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CooperaN

COOPERATIVE

News

Wisconsin

ENERGY Cooperative

contents October 2016

News

Co-op staff and directors keep up with industry happenings.

4 10 15 24 30

CO-OPS

VOTE

Co-ops hope to tackle the decline in rural voting.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Enjoy all that October has to offer.

REVENGE OF THE ’90S

A flawed policy idea stirs again.

MY CO-OP

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

WISCONSIN FAVORITES

On the

COVER

Find your career in rural Wisconsin at a co-op. Photo by Jolene Neisius, Dunn Energy.

RECIPES

Pass the pork.

YOUNG MEMBERS

Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.

CO-OP MONTH

Electric co-ops build community.

ELECTRIC CO-OPS

SERVE

NEWS BRIEFS

42 in

million people states

Have some Halloween fun at Eagle Cave.

own & maintain

EVENTS

of the nation’s electric distribution lines

Find your fall fun this month in Wisconsin.

million {OR} miles 42%

Employ 70,000 people in the United States October 2016

WECN Oct 2016TOC.indd 1

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LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR October is Co-op Month

With harvest, Halloween, and Co-op Month, October is a busy time of year in rural Wisconsin. On page 14, we explore careers in co-ops. For those who lament the exodus of folks from rural areas to jobs in more urban communities, rest assured that a job at the local electric cooperative can offer a paycheck and a purpose, all while being able to live in rural Wisconsin. Steve Freese takes a closer look at the rural and urban divide on page 8. In the 2012 elections, rural voter turnout dropped by 18 percent, which was double the drop seen nationwide. In order to maintain a voice and show support for your rural communities, electric co-op members are encouraged to visit www.vote.coop and make your voice heard at the polls on November 8. On page 10, we remember the lessons learned in the electric restructuring days of the mid- and late 1990s, and prepare for the idea of restructuring to resurface again. Once again, the National Pork Board does not disappoint with its October Pork Month recipes on page 20. The Bacon BBQ New York Pork Chop recipe is sure to wow at the dinner table. Ghosts and ghouls go underground for our Wisconsin Favorites story on page 24. Eagle Cave in Blue River converts to a haunted cave just in time for Halloween. The best part? All funds raised through this scary good time are donated to charitable organziations within Richland County. If you canâ€™t venture over to Richland County for the haunted cave, go to page 30 for ideas for more Wisconsin fun. Finally, October means harvest is in full swing. See page 26 for some tips about farm safety around power lines. Know what to do if you make contact with lines. Stay safe, and happy haunting! Dana Kelroy, Editor

October 2016 Vol. 77 No. 4 The Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News (Formerly Wisconsin R.E.C. News) has been published monthly and distributed since July 1940 to members of Wisconsinâ€™s non-profit, consumer-owned rural electric cooperatives. It is available to non-members for $10 per year or $28 for three years. Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Steve Freese, president & CEO. USPS number: 688-480. Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Periodicals postage paid at Baraboo, Wis. Send correspondence to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Phone (608) 467-4650. Web site: www.wecnmagazine.com. Co-op Members: Please send address changes to your local electric co-op. Contact information can be found on page 18. Steve Freese Dana Kelroy Mary Erickson David Hoopman Ann Bailey Tina Walden Geri Miller

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

For advertising opportunities please email ads@weca.coop. The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

Please recycle

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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NEWS BRIEFS

SHARING THEIR KNOWLEDGE

More than 50 Wisconsin electric co-op directors, managers and key staff gathered in Stevens Point at summer’s end for the WECA Emerging Energy Issues Summit. Here (center), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Vice President Jay Morrison stresses personal involvement by state and local co-op officials in presenting electric cooperative concerns before a myriad of regulatory agencies, and Dunn Energy CEO and General Manager Jim Hathaway (left) joins St. Croix Electric President and CEO Mark Pendergast (right) discussing their experiences deploying advanced metering technology and their goals in its use.

CO2 INTENSITY DECLINING, FEDS CONFIRM

Despite increasing consumption of petroleum and natural gas, U.S. carbon intensity—defined as the quantity of carbon dioxide emissions per unit of energy produced—has been on the downslope for more than a decade. Last year was about 10 percent below the level for 2005. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. total carbon intensity in 2015 was about 54 million metric tons of CO2 per quadrillion Btu of energy, compared with 60 million metric tons per quadrillion Btu in 2005. The information is part of the EIA’s Short-Term Energy Outlook released in mid-August.

ATC FILES FOR NEW INTERSTATE LINK The American Transmission Company (ATC) has requested Illinois regulators’ approval for a new 345-kilovolt transmission project crossing the state line near Kenosha. A filing with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission seeking approval of the northern end of the project is not expected before November. Assuming regulatory approval, the “Wisconsin-Illinois Electric Reliability Project” would span three to five miles

Contributing factors are petroleum combustion emitting less CO2 than coal, natural gas emitting less than petroleum, and more reliance on energy sources with no CO2 emissions such as renewables and nuclear generation, the EIA said. The share of total U.S. electric generation from nuclear plants has fallen slightly as economics have caused facilities to be retired ahead of scheduled license expirations. Use of both petroleum and natural gas has increased in recent years, but the decline in coal consumption has offset the growth of their emissions, the EIA said.

at a cost of $55 to $66 million and be in service in the latter part of 2020. A statement from ATC announcing the Illinois filing said the line would provide “a reliable, alternative power path to address the potential risk of cascading outages under certain operating conditions, and also would accommodate the increasing power flows occurring from Wisconsin to Illinois.”

