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2/13/19 1:38 PM
E
CooperaN
COOPERATIVE
ws
News
Wisconsin
ENERGY Cooperative
contents April 2019
News
4
On the COVER
6
NEWS BRIEFS
We salute lineworkers.
Photo courtesy of Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative.
12 15 28 30
8
Monarchs still NEED HELP
Plan for butterflies in your spring plantings.
Island relief included in state budget.
Q&A
24
20
A link to the LUMBERJACKS
Restored logging dam brings history alive.
RECIPES
Get some gooey grilled cheese goodness.
27
Kids &
CRITTERS
Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.
10
GOOD NEWS IS NO NEWS
We break down seven energy-saving claims.
MY CO-OP
Find out what’s happening at your local electric cooperative.
CLASSIFIEDS
Buy, sell, and trade with readers from across Wisconsin.
EVENTS
April showers bring spring fun.
2018
1970
U.S. electric generation for 2018 reached an all-time annual record
4.2 trillion megawatt-hours. That’s nearly three times the total generation for 1970, when the Clean Air Act became law, with a fraction of that year’s emissions.
April 2019
WECN Apr19TOC.indd 1
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3/18/19 2:49 PM
LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR A salute to lineworkers
Top two photos courtesy of Ashley Miller, Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative
Lineworkers are the boots on the ground for electric cooperatives, regardless of the weather conditions. Dana Kelroy, Editor When asked what drew them to this line of work, lineworkers often respond that they enjoy being outdoors. This is understandable on those sunny, 75-degree days in late May with a light breeze and big fluffy clouds in the sky. But rarely do outages occur on those days. Power often goes out during the harshest of weather conditions. Wisconsin’s lineworkers felt that firsthand this winter with record snowfall, ice storms, and arctic temperatures. Those are the days we need a lineworker most, and they respond to the call, without complaint, and in a timely fashion, often when the power is also out at their own homes. So this April 8, we salute Wisconsin’s co-op lineworkers during Lineworker Appreciation Day. Thank you for doing what few others would be willing to do! On the cover: Phil Schneider, a line staker in the operations department at Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative, braves the cold to keep the lights on. He’s been with the co-op for 25 years. Below: Wisconsin co-op lineworkers endured especially brutal conditions this past January and February.
April 2019 Vol. 79 No. 10 The Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News (Formerly Wisconsin R.E.C. News) has been published monthly and distributed since July 1940 to members of Wisconsin’s non-profit, consumer-owned rural electric cooperatives. It is available to non-members for $10 per year or $28 for three years. Members pay $6.93 per year. Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Steve Freese, president & CEO. USPS number: 688-480. Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Periodicals postage paid at Baraboo, Wis. Send correspondence to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Phone (608) 467-4650. Web site: www.wecnmagazine.com. Co-op Members: Please send address changes to your local electric co-op. Contact information can be found on page 18.
Photo courtesy of Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative
Steve Freese Dana Kelroy Mary Erickson David Hoopman Ann Bailey Dylan Pingitore Geri Miller
WECA president & CEO editor associate editor contributing writer graphic designer editorial assistant advertising consultant
For advertising opportunities please email ads@weca.coop. The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. We reserve the right to refuse advertisers. Please recycle
4
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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NEWS BRIEFS HELP FOR ISLAND’S CABLE WORK IN STATE BUDGET
Disaster recovery costs incurred by Washington Island Electric Cooperative as a result of last June’s submarine power cable failure would be mitigated by a $2 million appropriation in Governor Tony Evers’ biennial budget bill, if the provision survives the amendment process. As introduced, the bill calls for $1 million in state assistance to the recovery effort in each year of the state’s 2019–2021 fiscal biennium. Discussions involving the Washington Island co-op, the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, area legislators, and the Governor’s office took place over several weeks. At the end of February, State Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) and State Sen. Andre` Jacque (R-De Pere) formally requested the assistance in a letter to Evers. Total costs arising from the incident exceed $4 million, the lawmakers wrote, telling Evers they were “committed to helping lead a bipartisan, multi-organizational effort” supporting state help for the island community.
LESS-CONNECTED GRID WOULD BE SAFER, SENATOR SAYS
U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is promoting legislation to fund a study of how electric grid security might be strengthened by eliminating some digital systems and substituting physical systems that aren’t vulnerable to a cyberattack. King’s proposal has bipartisan support and passed in the Senate during the previous Congress but wasn’t taken up by the House of Representatives. The proposal embodies the idea that the sophistication of the U.S. grid works against its safety through excessive reliance on digital systems that hackers can infiltrate. A recent Washington Post story recalled a 2015 cyberattack blamed on Russian hackers that shut down large parts of the Ukrainian grid. King noted that the Ukrainian power providers were able to switch to manual operations and restored service within hours, whereas experts fear a major cyberattack on the U.S. grid might shut off power for a far greater length of time. 6
IDENTIFY CYBER VIOLATORS, GROUP ASKS FERC
Federal regulators have been formally petitioned to end their practice of protecting the identities of regulated companies sanctioned for violating cybersecurity standards. Public Citizen, the self-styled public interest research and advocacy organization, filed documents with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), calling for confirmation that Duke Energy is the utility that agreed to pay a $10 million fine—the largest penalty ever assessed against a cybersecurity violator—after it was found to have committed 127 violations over a three-year period beginning in 2015. A Notice of Penalty was submitted January 25 by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) for FERC approval. Documents enumerating the vi-
olations were published, but with extensive redactions making identification of the offending utility difficult at best. NERC said 13 of the violations created “serious” risk to the U.S. bulk electricity system and more than 60 posed “moderate” risk. Public Citizen’s petition said “Keeping the public in the dark about the cybersecurity track record of our electric utilities may create a false sense of security and reduce the likelihood of more public awareness and vigilance needed to protect cybersecurity.” Last year, Public Citizen filed a similar petition with FERC, seeking the identity of a utility that had been assessed a then-record $2.7 million fine for cybersecurity violations. That utility was later reported to have been Pacific Gas and Electric.
