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E
CooperaN
COOPERATIVE
ws
News
Wisconsin
ENERGY Cooperative
contents May 2020
News
8
CEO
4
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Message
We’re in your corner.
6 15 28 30
10
Co-ops for
COMMUNITY
Helping those most affected by the pandemic.
Stay close to home.
NEWS BRIEFS
Stay up to date with industry happenings.
20
12
Big (Little)
GARDENS
Grow vegetables in limited spaces.
Recipes
Cook with herbs.
23
On the
COVER
Bask in the beauty of Wisconsin’s State Park system.
27
KIDS & CRITTERS
Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.
MY CO-OP
Find out what’s happening at your local electric cooperative.
CLASSIFIEDS
Buy, sell, and trade with readers from across Wisconsin.
SAFETY
Be safe in your home.
May 2020
WECN May20TOC.indd 1
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4/20/20 11:00 AM
LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR Close to home
Life has drastically changed in just a matter of weeks for most Americans. Response to the coronavirus Dana Kelroy, Editor pandemic has forced us to switch direction, and our familiar routines are now shifted. For most of us, this means more time at home. On page 23, we remind folks of the beauty that awaits us just outside of our homes—our state parks. Staff from Wisconsin’s electric co-ops share their favorite images from our state lands. These images inspire us to plan for future trips to our state’s many beautiful places. With this extra time at home, some readers may have more time to work in their yards. In fact, fresh air and dirty hands work wonders for whatever ails you. On page 12, we share some pointers for growing vegetables in limited spaces. I, like many of you, am home with school-aged children since schools were closed for the remainder of the year. Each year, our family grows a small vegetable garden, but this year, our garden will double in size. At our house, virtual curriculm developed by teachers is augmented by mom’s extra science, math, and home economic lessons in the backyard. This spring’s plantings have been compared to the World War II Victory Gardens. Victory Gardens of that era were meant to supplement the food rationing imposed because of the war. In 1943, some estimated that 40 percent of fruits and vegetables in the country were produced in these backyard Victory Gardens. These days, food rationing is unlikely, but there are still benefits to planting your own Victory Garden—namely, easy access to healthy fresh fruits and vegetables. The concept of growing your own food when times get tough is not new, and for some it beats an extra trip to the grocery store. On page 10, we share stories from electric cooperatives that are bright spots in their communities during this uncertain time. Electric co-ops show that they aren’t just a utility provider, but indeed a source of light for their neighbors and communities. We often highlight the community-building activities of cooperatives in this magazine, and times of crisis are no different. Where there is a need, these co-ops are there to serve.
May 2020 Vol. 80 No. 11 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. 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.
Concepts from our page 12 “Big (Little) Gardens” are put into practice in the Kelroy backyard. Here, homeschool phy ed class includes filling a stock tank raised garden bed with soil and compost.
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Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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NEWS BRIEFS STIMULUS INCLUDES SUPPORT FOR ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES Federal lawmakers included support for electric cooperatives and rural Wisconsin in the $2 trillion CARES Act, which is geared toward helping the country respond to the coronavirus pandemic. As requested by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the bill includes an additional $900 million for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps some low-income and moderate-income consumers pay their utility bills, an additional $100 million for RUS ReConnect broadband grants, and $349 million for small businesses to cover operating expenses including utility bills. For the next round of legislation, NRECA is asking Congress to: • Provide assistance for unpaid bills and loss of electric load; • Give Rural Utilities Service borrowers flexibility by allowing them to reprice loans at today’s lower rates and increase funding for guaranteed underwriter loans; • Provide more funding for USDA’s ReConnect broadband pilot program; • Direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency to release delayed disaster relief for previous natural disasters.
TESCH ELECTED PRESIDENT OF CFC Dean Tesch, chairman of the Taylor Electric Cooperative Board of Directors, was recently elected president of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) Board of Directors. Tesch was first elected to represent District 5 on the CFC board in 2015 after serving as a director for Taylor Electric for almost a decade, including taking the helm as chairman in 2014. Tesch’s experience includes working as a teacher before becoming a certified financial planner. His first cooperative leadership role was as a board member of a local credit union. He also served as a director of Dairyland Power Cooperative.
AGREEMENT IN PLACE FOR MONARCH CONSERVATION A historic agreement aimed at stemming the decline of monarch butterflies is now in place, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Illinois-Chicago. The agreement encourages transportation and energy partners, including electric cooperatives, to participate in monarch conservation by providing and maintaining habitat on potentially millions of acres of rights-of-way and associated lands. The monarch butterfly population is declining more rapidly than expected, according to a recent study. Scientists estimate the number of monarchs was down 53 percent in 2019, compared to
6
2018. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to make a decision on whether to list the monarch butterfly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in December 2020. Such a listing would potentially have a big impact on co-op operations, maintenance, and construction. Many Wisconsin electric cooperatives already have extensive pollinator habitat projects already in place in rights-ofway, community solar arrays, and near cooperative headquarter buildings. The Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association has been working since 2016 with the Sand County Foundation to encourage monarch habitat restoration efforts.
SUMMER YOUTH TOUR CANCELLED The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association recently announced the cancellation of all programs through June 24, including the NRECA Youth Tour, to the nation’s capital due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The agenda for the young representatives from Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives included leadership training; basic education in the cooperative business model; visits to museums, historic sites, and national monuments; and meetings with congressional representatives and staff. Thirteen students from 11 electric co-ops in Wisconsin were planning to make the trip in June.
