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CooperaN

COOPERATIVE

News

Wisconsin

ENERGY Cooperative

contents June 2021

News

On the

COVER

June is the month for milk. Photo courtesy of Katie Jagiello, Oconto Electric Cooperative.

13 15 28 30

BRIEFS

Video urges to call before you dig.

CEO MESSAGE

Co-ops work to keep energy reliable, affordable, and accessible.

DRILLING DOWN

Four efﬁcient cordless tools for dad.

Milling

AROUND

State’s historic grist mills take you back in time.

Recipes

Wisconsin dairy products are udderly delicious.

Kids &

CRITTERS

Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.

Experience

EXITS

Retirements create challenges for co-ops and opportunities for new hires.

MY CO-OP

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

CLASSIFIEDS

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

EVENTS

June is full of summer fun.

2010 2019 2040

News

13.7%

17.5%

PROJECTED

33±%

WISCONSIN POPULATION aged 65 and older

June 2021

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LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR A month for milk

Every June, we celebrate June Dairy Month in our pages, and this year is no different. We’ve commented Dana Kelroy, Editor on the state of the dairy industry, discussed the dwindling number of dairy farms on electric co-op lines, and ALWAYS featured dairy recipes. What is different this year is our cover. Since 2015, our June cover has either been a cow, calf, or beautiful farm scene. Maybe it’s the farm kid in me, but I just gravitate towards those images. After all, we are proud to be America’s Dairyland. But this year, we took our cover in a slightly different direction. We decided to feature dairy products instead of the source of our dairy pride (cows and farms). It’s our reminder to you to include Wisconsin dairy products, not just in June but all year round, in your menu planning. This month’s cover photo is courtesy of Katie Jagiello of Oconto Electric Cooperative. She styled this almost-too-beautiful-to-eat gooey, cheesy sandwich next to a tall, cold glass of milk. You know what else goes great with a tall glass of milk? Cookies. More specifically, Christmas cookies. Which is our way of reminding you that despite Christmas being months away, we only have a few weeks left before the August 1 deadline for our Christmas cookie contest. Let’s all raise a glass of milk to America’s Dairyland!

Holiday Cookie Contest

June 2021 Vol. 81 No. 12 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.

Send us your favorite holiday cookie recipe for a chance to win a $25 Kwik Trip gift card! All winning recipes will appear in our DECEMBER 2021 recipe spread, and the winners will receive a gift card and WECN kitchen kit. Entries must be received by August 1, 2021, to be eligible. Email recipes to jennifer@weca.coop with “Holiday Cookie Contest” in the subject line. You can also enter by mail: Holiday Cookie Contest Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703

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

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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5/7/21 11:31 AM

NEWS BRIEFS NEW SAFETY VIDEO URGES ‘CALL BEFORE YOU DIG’

Wisconsin electric cooperatives, in partnership with the Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange, have launched another safety awareness effort. “What Lies Beneath” is an educational video that urges people to call before they dig on their properties, noting it could save a life. Nationwide, there are 20 million miles of electrical lines buried underground, and one is damaged every six minutes.

“Digging without knowing where electrical lines are located is extremely dangerous, and it happens far too often,” said Lynn Thompson, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative CEO. “Our hope is that this video will serve as a reminder that a little pre-planning can be the difference between life or death.” As summer nears, the video is a good reminder for anyone planning projects such as planting a tree, installing a new fence or mailbox, digging a trench, or doing any project that involves digging with hand tools or power equipment, that they risk contact with underground lines, and are required by law to call 811, or Diggers Hotline, before they begin. The video can be viewed at www.weca.coop.

CO-OP LEADERS MEET VIRTUALLY WITH WISCONSIN DELEGATION

Members of the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) Legislative and Regulatory Committee recently met virtually with members of the state’s congressional delegation, urging an agenda to help local-driven expansion of broadband, take a reasonable approach to climate policy, and support flexible financing of RUS loans. The two-day schedule of meetings included talks with Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson, and Representatives Mark Pocan, Tom Tiffany, Mike Gallagher, Ron Kind, and Bryan Steil. The virtual format proved to be an asset in some ways, as members of the delegation were able to multi-task with legislative duties, including stepping away for a committee vote. Still, the hope is that by next year, they will be able to hold these meetings again in-person.

CHARGE EV NETWORK GROWS

East Central Energy (ECE) and AdamsColumbia Electric Cooperative (ACEC) have joined the CHARGE EV effort, aimed at building a charging network to relieve range anxiety and ease drivers’ transition to electric vehicles (EVs), while building a trusted brand. CHARGE EV is a collaboration of 31 member-owned electric cooperatives located throughout Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. 6

Most of the original participating coops are in Wisconsin. The CHARGE EV program includes the installation of branded electric charging stations throughout co-op territory. The idea was spearheaded Nate Boettcher, president & CEO of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services, and gained immediate support from the state’s cooperatives. More information can be found at www.charge.coop.

CONGRESSMAN GALLAGHER MEETS WITH CO-OP LEADERS

Washington Island Electric Cooperative Manager Robert Cornell and Oconto Electric Cooperative CEO Byron Nolde recently hosted Congressman Mike Gallagher at the Door County Economic Development Office to talk about issues affecting electric cooperatives and their members, including the Biden administration’s plans for a carbon-neutral future, and the funding and implementation of rural broadband networks in unserved and underserved areas. Also joining the group were Steve Jenkins, Door County Economic Development director, Brighid Riordan of Nsight, and Stephen Freese, president/CEO of the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association. Gallagher was also receptive to the idea that electric cooperatives can help serve as the bridge to bring high-speed internet to a visiting population that can work and play throughout Door County.