FULL-YEAR GAS, ELECTRICITY SALES-TAX EXEMPTION PROPOSED
Legislation set for introduction last month would eliminate the Wisconsin sales tax on natural gas and electricity for residential use. Residential gas and electricity purchases are already sales-tax exempt during the cold-weather months. The new proposal would delete the specified exemption for the months of November through April so the language that remains would exempt “electricity and natural gas sold for residential use” without limiting the tax break by time of year. The primary authors are State Senator Andre` Jacque (R-De Pere) and State Rep. Timothy Ramthun (R-Campbellsport).
In a memo soliciting cosponsors, the two noted that Wisconsin’s residential electricity rates are higher than national and regional averages and that “energy taxes themselves are also among the more regressive forms of taxation, as energy costs take up a significantly higher percentage of household budgets for lower income families than those with higher incomes.” At press time no fiscal estimate was yet available. For a similar bill in 2011, the Department of Revenue estimated state and local governments would forego annual revenues of $81.5 million and $6.5 million respectively.
EIA: COLD-WEATHER POWER DEMAND SHORT OF RECORD
The extreme cold of the polar vortex at the end of January triggered very high electricity demand on the MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator) grid but fell short of matching the record set when the vortex delivered slightly less-cold temperatures in January 2014, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports. Natural gas usage reached estimated records but gas prices did not, the EIA said. Despite the ongoing shift in the generation fuel mix, on January 30, the coldest day of the period—which the EIA said was “significantly colder” overall than either of two other recent cold events—coal met about 41 percent of MISO’s electricity demand while natural gas met about 30 per-
cent, according to the EIA. Natural gas provided roughly the same percentage during January 2018’s so-called “bomb cyclone” while coal supplied more power than this year, 45-50 percent, the EIA said, adding that during the 2014 polar vortex, coal use was substantially higher, supplying more than 50 percent of load while natural gas ranged from 10-25 percent. Nuclear supplied 12-15 percent of load during all three winter events. Wind ranged from 1 percent to 13 percent during the previous two events and about 5 percent on January 30 this year, the EIA said, noting that wind generation dropped off late January 29 as wind facilities ran up against their cold weather cutoff thresholds.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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3/5/19 3:00 PM
MONARCHS S
STILL NEED HELP
Steve Freese President and CEO
everal times these past couple of years I’ve delivered updates on what’s been happening with the monarch butterfly and the decline of other pollinator species in North America. These are obvious concerns from the standpoint of environmental quality; less obvious but very real is our concern over the effect reduced butterfly numbers could have on rural utility operations. The unfortunate fact is the monarch population east of the Rocky Mountains has declined by more than 80 percent over the past 20 years. Earlier this year, there was better news. A survey by Monarchwatch.org found that the area in central Mexico occupied by North America’s migrating monarchs was 10 times larger than at its lowest point, in the winter of 2013–14. The organization estimates 127 million monarchs are wintering there. Still, the area is only one-third the size of the territory they occupied a little more than 20 years ago. The United States Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) has been petitioned to list monarchs as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Sometime in June the FWS is expected to issue its decision and there’s a strong likelihood the butterflies will be listed as threatened. The Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) has been active in trying to stem the decline by joining the Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative, which involves more than 40 organizations. A few with a strong presence in rural Wisconsin include the Wisconsin Farm
Bureau, Sand County Foundation, and the UW-Extension. The collaborative is working on a strategy to implement from this year through 2038 to help the pollinators recover, and there are goals for almost every part of Wisconsin. The strategy involves agricultural and urban land, protected land, and rights-of-way to help in the recovery. Three broad goals are being developed for transportation and utility rights-ofway (ROW). Overall goals are for 46,000 acres of ROW habitat, so we have our work cut out for us. Goal One is to identify best management practices for improving monarch and pollinator habitat in ROW areas. Goal Two is to implement those practices. Goal Three is to increase collaboration among landowners, natural resource experts, volunteers, industry representatives, and decision-makers resulting in successful statewide ROW monarch and pollinator initiatives. We’ll need to facilitate creation of partnerships between electric cooperatives and the Wisconsin Departments of Transportation and Natural Resources as well as groups like Pheasants Forever, cranberry growers, and the American Transmission Company, just to name a few. This will allow for groups that have rarely worked together on any project to make a positive difference. Each of you reading this column can help as well, if you’re preparing to plant a garden this spring. You can add plants that will aid recovery of the monarch. Part of the collaborative is an Outreach Working Group and it’s created a variety of resources for supporters to share. For additional information on how you personally can make a difference, visit weca.coop. You can create monarch butterfly habitat in your own garden this spring. Resources for planning your planting can be found at weca.coop. Photo courtesy of Leonardo DaSilva.
8
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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A HALF-CENTURY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS…WHAT?
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t the end of February, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it would keep in place the national air quality standard for sulfur dioxide emissions the agency proposed and adopted under the Obama administration in 2010. Interest groups weren’t pleased. Some wanted the standard loosened; some wanted it tightened. Rejecting both positions, the EPA on February 26 announced its final decision to “retain without changes” the 2010 standard “after carefully reviewing the most recent available scientific evidence and risk and exposure information and consulting with the agency’s independent science advisors.” An Associated Press (AP) report said the EPA found the 2010 standard “both necessary and sufficient to protect public health.” The AP also reported one interest group claiming the decision put millions at increased health risk. Though it may not be obvious how retaining an existing standard increases risk, the reaction is altogether consistent with widely held perceptions about environmental issues repeatedly identified by major polling organizations.