DAIRYLAND PROPOSES AIR COOLING FOR NEMADJI TRAIL CENTER Dairyland Power Cooperative and Minnesota Power are proposing air cooling as an alternative to water cooling for the 625 MW Nemadji Trail Energy Center, which is a combined cycle natural gas facility planned for construction in Superior. The design change to air cooling was made in response to community concerns and eliminates the need for high-capacity water wells for the facility, and offers other benefits including erosion control. According to Dairyland, air cooling is a proven technology that eliminates the use of water for cooling and significantly reduces wastewater discharge. The Nemadji Trail Energy Center will allow for an expansion of renewable energy by providing reliable back-up to intermittent sources of power, such as wind and solar. In a rare move, the Minnesota Supreme Court has agreed to review a lower court decision ordering an environmental review of the Wisconsin site. The Nemadji Trail Energy Center is scheduled to be in service by 2025.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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8
ever in my wildest imagination did I think I would be writing this column under a stay-athome order in the living room of our family farmhouse in rural Hazel Green, but here we are. The COVID-19 pandemic has scrambled everything in our ordinary lives, from our ability to go to church, to exercising our right to vote. But we are resilient and resourceful, and that is apparent in our ever-present ability to adapt. Within 22 days, our president had declared a major emergency in all 50 states and most territories through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), making this the first time in the history of our country that a major emergency exists in every single state. As your statewide electric cooperative association, we have been participating in conversations with virtually every level of government, so we can best prepare for what lies ahead. Our goal, which is supported by every agency and elected official we have contacted, is to help our electric cooperatives do what they do best—keep the lights on. Since the crisis began, our team has been working on behalf of your electric cooperative to best respond to what has happened, and to prepare for what is to come. We are working with Homeland Security, Wisconsin Emergency Management, Governor Tony Evers, the Public Service Commission, and dozens of state and federal legislators from both sides of the aisle. While we never expected this, we have been preparing for it for years. We have often worked with Wisconsin Emergency Management on storm recovery support. When three electric cooperatives were denied storm damage claims of more than $500,000, we worked to reverse that decision. We worked with the Wisconsin legislature and governor to clarify the law. We lobbied successfully for passage of a new state sales tax exemption for mutual aid services provided between electric cooperatives, allowing co-ops to recover sales tax payments on mutual aid services from storms. Other WECA legislative successes include changes to the Wisconsin cooperative statute bringing the potential for new services of direct benefit to co-ops and their members. These
include the ability to write loans for energy efficiency, energy conservation, wiring safety, and emergency back-up generation. As essential/critical workers, employees of your electric cooperative are on the front lines working to keep the lights on so medical staff, EMTs, law enforcement personnel, and all first responders are able to do their jobs to help us recover from this pandemic. Right now, we are working with federal legislators to clarify that electric cooperatives are eligible for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Payroll Protection Program. This will have a significant impact, especially with the escalating rate of unemployment. As people all across the state are out of work, many are struggling to pay their electric bill, which is a great burden for our not-for-profit electric cooperatives. For this reason, we are also hard at work making sure the emergency stimulus dollars will provide support for electric cooperatives and their members. Back in 2005, then-President George W. Bush launched the effort to create the nation’s most comprehensive pandemic preparedness plan, saying, “If we wait for a pandemic to appear, it will be too late to prepare.” We were not expecting this, but through our relationships, our commitment to priorities, our educational efforts, and the support of all of our members, we are prepared. We are in your corner. Please stay healthy and stay safe.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
WECN May20Steve.indd 1
4/20/20 10:23 AM
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS... Small steps can save you big money
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your household expenses, try these simple steps to cut your spring/summer energy costs. You can find more energy-saving tips at energy.gov.
Block out the sun. Keeping the shades or blinds drawn on sun-facing windows is essential to keeping your home comfortable and your energy costs down when the temperatures start to rise. The exact savings will depend on the type of window covering and how it’s used, but since the Department of Energy estimates about 76 percent of sunlight that falls on a standard double-pane windows enters the home to become heat, covering up some of that sunlight will definitely keep you cooler and result in savings.
Make good use of your ceiling fans. Consistently using your ceiling fan will allow you to raise your thermostat up to four degrees without any reduction in comfort, according to the Department of Energy. Just make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise for summer and that you don’t leave fans running in empty rooms. Fans don’t cool air — just people!
Do Laundry Lite. Washers and dryers are among the costliest household appliances to operate, according to the Department of Energy. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to curb these costs. Whenever possible, wash your clothes with cold water, which can cut a load’s energy use in half. Wash only full loads; your machine will use about the same amount of energy no matter how many clothes are inside, so fill ‘er up. Take advantage of the sun and hang laundry outside to dry instead of using your dryer.
Chill with the grill. As it gets warmer outside, turning on the oven will not only heat up your home, it will make your air conditioner work harder too. Cooking meals on the outdoor grill will keep the heat outside and allow you to enjoy a meal “out” without actually going out. If outdoor dining is not your thing, utilizing your microwave or a slow-cooker will also allow you to prepare food without generating extra heat. Avoid exhausting your exhaust fans. Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you’re done cooking or bathing. Brought to you by:
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Source: energy.gov
May 2020
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4/17/20 10:24 AM
COOPS FOR COMMUNITY:
HELPING THOSE MOST AFFECTED
BY THE PANDEMIC
I
t crept into some communities and dropped like a bomb in others, but the coronavirus has now touched the lives of all Wisconsinites, physically or financially. Many electric cooperative employees, deemed essential, immediately got to work looking for ways to help out friends, families, and neighbors.
Stepping up for School Kids The pandemic hit some families hard, leaving parents out of work and students in need of supplies and food. Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services Vice President Charity Lubich and Member Relations Manager Jay Nesseth coordinated an effort with the Zion Covenant Church to make sure area kids have what they need. Cooperative employees, armed with a list of needed items, piled up the donations for the church’s Ellsworth
Jay Nesseth, Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services member relations manager, delivers donations to Tracy and Darrin Stockwell, volunteers with the Ellsworth Backpack Program.
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Backpack Program. “I think every employee here has been stunned by both the swiftness and severity of the crisis,” said Liz Gunderson, member relations & IT administrator. “In the past, we have always participated in community-centered activities like the Christmas Gift Box program, donating winter clothing for children in need, and supporting the local food shelves. But right from the start, this felt different. Not only was there a severe economic crisis, but the health risks that caused this crisis seemed like nothing we had seen in our lifetimes.”
Customer Commitment Dunn Energy Cooperative employees are stepping up by taking out, ordering lunch from a different local restaurant each week. “As a business that is considered essential, we’re lucky enough to all still be working,” said Jolene Neisius, director of member and employee engagement. “If we want those small businesses on our lines to still be there when all of this passes, it’s important to support them now when we can.” Employees have ordered from several places in the Chippewa Valley area including Loopy’s Grill and Saloon, Pioneer Tavern, and Kyote’s Den. Supporting local restaurants also supports farmers who supply the food, and are hit hard by the lack of orders from schools and restaurants that are closed. The Kyote’s Den take-out menu includes “Support Your Local Farmers” options such as grilled ham and cheese, and garlic or jalapeno cheese curds. Support in Sight Katie Jagiello, communications & marketing specialist at Oconto Electric Cooperative, was out taking a drive with her family to pass the time when she noticed some people had their windows decorated with various messages. “It gave me a sense of hope, that
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
WECN May20Feature1.indd 2
4/20/20 11:00 AM
SHOWCASE YOUR PROPERTY WITH AERIAL HD VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY Keeping Love Ones Connected we can get through this trying time if we all pitch in and do our part to stay home and practice social distancing,” she said. Back at the office, Katie brightened up a window with her own sign of hope, and a customer returned the favor with a show of appreciation on the front door. “Finding the sign was very heartwarming,” Katie said. ”We are an essential business, and our members count on us to keep their power on. We want everyone to be safe and thank them for being such an awesome small-town community!” Katie and several other co-op employees also wrapped dozens of candy bars with messages of thanks and dropped them off at the local Piggy Wiggly for store employees.
