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CONTENTS May 2022 Vol. 82 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. Member co-ops 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.

Shine a Light

A New Look at Nuclear

On your home security.

Small-scale reactors could be the answer to big climate goals.

USPS number: 688-480. Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703.

Wisconsin Favorites Explore the geological wonders along the Chippewa Moraine.

Periodicals postage paid at Sun Prairie, Wis.

Send correspondence to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Phone (608) 467-4650.

Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.

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 geri@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.

Kids & Critters

Join us on

On the cover: The Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area, on Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative lines, preserves a variety of unique glacial formations. Story on Page 24.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS BRIEFS

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

15 MY CO-OP 20 RECIPES 22 READER RECIPES 28 CLASSIFIEDS 30 EVENTS

Please recycle wecnmagazine.com

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May 2022

4/18/22 1:17 PM

SYMBOL SEARCH HIDDEN OBJECT GAME

Winning our April kitchen kit is Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative member Lana Olson. She said, “The lineworker’s hard hat is located on page 31 in picture number 3 of Kids and Critters, on the floor on the back side of Paige holding her dog Paisley. We are so very fortunate to have such wonderful lineman working in our area who will come out any time of day or night if there is a problem. Hats off to the dedicated crew of Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative and all the other Cooperatives. Thank you.” This month we challenge readers to find THIS electrical plug, in honor of National Electrical Safety Month. Remember that the symbol can be anywhere and any size. HINT: We have many plugs in our pages; make sure it matches the one at the top of this page. 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. You can also enter by mail (don’t forget to include the name of your cooperative):

SYMBOL SEARCH WECA 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703

Good luck! 4

APRIL FOOLS AND MAY SWIMMING POOLS In addition to the lineworker’s hard hat symbol hidden in our April magazine, some VERY eagle-eyed readers also spotted our little mistake: We inadvertently also left March’s symbol, a globe, hidden on the recipes page in April. We’ll chalk this up to April Fool’s tomfoolery, but we are also awarding one reader who spotted the mistake, Larry Travis, a kitchen kit. Looking ahead to summer, May is typically the kick-off to summer swimming season. That, coupled with May being National Electrical Safety Month, makes this a great time to think about electricity safety around swimming pools. Electric shock drowning (ESD) occurs when an electrical current is sent into water; passes through the bod, causing paralysis; and ultimately results in drowning. As you open up your pool for summer fun, the Electrical Safety Foundation International encourages taking these steps to keep the pool safe: • Locate and label all power switches to the pool, hot tub, and spa equipment and lighting. • Make sure all pools, hot tubs, and spas are at least 25 feet from power lines. • All wiring and repairs should be performed by a qualified electrician. • Have a qualified electrician inspect your pool, spa, or hot tub annually. • Install GFCIs, which can prevent electrocution, on all receptacles within 20 feet of the water’s edge. Make safety around electricity a priority each May and all year round. Dana Kelroy Editor

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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NEWS BRIEFS Harris Named Next Jump River GM

The Jump River Electric Cooperative (JREC) board of directors has announced Kurt Harris will take the helm as the next head of the cooperative in May 2022. Harris stepped into the position of assistant general manager in November, working closely with Interim General Manager Mike Schaefer. Schaefer has served as interim general manager since last spring after former General Manager Jim Anderson accepted a new position. Harris has been with Jump River Electric since 2005. He started as an apprentice lineman and later earned his journeyman’s license. Harris’ experience also includes serving as a meter technician/lineman and general foreman. He served as the co-op’s operations manager before his promotion to assistant general manager.

New Report Warns Policies are Not Enough

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued its latest dire report, predicting that temperatures on Earth will exceed a key danger point unless greenhouse gas emissions are reduced faster than what countries have committed to. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the report reveals “a litany of broken climate promises” by governments and corporations. The report says with current climate pledges we are on track to increase emissions globally by 14%. It also says to limit warming to the 1.5-degree Celsius goal set in the accord, we need to cut global emissions in half by 2030 from 2019 levels, and methane emissions must be cut by one-third. The IPCC report’s co-chair, James Skea of Imperial College London, said: “If we continue acting as we are now, we’re not even going to limit warming to 2 degrees, never mind 1.5 degrees.” 6

Budget Shifts Priorities to Defense, Law Enforcement

President Joe Biden released his $5.7 trillion 2023 budget proposal calling for new spending aimed at reducing crime, new defense spending, new investments to ease supply chain issues, and a new tax on the wealthy. Biden says said his budget sends a “clear message that we value fiscal responsibility, safety and security at home and around the world, and the investments needed to continue our equitable growth and build a better America.” The proposal also includes more than $30 billion for climate change initiatives including energy efficiency programs and “climate resilience” programs. Biden’s proposed budget would increase funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect broadband program 33% to $600 million. The proposed budget now goes to Congress for consideration.

U.S. Blocks Russian Cyber Attack on Grid, Power Systems

The White House recently revealed the federal government has detected and secretly removed malware from computer networks around the world that could have led to a Russian attack on vital infrastructure including pipelines, the grid, and financial networks. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the action by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the latest effort to prevent a major cyberoperation that could strike a blow at the American economy in retaliation for sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine. The malware can be used for surveillance or destructive attacks. A court order allows the FBI to remove the malware, even from private computer networks and sometimes without the company’s knowledge.

Broadband Maps to be Complete by Fall

Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel recently told the House Committee on Energy and Commerce that updated broadband maps will be done by this fall. Accurate mapping will ensure grant funds are awarded to projects that extend service to unserved and underserved areas of the country. The maps are mandated by the Broadband DATA Act and are essential for determining how to distribute federal broadband dollars. Completing updated maps has proven difficult following a host of delays. After the maps are completed, stakeholders will have the opportunity to examine the accuracy of the maps.

