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CONTENTS August 2022 Vol. 83 No. 2

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.

One Step Ahead of Utility Scammers The best defense is to call the co-op.

Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Steve Freese, president & CEO.

Youth Tour Program is building back strong.

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 Rural folk art culture is cast in concrete.

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 folk art installment “Eleven Deer” is one of Fred Smith’s many sculptures at the Wisconsin Concrete Park south of Phillips.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

NEWS BRIEFS

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

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

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WECN Aug22TOC.indd 1

August 2022

7/18/22 3:19 PM

SYMBOL SEARCH HIDDEN OBJECT GAME

Winning our July kitchen kit is Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative member Diane Tiry. She found the fireworks symbol hidden in plain sight in the headline of page 24. “I wondered if I would need to find my magnifying glass to find the tiny symbol when I came upon the title on page 24 and there it was staring me in the face! I was very interested in the article on battery storage or generators after finding out that blackouts may occur this summer and the need to be prepared in the future. Our energy needs are very important to us as we still have critters in the barn. Thank you for such an amazing news magazine!” This month we challenge readers to find this zucchini in honor of our zucchini recipes on page 20. 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 August 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

COMMON THEMES

’ve mentioned it before, but the comments from readers in our Symbol Search entries are a highlight of my month. We do our best to keep you on your toes and stay creative with the hiding places. All credit for the sneakiness goes to Ann Bailey, our magazine designer. Somehow, she keeps finding sly places to hide the symbol. This month, she sent me the design for the page with the hidden symbol, and I STILL couldn’t find it. Eventually, I did, but this might be a more complicated search. We succeeded in throwing many of you off our trail in the July issue. Many readers, like our winner Diane, commented that they dug out the magnifying glass, as they do each month, and carefully searched each page. However, the fireworks symbol was big and bold, hidden in plain sight on the page 24 headline. Another reader, Marilyn Witte of Melrose, also commented on our unconventional hiding, but it was the rest of her mailed-in entry that we enjoyed: Found (the symbol) on pg 24 on top between ‘Tradition’ and ‘Meets’. So big this time! My husband was born on the farm where electricity came in 1942. He remembers his dad tell of milking by hand with lanterns. We have come a long way. Only lost power in the storm of 1998 for three days. It was quite a storm. We are on the Jackson Electric Cooperative line. Super crew! First, we love notes from readers who remember, or have heard stories of, when electricity first arrived to their homes and farms. The farm kid in me was especially drawn to the image of milking by hand with lanterns. But more importantly, we see a common theme in shout-outs to readers’ local cooperatives. So often, Symbol Search submissions contain a little note of appreciation for the cooperative and recognition of its efforts to provide reliable power. That’s a theme we will work hard to continue.

Dana Kelroy Editor

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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NEWS BRIEFS Oakdale, Pierce Pepin, Richland, Rock, Scenic Rivers, Taylor, St. Croix, and Barron Electric Cooperatives. More than 100 teens attended YLC annually before the pandemic, and event organizers are hopeful the event will return to full strength next year.

2023 Youth Board Elected

Motivational speaker Craig Hillier speaks to youth attendees.

Youth Leadership Congress Returns

More than 60 electric cooperative teens attended the three-day Youth Leadership Congress (YLC) at UW-Stout July 12–14. This was the first in-person event since 2019, and the first time YLC has been held at UW-Stout. YLC members participated in activities aimed at building leadership skills, including a session on “breakthrough leadership” by motivational speaker and author Craig Hillier, and an appearance by Will Tuchtenhagen, former YLC board member and recipient of the 2021 Glenn English National Cooperative Leadership Foundation’s $10,000 Scholarship. Youth in attendance also can enter the WECA essay contest, which awards scholarship money to the top three winners. The following YLC attendees were recognized as 2022 MVPs: District 1 – Cicely Kiecker, Chippewa Valley Electric District 2 – Dayne Beaudette, Chippewa Valley Electric District 3 – Jayden Mosley, Rock Energy District 4 – Theodore Robish, Taylor Electric District 5 – Emma Steinke, Rock Energy This year’s group winner for best attitude and participation was district 4, which was represented by co-ops from Adams-Columbia, Central Wisconsin, 6

Attendees of Youth Leadership Congress (YLC) have the opportunity to run for Youth Board, which includes gathering signatures, conducting interviews, and delivering a speech before the group-wide vote at the conclusion of the event.

afford broadband, even if it is available in their area, and seeks to improve funding opportunities and resources. The task force is also hoping to continue outreach to communities and regions to assist in the technical aspect of broadband expansion, from the early planning stages and including the often complex process of grant applications.

Solar Complaints Surge in Wisconsin, Midwest

The 2023 Youth Board members are: • Constance Clark-Bailey, Scenic Rivers Energy • Kc Rose, Chippewa Valley Electric • Molly Damm, Adams-Columbia Electric • Theodore Robisch, Taylor Electric • Daniel Deutsch, Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services • Samantha Hopkins, Rock Energy • Emma Steinke, Rock Energy (Alternate)

The funding opportunities fueling a cleaner energy future related to solar expansion for homeowners is also creating an opportunity for fraudulent activity. Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) reports it has already received as many complaints about solar companies in 2022 as it did in all of 2021. So far in 2022, DATCP has received 13 complaints regarding solar energy companies and contractors. In all of 2021, that number was 13. In 2020, it was 11. Complaints have included untrue financial claims, misleading advertising, installation issues, false promises of device performance and company guarantees, panel defects, and failure to provide agreed upon services.

Broadband Coverage, Quality Improving

PSC Awards Pierce Pepin Broadband Nearly $6 Million in Broadband Grants

Youth Board members are invited to attend the 2023 NRECA Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., next summer and will return to YLC in 2023 as team leaders.