The safer-at-home order is especially hard for persons in assisted living, not because they can’t go out, but because loved ones cannot come to see them. This population is particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. When the administrator of Living Oaks and The Willows in Iola reached out to the community for help, Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Vice President Lila Shower got to work securing three iPads for residents of the facilities to use. The iPads allow them to connect face-to-face with family and friends without the risk of infection. “One of our seven principles is commitment to community, and this is the perfect example of commitment to community,” said Shower. —Julie Lund, photos submitted
WE HAVE FAA CERTIFIED REMOTE PILOTS
WISCONSIN OFFICE 715.933.0329 www.LandGuys.com Assisted Living Administrator Heather Berg accepts iPads from Lila Shower of Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative for residents to use.
4331 Conestoga Dr. Springfield, IL 62711 LandGuys, LLC is licensed in IL, IA, IN, WI & TN | 217.899.1240 LandGuys, LLC of Wisconsin 1705 Detloff St. Bloomer, WI 54724
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BIG (LITTLE) GARDENS Growing vegetables in limited spaces
S
pring has arrived! So, if thoughts of producing oodles of fresh, homegrown edibles have you ready to dig in the dirt, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and start a vegetable garden! While the physics of time and space dictate that big harvests naturally come from big gardens, for backyard growers who prefer to pass on the challenges of tending mega-plots through the long, hot summer, or who simply don’t have an abundance of planting areas, there are alternative ways to raise impressive passels of veggies—it is simply a matter of making make less do more.
Go to Bed First, for maximum production from limited growing areas, go with beds, not rows—in other words, place young plants or seeds according to their recommended spacing per plant and forget about distances between rows. Rows of plants looking like tidy lines of soldiers are better for large gardens in order to have paths to walk around, but this isn’t necessary in 12
small beds. Accessibility is, of course, still important, so, while you can stretch ’em as long as Texas, try not make beds over 4 feet wide—this shortens your reach into the plants and greatly minimizes embarrassing face-flops in the dirt.
Small Wonders Size isn’t everything in gardening, especially when it comes to growing backyard edibles. There are many vegetable selections—often tagged with such labels as “Bush,” “Dwarf,” or “Patio”—that are modest in height and girth, but still quite capable of producing impressive crops. The most common big veggie that can be found in smaller sizes is the tomato. There are a ton of cultivars available, but, for starters, give “Tiny Tim,” “Bush Beefsteak,” or “Early Wonder” a look. Keep in mind, however, that a majority of these slight-in-stature tomato selections are determinate, meaning they produce all the ’maters they are going to yield in a matter of weeks. Standard vine tomatoes, if kept healthy, typically crank
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out fruit continually over the long growing season. Want a wider range of veggies in your small garden? Squash, watermelons, pumpkins, cucumbers, cantaloupes, and green beans—all champs at chewing up space in a planting bed—can also be found in compact forms, either as young plants or seeds, at local garden shops in the spring.
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Grow Up Don’t think you have to stick to Munchkin-sized plants. Typical strong growers such as tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, and squash can’t be allowed to crawl across small growing spaces, but they can be trellised, staked, or caged to grow up rather than out. Even the long, rangy vines of watermelons, pumpkins and cantaloupes can be trained upwards on vertical supports, but to avoid the dreaded drop-and-splat factor, it’s not a bad idea to cradle the developing fruits in supporting burlap, nylon, or cloth slings. Suspension weight and size problems with standard pumpkins are obvious, but there are many cultivars, including “Spookie,” “Jack O’ Lantern,” and “Sugar Pie” that yield smaller, more manageable 6- to 7-pound fruits. Ditto for big ol’ watermelons, but with so-called “icebox” varieties like the popular “Sugar Baby” and its 8- to 10-pound melons available, it is possible to hang ’em high, too. Growing vine crops on erect supports has other advantages besides saving space, starting with making harvesting easier. Also, vertical gardening improves fruit shape and, since beneficial air circulates through the foliage easier, can promote healthier plants.
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Beyond the Veggie Patch
Looking for even more growing ground? Limited-space gardening with edibles doesn’t need to be confined to small vegetable plots—in other words, anywhere you have dirt in your yard is a potential planting site. And many veggies can be easily interplanted in the landscape as complements, rather than
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A (literal) bed of cabbage taking center stage in a flower garden. An emerald green swath of pretty curly parsley edges landscaping, providing both food and beauty.
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complications, to existing ornamentals. One popular vegetable that bears the double standard of being both productive and pretty is the pepper. While blocky bell peppers might look a bit clunky in flower beds, there is a wide range of hot peppers that show off long-lasting fruits in many sizes, shapes, and sizzling colors on relatively compact plants. Like bell peppers, common pudgy eggplants probably won’t qualify as eye candy in an ornamental garden, but there are vibrantly colored fruits of cultivars such as “Fairy Tale,” “Prosperosa,” and “Neon” that can also add extra visual sass to sunny flower borders. And okra, which is closely related to the lovely hibiscus, stays true to its family ties with fancy foliage and delicate, hibiscus-like flowers. One particular
standout beauty is “Red Burgundy,” an heirloom selection that has been a veggie garden favorite for many years because its gorgeous (and tasty) scarlet pods never fail to turn heads. Other decorative edibles with strong, distinctive profiles such as curly spinach, cabbage, looseleaf lettuce (especially red-tinted varieties like “Red Sails” and “Lolla Rossa”), kale, and Swiss chard (look for “Ruby Red” or “Bright Lights”) are low-growing and, for vegetable plants, actually rather good looking. Any of these can be successfully incorporated as accent plants for perennial beds or flower gardens. In addition, root vegetables such as carrots, onions, and radishes hide their crops below ground but freely flaunt flowing foliage that can be used to fill in the fronts of border plantings.
