOGNIZE CO-OP SUPPORTERS

During the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association’s (WECA) recent Education and Lobby Days event, the group presented the first-ever “Champion of Electric Cooperatives” awards to those who went above and beyond in support of issues and priorities affecting electric co-ops in the state. WECA presented awards to Governor Tony Evers, Senator André Jacques (R-De Pere), and Representative Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay), because each was influential in efforts to secure assistance for Washington Island Electric Cooperative after its ice-damaged, underwater cable line failed in 2018. The Wisconsin state budget included $2 million in disaster relief to help ease the $4 million replacement cost. The budget also ensured electric cooperatives are eligible applicants for disaster assistance grants. Governor Evers kicked off the late-January event, which took place in Madison, with brief remarks touting his recently released plan to invest in farmers, agricultural industries, and rural communities. Evers told the crowd of more than 160 attendees that he understands the importance of cooperatives because he has experienced the success of co-ops in the education world. “I know that co-ops are a critical part of our state’s electrical infrastructure. For many, flipping on a switch and turning on a light is something we take for granted, and obviously it would be impossible without you folks,” Evers said. “Many of you are from co-ops that serve rural areas of the state, places that were hit hard in the recession, and have been slower to bounce back than other parts of our state, but I believe in investing in rural parts of our communities, farms, and our ag industries need to be part of our broader economic development strategy.”

PSC APPROVES DPC SOLAR FACILITY

The Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin voted unanimously to approve the Badger State Solar facility project, with the entire 149 MW renewable energy output purchased by Dairyland Power Cooperative. The PSC approved the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, following completion of the regulatory review. Badger State Solar will generate enough renewable energy to power more than 20,000 homes. The solar energy facility will be located on private land in Jefferson County. The project is expected to bring hundreds of construction jobs to the area. Dairyland and Ranger Power announced the proposed project in March of last year. Construction is expected to begin in 2021, and commercial operation should begin in 2022. 6

Building on some of Governor Tony Evers’ proposals, and rejecting others, legislators passed several bills seeking to aid farmers across the state. The proposals, which had broad bipartisan support, are part of a $33.6 million package of bills Republican lawmakers unveiled following Evers’ $8.6 million package aimed at bolstering agriculture and rural communities. The plan includes a measure to allow sole proprietors, including small family farms, to deduct health insurance costs from income taxes. Another bill creates an income tax credit for small and medium-sized farms that would sunset after three years. Lawmakers modified two of Evers’ bills, including one that would seek to increase dairy exports to 20 percent of the nation’s milk supply by 2024. Republicans amended the bill to increase the $1 million in Evers’ plan to $5 million, and also to require that agency to prioritize small dairy processing plants when awarding grants, which carries a $600,000 annual price tag. The bills would be paid for with a projected budget windfall.

EPA ROLLS BACK “WATERS” RULES

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the Trump Administration is scaling back Obama-era rules relating to which waterways are protected under the Clean Water Act. The change put in place five years ago broadened the definition of “waters of the United States” and declared that tributaries and other small waters are subject to federal jurisdiction and pollution control laws. Opponents called it a massive federal overreach and within weeks, 27 states, including Wisconsin, sued to block it.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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THE VALUE

OF YOUR

VOTE

Steve Freese President and CEO

mong the earliest editions of statewide news for Wisconsin electric cooperative members is an editorial in the October 15, 1946 edition which reads, “Wisconsin REA News, its very existence dedicated to the welfare of agriculture and the processes of government which can assure for agriculture a more abundant life, has consistently held that the greatest weapon in the hands of the farmer today against the forces that deprive him of that just and equitable share of democracy, is his ballot on election day…” Since inception, electric cooperatives have emphasized to members the importance of voting as their civic duty. Currently, electric co-ops utilize a program called Co-op’s Vote! The goal? Encourage members to vote, but never tell them how to vote. Wisconsin’s spring election on April 7 is just around the corner, and it is significant for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, it is an opportunity for the people of Wisconsin to chose their nominee for president. According to the Wisconsin Election Commission, 12 Democrats and one Republican are on the April presidential primary ballot. Wisconsin is one of three states that are expected to determine the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. As Wisconsinites, we need to take this seriously, as all one needs to do is notice the shift between the last two presidential elections. Twenty-two counties that supported the election of Barack Obama in 2012 switched and supported the election of Donald Trump in 2016; of those 22 counties, 19 are served by electric cooperatives. With this year’s November election, I suspect those counties will become the epicenter of the presidential election. The attention paid to Wisconsin and these rural communities will be an experience we have never seen before in our state. Remember, it all starts with our primary, so buckle up and be ready for the political ride of

your life. April 7 also brings the opportunity to select the next member of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, along with mayors, town board members, county board members, school board members, and other local elected officials. It is our opportunity to choose the people who will run our local government and, in many cases, have as big of an impact on our lives as the president will. The goal behind Co-ops Vote! is to raise the percentage of votes cast in rural parts of the country, and it has been very successful. Most rural communities across the country are losing population, so it is more important than ever that we turn out to vote in larger numbers, so we still have influence on what happens to our state and country. Springtime is also the time when the majority of Wisconsin electric cooperatives hold their annual meetings. This is an opportunity for you to have a democratic say in the leadership of your cooperative, to hear updates on co-op activities, and to put your fingerprints on the future of your electric cooperative. Take the time to be informed about the upcoming annual meeting and look at the material they will provide you in advance of the meeting. These materials will often include the financials of the cooperative and candidate profiles for the individuals who are running for your board of directors. It’s important to understand where all the candidates stand on issues so you can make an informed decision on who you will support. As that 1946 editorial read, “…His ballot is his power—the power of himself and his neighbors to place men and women in office who have the courage and convictions to vote the welfare of agriculture against all the odds of greed and graft.” An informed electorate will serve your electric cooperative, local, state, and national government well. Get informed, be prepared, and don’t stand on the sidelines of history. Vote!