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Arguing with Success
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is among the six “criteria pollutants” targeted for regulation under the original Clean Air Act in 1970. Natural sources such as volcanic eruptions release SO2 in gaseous form into Earth’s atmosphere, as do some industrial processes including coal combustion; hence coal-burning power plants that remain in service are equipped with SO2 reduction technologies to ensure Clean Air Act compliance. The Obama-era SO2 standard set a limit of 75 parts per billion in ambient air as adequate to protect human health. Calculating emission reductions is complicated by different baselines, from 1970, when the Clean Air Act (CAA) was signed into law, through 1980 and 1990 to reflect Congress amending the Act along the way. But by any objective measure, the CAA has been notably successful in reducing air pollution. For reasons Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News can only speculate—and therefore won’t pretend to identify—this success has not registered with much of the public. Every spring, pollsters probe Americans’ opinions on
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environmental issues. At press time, this year’s results weren’t in. But at the end of March 2018 the Gallup Poll reported that 59 percent of its U.S. survey respondents rated overall environmental quality negatively, while just 40 percent rated it “excellent” or “good.” Gallup noted that the percentage giving favorable ratings was “not dramatically lower than in prior years”; however, it reflected “the least positive assessment of the environment since 2009.” Six weeks later, Pew Research reported finding that “Majorities of Americans say the federal government is doing too little to protect key aspects of the environment,” and that 64 percent of its survey respondents identified “air quality” as an area receiving insufficient attention. The pollsters’ reports offer few if any clues to the frame of reference by which respondents judge the condition of their surroundings. It’s an open question how many of them experienced the environment prior to CAA enactment or how they felt it affected them. But beyond doubt is that all six pollutants identified in the CAA as troublesome to human health and well-being have been hugely reduced since 1970 and continue trending downward, even as activities that emit them have hugely increased.
Surprising Statistics On February 20, the EPA released updated numbers showing that from 1970 through 2017, combined emissions of the six criteria pollutants decreased 73 percent. Simultaneously, the U.S. population steadily grew and the economy—including the activities that produce most of the regulated emissions—expanded by more than 260 percent. From 1990 to 2018, the agency reported, annual power plant SO2 emissions fell by 92 percent and emissions of another criteria pollutant, oxides of nitrogen (NOX), fell by 84 percent. These reductions improve upon earlier ones achieved between 1970 and the 1990 CAA amendments. Of course, power plants aren’t the only emitters. Some regulated pollutants are released predominantly from transportation sources. Current EPA
data on other criteria pollutants more or less associated with transportation show atmospheric carbon monoxide concentrations 84 percent lower than in 1980. Lead had fallen 99 percent since 1980. Ground-level ozone was at a concentration 32 percent less than in 1980. Particulate matter—depending on particle size and sampling period—had fallen 34–41 percent below 1990 and 2000 levels. The Clean Air Act does not list carbon dioxide as a pollutant, but EPA data released in February indicates power plant CO2 emissions had decreased 20 percent since 2011 and last year were 24 percent below 2005 levels, the baseline for the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan. Most remarkable, in context with these emission reductions, are statistics released last month by another federal agency, the Energy Information Administration (EIA). On March 6 the EIA reported that U.S. electric generation for 2018 reached an all-time annual record Morton_WIEnergy_4.19.qxp_Layout 1 near2/25/19 4.2 trillion megawatt-hours. That’s
ly three times the total generation for 1970, when the Clean Air Act became law, with a fraction of that year’s emissions.—Dave Hoopman
2018
1970
U.S. electric generation for 2018 reached an all-time annual record
4.2 trillion megawatt-hours. That’s nearly three times the total generation for 1970, when the Clean Air Act became law, with a fraction of that year’s emissions.
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April 2019
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Breaking Down Seven Energy Dear Pat: When it comes to saving energy, it can be confusing to figure out what works and what doesn’t. I know you usually just answer one question, but can you let me know what you think about a few things I’ve heard over the years? – Keeley Dear Keeley: Sure. Fire away! Q: Is it true that turning lights off and on uses more energy than just leaving them on? A: Not true. Turning off lights definitely reduces energy
use. Turn off LED and incandescent bulbs every time you leave the room. The situation is a little different with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). Turning them off does save energy but can shorten the life of the bulb. The rule of thumb for CFLs is to turn them off any time they won’t be used for 15 minutes or more.
Q: Would replacing my old windows with new, more efficient ones really cut my energy use in half? A: No. While replacing inefficient windows with new, energy efficient windows can cut the heat loss through windows in half (or more), windows typically account for only about 25 to 30 percent of your space heating costs. The amount of energy you use for heating and cooling is likely one third to one half of your total energy use, so replacing your old windows might only
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reduce your total energy costs by about 10 percent. When you consider the high cost of new windows, you may not recoup your investment for 15 or 20 years, or even longer.
Q: Burning wood in my fireplace should save on my heating costs, right? A: Possibly, but certain conditions need to be met. The
wood should be dry and burned efficiently in a properly installed, properly placed, high-efficiency wood stove or fireplace insert. Otherwise, it’s likely you’ll lose as much heat through your chimney as you’re distributing throughout the house.
Q: My kids claim using the dishwasher is just as efficient as washing dishes by hand. Are they right? A: Yes—in fact, it’s usually more efficient! Properly used
dishwashers actually use less water while doing a better job, and as a bonus, they will save you more than 200 hours a year. For maximum energy savings, make sure
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This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency. For more information on energy efficiency myths, please visit: www. collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.
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Replacing your old windows with newer, efficient ones won’t cut your energy costs in half, but it could reduce your costs by about 10 percent. Photo courtesy of Michael Mroczek. Washing dishes by hand typically uses more energy than the dishwasher. Photo courtesy of Catt Liu. Burning wood produces radiant heat, which feels great if you’re near the fire, but it can also send large amounts of room air up the chimney. Photo courtesy of Stephane Juban.
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your water heater is set to about 120 degrees and use the most efficient wash/dry settings.
Q: I’ve heard it’s better to heat individual rooms with an electric space heater and keep the doors closed to trap the heat. Is this true? A: It’s possible to save money with an
electric space heater if you use it only a few hours a day and reduce your home’s thermostat setting by a couple degrees. Space heaters can cause fires, and should never be left unattended.
