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CooperaN

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contents May 2021

News

Rural BROADBAND

Co-ops take a page from the history books.

Move over for

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On the

COVER

Wisconsin’s woodlands are brimming with blooms. Photo courtesy

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of Ruth Forsgren, Beaver Creek Reserve

4 6 15 28 30

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

We continue to provide resources.

NEWS BRIEFS

Stay up to date with industry happenings.

Recipes

Add scrumptious spring spinach to your menu.

RELIABLE. AFFORDABLE. ACCESSIBLE.

Cooperatives work to provide all three.

MY CO-OP

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

CLASSIFIEDS

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

EVENTS

Find a May event year you.

May 2021

WECN May21TOC.indd 1

4/20/21 10:36 AM

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR Continuing resources

Starting this month is the first in a series of months where we’ll talk about COVID-19 vaccine resources Dana Kelroy, Editor available to Wisconsin citizens. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been proud of our efforts to provide resources to readers on energy assistance, efficiency, do-it-yourself projects, and even gardening. Continuing along those lines, we will be partnering with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for the next few months to provide readers with resources and information about the COVID-19 vaccine. We are not trying to make up anyone’s mind—the vaccination is a personal choice. But as we have throughout the pandemic, we want to continue to use our pages to provide our members with helpful pandemic-related resources and official information on the vaccine so that our members can make their own, well-informed decisions regarding the vaccine. It is just another step in that effort. On pages 9 and 10, you will find information about how the vaccines work, why you should considering getting vaccinated, and the safety and efficacy of their proper use. On page 19, you will find county and tribal information that will best help rural Wisconsin readers find the nearest vaccination opportunity. Everyone in Wisconsin ages 16 and older is eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost, and we look forward to providing readers with more information in the coming months.

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

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

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

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President Joe Biden unveiled the details of his proposed $2.3 trillion “infrastructure” plan which includes $621 billion to modernize transportation infrastructure, $400 billion to help care for the aging and those with disabilities, $300 billion to boost the manufacturing industry, $213 billion for retrofitting and building affordable housing, and $100 billion to expand broadband access. Specifically, the plan calls for modernizing 20,000 miles of roads, building 500,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, replacing the country’s existing lead pipes and service lines, repairing aging schools, expanding home care for the elderly and disabled, and investing billions of dollars in domestic semiconductor manufacturing.

The plan also includes a mandate that more of the country’s electricity be generated from low-carbon sources, with a goal of eliminating carbon emissions from the power grid by 2035. For electric co-ops, the plan includes a key provision that would make not-for-profit electric co-ops eligible for the first time for direct-pay investment tax credits and production tax credits for clean energy generation and storage projects. The tax credits are expanded and extended for 10 years. Tax-exempt co-ops would finally get incentives comparable to those provided to for-profit companies to develop energy technologies.

REP RON KIND INTRODUCES $94 BILLION BROADBAND LEGISLATION

Congressman Ron Kind (D-Wisconsin) introduced the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act this week, which would invest more federal dollars in internet infrastructure for rural broadband expansion. Kind’s bill would add $94 billion to the effort of bringing affordable high-speed connections to underserved communities. According to Kind’s office, Wisconsin ranks 36th in the nation for broadband access and one-fifth of the state’s population is “underserved,” or has limited access to high-speed internet. More than 899,000 people in Wisconsin have access to only one internet provider, with nearly 200,000 people living in communities without any wired internet providers. Kind serves on the House Rural Broadband Task Force and cited rural internet as one of his most important legislative priorities. “The internet is a necessity and has fundamentally changed the way we learn, communicate, access information, and conduct business, particularly throughout the COVID-19 crisis,” Kind said in a news release.

WISCONSIN DECLINES TO JOIN PIPELINE LAWSUIT

Twenty-one states, not including Wisconsin, have filed a lawsuit opposing the actions of President Joe Biden to revoke the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, which connects the United States to Canada. The lawsuit, led by Texas and Montana, argues that only Congress, not Biden, has the authority to change the policy. According to the complaint, Biden’s order “cites no statutory or other authorization permitting the President to change energy policy as set by Congress in this manner.” Biden revoked the pipeline permit on his first day in office as part of his plan to lower emissions and combat climate change. The Keystone XL pipeline was 6

already under construction at the time, and opponents say Biden’s action cost thousands of jobs for Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New York. Two Wisconsin contractors, Michels Corp. and Precision Pipeline, were hired to work on the project which they say included 2,000 construction jobs for the state. Wisconsin Congressman Bryan Steil proposed a long-shot bill to reauthorize the pipeline last month, arguing that halting the project not only costs jobs, but will also result in higher prices at the gas pump, as people work to recover from the financial implications of the pandemic.

OUTGOING NRECA PRESIDENT CURTIS WYNN LAUDS CHARGE EV As he concluded his presidency of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Curtis Wynn applauded the cooperative collaboration that led to the creation of Charge EV. In a discussion on “The Brilliance (and Resilience) of the Cooperative Model,” and again in his closing remarks, Wynn said co-ops must embrace change, noting Charge EV is a great example of that. “What I’m seeing is many of our leaders turning challenges into opportunities,” Wynn said, noting this is a time of disruption and edge-of-grid technology is happening at a rapid pace. Through Charge EV, participating co-ops install co-op-branded publicuse Level 2 and Level 3 chargers and offer in-home “smart” chargers that have intelligence built in to allow for load control and time-of-use rates. The program is intended to ease range anxiety and promote the use of electric vehicles. Charge EV is a network of cooperatives from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, but most of the initial participating co-ops are in Wisconsin.

FOXCONN’S WISCONSIN SITE MAY PRODUCE ELECTRIC VEHICLES Foxconn says it will announce in May what it plans to do with its Mount Pleasant campus, which may include production of electric vehicles. Foxconn originally planned to manufacture LED screens at the facility, then shifted gears to produce ventilators and masks in 2020 until the need was met. California automaker Fisker has announced that it is partnering with Foxconn for the production of its second vehicle. “While the exact location has yet to be determined, Fisker Chief Executive Henrik Fisker said there is a very good chance initial production will be in the U.S., in part because Foxconn already has a factory in Wisconsin,” the Wall Street Journal reported. Foxconn said that its foothold in Mount Pleasant made the connection with Fisker possible.