Many herbs are also great “double-duty” plants. Need examples? Rosemary’s spiky leaves and delightful (as well as edible) bluish-purple flowers make it an appealing addition to any landscape setting. Bronze fennel’s smoky look is a nice touch for container planters, while the rich, dark foliage of purple basil is a horticultural fashion statement waiting to happen. And curly parsley, with its deep emerald leaves, is an ideal alt-ornamental to line the front of a flower bed. One word of caution about interplanting vegetables or herbs with other plants: If you spray any pesticides on neighboring ornamentals, make sure the chemicals are cleared for safe use on edible plants as well. —Story and photos by L.A. Jackson, a former editor of Carolina Gardener magazine.
The electric look of “Ruby Red” Swiss chard makes it an interesting option for an ornamental plant setting. Small watermelons such as “Sugar Baby” can be trained to grow up, not outwards, in a garden. ‘Tennessee Teardrops” hot peppers, “Red Burgundy” okra, and spiky rosemary showing off in a planting bed. Looseleaf lettuce holding its own visually on a garden border.
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SAFE AT HOME
With families spending more time at home, child-proofing your surroundings for electrical safety is more important than ever. Install Tamper Resistant Outlets (TRO). Small
fingers can easily fit into sockets, and curious children may poke objects into outlets. A TRO has a shutter system that only accepts electric plugs. Because multiple outlets can be found in almost every room of the average household, the cost of replacing these outlets can add up, but that extra cost is well worth a child’s safety. Other low-cost alternatives include outlet caps and sliding covers, but they are not as fail-proof as TROs are.
Pay attention to trees and power lines. If outdoor
play is confined to the backyard or other nearby areas, be aware of where the power lines are. Do not allow children to climb any trees that are located near power lines. Keep all long-handled tools out of reach so children will not be tempted to reach for or accidentally hit a power line while retrieving a ball or a toy.
Put cords out of sight. The power strip on the floor by the TV may be protecting your appliances from possible surges, but it’s doing nothing to protect the baby or toddler crawling to it, eager to examine the pile of cords. Remove temptation by keeping the cords out of sight. Holders, spools, and clips can help if the power strip must remain on the floor. Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).
GFCIs detect and prevent dangerous situations where an electric shock could occur. You should have GFCIs anywhere that water and electricity may meet—such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
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Source: SafeElectricity January May 2020
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Puff Pastry Galettes with Eggs Recipe and photo courtesy of The American Egg Board.
1/2 cup goat cheese, softened 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped fine, divided 4 tsp fresh chives, chopped fine 2 tsp fresh dill, chopped fine 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 tsp lemon zest 1/2 pkg (17 oz pkg) frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions 5 eggs, divided 1 Tbsp water 4 cherry tomatoes, sliced 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper
Cooking with
HERBS
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine goat cheese, 1 tablespoon parsley, chives, dill, garlic, and lemon zest until smooth and spreadable. Place pastry on lightly floured surface. Roll into a 9-inch square. Cut into 4 even portions. Score a 1/2-inch border on all sides of pastry squares with sharp knife. Prick pastry all over inside score lines with fork. Place on a large parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Transfer to freezer for 5 minutes.
In 1991, the International Herb Association (IHA) established National Herb Week to be celebrated every year during the week prior to Mothers Day.
Beat 1 egg with water; set aside. Spread goat cheese mixture evenly inside score lines of each pastry square. Brush border of each pastry with egg wash. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until pastry is lightly golden. Crack egg into center of each pastry. Top evenly with tomato slices. Return to oven; bake for 8–10 minutes or until whites are set and eggs are cooked to desired doneness. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining parsley. NOTES: Substitute tarragon or basil for dill, if desired. Alternatively, use store-bought herbed goat cheese or your favorite flavored goat cheese for a quick substitution.
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Wild Salmon with Sweet Cherry, Onion, and Tarragon Chutney Recipe and photo courtesy of Northwest Cherry Growers. 1 Walla Walla sweet onion, sliced 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus oil for grilling 1 Tbsp minced ginger root 1 tsp garlic, chopped 1/2 pound Bing cherries, pitted and halved 1/4 cup red wine
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar 1 Tbsp sugar 2 tsp fresh tarragon leaves, plus sprigs for garnish Salt and pepper, to taste 1-1/2 lbs wild salmon fillet, cut into 4 portions
To make the chutney, in a hot saucepan, caramelize onions in oil, then add ginger and garlic; cook until lightly golden. Add cherries and cook gently. Deglaze pan with red wine and reduce until cherries are tender. Finish with vinegar, sugar, tarragon, salt, and pepper. To grill the salmon, preheat a backyard barbecue and rub the grilling surface with olive oil. Season the salmon fillets lightly with salt and pepper. Grill skin side up for five minutes, or until dark lines form on the flesh, then turn the salmon and grill until the fish is just cooked through, about 4 minutes more. Serve the salmon with the chutney and garnish with tarragon sprigs.
Sage Roasted Fingerlings with Aioli Recipe and photo courtesy of the Oregon Potato Commission. AIOLI
1 cup olive oil blend mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise if unavailable) 1 tsp Espelette chili pepper (or smoked paprika or other chili powder) 1 tsp garlic, minced POTATOES
1 pound fingerling potatoes, cut in half lengthwise 2 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp lemon juice 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Salt and pepper, to taste Fresh sage leaves Salt and pepper, to taste
For the aioli, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Place in refrigerator and allow flavors to blend for several hours or overnight. To add a little heat to the dip, add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place a sage leaf on cut side of potato, then place potato cut side down on a sheet pan. Roast potatoes for 20 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven, serve warm with aioli.
Rosemary Brined Fried Chicken
This recipe and photo is reprinted with the permission of Ohio Farm Bureau. The recipe first appeared in the September/October 2019 issue of Our Ohio magazine. Add some flair to a familiar favorite with this fried chicken recipe. BRINE INGREDIENTS
1 small onion, thinly sliced 4 garlic cloves, smashed 1 tsp vegetable oil 3 Tbsp Kosher salt 5–6 branches rosemary, ea. 4 to 5 inches long 4-1/2 cups water 1 lemon, quartered FRIED CHICKEN INGREDIENTS
8 chicken legs, drumsticks and thighs separated 9 chicken wings, wing tips removed 3 cups all-purpose flour 3 tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 Tbsp paprika
2 Tbsp fine sea salt 2 tsp cayenne pepper 2 Tbsp baking powder 2 cups buttermilk Oil for deep frying
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, sauté the onion and garlic in the oil until translucent, 3–4 minutes. Add salt after the onion and garlic have cooked for approximately 30 seconds. Add rosemary and cook for 30 seconds. Add the water and lemon, squeezing the juice from the wedges into the water and removing any seeds. Bring the water to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the salt. Remove from heat and allow brine to cool. Refrigerate until chilled.
