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Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News March 2021

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ENERGY Cooperative

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News

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Rural BROADBAND

Federal effort to connect rife with red flags.

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No-Till GARDENS

A look back at political polarization.

NEWS BRIEFS

Youth Leadership Congress goes virtual.

COVER

Trek across the Ice Age Trail. Photo courtesy of Vicki

Plan and plant your way to efficient produce.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

On the

Christianson

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Recipes

Noodle around these recipe ideas.

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Kids &

CRITTERS

Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.

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CEO

Message

Power is a priority during this pandemic.

MY CO-OP

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

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SYMBOL SEARCH

Find the symbol in the month’s magazine.

March 2021

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LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR Political Polarization

We ran across the following editorial written by our previous editor, Perry Baird, from the May 2013 edition Dana Kelroy, Editor of this magazine. It’s striking how the topic is perhaps more timely today than it was then. Delving into our photo archives for a recent presentation, I came across some intriguing images from past legislative efforts of the Wisconsin statewide electric co-op association. What struck me in the old photos, and ultimately also got noticed by the audience I shared them with, was how friendly members of Congress appeared to be—with each other—in years past. It seemed a stark contrast to the partisan polarity that has crept into legislative considerations at both federal and state levels recently. One photo, snapped May 16, 1967, at a Washington, D.C., dinner hosted by our state’s electric cooperatives, shows Democrat and Republican members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation and their staffs clearly enjoying each other’s company. Two years later, in May 1969, our camera caught a photo of the youngest Republican and the youngest Democrat in the entire U.S. House of Representatives— both from Wisconsin—as they congenially walked the Capitol steps together. William Steiger was 31 and Dave Obey was 30, and the congressmen didn’t object to being photographed together. In fact, Editor Les Nelson prevailed upon them to hike the steps numerous times as he gunned photos. In June 1985, I managed to photograph a chance meeting in the La Crosse airport terminal between lawmakers of widely varying political views: Wisconsin Rep. Steve Gunderson, California Rep. Ron Dellums, and Wisconsin Sen. Bob Kasten. I distinctly remember Dellums say about Kasten, as Gunderson was taking him across the room to introduce him to the senator, “I love that guy,” referencing a recent legislative stance Kasten had taken. What are the chances of hearing such collegial references between members of opposite parties—and different houses of Congress—these days? The images offer some visual proof that encounters between those of different political parties haven’t always deteriorated into acrimony, and that respect and admiration are possible even when sides get taken on legislative matters. In a way, our ability to capture these affable images at meetings we’ve prompted also shows that electric cooperatives have navigated the political waters between—and most often with—legislators of varying political persuasions. Electric co-ops have had to. 4

March 2021 Vol. 81 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 $13 per year or $35 for three years. Members pay $6.93 per year. Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Steve Freese, president & CEO. USPS number: 688-480. Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Periodicals postage paid at Pontiac, Ill. Send correspondence to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Phone (608) 467-4650. Web site: www.wecnmagazine.com. Co-op Members: Please send address changes to your local electric co-op. Contact information can be found on page 18. Steve Freese Dana Kelroy Mary Erickson Julie Lund Ann Bailey Geri Miller Jennifer Taylor

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

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

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NEWS BRIEFS YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONGRESS GOES VIRTUAL

The Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association announced that the 2021 Youth Leadership Congress (YLC) will be held virtually as the state continues its recovery from the pandemic. The two-day event is set for July 13–14 from 8 a.m. until noon both days. Participating students will receive a welcome package

with a T-shirt and other YLC preparation materials prior to the event. Next year, YLC is scheduled to take place July 12–14, 2022, at UW-River Falls, where it has been held in the past. For more information, contact Tina Walden at tina@weca.coop.

DAIRYLAND EXPANDS CLEAN ENERGY PORTFOLIO WITH WIND FARM

Dairyland Power Cooperative has entered into a power purchase agreement with Tatanka Ridge Wind Farm near Brookings, South Dakota. The farm will provide 51.6 MW of renewable energy to Dairyland, enough to power 16,000 homes. “Dairyland is pleased to work with Avangrid Renewables and WEC Energy Group on an efficient and sustainable facility that supports our transition to a lower carbon future,” said Brent Ridge, Dairyland president and CEO. “Diversification of resources is a key element of Dairyland’s Sustainable Generation Plan, making Tatanka Ridge a valuable addition to our cooperative’s renewable energy portfolio.” Tatanka Ridge is an Avangrid Renewables project, with the capacity to provide 155 MW of renewable energy. This is Dairyland’s third wind energy collaboration with the company. Previous project partnerships include Barton Wind and Winnebago Wind, both in Iowa.

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES SCORE HIGH IN 2020 SURVEY

Electric cooperatives participating in Touchstone Energy Cooperative’s Survey on the Cooperative Difference scored 13 points higher than investor-owned and municipal counterparts in the American Customer Satisfaction Index. According to the survey results, electric cooperatives averaged a score of 85, compared to 72 for investor-owned utilities and municipal utilities. The 2020 survey results were compiled from

nearly 11,500 interviews with members of 47 co-ops in 17 states. Survey respondents who identified themselves as “members” other than “customers” were more likely to give co-ops higher scores. Older members tend to score the co-ops higher than younger members do, but scores rose by four points over the 2019 survey for the 35–44 age group.