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ost of us only think about electricity three times per month. The first is when we get our bill, the second is when we pay our bill, and the third time is when we flip the light switch, and the lights don’t come on. It would be the rare person who thinks about how the electricity they use is produced since for most of us our concern is: Will it be there when I need it? And can I afford it? The reliability, affordability, and accessibility of the power we use every day are key issues we need to consider. Luckily, we Steve Freese generally do not worry about President and CEO these issues because our electric cooperative provides all three for us with ease. There has been a debate raging in our country on climate change. Regardless of where you stand, the reality for your electric cooperative is we have to react and respond to the regulatory direction our government and policymakers set for us. Through last November’s elections, the country spoke on which direction they want this policy to proceed. I think it is crucial for us to share with you what that potentially means for the reliability, affordability, and access to electricity for you. So, for the next four or five months, I will attempt to help our members understand what these changes may mean for you and your family. Most readers are familiar with the Green New Deal because it was the most talked-about climate initiative in recent history. I will make every effort to help you understand the implications of this plan, as well as the Biden Administration’s current climate plan, without editorializing or having any bias, and I will work very hard just to stick to the facts. No matter which side you are on in the climate debate, the leaders of your electric cooperative have to make decisions based on the policies set by our governmental institutions and leaders. The new administration has an ambitious power sector plan to generate clean, American-made electricity and achieve a carbon pollution-free power

AFFORDABLE. ACCESSIBLE.

sector by 2035. The president’s climate action pledge includes an ambitious $2 trillion economic plan that would accelerate a clean-energy transition, cut carbon emissions from the electricity sector by 2035, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. We will have to reach a consensus on what that means to have carbon-pollution-free power by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 for all sectors of the economy. I don’t know if we know that the answer has been agreed to by our government and the electric industry. A major Princeton Universityled analysis gives a range of economically beneﬁcial and technologically feasible options for reaching “net-zero” U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Over the next few months, we will explore them. We will also talk about other terms that are not common for the regular reader but are analyzed every day at your electric cooperative. Concepts like baseload power, intermittent power, stranded assets, fuel sources, net-zero, carbon-free, and the like will be explored through this column in the coming months. I know we have the ingenuity in America to reach any goal we decide to achieve. Still, I think it is equally important to talk with you about how those goals may affect the reliability, affordability, and accessibility of the electricity you use every day.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN May21Steve.indd 1

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COVID-19 Vaccine How do vaccines work? Vaccines help your body recognize and fight bacteria or viruses so you don’t get as sick. COVID-19 vaccines use either messenger RNA (mRNA) or a safe version of a different virus (a vector) to deliver important instructions on how to fight the virus. Our cells use these instructions to create a specific protein needed to build immunity.

Why should I get the vaccine? You can protect your health so you can be there for your loved ones. You can do your part and help us get closer to community immunity. COVID-19 vaccination will be an important tool to help stop the pandemic.

COVID-19 vaccines are Safe •

• •

All the COVID-19 vaccines that are being used have gone through the same safety tests and meet the same standards as all other vaccines. Their effects are being heavily scrutinized, with their use adjusted accordingly. In fact, in an abundance of caution, one version was pulled back for further study after just six people out of 700 million who were administered the vaccine reported severe side effects. Millions of people have already gotten the COVID-19 vaccine safely. Very few (less than 0.005%) vaccinated people have severe side effects. You are more likely to have serious long-term effects if you get COVID-19 and are not vaccinated.

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COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. Medical experts authorized the vaccines because they give us the protection against COVID-19 we need.

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How were such effective vaccines developed so quickly? • • •

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Where can I get vaccinated? Check out DHS’s website or call 1-844-684-1064 to learn where you can get vaccinated when you are eligible: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-get.htm

Remember: • •

• •

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4/19/21 4:05 PM

expansion promises broken that left members waiting for high-speed internet access that never came, Cornell and the WIEC co-op board decided it was time to act. “Making things happen is what we do best,” Cornell said. And he’s right. The COOPS TAKE A PAGE FROM THE co-op and partners were HISTORY BOOKS TO MOVE THE NEEDLE recently awarded a grant from the state Public ON BROADBAND EXPANSION, WITH Commission THE HELP OF COMMUNITY PARTNERS Service (PSC) to help pay for the installation of approximately two miles of fiber he plan was only 11 pages long. on the mainland in Door County from In 1934, President Franklin the Cellcom tower in Gills Rock to the Delano Roosevelt called for the cable shore landing at the Northport proposal that led to the creation of the Ferry terminal. Cornell and the co-op Rural Electrification Administration board had the foresight to include a fi(REA), aimed at electrifying the rural ber-optic line with the new electric cable residents of the country. The concept installed in late 2018 after the existing presented in those 11 “powerful” pages cable failed due to ice damage. This led to an executive order, and within forward-thinking approach means now two short years 350 electric cooperathey can connect the fiber line to the tives, funded by low-interest REA loans, Cellcom tower on the island, extending formed in 35 states including Wisconthe option of high-speed internet to 214 sin and were powering more than 1.5 homes and businesses, including the million farms, homes, and businesses Washington Island Ferry Line, the town, in rural America. Rural electrification emergency services, and school, for the is known as one of the most profound first time ever. successes in the history of federal poli“It means the cooperative will be in a cy-making in the United States. Too bad position to move towards expansion for history doesn’t always repeat itself. all members sooner and easier,” Cornell It has been more than a decade since said of the grant proposal, which the government leaders of both parties PSC ranked second out of 124 applicarecognized that high-speed internet tions, based on merit. “Fiber to the home access is critical to the rural economy, and the corresponding reliability and much like electricity was more than 80 high speeds and low latency means that years ago. The Federal Communications our members will be able to do things Commission’s 2010 report, Connecting that many folks in the county will not. It America: The National Broadband Plan, is really an economic development drivwas touted as a roadmap that would er for the community. It means distance ensure every American had broadband learning for children and adults alike access by 2020. The reality fell far short will be easier. Telemedicine becomes of the achievable goal, even though this more realistic and effective. Services for plan was book-length, 376 pages long. visitors will be better. There is a myriad Many co-ops across the country and of benefits for all.” here in Wisconsin are now taking a “less And they’re not doing it alone. talk, more action” approach. Washington Island’s project is a partner“Enough is enough,” said Washingship with Nsight, the parent company of ton Island Electric Cooperative (WIEC) Cellcom, a local cellular provider, and General Manager Robert Cornell. FrusDoor County, all invested and intent on trated following years of broadband the same goal—making broadband a re-