Place all chicken pieces in a large, sturdy, plastic sealable bag. Set the bag in a large bowl for support. Pour the cooled brine and aromatics into the bag. Seal the bag and remove as much air as possible. Make sure the chicken is submerged in the brine. Refrigerate for 8–24 hours, agitating the bag occasionally to redistribute the brine and the chicken.
Remove the chicken from the brine, rinse under cold water, pat dry, and set on a rack or on paper towels. After removing from the brine, ideally, the chicken should be refrigerated, uncovered, for a day to dry out the skin, but it is okay to cook right away. Combine flour, black pepper, paprika, sea salt, cayenne, and baking powder in a bowl. Whisk to distribute the ingredients. Divide this mixture between two bowls. Pour the buttermilk into a third bowl. Set a rack on a baking sheet/tray. Dredge the chicken in the flour, shake off the excess, and set the dusted pieces on the rack. Dip the pieces in the buttermilk, then dredge them aggressively in the second bowl of flour, and return them to the rack. Heat oil in a pan for deep frying to 350 degrees. Add as many chicken pieces as possible without crowding the pan. Cook the chicken, turning the pieces occasionally, until they are cooked through, 12–15 minutes depending on their size. Remove to a clean rack and allow them to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. May 2020
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RECIPE EXCHANGE Submit your favorite recipes to be featured on our reader recipe page. Email to jennifer@weca.coop. For bonus recipes, go to http://wecnmagazine.com/recipes/.
Pickled Suckers
Nancy Briggs, Monticello
Sucker fish, filleted and cut into small pieces Salt Cider vinegar Water 1–2 sliced onions
Place cut fish pieces in a large crock. Add 2/3 cup of salt per each quart of fish. Cover fish with cider vinegar. Let stand for 4–6 days at 40 degrees. Rinse fish and let stand in cold water for 30 minutes. Pack loosely in jars, adding onion slices over each layer of fish. Cover with the following cold pickling solution. 1 qt distilled white vinegar 3 cups sugar 1/2 box or 5/8 oz pickling spice
Seal jars and let stand for one week before using. For a cream sauce, use sour cream and thin with a little water or juice from pickled fish. *NOTE: Fillet, cut, and complete first
pickling step as soon as possible after catching the fish, so the meat stays firm.
Chicken Salad
Judy Stoney, Clinton
2 cups cooked chicken 1 cup thinly sliced celery, chopped 1 Tbsp finely chopped green onion 1/2 cup slivered almonds 1 cup each red and green grapes, cut in half 2 Tbsp lemon juice 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 3/4 cup mayonnaise
Put first five ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Mix remaining ingredients in a small bowl and pour over chicken mixture; stir well. Serve on a bed of lettuce or in a halved cantaloupe.
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Cranberry Cake with Butter Sauce
South of the Border Cheese Spread
1-1/2 cups sugar (plus additional sugar for top) 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 egg 1 cup sour cream 1 tsp vanilla 2 cups flour 1 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
8 oz cream cheese, softened 1 cup mild chunky salsa 1 cup (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese Crackers (Ritz, Triscuit, or Wheat Thins)
Brenda Ruzic, Willard
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat sugar and butter together until fluffy. Beat in egg, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients, then fold in cranberries. Spread in a greased 13-x9-inch cake pan. Sprinkle with additional sugar. Bake 35–40 minutes or until cake tests done. BUTTER SAUCE
1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup evaporated milk 1 cup sugar 2 Tbsp corn starch 1 tsp vanilla
Melt butter in small pan, add evaporated milk. Whisk together sugar and cornstarch; add to pan. Cook until boiling and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Serve warm, drizzled over cake.
NOTE: If you like a thin sauce that soaks into the cake, omit the corn starch.
Meatloaf in a Muffin Tin Rosetta Gruss, Marshall
1-1/2 cups water 1/4 cup butter 1 (6 oz) pkg stuffing mix 1 lb ground beef 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Combine water, butter, stuffing mix, and ground beef. Place 1/3 cup of mixture into each of the 12 ungreased muffin cups. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 18–22 minutes. Sprinkle tops with shredded cheddar cheese; bake 2–4 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
Rosetta Gruss, Marshall
Combine cream cheese and salsa in medium mixing bowl; mix until well blended. Stir in cheddar cheese. Serve with crackers. Makes 2 cups.
Grilled Turkey/Dressing/ Cranberry-Cheese Melt Carolyn Creighton, Hazel Green
Turkey Dressing Sliced bread (2 pieces per serving) Butter (softened) Can whole cranberry sauce Slices of marble-jack cheese
Warm the amount of turkey and dressing you will need per serving, in the microwave. Lay out the bread slices and butter the sides that will be grilled. TO MAKE SANDWICH: On one slice of the side of the bread that is not buttered, place slices of cheese to cover bread. Put a thin layer of cranberry sauce on top of the cheese. Add a thin layer of turkey & dressing, and place second slice of bread on top, butter-side out. Grill both sides of the sandwich and let rest to cool. Cut and enjoy.
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from our
READERS
An online reader is looking for fruit dip recipes. 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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WISCONSIN FAVORITES
Blissful STATE OF MIND BASK IN THE BEAUTY OF WISCONSIN’S PARK SYSTEM “There’s no place like home.” You don’t need to be a fan of “The Wizard of Oz” to understand what Dorothy was feeling as she uttered those famous words, clicked her heels together, and sent herself from the Land of Oz back to her farmhouse in Kansas. We think it’s pretty safe to say most folks have, at one point or another, felt the same longing to go back home. However, after weeks and weeks of hunkering inside in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, we think it’s also pretty safe to assume that at the moment, many folks are longing to get away from their homes instead. May 2020
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To help pass the time that we’re still spending mostly indoors, we’re sharing these beautiful scenes of Wisconsin’s great outdoors to remind us of what awaits when it’s safe to fully venture out once again. Wisconsin is home to 49 state parks located in all reaches of the state, as well as state forest land, fishery areas, wildlife areas, and recreation areas. These beautiful properties showcase the area’s geography and provide the kind of benefits that only time spent in nature can. Famed landscape architect John Nolen, who according to the Department of Natural Resources was hired in 1907 by a newly created State Park Board to develop a plan for a state park system, described those benefits as such: “Simple recreation in the open air amid the beautiful surroundings contributes to physical and moral health, to a saner and happier life.” It wasn’t just the visitors’ health the state parks were intended to help protect. Nolen also said, “State parks are the only means of preserving, protecting, and appropriately improving places of uncommon and characteristic beauty.” Indeed, state parks serve as outdoor classrooms, teaching visitors about the geographic characteristics and wildlife that are unique to each park’s area as well as promoting conservation. Not unlike cooperatives, which are owned by the members who use their services, state parks belong to all Wisconsin residents, who pay a small fee to use them. And just as all members share responsibility for the well-being of their cooperative, all users of the state park system share responsibility for the well-being of the parks. As we are gradually able to safely ease out of our immediate surroundings, we urge you to treasure these beautiful resources and take good care of them. Use their trails and waters to enjoy hiking, swimming, kayaking, picnicking, camping—whatever outdoor activity each particular park offers. But please do it responsibly. Bring a garbage bag so you can take your trash and recyclables back home with you. Follow any rules as they pertain to fishing, boating, or trail use. Be considerate of others who are also using the park, and be considerate of the natural environment. Treat the park as a home you’ve been longing to return to. For more information about each park, and to follow the latest COVID-19-related updates regarding park openings and regulations, visit dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/.