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS SEEK TO BLOCK CARDINAL-HICKORY LINE IN FEDERAL COURT

In spite of widespread support for its role in promoting clean energy initiatives, environmental groups filed a lawsuit against the Army Corps of Engineers in federal court over the permitting of the proposed Cardinal-Hickory Creek Transmission line. The groups claim the Corps unlawfully authorized the project after botching its environmental review. In the lawsuit, the National Wildlife Refuge Association and others argue that the Corps’ February 2020 approval of the $500 million Cardinal-Hickory Creek Project with nationwide and regional permits violates the National Environmental Policy Act because the agency failed to take a “hard look” at alternatives. The high-voltage electrical line is a joint project of the American Transmission Company, ITC Midwest, and the Dairyland Power Cooperative. Construction is already underway on the line’s Iowa segment, according to ATC. The 102-mile 345-kV line will run from Madison to near Dubuque, and is expected to be in service in 2023.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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HOW ARE COVID-19 VACCINES AUTHORIZED? Creating any vaccine is a complex process. Safety is the top priority during all phases of vaccine development, authorization, and use.

CAREFUL TESTING • Medical experts and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversee the entire vaccine approval process. • With COVID-19 vaccine trials, researchers have enrolled far more clinical trial participants than is usually required, so they can notice and address safety concerns more easily and quickly.

EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION (EUA) During a public health emergency, like the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA can use its EUA authority to allow the use of certain medical products if they meet safety and efficacy standards.

PRE-CLINICAL Laboratory research is done to see if the vaccine could work.

CLINICAL TRIALS

APPROVAL

Groups of participants get the vaccine in phases. PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

The FDA reviews data and approves vaccine.

Researchers make sure the vaccine works and is safe.

In an emergency, the FDA can issue an EUA to let people get the vaccine before it is officially approved.

CONTINUOUS SAFETY MONITORING The CDC and FDA continuously track the safety of vaccines after they are authorized or approved.

COVID stuff-June 2021.indd 1

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CONTINUOUS MONITORING Clinical trial participants are not the only ones who are monitored after vaccination. There are systems in place that help track common side effects and rare adverse reactions in people who receive any sort of vaccine, including the COVID-19 vaccines. These systems help the CDC and FDA track vaccine safety in real time and make sure vaccines are as safe as possible. V-safe is a new smartphone-based tool that will make it easy for people to report any health problems or adverse reactions after they get their COVID-19 vaccine. You can learn more about V-safe at:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html

HOW WERE COVID VACCINES MADE AVAILABLE SO QUICKLY? No steps were skipped during the development of COVID-19 vaccines. A number of factors allowed safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to be available quickly. • Earlier research on other coronaviruses (like SARS and MERS) jump started the COVID-19 vaccine development process. • Through ground-breaking partnerships between leading medical experts, we were able to build on lessons learned from past pandemics (Zika, Ebola, H1N1) to make the COVID-19 vaccines. • Medical experts and other key players dedicated their time, effort, and resources to developing a COVID-19 vaccine. • Issuing an EUA shortened the official process, but did not skip any safety steps. This allowed access to vaccines sooner. ° For example, the FDA invited more experts to review safety and efficacy data than usual. With all hands on deck, the review process was shortened from months to weeks.

LEARN MORE • Visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine.htm • Questions about COVID-19 vaccines? Call 844-684-1064 (toll-free). • Visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/vaccines/safety.html

Information about where you can find a vaccine in your area can be found on page 19. Source:

COVID stuff-June 2021.indd 2

5/19/21 8:34 AM

RELIABLE. T

his month we continue our discussion, taking a realistic look at how to move forward to meet the goals of carbon-pollution-free and/or fossil-fuel-free electricity production in the future. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, nationally in 2020, natural gas was the leading source of fuel used to produce electricity at 40 percent, nuclear power and renewables were at 20 percent each, followed by coal at 19 percent. Steve Freese In the Wisconsin cooperative family, President and CEO we are actually ahead of the game when it comes to renewable power, which provides 24 percent of our fuel. Still, we are much more reliant on coal at 70 percent and natural gas at 6 percent. (Unlike other parts of the country, natural gas is still the primary source of fuel for home heating in Wisconsin, which takes precedence over energy production).

AFFORDABLE. ACCESSIBLE. II

What is baseload?

Baseload is the amount of electricity that is consistently used every day. Our refrigerators, water heaters, home heating systems, televisions, toasters, coffee makers, computers, lighting, manufacturing equipment, and dairy barn cooling systems all need to have electricity to run, along with many other items we take for granted in our daily lives. No matter what, we have to produce this much electricity to meet members’ needs every day. It has to be consistent and ready on demand, so baseload requires an energy source that is consistent and reliable. Intermittent energy sources, like wind and solar, are low cost. Still, they are not optimal for baseload reliability because the sun does not always shine, and the wind does not always blow. Natural gas can be ramped up quickly to meet members’ needs and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Coal, nuclear, and natural gas are the three fuels used primarily for baseload electricity needs. Looking at the data from some of our member cooperatives, almost 900 megawatts of coal and about 75 megawatts of natural-gas-produced electricity will have to be replaced to achieve the Biden administration’s goal of 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035.

We are already at 305 megawatts of wind, solar, and other renewables, which accounts for 24 percent of the renewable fuel mix used by most of Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives. Even with that high percentage of renewable energy, we have a long way to go in Wisconsin and the nation to achieve the proposed 2035 goal of carbon pollution-free fuels used for electricity production.

What is a stranded asset?