SYNERGY IS KEY

TO RURAL BROADBANDIFICATION

ality for their communities, made up of their neighbors and families and friends. Cooperative collaboration is key in Chippewa and Taylor Counties as well, where Ntera (formed when Chippewa Valley Electric Co-op and Citizens Connected Co-op came together to expand broadband in the region) also received supporting funds from the PSC (PSC grant applicants agree to put up matching funds, or more, in most cases). Three of Ntera’s four applications were among the PSC’s selected approvals, which means close to 400 more homes and businesses will soon have broadband access, again thanks to the synergy of strong partnerships. Ntera is working in collaboration with Dairyland Power Cooperative, Jump River Electric Cooperative, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative (ECEC), Taylor County, and local towns and villages to make these projects happen. Russ Falkenberg, director of IT & member services at Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, says the Town of Goetz contributed to the construction of one project, as did Eau Claire Energy, as it will connect their Cadott substation.

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billion more on broadband expansion. “The collaboration with partners, both formal and inforWhile there are many similarities between broadband mal, has been amazing,” said Falkenberg. “There is no battle expansion and the electrification of rural America, there are over recognition or credit; everyone is working together to get also many stark differences. Unlike electrification, broadband broadband to their respective members and residents. This has providers don’t have a guaranteed customer base. Some peobeen one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever been inple don’t want, or can’t afford, high-speed internet, and those volved in.” who do are always free to consider other options. Electric “For years, I’ve been trying to get reliable broadband to our cooperatives have to weigh all of the factors before taking on a township. I’ve contacted the big players such as CenturyLink project, and some find the risk to members is too great. and Charter. Simply put, they have no interest in serving the ru“The Rural Electrification Administration built a moveral areas,” said Town of Arthur Chairman Cory LaNou. “When ment; broadband expansion is building a technology,” exI approached Ntera, not only were they willing to partner with plained Shannon Clark, Richland Electric Cooperative general us to achieve our goals, they went above and beyond by helping our town win grants that allowed us to finally start bringing in the much needed broadband.” Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS), like Ntera, was largely denied funds awarded in the FCC’s recent Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) reverse auction, which mostly favored large telecom companies, and newer, lesser-known companies like LTD Broadband, but PPCS is also getting funds from the PSC. Two of PPCS’s three applications were approved, which means they will be able to extend high-speed internet to more than 550 homes and businesses in Pierce County areas that are very much underserved. Pierce Pepin President and CEO Nate Boettcher said the PSC funds take away some of the sting of losing out in the RDOF auction to some “bigger KS Energy begins plowing in new distribution cable and fiber players” who have failed to follow through with duct as part of Washington Island’s pilot fiber-to-the-home project. broadband expansion commitments in the past. Photo courtesy of Tyler McGrane “In our area specifically, we heard 20 years of promises by Tier 1 telecoms that took federal money manager and CEO, and board chairman of the National Rural but never served the rural areas,” Boettcher said. “The question Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC). I get asked is, ‘If PPCS doesn’t do this, who will?’ The fact Broadband expansion will likely not be remembered as one remains, broadband is our electricity challenge of the 1930s. of the great policy-making moments in the nation’s history, but Our distribution system and our members not only depend on with the synergy build of local partners and electric cooperit today, but it will be a baseline requirement for living by all atives, it appears true broadband expansion may finally get future generations.” done. It appears that President Joe Biden is among those who “We have found through experience with the big telcos recognize that electric cooperatives, and other local entities, are that it would be better if rural areas were able to be in control key to fulfilling broadband expansion promises in rural of their own destiny,” Cornell said. “Cooperatives serve their America. His $2 trillion “American Jobs Plan” released in members, not outside interests or shareholders.” March cites the success of the Rural Electrification Act and Perhaps the greatest benefit for members poised to be says, “Broadband internet is the new electricity.” The plan, served by the latest Wisconsin co-op projects is the timeline. which includes a record $100 BILLION investment in broadPending the delivery of materials and supplies, the co-ops band expansion, gives preference to electric cooperatives and are working aggressively to get the jobs done, compared to municipal utilities and is already getting fierce pushback by big recipients of the RDOF funds whose long-form proposals are telecom companies. still under review by the FCC, and could be for another year. To put the cost in perspective, that 11-page plan that led to Once approved, it could be six to ten more years before those the electrification of rural America back in the 1930s estimated projects are complete, if ever. the total cost to run power to all unserved rural residents in the By contrast, Washington Island already has shovels in the country would be up to $200 million, but Congress went further ground. Anticipating a shortage in materials, again working and approved $410 million. Adjusting for inflation, that would pro-actively, they placed their order for the fiber optic materibe the equivalent of about $8 billion in today’s dollars. Decemals last summer. Like Cornell said, “Making things happen.” ber’s RDOF auction alone awarded $9 billion in broadband It’s what electric co-ops do.—Julie Lund expansion funds, and the president now wants to spend $100 12

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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4/20/21 10:56 AM