PLANT RETIREMENTS SPARK RELIABILITY CONCERNS

The lengthening list of Midwest power plant retirements is propelling official scrutiny of generation assets as state and federal regulators have asked the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to assess near-term resource adequacy. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has directed MISO and the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland (PJM) regional grid operator to coordinate in determining whether some coal plants slated for early retirement in response to economic and regulatory pressures might need to be designated “system support resources” on a reliability-must-run basis. MISO anticipates retirement of more than four gigawatts of generation across its vast service area within a year. Separately, Michigan regulators, anticipating 25 coal retirements over the next five years, have asked MISO to examine the reliability implications of the state’s two nuclear plants going simultaneously offline. In June, MISO released a survey concluding that systemwide generation resources would be adequate through next year but that coal plant retirements could bring shortages as soon as 2018.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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D THE DECLINE TACKLING

uring my 16 years as a state representative, I valued my relationship with the members of the rural electric cooperatives I represented. The members were always engaging on issues and they helped me be fully prepared to represent the issues that mattered to them in the legislature. With Election Day quickly approaching, America’s electric cooperatives continue to build momentum behind an innovative program to boost the political clout of rural America. Called Co-ops Vote, the non-partisan campaign has one simple goal: increase voter turnout at the polls this November. In the 2012 elections, rural voter turnout dropped by 18 percent, twice the decline seen across the nation as a whole. Electric co-ops are deeply rooted in their communities and the decline raised an alarm. ConSteve Freese cerned that the downward voting President and CEO trend would continue and could diminish the voice of rural America in future elections, co-ops sprung into action. Participation in Co-ops Vote is strong. More than 560 electric co-ops representing all the states in which co-ops operate are taking part in the effort. As of mid-August, 50 co-ops had achieved “5-star status,” indicating they had undertaken at least five distinct program activities, such as hosting an employee engagement event or voter registration drive, building awareness of Co-ops Vote through newsletter articles, or promoting the campaign on social media. More than a half million people have seen news about Co-ops Vote through social media, and several thousand have taken the pledge to get out and vote in this election. “America’s electric cooperatives are leaders in the communities they serve throughout the country,” NRECA CEO Jim Matheson said. “Co-ops Vote focuses elected leaders on the people who are most invested in the success of their own communities. With 42 million members in 47 states, electric co-ops are a powerful voice on national issues that have a local impact.” Anyone can take the pledge online by visiting www.vote.coop. The website provides a variety of voter resources and information on key issues, such as the

IN RURAL

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THROUGH

“CO-OPS VOTE”

Personal contact with elected officials helps them better understand and represent their constituents. This fall, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) met with board members at Oconto Electric Cooperative and U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI) met with members at Barron Electric Cooperative.

importance of rural economic development and the continuing need for safe, reliable, and affordable electricity. Roughly one third of Wisconsin legislative districts are considered rural, another third are made up of medium and large cities, and the remaining one third are suburban districts. Those of us who live in rural communities are outnumbered by those who live in the more populated areas of Wisconsin. I can tell you, a one-sizefits-all approach to politics simply doesn’t work. If we don’t actively engage, the voice of rural Wisconsin will disappear, and legislators who represent urban areas will make decisions that will affect the lives we live in rural Wisconsin. You can show your support for rural communities by joining co-op members across the country in casting your ballot on November 8.

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Revenge of the ‘90s

Memories fade and a bad idea returns

his is a story about First World problems. Third World problems begin with availability of safe drinking water and electricity. Globally, billions have neither. To the average Third World individual, First World problems must seem almost comical. First World problems tend toward anxiety over retaining the comparatively easy existence we’ve enjoyed for most of the past 70 or so years. Frivolous as that may appear to someone who has never even seen a light switch much less owned dozens that virtually always work, the risk of squandering the advantages of First World residency is not imaginary. One such advantage—a crucial one—is electricity to reliably power homes, farms, and businesses at costs low enough to keep commodities and consumer goods abundant and affordable. Human nature being what it is, a persistent First World problem is the notion of rearranging electricity markets to tilt the advantage toward one interest or another, almost certainly diminishing the advantage for the majority. This was a public policy mania of the 1990s, and there are those who’d like to bring it back.

Forgotten Lessons

Not many current members of the 132-seat Wisconsin Legislature were serving back in the days when policy experts held the consensus view that deregulation of the electric utility industry at the retail customer level was inevitable. Only 18 of today’s incumbents held office in 2000, the year Wisconsin quietly walked away from electric deregulation. Given pending retirements and the unknown results of next month’s elections, a maximum of 16 will return next January. Those who’d like to revive interest in what had been a nationwide fascination two decades ago might see the departure of legislators who remember those times as an invitation to try again. Of the 50 states, 23 plus the District of Columbia adopted electric restructuring during the mid- and late 1990s. Seven states have since suspended their programs and others—notably Michigan and Ohio—are actively pondering substantive revision. Merriam-Webster defines deregulation as “the act or process of removing restrictions and regulations.” Wisconsin residents haven’t experienced electric deregulation, but it’s not entirely absurd to contend that neither have residents of Illinois, Michigan, California, Ohio, or other states that allow retail customers to choose their electricity suppliers. How that can be is simple: The dic-