CO-OPS RECEIVE $96,000 TO OFFSET SAFETY TRAINING

The Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) has accepted a loss control contribution check for more than $96,000 from the Federated Rural Insurance Exchange, on behalf of members. The check is typically presented during WECA’s Education and Lobby Days event, which did not take place this year due to the pandemic. “I would like to thank the Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange for these funds, which will help our electric cooperatives offset safety department expenses,” said WECA President and CEO Stephen Freese. “Safety is our top priority, and participation in education and training is key to avoiding injury and death in this industry.” For the period of 2000–2020, Federated Rural Electric Insurance has returned a total of $1,897,642 in loss control contribution dollars to Wisconsin electric cooperatives to offset investments in safety training.

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ENTITIES APPLY FOR ENERGY INNOVATION GRANTS

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Office of Energy Innovation says it received 108 applications requesting more than $24 million for the 2021 Energy Innovation Grant Program. The PSC will award $7 million in grants for energyrelated projects that will reduce energy consumption, increase clean energy and transportation technologies, bolster preparedness and resiliency in the energy system, and incorporate comprehensive energy planning. In 2018, the PSC funded 31 projects out of 100 applicants, for a total of $5 million. In evaluating the applicants, the PSC is considering the energy savings, additional funds leveraged and economic impact, equitable distribution of projects and benefits, innovation, and improvement of Wisconsin’s energy resiliency. The PSC is expected to announce recipients of the latest round of funds this spring.

BIDEN SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDERS ON ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

In the first weeks of his presidency, as expected, Joe Biden signed executive orders aimed at fueling his climate change platform by increasing offshore wind, boosting transmission, and ending fossil fuel subsidies. Biden has named climate change one of the four crises he hopes to tackle during his administration, along with the pandemic, the economy, and racial inequality. “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad” was one of three executive orders the president signed as he works to reach the goal of 100 percent clean electricity in the United States by 2035. It also calls for electrifying the federal vehicle fleet, reviewing mining and drilling activities on public lands, and directing federal investments toward creating new job opportunities for fossil fuel workers. The order calls for doubling U.S. offshore wind capacity by 2030, and directing infrastructure planning to accelerate transmission and clean energy buildout. Biden’s orders also re-establish the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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OUR PRIMAL STORY VISIT US

The founders of Primal Eats come from a long line of Wisconsin hunters, fishermen, gardeners and gatherers. We have that eye to the ground, nose to the wind, ear to the beast instinct that leads a man to the field, lake and forest. We know that the best food starts with natural, wild, wholesome ingredients. That’s how each Primal Eats product begins. Stop by the Primal Eats store, located within our Apple Creek Whitetails ranch that rests amongst beautiful whitetail habitat. Treat yourself and your family to a unique experience!

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POWER A

s the state and nation struggle with COVID-19 vaccine distribution and inoculation of our citizens, your electric cooperative has been working overtime, with safety measures, to make sure your power stays on. This past year has definitely shined a new light on what we consider “essential.” Many people shifted their schedules to do more from home, including work and school. The one constant was apparent—without safe, reliable, and affordable electricity, none of this would work. Wisconsin electric cooperatives have taken extraordinary steps Steve Freese President and CEO to protect employees from exposure to the virus because our skilled workers are responsible for ensuring everyone else can do their important jobs, including healthcare workers and first responders. We’ve seen the crisis that the coronavirus can cause when utility employees are infected. When a hurricane slammed into Mississippi last year, one electric cooperative was hit with a one-two punch. Massive damage and outages were followed by their entire line crew becoming infected with the virus. Typically, cooperatives are ready and willing to offer mutual aid to other cooperatives facing widespread outages. But COVID-19 made this situation even more difficult due to social distancing rules, travel restrictions, and lack of housing for crews. As a result, the community was forced to wait longer than expected for power to be restored. The Mississippi situation prompted Wisconsin electric co-ops to take even more precautions. Employees were designated as “essential” in the early days of the pandemic, and as the outbreak stretched into the summer, fall, and winter months, it was critical to ensure we were prepared for the possible ice storm, tornado, or straight-line winds that can cause widespread power outages in our state. Now we are working to ensure these essential workers are prioritized appropriately during vaccine distribution

PRIORITY

8

so when power outages do occur, we don’t have to scramble to find outside crews to restore power. The Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association has been working hard to ensure that state and national health officials understand how critical it is that utility workers be part of Priority Group 1b, the group that is currently eligible. In particular, lineworkers cannot be easily or quickly replaced, and a COVID-19 outbreak among them would lead to serious challenges that could further threaten the economy and quality of life, even without a severe weather event. There are also very few key personnel that run the generation and transmission components for power plants. Their absence would also create an immediate and critical challenge. Fortunately, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize how vital these essential workers are to keeping our communities up and running. There are nearly 12,000 utility workers in Wisconsin, and not all of them meet the criteria for priority vaccination. Still, it is comforting to know that those who do are approved to get it beginning this month. In addition to worker protections, some Wisconsin electric cooperatives have partnered to offer space as testing sites, and potentially, vaccination sites as well. It’s just one more example of our commitment to community, no matter what life throws our way.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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BROADBAND’S DISCONNECTION

SECTION?