WECA Supports Streamlined Access to Disaster Funds

Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives spoke out in support of an emergency rule that would expedite access to emergency assistance funds in times of crisis. Under the revision, Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) will eliminate the requirement for an emergency declaration as a prerequisite for electric cooperatives to qualify for Wisconsin Disaster Fund Assistance. In a letter to WEM during the rulemaking process, Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) Vice President of Operations Tim Clay wrote, “Fulfilling this requirement in a disaster can be cumbersome and ties up human resources that would be better utilized for other recovery efforts.” A cooperative still must meet a per capita damage threshold as a primary consideration for funds, which is duplicative of an official emergency declaration. The rule is effective as of March 5 and expires on August 1, 2022.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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MESSAGE from the CEO

RURAL COMMUNITIES DEPEND ON CO-OP VOTERS The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently reported that “Are you ready for a war?!” Some may recall this line while the state experienced population growth, nearly from the 1995 movie Braveheart, in which Mel Gibson’s 30% of the counties, primarily in rural areas, lost resicharacter William Wallace leads an uprising of 13thdents. So, our challenge is that rural communities are loscentury Scottish highlanders against a tyrannical English ing population to urban areas. Conversely, our opportunity king and his conquest of the Scots. I’m of course taking is that elected officials know that to win elections some liberty with political hyperbole here, but they must still reach out to rural voters. For those this is what I feel is coming to Wisconsin this of us who live in rural Wisconsin, we must seize fall. As the political universe focuses its cross on this to make our voices heard. hairs on our state—particularly for the U.S. Having served for 16 years in the State Senate, gubernatorial, and 3rd congressional Assembly I can tell you there are a lot of issues district races—we will also see significant that find commonality in urban and rural areas. activity in dozens of legislative seats now that However, I do believe divisions are growing in reapportionment has finally been settled by the agriculture, energy, land use, and state budgeting, courts. just to name a few. Shrinking rural populations On that last note, for anyone willing to make Steve Freese can negatively impact our representation at the the case for term limits, Wisconsin’s legislature President and CEO Capitol, but we can offset that by having sigis currently trying to make the opposing argunificantly larger voter turnout in elections. The campaign ment. As of this writing, 28 legislators are not seeking teams for governor, U.S. Senate and House, and legislare-election for their current seats, a little more than 20% tive offices in Madison recognize we are still a political turnover. Historically, the number of retirements ranks voice to be reckoned with. Not only will they look to us relatively high. We are going to see quite a few new faces on issues that affect your electric cooperative, but also in the Capitol building come January. critical issues like school aids, local road funding, and All this political focus, and all the spending that acbroadband deployment. companies it, will put added emphasis on the most rural Election spending in Wisconsin will likely exceed parts of Wisconsin for voter participation and turnout. $200 million. You will be absolutely inundated with radio, Having strong, rural representation in the legislative television, and print advertisements. A lot of negative branch is especially important, but when you compound noise will come our way. It is incumbent upon all of us to all this potential electioneering on top of the most recent understand the real issues that affect your electric cooperU.S. Census Bureau data it will present additional ative and be informed when you have conversations with challenges and opportunities. The Census Bureau reports family and friends, talk to candidates, and eventually cast U.S. decennial population growth was 7.4% but here in your ballot. Our goal here is to encourage you to vote. We Wisconsin our population only increased by 3.6%, barely will never tell you for whom to vote. We are confident you enough to keep us from losing a congressional seat like will make an informed decision that will benefit you and our neighbors did in Illinois and Michigan. our rural communities. We just ask that you be an active Many have deemed it worrisome that we have seen participant. Nothing is more important to the survival of a a shift in Wisconsin, and similarly across the country, of representative democracy. people moving from rural counties to more urban areas. 8

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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FEATURE

SHINE

A LIGHT

ighting up your yard will keep the burglars away, right? That’s mostly true, but like a lot of things in life, it’s not that simple. A brightly lit yard could make it easier for the bad guys to see during a break-in. From street lights to porch lights, studies show that better outdoor lighting reduces crime. But those same reports say that security lighting works best as part of a plan that takes into account what crooks look for. The basic advice from law enforcement, insurance companies, and home security system vendors is, don’t just ﬂip on the yard light before bed. In fact, you may want to turn it off before turning in. The goal is to make it look like people are home. Turning lights on and off gives your home that livedin look. And if you’re not there, well, there’s an app for that. Here are six tips to electrify your outdoor lighting tech and increase the security of your home.

ON HOME SECURITY 1. Think like a burglar.

Intruders tend to enter a home through a door, and they’d rather you not be home, so they watch for signs that people are at work. That’s why most burglaries happen in the day, and why leaving your lights on all day and night, or when you’re on vacation, can be an advertisement that no one’s home. Do keep the yard lit while you’re up and around to show normal activity—turning off the porch light at bedtime can be a sign to a potential intruder that someone is in the house. Pay attention to spots that could cover up a break-in— keep trees and bushes trimmed.

2. Light for the right reasons.

Are you trying to light a walkway for guests or keep intruders away from an entrance? Place lights so they achieve your objective. And safety isn’t just about reducing crime. A well-lit outdoor space can also prevent trips, falls, and other accidents.

3. Enlist technology.

Electronic timers and lights that turn on when they sense motion can give the impression that someone’s home and can light the sidewalk when you return from an outing, without leaving the lights on all the time. Increasingly, lights and ﬁxtures can be linked to a smartphone so you can turn them on and off while you’re out and about.