The cooperatives in our data set would have to retire almost 1,000 megawatts by 2035. Depending on the year they were built, some plants may not be fully paid for by then, creating what we call a “stranded asset,” which is something you pay for even though it’s no longer in use. A power plant can cost $700 million to build and may take 30-50 years to pay off. To ensure reliability for all members, as we transition to more renewable energy and lower carbon-emitting fuel sources, there will certainly be fossil fuel plants that will not be paid for by 2035. When you have to continue paying for a plant that is no longer in use, it can lead to higher energy bills for members, especially since generators also have to fund new plants to replace those that closed to meet new government requirements. It’s a potential double whammy for all consumers. We must consider the lifespan of new and existing plants, so we can plan to retire them on a timeline that makes ﬁnancial sense. We will continue this discussion and talk more about how we go about replacing coal and natural gas power plants in the coming months while keeping power reliable, affordable, and accessible for Wisconsin’s electric co-op members. June 2021

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EXPERIENCE

RECENT RASH OF

RETIREMENTS

CREATES CHALLENGES

FOR CO-OPS, OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW HIRES

t was February 11, 1985, when a young Diane Berweger, armed with degrees in accounting and economics, walked into Bayfield Electric Cooperative for a job in billing and accounting and immediately felt at home. “They all welcomed me with open arms, and I never forgot that,” Berweger recalled. Her career actually started with three years at an investor-owned utility. From the beginning, she recognized the cooperative world was a very different place. “From the day I walked in, people shared information with me. There was a cohesiveness and a trust; we were a team that for me became a family,” Berweger said. “In the cooperative world, you always have someone to bounce things off of, if not at your co-op, in another office. We were all in it together.” Berweger remembers sharing a single computer in the office and even sharing phones back in the day. She was promoted to director of finance in 1995, and on January 1, 2012, she took over as CEO. Last month, after 36 years, she packed up her desk and headed for retirement.

Over at Price Electric Cooperative, there is a similar transition taking place. It was 1960, the year Senator John F. Kennedy was elected president, when a teenaged Mike Zierer took a part-time job with the co-op, doing whatever they asked him to do. “I really liked the co-op and the people,” Zierer recalled. “And I guess they liked me, so I stuck around.” In 1962 he became the co-op’s first apprentice lineman. From there, he was promoted to crew foreman and then line superintendent. After a 41-year career he retired, then ran for the board where he served the co-op for another decade and a half. Those who worked with him say his institutional knowledge is invaluable. “You can’t replace what Mike provides,” said Price Electric President and CEO Bill Caynor. “He was the cornerstone of our cooperative because of the experience and knowledge gained over a span of 56 years. He is from a strong, resilient generation that is leaving us every day.” Electric cooperatives are not alone in experiencing

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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Diane Berweger, Bayfield Electric Cooperative, and her grandchildren

2010 2019 2040

the changing faces of the workforce, as more people with decades of institutional knowledge move on to the retirement phase, in greater numbers than that of younger workers looking to come in. Like much of the nation, Wisconsin’s workforce is aging. According to Census Bureau data, in 2010 people aged 65 and older made up 13.7 percent (779,510) of the state’s population. In 2019, that jumped to 17.5 percent (1,019,896). The Wisconsin Department of Health projects that by 2040, more than 1.5 million people in the state will be 65 or older, making

13.7%

17.5%

PROJECTED

33±%

WISCONSIN POPULATION aged 65 and older

up one-third or more of the residents in many rural counties led by Iron, Vilas, Bayfield, Burnett, Door, Price, and Adams. The number of retirements in the state is growing, while the number of persons entering the workforce is not. After peaking at 3.6 million in 2011, the state’s working-aged population has been flat, posing a serious problem for not only Wisconsin’s electric co-ops but all state employers and the economy as a whole. “Five years ago, I would have said we have a skills gap problem, but now it’s not a skills gap, it’s a population gap,” said Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce CEO Kurt Bauer. “We just don’t have the bodies.” Berweger said while finding skilled workers to hire was a challenge, getting them to stay was even more problematic. “In the co-op world, we try to promote from within, but to be honest, most of the young people we hired aren’t around anymore. And we pay better than most places.” That reality makes it even more difficult to lose legacy workers like Pam Langlay of Oconto Electric, Barb Murphy of Scenic Rivers Energy, and Ron Mayer of Taylor

Electric, all of whom retired recently, taking decades of experience with them. Langlay started at Oconto Electric Cooperative when she was just 17. Over four decades, she worked in customer service and billing, operations (where she built a digital model of the distribution system), and communications and marketing (where she won the N.F. Leifer Memorial Award in 2000 for her writing of the local pages in this very magazine). She also took the lead in installing and servicing units for the MainStreet Messenger personal response program. “Pam has worked in or with every department in this co-op over her 42 years, and she is a big part of our success,” said Byron Nolde, CEO. “She will be greatly missed by everyone for her vast knowledge and her positive attitude.” Like Pam, Barb Murphy was known as the one with all of the answers at Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative, where she worked for more than 31 years before recently retiring. Murphy worked in the Gays Mills ofﬁce back when it was Crawford Electric. “If I ever had a Crawford Electric-

Pam Langlay of Oconto Electric

June 2021

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Barb Murphy working at the 2009 SREC Member Appreciation Celebration, with her little grandson on her hip. Barb Murphy of Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative

area question, I just emailed Barb and she had an answer for me within about 10 minutes, usually with corresponding documents and some names and contact information of people who could tell me more,” said Mary Erickson, associate editor of this publication. “Institutional memory is not something you can hire or teach in a workshop. The retirement of Barb and others who have served our cooperatives for years, will be felt by us all and can never be replaced,” said Steve Lucas, Scenic Rivers CEO. A young Ron Mayer tagged along with a friend back in the fall of 1975 to take a part-time job clearing brush for Taylor Electric Cooperative. He liked working outdoors and was hired on full-time and went on to become a lineman and then a meter technician. After 45 years, his last day on the job was May 4. “It’s all the little things that someone like that does that we will miss,” said Taylor Electric President and CEO Ken Ceaglske. “The little bits of knowledge that Ron has that we have maybe taken for granted—that’s all going to be clear over the next six months or more. Taylor Electric’s former CEO, Michael Schaefer, retired himself last year after nearly 38 years with the co-op, including 28 at the helm. He says people “in the trenches” like Mayer are the hardest to lose. “He knows the metering system better than anyone, and that system is complex, and those guys stepping in have a serious challenge ahead, especially in a small shop like Taylor, where people wear so many hats,” Schaefer said. But he adds, the good news is that people who spend decades at an organization are invested in its future, which means they rarely cut ties once they leave. 12