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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GETTING

UP TO SPEED CHIPPEWA VALLEY ELECTRIC’S BROADBAND EXPANSION IS A SUCCESS, BUT IS IT RIGHT FOR ALL WISCONSIN ELECTRIC COOPS?

hen Stacey Crass moved to rural Holcombe just over 10 years ago, she didn’t consider the effect it would have on her work-from-home sales job until she tried to sign up for high-speed internet. There were options for service that allowed for basic internet use, but nothing that met her needs. “My headquarter office is out of Chicago,” Crass said. “We have offices around the country. We do a lot of Skype, and Webex, and Zoom meetings, a lot of large files, a lot of Sharepoint sites. I couldn’t do my job without high-speed internet.” Crass, whose husband also works a sales job from home, joined thousands of others in rural Wisconsin whose need for internet goes beyond luxury. It’s a necessity, not just for individuals, but for economically vibrant communities of all sizes. That’s the position Russ Falkenberg, director of IT & member services at Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, took years ago, when a chance meeting with the head of the Chippewa Valley Economic Development Corporation led to the creation of a cooperative partnership. Chippewa Valley Electric and Citizens Connected, the area telephone cooperative, joined together to create Ntera, a joint venture made up of the two cooperatives, to bring fiber-fast broadband to people in the underserved area. And the progression happened fast too; both boards voted to move forward with the new venture in April of 2017, construction started soon after, and the first customer was online in January of 2018. “The orders were coming in so fast that I took some vacation and went out with the install crew,” Falkenberg says. “It’s gotta be what it was like when they first got electricity 80 years ago. They were just ecstatic to get broadband to the point that they would bake cookies and hug you when you left. It was amazing. Absolutely amazing. And I don’t know how you capture that in writing.”

“I remember the day I got the call, Crass says. “I was standing in the grocery store and I was so excited. I posted on Facebook that it was the best day ever, and my brother laughed at me. He said, ‘Wow, Stacey, you really do live in northern Wisconsin if you’re that excited about high-speed internet!’”

Assessing the Need According to Broadband Now, almost 12 percent of people in Wisconsin do not have access to wired broadband of 25mbps or faster, (the actual count of underserved is likely much higher due to discrepancies in federal reporting standards) and as you can expect, those left behind live almost exclusively in rural areas. In Wisconsin and across the country, more electric co-ops are joining the effort for broadband expansion at varying rates. While there are many parallels between rural electriﬁcation in the 1940s and the need for broadband today, there are also many differences. Shannon Clark, CEO & general manager of Richland Electric Cooperative, and chairman of the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, recalls his efforts to launch the consortium that became Genuine Telecom, which allowed the co-op and its partners to tap into the market when many people were still paying hundreds per month in long-distance

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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fees for dial-up services. It was just after Thanksgiving in 1995 when internet services were launched. They projected they’d have 35 customers in the first year. They had 350 orders for service in the first month. Today, Genuine Telecom, along with seven other southwest Wisconsin cooperative- or commercially owned telephone companies, provides broadband to nearly 20,000 customers.

One Size Does Not Fit All

While entering the online services arena proved to be a win-win for Chippewa Valley Electric and Richland Electric, Clark warns that doesn’t mean it’s the right move for all electric co-ops. Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives are leaders in what they do—offering safe, reliable, and affordable electricity, and any foray outside of that mission should be done with caution. “One of my fears, because broadband is such a loud part of the conversation right now, is that co-ops will run with this and sacrifice core competencies in areas where we have been leaders for years and years, serving our long-term electric customers,” Clark said. “Electric co-ops have to ensure they can fulfill their commitments to new customers or services without burdening electric customers, and while still being able to address other challenges in the industry such as distributed generation and carbon emissions.” Clark also points out that while members are typically understanding and gracious when there is a power outage, internet customers are not so much, as he learned on a January day back in 1997, two months after the internet service went online and they experienced a day-long outage. “All I can say is they were not the same people,” Clark recalled. “Our customer service reps said they had never been ‘chewed out’ like that. In just two months we went from novelty to necessity. We had created an obligation.” Still, many co-ops and community leaders recognize that high-speed internet is critical to the future of economic development of rural areas, and in many cases it won’t happen without the synergy created by partnerships and con-

1. Representatives from Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Ntera in July 2018. 2. Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative’s Russ Falkenberg likens bringing high-speed internet to rural Wisconsin with “what it was like when they first got electricity 80 years ago.” 3. Stacey Crass, Ntera customer, requires high-speed internet in her home office.

sortiums, including the involvement, on some level, of electric cooperatives. “It’s in our nature as cooperatives to try and help solve all of our community needs—whether they are in our wheelhouse or not,” Clark said. He points out though that every electric co-op is different, so leaders must consider all of the risk factors to determine what level of involvement is right for them. To be part of the broadband expansion effort, electric co-ops don’t have to take it on alone; there are many varying options that include entering into a partnership with a telecommunications cooperative, working with the area economic development team, assisting with grant writing, writing a resolution, or allowing access to infrastructure, to name a few.

Risk and Reward

In the Chippewa Valley/Ntera area, they are outpacing all expectations, but the venture still comes with risk today, and reward down the line. Falkenberg says that at just two years in, they are performing at year-five numbers of their projections, but they are continually reinvesting so they can extend service to more customers, so

actual profits are at least five years away. Still, he believes, it’s worth it. “People who vacation here, stay longer,” Falkenberg said. “And they’re buying electricity while they’re here. It is capital intensive. It’s taken a lot of my time outside of work. But it’s been a really good thing and it keeps getting better.” Dean Ortmann, Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative president & CEO, agrees. “It’s working for us,” he said. “If you want this area to remain viable, you have to have high-speed internet.” Back in Holcombe, Stacey Crass raves about the cooperative-level customer service that she gets as an Ntera customer, (“They’re phenomenal, absolutely wonderful!”) and admits that high-speed internet service enriches her life in many ways, particularly when it comes to visits from her three grown sons and their families, which include seven grandchildren, and also allows for streaming video and other recreational uses. About finally having high-speed internet service, Crass says, “It just makes life so much easier and we’re so happy for what this means for us, our neighbors, and the future of the area.”—Julie Lund March 2020

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CENSUS 101: MAKE IT COUNT

THE U.S. CENSUS NEEDS TO HEAR FROM YOU!

id you know the third United States President, Thomas Jefferson, directed the nation’s first census in 1790? Fifty years later, in 1840, the Census Act authorized the establishment of a centralized census office and in 1902, the office became a permanent organization within the Department of Interior. Today, the U.S. Constitution requires that everyone in the country be counted every 10 years. The census is administered by the U.S. Census Bureau, a non-partisan government agency. Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives understand the importance of the U.S. census and encourage every co-op member to participate.

funding is distributed; and how congressional seats are apportioned. It also helps to evaluate how communities have changed over time. An accurate count is vital. The year of 2020 will bring a unique change to the census as it is the first time the U.S. Census Bureau will accept responses online. Additional options will continue to be offered, such as responding by phone, by mail, or even in person, if needed.