4. Weigh the pros and cons of a home security system.

Security cameras, alarm systems, and protection services offer a wide range of conveniences including ﬁre protection or checking whether your pets hop onto the dining table when you leave. A security camera can also help identify someone stealing a package delivered to your doorstep. They can be expensive, so do your research carefully, and know what you’re trying to achieve.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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Electronic timers and lights that turn on when they sense motion can give the impression that someone’s home. 2. From street lights to porch lights, studies show that better outdoor lighting reduces crime. 3. Many outdoor lights and fixtures, like the Ring smart bulb shown here, can be linked to a smartphone so you can turn them on and off while you’re out and about. Photos courtesy of Ring

5. Protect yourself from internet hackers.

Internet-connected devices can be hacked by digital-savvy troublemakers. Whether it’s a security camera or a smart light bulb, they offer cyber crooks a way into your personal information. The basic internet security advice is to have strong passwords and change them regularly, especially on your home’s central router. Keep software updated on your devices—those updates often add the newest cyber protections. Even though it’s tempting, don’t use social media to tell the world you’re on vacation. Consider sharing your travel photos after you get back.

and report any out-of-the-ordinary activity. Lighting the path to safety, it turns out, involves making a plan, wise use of technology, and a little help from your friends.

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.

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FEATURE

A NEW LOOK AT

NUCLEAR POWER

HOW SMALL-SCALE REACTORS COULD BE THE ANSWER TO BIG CLIMATE GOALS

efore Brent Ridge landed at Dairyland Power Cooperative as the new president and CEO in July of 2020, he spent 17 years at Energy Northwest in Washington State, which provides 100% carbon-free electricity to public utilities in the region, all generated by hydro, wind, solar, and mainly nuclear power, something he says could have great value here in Wisconsin. “It’s an exciting time for nuclear. It really is,” he said, as evidenced by Dairyland’s recent announcement that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding with NuScale Power to explore how the latest in emerging nuclear technology—small modular reactors—could potentially serve members here in the Midwest. As the energy industry works to meet President Joe Biden’s goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035, ﬁnding the right mix of sources, while ensuring the lights stay on and electric bills are affordable, is a challenge. Coal is among the most reliable, but also the biggest contributor of carbon emissions. Natural gas is cleaner than coal but subject to shortages and transportation issues. Wind and solar are no emissions, but not readily available around the clock. Hydro is clean but lacks opportunity for expansion. Nuclear, by contrast, seems to check all of the boxes for a carbon-free fueled future, and across the state and nation, momentum is building. Bipartisan lawmakers in Wisconsin voted to end a 33-year ban on new nuclear plants in 2016, and this year lawmakers in Minnesota

and Illinois are looking to do the same, leaving only 10 states left with bans in place. Two traditional plants under construction in Georgia are the first new nuclear generation projects to happen in 40 years. Ridge says the main benefits of nuclear are a “threelegged stool” of fuel security, non-carbon emissions, and supporting renewables. “First, at a nuclear power plant, you have 18 to 24 months of fuel on site,” Ridge said. “You are not beholden to coal, trains, gas lines, wind, or sun. And, uranium fuel is very inexpensive, and this means you have fuel security. “Next, nuclear is non-carbon emitting. It produces 24/7 baseload electricity and does not emit carbon while doing it. “And third, we are firm believers in renewables as part of our portfolio, but wind, solar, and hydro are intermittent resources. When the wind’s not blowing, and the sun’s not shining, that nuclear power plant can ramp up in just 15 minutes, so it’s a perfect blend.” Not to mention, there’s a difference in land mass. Nuclear power would require 35 acres for a 1,000 megawatt (MW) facility compared to 7,000 acres for a comparable solar array. Oregon-based NuScale Power is the first company to receive approval by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for its small modular reactor (SMR), which it touts as smarter, cleaner, safer, and cost competitive,

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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compared to traditional high-capacity nuclear power plants. Dairyland is interested in the dry cooling option, which is safer for the environment as it does not rely on local waterways. “One of the great things about NuScale’s technology, and in general with these smaller reactors, is you get to build them in pieces, so you can build one reactor, get it working and turned on and start producing revenue, and use some of the revenue to pay for the next reactor,” said Paul Wilson, professor of nuclear engineering at UW-Madison, which houses its own nuclear reactor for research and business purposes. Wilson said another advantage is that small-scale reactors can be built in a factory, instead of on-site, which will help control building costs. A smaller facility will also allow for more local control, which he says fits with the cooperative world. “We’ve actually been thinking here for a while on campus about what opportunities we can look to for small reactor deployments in Wisconsin,” Wilson said. “We actually thought about reaching out to Dairyland Power because they have some experience already with nuclear power.” A resurgence of nuclear is something both people and politicians are warming up to. In a 2021 Pew Research survey, 50% of people said they support more nuclear energy, while 47% opposed it. The close split is a win for nuclear, which has seen a decline in both public support and the number of operating reactors in the nation over the past several decades. Peaking at 104 in 2012, the number of nuclear reactors now stands at 94 according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, with only one operating plant—Point Beach— left in the Badger State. Still, nuclear power accounts for half of the carbonfree energy produced in the U.S. Opponents of nuclear energy argue nuclear is not a safe or reasonable approach. Hannah Mortenson, head of the Wisconsin chapter of the anti-

nuclear group Physicians for Social Responsibility, told the Wisconsin State Journal, “It kind of boggles my mind that they’re considering this…” But John Carr, Dairyland’s vice president for strategic growth, said, “If you look at the (nuclear power) industry’s track record and safety performance, it’s among the best out there.” Like any international large-scale industry, there have been accidents, but they are actually quite rare—only three occurrences of radioactive gas released in almost 60 years of

Nuclear, by contrast, seems to check all of the boxes for a carbon-free fueled future, and across the state and nation, momentum is building.