tionary doesn’t venture into what happens when “restrictions and regulations” are removed only to be replaced by others. State programs vary, but a recurring feature of 1990s electric “deregulation” is the simultaneous adoption of new rules and regulations plainly calculated to conjure the illusion of benefit to retail—particularly residential— customers. The classic example would be the Illinois Legislature’s imposition of a 10-year rate freeze by the same act that supposedly threw retail electricity prices into the unregulated, competitive market: Lawmakers thus defused the political bomb that would have gone off if retail deregulation raised, rather than lowered prices as promised. California lawmakers went so far as to authorize taxpayer-financed bonding to buy down electric rates and make consumers feel like they were winning. Moreover, even absent legislative thumbs applied directly to the rate-setting scale, states prohibited ownership of electric generation and distribution by the same company, thereby discarding inherent efficiencies and turning some of the components of a fully functional system into a new class of middlemen. Thus this magazine’s preference for the term “electric restructuring” rather than deregulation.

Yearning for Yesteryear More than a decade and a half after a system reliability crisis in this state and a California market manipulation fiasco featuring rolling blackouts combined to drain the energy from Wisconsin’s march toward electric restructuring, major industries are asking to revive it. Hopes of resurrecting the idea—Wisconsin officials studied it energetically beginning in 1994—simmered on a back burner for years. This summer, advocates turned up the heat by warning the Public Service Commission (PSC) of dire economic consequences if high-volume electricity users aren’t permitted to shop for alternative retail providers—a message delivered widely in a lengthy, mid-August Wisconsin State Journal story industry observers perceived to be aimed at the new leg-

The actual cost is what’s going to

dictate things

in the long run.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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Above, then-State Senator Robert Welch (R-Redgranite, standing,) joins WECA’s Dave Hoopman (left) and David Jenkins (right) at the 1998 signing of bipartisan reliability legislation. Below, redistributing benefits among customer classes, restructuring has coincided with higher overall costs, studies by the nation’s municipal utilities have found.

islature to be seated in January. The warnings were initially delivered to the PSC through public comments filed in response to the regulatory panel’s strategic energy assessment (SEA), a biennial project the latest edition of which was finalized at the end of July. The SEA concluded that average Wisconsin electricity rates now top those of eight Midwestern states for the first time in a decade. At 10.97 cents per kilowatt-hour, they’re still slightly lower than the national average of 11.02 cents. The Wisconsin Industrial Energy

Group (WIEG) and the Wisconsin Paper Council jointly filed comments complaining on behalf of their member industries that Wisconsin electricity prices are excessive compared with those in neighboring states. WIEG represents about 30 of the most electricityintensive industries in Wisconsin. Figuring prominently in the August 21 newspaper story was Saukville-based Charter Steel, a manufacturer with deep Wisconsin roots and a retail customer of Wisconsin’s biggest combined gas and electric utility, Milwaukee-based WE

Energies. A Charter official indicated bluntly that any future expansion of his company’s business would occur outside Wisconsin because of “the non-competitive cost of electricity in the WE Energies service territory.” Charter’s comments to the PSC blamed rate increases mainly on the cost of WE Energies’ decision during the past decade to build two new coal-fired units totaling more than 1,200 megawatts at its Oak Creek plant—contributing to surplus capacity under today’s circumstances of tepid economic growth and slack demand but supported at the time by large industries and others concerned about the reliability of Wisconsin’s power supplies. In the summer of 1997, then-Governor Tommy Thompson described the state’s predicament as “the lack of a dependable electricity supply” as he composed a letter appointing utility executives to a reliability task force assigned to recommend corrective legislation. That same year, Charter Steel was among WE Energies’ (then Wisconsin Electric Power Company) harshest critics after being forced repeatedly to curtail operations. The state’s power grid had been hobbled by a nine-month repair outage at the Kewaunee nuclear plant, unexpected and lengthy shutdowns of both units at the Point Beach nuclear plant, and perhaps most critically, interstate transmission capacity inadequate to make up the shortfall. The precarious power supply let the air out of the restructuring balloon as regulatory and legislative focus shifted to Wisconsin’s neglected infrastructure needs.

Role Reversals In the energy business during the 1990s, ritual invocation of the adjective “inevitable” in all references to electric restructuring was considered a sure sign of deep knowledge, and none professed more ardent enthusiasm for the concept than Wisconsin’s large, investor-owned utilities. But times, and personnel, change. At the end of August William Skewes, executive director of the Wisconsin Utilities Association (WUA), told Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News those hoping to revisit the retail choice issue are using October 2016