It’s in the

What is the Census?

The 2020 census counts every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. However, the census is much more than a head count. It provides a picture of the nation that helps determine where to build new schools, hospitals, and businesses; how federal

CONSTITUTION The U.S. Constitution mandates that everyone in the country be counted every 10 years. The first census was in 1790.

Why is the Census Important?

Participating in the census is a civic duty. It’s a way to contribute to the democracy and say, “I count.” Every 10 years, the results of the census are used to reapportion the U.S. House of Representatives, determining how Every 10 years, many seats each state gets. It’s also thea results of the way to determine how federal funds census are used to and grants are dispersed to support the states, counties, and communities reapportion to House of Representatives, benefit schools, hospitals, roads, and determining how public works.

It’s about fair

REPRESENTATION

many seats each state gets.

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everyone ineveryone the in the country be counted country be counted every 10 years. every 10 years. The first census The first census was in 1790.was in 1790.

It’s aboutIt’s fairabout fair

REPRESENTATION REPRESENTATION Every 10 years, Every 10 years, the results of thethe results of the census are used tocensus are used to reapportion the reapportion the House of Representatives, House of Representatives, determining howdetermining how many seats each many seats each state gets. state gets.

It’s about It’s about EVERYONEEVERYONE BILLION $675 BILLION COUNTS. COUNTS.$675

Thecensus distribution The distribution of of counts The census countsThe more than $675 more billion than $675 billion every person living every person living ininfederal funds, in federal grants, funds, grants, the United States in the United States support to states, support to states, once, onlyand once, once, only once,and and counties, communities and communities and in the right place. and in the rightcounties, place. are based onare census baseddata. on census data. That moneyThat is spent money on is spent on schools, hospitals, schools,roads, hospitals, roads, public works, public and works, and other vital programs. other vital programs.

Local governments use the census data for public safety and emergency preparedness plans, and businesses consult the data to decide where to build factories, ofﬁces, and stores, which creates jobs and fosters economic development. What’s more, real estate developers use data from the census to build new homes and revitalize old neighborhoods. Local residents evaluate the data to support community initiatives involving legisAfter each decade’s each decade’s census, lation, qualitycensus, of life initiatives, and stateconsumer officials redraw ate officials redraw advocacy efforts.

It’s aboutIt’s about

REDISTRICTING DISTRICTING

he boundaries ofthe boundaries of How Do I Complete the Census? and e congressionalthe andcongressional the ﬁrstdistricts time, the census will state For legislative e legislative districts bestates accessible online and available in their to account heir states to account in English as well as 12 additional for population shifts. r population shifts. languages. Invitations to respond to the census will begin in mid-March. The online questionnaire will follow latest web accessibility guidelines and a video in American Sign Language will be available. The census can also be completed by phone in English and in 12 additional languages. The

ofﬁcial census day is April 1, 2020. By then, every household should receive an invitation. By mid-April, a paper questionnaire will be mailed to every household that has not yet responded online or by phone. If necessary, participants can also respond in person beginning in mid-May. Census takers will visit all households that have not yet responded. Strict federal law protects census responses. It is against the law for any census bureau employee to disclose or publish any census information that identiﬁes an individual or business. The Census Bureau will never ask for your Social Security number, bank or credit card account numbers, money or donations, or anything on behalf of a political party. By March 2020, the public can begin responding to the 2020 census online. To make sure you and everyone you know is counted, visit www.2020census.gov. —Courtesy of Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives

census are used census to are used to reapportionreapportion the the House of Representatives, House of Representatives, determiningdetermining how how many seats many each seats each state gets. state gets.

It’s about It’s about

REDISTRICTING REDISTRICTING After each decade’s After each census, decade’s census, state officials state redraw officials redraw the boundaries the boundaries of of the congressional the congressional and and state legislative statedistricts legislative districts in their states in their to account states to account for population for shifts. population shifts.

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SECURITY TIPS FOR CONNECTED DEVICES T

oday’s market offers a plethora of new gadgets and devices that claim to make our homes smarter, safer, and more efficient. But as with any new smart technology, consumers should take extra precautions to ensure these devices are secure. Internet-connected cameras have brought significant convenience to the way we monitor the security of our homes, children––even our furry family members! With the simple swipe of a smartphone, homeowners can instantly keep a watchful eye from afar. But in recent months, some consumers found themselves in scary situations when hackers were able to tap into Internet-connected security cameras in their homes. This enabled the hackers to view and speak to the people, including children, inside the homes. As connected devices become increasingly popular, it’s important that we know how to secure our digital lives. The U.S. Department of Commerce offers the following tips for protecting smart devices: • GET CREATIVE WITH PASSWORDS. Change your device’s factory security settings from the default password. This is one of the most important steps to take in the protection of internet-connected devices. Consider creating the longest password or passphrase permissible, and use familiar phrases you’ll remember, like the lyrics to your favorite song. • KEEP TABS ON YOUR APPS. Most connected devices are supported by a smartphone application. Your smartphone could be filled with apps running in the background or using default permissions you never realized you approved, gathering personal information without your knowledge while also putting your identity and privacy at risk. Check your app permissions and say “no” to privilege requests that don’t make sense. • SECURE YOUR NETWORK. Properly secure the wireless network you use for Internet-connected devices. Consider placing these devices on a separate and dedicated network.

As connected devices, like home monitoring and security cameras, become increasingly popular, it’s important that we know how to secure our digital lives.