Brent Ridge

Paul Wilson

operation by nearly 500 commercial nuclear plants worldwide. Those three are well known—Chernobyl, Ukraine (1986); 3-Mile Island in Pennsylvania (1979); and most recently, Fukushima, Japan (2011). In Fukushima, according to a report by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) in 2013, there were “no radiation-related deaths or acute disease” from the Fukushima incident, in which 11 reactors at four plants survived a massive earthquake, but four reactors lost power in the subsequent tsunami. A 2020 follow-up report confirmed the findings of no

death or injury. In 3-Mile Island, the site of the most significant nuclear accident in United States’ history, mechanical failure and human error led to a partial meltdown. More than 100,000 people were temporarily evacuated, but there were no cases of sickness from radiation exposure and “no statistically significant increase in cancer rates,” according to UNSCEAR. In Chernobyl, two workers died in the historic explosion that happened when workers violated safety rules. Dozens of employees on-site suffered radiation sickness, and 28 died. The World Health Organization (WHO) found there was a slight increase in cases of thyroid cancer in the community, likely caused by consuming milk with high levels of iodine in the weeks and months following the explosion. WHO also determined that off-site there was no association between radiation exposure and cognitive impairment in young or unborn children, and no evidence of increased illness or mortality rates overall. “Less and less do I hear people concerned about the immediate safety—that if an accident happened in a nuclear power plant that they would immediately be harmed by it. I think we’ve seen growing evidence that that just doesn’t happen,” said Wilson, adding that small-scale reactors don’t pose the evacuation risk that traditional plants do. Beyond that, nuclear advocates including Dr. James Hansen, a leading climate scientist, claim nuclear power has actually saved an estimated 1.8 million people from respiratory disease and other effects of emissions pollution. But nuclear does have its own challenges, including financial sustainability as it seeks to find its place in the energy market, competing against other renewables receiving government subsidies. “Nuclear power plants are very inexpensive to operate per unit of

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energy, but they have all this capital cost they need to recover,” said Wilson. “And as wind and solar become large factors and they start to change the wholesale market further. They’re getting $18 a MW hour from the federal government for those facilities and it makes it harder for nuclear to compete.” “Coming from a nuclear utility, it is a wildly unfair competitive market.” Ridge agreed, saying they won’t move forward with small-scale nuclear unless it makes fiscal sense. “We won’t do anything that creates financial harm to our members and a lot of things have to happen between today and maybe in the next five years that puts this project going forward.” Perhaps the greatest remaining challenge for a new phase of nuclear energy is a problem that has been in search of a solution for decades—how to dispose of the spent fuel, also known as “nuclear waste.” Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, utilities were required to pay a percentage into a government fund and in return, the federal government was tasked with building a permanent repository, to be completed by 1998. It never was. There is more than $45 billion in the fund, including more than $500 million from Wisconsin utilities, but there is no repository. As a result, generators, including Dairyland Power, have for decades stored spent fuel on the site of their operating or decommissioned nuclear power plants, in federally licensed storage containers.

“They’re seismically safe. They’re hurricane safe. They’re tornado safe. They’re terrorism safe. They weigh 100 plus tons per cask.” Ridge said. “They’re safe and will be for decades and decades. But the ultimate solution is the federal government meeting their obligation for central storage.” “In a strange way, the waste from nuclear energy is actually one of the best things about it,” Wilson said. “As a society we’re very comfortable letting the natural gas waste go up into the atmosphere. And yet this concentrated waste from nuclear fuel, we know right where it is. We can count it, we can label it, we can track it on inventory sheets. There’s a certain irony to the fact that this identifiable waste is so concerning to people considering what we are sending out into the atmosphere.” According to Dairyland, since they made the announcement about the NuScale agreement, the reaction has been mostly positive. Ridge says he never thought when he took this job two years ago, they’d be pursuing nuclear so soon, but he says, it’s the right time and the right place. “Knowing all that I know now, given the incredibly harsh winters and the hot summers, and the retirement of coal plants and the effect on the grid, there is no better location than the upper Midwest to advance this new nuclear technology,” he said. “It’s an absolute perfect opportunity to start to look into a new phase of nuclear power.”—Julie Lund

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FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE CONVICTION OF ANYONE WILLFULLY DAMAGING THE PROPERTY OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OPERATING WITHIN WISCONSIN OR WILLFULLY DAMAGING PROPERTY RESULTING IN THE INTERRUPTION OF SERVICE TO MEMBERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OPERATING WITHIN WISCONSIN.

Information should be conveyed to your local law enforcement officials, to your electric cooperative, or to the:

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Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (608) 467-4650 www.weca.coop

10/16/20 4:17 PM

BRING ON the

BEEF

All recipes and photos courtesy of the Wisconsin Beef Council. **Ground beef should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

Cuban Crispy Shredded Beef A few simple ingredients can take leftover pot roast to the next level. Traditionally known as Vaca Frita—sautéed beef with bell pepper, onion, and lime juice, commonly served with rice and black beans. Delicious!