Deana Protz, public relations and communications specialist at Oakdale Electric Cooperative, captured this photo of her son having fun on the sandstone outcrops at Rocky Arbor State Park in the Wisconsin Dells region. “I love exploring the Wisconsin State Parks with my two sons,” she said. “Not only am I helping them develop a lifelong love for the great outdoors, but I’m making physical activity fun and exciting, while helping them to achieve success. Hiking up 223 stone steps [of Mill Buff State Park, pictured on page 26] is a challenging feat; however, the pride they feel when making it to the top stays with them forever. My children are building strong characters at Wisconsin State Parks!” The photo below was taken by Keith Wohlfert, former communications coordinator (now retired) at Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative. “Whitefish Dunes State Park is a gem of Wisconsin’s Door County Peninsula,” he said. “Located along the shore of Lake Michigan, it is a paradise for those seeking to take a walk with nature. Bring your camera.” Jolene Neisius, director of employee and member engagement at Dunn Energy Cooperative, took the photo on page 23 on a family visit to Interstate State Park, Wisconsin’s oldest state park, established in 1900. “The best thing about Interstate Park, besides the incredible views of the St. Croix River, is the ability to wander off the trails and explore the chasms and potholes created by glaciers thousands of years ago,” she said. “You can spends hours exploring a relatively small area. When you have an active youngster, that is an absolute bonus!”
April Wisconsin Favorites Update Clark County Bloomin’ Greenhouse Tour, featured in the April issue, is still going on as greenhouses are considered essential businesses under the Safer at Home order. Call ahead to make sure greenhouses are open as individual owners will set their own hours. All greenhouses are required to abide by the Safer at Home requirements of social distancing, hand washing, sanitizing, etc. Clark County Spring into the Arts has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 19, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, September 20, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
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WISCONSIN FAVORITES
Roche-A-Cri State Park in Friendship is known for the 300-foot-high rock outcroppings, with a staircase to the top of the mound for a spectacular view. “Roche-A-Cri is unique in the way that you can feel like you are in different parts of Wisconsin all at one park,” said Haley Melby, marketing coordinator at Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative. Melby took the photo at upper left. “From the stream that flows throughout the park, hiking trails, rock formations, and the 303 stairs you can climb, there is plenty to do at this park.” A waterfall is one of many natural features found at Governor Dodge State Park in Dodgville, captured above right by Amanda Downing, receptionist at Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative. “My family enjoys hiking in places that have great views, and Governor Dodge State Park never leaves us disappointed,” she said. “It’s great to get out and see so much beauty right in our own backyard.” Copper Falls State Park in Mellen contains a section of the Bad River, which flows through a gorge and drops over several waterfalls. Laura Palzkill, member services assistant at Price Electric Cooperative, took the photo at left of her children taking in the beautiful scene. “Copper Falls is a nice park for a day trip, with a variety of hiking trails, great falls views, a snack bar, and playground for kids,” she said. “We haven’t camped there yet, but are hoping to soon!” May 2020
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Devil’s Lake in Baraboo is Wisconsin’s largest state park. “The hiking trails at Devils Lake are endless and are sure to bring you to some incredible pit stops with breathtaking views,” said Adams-Columbia Electric’s Haley Melby, who took the photo above left. “If you’re looking for a place to take the family and stay busy all day, Devil’s Lake is the place to go.” Brunet Island State Park is located where the Fisher River joins the Chippewa River north of Cornell, with the main development of the park on an island in the Chippewa River. Missy Larson, billing clerk at Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, captured the beautiful image at lower left. “What I love about Brunet Island is that it’s close to home and it’s a beautiful state park with lots of activities to offer, from camping to fishing and, of course, the beautiful river to go kayaking on with family and friends,” she said. Visitors can climb the 223 stone steps to the top of the bluff at Mill Bluff State Park in Camp Douglas, as seen in this photo by Deana Protz, Oakdale Electric.