• CONNECT AND PROTECT. Whether it’s your computer, smartphone, game console, camera, or other connected devices, the best defense is to stay on top of things by updating to the latest security software, web browser, and operating system. If you have the option to enable automatic updates to defend against the latest risks, turn it on. Convenient, connected devices are here to stay––and unfortunately, so are the hackers. But by taking extra steps to safeguard your network and devices, you can keep your digital life secure as possible. Abby Berry 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.

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Cheese and Guinness Bread

Reprinted with permission from Kelly Cletheroe, baker and food blogger at Maverick Baking. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Guinness Cheddar Bread; rich and tasty beer and cheese bread, made with everyone’s favorite Irish stout and some strong English cheddar, perfect for soups, lunch platters, or rustic sandwiches. 2-1/3 cups strong white bread flour 1 cup rye flour or strong wholemeal bread flour 2 tsp salt 1 (7 gram) packet fast-action dried yeast 1 Tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp dried rosemary 1 tsp English or Dijon mustard 3/4 cup Guinness (or another stout or dark beer) 2/3 cup lukewarm water 1 cup (not packed down) extra mature cheddar cheese, grated

Luck f the Irish

Put your flours, salt, and yeast into a large bowl. Try to keep the yeast and salt on separate sides of the bowl, as they can affect the rise of the bread otherwise. Add the brown sugar, rosemary, mustard, Guinness, and water. Stir everything together until you have a dough that isn’t too dry or too sticky. Using either a standing mixer or just using your hands, knead your dough for 10–12 minutes until it is smoother and more stretchy. (I tend to just roughly roll, punch, and knead it for 10 minutes, and that usually does the trick.) Once kneaded, place the dough back into the bowl, cover the bowl with some clingfilm, and leave it to sit for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. A warmer room can speed up the process. Once risen, tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and use your fists to punch it out into a flat pancake. Sprinkle the grated cheese all over the dough. Roll up the dough and knead it again for about a minute, just to incorporate all the cheese throughout. To shape the dough for a loaf tin: Use your hands to pull two sides out and fold back into the center, then stretch out the other two sides, and fold these back into the center. Then simply roll the dough up into a log, and place it seam-side-down into a greased loaf tin. To shape the dough into a ball: Use your hands to pull two sides out and fold back into the center, then stretch out the other two sides, and fold these back into the center. Flip the dough over and then simply turn the dough in a circle on the worktop using your hands, tucking the sides in and downward as you go, this should produce a nice cob-shaped loaf when baked. To rise in a loaf tin, simply leave the dough for a further hour or until nearly doubled in size again. To rise on a tray; simply place your ball of dough onto a greased tray and leave it for another hour to become nearly doubled in size again. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Once risen, score the bread any way you like with a sharp knife—this helps the bread rise evenly. Bake the bread in your preheated oven. To bake in a loaf tin, bake for 20 minutes, then carefully remove the loaf from the tin and bake for a further 20 minutes on a tray or until risen, golden, and hollow-sounding when tapped. To bake on a tray, Bake for 40 minutes or until risen, golden, and hollow-sounding when tapped. Once baked, allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack.

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Authentic Irish Apple Cake

Reprinted with permission from Susan Moran, food blogger at The View from Great Island. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

An authentic Irish Farmhouse Apple Cake ~ delicious with or without the traditional custard sauce! CUSTARD SAUCE (OPTIONAL)

1-1/2 cups whole milk 6 large egg yolks 6 Tbsp sugar 1-1/2 tsp vanilla STREUSEL TOPPING

6 Tbsp unsalted cold butter cut in small pieces 3/4 cup flour 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 1/2 cup sugar Blend the bits of butter into the flour, oats, and sugar until the butter is incorporated and the mixture has a coarse crumbly texture. Put in the refrigerator.

Set the oven to 350 degrees. Make the custard sauce ahead of time. Bring the milk to a simmer over medium heat. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, whisk the yolks and sugar until pale. Drizzle a little of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking all the time. Drizzle a little more, then transfer that back into the pan of hot milk and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture coats the back of a spoon. Don’t overcook or it can curdle. Stir in the vanilla. Refrigerate the custard sauce until needed.

CAKE

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2 cup sugar 2 large eggs 3 Tbsp milk or cream 1-1/4 cups all purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cinnamon 1/8 tsp salt 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced Confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)

Grease a 9-inch round springform pan. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the butter/sugar mixture, along with the milk or cream. Spoon the batter in to the pan and smooth out evenly. Top with the sliced apples and then the streusel topping. Bake for about 50 minutes to an hour, until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick comes out without wet batter clinging to it. Let cool a bit in the pan before removing. Dust with confectioner’s sugar and (if using) drizzle with custard sauce before serving.

Homemade Irish Cream

Reprinted with permission from Wendy Fassbind (WECA), Cottage Grove, WI. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

1 cup Irish whiskey (Jameson) 1/3 cup white rum (Bacardi) 1 pint (2 cups) heavy whipping cream (not whipped) 1 can sweetened condensed milk

3 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 2 Tbsp chocolate syrup

Put all ingredients in a blender and mix well. If you would like a thicker drink, blend a little longer until you get the desired consistency. Keep refrigerated. Tip: Heavy whipping cream in the cardboard cartons usually have a much longer shelf life than those in the plastic bottles.

Cheddar Parsnip and Apple Soup

Reprinted with permission from Kelly Cletheroe, baker and food blogger at Maverick Baking. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Creamy, cheesy, and surprisingly healthy, this Cheddar, Parsnip and Apple Soup is a perfect cheap meal on a chilly night. 2 medium or 1 large onion, diced 1 Tbsp of olive or vegetable oil, or butter 4 regular parsnips 2 eating apples (such as Jazz, Gala, or Pink Lady) 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock (made up with 1–2 stock cubes, depending on how salty you like it)

1/2 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp dried rosemary 1 cup milk (or more if necessary) 1 cup cheddar cheese, plus more for topping each bowl Pinch of salt and pepper

Place a large sauce/soup pan over a low heat. Peel and dice the onion. Add olive or vegetable oil or butter to the warm pan and add your diced onions. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Meanwhile, peel and chop the parsnips and apples into small chunks. Add the parsnips and apples to the pan along with the stock and dried herbs. Bring the pan to a steady bubble. Allow the vegetables to simmer in the pan fairly gently with a lid on for 20–25 minutes until completely soft. Once cooked, add the milk, salt, and pepper, and use a hand/immersion blender or a regular food processor to blend the soup into a smooth consistency. You may need to add more milk to reach your desired consistency, some like it thicker than others. Once smooth, leave the pan on the heat while you grate the cheese. Add the cheese to the pan and allow it to melt into the hot soup for 2 minutes or so. Taste for seasoning, and add more salt, pepper, or cheese to meet your liking. Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkling over some extra grated cheese, and serve with your favorite bread. Cook’s Notes:*If you don’t like parsnips, feel free to use regular potatoes instead. *If cheddar isn’t your favorite, use any cheese you like. March 2020

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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/.