12 oz cooked beef chuck pot roast, shredded 1 cup sliced green bell pepper 1 cup sliced onion 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 tsp minced garlic 1/2 tsp salt, divided 1/4 tsp ground black pepper Hot cooked rice, black beans, and lime wedges (optional) Combine the beef chuck pot roast, bell pepper, onion, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Marinate in refrigerator for 15 minutes or up to 1-1/2 hours. Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Spread 1/3 of beef mixture in thin layer in skillet. Cook until crispy in spots, turning several times, 2–3 minutes. Remove from skillet. Repeat twice with remaining beef mixture. Season beef with remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Serve with rice, black beans, and lime wedges, as desired. Serves 4.

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RECIPES Mediterranean Beef Meatball Kabob Lean ground beef, fresh parsley, and cumin are formed into meatballs and served in flatbreads. Customize with your choice of chopped veggies and tzatziki sauce.

Tangy Lime Grilled Beef Top Round Steak This steak is tenderized by a tangy marinade of lime, garlic, and brown sugar. Throw on the grill for dinner in minutes. This ‘Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner’ recipe is certified by the American Heart Association®.

1/4 cup fresh lime juice 2 Tbsp lightly packed brown sugar 2 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp minced garlic 1 beef top round steak, cut 3/4 inch thick, (approx. 1 lb) Combine lime juice, brown sugar, vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic in small bowl. Place beef steak and lime mixture in food-safe plastic bag; turn steak to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or overnight; turning occasionally. Remove steak from marinade, discard marinade. Place steak on grill over medium heat. Grill, covered, 10–11 minutes for medium-rare (145 degrees) doneness, turning occasionally. (Do not overcook.) Carve steak into thin slices. COOK’S TIP: To broil, place steak on rack in broiler pan so surface of beef is 2–3 inches from heat. Broil 12–13 minutes for medium rare (145 degree) doneness, turning once. (Do not overcook.)

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg whites, parsley, water, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 12, two-inch meatballs. Thread meatballs onto skewers. Place on rack in broiler pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake in oven 24–27 minutes. Remove meatballs from skewers. Serve in flatbreads. Garnish with toppings, as desired. Serves 4.

1 lb ground beef (93% lean or leaner) 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs 2 egg whites or 1 whole egg 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley 2 Tbsp water 2 tsp minced garlic 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 4 (10-inch) wood or bamboo kebab skewers 4 flatbreads (such as naan, lavash, or pita bread) Optional toppings: Chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh parsley, prepared Tzatziki sauce (plain yogurt with minced cucumber, dill, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice—all to taste)

Buffalo-Style Beef Tacos Family favorite tacos get a flavor update with hot pepper sauce, blue cheese, celery, and carrots.

1 lb ground beef (93% lean or leaner) 1/4 cup hot pepper sauce 8 taco shells 1 cup thinly sliced lettuce 1/4 cup reduced-fat prepared blue cheese dressing 1/2 cup shredded carrot 1/3 cup chopped celery 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro Carrot and celery sticks or cilantro sprigs (optional) Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef; cook 8–10 minutes, breaking into small crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet with slotted spoon; pour off drippings, as necessary. Return to skillet; stir in hot pepper sauce. Cook and stir 1 minute or until heated through. Meanwhile, heat taco shells according to package directions. Evenly spoon beef mixture into taco shells. Add lettuce, drizzle with dressing. Top evenly with carrot, celery, and cilantro. Garnish with carrot and celery sticks or cilantro sprigs, if desired. Serves 4. COOK’S TIP: One quarter cup prepared ranch dressing combined with 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese may be substituted for blue cheese dressing.

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READER RECIPES

Submit your favorite recipes to be featured on our reader recipe page. Email to jennifer@weca.coop or submit directly at http://wecnmagazine.com/submit-a-recipe/. Due to food safety issues, we cannot accept canning recipes.

$5 Supper (in the 1980’s) KATHY MALCZEWSKI, OCONTO I call this recipe my $5 Supper as that’s about what it cost when I first made it back in the early 80’s, and I am still making it today. It serves a family of 4 with a salad and garlic bread.

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided 1 small onion, chopped 1/2 large green pepper, diced 1/2 large red pepper, diced 2 stalks celery, diced Approx. 10 large white button mushrooms, sliced 6 lean pork chops or pork steaks, cut into bite-size pieces Salt and pepper, to taste Paprika 1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce or your own homemade sauce 1/2 Tbsp ground oregano 1/2 Tbsp ground basil 1/2 tsp thyme 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese Cooked spaghetti noodles or rice Sauté the onion, peppers, celery, and mushrooms in a tablespoon of olive oil until slightly soft. Remove from heat and transfer to a 5-quart casserole dish. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan and add the pork pieces with a little salt and pepper, and coat the pork with paprika as you fry it. Cook until no longer pink in the center. Add the cooked pork REQUESTS FROM OUR READERS pieces to the casserole dish and An anonymous reader is looking mix with the vegetables. Stir in for favorite rhubarb recipes. spaghetti sauce, oregano, basil, and thyme. Cover the mixture SEND TO: WECN, Reader Recipes, 222 West Washington Ave., Suite 680, with parmesan cheese and bake Madison, WI 53703-2719 covered for 45 minutes. Serve or jennifer@weca.coop. over spaghetti or rice.

Peas and Asparagus SANDY DRESCHER, NEILLSVILLE 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup 1 cup shredded, processed cheese 1 Tbsp diced onion Salt and pepper, to taste 1/3 cup milk 2 cups cooked peas (fresh or frozen) 1 cup asparagus, cooked Mix soup, cheese, onion, salt, pepper, and milk together. Fold in the vegetables. Place into a greased baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for approx. 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated and cheese is melted.