“Longtime employees have that sentiment in their heart, where they are still connected, and still available to answer questions and offer assistance,” which Schaefer said is the case with him and Mayer. “And ultimately, they figure it out, and life goes on.” Mayer encourages young people looking for a career to consider working for an electric cooperative, and while he too sees the changing faces with the retirement of so many experienced workers, he says change can be good, as younger workers bring new skills. “The newer guys coming in bring more information about the digital world; it’s what they know,” he says. “They also have new ideas, and it sure doesn’t hurt to listen to them.” As much as things have changed in the co-op world during the tenure of these legacy workers, much has stayed the same. Berweger says the collaboration among co-ops and the communication and respect among employees at all levels are key to industry success in the past, present, and future. “Everybody has something good to bring to the table,” she said, as the now-retired CEO prepared to take her young grandkids out for a late morning picnic. “We always achieved more working together.” Reflecting on his part-time brush clearing gig-turned lifelong career, Mayer says he already misses the people and offered these parting words: “I wish them all the best,” he said. “Keep up the good work, and be safe.”—Julie Lund

Ron Mayer of Taylor Electric Cooperative

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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DR LL NG D WN: FOUR EFFICIENT CORDLESS TOOLS FOR DAD

Dear Pat and Brad:

With Father’s Day approaching, the kids and I are thinking of getting my husband some rechargeable power tools. Do you have any recommendations? When is the extra cost of cordless worth the investment?—Jesse

Dear Jesse:

Great idea! If your husband enjoys tackling home projects, rechargeable tools are an excellent gift idea. Rechargeable cordless tools are worth the investment when the corded version is the least convenient option. For example, a power drill is something you usually move around with and often use outside, so a cordless drill is much more convenient and a worthy investment. On the A cordless drill is one of the handiest tools for home projects. other hand, a table saw is usually not the ﬁrst choice of Photo courtesy of Charles & Hudson cordless tools because it doesn’t need to be moved repeatedly during a home Price Locked for the Entire Build project. Quality cordless tools are usually less expensive if you buy them as part of a set instead of one tool at a time. And since each line of tools uses a unique battery, you can’t mix and match Our New “Classic-Series” between brands. So, it may cost less in 3-BR Starting At the long run to buy a cordless starter kit $99,000! 1,248 Sq. Ft. with a few helpful tools and a battery, then add tools to the set as needed. Great New Floor Plans! 2x6 Sidewalls, R-55 Ceilings, Here are a few cordless tools that the Highest Energy Values Available 20-year Pella Windows, father in your family should love! Free Quotes Anytime! Lifetime Roofs, Kohler Plumbing, Low Pressure & Helpful Salespeople! Tax, & Crane Work included 1. Power drill As one of the mostVisit our website at: used power tools, a drill should be Ask About Our Stock & Display everyone’s ﬁrst cordless tool. Using a Homes Available Immediately corded drill can mean constantly moving the cord around furniture, other tools, or And Specially Discounted! Call For A Free Brochure your own feet, which can be dangerous. Energy Efficient For A Lifetime Of Savings! Cordless drills are so easy to use, and the See Our Large Model Home technology has improved so they have Displays Open Everyday! more power and hold a charge longer. Light-duty drills are smaller and less Corporate Office, Weekday Factory Tours & Model Homes: powerful but easy to use for smaller Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 1-608-326-6041 projects.

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June 2021

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2. String trimmer

A string trimmer is a quick way to trim weeds and grass near walls, bricks, and rocks. If your family uses an old gas trimmer around the yard, it’s time for a change. Two-stroke engines pollute the air and require regular maintenance. Electric trimmers are more energy efficient and quieter. You can find a variety of models between $50 and $150, and it’s worth paying a little more to get a highly rated model that will last longer.

3. Leaf blower If the father in your family uses a gas-powered leaf blower, you can do him (and your neighbors!) a favor by giving him a cordless leaf blower, which is more energy efficient, much quieter, and less polluting. 4. Flashlight

LED technology is amazing––today’s LED flashlights can produce 20 times as much light as the old incandescent ones. And they come in a variety of options, from tiny key chain lights to headlamps to waterproof spotlights. A flashlight can usually give better light than a cell phone, especially if you’re working in a tight space like under a sink. A flashlight often comes as part of a cordless tool set, or you can buy a single unit that recharges using a USB port on a charger, a USB wall socket, or a mobile phone battery. Batteries make cordless tools possible. Lithiumion batteries are more expensive, but they’re gaining popularity because they hold a charge longer. They also have a longer life, but they still degrade over time and may need to be replaced in about three years. It’s worth buying a reputable brand of cordless tools so you can be confident you will be able to find a replacement battery. Lithium-ion batteries should not be disposed with trash because they are a fire hazard and contain toxic chemicals. Your local waste disposal service can provide information on how to dispose of these batteries properly. It goes without saying, but these cordless tool gift ideas aren’t just for dads. All DIY enthusiasts would enjoy any of these gifts and hopefully put them to good use! I hope this information helps you choose the right cordless tools for your husband so he can enjoy using them for years to come. Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency write on energy efficiency topics for more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape. For additional energy tips and information on Collaborative Efficiency visit: www. collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.

A rechargeable string trimmer is quieter and more energyefficient than a gas-powered model. Photo courtesy of Mikita Tools A rechargeable flashlight can bring full light into small spaces. Photo courtesy of Brad Thiessen

Rechargeable tools help avoid the risk of a cut cord, which can bring a shocking end to a home project. Photo courtesy of Brad Thiessen

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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5/19/21 2:03 PM

WISCONSIN DAIRY:

DDERLY DELICIOUS Super Cheesy Bacon and Onion Potato Gratin

Image and recipe courtesy of US Dairy–Dairy Checkoff and “The Dairy Good Cookbook: Everyday Comfort Food from America’s Dairy Farm Families” edited by Lisa Kingsley, Andrews McMeel Publishing. Planning a family feast? Consider this ramped-up take on your traditional potatoes gratin for your next gathering. Softened butter, for the baking dish 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and very thinly sliced 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 Tbsp butter 8 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled 1-1/2 cups smoked Gouda cheese, shredded