Apple Crisp

Rosetta Gruss, Marshall

4 cups sliced apples 2/3 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup ﬂour 1/2 cup oats 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/3 cup butter, softened

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 8-x8x2-inch baking dish. Place apples in dish. Mix remaining ingredients; sprinkle over apples. Bake for 30 minutes.

Dream Cake

Cathy Pitel, Whitefish Bay CRUST:

2-1/4 cups ﬂour 3/4 cup butter 1/4 cup sugar Chopped pecans (optional)

Mix crust ingredients together and pat into greased 9-x13-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. FILLING:

3 eggs, well beaten 2-1/4 cups brown sugar 1-1/2 Tbsp light corn syrup 3 Tbsp ﬂour 1 tsp salt 3/4 cup chopped pecans 1-1/2 tsp vanilla 1 tsp almond extract 3/4 cup Maraschino cherries, chopped

Beat ﬁrst 8 ﬁlling ingredients together, then mix in Maraschino cherries. Pour over crust and bake until golden brown, approx. 25–30 minutes. ICING:

2-1/2 Tbsp ﬂour 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup sugar 1 Tbsp vanilla 8 or 9 Maraschino cherries, chopped

Cook ﬂour and milk until thickened, then cool. Beat together butter, sugar, and vanilla; add to ﬂour mixture. Beat until smooth and spread onto cooled cake. Sprinkle chopped cherries on top of icing. Serve. 22

Bierocks

Triple Cranberry Sauce

Prepared frozen or home-made bread dough, rolled out and cut into 24 pieces 2 lbs ground beef 3 onions, diced 3/4 head of cabbage, chopped and cooked

12 oz fresh cranberries 1 cup thawed cranberry juice concentrate 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup sugar 3 Tbsp orange juice 3 Tbsp orange marmalade 2 tsp grated orange zest 1/4 tsp ground allspice

Luella Daubert, Medford

Brown the ground beef with the onions. Mix together with cooked cabbage. Spoon mixture into centers of 12 pieces of bread dough. Cover with remaining pieces of dough to form biscuits. Bake in oven at 400 degrees until golden brown. If there are any leftovers of meat mixture, use in a casserole. *Other recipe variations include adding garlic in the meat mixture and using crescent roll dough for the biscuits.

Cranberry Orange Relish

Judi Slovinski, Wautoma

In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, cranberry juice concentrate, dried cranberries, and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the berries pop, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the orange juice, marmalade, orange zest, and allspice. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate until chilled.

George Stone, Colfax

2 cups fresh cranberries 2/3 cup orange marmalade 1/4 cup Cointreau (or other orange liqueur) or orange juice 1 Tbsp sugar

Place berries and marmalade in food processor, pulse to mix, and chop. Add liqueur or juice and sugar; pulse to mix. Let stand at room temperature for 12 hours, then refrigerate overnight.

*Option: add a peeled, cored, and sliced tart apple at step 1.

Shrimp Dip

Rosetta Gruss, Marshall

1/4 cup milk 1 cup mayonnaise 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1/4 tsp garlic salt 3 drops Tabasco sauce 1 small onion, chopped 1 (5 oz) can shrimp, drained 1/2 lb cheddar cheese, cubed

Put all ingredients into blender; mix until smooth. Chill and serve.

REQUESTS

from our

READERS

Rita Wastlick is looking for a recipe on how to make homemade mincemeat for a pie. She thinks it is made with either cooked beef or venison, and the meat is then ground, with apples, raisins and spices added. It can then be either canned or frozen. If you can help, have a request of your own, or would like to submit a recipe for publication, please write to Wisconsin Energy

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

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Clogged, Backed—up Septic System…Can anything Restore It? Dear Darryl DEAR DARRYL: My home is about 10 years old, and so is my septic system. I have always taken pride in keeping my home and property in top shape. In fact, my neighbors and I are always kidding each other about who keeps their home and yard nicest. Lately, however, I have had a horrible smell in my yard, and also in one of my bathrooms, coming from the shower drain. My grass is muddy and all the drains in my home are very slow. My wife is on my back to make the bathroom stop smelling and as you can imagine, my neighbors are having a field day, kidding me about the mud pit and sewage stench in my yard. It’s humiliating. I called a plumber buddy of mine, who recommended pumping (and maybe even replacing) my septic system. But at the potential cost of thousands of dollars, I hate to explore that option. I tried the store bought, so called, Septic treatments out there, and they did Nothing to clear up my problem. Is there anything on the market I can pour or flush into my system that will restore it to normal, and keep it maintained? Clogged and Smelly – Madison, WI

DEAR CLOGGED AND SMELLY: As a reader of my column, I am sure you are aware that I have a great deal of experience in this particular field. You will be glad to know that there IS a septic solution that will solve your back-up and effectively restore your entire system from interior piping throughout the septic system and even unclog the drain field as well. SeptiCleanse® Shock and Maintenance Programs deliver your system the fast active bacteria and enzymes needed to liquefy solid waste and free the clogs causing your back-up. This fast-acting bacteria multiplies within minutes of application and is specifically designed to withstand many of today’s anti-bacterial cleaners, soaps and detergents. It comes in dissolvable plastic packs, that you just flush down your toilets. It’s so cool. Plus, they actually Guarantee that it restores ANY system, no matter how bad the problem is.