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economic data tainted by its 2008 starting point. “A longer look is needed than simply ‘cherry-picking’ data from 2008 to the present, when the economy began to suffer and has yet to fully recover,” Skewes said. A February study by Madison-based energy consultants Christensen and Associates warned of another kind of cherry-picking: energy marketers in competitive retail environments seeking lucrative, high-volume sales by offering sweetheart rates to large commercial and industrial customers, “which may result in other customers bearing disproportionate shares of utilities’ generation costs.” The Christensen study noted that adoption of retail choice by almost half the states during the late 1990s was driven primarily by industrial customers seeking lower rates, but “Nearly two decades later, there is little evidence that retail choice has yielded any significant benefits.” Skewes of the WUA pulls no punches. As today’s public face of former restructuring advocates, he says retail choice “has been a disappointment in most states where it’s been tried. Far from living up to the hype, it has resulted in consistently higher rates and hits the poor disproportionately hard.” State restructuring programs invite energy marketers—non-utility providers who often own no generation capacity but act as middlemen reselling power purchased on the open wholesale market—to compete with incumbent utilities and other marketers for individual retail customers’ business. Skewes sees that as a potential problem, citing “difficulties getting energy marketers who have no ties to the communities that regulated utilities serve, to bear responsibility for disruptions of power or reliability of service.” He also cites the lengthy timelines inherent to the utility industry: It’s not unprecedented for the time lag from filing an application for regulatory approval to energizing a new transmission line to reach 10 years. Under a restructured system, Skewes says, “long-term planning becomes difficult, risky, and expensive. No one is held accountable for long-term growth so reliability erodes over time when demand outstrips supply.” A 2015 study by the American Public Power Association (the nationwide organization of municipal utilities,) examined rate averages for 2014 and found customers in states that have adopted restructuring were paying more than those in states that retained the traditional regulatory model. Looking at an “average of all averages,” customers in restructured states paid 3.3 cents more per kilowatt hour than customers in states that hadn’t taken the plunge into retail competition. Moreover, the study found the price gap consistently ranging from 2.9 to 3.2 cents over the preceding three years.

Free Markets Aren’t Free

Sixteen years ago, this state’s electric infrastructure was so weak that a lightning

strike or tornado taking down a single transmission line between the Twin Cities and central Wisconsin during the hours of peak demand could have triggered cascading outages across several states. That specific vulnerability and others have since been remedied, but at the time, it was evident that a state where the routine delivery of energy was at constant risk would be ill-equipped to support genuine competition among multiple providers. Fixing those deficiencies was a project with a multi-billion dollar price tag; higher rates were an unavoidable cost of providing adequate infrastructure. Robert Seitz, executive assistant to PSC Chair Ellen Nowak, pointed out that part of the rise in Wisconsin electric rates has been “the result of a build-out that occurred as a response to the need for reliability, and much of the build-out was being completed at just about the time the economy tanked.” Public policy determined in venues other than the PSC also contributes to upward pressure on rates, with renewable energy mandates and the cost of complying with environmental regulations making the list. But if the infrastructure is now robust, doesn’t that suggest flinging the door open to marketers willing to take a shot at competing in Wisconsin, potentially forcing others to lower their prices? Not necessarily. Back in August, the Wisconsin State Journal quoted PSC spokeswoman Elise Nelson calling the merits of the retail choice issue “speculative at best” and pointing out that “a number of states have suspended or rescinded so-called ‘retail choice’” and turned back toward traditional regulatory practices. The reality within this state, Seitz reminded us, is that some Wisconsin utilities have rates above the Midwest average, some have rates below the Midwest average, and one came to the PSC this year asking for a rate increase and wound up with a rate reduction. “So it’s pretty hard to make a case that regulation is the problem,” he said. Seitz points out that “virtually all” of the SEA public comments that advocated deregulation of Wisconsin retail markets came from outside the state, and from organizations with a direct commercial interest in retail power marketing. All other things being equal, in states that have retained the traditional regulated utility model, the factor determining electricity prices will be the cost of providing the service. Or, as Seitz put it simply, “The actual cost is what’s going to dictate things in the long run.” Even if Wisconsin lawmakers were persuaded to restructure this state’s retail electricity market, we wouldn’t be left to struggle with a Third World energy system; that’s not the point. The point is, people striving to overcome Third World disadvantages would likely know better than to do with their energy systems what was done in California and Illinois.—Dave Hoopman

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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Drug Companies Nervous as Doctors and Patients Demand the AloeCure

Big Pharma execs stand to lose billions as doctors and their patients abandon drugs like Nexium® and Prilosec®. Drug free remedy could put Big Pharma out of the digestion business. By David Waxman Seattle Washington: Drug company execs are nervous. That’s because the greatest health advance in decades has hit the streets. And analysts expect it to put a huge crimp in “Big Pharma” profits. So what’s all the fuss about? It’s about a new ingredient that’s changing the lives of people who use it. Some call it “the greatest discovery since penicillin”! And others call it “a miracle!” The name of the product is the AloeCure. It’s not a drug. It’s something completely different. And the product is available to anyone who wants it, at a reasonable price. But demands may force future prices to rise.

Top Doc Warns: Digestion Drugs Can Cripple You!

Company spokesperson, Dr. Liza Leal, a leading integrative health specialist out of Texas recommends Aloecure before she decides to prescribe any digestion drug. Especially after the FDA’s stem warning about long-term use of drugs classified as proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec®, Nexium®, and Prevacid®. In a nutshell, the FDA statement warned people should avoid taking these digestion drugs for longer than three 14-day treatment periods because there is an increased risk of bone fractures. Many people take them daily and for decades. Dr. Leal should know. Many patients come to her with bone and joint complaints and she does everything she can to help them. One way for digestion sufferers to help avoid possible risk of tragic joint and bone problems caused by overuse of digestion drugs is to take the AloeCure. The secret to AloeCure’s “health adjusting” formula is scientifically tested Acemannan, a polysaccharide extracted from Aloe Vera. But not the same aloe vera that mom used to apply to your cuts, scrapes and burns. This is a perfect strain of aloe that is organically grown in special Asian soil under very strict conditions. AloeCure is so powerful it begins to benefit your health the instant you take it. It soothes intestinal discomfort and you can avoid

Drug companies are understandably upset since the AloeCure® delivers quicker and better health beneﬁts.

the possibility of bone and health damage caused by overuse of digestion drugs. We all know how well aloe works externally on cuts, scrapes and burns. But did you know Acemannan has many of other health benefits? ...