Q: Should I close the vents in rooms that aren’t being used? A: Most experts advise against this be-
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your furnace or A/C unit to work harder. They advise keeping all your vents and doors open. If your system supplies too much heat to some rooms and too little to other rooms, you should talk to a heating and air conditioning professional about modifying your ductwork.
Q: Does the age of my home determine how energy efficient it is? A: Newer homes tend to be more effi-
OUR 56th YEAR
cient because energy codes have improved, but every home can have hidden energy issues, no matter its age. If you want to evaluate the efficiency of your home, it’s best to schedule an energy audit with a professional or call your co-op. April 2019
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GROW THE MESSAGE OF SAFETY
Planting season is a busy and stressful time for farmers. Safe Electricity reminds farmers to: • STAY IN your vehicle or machinery if it comes in contact with a power line; DO NOT get out. • LOOK UP to avoid machinery/power-line contact (long extensions or tall antennas can get caught). • ALWAYS HAVE 10 FEET of clearance surrounding the live lines — even if no contact is made, an electrical current can arc or jump. • STAY AWAY from a sagging or downed line; call 9-1-1 to have the utility dispatched. • USE A SPOTTER with a broad vantage point when operating machinery around power lines. • TEACH the 10-feet clearance rule to anyone working on your farm and review power line locations.
Learn more at SafeElectricity.org
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For information leading to the conviction of anyone for willfully damaging the property of electric co-ops operating within Wisconsin or willfully damaging property resulting in interruption of service to members of electric co-ops operating within Wisconsin.
Information should be conveyed to your local law enforcement officials, to your electric co-op, or to:
Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680 Madison, WI 53703 608-467-4650
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The Bacon Habanero 6 slices bacon 2 Tbsp brown sugar 1 Tbsp butter 1 large Portobello mushroom, sliced thin 1-1/2 Tbsp balsamic glaze Salt and pepper 6 slices Wisconsin habanero jack cheese 2 slices pretzel bread Olive oil for drizzling
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line jelly roll pan with foil. Place bacon strips, one by one, on foil. Sprinkle brown sugar over bacon. Bake until crisp, 15–20 minutes, depending on slice thickness. Remove from oven and drain on paper towels. Heat butter in small skillet; add mushroom slices and cook for about 5 minutes. Add balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper. Preheat Panini press. Place bacon on bottom slice of bread. Layer slices of Habanero Jack on top. Top with mushrooms and second piece of bread. Drizzle with olive oil and grill in panini press for 8–10 minutes, until golden and crunchy.
Gooey
CHEESE Goodness
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Photos and recipes courtesy of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.
GRILLED
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The Monroe 8 slices thick bacon 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced Salt and pepper 2–3 Tbsp water, divided 8 Tbsp butter, divided 10–12 oz fresh spinach leaves 4 whole-grain baguettes 4–8 Tbsp fig jam or preserves 8 oz Wisconsin limburger cheese, sliced
Heat large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until browned and crispy. Drain on paper towels; set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in pan and return to heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté onions for 5 minutes, stirring regularly. Add 1 tablespoon water, stirring to deglaze pan; stir in any browned bits. Remove onions to bowl. Return pan to heat and add 1 tablespoon butter and 2 tablespoons water. Bring to simmer, add spinach and pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 3–5 minutes to wilt spinach; remove spinach to a bowl. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Split wholegrain baguettes. Assemble sandwiches: on each baguette bottom, spread 1–2 tablespoons jam, 2 ounces limburger slices, spinach leaves, onions, 2 slices of bacon, and baguette on top, in that order. Carefully turn the sandwiches over and butter the bottoms. Place sandwiches, bottom-side down on hot grill, then butter the tops of the baguettes. When bottom sides are golden and cheese starts to melt, carefully flip sandwiches and brown sandwiches’ tops, melting the cheese.
The Bavaria
Photos and recipes courtesy of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.
4 small red potatoes 1 Tbsp kosher salt 3 Tbsp canola oil 4 knackwurst sausages 1 yellow onion, sliced 1/8-inch thick Salt and pepper 8 Tbsp butter, at room temperature 8 slices dark rye bread 16 slices Wisconsin edam cheese 8 oz prepared sauerkraut 1/2 cup whole-grain beer mustard or other whole-grain mustard
The Marco SAUCE: 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 3 large cloves garlic, minced (2 Tbsp), divided 1 small yellow onion, minced Salt and pepper 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried basil 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes 1 Tbsp tomato paste 8 oz canned chopped tomatoes Heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Cook for 20–30 seconds or until light brown, do not burn. Add onions, season with salt and pepper; cook for 3 minutes. Stir in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Add tomato paste; cook 1 minute. Add chopped tomatoes. Simmer 15 minutes and remove from heat.
Place potatoes in pot and cover with cold water; add kosher salt. Bring to a boil and then turn off heat. Let stand for 20 minutes, covered. Remove potatoes from water and let stand until cool enough to handle. Slice into 1/8-inch thick slices. Heat skillet over medium-high heat; add canola oil. Add sausages and fry until browned; remove to plate. Return pan to heat and add potato slices and onions. Fry with a pinch of salt and pepper for 5–6 minutes, or until onions are translucent and potatoes are lightly browned. Cut sausages in half lengthwise and add to potatoes and onion mix. Heat another skillet over medium heat, spread butter on one side of bread slices and place 4 slices, butter-side down, in skillet. Top each slice with 2 slices edam cheese, 2 tablespoons sauerkraut, 2 halves of sausage, a spoonful of the potato mixture, and 2 more slices edam cheese, in that order. Place a piece of bread on top of each, butter side-up. Grill sandwiches until bread is golden and cheese is melted, turning once during grilling. Serve with mustard on the side.