The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband Access has released its second annual report, which details progress made over the past year and sets goals going forward to ensure all Wisconsinites have access to high-speed internet. The task force, which is made up of industry and community leaders including Richland Electric Cooperative CEO & General Manager Shannon Clark and Dairyland Power Cooperative Government Relations Manager Jennifer Shilling, reports improved download speeds and better access overall. The second annual task force report also focuses on “digital equity,” noting that many lower-income families cannot

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) announced the winners of the competitive application process for the latest round of grant funds from the state’s Broadband Expansion Grant Program, and Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services had all three of its projects approved. The PSC received 194 applications seeking a total of $495 million in funds and approved 71 projects totaling $125 million. Pierce Pepin will now move forward with expanding broadband access with fiber-to-the-home service in three more areas bringing high-speed internet to 36 business and almost 1,500 homes.

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MESSAGE from the CEO

STEPPING BACK Steve Freese

President and CEO

ome of life’s events shake you to your core. A little over a month ago, I experienced one of those events. After feeling unwell most of Father’s Day, I went to the emergency room and was admitted for the night, with more testing planned for the following day. The results of those, and subsequent tests, revealed the devastating news that no one wants to hear. I was diagnosed with colon cancer. To say I’ve spent the last few weeks in a bit of a fog is an understatement. Each month in this column, I try to leave readers with a call to action—something you can do to support your local community, engage your elected ofﬁcials, or become more involved with your electric cooperative. This month is no different. This August, I encourage you to take care of your health. Schedule regular appointments with your healthcare provider, and This August, I follow through with all recommendations, encourage you including regular to take care of screenings. Document your symptoms and share your health… them with your doctor. Your best chance Your best chance of beating most any illness of beating most is early detection. I’ve begun treatment any illness is early for this horrible disease detection. and plan to ﬁght it with everything I’ve got. As a result, I’m taking a step back from leading Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives but leave my work in the capable hands of my staff for the time being. I plan to return as soon as I can. Depending on how I’m feeling, the message on this

page in the upcoming months may continue to be penned by me, or you may hear from other leaders in the electric cooperative world. Rest assured, we’ll continue EDITOR’S NOTE: to work hard for co-op If so inclined, well members across the wishes can be sent to state and provide you Steve at: with relevant, useful information on this WECA page. Steve Freese I’d like to sincerely 222 W. Washington Ave., thank my family and Ste. 680 the WECA board of Madison, WI 53703 directors and staff for their care and support.

August Primaries

A second call to action for readers this month echoes one I frequently talk about in this column—get out and vote. August 9 is the partisan primary in Wisconsin for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate as well as key statewide offices including governor, lieutenant governor, and state Assembly and Senate. Winners of these partisan primary races will face each other in the November 8 general election. I encourage all readers to head to the polls. Rural Wisconsin faces some unique challenges, and it’s important to elect officials who understand our issues and will make our voices heard. As always, I’ll never tell you who to vote for. I only encourage you to research the candidates, know where they stand on issues important to you and your electric cooperative, and elect them into office. And while you are at it, circle November 8 on your calendar. Election Day will be here before we know it.

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FEATURE

STAY ONE STEP AHEAD OF THE UTILITY SCAMMERS WHETHER IT’S A HIGH-TECH HACK OR AN IN-PERSON CON, THE BEST DEFENSE IS THE SAME— CALL YOUR CO-OP.

n 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received 5.7 million incident reports in the consumer marketplace. About half of those were identiﬁed as fraud and a quarter as identity theft. Those statistics don’t tabulate utility fraud speciﬁcally, but the Better Business Bureau says it receives about 1,000 complaints of utility scams each year. Let’s look at a few common scenarios of utility scams: • You receive a random call. The caller says you didn’t pay your last electric bill and your power will be cut off immediately––unless you pay right now by credit card over the phone. Caller ID shows it came from the utility; they even told you the exact amount of your most recent bill. • You receive an alert that you overpaid your utility bill and to get the refund, you need to provide

who lost money was about $500. Reading about avoiding utility scams makes it sound pretty simple. But the thing about scammers is they take you by surprise. They might be the most charming people you ever met. Or they might be mean and intimidating, bullying you into acting. It can be hard to say “no” in the moment. One busy businessperson ended up handing over $1,000 just to get through another one of the day’s fast-paced distractions. Scammers are notorious for recognizing when people are most vulnerable—Christmas, right after a hurricane or tornado, or with the approach of really hot or cold weather. Fraud reports skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic—FTC ﬁgures show complaints rising from almost 3.5 million in 2019 to more than 5.5 million in 2021.

The latest trends in utility fraud Con artists keep your ﬁnancial information. • A friendly couple in uniform knocks on your door saying they’re from the power company and are following up on high-bill complaints from your neighbors. They just need to take a look at your utility bill so they can get the information code to make sure you aren’t being double-charged. These real-life stories may seem like obvious scams. Who would ever fall for them? It turns out about one in four people.

Scammers take you by surprise While most people

do the right thing and hang up the phone or contact their utility rather than handing over money or private information, more than $6 billion in losses to various scams were reported in 2021. According to Utilities United Against Scams, the typical cost for each victim

up with technology—they’ll come at you through email and texting. In one of the top recent scams, you’re told to pay by gift or cash card, giving the swindlers the card and PIN number so they can have easier access to your money. (Hint—a utility will never ask you to pay by gift card.) Another new scheme tells you to pay your bill with cryptocurrency. Your electric co-op will not require you to pay by bitcoin or similar methods. The best way to avoid being a victim of a utility scam is to call your electric co-op directly. Scammers will try to rush you into acting, but no billing situation is so urgent you can’t check on it. If you do lose money on a scam, don’t be embarrassed. Report it to your electric co-op. The state attorney general is responsible for going after fraud and will want to know about any suspicious schemes.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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You might even be able to get your money back. Letting the appropriate contacts know about a scamming operation can help protect others in our community and let you feel secure in enjoying your electric service. 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

YOUTH TOUR:

BUILDING BACK STRONG

Clockwise starting bottom left: Nine students sponsored by Wisconsin electric cooperatives took part in this year’s NRECA Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. Here, two of them lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier . Badger State delegates speak with a retired airman and Honor Flight participant at the Airforce Memorial. Lauren Thompson, St. Croix Electric; Hannah Boiteau, Jump River Electric; Lauren Kremer, Polk-Burnett Electric; Hannah Burrows, Polk-Burnett Electric; Maddie Cooley, Scenic Rivers Energy; Hayley Moore, Adams-Columbia Electric; KC Kurtz, Price Electric; Nick Hahn, Polk-Burnett Electric; and Jude Klar, Scenic Rivers Energy, represented Wisconsin. The tour made a stop at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Delegates talk with Senator Ron Johnson.

he summer of 2020 was set to be a banner year: The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Youth Tour was about to break a record with electric cooperatives from 45 states sponsoring teens to attend the annual gathering in Washington, D.C. During what many call the “trip of a lifetime,” delegates visit America’s most historical monuments, tour museums, meet with elected ofﬁcials, and learn about the impact electric cooperatives have both locally and globally. Maddie Cooley, sponsored by Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative, and Lauren Thompson, St. Croix Electric Cooperative, were among the Wisconsin delegates excited to go. And then the world stopped. The pandemic led to the cancellation of gatherings and travel across the country and the world. For the ﬁrst time since it began more than 50 years ago, the Youth Tour was canceled in 2020 and then again in 2021. Beth Knudson, NRECA youth programs & training manager, had to constantly juggle the back-and-forth rules and regulations to pull off the 2022 trip right up until the last minute.

“D.C. regulations were a lot stricter than in rural America, and also they were not consistent,” Knudson explained. “So, you go somewhere in Delaware, and they may have no mask mandate, but then you would go somewhere in Arlington, Virginia, and they said well, you don’t have to wear masks, but you have to have your current vaccination card and be prepared to show it.” Despite the uncertainty related to the pandemic and its restrictions, 28 states sent 1,239 students on this year’s Youth Tour, which was staggered over two weeks in June. Cooley and Thompson, both now with one year of college behind them, were invited back and jumped at the chance. “It was such an awesome experience and the highlight of my summer for sure,” said Cooley, who is studying health and human performance at UW-Platteville. “Standing there where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech—it was a moment I will never forget.” “It was an amazing and unique experience,” said Thompson, who grew up on her family’s farm and is studying animal science and industry leadership at

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Kansas State University. “We were able to have candid and difficult yet civil conversations with our representatives, which was such a great opportunity as we learn and grow and decide what our futures hold.” Thompson also said the trip helped further her understanding and appreciation of co-op values. “Co-ops give everyone a say. It’s like a family, and that is really cool,” she said. The idea of the Youth Tour came from then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson when he addressed the NRECA Annual Meeting in Chicago in 1957. The future president said, “If one thing comes out of this meeting, it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.” The following year, a rural electric cooperative in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a week-long study tour of our nation’s capital, and other states followed suit. In 1964, NRECA began coordinating joint activities among the state delegations, transforming the trip into the experience it is today. Wisconsin’s electric co-ops have been sending youth since 1990. To date, hundreds have traveled to D.C from the Badger State to participate in the Youth Tour and bring midwestern hospitality to the nation’s capital. Tina Walden, WECA youth coordinator; Trevor Clark, director of outreach services from Richland Electric Cooperative; and Judy Mims, executive assistant from Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative, chaperoned Wisconsin’s nine youth on the trip this year, and say the group represented Wisconsin and the Midwest very well. “Our delegates were kind and courteous and engaged,” Walden said. “One of the most somber moments was visiting the Pentagon Memorial. These students weren’t even born when 9/11 happened, and while they’ve learned about it in school, during this trip, they stood where it happened and read the names of those who lost their lives, and it really put it all in perspective for them. It was powerful and moving to see their reactions.”

“A few of our students spoke with a member of an Honor Flight while we were visiting the Air Force Memorial,” Clark said. “They were interested and respectful. Afterward, we were told how great our students were during a brief classroom session. They asked questions and were very polite throughout the class. Something we can all be very proud of.” “I enjoyed talking with each representative from Wisconsin about what they were experiencing,” said Mims. “Some students clearly had a lot of knowledge and pushed my understanding by challenging my generational ideas with some of their own. In the end, I think that getting to have open, amicable, and productive conversations between those of us from different generations, political viewpoints, and backgrounds meant we all came away from Youth Tour having learned something. Having had these conversations at the very seat of power in our country was simply icing on the proverbial cake.” This tour has historically prompted cooperative kids to seek careers in leadership roles, from the energy industry to Congress. For example, the group met Sydney Scott working in the office of Senator Tammy Baldwin. Scott was a youth tour delegate from Wisconsin in 2014. The experience with Youth Leadership Congress and the Youth Tour has helped Wisconsin electric cooperative students win the Glenn English National Cooperative Leadership Foundation’s top scholarship worth $10,000 twice within the past 10 years. Tessa Otto of Price Electric Cooperative, who reportedly had never been on a plane before Youth Tour, won the scholarship in 2017. William Tuchtenhagen of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services took home the prize last year. Tuchtenhagen spent two summers as an intern at his sponsoring cooperative, helping advance projects important to PPCS members. “Will Tuchtenhagen may have never been interested in broadband, solar charging stations, or anything like

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that had he not gone on Youth Tour and participated in youth programs thanks to his cooperative,” Knudsen said. “We have colleagues at NRECA that went through the program; we have people now working in the energy industry who went on the tour. So there is a very tangible connection between this opportunity and what they do every day in their jobs and how they’re helping rural America.” Cooley and Thompson say their Youth Tour experience strengthened their appreciation for and understanding of electric cooperatives, which will stay with them. Thompson hopes to return to Wisconsin and work in the agriculture industry, preferably in an electric co-op territory. “We love working with the co-op; we wouldn’t change it for anything,” she said.