A

WHY THE LATEST FEDERAL EFFORT TO BRING BROADBAND TO RURAL AMERICA IS ALREADY RIFE WITH RED FLAGS.

s 2020 wrapped, many people were filled with optimism for the future, looking forward to what 2021 may bring. That includes many in rural Wisconsin hoping this would be the year they finally get broadband access. It was looking really good in the Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services area. Over the past 12 months, co-op leadership surveyed, researched, investigated, campaigned, and explored the feasibility of getting into the broadband expansion game, and ultimately decided to make a pitch for federal funds so they could offer high-speed internet to 5,500 members who currently don’t have the option. “For members who lack broadband, the opportunities for working from home, doing virtual classrooms, participating in video conferences, or using telemedicine are nonexistent,” said Nate Boettcher, president and CEO of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS). “Connectivity is no longer a nicety; it’s a necessity.” The Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) $16 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) reverse auction, which wrapped in late November, offered the greatest glimmer of hope for many in rural Wisconsin, as local entities, including electric and telephone coopera-

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tives, competed for federal funds to expand broadband to their members. As the pandemic accelerated the paradigm shift to life online, there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Finally. The RDOF is the latest in a string of pricey federal programs set up to expand rural broadband. Broken promises and lack of accountability plagued past programs. According to the FCC, the federal government has committed $22 billion over the past five years alone for rural broadband expansion, and yet 175,000 people living in rural Wisconsin—from areas near Evansville to Rib Lake to Belleville—still have no access at all, and nearly 600,000 don’t have access to the defined speed of 25 Mbps or faster, according to Broadband Now. The subsidy road to broadband expansion started years ago with investments from the Universal Service Fund (paid for by you, with a 21 percent fee on every landline and cell phone bill), which became the Connect America Fund (CAF) in 2009. The CAF program largely failed when the FCC limited the grantees to the biggest players, awarding companies including Verizon, CenturyLink, and Frontier large territories to expand broadband for big bucks, but some of them never did, essentially “freezing

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out” expansion opportunities for local ity in funding, access to low-interest players for years. loans, and a proven success record. In 2010, the American Recovery Ntera, for example, formed in and Reinvestment Act included $7.2 2018 when two cooperatives—Chipbillion for “complete broadband and pewa Valley Electric Cooperative and wireless internet access,” with the Citizens Connected—came together goal of “leading the world in mobile to bring broadband to members in innovation with the fastest and most the Chippewa Valley area. Ntera’s extensive wireless network of any first memnation.” That turned out to be a bers were lofty goal. You can’t be a world online with leader in the industry when people premiere in Ellsworth and Arcadia still have fiber optic to drive to Starbucks for WIFI. internet in The 2020 RDOF auction promthan a RESULT IN THE less ised to avoid the pitfalls of CAF year, and and other programs by allowing the co-op entities invested in their communishattered ties, such as electric and telephone expansion co-ops, to participate. In the goals over reverse auction, the bidder who CONNECT RURAL the next offers the highest speed and lowthree years, est latency at the lowest bid wins boosted last the grant dollars to extend service year by a Shannon Clark, general manager and CEO, to each specific census block. Co$3 million Richland Electric Cooperative ops are an obvious choice, as they USDA already have existing business serReConnect vice and infrastructure and knowledge grant. Ntera also bid in the RDOF aucof the geographic challenges in their tion to keep the buildout going near areas. In addition, co-ops have stabilCrescent, Cadott, and Sheldon.

“I have very LITTLE CONFIDENCE

that RDOF will

MASSIVE

IMPROVEMENTS

NEEDED TO

AMERICA.“

PPCS estimated it would cost about $32 million to expand broadband to all 5,500 unserved members using 100 percent fiber access, which is capable of handling increased speeds as technology rapidly advances. In the RDOF auction, the FCC set the reserve for the 26 census blocks at $28 million over 10 years. PPCS bid just under 50 percent, at around $14 million, with the commitment to offer gigabit-level (best) speeds, at rates competitive with more populated areas. They lost. Ntera lost, too. The FCC awarded the territories the co-ops were seeking to LTD Broadband, a relatively new, outof-state provider, which was the top winner overall in Wisconsin and the nation, taking more than $1.3 billion in grants to serve 530,000 locations in 15 states. LTD’s plan includes “fixed-wireless,” an option that does not offer the speeds and longevity of fiber, and industry experts say would be problematic in the Wisconsin landscape. “As with any wireless communication, the more ‘line of sight,’ the better. With our wooded hills and bluffs, the Chippewa Valley area offers anything but line of sight,” said Russ Falkenberg, director of IT & member services at Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, who was instrumental in the startup of Ntera. “Fixed wireless is not only impractical in this area, but it cannot compete with fiber, which is extremely low latency and future proof.” Stakeholders across the country also cried foul, questioning LTD’s ability to secure the needed capital and deploy the workforce necessary to cover the mass territories it was awarded. “I have very little confidence that RDOF will result in the massive improvements needed to connect rural America,” said Shannon Clark, Richland Electric Cooperative general manager and CEO, and board chairman of the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC).