Mom’s Sloppy Joe Recipe MARY PETERS, GREENWOOD 4 lbs ground beef, browned and drained 2–3 tsp seasoned salt 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of tomato soup (undiluted) 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (undiluted) 12 oz bottle chili sauce Combine and stir all ingredients and warm on stove over medium heat or slow cooker on MEDIUM until thoroughly heated. Best if made a day ahead. Variations: If it needs to be dairy free, use 2 cans of tomato soup and omit the mushroom soup. You could also add half of a chopped onion. Freezes well.

Pistachio Dessert SANDY DRESCHER, NEILLSVILLE 36 butter crackers (ie., Ritz), crushed into crumbs 1/2 cup butter 2 (5 oz) pkgs instant pistachio pudding 1-1/2 cups milk 1 qt vanilla ice cream, softened 1 (8 oz) container frozen, whipped topping 2–3 toffee candy bars, crushed Combine crackers and butter and pat into the bottom of a 9-x-13-inch pan. Combine pudding, milk, and ice cream, and pour over crust. Top with frozen whipped topping and sprinkle with crushed toffee candy bars. Refrigerate until set. Serve.

Lemonade Pie LAVAUGHN BUEHL, JANESVILLE 1 (6 oz) can frozen lemonade, thawed 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk 1 (12 oz) container frozen, whipped topping 1 (9-inch) graham cracker pie crust Mix lemonade concentrate and sweetened condensed milk. Fold in whipped topping and pour into crust. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serves 6–8.

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Is your air conditioner ready? A professional tune-up is the best way to ensure your air conditioner is operating at peak efficiency. However, there are simple steps you can take yourself to help make sure your air conditioner is ready when the mercury rises: l Clear the surroundings of the air-conditioning unit. Remove any twigs, leaves, and grass clippings that have built up around the outside of your air conditioner, impeding airflow to and from the unit. Cut back any plants growing nearby. l Clean the outside of the unit. Shut off power to the airconditioning unit and then use a garden hose to gently clean any debris out of the fins. l Check the filter. Replace filters according to manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every 30–60 days for flat filters, and up to 90 days for pleated filters. Filters trap dust, pollen, and other pollutants. A blocked filter will decrease your air quality and the air conditioner’s efficiency. l Get a programmable thermostat. Smart thermostats enable you to set the temperature higher when no one is home, which saves you money and adds to the life of your air conditioner.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

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GLACIER’S GIFTS EXPLORE THE GEOLOGICAL WONDERS

ALONG THE CHIPPEWA MORAINE

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WISC NSIN FAVORITES

The Ice Age Interpretive Center in New Auburn is named for former U.S. Congressman David R. Obey, a supporter of the Ice Age Trail’s development. The building is surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape of the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area. Inside are hands-on exhibits that teach about the area’s unique geological features, including the wall of erratics, made up of large rocks that were deposited by the glacier as the ice melted.

ooking out over the sweeping vista from the back of the David R. Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center in the Chippewa Valley, with rolling grassland leading out to a shimmering lake surrounded by thick, towering trees, it’s difﬁcult to imagine what this same area looked like during the period of Wisconsin Glaciation more than 12,000 years ago. Way back then the view was surely bleaker, dominated by a massive gritty ice sheet that had been creeping down the continent for thousands of years before stopping here, depositing piles of debris and reshaping the landmass beneath it. The contrast between that image and the stunning natural scenery of today is even greater when you consider that the former is what created the latter. Had there been no massive glacier way back then, there’d be none of the resulting distinctive landmarks like the beautiful hills, gentle slopes, and lakes—lots and lots of lakes—that deﬁne this area now. The story of this transformation is told in the interpretive center, located just east of New Auburn on Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative lines. The center serves as a gateway to the

Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area, a state park preserving a variety of unique glacial formations and also serving as one of nine Ice Age National Scientiﬁc Reserve Units in the state. Inside the interpretive center, visitors can explore the hands-on, interactive exhibits that teach about the impact the glacier had on the area’s landscape. Outside the building, visitors can explore the unique glacial formations themselves by way of wellmarked trails, including the sevenmile Chippewa Moraine Segment of the Ice Age Trail, a 1,200-mile scenic footpath across Wisconsin that follows the general outline of the glacier’s outermost advance. With all the available nature activities and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy a picnic lunch, the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area makes for an active, educational, and funﬁlled outing. To make the most of the educational part, consider starting the day at the interpretive center.

Interactive Experience The David R. Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center is named for the former U.S.

congressman whose support of the Ice Age Trail was instrumental in ensuring the reserve and the center would be a showplace of glacial history. And a showplace it is: The building itself is an exhibit all its own. One unique element is a wall made of “erratics,” boulders and rocks that are inconsistent with the underlying bedrock because they were carried hundreds of miles by the glacier and deposited far from their place of origin as the ice melted. The wall of erratics faces a huge picture window with a stunning view of some of the area’s distinctive glacial features. Interpretive displays throughout explain how these features were formed, and knowledgable staff is on hand to answer any questions. Visitors will learn, for example, that the rolling moraines are the ridges formed by gravel, sand, and boulders carried by the glacier and deposited at the outer edge of its ﬁnal advance; the low spots at the bottom of the moraines are known as kettles. In addition to geological history, the interpretive center also teaches about the area’s cultural history as well as its wildlife.