PLEASE MOVE OVER

FOR ROADSIDE CREWS IT’S POLITE, AND IT’S THE LAW. Every year, workers along the sides of roads are injured or killed when a car crashes into the crew’s site, even though it’s marked with bright cones and warning signs. There’s an easy way to reduce those incidents that harm police officers and other first responders, road construction workers, and utility crews. There’s a slogan to help remind drivers. There’s even a law. The slogan is “slow down or move over.” It’s good advice and a decent thing to do to keep people safe. It’s also a requirement in all 50 states. Wisconsin first passed its “Slow Down or Move Over” law in 2001 with Wisconsin Act 15. It wasn’t until 2013 that the definition of “emergency or roadside service vehicle” was changed to include any vehicle of a public utility, telecommunications carrier, or cooperative association displaying one or more flashing amber lamps. Anytime one of these vehicles is on or within 12 feet of a roadway, the slow down or move over law provisions apply. It’s an addition that’s welcomed by your local electric cooperative because they were part of the effort to expand the law to help protect line crews. Protecting line crews is a top priority for Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives, and it’s a safety measure everyone can help with, says Tim Clay, with the cooperative statewide association. “Electric cooperatives often work in road rights-ofway and are exposed to the same traffic safety hazards as construction and emergency vehicle operators,” said Clay. “Safety has and will always be a critical component of what we do and expanding the ‘Slow Down or Move Over’ law to include electric utility vehicles provides a much greater margin of safety when motorists comply.” There are slight differences in each state’s Move Over laws, but not so much that you can’t figure out the right

thing to do, even if you’re traveling from state to state. Here are the basic requirements: • Within 200 feet before and after a work zone, which will be marked with bright signs and marker cones, and often flashing lights, change lanes if there’s more than one lane on your side of road so that there is an empty lane between your vehicle and the roadside crew. • If it’s not possible or safe to change lanes, slow down. Many states specify slowing down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if it’s 25 mph or more. Yes, that means if the posted speed limit is 25 mph, slow down to 5 mph. • Drivers must obey all traffic directions posted as part of the worksite.

• Keep control of your car—yes, that’s a requirement in many Move Over laws. And yes, it is more of a general guidance than a rule for a specific speed. It means you need to pay attention and respond to weather conditions—heavy rain or a slick road might mean you’re

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required to slow down even more than 20 mph. And no texting, fiddling with the radio, or other distractions. • Penalties for violating those requirements range from $100 to $2,000, or loss of your driver’s license. Electric utility crews are special cases to watch out for. A study of utility worksite accidents found that the relatively temporary nature of power line repairs could surprise motorists. A roadside construction operation might close a lane for days or weeks, giving time for people familiar with the area to anticipate the changed traffic pattern. Utility work, however, can start and finish in a few hours, possibly raising risks with drivers who might think they know the road ahead. Another risk to watch for is when worksites are being put up or taken down. Roadside accidents can happen as crews are setting up signs and traffic cones. My fatherin-law used to tell his daughter every time they parted, “Drive all the time.” What he meant was that she should pay attention, and it’s good advice for all of us. Don’t drive distracted. Drive according to the conditions of the road. Be courteous to roadside work crews. Watch the signs and obey them. And certainly, follow laws like Move Over or Slow Down. It’s good advice that could save a life. Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape.

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Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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May 2021

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SCRUMPTIOUS

SPINACH Beef and Spinach Greek Pie

Like the popular Greek Spanakopita, but easier! This pie made with ground beef, feta, and spinach delivers on flavor without messing up the entire kitchen. Recipe and photo courtesy of The Wisconsin Beef Council. 1 (10 oz) pkg frozen chopped spinach, defrosted, drained well 4 oz herb-flavored feta cheese, crumbled 2 eggs, slightly beaten 2 tsp dried oregano 1 lb ground beef 1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups) Salt and pepper 4–8 sheets frozen phyllo dough, defrosted, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick strips (approx. 4 cups) 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Heat oven to 400 degrees. Squeeze spinach to remove any excess moisture. Combine spinach, cheese, eggs, and oregano in medium bowl. Set aside. Heat large ovenproof, nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef and onion; cook 8–10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Add beef mixture to spinach mixture; mix well. Wipe out skillet. Combine phyllo strips and oil in medium bowl; toss to coat well. Spray same skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Place 1/2 of phyllo strips in bottom of skillet; top with beef mixture, pressing with back of spoon or spatula to flatten. Top with remaining phyllo strips. The pie may also be baked in a 2-quart or 8-x8-inch glass baking dish instead of the skillet. Spray baking dish with cooking spray and assemble as directed in previous step. Bake in 400 degree oven 15–18 minutes or until beef is heated through and topping is golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut into 4 wedges to serve. Cook’s Tips: • Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness. • Frozen phyllo dough is sold in a variety of 16-ounce packages. For packages with the dimensions of about 14-x18-inches, use 4 sheets of the dough; for packages with dimensions of 9-x14-inches, use 8 sheets of the dough to equal 4 cups of dough strips.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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Baked Spinach Artichoke Yogurt Dip

Everyone will enjoy the combination of spinach and artichokes in this classic dip–but without the guilt, since it’s made with creamy, low-fat yogurt. Recipe and photo courtesy of Midwest Dairy. 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 1 (10 oz) pkg frozen spinach, thawed and drained 8 oz plain low-fat yogurt 1/4 cup green onion, chopped

1 cup shredded low-moisture part-skim Mozzarella cheese 1 garlic clove, minced 2 Tbsp red pepper, chopped

Combine all ingredients except the red pepper; mix well. Pour mixture into a 1-quart casserole dish or 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for 20–25 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with chopped red peppers. Makes 8 servings

Mushroom Freezer Breakfast Burritos

Recipe and photo courtesy of The Mushroom Council and Natalie Rizzo, RD.

2 Tbsp neutral oil (canola, vegetable, grapeseed) 1/2 white onion, diced 2 garlic gloves, minced 1/4 tsp salt

2 cups crimini mushrooms, chopped 4 cups loosely packed spinach, chopped 8 large eggs 3 Tbsp milk

Salt and pepper, to taste Cooking spray 4 large whole wheat tortillas 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp goat cheese

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil to pan. Add the onion and garlic; cook for 2–3 minutes or until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook until they are golden brown (approx. 3–4 minutes). Flip the mushrooms, so the other side can cook. Place the spinach in the pan and cook until it is wilted or approx. 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and stir all the veggies together. Remove from heat and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Heat another large skillet over medium heat. Spray the skillet with cooking spray and add egg mixture. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the eggs have set. Remove from heat. Heat the tortillas in the microwave for 10 seconds (they are easier to roll when warm). Lay out the tortillas on four separate pieces of aluminum foil and spread 1-1/2 tablespoons of goat cheese on each tortilla. Evenly distribute the roasted vegetables and scrambled eggs among the four tortillas. Roll each one up in the foil and place in a freezer bag; freeze. Makes 4 burritos / servings. When ready to eat from the freezer, remove foil and microwave on high for 1–2 minutes or until heated throughout.