Helps Calm Down Painful Inflammation

According to a leading aloe research scientist, the amazing Aloe plant has a powerful antiinflammatory effect. Aloe Vera calms the fire in your belly like it does the sunburn on your skin and in many ways helps heal damaged cells. Inflammation is your body’s first reaction to damage. So whether it’s damage that is physical, bacterial, chemical or auto-immune, the natural plant helps soothe inflammation - rapidly reducing redness, heat and swelling.

Rapid Acid and Heartburn Fix

Aloe has proved to have an astonishing effect on users who suffer with digestion problems like bouts of acid reflux, heartburn, cramping, gas and constipation because it acts as a natural acid buffer and soothes the digestive system. But new studies prove it does a whole lot more.

Side-Step Heart Concerns

So you’ve been taking proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) for years and you feel just fine. In June of 2015, a major study shows that chronic PPI use increases the risk of heart attack in general population. Debilitating brain disorders are on the rise. New studies show PPI’s are linked to an increased risk of dementia. Cutting edge research shows that the health of your brain is closely linked by the state of healthy bacteria that comes from your gut. The things happening in your belly today might be deciding your risk for any number of brain conditions. Studies have been ongoing since the 1990’s. New studies suggest that taking PPI’s at both low and high dosage also disrupts a healthy human gut!

Sleep Like A Baby

A night without sleep really damages your body and continued lost sleep can

lead to all sorts of health problems. But what you may not realize is the reason why you’re not sleeping. I sometimes call it “Ghost Reflux”. A low intensity form of acid discomfort that quietly keeps you awake in the background. AloeCure helps digestion so you may find yourself sleeping through the night.

Celebrity Hair, Skin & Nails

One of the Best-Kept Secrets in Hollywood. Certain antacids may greatly reduce your body’s ability to break down and absorb calcium. Aloe delivers calcium as it aids in balancing your stomach acidity. The result? Thicker, healthier looking hair ... more youthful looking skin ... And nails so strong they may never break again.

Save Your Kidney

National and local news outlets are reporting Kidney Failure linked to PPI’s. Your Kidney extracts waste from blood, balances body fluids, forms urine, and aids in other important functions of the body. Without it your body would be overrun by deadly toxins. Aloe helps your kidney function properly. Studies suggest if you started taking aloe today you’d see a big difference in the way you feel.

Special Opportunity For Readers of this Magazine

With this introductory offer the makers of the AloeCure are excited to offer you a risk-free supply. Readers of this magazine are pre-qualified for up to 3 FREE months of product with their order. Take advantage of this special opportunity to try AloeCure in your own home and find out how to test AloeCure for a full 90 days. But that’s not all. ... If you don’t see remarkable changes in your digestion, your body, and your overall health ... Simply return it for a full refund less shipping and handling (when applicable). Just call 1-800-324-7507 to take advantage of this risk free offer before it’s too late. This offer is limited, call now.

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. INDIVIDUAL RESULTS MAY VARY ALOECURE IS NOT A DRUG. IFYOU ARE CURRENLTY TAKING A PRESCRIPTION DRUG YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE USE. FOR THE FULL FDA PUBLISHED WARN LNG ON PROTON PUMP LNHLBITORS PLEASE VISIT HT TP://WWW.FDA.GOV/D0WNL0ADS/F0RCONSUMERS/CONSUMERUPDATES/UCM213307

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Co-op careers: a paycheck and a purpose

October highlights unique business model

Co-op lines cross every region, climate, and geographvery day, more than 75,000 men and women go ic feature America has to offer and each cooperative to work at America’s electric cooperatives to keep reflects the character of the community it serves. No the lights on for 42 million energy consumers in matter what living situation and work environment 47 states. prospective employees may seek, they’re sure to find it It’s challenging work that offers more than a paysomewhere in the electric cooperative system. check. Co-op employees go home each night knowing Impressive national statistics won’t mean much to a they’ve helped make their communities better places to job seeker if the local co-op is fully staffed and anticilive. pates no openings in the near future. But many jobs— Over the next five years, thousands will experience especially for lineworkers, equipment that sense of purpose and pride as Ameroperators and the like—are available ica’s electric cooperatives hire nearly through regional and national contrac15,000 employees nationwide. These tors. new hires will replace Baby Boomers These contractors are typically hired reaching retirement age and accommoOver the next five years, Americaʼs electric cooperatives will hire to supplement local utility crews to help date growth of the energy industry. build large projects or repair widespread But despite competitive wages, 15,000 PEOPLE. storm damage. They move from project excellent benefits, job stability, and ARE YOU ONE OF THEM? to project over time, offering employees rewarding work, electric cooperatives a chance to see different parts of the and other energy companies often have country. difficulty attracting new employees. This can be a great option for indiOne reason is a lack of awareness viduals who’d like to join their homeamong potential new hires. In response, town co-op when a position becomes America’s electric co-ops have joined available but want to start working in forces with other energy companies to the energy industry immediately. celebrate Careers in Energy Week. The event, October 17 through 21 Second Careers A rapidly evolving and coinciding with October Co-op energy industry offers many rewarding careers to recent Month, is an opportunity to promote cooperative career high school or college graduates, and it’s also a great opportunities and correct misconceptions about energy place to start a second or third career. industry jobs. Lineworker training programs offered through community colleges are growing in popularity among people Many Career Options A lineworker high up on a who previously worked in oil and gas, manufacturing, pole is the first image most people visualize when thinkmining, forestry, and other industries. ing about electric cooperative employees. Lineworkers Electric cooperatives are also eager to hire military do comprise the largest segment of the co-op workveterans and their spouses. Last year, America’s elecforce—approximately 25 percent—but a smooth-running tric cooperatives launched a program called “Serve Our cooperative requires a variety of talents. Co-ops; Serve Our Country” to honor and hire veterans Information technology and engineering are two and their spouses. More information about the program is rapidly growing co-op career opportunities. The shift to available at www.ServeVets.coop. a smarter electric grid and the need to carefully monitor and manage growing but intermittent renewable energy Getting Started As not-for-profit, member-owned, resources drive a need for more high-tech workers. locally based businesses, America’s electric cooperaAdditional career paths in demand at electric coopertives offer careers that allow employees to provide vital atives include finance, member services, equipment opservices to the communities they call home. Guided by a erators, energy advisors, communications and marketing, set of principles that put people first, cooperatives offer purchasing, administrative support, and human resources. fulfilling work to those who enjoy serving others. To learn more about the opportunities available across Who says you can’t go home? For people who the nation’s network of cooperatives, visit enjoy the rural quality of life and want to explore other careers.touchstoneenergy.coop. parts of the country, an electric cooperative career might be the perfect option. More than 900 U.S. electric cooper—Justin LaBerge writes on consumer and cooperative affairs atives serve 75 percent of the nation’s land mass. for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