Cooley is planning for a future in education and says Youth Tour helped strengthen her communication and leadership skills and helped her build a foundation and grow the skills she will need to serve her community. “Without my co-op, this would not have been possible. It’s just amazing what they do for us as future leaders—giving us these opportunities. It’s all because of the co-op’s investing in our success now and in the future,” she said. Looking ahead, Knudson is now hoping 2023 is the year 45 states will participate in Youth Tour. “This trip, honestly, it’s like no other opportunity in the country right now,” Knudson said. “No other organization does what the electric cooperatives do for rural youth, and that on its own speaks volumes about co-ops and our values.”—Julie Lund

1. Up close with statues of George and Martha Washington at Mt. Vernon. 2. Air Force Memorial. 3. Chaperones Trevor Clark, Tina Walden, and Judy Mims. 4 Polk-Burnett youth. 5. The group in front of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. 6 Office visit with Congressman Tom Tiffany’s Legislative Assistant, Henry Allen. 7. Photo op with Congressman Ron Kind after a visit. 8. Will Tuchtenhagen (back row, center) and motivational speaker Mike Schlappi (front row, center) with the group. 9. Touring Mt. Vernon.

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Kale and Basil Pesto Zoodles with Mushrooms

Z IS FOR

ZUCCHINI

Recipe and photo courtesy of The Mushroom Council. These zoodles are full of bold flavors, and they are ideal for a light lunch or dinner. They can stand as a meal on their own or serve them as a side with grilled fish or chicken.

2 cups chopped kale leaves 1/4 cup lightly packed basil leaves 8 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided 4 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided 2 garlic cloves, chopped 2 Tbsp pine nuts 1/2 tsp fine sea salt 8 oz white button mushrooms, chopped 3 medium zucchini (approx. 1-1/2 pounds) cut into zoodles Fine sea salt, to taste Place the kale, basil, and 4 tablespoons of the olive oil in a small food processor or the cup of a single serving blender. Pulse in 10-second intervals until all ingredients are combined and the kale is finely chopped. Add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, chopped garlic, pine nuts, and sea salt. Pulse in 10 second intervals until all ingredients are finely chopped and transform into a thick dressing. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes, just until they begin to soften. Add the zoodles and cook 2–3 minutes more, just until they begin to become tender. Pour in the pesto and cook for 1 more minute to heat all ingredients. Garnish with the remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and season with any additional salt to taste before serving. Serves 3–4.

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RECIPES Mediterranean Mushroom-Zucchini Boats Recipe and photo courtesy of Brooke Lark from Cheeky Kitchen, via The Mushroom Council. On the grill or in the oven, these mushroom zucchini boats are easy, versatile, and full of feisty, vibrant, summertime flavors and are ready in less than 20 minutes.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin Pappardelle with Zucchini Ribbon Recipe and photo courtesy of The National Pasta Association at www.sharethepasta.org. When zucchini are at their best and plentiful, they can be sliced into ribbons with a vegetable peeler and tossed with pasta for a fresh pork tenderloin pappardelle dish.

3 Tbsp olive oil 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 4 tsp grainy mustard 4 tsp honey 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 tsp salt, divided 1/2 tsp pepper, divided 12 oz pork tenderloin 4 oz pappardelle pasta 2 (approx. 8 oz each) medium zucchini, ends trimmed 2 Tbsp finely chopped chives Preheat grill to medium, grease grate well. Whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Remove 2 tablespoons and set aside; reserve remaining mixture. Season pork with remaining salt and pepper. Grill, turning pork, for approx. 10 minutes or until wellmarked. Brush with 2 tablespoons mustard mixture; cook for about 10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Let pork rest for 10 minutes before thinly slicing. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Using a vegetable peeler, slice zucchini into long, thin strips, turning as needed and discarding seed-filled center. Toss zucchini with reserved mustard mixture. Stir in cooked pasta and chives. Divide among plates and serve with sliced pork. Serves 4. TIP: For a pretty presentation, use 1 green and 1 yellow zucchini, if available.

2 Tbsp onions, finely chopped 1/4 cup black olives, finely chopped 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled 3 Tbsp olive oil 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped

3 small zucchinis, halved 1 small tomato, finely diced 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced 1-1/2 cups baby bella mushrooms, chopped

Preheat oven to 400 degrees or prepare grill heated to medium-low heat. Use a small spoon to scoop the pit and seeds out of the center of each zucchini half. Set aside. In a large bowl stir together the tomato, bell pepper, mushrooms, onions, olives, and feta cheese. Spoon mixture into the center of each zucchini. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes OR grill until the zucchini is crisp-tender. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top to finish. Serves 2.

Pasta Primavera with Caramelized Onions Recipe and photo courtesy of The National Onion Association.

2 large onions, sliced 3 Tbsp olive oil, divided 1 large red bell pepper, sliced 1 large green bell pepper, sliced 2 large zucchinis (approx. 7 inches each), sliced 8 oz penne pasta 8 oz basil pesto sauce 1 cup shredded Italian cheeses In a large skillet, caramelize the onions by cooking on medium low heat in 2 tablespoons of olive oil for 15–20 minutes or until golden. Add red and green bell peppers, zucchini, and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the onions. Continue to sauté 8–10 minutes, until the peppers and zucchini are tender. Meanwhile, cook 8 ounces penne pasta in boiling water for 10 minutes or until tender; drain. Return hot pasta to pan; add vegetables and basil pesto sauce. Gently toss ingredients together to coat. Heat through for 5–10 minutes. Lightly mix in 1 cup shredded Italian cheeses and serve. Makes 6 servings.

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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.

Dream Bars SANDY DRESCHER, NEILLSVILLE 11 graham crackers (an 8 oz pkg), crushed into crumbs 1/2 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) 1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 (9 oz) container frozen, whipped topping 1 (5 oz) pkg instant butterscotch pudding 1 (5 oz) pkg instant fudge chocolate pudding 2-1/2 cups milk 1 handful of chocolate chips (optional) Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter, and nuts, and pat into a 9-x-13-inch pan. Cream together cream cheese and powdered sugar. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping and spread over crust. Mix both packages of instant pudding and milk. Spread over cream cheese layer and cover with remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and refrigerate until served.