SeptiCleanse® Shock and Maintenance Programs are designed to work on any septic system regardless of design or age. From modern day systems to sand mounds, and systems installed generations ago, I have personally seen SeptiCleanse unclog and restore these systems in a matter of weeks. I highly recommend that you try it before spending any money on repairs. SeptiCleanse products are available online at www.septicleanse.com or you can order or learn more by calling toll free at 1-888-899-8345. If you use the promo code “WIS2”, you can get a free shock treatment, added to your order, which normally costs $169. So, make sure you use that code when you call or buy online. March 2020

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Eagles

THRILL

IN FERRYVILLE

MARCH MAKES FOR GREAT EAGLE VIEWING AT THIS MISSISSIPPI RIVER COMMUNITY 24

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ou don’t have to be an avid bird watcher to find yourself drawn to the sight of a bald eagle soaring overhead. There’s just something about the national bird that stirs feelings of wonder and reverence. Fortunately for us in Wisconsin, you don’t necessarily need an eagle eye to find these majestic birds. They appear in abundance along the Mississippi River and are easy to spot, especially in the winter as they gather along the river corridor to feed. A prime place to spot eagles is in the village of Ferryville, in Crawford County and within Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative territory. Ferryville is located at the widest point of the Mississippi, near one of the pools that are created on the river upstream of a lock and dam complex. Both of these characteristics make for some prime feeding areas that attract large numbers of eagles. In fact, a yearly count of eagle nests has shown that Ferryville’s Pool 9 has the largest concentration of active eagle nests than anywhere else in the continental United States, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. With such a healthy population of birds, Ferryville is a great place for eagle watching at any time of the year. It’s even more rewarding, however, to plan a trip in March to coincide with the village’s annual Bald Eagle Watching Day, a family-friendly event filled with fun activities and educational programming that make an eagle-watching venture more meaningful. Held this year on March 7 at the Ferryville Village Hall, Ferryville’s Bald Eagle Watching Day is sponsored by the Ferryville Tourism Council and Friends of Pool 9. Unlike other eagle-watching gatherings that are typically held earlier in the winter, when the birds congregate around the open waters of the Mississippi River’s pools to fish, Ferryville’s event

Photos on the opposite page and on the cover were taken by Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative member Helen Anderson, an award-winning wildlife and nature photographer (helenandersongallery.com).

WISCONSIN FAVORITES

A highlight of Ferryville’s Bald Eagle Watching Day is the live eagle program presented by the University of Minnesota Raptor Center. The program is free, but seating is limited, so plan accordingly. (Photo courtesy of Ferryville Tourism Council)

is scheduled for early March to take advantage of the birds’ mating/nesting season. “The eagles are very active at this time of year,” said Sherry Quamme, co-chair of Bald Eagle Watching Day. “They’re paired, and they are mating— or they have been throughout February and are now getting ready to move into their nest. So they’re easier to identify or find in the branches that are hanging over the Mississippi River banks. You will see a lot of them.” She added that the eagles—both male and female—stay close to their nests until their eaglets grow strong enough to fledge, usually at about 8 to 10 weeks, creating a window of prime eagle viewing that lasts through the first half of spring. “Once the eggs hatch, the eagles will be co-parenting,” Quamme explained. “They need one partner to stay at the nest and the other to help find food

sources. The eaglets grow rapidly over eight weeks, and the parents will continue to keep track of them and feed them.”

Eagle Education Visitors can learn all about eagles’ mating and nesting habits—and pretty much anything else eagle-related—at Bald Eagle Watching Day. The event’s primary purpose is to educate the public about the birds and wetlands that deﬁne the Ferryville community. “That’s why it’s free,” Quamme said of the event. “We want people to come because the whole purpose is to educate people about wildlife, the birds, habitat restoration, and just being responsible citizens.” Highlights of the day include a live eagle program presented by staff of the University of Minnesota Raptor Research Center, which rehabilitates raptors that have been victims of trauma. The Raptor Research Center will present two March 2020

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hour-long programs with live rehabilitated birds likely including an eagle, a red-tailed hawk, a kestral, and an owl. A guest presenter from the Eagle Resources Project in Decorah, Iowa, will be on hand as well to talk about a nest of eaglets—familiar to those who follow the Decorah Eagles’ Nest Cam—that were rescued and rehabilitated last year. Representatives from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as well as Friends of Pool 9 will also conduct a program on eagle nest building, and a Department of Natural Resources official will offer a program about waterfowl along the Mississippi River. Special children’s activities include a “hooting contest” where youngsters try to mimic the sounds of an owl. Guests can also enjoy complimentary refreshments from local producers. Quamme said event organizers encourage all visitors to venture out after the day’s activities and put all their new knowledge in action as they go eagle watching. “We want people to bring their binoculars,” she said. “After they leave, we give them a map of the nests in the area that we know of. We give people tips on how to spot eagles—for example, how to identify them so you know you’re looking at an eagle vs. a very large hawk.” Ferryville has a spacious public viewing area equipped with a siting scope overlooking the river that makes for some great bird and wildlife watching. And with the village’s location along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, there’s plenty of wildlife to see without ever leaving the car. “We can give you directions and show you how to spot an active nest right from the road,” Quamme pointed out. It may help to have an eagle eye, but with Ferryville’s abundance of birds, a regular human eye will do just fine.—Mary Erickson

Eagle Action

Bald Eagle Watching Day is March 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ferryville Community Center, 170 Pine St., Ferryville, WI 54628. For more information on bird watching in Ferryville, go to visitferryville.com.

Visitors compare their arm spread to the wingspan of a bald eagle and other birds at this Bald Eagle Watching Day station. (Photo courtesy of the Ferryville Tourism Council)

Five Fun Facts about Bald Eagles (Source: American Eagle Foundation)

An adult bald eagle’s wingspan is typically 6 to 8 feet.

Typically, bald eagles mate for life and establish a territory that they return to each year, using the same nest. If one of the pair dies, the other will find a new partner and usually keep returning to the same territory.

Most eagle nests are about 6 feet across at the top and can become very deep as the eagles build on to it year after year. However, eagle nests can still get pretty crowded with two adults and two or three young occupying the space for a couple of months.