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup milk 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-x13-inch baking dish with softened butter. Cover the bottom of the baking dish with one-third of the potatoes. Top with one-third of the onions and the garlic. Dot with 1 tablespoon of the butter and sprinkle with one-third of the crumbled bacon. Top with one-third each of the Gouda and cheddar cheeses. Repeat with the remaining ingredients in two more layers; end with a layer of cheese on top. Whisk the cream, milk, and flour in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper and stir in the Worcestershire sauce. Pour the cream mixture over the potatoes. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes. Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Continue to bake for another 20–25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is browned and bubbling. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Makes 16 servings. NOTES: This recipe comes from dairy farmer Carrie Mess who works with her husband and his parents on their 100-cow dairy farm in Wisconsin. She loves to make this crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, and sometimes swaps out the bacon for other favorites like chicken, ham, or mushrooms. If you love this recipe, you can find more like it in “The Dairy Good Cookbook: Everyday Comfort Foods from America’s Dairy Farm Families.”

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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5/18/21 4:08 PM

Three Cheese Veggie and Beef Calzone

Recipe and photo courtesy of US Dairy–Dairy Checkoff at www.usdairy.com 1 tsp olive or vegetable oil 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced 2 cups baby spinach leaves 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained 1 lb frozen pizza dough, thawed 6 slices (6 oz) deli roast beef 3 slices provolone cheese 4 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated

1 (4 oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained 1/2 cup (2 oz) reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded

Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in onion and mushrooms; cook 5 minutes or until softened and lightly browned at edges. Stir in spinach and red pepper flakes. Remove skillet from heat and set aside. In a blender, add the 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes and puree until smooth; set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a lightly floured work surface, cut dough into 6 equal pieces. With a rolling pin, roll each piece into a 6-inch diameter. Spread 1 teaspoon of the sun-dried tomato paste over 1 dough circle. Place 1 slice of beef in center. Top with a half slice of provolone, some of the mozzarella, some of the vegetable mixture, a piece of the roasted red pepper, and some Parmesan cheese. Fold circle of dough in half and press with fork to seal edges. Place calzone on a foil-lined baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Repeat with remaining dough and ingredients. Bake approx. 30 minutes or until evenly browned and heated through. Serve hot or warm. Makes 6 Servings.

Double Strawberry Milksicles

Image and recipe courtesy of US Dairy–Dairy Checkoff and “The Dairy Good Cookbook: Everyday Comfort Food from America’s Dairy Farm Families” edited by Lisa Kingsley, Andrews McMeel Publishing. All you need is a few simple ingredients and some eager little hands to pull together these milksicles. Take a few minutes to craft these in the morning and by early afternoon you can treat yourselves to kid-friendly flavors like double-strawberry, blueberry, and classic vanilla.

1 (10 oz) package frozen strawberry halves in syrup 1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup strawberry frozen yogurt

12 (2 oz) freezer pop molds OR . . . 12 (3 oz) plastic or paper cups 12 wooden craft sticks

Partially thaw the strawberries by leaving them at room temperature for 10 minutes or microwaving the unopened plastic pouch on high for 10 seconds. Place the partially frozen berries with their liquid in a blender. Add the milk and frozen yogurt. Cover and blend until smooth. Divide among twelve freezer pop molds or cups. Place the cups in a 9-x13-inch baking pan. Cover each cup with aluminum foil. Push a craft stick through the center of the foil to hold the stick in place while freezing. Freeze until firm, 3–4 hours. Makes 12 servings. NOTES: DOUBLE BLUEBERRY MILKSICLES: Substitute one (10 oz) package frozen blueberries in syrup for the frozen strawberry halves. Substitute blueberry frozen yogurt for the strawberry frozen yogurt. CREAMY VANILLA MILKSICLES: Omit the frozen strawberry halves. Increase the milk to 1-1/2 cups. Substitute 1 cup vanilla frozen yogurt for the 1/2 cup strawberry frozen yogurt. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Feel free to swap out the whole milk in any of these recipes with lactose-free cow’s milk for a treat those with lactose intolerance can enjoy.

Cocoa-Berry Yogurt Tarts

Recipe and photo courtesy of US Dairy–Dairy Checkoff at www.usdairy.com. Mix yogurt, ricotta, sugar, and 1-1/2 cups low-fat vanilla yogurt 6 graham cracker tart shells cocoa powder thoroughly with 1-1/2 cups reduced-fat 3/4 cup strawberries, sliced whisk until creamy. Spoon 1/6 ricotta cheese (raspberries or blueberries mixture into each tart shell and 2 Tbsp sugar also can be used) top with sliced strawberries. 2 Tbsp unsweetened Makes 6 servings. cocoa powder

Turkey Tetrazzini with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe and photo courtesy of Midwest Dairy at www.midwestdairy.com. This easy turkey dish is an all-in-one dinner solution the whole family will enjoy. Non-stick cooking spray 1 (12 oz) pkg whole wheat penne pasta 2 Tbsp butter 1/4 cup flour 3 cups low-fat milk

1 cup fat-free low-sodium chicken broth 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, or additional chicken broth 1/2 tsp pepper 2 cups white button mushrooms, sliced

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 2 cups cooked turkey breast diced 1 cup frozen peas 1 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a shallow 2-to 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions. In large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in flour. Stirring constantly, cook approx. 2 minutes. Whisk in milk, chicken broth, wine, and pepper; bring mixture to a boil. Stir in mushrooms, reduce heat and cook approx. 10 minutes, stirring frequently, or until mixture thickens and mushrooms are softened. Stir Parmesan cheese, pasta, turkey, and peas into milk mixture; spoon into prepared baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese and cover loosely with foil. Bake approx. 45 minutes or until bubbling at edges and heated through. Makes 6 servings. NOTES: This recipe works well for leftover turkey; or substitute chicken for turkey. June 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/.