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“After seeing the amount of federal support dollars that some of these companies accepted, which in some cases was less than 10 percent of what the FCC felt it would take to incentivize a build-out, you have to wonder why these companies bothered with the auction at all. I question why these companies weren’t willing to build years ago.” Another big red flag in the auction results is the selection of Frontier and CenturyLink. Both are among the top 10 grant money winners, even though both were awarded territories under CAF and failed to fulfill the requirements to service their areas over a six-year time span. Also, SpaceX, a new satellite startup owned by Elon Musk, Tesla’s owner and the world’s richest person (net worth of $165 billion), was granted $886 million of federal subsidies to serve areas in 35 states, including some cities that already have high-speed internet options. SpaceX just recently launched, deploying thousands of low-earth orbiting satellites which, like fixed-wireless, is subpar to fiber. SpaceX’s broadband-from-orbit “is a completely unproven technology,” said Jim Matheson, chief executive officer of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), in speaking out against the FCC’s choices. “Why use that money for a science experiment?” “Personally, I think SpaceX should have been ineligible, until they had a proven technology,” Clark agreed. “It doesn’t cost SpaceX any more to deploy an antenna to one person in remote Wisconsin than it does to provide it to one person in an urban setting—consumers per mile has no impact on their costs.” Last month, more than 150 members of Congress including Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI), Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), and Glenn Grothman (R-WI), and Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) sent a letter to the FCC urging scrutiny of the auction winners’ long form applications, which are currently under review. NRECA, NRTC, and NTCA (The Rural Broadband Association) also submitted comments raising concerns. PPCS, meanwhile, is not throwing in the towel. The coop is seeking other options to move forward with broadband expansion plans, because even if LTD Broadband follows through with its proposed plan, it could still be years before members are connected. The RDOF auction winners are only required to provide service to 40 percent of their locations within three years, and 20 percent each year after. PPCS’ goal was to have all 5,500 unserved members up and running within two years. “Without federal or other funding, the business case is less attractive, but not impossible,” Boettcher said. “We are exploring partnerships and we are pursuing grant opportunities, such as the Wisconsin Public Service Commission Broadband Expansion grants. We’re working with state and local elected officials and the Pierce County Economic Development Corporation. We’re not giving up until we can pave the way for a connected future. Our members have waited long enough.”—Julie Lund 12

LESS GARAGE TIME

Electric cars have fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. As a result, EVs require less maintenance and have lower maintenance costs.

- Idaho National Laboratory

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CO-OP FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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TIPS FOR PLANTING

AN EFFICIENT,

NOTILL GARDEN Dear Pat and Brad:

It’s almost time to plant our garden, and we’re wondering if there are steps we can take to save energy when planting. How can we make our home garden more efficient? —Leandra

Dear Leandra: We’re glad you asked! One ap-

proach to gardening we’ve been excited about lately is no-till, also known as no-dig. No-till gardens have been gaining ground with farmers in recent years, partly because of the energy savings. The principles behind no-till gardening work well for large farms, as well as smaller home gardens. No-till can be done without chemicals. Research shows that this approach can produce more fruits and vegetables within a few years, and they get better over the long term. Best of all, this approach to gardening takes less time and effort—and you won’t even have to fire up the rototiller!

Two ideas are at the heart of no-till gardening. First, don’t break up the soil. We usually think that by breaking up the soil and mixing it up, we keep weeds from growing. But tilling can bring weed seeds that are deep in the soil to the top where they can germinate and grow. Tilling also destroys microbes in the soil that bring nutrients to the plants.

The second idea is to spread thick layers of compost and other mulch on top of the soil. When compost and other mulch are spread on top, they feed the soil from above, the same way leaves in a forest fall to the ground, decompose and turn into rich soil over time. When you build up the soil by spreading layers of compost and other mulch on top, the weed seeds are kept dormant. Mulch keeps the soil moist, so less water is used to irrigate, which means less electricity use for pumping water from your well or community water system. Your no-till garden can be planted at ground-level or in raised beds. Start by laying weed-blocking material on top of the old dirt. Sheets of cardboard are often used because they will decompose over time. Then spread at least 4 inches of weed-free soil or compost on top. If the soil under the cardboard is reasonably loose, you can probably start planting right away. Your garden may be less productive the first year, but will grow healthier and have fewer weeds every season from then on. If the ground is heavily compacted or clay, you may have to till in some compost or healthy soil before laying down the cardboard and give it a year for the new mix to get looser. In the fall, you can cut the dead plants at ground level and leave the roots in the ground to decompose over the winter. You may also want to plant a cover crop, like peas, fava beans, or barley late in the growing season. Setting up a no-till garden takes a fair bit of work, but it will require less March 2021

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maintenance in the future and get healthier every year. If you’re ready to try your hand at planting a no-till garden, many colleges and universities offer extension classes for folks who are not enrolled as students. You can also watch a variety of videos online that can guide you through setup and long-term care. Here are a few additional tips that can help you reduce energy use related to gardening: • Drip systems lose less water to evaporation. • Timers are a convenient way to control irrigation, but be sure to override the timer and shut off watering cycles when a rain shower can do the job. • Consider purchasing a rain barrel for energy efficient watering. • Learn how to store your produce to reduce waste. • Make sure your freezer is energy efficient. We hope these tips will help you prepare for a more energy efficient garden this year. Happy planting––and eating! Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency write on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape. For additional energy tips and information on Collaborative Efficiency visit: www.collaborativeefficiency.com/ energytips. No-till growing can be done on commercial farms as well as home gardens. Photo courtesy of USDA

In most no-till gardens, paths covered in wood chips provide easy access to planting beds that are covered in compost. Photo courtesy of Jackie Caserta

Cereal rye is one of many cover crops that can be planted in the no-till garden over the winter to help build soil health. Photo courtesy of NRCS/SWCS by Lynn Betts

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AROUND Bow Ties - Chicken Confetti Recipe and photo courtesy of www.USDairy.com. Makes 4 Servings

6 oz bow tie pasta 1 tsp plus 1 Tbsp Canola oil, divided 6 oz boneless chicken breasts, cut into 12–15 chunks Salt 1/4 tsp ground black pepper 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, snipped into bits 1/4 cup boiling water 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine 1/2 green pepper, chopped 1 tsp Italian seasoning 1 cup chicken broth 2 tsp cornstarch 2 Tbsp cold water 1/2 cup basil, cut into strips, plus a few extra leaves for garnish (optional) 1-1/2 cups grated light cheddar cheese Cook pasta according to directions on package, approximately 10–12 minutes. Drain. Heat skillet. Coat bottom with 1 teaspoon of oil. Brown chicken on all sides and cook until done, 3–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; set aside. Cover sun-dried tomatoes with boiling water to re-hydrate. Sauté garlic and green pepper with 1 tablespoon of oil until slightly softened. Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth; heat to boiling. Dissolve cornstarch in cold water. Add slowly to boiling broth mixture, stirring briskly to slightly thicken. Stir in chicken, cheese, and basil; heat gently until cheese is melted. Place drained bow ties into a pasta bowl. Pour chicken-cheese mixture over. Stir and serve. Garnish with fresh basil.