Frozen Coleslaw SANDY DRESCHER, NEILLSVILLE Recipe courtesy of Judith Ebersold, Menomonee The original recipe is from the “50 Year St. Croix County Cookbook.” It is also excellent eaten fresh.

1 cabbage, shredded (approx. 1 gallon) 1 Tbsp salt 2 cups sugar REQUESTS FROM OUR READERS An online reader is looking for 1 cup vinegar favorite cauliflower recipes. 1/2 cup water 1/2 tsp celery seed SEND TO: WECN, Reader Recipes, 1 tsp mustard seed 222 West Washington Ave., Suite 680, 1 bunch celery, diced (optional) Madison, WI 53703-2719 1 red pepper, diced (optional) or jennifer@weca.coop. 1 green pepper, diced (optional) Mix cabbage and salt; let stand for 2 hours. Do not drain. Combine sugar, vinegar, and water in medium saucepan; bring to a boil and let cool. Combine remaining ingredients (including optional vegetables if desired) and add to vinegar mixture. Freeze in servingsize containers. Makes approx. 18 cups. NOTE: This a very crisp pickled dish. Leftovers may be kept in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. VARIATIONS: Add 1 chopped onion or substitute 3–4 grated carrots for the celery.

Strawberry Yummy KAREN VICK, ONALASKA “This recipe is one of my summertime favorites that I’m happy to share. I hope everyone enjoys it as well.”

Crust 1/2 cup cold butter 1 cup flour 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup chopped nuts Mix butter, flour, and brown sugar until it resembles pie crust; mix in nuts. Press into bottom of a 7-1/2-x-13inch pan, bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes, and let cool. Break apart into smaller pieces and distribute half on bottom of pan while reserving the other half as a topping.

Filling 1 (10 oz) pkg frozen strawberries, thawed and drained 1 (10 oz) pkg frozen raspberries, thawed and drained 2 egg whites 1 tsp lemon juice 1/4 cup sugar 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping 1 tsp lemon zest Slice berries into halves. Beat egg whites and lemon juice while gradually adding sugar until peaks form. Add whipped topping and fold in lemon zest and drained berries. Pour on top of crust layer in bottom of pan and add remaining crust mixture on top; freeze. Let thaw for 15–20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Coleslaw EDITH HOOVER, WITHEE 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup mayonnaise 1 tsp celery seed 1/2 tsp garlic powder 2 Tbsp vinegar 1 tsp salt 6 cups cabbage, chopped Mix the first 6 ingredients together and add to chopped cabbage. Onion, carrot, or tomato may also be added if desired.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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WISCONSIN’S RURAL

FOLK ART CULTURE IS CAST IN CONCRETE

wecnmagazine.com

ed barns and dairy cows aren’t the only distinctively Wisconsin features dotting the state’s rural landscape. There are also the occasional clusters of concrete sculptures, typically embedded with shards of glass, pieces of porcelain, shiny little stones, seashells, and other odds and ends that sparkle in the sun. Many of these unique concrete collections have been standing proud for close to 100 years in their original places, often the former farms of the people who crafted them. “We call all of these sites artist-built environments, and we kind of define that as when an artist lives and works in the same place and their art is meant to populate their home or their studio or their yard,” said Laura

July 2022

Bickford, curator of the John Michael Kohler Arts Museum in Sheboygan, which is heavily involved in the preservation, study, and exhibition of these artist-built works. She added that although these installments consist of many distinct, separate pieces, they’re meant to be viewed together, as a whole environment. “It’s all about the relationship of the individual elements to each other and as a total work of art, despite being different pieces, “ she said. Artist-built environments can be found all over the country, but Bickford said they’re prevalent in the upper Midwest, particularly in rural Wisconsin. The Kohler Foundation, Inc., purchased many of these sites and wecnmagazine.com

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performed extensive preservation work on the pieces before gifting them back to the counties in which they’re located, or to a suitable local organization, to be maintained as sculpture parks for the public to enjoy. Many of these sites are located within or near electric cooperative service territory, including the Dickeyville Grotto in Dickeyville, a village in Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative’s area. This collection of concrete monuments is a devotional grotto created on the grounds of Holy Ghost Parish by Father Matthias Wernerus, who served as priest of the church from 1925–1930. Bickford said this grotto is credited as being a major source of influence for many rural folk artists, contributing to the popularity of concrete folk art in this state. “The Dickeyville Grotto was a really early one in Wisconsin, and it also coincided with the rise of the automobile in Wisconsin, and the idea of road trips in the 1930s, and then also with the wide availability of commercial concrete,” Bickford explained. “So people would go and look at the grotto because they heard about it, and then they would go home and start trying to replicate what they had seen.” Wisconsin’s agricultural roots are another contributing factor to the art form’s popularity here; in fact, the state’s farming and folk art cultures are closely intertwined. “We know that a lot of these artists would farm and work agriculturally during the growing season, but in the winter they would often work in their basement or in an outbuilding on these concrete panels, and then when it was nice out again they would install them outside,” she explained. A common—and remarkable—characteristic among these artists is that none had formal art training. However, the craftsmanship developed over years of farming lent itself well to this unique form of artistic expression. And unique it is. The artist-built environments share some basic traits; for example, as many of the artists were recent immigrants, their sculptures often have patriotic elements, reflecting their pride in and gratitude for their new home country. However, each environment is as specialized as the artist who created it. “A lot of people ended up depicting what they knew,” Bickford pointed out, “so Fred Smith’s Concrete Park [in Phillips] has a lot of Northwoods lore, with lumberjacks and oxen and Native Americans. The Wegner Grotto tells their own immigrant story—same thing with Nick Englebert and Grandview. The Wegners kind of celebrate their backgrounds with the ship similar to what they came over to the United States on and their wedding cake, and the Engleberts have a lot of Swiss and Austrian themes of that group of people who settled in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin.” Here’s a closer look at some of the artist-built environments located in Wisconsin’s electric co-op country. Each of these is part of Wandering Wisconsin, a compilation of grottos, sculpture parks, and gardens created in the early 20th century that have been carefully preserved and are open for the public to explore. For more information, including maps to help plan a self-guided road tour of the sculpture parks, visit https://wanderingwisconsin.org. 24