SANDWICH: 1 stick (4 oz) butter, softened 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/4 cup (2 oz) grated Wisconsin Parmesan cheese, plus 2 Tbsp for topping 1 cup plain dry bread crumbs 1 Tbsp Italian flat-leaf parsley, chopped Salt and pepper 1/4 cup flour 1 egg, whisked with 1/4 cup of water Vegetable oil for frying 8 slices garlic ciabatta bread 16 slices Wisconsin provolone cheese 8 fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional In a bowl, mix softened butter with remaining garlic from sauce recipe and refrigerate until ready to use. Place 1 chicken breast between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Using a small sauté pan, lightly tap breast to flatten. Repeat with remaining 3 chicken breasts, flattening to uniform size. In a wide shallow bowl, stir 1/4 cup Parmesan into bread crumbs; add chopped parsley and a pinch of salt and pepper. Place flour on a plate. Dip each breast in flour, then the egg/water mix, then the bread-crumb mix; set aside. In a large skillet, heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil to 350 degrees. Add chicken cutlets, working in batches if necessary, turning each cutlet once. Fry 2–3 minutes per side or until cooked through; drain on paper towels. Heat another large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Spread each slice of ciabatta with the reserved garlic butter. Place 4 slices of the ciabatta in pan, butter side down. Top with 2 slices of provolone, 1 tablespoon of reserved tomato sauce, 1 chicken cutlet, and another tablespoon of tomato sauce, in that order. Sprinkle with parmesan and top with 2 more slices of provolone and another slice of ciabatta, butter-side-up. Grill until bottom bread is golden brown and cheese starts to melt. Carefully turn sandwiches over and grill. Serve garnished with fresh basil leaves and warm tomato sauce on side for dipping. April 2019
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RECIPE EXCHANGE Submit your favorite recipes to be featured on our reader recipe page. Email to dylan@weca.coop. For bonus recipes, go to http://wecnmagazine.com/recipes/.
Corn Casserole
Romayne Lindstrom, Iola
1 large can whole kernel corn, juice included 1 large can creamed corn, juice included 2 eggs, beaten 1 box jiffy corn muffin mix 1 stick butter, melted 1 cup sour cream 1/4 cup sugar Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together kernel corn, creamed corn, eggs, muffin mix, butter, sour cream, and sugar. With a spoon, place mixture in a casserole dish. Bake for 40–60 minutes.
Potato Pancakes
Kathy Radloff, Eau Claire
1/4 cup milk 2 eggs 3 cups diced raw potatoes 1 small onion, quartered 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup grated cheese, optional Mix together milk, eggs, potatoes, onion, salt, baking powder, and cheese if desired; blend into batter. Fry until both sides are brown, and serve.
Candy-Topped Bars
Baked Corn Casserole
1 cup flour 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup cold butter 1/2 cup chopped pecans 8 oz cream cheese 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg 2 Tbsp milk 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 to 1 cup M&M miniature baking chips
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp butter, melted 1-1/4 cups fine cracker crumbs 1-1/4 cups milk, divided 2 cups corn 1 tsp garlic powder 1 Tbsp parsley, optional 1/2 tsp salt 2 Tbsp flour 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup chopped tomatoes, optional
Rosetta Gruss, Marshall
In a large bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in pecans. Set aside 1/4 cup of this mixture for topping. Press remaining crumb mixture into a greased 9-inch square pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 12–15 minutes. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar. Add egg, milk, and vanilla; mix well. Pour over warm crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake for 20–30 minutes. Immediately sprinkle with baking chips. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars and refrigerate leftovers.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix 1/2 cup butter and crumbs. Line pie plate with crumb mixture reserving 1/2 cup for topping. In a saucepan, combine remaining 2 Tbsp butter, 1 cup milk, corn, garlic powder, parsley, and salt. Bring to a boil. Beat together flour, remaining 1/4 cup milk, and eggs. Pour mixture slowly into corn, stirring constantly, until it boils. Pour into crumb-lined plate. Sprinkle remaining crumbs over top. Bake for about 20 minutes. If desired, top with tomatoes.
Wild Rice Blend
Jean Ebersold, Menomonie
1 can (3-1/2 oz) mushrooms, stems and pieces 1 can (10 oz) beef broth Water 1 onion, chopped 1/2 cup wild rice, rinsed 1 cup long grain rice 2 Tbsp butter 2 Tbsp parsley Drain mushrooms; keep liquid. Mix broth, water, and reserved mushroom liquid to make 2 cups. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add onions to broth and bring to a boil. Add wild rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Add long grain rice. Boil again, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add mushrooms and butter. Heat briefly, then add parsley.
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Malinda Burkholder, Greenwood
REQUESTS from our
READERS Anonymous is looking for ideas for spring/summer salad recipes with grilled ingredients. 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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A link to the
RESTORED LOGGING DAM BRINGS HISTORY ALIVE
B
ack in the late 19th century, the Round Lake area in Price County would have been teeming with boisterous activity right about now. The arrival of spring marked the end of the logging season that flourished in the surrounding forests in those days. Lumberjacks would set up camp in the winter amidst the trees and fell the tall pines that were in great demand all over the Midwest, then haul the logs to the frozen Round Lake to await the spring thaw. Come springtime, when the thick ice finally broke, activity shifted from the forest to the wooden dam that harnessed the power of the water. Lumberjacks would lower the gates of the dam, releasing the energy that pushed the logs down the shallow South Fork of the Flambeau River. Men would guide the logs downstream to the sawmills that turned the timber into lumber, which would be used to build cities and towns all along the Mississippi River. Today, Round Lake in the springtime is much quieter. The lumber-boom era of the late 1800s is long over—the warm weather now brings people guiding canoes and kayaks downriver rather than piles of logs.
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WISCONSIN FAVORITES
The historic Round Lake Logging Dam before and after restoration.
(Photos courtesy of the USDA Forest Service, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Photo on facing page courtesy of Keith Wohlfert.)