Peach Cobbler

Jane Reich, Sheldon FILLING

2 cups sugar 3 Tbsp corn starch 2 cups water 6–9 cups fresh peaches, skinned and sliced 1 Tbsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease a 9-x13-inch pan. Cook sugar, cornstarch, and water until thick and smooth. Mix peaches and cinnamon and place into bottom of pan. Pour sugar/cornstarch/water mixture on top.

Peach Pie

Pat Christensen, Rome

1 qt peaches, sliced (fresh or canned) 2 (9-inch) unbaked pie shells 1/2 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup ﬂour 1/8 tsp nutmeg 1/4 cup water

Slice peaches into the bottom of one unbaked pie crust. Melt butter and mix with the remaining ingredients; pour mixture on top of peaches in crust. Put second crust on top, crimp edges, and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown.

OUR READERS

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

CRUST

2-1/4 cups ﬂour 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1 cup butter

Mix all ingredients well and put into a greased, foil-lined, 9-x13-inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. FILLING

1/2 cup sugar 2 Tbsp lemon juice 1 Tbsp corn starch 6 peaches, sliced

Cook all ﬁlling ingredients and spoon over pre-baked crust. TOPPING

TOPPING

REQUESTS FROM

Sandy Drescher, Neillsville

1 cup ﬂour 2/3 cup brown sugar 2/3 cup butter 1/2 cup pecans 1/2 cup shredded, sweetened coconut

2 cups ﬂour 2 Tbsp sugar 3 tsp baking powder 6 Tbsp cold butter, grated 3 Tbsp butter, cut into pieces 1 cup milk

Mix ﬂour, sugar, baking powder, and grated butter together into a crumbly mixture and add milk. Drop by tablespoons over the peaches. Dot with remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and bake for 30 minutes.

Peach Crumble Bars

Peach Streusel Bars

Lavaughn Buehl, Janesville

2 cups all-purpose ﬂour 1/2 cup light brown sugar, ﬁrmly packed 1 tsp grated lemon rind 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp salt 3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter 1 (12 oz) jar peach preserves

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9-x9x-2-inch square baking pan. Combine ﬂour, sugar, rind, nutmeg, and salt in large bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1 cup. Pat remaining mixture evenly into prepared pan. Spread preserves evenly over top of dough in pan, leaving 1/4-inch border around edge. Sprinkle with reserved ﬂour mixture. Bake for 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into 12 bars.

Mix topping ingredients together and sprinkle over top of ﬁlling; bake 20–25 minutes longer. Cool for 10 minutes in pan before cutting into bars.

Peach Crunch Cake

Deanne Sczepanski, Whitehall FILLING

6–9 cups fresh peaches, sliced Fill 9-x13-inch pan half full of peaches. TOPPING

2 cups ﬂour 2 cups sugar 1 cup soft butter 4 tsp baking powder 1 cup water

Mix ﬂour, sugar, butter, and baking powder together until crumbly. Put crumb mixture over top of peaches. Pour water over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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5/13/21 2:33 PM

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June 21_adsPasted2.indd 23

5/13/21 9:18 AM

MILLING AROUND IN RURAL WISCONSIN STATE’S HISTORIC GRIST MILLS TAKE YOU BACK IN TIME

hese were not your run-of-the-mill businesses. The grist mills that flourished along Wisconsin’s waterways from the mid 19th century through the early 20th century were the linchpin of farming communities. Using the power of flowing water to turn huge stones, grist mills turned farmers’ wheat into meal and flour. They were key to the state’s economy of the time.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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5/19/21 8:38 AM

WISCONSIN FAVORITES In addition, grist mills often served a less tangible, but no less important, purpose. In a time when rural dwellers didn’t see much of each other, these mills were places where people regularly gathered. The local mill often became the social hub, where farm families came to get their grain ground, but also to catch up on the news of the day. With the advent of steam power in the late 1800s and electricity a little later, grain production was no longer tied to a water source, and the old grist mills were slowly abandoned for more modern facilities concentrated closer to cities. Many of the old mills fell into disrepair and were dismantled. Not all, however. Some of these historic grist mills have not only survived, but have been carefully preserved and still stand today. A small number of mills dot Wisconsin’s rural landscape, some of them within or nearby electric cooperative territories. At most of them, the water wheel—if it exists at all—now serves as decoration only. Some mills have been repurposed for new uses, others serve as museums and are open for tours, while still others stand simply as testament to a past time, luring photographers with their rustic architecture and bucolic settings. If your next drive through rural Wisconsin puts you in the vicinity of one of the state’s old grist mills, we recommend you stop and mill around for a bit. Here are a few of our favorites:

Beckman Mill

Located along Coon Creek on Rock Energy Cooperative’s lines just outside of Beloit, Beckman Mill is one of the only working grist mills left in the state. Its original millstones and water-driven turbine can still produce ﬁne corn-

meal, and during non-pandemic times corn-grinding demonstrations are held here on the first Saturday of the month from May through October. Built in 1868, the mill operated until 1954. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and sold a year later by the Beckman family to Rock County. The Beckmans’ 10-acre mill property was joined with adjacent parkland with the idea of preserving the mill facilities for their historic value. An 18-year restoration project followed, with volunteers from the Friends of Beckman Mill completing restoration of the mill in 1997. After that, focus turned to restoring the concrete dam. Today, the mill is the showpiece of the 50-acre Beckman Mill County Park, which also includes an 1840s cooperage and a visitor center patterned after an historic creamery that was once on the site. The visitor center also houses a blacksmith display, a creamery display, and a gift shop. Other park features include a covered footbridge linking the two sides of Coon Creek; the mill pond, a popular place for fishing; a fish ladder that was built at the dam when it was restored; a spacious picnic area with a covered pavilion; and walking trails through woods, wetlands, and an oak savanna. The park grounds are open to the public year-round. Typically, guided tours of the mill are available on Saturdays and Sundays from May through October, but tours are on hold due to COVID and will resume when it is deemed safe to do so. Special events—the annual Ice Cream Social and Artists in the Park, set for July 18, and Heritage Sunday, planned for September 12—are still scheduled to proceed; watch the website or call for updates.