Dickeyville Grotto

Serving as a catalyst for Wisconsin’s concrete folk art installations is the work of Father Matthias Wernerus, completed over five years and dedicated as the Dickeyville Grotto in 1930. These religious and patriotic shrines were dedicated to “the unity of two great American ideals—love of God and love of country.” The grotto consists of several individual shrines connected by walkways and surrounded by gardens. The main shrine of the grotto houses the Grotto of the Blessed Virgin. Additional shrines include the sacramental shrine of the Holy Eucharist, the Sacred Heart shrine, the Christ the King shrine, the Stations of the Cross, and a patriotic shrine. Each piece within the grotto is decorated with materials from all over the world including colored glass, gemstones, pieces of pottery and porcelain, shells, stalagmites and stalactites, crystals, and different minerals. In a booklet prepared in 1929, Wernerus said, “Thanks to His almost visible blessing from Heaven, we made the formerly unknown village the point of attraction for countless thousands of people. God’s wonderful material collected from all parts of the world has been piled up in such a way that it appeals to rich and poor, to educated and uneducated, to men, women and children alike. Future generations will still enjoy the fruit of our labor and will bless the man that conceived and built this thing. Thanks be to God.”

Father Matthias Wernerus’ Dickeyville Grotto is typical of the devotional grottos built by German Catholic immigrants in the early 20th century, who worked without blueprints.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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WISC NSIN FAVORITES

The Dickeyville Grotto is located at 305 W. Main St., Dickeyville, WI 53808. It’s open daily for walking tours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in September and October and again in April and May. Guided tours can be arranged. To learn more, visit dickeyvillegrotto.com or call 608-568-3119.

Wegner Grotto County Park Among the farmers-turned-folk

artists who were inspired after a road trip to the Dickeyille Grotto were Paul and Matilda Wegner, who emigrated from Germany and settled in the community of Cataract just north of Sparta, near an area now served by Oakdale Electric Cooperative. The couple farmed for many years, retiring in 1927. After a visit to the Dickeyville Grotto in 1930, the Wegners began creating their own concrete art. They began by building ornate concrete fences around their farmhouse, similar to what they had seen in Dickeyville, and added an arched opening with the word “Home” embedded with crushed glass. Soon after they created their ﬁrst sculpture: a 12-foot concrete replica of the Bremen, a famous ocean liner of the time, to represent their own transAtlantic journey to the United States in 1885. Other pieces include a giant concrete cake to honor the couple’s golden anniversary in 1934, a fenced-in prayer garden, a peace monument and pulpit, and a spectacular glass church representing all different denominations. More than 70 weddings were held in this church, as well as one funeral: Paul’s own, in 1937. The Wegner Grotto County Park is located at 7788 Daylight Rd., Sparta, WI 54656. It’s open May through September during daylight hours. For more information visit monroecountyhistory. org or call 608-269-8680.

Nick Engelbert’s Grandview Outside the village of Hollandale, near the area served by Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative, is the former home of Nick

Paul and Matilda Wegner’s grotto is also built in the German Catholic devotional tradition but it includes elements that pertain to their own story, such as a well-known German ocean liner of the time and a replica of their 50th anniversary cake.

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Engelbert, a typical farmhome in many ways except for the elaborately decorated front porch, covered in concrete and studded with bright bits of glass, china, beads, and gemstones. The porch was the first of Engelbert’s concrete creations, but over the following 15 or so years he extended the embellished concrete to the home’s clapboard siding and filled his front lawn with more than 40 sculptures surrounded by colorful flower beds. Engelbert was born in 1881 in Austria and emigrated to America, where he married a recent immigrant from Switzerland. The couple bought their small farm in 1922, and after their children were grown, Engelbert began transforming his property into a concrete park that, unlike the Dickeyville and Wegner Grottos, has a more whimsical feel. One installation has Snow White surrounded by seven dancing dwarfs; another has various mythical creatures sharing fountain space with a fisherman. Even some of the patriotic sculptures have a playful tone—one installation has

Nick Engelberg’s Grandview sculpture park has a magical, whimsical feel, with fairytale characters and mythical creatures among the patriotic pieces.

Uncle Sam driving a huge elephant and donkey, while another sculpture paying tribute to Katherine Engelbert’s motherland has three smiling “patriots” circling a Swiss flag. The Engleberts welcomed the public to stop by and roam about the statues, enjoy a picnic on the front lawn, and enjoy the view—a grand view indeed—from the beautifully bedecked front porch. Nick Engelbert’s Grandview is located at 7351 Highway 39, Hollandale, WI 53544. The grounds are open during daylight hours; the farmhouse now houses a museum that’s open by appointment. To learn more, visit nicksgrandview.com or call 608-967-2122.