However, the Round Lake Logging Dam itself is still there in about as close to its original form as 140 years will allow. Most 1800s logging dams disintegrated long ago, or were replaced with concrete dams to create lakes. But thanks to a partnership between the USDA Forest Service, the Price County Historical Society, and a dedicated crew of volunteers who formed the Friends of the Round Lake Logging Dam, the structure has been painstakingly rebuilt in its original wooden form and is now the only dam like it left in the entire state. “These efforts by the community and the dedicated partners were rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tie the present to the past, and the present to the future,” said Price Electric Cooperative member Manny Stein, a member of the Friends group. Stein served a 35-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, and upon retiring he took to building log houses. “I think I’ve got a little sawdust in my blood,” he admits. No surprise then that he was also actively involved in the dam’s restoration project that began in 1995. The restoral efforts included the development of an accompanying groomed, half-mile interpretive trail dotted with kiosks telling the history of Round Lake. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Round Lake Logging Dam attracts visitors who come to get a close-up look at the dam’s unique original design and get a feel for what the life of a lumberjack was like back in the 1800s, when the logging industry was the backbone of the state’s economy.
The Beginning
The Round Lake Logging Dam was built in 1878. According to the Price County Historical Society, it was one of about 100 dams that kept pine logs moving from Wisconsin’s northwoods to the sawmills in the Chippewa River Valley. Log drives were regular spring occurrences for the following few decades, but the seemingly endless supply of towering pine trees
was eventually depleted by overaggressive logging. After 1910, log drives were infrequent and led only to local mills just down the river in Fifield. In 1915, Otto Doering purchased some land along the shores of Round Lake and set to work restoring the overlogged landscape, including the deteriorating dam. He used as many original timbers as he could, but in an
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1. Price Electric member Manny Stein (third from left) was one of the volunteers who helped restore the Round Lake Logging Dam. He and his sister Betty (left), were also subjects of a 2006 oral history project. 2. An interpretive trail linking the dam to the parking area was also developed.
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(Photos courtesy of USDA Forest Service, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest)
unfortunate twist of fate he had to import long logs from the west because the local supply had been exhausted at the height of the logging industry. He built a camp-like retreat on the property, which the Doering family sold to the USDA Forest Service in 1968. Efforts to stabilize the dam continued; however, Stein said by the 1980s it was clear the dam would have to either undergo a major reconstruction or be taken down. That’s when the USDA Forest Service, the local historical society, and the newly formed Friends of the Round Lake Logging Dam joined forces to restore the historic structure. First came years of research and environmental study to ensure the water quality and fish-spawning areas would be unharmed. The original dam was meticulously dismantled in 1992, with each piece carefully recorded and photographed so when it came time to put the dam back together, it could be done as authentically as possible. Any pieces that could be reused in the dam’s reconstruction—like much of the iron hardware—were saved and catalogued. Most of the wooden beams and planks had to be replaced, but Stein said the dismantling revealed an unexpected surprise. “One unusual factor that no one thought was going to happen when we tore out the old dam was that the bed of the original dam was never out of the water,” he said. “So it was pretty much the way it was when they put it in. It hadn’t deteriorated. So we were able to start at the old base.”
“Highlight of My Life”
After three years of fund-raising
and planning, reconstruction of the dam began in 1995. It was an arduous process that required 140,000 board feet, Stein said, all of which was pretreated to prevent rot. The entire process gave those who worked on the project an even greater appreciation for the dam’s original builders, not to mention the trees that went into its initial construction. “It’s 60 feet across this dam, so those were some big, long trees that were put there in the base of that dam, and they were flattened,” Stein pointed out. “I don’t know how they could have gone through a sawmill—more likely they were squared by hand.” Those who worked on rebuilding had the benefit of modern machinery; still, cutting the timber into the specialized pieces to match the original parts was “quite a project,” Stein said. “It was a lot of cutting and fitting, and a lot angles to be cut and big spikes to be driven.” Initially projected to be a two-year project, most of the work of rebuilding was done in about a year, Stein said. “It was a highlight of my life to see that log dam put together,” he said, “and to see the celebrations we had afterward because it’s just such a unique structure that has been here since the 1870s. And now it’s rebuilt and will probably last another 100 years because it’s been rebuilt with all pretreated timber.” Stein noted that the dam is not the only authentic piece of Round Lake’s logging past that’s still standing. “I imagine there’s parts of these pine trees that are still in buildings someplace, down the Mississippi,” Stein said. “It’s kind of unbelievable.”—Mary Erickson
You can take in a lot more than local history on a trip to the Round Lake Logging Dam near Fifield. The journey will take you past some of Price County’s most beautiful natural features. Just a few miles from the dam is the 13-mile loop off Hwy. 70 that forms Rustic Road 105. This scenic road winds through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which offers great hiking, biking, ATVing and UTVing, and camping. It also passes through the iconic Smith Rapids Covered Bridge (left), spanning the South Fork of the Flambeau River, a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking. This bridge was built in 1991 with a diamond-shaped truss pattern called the Town Lattice. It’s the only glue-laminated Town Lattice covered bridge in Wisconsin. (Photo courtesy of Keith Wohlfert) The Smith Rapids Covered Bridge is located at N14900 Smith Rapids Road, 14 miles east of Fifield on Hwy. 70 and north 2 miles on Forest Road 148. The Round Lake Logging Dam is located at N15296 Logging Dam Road. From Fifield travel east on Hwy. 70 for 18 miles to Forest Road 144. Turn north and travel 2.5 miles to Forest Road 535. Turn right to the parking lot area. For more information about these and other Price County attractions, visit co.price.wi.us or call 715-339-3089.