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“We have a lot of different exhibits that reach out to different people,” said Mady Tashini, a natural resource educator at the center. “Kids especially—we have a lot of really awesome things for them to do. We have a lot of equipment they can use while they’re here, like binoculars, and we have live animals. We let people hold our snakes and our turtles here, and the kids really enjoy doing that.” Young visitors can also embark on a scavenger hunt, step inside a replica tee pee, or try out games and competitions similar to those once played by “voyageurs”—people hired by European fur traders to transport goods and furs along waterways in birchbark canoes. Visitors can also learn about the area’s native flowers by wandering through the rain garden, prairie wildflower garden, and fern garden just outside the building.

Trailing Along After taking in the displays in and around the interpretive center, visitors are well prepared to put their newfound knowledge into practice as they head outside to explore the Chippewa Moraine Recreation Area. The interpretive center is an entry point to the Ice Age Trail, but the center also has four shorter trail loops with trailheads just outside the building. These footpaths connect to the Ice Age Trail, but there are plenty of glacial elements to discover on the loops themselves, with interpretive signs along the way

that explain the science behind the scenery. Among the distinctive glacial features along the trail loops are ice-walled lake plains, formed when streams of water deposited sediment into lakes that formed on the melting glacier; as the surrounding ice melted, the lake bottoms became hilltops. Another is an esker, a ridge of sediment deposited along the bottom of a stream running beneath the ice as it was melting. The trails also pass some of the area’s abundant kettle lakes, formed when large blocks of ice detached from the glacier as it receded and became buried in sediment, leaving a depression in the earth that filled with water as the ice melted. Between the loop trails, which range in length from .7 to 4.5 miles and are easy to traverse, and the more challenging Chippewa Moraine Segment of the Ice Age Trail, there’s a footpath to fit all ages and abilities. Staff at the interpretive center can help guide visitors to the appropriate trail.

With interactive exhibits and stations inside and out, the interpretive center is a popular destination for classroom field trips. The live animals at the center, including turtles and snakes, are especially popular with younger visitors, who are allowed to handle and hold the creatures.

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WISC NSIN FAVORITES

POWERING YOUR COMMUNITY

“We have some trail maps inside, and if you just talk to whoever is working here at the time and give us an idea of what you’re looking for, whether it’s something speciﬁc you want to see on the Ice Age Trail or if you’re just looking to go bird-watching, we can help show you where to go,” Tashibin said. Whichever the path, it will lead to the natural beauty that a huge sheet of ice left behind.—Mary Erickson The David R. Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center is located at 13394 County Hwy. M, New Auburn, WI 54757. It’s open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except Monday. Admission and parking are free. For more information about the center, visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/ topic/parks/chipmoraine/naturecenter or call 715-967-2800. For more information about the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area, visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/ chipmoraine.

There’s power in the simplest of actions, like one neighbor helping another. Where everybody looks out for everybody else. Community is everything to your electric cooperative. We’re grateful for your trust to provide energy you need, giving you the power to power on.

YOUR SOURCE FOR POWER. AND INFORMATION.

In addition to providing an entry point to the Ice Age Trail, the interpretive center has four shorter trail loops that begin and end just outside the center. wecnmagazine.com

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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.

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.

Plants & Shrubs

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.

MCKAY NURSERY COMPANY WISCONSIN GROWN SINCE 1897 Provider of quality shade & ornamental trees, fruit & flowering trees, evergreens, shrubs, perennials, ground cover, and vines. Design services & delivery available. Contact Eric at ezlandscapewi@gmail.com or call 608-462-3197. “Your McKay Independent Sales & Service Provider.”

WANTED: VINTAGE ALUMINUM CHRISTMAS TREES. Any size any color- buying for collection. Cash paid, will pick up. Please call 715-254-4651 or email upnboonies@ yahoo.com.

FLOWERS, HANGING BASKETS, VEGETABLE PLANTS FOR SALE. Come check us out! Barb’s Greenhouse, W1464 Cty Rd A, Dorchester, WI 54425. 715-654-1151.

AKC REGISTERED ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL PUPPIES FOR SALE. Call or text for more information 715-579-2547 / 54745. STAINLESS STEEL GUTTER GUARDS AND INSTALLATION. Call John at 608-289-7963 or email jfp1858@outlook.com. 53548. POODLES IN TIME FOR EASTER. Vet checked. Tails docked. Males and females. For more info, call 715-297-4602 or 920-876-3127.

Real Estate VACATION RENTAL. Cape Coral, FL Beautiful 3 bedroom home on gulf access canal. 10,000 lb boat lift. Weekly rental or more. Call Al. 608-295-7433.

ADVERTISE WITH US

WANTED: LOOKING TO BUY 1957-1967 CORVETTE. Running or not. 715-572-3769 Please leave message if no answer. FOR SALE: 1993-1997 BEANIE BABIES. Older and rare ones all in excellent condition. Call 715-699-3726. FOR SALE: 14 ft fiberglass canoe. Never used. $500. Call 715-359-8116. WANTED: RED WING STONEWARE . Crocks, beater jars, bean pots, poultry fountains/feeders with advertising. 608-7672282 email slawag@tds.net.

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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—Classifieds, 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 60th YEAR

Do you have… 4 A special recipe? 4 A beautiful photo? 4 A fun event planned in your community?

Please share with us! Go to wecnmagazine.com to upload recipes, photos, and community events. Your submissions may appear in the magazine and/or on our Facebook page.