Wisconsin Concrete Park The city of Phillips, where Price Electric Cooperative is headquartered, is home to the Wisconsin Concrete Park. This outdoor museum is filled with 237 concrete and mixed media sculptures created by retired lumberjack Fred Smith between 1948 and 1964. Born to German immigrants, Smith had no formal schooling and could neither read nor write, but he had profound views of the changing world around him that he expressed through his art, which he began creating around his home and yard when he was 62. He wanted people to see his work so he built his statues right alongside the road, where they peer out at passersby with almost eerily animated faces. Many of his installations depict entire scenes, complete with a description that he dictated to a typist. For example, a statue of a woman milking a cow is accompanied by a sign that reads: “Mable, an old milker, has been milking cows for many years. She has tried all the power milking machines. After milking by hand for many years, she finds that the hand milking will beat anything in the long run. So she is here milking by hand. That is the cheapest machine made.” One installation shows a wedding party riding a carriage, surrounded by well wishers. Another has a “little shrimp with a camera” taking a picture of a buck jumping over a fence, while another man sips a beer as he watches quizzically from behind. That man is described in Smith’s accompanying explanation as “Chiann, a big beer drinker. He has been a cowboy in seventeen different states. He had been a drinker all the while he was a cowboy. He found the famous Rhinelander Export Beer, which is the finest beer that he ever drank in his life.” Some installations feature the animals that populate Smith’s Northwoods home, and others reflect Smith’s logging background, including a massive installation of Paul Bunyan and his pair of oxen. Some of the statues are patriotic, and many honor Native Americans. A tall figure of Sacajawea is accompanied with a statement that reads, “I got this Indian woman in the park y’know, Sacajawea. She been on the Mississippi River. She been in there 3 years with Lewis and Clark. Then she took ‘em up and went to the Rocky Mountains. She was with Lewis and Clark all winter long.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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WISC NSIN FAVORITES

Many of Fred Smith’s 237 expressive sculptures at the Wisconsin Concrete Park are grouped to tell a story. The photo on page 23 is also from the Concrete Park.

The woman didn’t need no compass. She was the one that opened up the whole country. That’s why I got so many Indians here. I like Indians because they’re damn smart people.” Wisconsin Concrete Park is located at N8236 Highway 13, Phillips, WI 54555. The grounds are open year-round during daylight hours. The Friends of Fred Smith also host periodic art workshops and events on the grounds. To learn more, visit wisconsinconcretepark.org or call 715-339-7282.

Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden Between Cochrane and

Fountain City, in Riverland Energy Cooperative’s territory, is the Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden, featuring artwork created by Herman Rusch starting in 1958. Rusch was born to Prussian immigrants in 1885. After 40 years of farming, Rusch retired and purchased the Prairie Moon Dance Pavilion, transforming it into a museum of curiosities ﬁlled with unusual machines, taxidermy displays, and natural phenomena.

To dress up the museum grounds, Rusch built a concrete and stone planter and added some flower beds, and he “just kept on building.” Sometimes he added color to the concrete, and other times he embellished it with bits of glass, crockery, and mirrors. Among the most impressive pieces is a 260-foot arched fence, made with iron wheels of old grain drills that had been cut in half, stretched, and then covered in concrete to create the arches. Over the following 16 years, Rusch created nearly 40 sculptures, including more stone planters; a Norwegian fighting off a bear; a Hindu temple; dinosaurs, snakes, and other animals; and a 13-1/2-foot watchtower. Creating the museum and sculpture garden, he said, was a way “to kill oldage boredom,” but he also had a deeper explanation for his artwork: “Beauty creates the will to live.” Rusch died in 1979, but he lives on not just through his folk art, but over it as well; one of his final pieces was a great concrete self portrait looking over his garden, so he could “see what’s going on here when I’m not around.”— Mary Erickson Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden is located at 52727 Prairie Moon Rd., Fountain City, WI 54629. It’s open during daylight hours year-round. To learn more, visit kohlerfoundation.org/ preservation/preserved sites/prairiemoon-sculpture-garden-and-museum or call 608-687-8250. More photos of the art installations mentioned here can be found on www.wecnmagazine.com.

Herman Rusch began creating the Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden as a way of dressing up the grounds of the museum he started. wecnmagazine.com

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WANTED: Paying cash for WWII German, Japanese flags, daggers, swords, guns, etc. Also, lever-action rifles. 715-340-1974.

M C K AY N U R S E R Y C O M P A N Y 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: 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. 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.

ADVERTISE WITH US

WANTED: LOOKING TO BUY 1957-1967 CORVETTE. Running or not. 715-572-3469 Please leave message if no answer. WANTED: RED WING STONEWARE . Crocks, beater jars, bean pots, poultry fountains/feeders with advertising. 608-7672282 email slawag@tds.net. 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. OLD MOVIES TO DVD—Transferring 8mm, VHS, slides, and all formats. Saving family memories! Special on now! DVD Productions. Gene 715-827-2302. I.H. 2-ROW CORN PLANTER. Like new $800. Farmell “A”, 1940, fixed up $900. Cement mixer “Mont. Ward” $75. 715-613-4074.

MORE THAN 152,000 MAILBOXES EACH MONTH Reach rural readers geri@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—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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Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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HAPPY TO HELP

OUR 60th YEAR

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

Being there, every minute, or every day. As your hometown electric cooperative, it’s not just our way of doing business, it’s our way of life. And as a Touchstone Energy ® Cooperative member, that means value that goes far beyond the energy we provide, value you can’t really put a price on.

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.

YOUR SOURCE FOR POWER. AND INFORMATION.

wecnmagazine.com

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August 2022

7/7/22 11:57 AM

WISCONSIN EVENTS

August 2022

All August Bloomin’ Greenhouse Tour—Clark County area. All-day, April–October. Self-guided tour of Clark County’s greenhouses and garden centers. Annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, grasses, trees, shrubs, hostas, daylilies, mums, fairy garden supplies, garden art, home décor, and so much more! 715-255-9100.

13 Young Eagles Flight Rally—Necedah. Airport entrance/790 W Middle St., 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Free admission. Youth ages 8–17 will have a chance to take a free plane ride. Hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 931. Legal guardians must be present to sign permission slips.

4–6, 11–13, 18–20, 25–27 Tours and Burger Nights on the Farm—Mondovi. Together Farms, W93 Norden Rd. Thurs. & Fri. 4–9 p.m. and Sat. 12–9 p.m. Every Thurs.–Sat. from May 5–October 8. Burger Nights are unique, casual nights on our small Wisconsin family farm. Tours on Sat. nights.