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YOUNG MEMBERS
Kids and Critters April 2019 1. Brannon comes all the way from Georgia to enjoy the kids on Great Uncle Jim’s farm. Photo submitted by Vicki Peterson, a member of Oakdale Electric. 2. The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades. Sawyer, Afton, and Lawson make Annie one of the gang. Photo sent in by Roxy Bruner, a member of Riverland Energy. 3. Autumn plays in a pool of puppies—a dozen to be exact. Photo sent in by Sarah Steinke, a member of Eau Claire Energy.
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4. Vera is thrilled to brush Lucy the kitty. Photo submitted by Julie Attoe, a member of AdamsColumbia Electric.
Upload photos directly
to the new wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab.
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Send photos of kids with animals, along with a brief description, to WECN Magazine, 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703.
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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.
Spring is
FINALLY HERE PHOTO CONTEST
Let’s show our gratitude to winter finally ending by capturing the wonderful signs of spring! Upload your favorite pictures of spring in Wisconsin for a chance to win a $25 VISA gift card. Go to wecnmagazine.com and upload in the “Submit a photo” tab.
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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, and fishing licenses. Otter, bobcat, fisher tags. Any 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: Sizes available: 14x48=$50, 10x36=$28.80, 10x30=$24. Expired billboard faces, hemmed. Shipping and tax not included in listed price. Vinyls can also be picked up at Jones Sign, 1711 Scheuring Road, De Pere, WI 54115. PLEASE CALL FOR AVAILABILITY PRIOR TO PICK UP 800-536-7446. GOT WOOD! NEW PORTABLE SAWMILLS. We sell Forestry Equipment for the hobbyist to the professional. Band Sawmills, Firewood Processors, Skidding Winches & more. A-F County Market an authorized Hudson Forest Equipment Dealer. Adams, WI 53910. Phone Joe or Rich 608-339-6703. SEPTIC PROBLEMS: Do you have standing water on your drain field? Have you been told you need a new expensive septic system? I have an alternative that works, also comes with a warranty (no digging). Call toll free 855-7976072 or email mmtagm@yahoo.com. GEC ELECTRIC LLC: Please call 608-792-8475 gecelectricllc1@gmail.com. FOR SALE: Krakauer piano in pristine condition. Original owner. Located in Appleton – 54911. Asking $1200 but price negotiable. Phone 920-284-2945. FOR SALE: Browning Final Tribute A-5, 1 of 1000, in box; never fired. Gun Bible value $3,200. 715-325-5070. WILL HAVE FAULKNER CUR PUPS late spring. 1-715643-5010. They run to catch and tape to stay. Give Steve a call and he will tell how they do on any taping game.
RURAL LIFE HISTORY BOOK: Machine Shed Memories – a Chronicle of Rural Life in Wisconsin. Order at www.machineshedmemories.com.
REAL ESTATE VACATION RENTAL. Cape Coral, FL. Beautiful 3 bedroom home on gulf access canal. 10,000 lb boat lift. Weekly rental or more. Call Al. 608-295-7433. FOR SALE: IDEAL HUNTING BASE: 3 bedroom lake cabin on Upper Clam Lake, Ashland County. Center of the Chequamegon National Forest. Includes furnishings, appliances, fireplace, boat, dock, and more. 23501 Nyberg Rd. Clam Lake, WI. See Craigslist Northern Wis. Lake cabin for sale. Call Tim 715-572-2632 or timgapen@ wctc.net. $82,000. NORTH WISCONSIN REMOTE FORESTED 80 acres in Bayfield Co, 12 miles west of beautiful Bayfield. Two sides adjacent to thousands of acres of county forest land, laced with ATV, walking, hunting trails. Priced below similar properties in area. Near Cornucopia, WI, northernmost village on Lake Superior, 5 miles from winter ice caves. $1,000/acre. Please call 715-373-5252. FOR SALE: First time offered by owner, 1,200 sq. ft. 3 bedroom 2 bath, split-level ranch. Basement 75% finished. Fireplace. 2-car attached garage plus 2-car detached garage. 5 acres. 3 miles north downtown Dells. Nice quiet secluded location. Available first week in April. $209,000. Call Debra at 608-254-1843 for appointment to view. CABIN FOR SALE: On the black river. 2242 Opelt Av. 5 miles downriver from Neillsville, WI. $4,900.00 1-608-233-6891. STOCKHOLM VILLAGE HOME, modern Scandinavian Design, Amazing Lake Pepin Views, New Interior, Huge Garden 20’x90’ & garage/shop, FSBO 715-448-0430. 63 ACRES NORTHERN WISCONSIN, Langlade County. 40 open, food plots or trees. Adjacent to county trails and lakes. $120,000. 715-832-5323.
FOR SALE: 4-story 290’x35’ factory. Great for manufacturing hemp, medical marijuana. 90% prestressed concrete. 2-million+ replacement cost. OSHA approved. $400,000/offers. 608582-2263. Noon-8PM CST. www.phonecoinc. com.
PLANTS & SHRUBS PREMIUM SPRUCE TREES 7-8 FOOT TALL when planted. Balled & burlapped and ready to plant. Perfect for a manicured yard or a natural fence or along a driveway. These are nicely shaped and full from all sides. $79.99 call 608-981-2169. COVER SPRUCE TREES 8-10 FOOT TALL random sizes. Balled & burlapped and ready to plant. These trees are nice but they are not perfect. Great for wildlife or blocking a messy neighbor or even making a windbreak. $59.99 Call 608-981-2169. 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. FOR SALE: Bare root fruit and shade trees, small fruits, perennials and shrubs. For varieties visit sunriseraspberryfarm.com. Stevens Point, WI 54482. 715-572-5381. MADE IN AMERICA. Improve your land with native plants that will attract wildlife, including birds, bees, & butterflies. Buy local - native species were made in America! An ecologist will help you decide what and where to plant and what invasive species should be removed. Get advice about erosion control, pond management, and prairie restoration. Trillium Consulting. trilliumlax@gmail.com; 608.615.8692.