CO-OP CAREERS

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E L E CT R IC CO - OP S BU I L D

COM M U N I T Y

E L ECT RI C C O - O PS :  Ser ve 42 mi llion p e o ple i n 47 states.  Ow n a nd mai nta i n 2 . 6 mi llion mi les, or 42 p ercent, of the nation’s ele ct r ic d i stri bution li nes  E mploy 70,000 pe o ple i n the U. S .

October 2016

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Pass the

Pork

Photos and recipes courtesy of the National Pork Board.

Bacon BBQ New York Pork Chops 4 New York Pork Chops 4 Slices bacon 4 Tbsp barbecue sauce 1/2 cup lager beer or non-alcoholic beer

Wrap bacon around the edges of the pork and secure with a wooden toothpick. Mix together barbecue sauce and beer. Preheat a grill to mediumâ€“high. Grill chops over direct heat until the internal temperature reaches between 145â€“160 degrees on a meat thermometer. Brush sauce on the chops the last 5 minutes of cooking time. Remove chops from the grill and let rest for 3 minutes.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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Italian Pork Roast with Roasted Potato Wedges roast in oven for 20 minutes. Place potato wedges and Italian dressing in plastic bag and toss to evenly coat wedges. Add potato wedges to roast and return to oven for 20–30 minutes, or until internal temperature of roast reaches 145 degrees and potatoes are Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Rub tender. Remove roast from oven; let rest Italian seasoning over the surfaces of the roast. Place roast in shallow pan and about 10 minutes before slicing. 2 lb pork loin roast, boneless 3 Tbsp Italian seasoning 4 medium potatoes, cut into wedges 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing

Mom’s Brunch Eggs 2 cups diced ham OR 2 cups cooked, crumbled bacon or sausage 8 large eggs 2 cups milk 8 Tbsp softened butter 8 slices sourdough bread 5 cups shredded jack and cheddar cheese blend

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper; and set aside. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Arrange half of the slices, buttered side down, in a single layer in a 9x13–inch baking pan. Top with half of the cheese, half of the ham, and half of the egg mixture. Add a second layer of bread, cheese, ham, and egg mixture. Cover and set aside in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the casserole uncovered until the eggs are set, about 45 minutes.

All-Star Pork Meatballs 1 lb ground pork 1 Tbsp onion flakes 3/4 cup crushed corn flakes 1/2 tsp salt 1/8 tsp ground black pepper 1 egg 1/4 cup ketchup 3 Tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp dry mustard

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, onion flakes, corn flakes, salt, pepper, and egg. In a small bowl stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and dry mustard. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the ketchup mixture into the pork and mix well. Spray muffin tin with vegetable cooking spray. Form 6 meatballs and place in muffin tin. Coat the top of each meatball with the remaining ketchup mixture. Bake for 30 minutes until nicely glazed and internal temperature is 160 degrees.

Italian Sausage with Pasta and Herbs 1 lb Italian sausage 1 Tbsp olive oil 2 cups cubed zucchini 1/2 diced red bell pepper 8 oz rotini noodles 1 cup ricotta cheese 2 Tbsp dried herbs (basil, sage, parsley) Freshly grated parmesan cheese

Cut sausage diagonally into 1–inch pieces and cook in a large skillet over medium heat, turning to cook and brown evenly, about 10–15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Set aside. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add zucchini and bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until tender but still crisp, about 3–4 minutes. Cook the rotini according to the directions on the package. Drain and reserve 1 cup cooking water. Add pasta to skillet and stir in ricotta. Add 1/2 cup pasta water and stir until creamy. Stir in sausage. Add more water if mixture is too dry. Sprinkle with herbs and Parmesan cheese.