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Slow Cooker Fresh Veggie Lasagna Recipe and photo courtesy of www.USDairy.com. Nonstick cooking spray 1-1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 egg, lightly beaten 1 tsp dried oregano 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1 cup low-sodium, fat-free marinara sauce (plus additional for serving)

1 medium zucchini, diced 4 no-boil lasagna noodles 1 bag baby spinach 1 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Spray crockery pot of slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. In a small bowl, mix together mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, oregano, and garlic powder. Spread 2 tablespoons of pasta sauce in bottom of pot. Sprinkle 1/2 of zucchini over sauce and top with 1/3 of the cheese mixture. Break 2 noodles into pieces to cover cheese. Spread 2 tablespoons of sauce and then layer 1/2 the spinach and 1/2 the mushrooms. Repeat layering, ending with cheese and the remaining sauce. Firmly press ingredients into pot. Cover and cook over low heat for 4–5 hours. Allow lasagna to rest for 20 minutes before cutting into wedges to serve. Spoon a little extra sauce over each serving and top with a basil leaf, if desired.

Ground Beef & Pasta Skillet Primavera

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Beef Council.

This Italian-inspired recipe is a one-pot, fun to make and eat dish that combines ground beef, pasta, fresh zucchini, and yellow squash. This “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.” recipe is certified by the American Heart Association®. 1 lb ground beef (96% lean) 1 (14-1/2 oz) can reduced-sodium beef broth 1 cup uncooked whole wheat pasta 1 (14-1/2 oz) can no-salt added diced tomatoes

2 zucchini or yellow squash, cut in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/2-inch slices 1-1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef; cook 8–10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings. Stir in broth, pasta, squash, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 9–11 minutes or until pasta and squash are almost tender and sauce is slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Cook’s Tips: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

Fettuccine with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Sauce Photo and recipe complements of Incredible Egg. 8 oz dried fettuccine, spinach or plain 3 oz sun-dried tomato halves, quartered

2–3 Tbsp prepared pesto sauce Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

4 large eggs 1/4 cup milk

Combine fettuccine and sun-dried tomatoes in large pot of boiling salted water. Cook until pasta is tender but firm, about eight minutes; drain well. Return pasta and tomatoes to pot. Add pesto; toss until evenly coated. Beat eggs and milk in medium bowl until blended; pour over pasta. Cook over medium heat, turning gently, until eggs are thickened and no visible liquid egg remains. Serve immediately with cheese.

Bird Watcher’s Hidden Egg Ravioli Photo and recipe complements of The Incredible Egg. 6 large eggs, yolks and whites separated 6 sheets fresh lasagna noodles 5 oz fat-free ricotta cheese, drained 1/4 cup basil, chopped, divided 2 Tbsp pecorino cheese, grated and divided

Salt, pinch Pepper, pinch 1/4 cup olive oil 3 Roma tomatoes, diced

Using a 4-inch biscuit cutter, cut 12 pasta disks and keep moist under wet towel. Mix together ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons of basil, and 1 tablespoon of pecorino cheese. Place 6 pasta disks on a board. Fill a tablespoon with ricotta mixture and place in middle of disks, leaving room around the edges to seal the ravioli. Make a deep “nest” in the middle of the mixture to hold the egg yolk. Gently place an egg yolk into each ricotta nest. Brush egg white around the edges of the bottom pasta disk and cover with another pasta disk. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the disk, making sure it is sealed. Be careful not to break the egg yolk. Fill a low sauté pan with just enough water to cover the ravioli and bring to a simmer. Gently place ravioli in the pan using a slotted spoon and cook for about 1 minute. Remove carefully and set on a plate. In a small sauce pan heat olive oil, tomatoes, and remaining basil until just hot. Drizzle tomato-olive oil mixture over ravioli, sprinkle with remaining pecorino, and serve immediately. NOTE: Fresh, ready-to-use lasagna noodles work best in this recipe. March 2021

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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/.

Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken Annie Graves, Tigerton

1-1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 1/2 cup honey 1/4 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 Tbsp tomato paste 1 Tbsp ketchup 4 tsp cornstarch 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper 2 cups water 1 cup uncooked rice 2 tsp sesame seeds Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Spread chicken on the bottom of slow cooker. In a separate bowl, mix together honey, onion, soy sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, cornstarch, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Pour over chicken in slow cooker and cook covered for 3 to 3-1/2 hours on LOW. Meanwhile, heat water to boiling and add rice. Stir once, remove from heat and cover. Stir chicken and sauce when ready to serve, and pour over rice on plates. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with green onions. Heidi Behnke, Baraboo

6 lbs apples, peeled and chopped 6 cups apple juice 3 cups sugar 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cloves

Place apples and juice in a pan or roaster and cook until partially softened. Stir often. Add remaining ingredients and put in oven. Bake until apple butter consistency, stirring often. Put into jars and seal.