13 Community Family Bazaar—Phillips. St. Therese Church parking lot on Hwy 13 North, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Pig roast, hot dogs, brats, soda, beer, bingo, kiddie games, silent auction, photo booth, 50/50 raffle, popcorn, face painting, music, and kiddie movies too! Specialty coffees and desserts, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Farmer’s Market—Ridgeland. 101 Main St., 3–7 p.m. Every Tues., May 31–Aug. 23. No fee for vendors. 6 Real Freedom Races Run/Walk and Art, Craft, and Vendor Fair—Necedah. Lions Park, Run/ Walk 6:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Art/Craft/ Vendor Fair 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 5k/10k/ half marathon run/walk for the entire family. Over 40 vendors and artists. Activities for the kids, food, treats, and fun! 6, 7 Fairchild Fun Days—Fairchild. Downtown, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Craft and flea market, gun raffle, mystery prize, village-wide thrift sales. Saturday live music, movie in the park at dusk. Sunday charcoal chicken, parade, kids’ games, inflatables, and bingo. 6, 7 Purple Heart Dedication—Necedah. Veterans Memorial Hall, begins at 12 p.m. Dedication of Veterans Memorial and Highway 21 as Purple Heart Memorial Entities. 608-565-3459. 10, 11 Swampers: Curvin’ Thru Irvine— Chippewa Falls. Heyde Center for the Arts, Wed. at 1 p.m. (12 noon lunch box option) and Thurs. at 7:30 p.m. Folk music celebration of Chippewas Falls’ Irvine Park. 11–14 Rusk County Junior Fair—Ladysmith. Rusk County Fairgrounds, all day. Junior fair and PRCA Rodeo. www.ruskcountyjrfair.com. 12–14 Art Crawl—Bayfield and Sawyer Counties. Twenty sites. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Self-guided art tour of studios and galleries. Thirty-one artists showing and selling, some will demonstrate their craft. 510-599-4180.

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13 Eland Day—Eland. Depot Grounds, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission, family friendly, free train rides, food, music, and vendors. Railroad equipment, artifacts, and historic photos on display. 13 Strawberry Shortcake Event—Fifield. Old Town Hall Museum, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Children’s program at the Greenfield School Museum at 1 p.m. Free admission to tour, $3 per cake serving or $4 with ice cream. 715-339-2415. 14 Pig & Corn Roast—Mercer. Gateway Lodge, 3–7 p.m. Pork with all the fixings, sweet corn. Raffle. 715-476-7878. 17 Community Hobo Supper—Shennington. St. Peter’s Church (located on Hwy 21 between Tomah and Necedah; look for two white churches), 4–7 p.m. Vegetables and meats steamed together. Adults $10; children 6–12 are $5; 5 and under are free. 608-427-3864. 17 Comedy Night on the Farm—Mondovi. Together Farms, W93 Norden Rd., 5–9 p.m. This night of fun will be kicked-off by a feature act, followed by headliner Devin Siebold. 20 Phillips on Tap—Phillips. Elk Lake Park, 4–9 p.m. Enjoy a summer evening by the lake while sipping your beverage of choice. This first annual event features wine, beer served on tap from several Wisconsin breweries, food trucks, local food vendors, and live music by Pacific Coast Highway. 21 Church Picnic—Custer. Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Mass at 10 a.m. Chicken and ham dinner from 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Music from

12–7 p.m. Ice cream parlor; cherry tree; country store; basket and mini raffles; children’s games; softball, horseshoe, and corn hole tournaments. $8,300 raffle at 7 p.m. 715-592-4221. 25–28 Crawford County Fair—Gays Mills. Crawford County Fairgrounds, all day. Live music, tractor pulls, demo derbies, and new this year, water fights hosted by the Gays Mills Fire Dept. Creative youth and open class exhibits, educational opportunities in our family entertainment tent. Carnival and Badgerland Midways. 27 Death’s Door BBQ—Washington Island. Airport, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Kansas City Barbeque Association BBQ sanctioned competition with $8,000 in prizes. 30 top teams from around the country will compete in chicken, pork ribs, pork, and brisket. Live music, barbeque, food, island and non-island vendors, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, and raffles throughout the day. Free admission and parking. 920-847-2784. 27 Bee Gees Gold Tribute Concert—Reedsburg. High School CAL Center, 7–9:30 p.m. Tickets $25–$35. Ultimate salute to the Bee Gees Gold tribute lead by John Acosta as Barry Gibb. 28 Tribute to Elvis—Marshfield. Belvedere Supper Club, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Dinner buffet 11 a.m.–1 p.m., show 1–4 p.m. For reservations ($45 advance tickets or $50 at the door), call 715-387-4161.

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.

Upload events to wecnmagazine.com

7/15/22 11:23 AM

YOUNG MEMBERS

Kids and Critters August 2022

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1. Christopher shows his kitty all the groceries he bought that day. Photo submitted by Sarah Stuart, a member of Jump River Electric.

3. Layla and Eli with snowman hat chickens. Photo submitted by Grandparents Larry and Terri Czys, members of Oakdale Electric.

2. Jaylin and Julian enjoy a Wisconsin winter day with Sophie. Photo submitted by Grandma Doreen Hiavaty, a member of Scenic Rivers Energy.

4. Lake snuggles up to his puppy, Luna. Photo submitted by Sharon Litke, a member of Oconto Electric.

Upload photos directly to 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.

NO, you can’t. Always assume downed power lines are live. STAY AWAY and call 911. DO NOT drive over a downed power line. If your car comes into contact with a downed power line, stay in your vehicle, warn others to stay away, and call 911.

CAN YOU TELL IF THESE POWER LINES ARE LIVE?

If there’s smoke or fire and you must exit the car, do so by jumping from the vehicle with your feet together and shuffle away, without lifting your feet.

Source: Safeelectricity.org, EFSI

wecnmagazine.com

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August 2022

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