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RECIPE EXCHANGE Submit your favorite recipes to be featured on our reader recipe page. Email to tina@weca.coop Ice Cream Pail Pickles Irma Smith, Pardeeville

Cucumbers sliced lengthwise 4–6 heads of dill 4–6 heads of garlic 1–1/2 qts water 2 cups white vinegar 1/2 cup canning salt Fill ice cream pail with sliced cucumbers, stand them up straight. Add garlic and dill to the bucket. Bring to boil water, vinegar, canning salt, and mustard seed. Remove from heat and while still hot pour over cucumbers. Cover and let stand on the counter for 3 days. After 3 days, refrigerate pickles for up to 1 year.

Quick Dills

By Lluvia Springer, Lyndon Station

1 qt small pickling cucumbers 2 dill heads or sprigs of fresh dill 1 garlic clove 1 bay leaf 2 tsp pickling salt 1 cup white vinegar Pan of boiling water 1 hot pepper (optional) Pack each hot sterilized quart canning jar with cucumbers. Add 2 dill heads, 1 hot pepper (optional), 1 garlic clove, 1 bay leaf, and 2 teaspoons pickling salt to each jar. Pour 1 cup vinegar into each jar. Fill each jar to 1/2-inch of the top with boiling water. Seal. Process for 5 minutes in boiling water bath or steam canner. Let cool undisturbed for 12 hours. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not open for at least 6 weeks to allow the ﬂavors to develop.

Chicken & Shrimp Jambalaya

McCall’s Rich Shortcake

1–1/2 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast halves or thighs 2 cups thinly sliced celery 2 cups chopped onion 14 oz can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained 14 oz can reduced-sodium chicken broth 1/3 cup no-salt-added tomato paste 1–1/2 tsp salt-free Cajun seasoning 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp salt 1–1/2 cups uncooked instant brown rice 3/4 cup chopped green, red, and/or yellow sweet pepper 12 oz fresh or frozen peeled and deveined cooked shrimp 2 Tbsp snipped ﬂat-leaf Italian parsley

2 cups ﬂour, sifted 1/4 cup sugar 3 tsps baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1 dash nutmeg 1/2 cup butter 1 egg, slightly beaten 1/3 cup milk

By Jerry Majors, Pardeeville

Cut chicken into 3/4-inch pieces. In a 4-quart slow cooker, combine chicken, celery, onion, undrained tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, garlic, and salt. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 4–1/2 to 5–1/2 hours or on high-heat setting for 2–1/4 to 2–3/4 hours. If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. Stir in uncooked rice and sweet pepper. Cover and cook about 30 minutes more or until most of the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Before serving, thaw shrimp, if frozen. Stir shrimp and parsley into chicken mixture.

By Marlyn Poulton, Menomonie

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Lightly grease an 8x1-1/2-inch round cake pan. Combine ﬂour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in large bowl. With a pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Add egg, stirring with fork until well combined. Add milk all at once, stirring until dough leaves side of bowl. Turn dough onto lightly ﬂoured surface. Knead gently about ten times. Pat dough evenly into bottom of pan. Bake 15–20 minutes. Let stand in pan on wire rack for 5 minutes. Turn out of pan and cut into squares or rounds. Serve with strawberries and whipped cream.

REQUESTS from our

READERS Reader, Lonnie Pillath, Pound is looking for a recipe for homemade mac & cheese. She would like a recipe that is similar to Kraft. If you can help, have a request of your own, or would like to submit a recipe for publication, please write to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, What’s Cooking? 222 West Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703-2719 or contact us via our website, www.wecnmagazine.com. Thanks!

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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October 2016

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Ghosts and Ghouls Underground Have Have some some Halloween Halloween fun Funat atEagle EagleCave Cave

agle Cave in Blue River comes with a whole checklist of superlatives. As the state’s largest onyx cave, it’s a geological wonder. As Wisconsin’s first commercial cave, it’s historically significant. As part of Eagle Cave Resort in Blue River, a rustic campground tucked in the woods along the Wisconsin River, on Richland Electric Cooperative’s lines, it’s a beautiful scenic destination. And for two evenings in October, it’s very possibly the scariest cave around. “Each year on the weekend before Halloween, we turn our real Wisconsin cave into a haunted house,” said owner Wes Hanke. “We have monsters throughout. There’ll be probably 35 to 40 spooks in there, and they’re all volunteers, so it’s an incredible thing. It’s so much fun.” This year’s haunted cave weekend is set for October 28–29, and it’s open to anyone who wants to celebrate Halloween with a good, old-fashioned scare. Tours begin about 6 p.m. each night, and they accommodate all levels of bravery.

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“We offer three levels of scare,” Hanke said. “The ﬁrst level is, ‘We’re going to scare the bejeebers out of you.’” The second level is tailored for those who are testing out their terror tolerance. Hanke explained that plenty of youngsters want to see the cave on Halloween but are unsure of the monsters hiding inside. His wife, Michelle, came up with a system where each guest is given a light-up wand to carry through the cave. “We call those the magic wands, so the kids can carry those along with them, and if they’re in a part of the cave where they’re getting scared, they can ﬂip their light on and every monster in that area will see the light and will not scare,” Hanke explained. “So the kids have the power to choose when they want to get scared and when they don’t want to get scared.” The third level is the mildest. If a guest, young or old, simply wants to see the cave, he or she leaves the wand lit throughout and the monsters will not come out at all.