The Beckman Mill in Beloit has been completely renovated on the outside, although almost all of the interior, including the grinding room, is original. The covered footbridge in front of the restored dam at Beckman Mill is a popular place for wedding pictures, senior portraits, and family pictures. (Facing page) A new dam was built in 2018 to replace the 100-yearold original dam at the historic Dells Mill in Augusta.

June 2021

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Beckman Mill Park is located at 11600 So. County Road H, Beloit, WI 53511. For more information, visit beckmanmill.org or call 608-751-1551.

Dells Mill Just outside of Augusta, in the area served by Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, is Dells Mill, known to be one of the most photographed places in Wisconsin. The original portion of the mill is a five-level clapboard structure rising above Bridge Creek. It was built in 1864, with the mill in operation by the following year. The mill operated with a water-driven turbine; the water wheel was added much later for aesthetic purposes. Through various additions, including a two-story wing added in 1902, and several adjustments as the mill diversified over the years to accommodate different kinds of grain, the mill operated continuously until 1968, when it was converted to a museum. Many of the mill’s original equipment is on display inside. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

An extensive restoration of the dam—an effort that drew community support—was completed in 2018. Restoration of the mill itself is ongoing, with an eye toward making the mill operational once again. The mill is open for tours on Fridays and Saturdays from May through October. Inside, visitors will also find a collection of unique items for sale, including handcrafted furniture, home décor, and rugs; antiques; and homemade food items. Even when it’s closed, however, Dells Mill is worth a stop for the view alone, and a chance to hear the water roar as it whooshes over the spillway from the millpond. Taking photos requires some caution as highway traffic runs close to the bridge that offers the best view. Those who do wish to stop and take photos are asked to contribute a couple of dollars in a courtesy drop box, which goes toward the historic structure’s upkeep. Dells Mill is located at E18855 County Road V, Augusta. For more information visit augustawi.com or call 715-286-2714.

Red Mill

Dells Mill in Augusta houses a museum with some original equipment, as well as a country store where visitors will also find handcrafted furniture, rugs, and other items for sale.

Just south of Waupaca, close to the area served by Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative, is the Red Mill, an 1855 grist mill that operated as the Crystal River Mill for more than 100 years, closing in 1959. The original 2.5-story mill still stands, and from the beautiful river view it retains much of its original look, although the water wheel has been removed for renovation. However, that’s where the facility’s similarity to its original purpose ends. The mill was given new life as the Red Mill, a charming mix of gift shop, old-fashioned ice cream parlor, and wedding venue. The building houses several rooms of eclectic gift items as well as an old-time candy store. At one end of the building is a coffee and ice cream shop, where the menu includes a selection of grilled sandwiches, soup, and specialty beverages. Out back, the property has a parklike atmosphere, with gardens, walking paths, and a quaint red covered bridge crossing the Crystal River to the lovely little Chapel in the Woods, a popular site

The former Crystal River Grist Mill in Waupaca is now the Red Mill. With a red covered bridge and a chapel on the property, it’s a popular wedding venue. The Red Mill also houses an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and coffee shop as well as several rooms of gift items.

for intimate weddings. There are picnic tables and benches situated throughout— perfect places to sit and enjoy a sandwich or ice cream treat from the parlor/ café inside. As you sit alongside the river and enjoy a moment of quiet, you might see kayakers or canoeists pass through, having accessed the river at the adjacent half-acre Nelson Park. This little park also has plenty of picnic tables, grills, and a footbridge to a small island.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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WISCONSIN FAVORITES

POW ERING EVERY MOME N T

Hyde’s Mill in Ridgeway is a favorite stop for photographers.

The Red Mill is located at N2190 County Road K, Waupaca, WI 54981. For more information, visit visitwaupacachainolakes.com or call 715-258-7385.

Hyde’s Mill

Just like no two people are the same, no two days are the same. And in between, we all do very different things. But no matter when or how, your local Touchstone Energy cooperative is there to help you power every moment of it. To learn more, visit TouchstoneEnergy.com

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Near the Iowa County community of Ridgeway, not far from Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative territory, is Hyde’s Mill, built alongside Mill Creek. This mill was built in 1850 by William Hyde, who settled the unincorporated community of Hyde just north of Ridgeway. The mill burned down in 1870 and was rebuilt by Ted Sawle at its original site next to an 1850s stone dam. The property has since changed hands and is privately owned; the mill itself is fenced off from visitors and surrounded by No Trespassing signs. The protected setting is no doubt best for the fragile-looking structure, but fortunately for the many photographers who seek it out, the mill can be safely and respectfully enjoyed from behind the fence. There’s a small area to pull in and park, with ample room to take in the sights and sounds of the historic scene. History buffs would also enjoy exploring a little farther into the Hyde community. A short drive down scenic Highway H from the mill will take you past a tavern that once served as the Hyde Valley General Store. Farther south is the historic Hyde Blacksmith Shop, painstakingly moved to this site from its original location down the road in 2000. Highway H also runs along an old stagecoach route. Hyde’s Mill is located at 6875 Mill Road, Ridgeway, 53582. Step back in time with a stop at one of these historic grist mills. We can assure you it won’t be a run-of-the-mill experience.—Mary Erickson June 2021

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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.

WANTED: TRACTOR CHAINS. Size 13.6 x 28. Call (262) 989-8825. 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.

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. UPPER MICHIGAN. 1800’ OF LAKESHORE, 35+ acres, pristine lake. Trout streams, golf, casino, snowmobiling, skiing. Ottawa Forest. Very private. $297,000. 715-495-2081.

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.

RECREATIONAL LAND 40 ACRES. North of Wausau. Pine River one side; blacktop other. Great hunting, walk to golf course. Two campers, electric and well $125k. (715) 409-0185.

ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL PUPPIES. AKC registered. Vet checked, ﬁrst shots, tails docked and dew claws removed. Call or text 715-579-2547.

ADVERTISE WITH US

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.