WISCONSIN STATE PARKS
Source: Wisconsins Department of Natural Resources AMNICON FALLS STATE PARK 4279 South Co. Hwy. U, South Range, WI 54874 AZTALAN STATE PARK N6200 Co. Rd. Q, Jefferson, WI 53549 BELMONT MOUND STATE PARK N Co. Rd. G, Platteville, WI 53818 BIG BAY STATE PARK 2402 Hagen Rd, La Pointe, WI 54850 BIG FOOT BEACH STATE PARK 1550 S Lake Shore Dr., Lake Geneva, WI 53147 BLUE MOUND STATE PARK 10824 Village Cir., Blue Mounds, WI 53517 BRUNET ISLAND STATE PARK 23125 255th St., Cornell, WI 54732 BUCKHORN STATE PARK W8450 Buckhorn Park Ave, Necedah, WI 54646 COPPER CULTURE STATE PARK 260 Copper Culture Way, Oconto, WI 54153 COPPER FALLS STATE PARK 36664 Copper Falls Rd., Mellen, WI 54546 COUNCIL GROUNDS STATE PARK N1895 Council Grounds Dr., Merrill, WI 54452 CROSS PLAINS STATE PARK Cross Plains, WI 53528 DEVIL’S LAKE STATE PARK S5975 Park Rd., Baraboo, WI 53913 GOVERNOR DODGE STATE PARK 4175 State Hwy. 23, Dodgeville, WI 53533 GOVERNOR NELSON STATE PARK 5140 County Hwy. M, Waunakee, WI 53597
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GOVERNOR THOMPSON STATE PARK N10008 Paust Ln, Crivitz, WI 54114 HARRINGTON BEACH STATE PARK 531 Co. Rd. D, Belgium, WI 53004 HARTMAN CREEK STATE PARK N2480 Hartman Creek Rd., Waupaca, WI 54981 HERITAGE HILL STATE PARK 2640 S Webster Ave., Green Bay, WI 54301 HIGH CLIFF STATE PARK N7630 State Park Rd., Sherwood, WI 54169 INTERSTATE PARK WI-35, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 KINNICKINNIC STATE PARK W11983 820th Ave, River Falls, WI 54022 KOHLER-ANDRAE STATE PARK 1020 Beach Park Ln., Sheboygan, WI 53081 LAKE KEGONSA STATE PARK 2405 Door Creek Rd., Stoughton, WI 53589 LAKE WISSOTA STATE PARK 2405 Door Creek Rd., Stoughton, WI 53589 LAKESHORE STATE PARK 500 N Harbor Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202 LOST DAUPHIN STATE PARK Brown County, WI MERRICK STATE PARK S2965 WI-35, Fountain City, WI 54629 MILL BLUFF STATE PARK 15819 Funnel Rd., Camp Douglas, WI 54618 MIRROR LAKE STATE PARK E10320 Fern Dell Rd., Baraboo, WI 53913 NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK E7992, North Freedom, WI 53951 NELSON DEWEY STATE PARK 12190 Co. Hwy VV, Cassville, WI 53806
NEW GLARUS WOODS STATE PARK W5446 Co. Hwy. Nn, New Glarus, WI 53574 NEWPORT STATE PARK 475 County Rd NP, Ellison Bay, WI 54210 PATTISON STATE PARK 6294 WI-35, Superior, WI 54880 PENINSULA STATE PARK 9462 Shore Rd., Fish Creek, WI 54212 PERROT STATE PARK 26247 Sullivan Rd., Trempealeau, WI 54661 POTAWATOMI STATE PARK 3740 Park Dr., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 RIB MOUNTAIN STATE PARK 4200 Park Rd., Wausau, WI 54401 ROCHE-A-CRI STATE PARK 1767 State Hwy 13, Friendship, WI 53934 ROCK ISLAND STATE PARK 1924 Indian Point Rd, Washington Island, WI 54246 ROCKY ARBOR STATE PARK Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 STRAIGHT LAKE STATE PARK 2700 120th St., Luck, WI 54853 TOWER HILL STATE PARK 5808 County Rd. C, Spring Green, WI 53588 WHITEFISH DUNES STATE PARK 3275 Clarks Lake Rd., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 WILDCAT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK E13660 WI-33, Ontario, WI 54651 WILLOW RIVER STATE PARK 1034 Co Hwy. A, Hudson, WI 54016 WYALUSING STATE PARK 13295 State Park Ln., Bagley, WI 53801 YELLOWSTONE LAKE STATE PARK 8495 N Lake Rd., Blanchardville, WI 53516
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YOUNG MEMBERS 1
Kids and Critters May 2020 1. Kaden meets Bam Bam, a Percheron colt, on grandpa (and Chippewa Valley Electric member) Myron Ducommun’s farm. Photo submitted by Shannon Hattamer.
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2. Red and Rory (Aurora) are ready to ride at the Columbia County Fair. Photo by Rory’s dad Tim, and submitted by grandma Chris Berger, a member of Adams-Columbia Electric. 3. Oliver delivers a bucket of chicken. Photo submitted by grandma Laura Bennett, a member of Riverland Energy. 4. Liberty and Merlin miss daddy who is deployed overseas with the U.S. Army. Photo submitted by Liberty’s grandma, Sandra Palmer, a member of Dunn Energy.
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Upload photos directly
to the new wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab. Send photos of kids with animals, along with a brief description, to WECN Magazine, 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703. Please include the name of your electric co-op. Photos will be returned. If in good-resolution, electronic format, photos may also be uploaded via wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab. By submitting, sender implies that he/she has rights to and owns the image, and grants WECN permission to use the image. By submitting, the parent or legal guardian also authorizes us the right to publish the image.
May 2020
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4/13/20 3:18 PM
CLASSIFIEDS MISCELLANEOUS
COLLECTOR BUYING WAR SOUVENIRS: German, Japanese, U.S. weapons, medals, helmets, daggers, swords, military items. 715-213-4565. WANTED: DEER TAGS, back tags. Trapping, bear, hunting licenses. Otter, bobcat, fisher tags. Old traps. David Schober, W4234 Rock Creek Rd., Loyal, WI 54446. 715-255-9284. WANTED: PAYING CASH FOR WW-2 GERMAN, JAPANESE FLAGS, DAGGERS, SWORDS, GUNS. ETC. 715-340-1974. USED BILLBOARD VINYLS/TARPS: Possible sizes available: 14x48=$50, 10x36=$28.80, 10x30=$24. Expired billboard faces, hemmed. Shipping and tax not included in listed price. MUST CALL FOR AVAILABILITY PRIOR TO PICK UP 800-536-7446. Vinyls can also be picked up at Jones Sign, 1711 Scheuring Road, De Pere, WI 54115. RURAL LIFE HISTORY BOOK: Machine Shed Memories—a Chronicle of Rural Life in Wisconsin. Order at www.machineshedmemories.com. BUY-SELL-TRADE MILITARY SURPLUS, J&R Military Surplus, 10106 ST. HWY 35, De Soto, WI 54624, 608-648-2112. R.V. 2019 CATALINA 8’w x 38’L with 3 slide outs. At Pine Cove Resort on Castle Rock Lake, Wi. $30,000 or offer. Call 414-322-2964. REHAB HELPLINE FOR DRUGS AND ALCOHOL. Is addiction affecting your family? Call to learn about treatment options. Most insurance accepted. Make today count. 877-467-4825. WURLITZER ORGAN, PECAN FINISH, TWO KEYBOARDS. Will give away to small church or religious or musical group. Come and get it! Menomonie 715-235-0255. ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL PUPPIES. AKC registered. Vet checked, first shots, tails docked and dew claws removed. Call or text 715-579-2547.
REAL ESTATE TURN-KEY BAR AND SUPPER CLUB: Completely remodeled and offers spacious 2br-1ba apartment above. All equipment to run this business is included, ready go to the right owner. Motivated seller! N1005 St Hwy, Greenwood, 54437. For information call Linda Scharenbrock C21 Gold Key Realty 715-937-1028 or 715-743-4421.