Eagles co-parent, with the female incubating most of the time but the male helping. Both parents are vigilant in protecting the eggs from predators or intruders.

The Second Continental Congress selected the bald eagle as the U.S. National Symbol on June 20, 1782.

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YOUNG MEMBERS

Kids and Critters March 2020 1. Kennidy feeds Tilly her bottle. Photo submitted by Greg Vorwald, a member of Scenic Rivers Energy.

2. Screen time with a Sphynx. Alexis and new kitten Sterling bond. Photo submitted by Jan Cutler Brown, a member of Jackson Electric. 3. Happy Hudson holds a chick. Photo submitted by Carol Myhre, a member of Eau Claire Energy. 4. Dexter plus his dog Gizmo equals double trouble. Photo submitted by Cheryl Walsh, a member of Adams-Columbia Electric.

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.

WINTER RECREATION PHOTO CONTEST Upload your favorite snapshots of Wisconsin winter activities for your chance to win a Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News kitchen kit! Go to wecnmagazine.com and upload in the “submit a photo” tab by March 15, 2020.

March 2020

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CLASSIFIEDS MISCELLANEOUS

COLLECTOR BUYING WAR SOUVENIRS: German, Japanese, U.S. weapons, medals, helmets, daggers, swords, military items. 715-213-4565. WANTED: DEER TAGS, back tags. Trapping, bear, hunting licenses. Otter, bobcat, fisher tags. Old traps. David Schober, W4234 Rock Creek Rd., Loyal, WI 54446. 715-255-9284. WANTED: PAYING CASH FOR WW-2 GERMAN, JAPANESE FLAGS, DAGGERS, SWORDS, GUNS. ETC. 715-340-1974. USED BILLBOARD VINYLS/TARPS: Possible sizes available: 14x48=$50, 10x36=$28.80, 10x30=$24. Expired billboard faces, hemmed. Shipping and tax not included in listed price. MUST CALL FOR AVAILABILITY PRIOR TO PICK UP 800-536-7446. Vinyls can also be picked up at Jones Sign, 1711 Scheuring Road, De Pere, WI 54115. RURAL LIFE HISTORY BOOK: Machine Shed Memories—a Chronicle of Rural Life in Wisconsin. Order at www.machineshedmemories.com. BUY-SELL-TRADE MILITARY SURPLUS, J&R Military Surplus, 10106 ST. HWY 35, De Soto, WI 54624, 608-648-2112. WANTED: Old Hot Wheels 1968-1977. Check your attics, closets, basements. Free appraisals & cash on the spot. 608-314-6890. 53525. R.V. 2019 CATALINA 8’w x 38’L with 3 slide outs. At Pine Cove Resort on Castle Rock Lake, Wi. $30,000 or offer. Call 414-322-2964. NEW FRIGIDAIRE SCRATCH & DENT APPLIANCES with full manufacturers warranty. 40+ refrigerators, wall ovens, gas & electric ranges and cooktops, dishwashers, freezers, washers, dryers, and more. Most items 25-40% off regular prices. Northwoods Sales. 715-229-2677.

REACH MORE THAN 181,000 MAILBOXES EACH MONTH Advertise with us! ads@weca.coop

REAL ESTATE

UPPER MICHIGAN. 1800’ of Lakeshore, 35 acres, pristine lake. Near trout streams, golf, casino, ski, snowmobile trails. Surrounded by Ottawa Forest. Very private. $297, 000. 715-495-2081 or 715-495-3244. VACATION RENTAL. Cape Coral, FL. Beautiful 3 bedroom home on gulf access canal. 10,000 lb boat lift. Weekly rental or more. Call Al. 608-295-7433. LOT FOR SALE: LEHIGH ACRES, FLORIDA. Near Red Sox Stadium. $24,900.00. Phone 1-608-847-6608. HUNTING LAND; whether you are looking to sell or buy in Buffalo & Trempealeau Counties contact Land & Home Realty LLC. Over 20 yrs experience. dan@landandhomerealtyllc. com or 608-484-1900. LAKE HOME FOR SALE—Hayward, WI. 4 seasons house, 3 bedrooms +, 1 ¾ bath, 12 x 28’ screened porch, 2 decks, salt box design, open plan, 24 acres, extra buildable 130’ lake frontage, extras, 2 ½ garage/shop/carport. $350,000. For details 309-798-0081. THREE MILES WEST MAUSTON, WI: 30 acres mature pine woodland. Good hunting, easy access, zoned agriculture. One home allowed. Electric and internet close. $140,000. James Henry 608-847-7726. ADAMS COUNTY: 10 Acres near HWY 82 and County B. Great hunting, and lots of storage. Two barns, garage, single wide mobile home. 125,000.00. 847-830-3449. FOR SALE: 40+ acres; cabin, pole building, new holding tank, stream, 2 ponds, no utilities. New Lisbon area. $150,000 or offer. Call 414-322-2964. HUNTERS/SNOWMOBILERS/HORSES PARADISE in Marathon County. Beautiful 3 bedroom/3.5 bathroom home in 14 acres + 43 additional acres available. Trophy whitetails and turkeys abundant. Also great place to raise horses. Google 201696 Bentley Road, Rosholt WI 54473 to see many pictures and all details. This was formerly 2117 Birch Road, Rosholt WI. Call Hocking Real Estate Services 715-571-1295.

FOR SALE: FACTORY. Galesville. 35,000’ prestressed concrete. 3 million replacement. Manufacture hemp etc. $380,000 or B.O. over $250,000. 608-582-2263. 12–8 p.m. www.phonecoinc.com.

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 AVAILBLE FOR SPRING PLANTING Also evergreens & deciduous seedlings and transplants, strawberries, blueberries, asparagus, rhubarb, and much more. For additional info: Call Toll Free 888803-8733 or write to Woodstock Nursery, W6291 State Hwy 95 Neillsville, WI 54456. Also check us out at Wallace-Woodstock.com. DIG OR PULL UP YOUR OWN SMALL TREE SEEDLINGS. 12” to 30” are $65.00 per 100. 30”-36” are $75.00 per 100. Trees 36” to 48” are $1.90 each. Wild Maple Trees are $2.00 per foot and start at 10 foot. Call Pete at 773-710-1402. MCKAY NURSERY COMPANY- WISCONSIN GROWN SINCE 1897. Provider of quality shade & ornamental trees, fruit & flowering trees, evergreens, shrubs, perennials, ground cover & vines. Design services & delivery available. Contact Eric at ezlandscapewi@gmail.com or call 608-909-1962 “Your Independent McKay Sales & Service Provider.”