Spinach and Feta Brunch Bake

Recipe and photo courtesy of The United Soybean Board—Soy Connection 3 Tbsp soybean oil, U.S.-grown if available 1 small sweet onion, chopped 2 (12 oz) pkgs frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped Pinch of cayenne 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 4 large eggs, beaten 1/3 cup milk Chopped red pepper

Spiced Pecan Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette The warm spiciness of these Spiced Pecans is perfect with the sweet tanginess of the Strawberry Vinaigrette. You’ll want to make a batch just to snack on. Recipe and photos courtesy of Seth Freedman, PeachDish and Stacy Little, SouthernBite.com and The National Pecan Shellers Association. SALAD INGREDIENTS 1 cup pecan halves 1 egg white 1-1/2 Tbsp Pecan Spice Blend (recipe follows) or Chinese five spice powder 2 Tbsp strawberry preserves 2 Tbsp cider vinegar

1 Tbsp water 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 cup pecan or vegetable oil 4 cups spinach 3 green onions, thinly sliced 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

PECAN SPICE BLEND 2 Tbsp salt 3 Tbsp sugar 3 Tbsp smoked paprika 2-1/2 Tbsp powdered garlic 2-1/2 Tbsp dried lemon peel 1-1/2 tsp ground cumin 3/4 tsp crushed rosemary

Pecan Spice Blend Instructions In a small bowl, whisk together all spice ingredients. Store in a jar or other airtight container.

Salad Instructions Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, whisk egg white until frothy. Add the pecan halves and toss to coat well. Sprinkle evenly with spice blend and toss to coat well. Spread pecans in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray. Bake, stirring once or twice until browned, crisp, and well-toasted, approx.12 minutes. While pecans are toasting, whisk together the strawberry preserves, vinegar, water, salt, and black pepper. Whisk in oil in a slow and steady stream until incorporated. To serve, plate the spinach onto a serving platter. Top with spiced pecans, green onions, and feta cheese. Drizzle with the strawberry vinaigrette. Makes 4 servings May 2021

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RECIPE EXCHANGE Submit your favorite recipes to be featured on our reader recipe page. Email to jennifer@weca.coop. For bonus recipes, go to http://wecnmagazine.com/recipes/.

Venison Jerky

Shirley Lewis, Madison

2 lbs venison 2 tsp black pepper, coarsely ground 1 tsp liquid smoke 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp seasoned salt 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Slice venison into 1/8-inch thick strips along the grain for chewier jerky, against the grain for more tender jerky. Transfer seasonings, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce into a large re-sealable plastic bag and mix until ingredients are combined. Add meat to the bag and toss until all pieces are evenly coated with seasonings and sauce. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day. Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lowermiddle and heat to 175 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with aluminum foil and place wire baking racks on top of each. Lay the strips out in a single layer on the racks. Bake until the meat is dry and ﬁrm, yet a little bit pliable—approx. 4 hours—ﬂipping the meat once after 2 hours. Remove and transfer to sealed container. Refrigerate for about 1 month…if it lasts that long.

REQUESTS FROM OUR READERS

An online reader is looking for carrot cake recipes (unusual or unique ingredients or applications such as cupcakes, etc.). Send to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, What’s Cooking? 222 West Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703-2719 or contact us via our website, www. wecnmagazine.com. Thanks!

Lemon Squares

Sally Boldig, Tigerton

1 cup all-purpose ﬂour 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 eggs 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 2 Tbsp lemon juice

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix ﬂour, butter, and confectioners’ sugar together thoroughly. Press into ungreased 8-x8-x2-inch square pan, building up around the edges about 1/2-inch. Bake 20 minutes. Beat remaining ingredients approx. 3 minutes or until light and ﬂuffy. Pour over hot crust. Bake about 25 minutes longer or just until no imprint remains when touched lightly in the center. Cool; cut into squares.

Pepper Steak Caballero Jane Chulafich, Fennimore

1-1/2 lbs venison steak or chops, cut into 1/8-inch thick strips 1-1/2 Tbsp paprika 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 Tbsp butter 1 cup sliced green onions with tops, chopped 2 green peppers, cut into strips 2 large fresh tomatoes, diced 1 cup beef broth 1/4 cup water 2 Tbsp cornstarch 2 Tbsp soy sauce 3 cups hot cooked rice

Sprinkle the steak with paprika and allow to sit while preparing other ingredients. Cook the steak and garlic in butter until steak is browned. Add onions and green peppers until vegetables are wilted. Add tomatoes and broth. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Blend water, cornstarch, and soy sauce. Stir this slurry into steak and cook until thickened. Serve over rice.

Dark Fruit and Applesauce Cake

Jean Atter Chwala, Boyd Jean writes: “This recipe makes a dark, fruity, moist applesauce-type fruitcake using Wisconsin cranberries instead of candied fruit, which some people do not enjoy.”