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ADAMS COUNTY: 10 Acres near HWY 82 and County B. Great hunting, and lots of storage. Two barns, garage, single wide mobile home. 125,000.00. 847-830-3449. HUNTING LAND; whether you are looking to sell or buy in Buffalo & Trempealeau Counties contact Land & Home Realty LLC. Over 20 yrs experience. dan@landandhomerealtyllc. com or 608-484-1900. HUNTERS/SNOWMOBILERS/HORSES PARADISE in Marathon County. Beautiful 3 bedroom/3.5 bathroom home in 14 acres + 43 additional acres available. Trophy whitetails and turkeys abundant. Also great place to raise horses. Google 201696 Bentley Road, Rosholt WI 54473 to see many pictures and all details. This was formerly 2117 Birch Road, Rosholt WI. Call Hocking Real Estate Services 715-571-1295. FOR SALE: FACTORY. Galesville. 35,000’ prestressed concrete. 3 million replacement. Manufacture hemp etc. $380,000 or B.O. over $250,000. 608-582-2263. 12–8 p.m. www.phonecoinc.com. HUNTING LAND, UPPER MI, NORTH OF BRUCE CROSSING. Located on West side of Hwy 45. Connected parcels, 513 acres–good for deer, bear, turkey. Baltimore River and 2 creeks run through property. 262-707-2575. Part of Forest Program (tax assistance). FOR SALE: 3-bedroom cabin on Upper Clam Lake, Ashland County. Fifty feet of frontage for $82,000. See Craigslist Northern WI, under cabin for sale, for info and pictures. Call or text 715-572-2632 or timgapen@wctc.net. ATTENTION HUNTERS & OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS – half-acre wooded building lot for sale. Located in southeastern Price County. Close to many small lakes and hundreds of acres of managed forest crop acres open to the public. Located on Town Road with electricity at road. Fair market value, $21,300. Asking $18,900 or reasonable offer. 715-305-8721. 4 BEDROOM – 1 BATH ON SWEEDEN COULEE RD, Holmen, WI. Approximately 160 acres, 4 car garage, extra out buildings, set in a private valley, 3 season room, new septic, new furnace. Hardwood forest has not been timbered in 40 years. Walnuts & pine grove. Hunters’ paradise with game galore. Approximately 40 acres open for farmers market. Several springs and stream. $1,120,000.00. Call 608-526-3964.
THREE MILES WEST MAUSTON, WI: 30 acres mature pine woodland. Good hunting, easy access, zoned agriculture. One home allowed. Electric and internet close. $140,000. James Henry 608-847-7726. FOR SALE: 40+ acres; cabin, pole building, new holding tank, stream, 2 ponds, no utilities. New Lisbon area. $150,000 or offer. Call 414-322-2964. 11.29 ACRES WITH POND AND 24 X 32 FT POLE BUILDING. Located minutes from downtown Wisconsin Dells, on Hwy 12/16 in town of Linden. Property has sewer, water, and electricity. Hilly with woods and open field. $169,000. Ken 414-255-4850. TAYLOR CO., MEDFORD / ESADORE AREA. 180 ft, Martin Lake frontage. Drilled well w/electricity. Two, 1,000 gal. holding tanks. Dock/shed. $39,500. 715-432-0231. NEW HOME FOR SALE IN TOWN OF ROME. 3br, 2ba, 3.5 car garage, on 1 acre lot. 3 min. to golf, lakes, Lake Arrowhead clubhouse, shopping, and much more. $239,000. Call for more info. 262-707-2478. VACATION RENTAL–HAYWARD, WI. Private 2-bedroom, 1-bath cabin w/dock next to the water. One step down to a beautiful sand beach on Big Round Lake. May–Sept. Daily, weekly rates. Call 715-558-5803. Janet.
PLANTS & SHRUBS DIG OR PULL UP YOUR OWN SMALL TREE SEEDLINGS. 12” to 30” are $65.00 per 100. 30”-36” are $75.00 per 100. Trees 36” to 48” are $1.90 each. Wild Maple Trees are $2.00 per foot and start at 10 foot. Call Pete at 773-710-1402. MCKAY NURSERY COMPANY-WISCONSIN GROWN SINCE 1897. Provider of quality shade & ornamental trees, fruit & flowering trees, evergreens, shrubs, perennials, ground cover & vines. Design services & delivery available. Contact Eric at ezlandscapewi@gmail.com or call 608-909-1962 “Your McKay Independent Sales & Service Provider.”
REACH MORE THAN 181,000 MAILBOXES EACH MONTH Advertise with us! ads@weca.coop
Classified ads reach more than 181,000 mailboxes. RATES: For non-members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $25 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $1.25 each. For members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $14 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $.70 each. Count name, address, and phone number as part of ad. Please include zip code. FOR PROOF OF MEMBERSHIP, please include your address label from your copy of the magazine. FREQUENCY DISCOUNTS: 2% discount for 3 months; 5% for 6 months; 10% for 12 months. DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the ad is to appear. All classified ads must be paid in advance. There is no agency discount on classifieds. Make check or money order payable to: WECA. Mail to: WECN, Attn. Jennifer, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Ph: 608-467-4638. Email jennifer@weca.coop. We reserve the right to refuse ads.
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4/15/20 10:12 AM
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May 2020
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MAKE ELECTRICAL SAFETY PART OF YOUR LESSON PLAN Now more than ever, a child’s home is a classroom. May is Electrical Safety Month, a great time to add electrical safety to your child’s learning. Here are some lessons from SafeElectricity to get you started:
Water and electricity do not mix. Teach children to never play with or use electronics around water. Make sure GFCIs are installed anywhere electricity and water could meet to help prevent shocks. GFCIs detect and prevent dangerous situations where an electric shock could occur. The only objects that go into outlets are electric plugs. Make sure children understand that sticking other items in an electric socket can lead to an electric shock or even death. Electric cords should be left alone. Show older children how to properly pull a plug from an outlet, emphasizing that they should never pull the plug by the cord. Use only cords that are in good condition. Cords that are frayed or damaged can leave the conducting wire exposed, which can cause a shock and create a fire hazard. Teach children how to spot a cord that is frayed or worn, and tell them they should leave such cords alone and tell an adult so the damaged cord can be replaced. 30
Electronics and their accessories have to be handled with care. Tell kids to never stick fingers or objects into toasters or any other electrical appliance. Encourage younger children to ask for help when they want to use an electronic device. Practice a fire evacuation plan. Make sure children know where the smoke detectors are, and what to do if the smoke detectors should go off. Keep emergency numbers in a visible place. Include utility emergency numbers with other posted emergency phone numbers, and instruct children how to call for help in an emergency.
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Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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