OUR READERS

22

Old Fashioned Fruit Cake (Dark)

1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy) 2 Tbsp powdered sugar 2 Tbsp butter, melted 1 (12 oz) pkg semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup butter, cut into slices 3.5 oz marshmallow cream (one-half of a 7 oz jar) 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups granulated sugar 1 can evaporated milk

Joyce writes “This recipe is close to 100 years old. Handed down from my great grandmother, to my grandmother, to me, and I’m 73.”

Romayne Lindstrom, Iola

Mix together: peanut butter, powdered sugar, and melted butter; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine chocolate chips, butter slices, marshmallow cream, and vanilla. Heat granulated sugar and evaporated milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 6 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour over chocolate mixture in bowl and stir thoroughly until blended. Turn half of the chocolate mixture into a well-buttered 8- or 9-inch square pan. Carefully spoon reserved peanut butter mixture over fudge layer, spreading evenly. Evenly spread remaining chocolate mixture on top. Refrigerate until set. Cut into squares and serve or put into individual paper candy cups.

Krispy Fudge Candy

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Apple Butter

REQUESTS FROM

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ribbon Fudge

1 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup butter 2 cups chocolate chips 2 cups Rice Krispies (or other puffed rice cereal.)

Combine peanut butter, butter, and chocolate chips into a 1-1/2 quart microwaveable bowl. Cook on high, stopping and stirring every 15 seconds. When melted, remove and stir in two cups of Rice Krispies (or other puffed rice cereal). Pour into a buttered 9- x 12-inch enamel or glass baking pan. Leave to set at room temperature.

An online reader is looking for different lasagna recipes. Send to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, What’s Cooking? 222 West Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703-2719 or contact us via our website, www.wecnmagazine.com. Thanks!

Joyce Smith, Janesville

1-1/4 cups brown sugar, packed 1/2 stick butter, softened 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk 2 cups flour 4 eggs 3 cups dates, chopped 1 cup apples, chopped 1/4 cup molasses 2 cups nuts, chopped (such as pecans) 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp cloves 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Mix together all ingredients in order as listed and pour into an 8- x 12-inch cake pan. It will be thick. Bake at 300 degrees for 2-1/2 hours. Check with a toothpick at that time. Cool well and keep in refrigerator with a covered lid. Serve thin slices; it will be a moist cake.

Divinity Coconut Fudge Patricia Mullens, Friendship

1-1/2 cups light brown sugar 1/2 cup water 1 tsp vinegar 1 egg white 1/2 cup shredded coconut 1/2 tsp vanilla

Put the sugar, water, and vinegar into a saucepan and cook to the firm ball stage (244–250 degrees), beating the ingredients until stiff but not dry. In a separate container, pour the sugar syrup slowly over the egg white, beating until creamy. Add the coconut and vanilla and mix thoroughly. Drop by the teaspoonful onto wax paper or spread into an 8- x 8-inch buttered pan. Cut into squares. Makes approx. 1 pound.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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TREK ACROSS

THE ICE AGE TRAIL FOOTPATH FOLLOWING GLACIER’S LAST ADVANCE PASSES THROUGH STATE’S PRETTIEST SCENERY

Devil’s Lake Segment – This 11-mile stretch is ranked as one of the most popular sections of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. It begins near the Merrimac Ferry landing on Lake Wisconsin and continues through wetland and prairie before winding in and around Devil’s Lake State Park in Sauk County (S5975 Park Rd., Baraboo, WI 53913). This segment includes some challenging climbs around the dramatic rock ledges alongside the lake. Among the many glacial formations to be seen here include the purple Baraboo quartzite rock in the walls of the Devil’s Lake gorge, and the moraines that block both ends of the gorge. The lake is undoubtedly the highlight of this segment, but it’s not all there is to see—the trail also passes through woodlands and meadows as well as an effigy mound. (Photos courtesy of Haley Melby, Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative)

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WISCONSIN FAVORITES The Ice Age Trail, marked by the gold line, generally follows the farthest advance of the last great glacier. The communities marked along the trail are officially designated Ice Age Trail Communities.

St. Croix Falls Cornell

Manitowoc-Two Rivers Lodi Cross Plains Verona

W

isconsinites are used to long winters. For the most part, we embrace this frosty season, making the most of the snow and ice that linger often well into the months the calendar claims as spring. However, by the time we hit March, even the heartiest among us might find our thoughts skipping ahead occasionally in anticipation of what’s to come when the wintry covering finally recedes.

West Bend Slinger Hartland Delafield

Whitewater Janesville Milton

With those thoughts in mind, March seems an especially fitting time for a walk along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, a 1,200-mile footpath that follows the terminal moraine left by retreating glacial ice after the state’s most wellknown deep freeze, more than 12,000

years ago. That glacial period is known as the Wisconsin Glaciation, and it left behind the varying and scenic terrain we get to enjoy today. One of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the United States, the Ice Age Trail meanders through 31 counties along the general outline of the glacier’s outermost advance. It’s made up of unique, individual segments connected to each other directly or through unblazed trails or rural roads, making it easily accessible for all Wisconsin residents. No matter where you live in this state, you can find a segment of the trail that’s not too far from home and hop on for a rejuvenating day of hiking, backpacking, or snowshoeing through some of Wisconsin’s prettiest natural surroundings. “Local segments provide easy access to nature,” said Lysianne Unruh, communications manager for the Ice Age Trail Alliance (IATA). “It’s an easy way to get outside, go for a walk, and be quickly immersed in the woods and the trees, and maybe an open prairie. The trail changes every season, and there’s always something new to see. “ The trail is also accessible for all ages, fitness and skill levels, with some segments including rigorous rock climbs and challenging elevation changes while others offer short, soothing walks through the woods.