1-1/2 cups sugar 6 Tbsp butter 2 eggs 2 Tbsp molasses 2 tsp vanilla 2-1/2 cups sweetened applesauce 1 jar Maraschino cherries, drained and halved 3/4 cup raisins 3/4 cup orange-flavored dried cranberries (or unflavored) 3/4 cup cherry-flavored dried cranberries (or unflavored) 1 cup pecans, chopped 3 cups flour 3-1/4 tsp baking soda 2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp cloves 1/2 tsp salt

Blend together sugar, butter, eggs, molasses, and vanilla. Mix in applesauce, cherries, raisins, cranberries, and pecans; let this mixture sit to allow the raisins and cranberries to plump up. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl blend the ﬂour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix well. Grease 2 bread loaf pans (or 3 small loaf pans). Bake at 275 degrees for about 1-1/2 hours. Time may vary depending upon the type of bread pan used. Test for doneness with a toothpick. Tip: Line the bottom of the bread pans with a layer of brown paper from a paper bag; it will prevent the cakes from sticking and will allow them to release when done.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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WILD FOR FLOWERS

WISCONSIN’S WOODLANDS ARE

BRIMMING WITH BLOOMS

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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e’ve had the April showers. Now it’s time for some May flowers! Head for the woods—any woods—for a visual feast as the first really warm temperatures of the year and the sunlight that reaches the ground unimpeded by a full canopy of summer leaves coax forth an abundance of colorful wildflowers. “Spring wildflowers all have their own stages of when they bloom so you can keep going out all month and it will look different each time,” said Megan Giefer, a naturalist at Beaver Creek Reserve in Fall Creek, located on Eau Claire Energy Cooperative’s lines. Beaver Creek Reserve is a multipurpose nature campus comprising 400 acres of diverse habitats, with nine miles of hiking trails and multiple facilities including the Wise Nature Center, Hobbs Observatory, and a seasonal Butterfly House. It’s an ideal place to explore Wisconsin’s woodland wildflowers, located as it is between the state’s northern and southern regions. “It’s really fun to visit different places in the state and see all the different kinds of plants and different colors,” Giefer added. “Up north they’ll get similar plants to ours but they come a little later in the year. We also see some that are more common in the southern areas. We’re kind of in the middle so we get a lot of both. That’s a fun thing about being in the Chippewa Valley area.” While Beaver Creek Reserve is a perfect place to plan a spring wildflower walk, it’s not the only place. State parks and natural areas throughout Wisconsin are all great sites to spot wildlowers. The woods in your community’s local parks, or even your own back yard, will be blooming as well. Wherever the woods, there are some common guidelines to consider when planning a spring wildflower walk.

WISCONSIN FAVORITES if you want to come and see the flowers,” she said. • Look low. Spring woodland wildflowers tend to hug the forest floor, where it’s damp. Forego the hillsides and explore deep into the woods. • No picking. Wildflowers are protected, and it’s illegal to pick them in Wisconsin. Giefer noted that picking a bouquet of wildflowers to take with you is pointless anyway, as they wilt quickly once they’re picked and likely wouldn’t even last the trip home. “They need to have their stem in the ground,” she said. Instead, bring a camera and take some beautiful pictures home with you. • Tune in to the temps. Like all growing things, wildflowers are weather-dependent and their season varies accordingly. Giefer said spring

woodland wildﬂowers generally start appearing when the temperatures consistently reach the upper 50s, 60s, and low 70s. As the temperatures climb to the upper 70s, the spring blooms start to fade and give way to summer varieties.

Forest Flora Favorites

Giefer suggested several varieties of May wildﬂowers to watch for on a walk through the woods:

Spring Beauty wildflowers (facing page) cover the south trails of Beaver Creek Reserve. Dutchman’s Breeches (right) get their name from the flower’s shape of an upside down pair of pantaloons. Trout Lilies (below) have unique, brown-mottled leaves. The yellow petals of the nodding flower curl back in the sunshine. Photos by Ruth Forsgren, courtesy of Beaver Creek Reserve

• Wear boots. Giefer explained that spring woodland wildflowers thrive in the moist soil along the forest floors, and spring rainshowers and flooding can quickly turn the ground quite wet. “Plan to get a little muddy May 2021

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Spring Beauty: This small, delicate flower with its pink and purple hues is a common sight at Beaver Creek Reserve in mid-spring. The flower’s five petals are typically white or pale pink with fine, purple stripes running the length of each petal. The flowers form in clusters, creating a burst of color. “This one really thrives at Beaver

Creek. It is the most beautiful flower and it completely coats the forest floor on our south trails,” Giefer said. “It’s just amazing—it’s a sea of pink.” Jack-in-the-Pulpit: Sometimes mistaken for a weed, these shade-loving plants don’t resemble a typical wildflower. “This one is my favorite—it’s very unique,” Giefer said. “It looks like a pitcher, like it could be filled with water. It’s almost like a cup with a lid—that’s how I think of those.” This green and maroon cup-like

Two of the delicate white-petaled wildflower varieties that are common in Wisconsin are Bloodroot (left) and Trilliums (below). Photos by Ruth Forsgren, courtesy of Beaver Creek Reserve

“spathe” wraps around the plant’s true flowers, which appear as tiny little dots alongside a stalk within the spathe. A Jack-in-the-Pulpit can also be identified by its three distinctive leaves, which Giefer said can grow as large as an outstretched human hand. The plant’s growth pattern is also unique. Giefer said a single “mother plant” seeds new plants. The mother plant can grow to several feet tall, with massive leaves, and it can appear alone or in a gathering of smaller, new plants. “This one lasts a while,” Giefer said. “We’ll see these flowers in the middle of the spring to the end of spring. It can even last into the beginning of summer.” Once the flower is pollinated, the spathe droops and the flowers give way to bright red, berry-like clusters—poisonous to humans but loved by birds— that brighten the woods throughout the summer. These berry-like clusters contain the seeds that create new Jackin-the-Pulpits. Dutchman’s Breeches: Another wildflower that produces an unusual-looking blossom is Dutchman’s Breeches. “These look like, literally, an upside-down pair of pants,” Giefer said. “These are really fun to find. One stem has multiple flowers hanging down, so it looks like multiple pairs of pants.” The blossoms are white, and anywhere from five to 10 of them will hang from a single stalk. The plant grows to about 10 to 12 inches tall and has feathery, fernlike leaves growing around a leafless stalk. Bloodroot: Found closer to the ground, Bloodroot flowers are dainty plants that grow only about six inches tall. Each flower emerges on its own stem, wrapped in a single leaf, which unfurls as the flower blooms open. “It kind of looks like a small sunflower or daisy, with longer white petals around a yellow center,” Giefer said. Bloodroot gets its name from the blood-red juice that comes from the flower’s stem. These flowers typically appear in early May and are fairly elu-