REACH MORE THAN 173,000 MAILBOXES EACH MONTH Advertise with us! ads@weca.coop
Classified ads reach more than 171,000 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. Dylan Pingitore, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Ph: 608-467-4599. Email dylan@weca.coop. We reserve the right to refuse ads.
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WISCONSIN EVENTS 5 Spaghetti Dinner—Cochrane. Christ Lutheran Church, 4:30–7 p.m. 608-685-4911. 5–8 Theatre Production: Trouble at the Tropicabana—Tomah. Area Community Theater, Show times: Thurs–Fri 7 p.m.; Sun matinee 1 p.m. 608-374-7469. 5, 12 Fish Fry—Rosholt. St. Adalbert Parish, 4–7:30 p.m. Fish and shrimp. Large and weekly raffles. 715-592-4416. 5, 12 Lenten Fish Fries—Onalaska. St. Patrick’s Church, 5–7:30 p.m. All you can eat. Carryout available. 608-783-5535. 6 Awaken Women’s Conference—Lake Holcombe. Paradise Shores 4, 9–3 p.m. Speaker Natasha Pyles Tompkins. $40. 6 Pancake Breakfast—Black River Falls. Squaw Creek Lutheran Church, all day. Free will donation to repair parking lot. 6 Craft & Vendor Sale—Eau Claire. Chapel Heights United Methodist Church, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Bake sale. Free admission. Plate lunch, proceeds to benefit local charities.715-832-2333.
10 Spring Salad Buffet—Milton. United Methodist Church, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Meatballs, salad, and desserts. 10 Children’s Festival—Randolph. Elementary School, 4:30–6:30 p.m. 11 Soup & Salad Supper—Ferryville. Village Hall, 5–7 p.m. Fundraiser for new playground equipment. 11 Everly Brothers Experience—Menomonie. Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts. 7:30–9 p.m. 12 Potato Pancake Supper & Bake Sale—Big Flats. Zion Lutheran Church, 4–7 p.m. All you can eat. 608-564-2008. 12 Fish Fry—Gilman. SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 4–8 p.m. Many drawings and prizes. 12 Gentle Human Ballet—Menomonie. Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, 7:30–9 p.m.
6 Festival & Bazaar—Suring. Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Abelskivers and homemade crafts.
13 Egg Hunt—Cambria. Tarrant Park, 10–10:30 a.m. Children up to third grade are welcome to participate.
6 Maple Festival—Poynette. MacKenzie Center, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Learn all about tapping maple trees and making syrup. Pancake breakfast at 8 a.m.
13 Easter Event—Ashland. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1–3 p.m. Two hour interactive program for families.
6 Bluegrass Performance—Colfax. Municipal Building, 3 p.m. $10 at door. Refreshments available. 6 Fish Fry—Lena. St. Anne Parish, 4:30–8 p.m. Raffles held throughout evening. 6 Auction—Oconto Falls. St. Anthony School, 4:30–9 p.m. $5 admission. Raffles and door prizes; silent and live auction, live auction starts at 6:30 p.m. 920-846-2276. 6 Trivia Night—Rio. High School, 6–8 p.m. Get a group together and test your trivia knowledge. $10 for adults and $5 for children 11–18 ($1 more at door). Proceeds support library. 920-992-3206. 7 Pancake Breakfast—Tigerton. Community Center, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Buttermilk, Potato, and other types of pancakes. Prizes and a quilt raffle for honor flight.
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7 Karaoke Afternoon—Rio. American Legion Post 208, 1:30–4:30 p.m. Free pizza, popcorn, & beverages. All welcome.
13 Barbershop Show—Colfax. High School, 7–9 p.m. Featured guests: Storm Front, Barbershop Harmony Society International Quartet gold medal champions. 715-962-3038.
17 Maple Syrup & Meatball Supper—Jim Falls. United Methodist Church, 4:30–7 p.m. 18 Comedy Show—Menomonie. Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, 7:30–9 p.m. Last Comic Standing’s Tommy Ryman. 20 Earth Day Celebration—Clear Lake. Elementary School, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Breakfast (freewill donation), speakers at 10 a.m., vendors & educators throughout the day. 20 Easter Egg Hunt & Bake Sale—Fairchild. Rod & Gun Club, 9 a.m.–11 a.m. Hunts for 3 different age groups, games, prizes, and photo booth. 715-533-5650. 24 Meatball Dinner—Menomonie. St. Katherine’s Lutheran Church, 4–7 p.m. All are welcome. 715-235-1603. 27 Maggie Mae Concert—Oregon. High School. Proceeds benefit area veterans programs. 608-455-5049. 27 Polka Fest—Gilman. Jump River Community Center, 12–8 p.m. 715-452-5369. 27 Fundraising Concert—Suring. Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church. Lane Ludtke performing, freewill donation. 920-842-2400. 27, 28 Spring Into the Arts Tour—Loyal. Countywide, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Featuring Clark County artists. 715-255-9100. 27, 28 Quilt Show—Wisconsin Rapids. The Ridge Golf Course West Wing, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 715-459-2551.
Upload events directly to the wecnmagazine.com through the “Events” tab.
14 FFA/Alumni Pancake Feed—Chippewa Falls. Moose Lodge, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. $7 for adults; $3.50 for children 5–12.
Upload your May events by April 9.
14 Smelt Feed—Willard. Rock Dam Rod & Gun Clubhouse, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Wisconsin Events is a public service for our readers. Submissions should be received early in the month prior to the month in which the event will occur. 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.
14 Ukulele Group Performance—Colfax. Historical Municipal Building Theater, 2 p.m. 14–30 Greenhouse Tours—Loyal. Greenhouses throughout Clark County, all day. Self-guided tour. 715-255-9100. 16 Spaghetti Dinner—Fifield. Town Hall, 4–6:30 p.m. Adults $6, second servings are $3; children under 12 $3. Carry out available. Bake sale. 715-339-2415.
Upload events to wecnmagazine.com
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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