Jerry Lake Segment – Taylor County is home to more than 60 miles of the Ice Age Trail, with several segments passing through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The Jerry Lake Segment is near Medord, where Taylor Electric Cooperative is headquartered. It offers 15 miles of rugged forest hiking. The trail follows Jerry Lake and crosses the Yellow River several times. A distinct glacial feature along this segment is a mile-long, hemlock-lined esker, a ridge of sand and gravel deposited by streams that flowed through tunnels at the base of the glacier. (Photo by Lou Ann Novak, courtesy of IATA) March 2021

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“The trail can be what anyone needs it to be,” Unruh added. “It can be the out-and-back walk that someone takes at the end of the work day. It can be that thing that fills a chunk of time on a Saturday morning. Or it can be that more concerted quest for adventure if you are wanting to segment hike and eventually become a Thousand-Miler [hiker who travels the trail’s entire length]. The trail adapts to whoever’s approaching it, and I think that’s what makes it so beautiful.” The commonality of the trail’s individual segments is that all feature land formations carved by the glacier and the huge volumes of water that flowed from it as the ice melted, depositing massive boulders and other debris along the way. Covering such a wide swath as it does, the trail passes through a variety of stunning glacially formed geography. The path’s most defining features are the

conspicuous ridges, known as moraines, formed by rock, sand, and other debris deposited along the glacier’s outermost edge. At the trail’s most western point— the St. Croix Falls Segment, starting at Interstate State Park—a dominant feature is the steep rock gorge along the St. Croix River, known as the Dalles of the St. Croix. The most eastern point is the Sturgeon Bay Segment in Door County, culminating with a path through the hardwood forest of Potawatomi State Park. In between are segments that pass through everything from the towering trees of the Chequamegon-Nicolet Forest in Taylor County to the purple-hued quartzite bluffs surrounding Devil’s Lake in Sauk County.

The Start of the Trail

While the National Scenic Ice Age Trail is located completely within the borders of

Wisconsin, glaciers are not unique to this state. Huge sheets of ice once covered much of the globe during multiple glaciation periods in the past 2.5 million years, vastly altering the landscape in their wake. The Wisconsin Glaciation is the last major advance of continental glaciers in North America, and it left behind the landscape that has made Wisconsin one of the best—if not the best—places to observe and examine the effects of continental glaciation. The transformation from a noticeable border along the glacier’s edge to a nationally known foot trail began in the 1950s largely thanks to the efforts of Milwaukee attorney and avid outdoorsman Ray Zillmer, who dreamed of establishing a national park along the glacier’s terminal moraine. To that effort, he founded the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation, which eventually became

Chippewa Moraine Segment – This 7-mile stretch has been declared by many an outdoor writer as the most scenic segment of the Ice Age Trail. It begins at Brunet Island State Park (23125 255th St, Cornell, WI 54732) near Cornell, where Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative is headquartered, and winds through the Chippewa County Forest and along the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area. The Chippewa Moraine itself is one of nine Ice Age National Scientific Reserve units in the state. It protects an ice-walled plain, the result of a lake that formed atop a melting glacier, with sediment deposited into it as the glacier melted, and then turning into a hilltop as the surrounding ice melted completely. Also among this area’s notable features are more than 20 kettle lakes, formed when large blocks of ice detached from the glacier as it receded and became buried in sediment, leaving a depression in the earth that filled with water as the ice melted. The trail includes many bridges crossing the lake channels. It also passes the David Obey Interpretive Center (13394 Co. Hwy. M., New Auburn, WI 54757). (Photo at left by Mel Yackley, courtesy of Travel Wisconsin; photo at right courtesy of Terry Capek, Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative; the cover photo was also taken along the Chippewa Moraine Segment, by Vicki Christianson, courtesy of Travel Wisconsin)

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WISCONSIN FAVORITES

Janesville Segment (left) – Janesville, where Rock Energy Cooperative is headquartered, has more miles of the trails within the city limits than any other Wisconsin community, with more than 10 miles. The trail starts at Riverside Park’s South Pavilion (2200 Parkside Drive, Janesville, WI 53548) and winds along the Rock River and through much of the city, at times using the city’s paved bike trails that link Janesville’s beautiful parks. Those include Palmer Park (2501 Palmer Drive, Janesville, WI 53545) and the Rotary Botanical Gardens (1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, WI 53545). Glacial features along the trail include Blackhawk Creek, formed by glacial meltwater. (Photo courtesy of Jonas Berberich, Rock Energy Cooperative) John Muir Park Segment (right) – Marquette County has a trail segment that’s small in size but big in significance. This 1.8-mile loop circling Ennis Lake near Montello is located at the John Muir County Park (N1424 County Road F, Montello, WI 53949), the site of the boyhood home of renowned naturalist John Muir, the Father of America’s national parks. The kettle lake is surrounded by bogs that are navigated by crosswalks. Farther beyond are prairie and meadowland. (Photo by L. Unruh, courtesy of Travel Wisconsin)