MORE THAN 152,000 MAILBOXES EACH MONTH Reach rural readers

WANTED: BB AND PELLET GUNS. Pre-1950. Eau Claire, WI. (715) 379-2567. Call or text.

ads@weca.coop

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

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5/13/21 9:50 AM

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OUR 60th YEAR

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June 2021

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WISCONSIN EVENTS 1–30 Bloomin’ Greenhouse Tour—Clark County Area. All-Day Event. More than 100,000 flowers and plants. Mid-April through fall. Annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, grasses, trees, shrubs, hostas, daylilies, mums, fairy garden supplies, garden art, more. 715-255-9100. 5 Dairy Breakfast—Cadott. Riverview Park, 7:30–11:00 a.m. The Chippewa County Dairy Breakfast will be a drive-through event. No fee for breakfast; donations accepted. 6 Pink Flamingo (Motorcycle) Ride—Tigerton. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and ride begins at 12 p.m. $15 per rider (meal included). Ride in bike show following ride. Live music 6–10 p.m. Cars also welcome. 715-326-0204. 12 Canoe Race and Music Fest—Readstown. Tourist Park, all day. Canoe race registration and breakfast starting at 8 a.m. Music all day. At 11 a.m., a roast pork dinner will be served until gone. Beverages available and Hillsboro Brewing Company Beer on grounds. Vendors and family fun and games. Free admission. 608-632-0638. 12 Lasting Legends Car Club Car Show/Swap Meet—Chaseburg. All day. Registration 9–11 a.m. Fee $10. Must pre-register for swap meet. All vehicles welcome. Concessions, door prizes, Chinese raffle, and flea market. Proceeds go to local food pantries. No carry-ins, please. 608-606-2030.

12 Pride Stride Walk—Medford. 10 a.m.– 3 p.m. Pride Stride Walk at 1 p.m. Bucket raffles at event. Rain date is June 13th. 715-965-6575. 12 Concert in the Park—Coloma. 5:30– 8 p.m. Music under the covered pavilion with The Starfire Band. No cover charge, but this is a ‘pass the hat’ fundraising event. Brats, hot dogs, and beverages starting at 5:30 p.m. 16 Rusk County Cleansweep—Ladysmith. Rusk County Highway Shop, 2–6 p.m. Household Hazardous Waste Collection. Collections for universal waste, appliances, electronics, tires, sharps and pharmaceuticals. 715-532-2167. 17–20 Lake Martha Days—Osseo. Downtown, 4:30 p.m.–1 a.m. Music, great food, carnival. Family fun with a Norwegian flair. 18 Jolly Mixers Dance Club—Clintonville. Memories (250 County Road I), 7–11 p.m. The Jolly Mixers Dance Club dances are held on the third Friday of each month. Good polka and old time music, dancing, fun, food, and fellowship. 920-882-7805. 19 Coon Creek Trout Fest—Coon Valley. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Fun family event. Fishing for the kids, vendors at the American Legion, and music in the park. Vernon County dairy breakfast at Legacy Restaurant in Coon Valley. More event info on our Facebook page.

June 2021 19, 20 Vintage Home Decor Sale—Nelson. Intersection of Highway 25 & County Road K. Sat 9 a.m–5 p.m. & Sun 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Antiques, collectibles, vintage housewares, hunting & ﬁshing gear, electronics, barware, and more. 24–26 Truck & Tractor Pull—Tomah. Monroe County Fairgrounds, all day. Truck & tractor pulling at its best—45 years and still pulling strong! Five shows, two pulling tracks. Show times daily at 12 and 7 p.m. General admission $24, all-day ticket $44, season ticket $110. 608-372-2081. 26, 27 Coloma 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. Food and beverage available after 11 a.m. Bathrooms and parking at the park. Follow Covid guidelines. Museum located next to market is open 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 26 Smoked Pork Extravaganza—Iola. Northland Lutheran Church, 2–5 p.m. Smoked pork dinner. Serving smoked baby-back ribs, pulled pork shoulder, potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans. Tickets $12; under 10 eat free. 920-475-7866. 27 Juneau County Dairy Breakfast at the Elroy Fair—Elroy. Schultz Park, 7–11 a.m. The tradition of Elroy Fair hosting the Juneau County Dairy Breakfast is back. Join us for pancakes, eggs, sausage, ham, cheese curds, milk, juice, and coffee.

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

Upload your July events by June 11.

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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 1

Kids and Critters June 2021 2

1. Jaxson’s best friend Lila doubles as a pillow. Photo submitted by Clark Electric members David and Ardis Freimund. 2. Abigail and Emily are picture perfect. Photo submitted by Anthony Bianco, a member of Jump River Electric. 3. Harper has a bunny named Bluegill. Photo submitted by Grandma Kim Flesch, a member of Scenic Rivers Energy. 4. Emma is the cutest flock-feeding tot. Photo submitted by Grandma Dianne Wilke, a member of Jump River Electric.

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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.

IT’S TIME AGAIN FOR OUR HIDDEN OBJECT GAME,

“SYMBOL SEARCH”

Thankfully, many of you forgave us for making the April mushroom too difficult to find and were happy to find the dainty wildflower more easily in May. One reader commented: “I waited for what seemed like forever for the May issue to come out so I could find out where April’s mushroom was. I immediately flipped to the back page to read where it was and hurried in the house to find the April issue. Sure enough, there it was. I was sure April’s issue was an April fools joke & it wasn’t in there. Well this month was a lot easier!” Riverland Energy Cooperative member Matt Goeldner is this month’s winner. Matt found the flower on page 14 in the text of the roadside crew article. “I give the magazine to my girls & they search the pages for it each month. Then they ask about things they’ve seen in the pictures or articles. It’s fun,” said Matt. This month, inspired by June Dairy month, we challenge you to find this delicious wedge of Wisconsin cheese. 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 June 15.

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

You can also enter by mail, but don’t forget to mention which co-op you belong to:

Good luck!

Symbol Search Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703

June 2021

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