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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WISCONSIN FAVORITES sive, lasting only for a couple of weeks. “They’re a really beautiful flower to find, and they’re usually found in clusters so there will be a bunch of them,” Giefer said. Trout Lily: These plants get their name from their distinctive brown-mottled leaves, which resemble the pattern of a brown trout. The long, distinctive leaves are easily identifable, but their flowers are also unique. The Trout Lily has a single, dainty flower on top of a short stalk, with the flower pointing toward the ground and the petals curling back in the sunshine. Two types of Trout Lilies grow naturally in Wisconsin, one with yellow flowers and the other with white. The variety with yellow blooms are more common in northern Wisconsin, and the white flowers are more likely to appear in the state’s southern areas. Trout Lilies are not found in great abundance at Beaver Creek Reserve, but the ones that do appear have yellow flowers. “This one is really beautiful and it also appears in clusters,” Giefer said. Other varieties of wildflowers are more exclusive to specific areas. For example, Trilliums are not found at Beaver Creek Reserve, but they’re very common in northern deciduous woodlands. Named for their three rounded petals standing over three distinctive leaves, Trilliums typically bloom in midMay. They appear all over the country in various forms, but in Wisconsin the most common variety is the Snow Trillium, with its three brilliant white petals. Virginia Bluebells, on the other hand, are more common in the southern areas of the state. These wildflowers appear early, usually mid April to mid-May, in moist woodlands and river flood plains. The plants have blue, trumpet-shaped flowers that grow in clusters at the ends of the stems. May Apples are also exclusive to southern Wisconsin. These are canopy-like plants whose leaves slowly unfurl as the stem grows, unfolding as the stem reaches its full height and forming the shape of a partially opened umbrella. The delicate white flowers, which can be hard to spot as they stay tucked beneath the canopy leaves, typically appear in late April to about mid-May. These varieties are just a sampling of the wildflowers to be found in Wisconsin’s woodlands in the spring. Take a walk through the forests to take in all the flowers—you’ll never feel so grateful for April’s showers.—Mary Erickson Virginia Bluebells have loose clusters of purplish bellshaped flowers. The unique Jack-in-the-Pulpit is a long-living plant that spreads and colonizes over time.—Photo courtesy of Karen Hlavacek, Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative member

Beaver Creek Reserve is located at S1 County Hwy K, Fall Creek, WI 54742. Workshops and programs are typically held here year-round, including guided phenology walks in the spring, although programs and hours of some facilities are still limited due to COVID-19. However, the walking trails are open. To learn more, visit beavercreekreserve.org or call 715-877-2212.

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CLASSIFIEDS MISCELLANEOUS

WANTED: Paying cash for WWII German, Japanese flags, daggers, swords, guns, etc. Also, lever-action rifles. 715-340-1974. 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. USED BILLBOARD VINYLS/TARPS: Possible sizes available: 14x48=$70, 10x36=$37, 10x30=$30. 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. CHAINSAWS WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE. Buying 1 or 100 McCulloch, Pioneer, Jonsereds, Echo, STIHL, Homelite, Remington, Mall. Buying all brands and sizes. Non-running, running, seized, parts. Let me know what you have—will travel. Call Chainsaw Mike at 715-828-9414. FOR SALE 2012 YAMAHA 650 MOTORCYCLE with Toe Pac Trike Kit, new tires $4,995. Also vintage 1978 Kawasaki 400. Gary Joslin, Eau Claire, WI 54701. 715-834-8578. FOR SALE: FULL-SIZED WOODEN RAILROAD CABOOSE. Perfect playhouse or Bed & Breakfast, or keep original. Many extras, including the track. $10,000. Jay (608) 526-5878. 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 855-797-6072 or email mmtagm@yahoo.com. ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL PUPPIES. AKC registered. Vet checked, first shots, tails docked and dew claws removed. Call or text 715-579-2547. FACTORY—35,000 FT. Many compliments. $3 Million replacement cost. 10 rooms. Many uses, such as antique mall, apartments, unique, picturesque. In operation until July 1, 2021 vacancy. Galesville. $265,000. (608) 582-2263. 1-8 p.m.

PLANTS & SHRUBS MCKAY NURSERY COMPANY—WISCONSIN GROWN SINCE 1897 Provider of quality shade & ornamental trees, fruit & ﬂowering trees, evergreens, shrubs, perennials, ground cover, and vines. Design services & delivery available. Contact Eric at ezlandscapewi@gmail.com or call 608909-1962. “Your McKay Independent Sales & Service Provider.”

REAL ESTATE VACATION RENTALS—Chippewa Flowage in Hayward, WI. A private 4-bedroom / 2-bath is available, and also a 3-bedroom / 1-1/2 bath is available. Docks at both locations. Year-round rentals. On snowmobile and ATV trails. Contact Jen at 715-558-2759. VACATION RENTAL. Cape Coral, FL. Beautiful 3 bedroom home on gulf access canal. 10,000lb boat lift. Weekly rental or more. Call Al. 608-295-7433. HUNTERS/SNOWMOBILERS/HORSES PARADISE in Marathon County. Beautiful 3-bedroom / 3.5 bathroom home on approximately 60 acres. Trophy whitetails and turkeys abundant. Also great place to raise horses. See photos and all the details of this great piece of property at Zillow. com. 201696 Bentley Rd, Rosholt, WI 54473. This was formerly 2117 Birch Rd, Rosholt, WI. Call Kerry at 715-581-3327. UPPER MICHIGAN. 1800’ OF LAKESHORE, 35+ acres, pristine lake. Trout streams, golf, casino, snowmobiling, skiing. Ottawa Forest. Very private. $297,000. 715-495-2081.