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May 2022

WISCONSIN EVENTS 1 Potato Pancake Dinner—Tilleda. Seneca Community Hall, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. All you can eat potato and buttermilk pancakes, maple syrup, applesauce, cheese, cake, ice cream, coffee, and milk. Take-outs are available. Adults $12, children ages 6–12 are $5. 1 Charcoal Chicken Dinner—Greenwood. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (lower level), 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Drive-thru only. Half-chicken meals only. Meal includes chicken, potato salad, baked beans, bun, and dessert. $10. 6, 7 City-Wide Garage Sale—Chili area. Fri., 7 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sat., 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Maps and listing available at each sale. 6–8 Fish-N-Fun Festival—Montello. Downtown area, all day. Street dance on West Street; Fri. 7:30–10 p.m. and Sat. 7:30–11 p.m. Also on Sat.: Carnival, games, food, casting contest, Kips Kids Fun Show, kids bird house building, kids ﬁshing contest. Sun.: Bingo and more. 7 Pancake Breakfast & Bake Sale—Chaseburg. Village Hall, 7–10:30 a.m. Join us for a free-will donation breakfast, carry-out or dine-in, and enjoy the homemade pastries. Vendors on display from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Brat and hot dog sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the village park. Stay for the village-wide rummage sales. 7 Pancake Breakfast—Camp Douglas. Clifton Sportsman Club, 7–11a.m. All you can eat pancake, sausage, and egg breakfast. Adults $5. 7 Young Eagles Rally—Baraboo. Baraboo-Dells Airport (entrance/parking lot off S3440 County Road BD), 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Area youth ages 8–17 will have a chance to take to the skies in a free airplane ride! Legal guardians must be present to sign permission slips. Hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 931.

7 Master Gardeners Plant Sale—Lancaster. Schreiner Memorial Library, 9–11 a.m. No early sales. Zone hardy shrubs, bulbs, perennials, annuals, shade, sun, native, houseplants, vegetables, and many more. Kid’s potting area. 7 Old Beckman Mill Opening Day—Beloit. Beckman Mill Rock County Park, 12–4 p.m. Free tours of the mill and museum, gift shop open, and live music. Available for purchase: chili served with cornmeal mufﬁns made from freshly ground corn at the mill. 608-751-1551. 13, 14 Rummage Sales—Melrose area. All day. Maps at town businesses. 14 Perennial Sale and Food Stand—Richland Center. Community center grounds (Kilian Meyer building), 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Add color to your garden and yard. Reasonable prices, robust plants! The Animal House food stand will be selling Chicago dogs and bratwurst sandwiches. 15 Car and Craft Show—Menomonie. Dunn County Rec Park Fairgrounds, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Red Cedar Classic Car Club. All types of old cars, motorcycles, etc. Food trucks on site. 715-505-3182. 15 Charcoal Chicken Dinner—Mondovi. Central Lutheran Church, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Dine-in or drive-thru/pick-up. Includes potato salad, baked beans, pickle, roll, and beverage. Quarter-chicken dinner $7, half $10. Hot dog meal includes chips, pickle, roll, and beverage for $3. Slice of apple, blueberry, or rhubarb pie $3. 715-926-3811. 20, 21 Fishing Has No Boundaries Event—Hayward. Lake Chippewa Campground, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Hundreds of volunteers gather to assist anglers with various disabilities to enjoy this unique ﬁshing experience. Evening meals, adaptive equipment, and more will be available to ensure everyone has a wonderful time. 715-634-3185.

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20, 21 Yard Sales—Bowler. Citywide; Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Maps at JP’s Gas & Grocery and Kropf’s Meat Market. Rummage/yard sale also at Grace Bible Church. 715-881-0148. 21 Walk MS®—La Crosse. La Crosse Center, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Site opens at 9 a.m., walk steps off at 10 a.m. One-mile and 3-mile routes. Walk MS® to end MS forever. 855-372-1331. 22 Nature Fest—Wheeler. WoodWind Park, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Enjoy birding, art walks, hiking scavenger hunts, informational booths, wood-ﬁred pizza, and live music. 27 Donut Fry—Jim Falls. United Methodist Church, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Advance orders appreciated. $5 dozen. For more info, call 715-382-4397 or 715-382-3201. 28 Garage Sale—Phillips. St. Therese parking lot, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Rain date is June 4. Furniture, books, air compressor/nail gun, sewing machine, household items, and glassware. Bag sale $3/bag. Brats and hot dogs for sale too! 28 Flea & Craft Market—Coloma. Community Park, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Shop for crafts, antiques, collectibles, rummage, ﬂea market items, produce, baked goods, and more. 715-340-1232. 28 Pancake Breakfast—Menomonie. Downsville Community Museum, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Free-will donations accepted. 715-619-1440.

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

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 DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the event is to appear.

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4/19/22 11:00 AM

YOUNG MEMBERS

Kids and Critters May 2022

1. June bottle feeds a baby goat. Photo submitted by Melany Jelinek, a member of Scenic Rivers Energy. 2. Charlee is thrilled to visit Grandma and Grandpa Ron and Jo Ann Otto, Richland Electric members, to visit the newest barn cat, Daniel. Photo submitted by Sarah Siefkes, a member of Riverland Energy. 3. Nolan eyes up his chicken friend. Photo submitted by Samantha Barthuly. 4. Landon and Max the goldendoodle are Packers backers. Photo submitted by Millissa Larson, a member of Chippewa Valley Electric.

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

LOOK UP BEFORE YOU LOP OFF Look up for overhead lines before setting up a ladder. Keep a minimum 10-foot distance from a power line or any other electrical equipment. Make sure the tree branch you’re trimming won’t fall into power lines. Don’t attempt to trim trees near power lines yourself. Call your electric cooperative instead. Source: Safeelectricity.org wecnmagazine.com

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