the Ice Age Trail Alliance. This organization manages the Ice Age Trail in partnership with the National Park Service and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Working with 19 local chapters of volunteers, the IATA builds, maintains, and promotes the Ice Age Trail. Officially designated a National Scenic Trail in 1980, the trail is a work in progress. More than 600 miles are identified with bright yellow markings as Ice Age Trail segments, connected to each other with more than 500 miles

of connecting routes. The IATA and its chapters continually work toward adding more off-road trail miles each year. Some areas intersect with bike trails, and those are the only portions where biking is allowed. Motorized vehicles are not permitted; the trail is meant to be experienced on foot. However, that doesn’t mean that all is quiet wilderness along the Ice Age Trail. By design the trail incorporates communities as well, occasionally veering into the Main Streets of designated Ice Age Trail Communities to promote the state’s

cultural heritage along the trail. With forests, lakes, cliffs, and communities, there’s lots to see along the Ice Age Trail. You might even want to take it at a glacial pace so you don’t miss anything.—Mary Erickson For more information about the National Ice Age Trail, including maps, hiking tips and other resources, activities for kids, and pandemicrelated updates (some properties may have capacity limitations), visit iceagetrail.com or call 800-227-0046.

Arbor Ridge Segment – Also in Rock County, this 2-mile segment just outside of Janesville winds through the hilly, wooded Robert O’Cook Memorial Arboretum (3550 W. County Highway A, Janesville, WI 53548). Interpretive signs throughout the trail and features such as an 1840s log cabin make this segment especially family-friendly.

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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.

REAL ESTATE

VACATION RENTALS—Chippewa Flowage in Hayward, WI. A private 4-bedroom / 2-bath is available, and also a 3-bedroom / 1-1/2 bath is available. Docks at both locations. Year-round rentals. On snowmobile and ATV trails. Contact Jen at 715-558-2759. VACATION RENTAL. Cape Coral, FL. Beautiful 3 bedroom home on gulf access canal. 10,000lb boat lift. Weekly rental or more. Call Al. 608-295-7433. HUNTERS/SNOWMOBILERS/HORSES PARADISE in Marathon County. Beautiful 3-bedroom / 3.5 bathroom home on approximately 60 acres. Trophy whitetails and turkeys abundant. Also great place to raise horses. See photos and all the details of this great piece of property at Zillow. com. 201696 Bentley Rd, Rosholt, WI 54473. This was formerly 2117 Birch Rd, Rosholt, WI. Call Kerry at 715-581-3327.

ADVERTISE WITH US MORE THAN 152,000 MAILBOXES EACH MONTH

FRUIT, NUT, SHADE, & ORNAMENTAL TREES Available For Spring Planting. Also evergreens & deciduous seedlings and transplants, strawberries, blueberries, asparagus, rhubarb, and much more. For additional info: Call toll free (888) 803-8733 or write to Woodstock Nursery, W6291 State Hwy 95, Neillsville, WI 54456. Also check us out at Wallace-Woodstock.com. MCKAY NURSERY COMPANY—WISCONSIN GROWN SINCE 1897 Provider of quality shade & ornamental trees, fruit & flowering trees, evergreens, shrubs, perennials, ground cover, and vines. Design services & delivery available. Contact Eric at ezlandscapewi@gmail.com or call 608-909-1962. “Your McKay Independent Sales & Service Provider.”

Reach rural readers ads@weca.coop

Classified ads reach more than 152,000 mailboxes. RATES: For non-members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $25 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $1.25 each. For members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $14 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $.70 each. Count name, address, and phone number as part of ad. Please include zip code. FOR PROOF OF MEMBERSHIP, please include your address label from your copy of the magazine. FREQUENCY DISCOUNTS: 2% discount for 3 months; 5% for 6 months; 10% for 12 months. DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the ad is to appear. All classified ads must be paid in advance. There is no agency discount on classifieds. Make check or money order payable to: WECA. Mail to: WECN, Attn. Jennifer, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Ph: 608-467-4638. Email jennifer@ weca.coop. We reserve the right to refuse ads.

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YOUNG MEMBERS

Kids and Critters March 2021 1

2

1. Each kid has a kid. Audrey, Charlie, and Amelia welcome goats Ivy, Fern, and Zara to the family. Photo submitted by Grandparents Dan and Sue Carlson, members of Dunn Energy. 2. Nathan and his dog Talon will come to the rescue. Photo submitted by Grandparents Dennis and Lois Martin, members of Riverland Energy. 3. Ever since Flower the calf showed up, Addy doesn’t want to come in from the barn. Photo submitted by Shaun and Monica Wagner, members of Oconto Electric. 4. Simone watches Cookie sleep in a doll bed. Photo submitted by Grandma Joan Voda, a members of Rock Energy.

4 3

Upload photos directly

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

WELCOME BACK TO OUR HIDDEN OBJECT GAME,

“SYMBOL SEARCH” Last month’s symbol, a fish, tricked many readers!

Karen Spires, a member of Clark Electric Cooperative, said in her winning entry: “The fish is on the Jump River Electric Co-op sign on page 12 of the magazine. You folks are tricky hiding these images. Never found last month’s and this one...well I thought the fish was part of their logo! We read the magazine every month. I learn a lot about the cooperative model through your magazine...your magazine provides the education needed to make smarter choices concerning energy use. I also love the recipes! Thanks for this bit of fun.” This month, while daydreaming of spring and gardening after reading the no-till gardening feature on page 12, we challenge you to find this carrot. 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 March 18.

Enter via the “Symbol Search” link on the homepage of wecnmagazine.com.

Good luck! 30

You can also enter by mail: Symbol Search Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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