ADVERTISE WITH US MORE THAN 152,000 MAILBOXES EACH MONTH Reach rural readers ads@weca.coop

FOR SALE: TRACTOR CHAINS. Size 16.9 x 28. Like new condition. Asking $450. Call 715-373-2573. Classified ads reach more than 152,000 mailboxes. RATES: For non-members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $25 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $1.25 each. For members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $14 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $.70 each. Count name, address, and phone number as part of ad. Please include zip code. FOR PROOF OF MEMBERSHIP, please include your address label from your copy of the magazine. FREQUENCY DISCOUNTS: 2% discount for 3 months; 5% for 6 months; 10% for 12 months. DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the ad is to appear. All classified ads must be paid in advance. There is no agency discount on classifieds. Make check or money order payable to: WECA. Mail to: WECN, Attn. Jennifer, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Ph: 608-467-4638. Email jennifer@weca.coop. We reserve the right to refuse ads.

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OUR 58th YEAR

BEFORE YOU DIG

CALL 811

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WISCONSIN EVENTS 1 Bloomin’ Greenhouse Tour—Clark County Area. All-Day Event. More than 100,000 ﬂowers and plants hand-potted, nurtured, and carefully combined. Mid-April through Fall hosted by Clark County Economic Development Corporation & Tourism Bureau. Annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, grasses, trees, shrubs, hostas, daylilies, mums, fairy garden supplies, pumpkins, corn mazes, garden art, more. For a brochure call: 715-255-9100. 1 Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale—Chaseburg. Village Hall, 400 Depot Street, 7–10:30 a.m. Join the American Cancer Society Sole Burner of Chaseburg for a free-will donation breakfast, pick up a carry out or dine in. Vendors from 7 a.m–1 p.m. to shop. Rosemaling, jewelry, plants, homemade crafts, and more. Stay for the village-wide rummage sales that day. Brat and hot dog sale from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Tippy Toe Inn. 608-452-3135. 1 Pancake Breakfast—Clifton. Park Shelter, 7–11 a.m. Presented by the Clifton Sportsman Club. $5 for adults; $3 for children 12 and under. 7, 8 Chili Area Wide Garage Sales—Chili area, Fri., 7 a.m–6 p.m.; Sat., 7 a.m–4 p.m. 40+ sales planned. Maps will be available at each sale. Food and public restrooms available both days. Watch for the bright green garage sale signs of participants.

7, 8 Rummage Sales—Melrose. Village-wide, Fri., 8 a.m–5 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m–2 p.m. Village-wide rummage sales. Maps at local businesses in Melrose. 13 Pork Loin Dinner—Chaseburg. Tippy Toe Inn, 4–6 p.m. The American Cancer Society Sole Burner of Chaseburg serving a charcoaled pork loin sandwich with homemade macaroni salad and chips for $8. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Sole Burner of Chaseburg event 608-452-3135. 14, 15 Bowler Area Yard Sales—Bowler. Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat., 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Maps available at JP’s Store/Gas Station and Kropf’s Meat Market. 14, 15 Yard Sale—Bowler. Grace Bible Church, Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sat., 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Event will be held at the church during Bowler area yard sales. These will occur both inside AND outside. Special sales after 12 noon Saturday. 14 Jolly Mixers Dance Club—Clintonville. Memories (formerly Clintonville Lanes & Banquet Hall), 250 County Road I, Clintonville, 7–11 p.m. Jolly Mixers Dance Club dances are held on the third Friday of each month. Good music, dancing, fun, food, and fellowship. Polka and old time music. Admission: $10 per person (subject to change). 920-324-3006.

May 2021 15 Vendor & Crafter Event—Ladysmith. The Drop Zone; VMA Bar & Grill, 605 Summit Ave, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Women with Courage Foundation vendor and crafter fundraising event. Join them for some spring shopping! 19 Book Sale—Onalaska. Library, 741 Oak Avenue South, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Friends of the Onalaska Library Book Sale, one-day indoor/outdoor sale. Thousands of donated and library discarded books, DVDs, magazines, and CDs. Adult, children, fiction, and nonfiction. Most prices $1 or less. Something for everyone! Call 608781-9568 for more information. 26 Lions Blood Drive—Iola-Scandinavia. Fitness & Aquatic Center, 5–10 p.m. Blood Drive: Urgent need for blood now! Pre-register at www.redcrossblood.org. 29 Flea & Craft Market—Coloma. Village Park, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Shop for crafts, antiques, collectibles, rummage, flea market items, produce, baked goods, and more. See “contact info” on website for shopping or vendor information. Food and beverage available after 11 a.m. Bathrooms and parking at the park. Market sponsored by Coloma Area Historical Society. Museum located next to market is open 10 a.m.– 3 p.m. Follow Covid guidelines.

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

Upload your June events by May 10.

Upload your event

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

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Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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YOUNG MEMBERS

Kids and Critters May 2021 1. You can feel the excitement as Jase meets a new bunny friend. Photo submitted by Mary Muchow, a member of Adams-Columbia Electric. 2. Catch and release—Gabby found this turtle by a creek and then released it into the water. Photo submitted by Grandma Sandy Klinke, a member of Clark Electric. 3. Spike Jr. caught a frog while visiting his grandparents. Photo submitted by Adams-Columbia Electric member Victoria Dall. 4. Mia loves to take care of black lab Dolly. Mia is the daughter of Jump River Electric General Foreman Kurt Harris. Photo submitted by Stefanie Harris.

Upload photos directly

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

WELCOME BACK TO OUR HIDDEN OBJECT GAME,

“SYMBOL SEARCH”

It seems we were a little TOO tricky hiding the mushroom last month. It was, indeed, in the magazine. Many readers questioned if we left it out as an April Fool’s Day joke.

Vernon Electric Cooperative members Eric and Arena Kvamme did actually find the mushroom: “Wow! I almost thought that the mushroom was forgotten in this issue, but after many attempts and flip throughs of the magazine I finally found the mushroom on page 30 in Young Member photo #3 at the bottom of Maddy’s picture. That was a tricky one this month! We really enjoy reading the magazine about places in Wisconsin and our area; the recipes this month are mouthwatering and I can’t wait to try them. Thank you for putting together this publication.” This month, inspired by the wildflowers story on page 24, we challenge you to find this dainty wildflower. Remember that the symbol can be anywhere and any size. One randomly selected winner will receive a Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News kitchen kit. One entry per household, please. Send entries by May 15.

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

Good luck!

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

May 2021

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