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Consider a subscription to WECN! jennifer@weca.coop

Classified ads reach more than 181,000 mailboxes. RATES: For non-members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $25 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $1.25 each. For members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $14 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $.70 each. Count name, address, and phone number as part of ad. Please include zip code. FOR PROOF OF MEMBERSHIP, please include your address label from your copy of the magazine. FREQUENCY DISCOUNTS: 2% discount for 3 months; 5% for 6 months; 10% for 12 months. DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the ad is to appear. All classified ads must be paid in advance. There is no agency discount on classifieds. Make check or money order payable to: WECA. Mail to: WECN, Attn. 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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WISCONSIN EVENTS 1 Build Your Own Omelet Breakfast—Chippewa Falls. Lafayette Town Hall, 8 a.m.– 12 p.m.

14 Shamrock Shuffle 5K Run/Walk—Eau Claire. McPhee Physical Eduction Center, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. 715-836-3377.

28 Let’s Get Green and Growing—Rio. High School, 8:45 a.m.–2:45 p.m. Creating a Garden with Four Season Interest.

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Polka Dance—La Crosse. Concordia Ballroom, 1–5 p.m. Live polka dance bands, food, and beverages available.

14 Arts & Craft Show—Sparta. Meadowview School, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

28 Spring Arts and Crafts Sale—Chippewa Falls. Senior High School, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

14 St. Patrick Parade—La Crosse. Starting at 2nd Ave and traveling East on Main Street to 9th St., 12–1 p.m.

28 Garden Expo—Richland Center. UW– Platteville Richland, Wallace Student Center, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

15 Ham Dinner—Lyndon Station. St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

28 Community Conversation on Climate Change—Adams. Adams Co. Community Center, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. 608-339-9557.

2 Retaining Rural Business Through Employee Ownership Roadshow—Webster. Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative, 4:30–6 p.m. Free, 90-minute workshop on rural community and economic development. 612-625-6246. 6, 13, 20 Friday Fish Fry—Rosholt. St. Adalbert Parish, 4–7:30 p.m. 715-677-4519. 6, 13, 20, 27 Friday Night Fish Fry—Phillips. St. Therese Church, 4:30–6:30 p.m. 715-339-2801. 6, 13, 20, 27 Fish Fry—Onalaska. St. Patrick’s Church, 5–7:30 p.m. Carryout available. 7 Steak Fry—Melrose. American Legion 439, 5:30–9:30 p.m. Bingo and raffles. 7 Speakeasy Cellar Jazz—Iron River. White Winter Winery, 6–9 p.m. Proceeds benefit North Lakes Community Clinic. 8 All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast—Gilman. Jump River Community Center, 8 a.m.– 12 p.m. 715-491-6519. 8 First Responders Benefit Country Jam— Wauzeka. Century Hall, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Four bands, great dance floor. Everyone is invited. 8 Spring Polka Jam—Marshfield. Eagles Club, 12–5 p.m. Public welcome; free admission. 715-389-1232. 10, 11 Rosemaling Workshop—Coon Valley. Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center, all day (both days). 608-452-3424. 11 Celtic Angels Performance—Menomonie. Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, 7:30–9:30 p.m. 715-235-0001. 12 Red Cedar Watershed Conference—Menomonie. UW–Stout, Memorial Student Center, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. 715-232-2793. 13, 14 WETC Electrical Exam Prep Class—Richland Center. White House Event Center, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 608-464-3582.

March 2020

15 St. Patrick’s Day Dinner & Show—Marshﬁeld. Belvedere Supper Club, 11 a.m.– 3 p.m. 715-387-4161. 21 Taylor Co. Health & Safety Fair—Medford. Medford Elem. School, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 21 Chili Supper—Briggsville. American Legion Post 329, 4–7:30 p.m. 21 Spaghetti Dinner—Redgranite. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 4:30–7 p.m. All you can eat. 21 Master Gardener Spring Conference—Lancaster. Vesperman Farms, 7:30 a.m.– 12:45 p.m. 21, 22 Woodworkers Show—Green Bay, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Classes, exhibitors, demos, awards, food. 920-883-6089. 21, 22 Medford Area Quilt Show—Medford. Medford High School, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 22 Pancake Breakfast—Richford. Community Center, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 24 Bingo—Eleva. Pleasant Valley Community Center, 7–9 p.m. 715-878-9723. 26 Meat Raffle—Chippewa Falls. Eagles Club, 6:30–8:30 p.m. 715-832-1462. 26 Attention Knitters—Phillips. Wisconsin Concrete Park, 5:30–7:30 p.m. The last Thursday of every month, knitters of all levels are invited to gather. 26 Pancakes, Biscuits, and Gravy Supper and Bake Sale—Ridgeland. Community Center, 4–7 p.m. 26–28 HOT OFF THE PRESS: A Newsy Musical Comedy—Chippewa Falls. Heyde Center for the Arts, 7:30–9:30 p.m. 715-726-9000.

28 Amazing Kreskin with Ghost Sighting— Menomonie. Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, 2–4 p.m. Kreskin is not a magician, but truly the world’s greatest mentalist for more than 6 decades. 715-235-0001. 29 Spring ‘Hootenanny’—Chippewa Falls. Eagles Club, 1–5 p.m. Live music, silent auction, and a bake sale. 29 Farm Toy & Craft Show—Thorp. High School, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 715-773-2643. 29 Humane Society Fundraising Auction—Osseo. Grand Occasions Banquet Hall, 11 a.m. 608-525-2300. 29 UW Wisconsin Singers—Wild Rose. High School Auditorium, 2 p.m. Musical medleys plus a special blend of jazz, funk, and classic rock. 608-575-2443.

Upload events directly to the wecnmagazine.com through the “Events” tab.

Upload your April events by March 9. 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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