Community Contribution

WISCONSIN FAVORITES

Attendance at the haunted cave has increased each of the past eight years since the Hankes ﬁrst hosted it, and the visitors are not the only ones who beneﬁt from this event. All of the proceeds earned during the two nights of haunted cave operation are donated to charitable organizations and worthy causes within the Richland County community. “We’ve donated $26,000 to $30,000 back into the community over the eight years we’ve had the haunted cave,” Hanke said. He and Michelle choose the recipients, which vary year to year. Last year’s recipients included the Richland County K-9 Unit, Richland Center Auditorium restoration efforts, Doudna Elementary School playground fundraiser, and the Muscoda Library. For their efforts, the Hankes were named Business of the Year in 2016 by Richland Rejuvenates, an organization that brings together business, community, and city leaders for community betterment.

“That was just like getting a million dollars to us,” Hanke said. “We were so choked up and so proud.”

Cave Tours

Halloween is not the only time of year to enjoy the cave. Guided tours through the cave’s 2,400 or so feet of space are offered to the public Thursday through Sunday during the summer camping season, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Visitors have been enjoying this tour, which has changed slightly over the years as more areas of the cave have been opened up, for a whopping 78 years. “Eagle Cave is the ﬁrst commercial cave in the state of Wisconsin,” Hanke said. “It was opened to the public in 1938 and it’s been operating ever since. It was discovered in 1849, and Wisconsin actually became a state in 1848, which is pretty signiﬁcant.” Once Labor Day is over, the camp begins its unique cave exploratory program, which has been offering a full spelunking experience, complete with

1. The weekend before Halloween, monsters will be lurking in the nooks and crannies of Eagle Cave. 2. The entrance to Eagle Cave. 3. Seven air vents are placed throughout the cave, which help maintain healthy air circulation when the cave is filled with overnight campers. 4. Since the cave exploratory began in the 1950s, participating Scout troops have left a neckerchief and/or troop badge, which are displayed on the walls and ceilings of the canteen. 5. A layer of onyx is visible over the rock formations.

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overnight camping inside the cave, to youth groups of all kinds since 1954. “We have 300 to 350 kids here every weekend from September through April,” Hanke said. These include Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church youth groups, and YMCA programs, among others. Groups attend from seven different states and participate by reservation only; spots fill up quickly. Recently, university science groups have begun participating in the program as well.

Family Affair If Hanke seems to know every inch of the cave as if it were his own house, it’s likely because the cave is indeed home to him. Hanke grew up here; his parents bought Eagle Cave Resort in 1981, and he and his three siblings worked here while they were growing up. After the senior Hankes retired in 2005, Wes and Michelle purchased the property and have been running it ever since, continuing the cave’s longstanding traditions and adding some new ones, like the annual haunted cave weekend. Their son, Kyle, 15, works at the campground and cave as well, as does his sister, Kaylee, 19, in between semesters at UW-Eau Claire. For Wes Hanke, continuing the family’s business was an easy choice. “I loved it here, and I still do,” he said. Clearly, so do a lot of others, even if the cave occasionally scares the bejeebers out of them.—Mary Erickson Eagle Cave Resort is located at 16320 Cavern Lane, Blue River, WI 53518. For more information, visit www.eaglecave.net, visit Eagle Cave Resort on Facebook, or call call 608-537-2988.

Photo courtesy of Eagle Cave Resort

There’s lots to do at Eagle Cave Resort besides tour the cave. The resort has 127 acres, with primitive camping sites, water and electric sites, and rustic cabins for rent. Several scenic hiking trails offer spectacular views. Eagle Cave Resort is also a canoeing outfitter for the nearby Wisconsin River.

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YOUNG MEMBERS

Kids and Critters October 2016 1. Florida-girl Kaydence meets a Wisconsin bovine beauty on her summer trip. Photo submitted by Grandparents Rick Lucius and Peggy Klobucher, members of Bayfield Electric. 2. Shayna was amazed at the length of this cow’s tongue. Photo submitted by Shayna’s great aunt Christy Johnson. Shayna’s parents are Cody and Shanda Sletten. All are members of Oakdale Electric.

3. Brynn is all smiles with her four-legged friend. Photo submitted by Brynn’s grandmother, Bonnie Ackley, a member of Chippewa Valley Electric.

4. Elias meets Geronimo the calf in this photo submitted by Katrina Steffen, a member of Central Wisconsin Electric. Send photos of kids with animals, along with a brief description, to WECN Magazine, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 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 submitted via email to tina @weca.coop

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By submitting, sender implies that he/ 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.

VISIT VOTE.COOP TO LEARN HOW TO BECOME A CO-OP VOTER. October 2016

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CLASSIFIEDS MISCELLANEOUS

COLLECTOR BUYING WAR SOUVENIRS: German, Japanese, U.S. weapons, medals, helmets, daggers, swords, military items. 715-344-5031. VISIT DRIFTLESS BOOKS AND MUSIC. 518 Walnut, Viroqua, WI 54665. Huge warehouse of used books, rare, almost new and bargain, on every subject. Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.–4 p.m. WANTED: PAYING CASH FOR WW-2 GERMAN, JAPANESE FLAGS, DAGGERS, SWORDS, GUNS, ETC. 715-340-1974. WANTED: DEER TAGS, back tags. Trapping, bear, hunting, and fishing licenses. Otter, bobcat, fisher tags. Any old traps. David Schober, W4234 Rock Creek Rd., Loyal, WI 54446. 715-255-9284. TORNADO/STORM SHELTERS. 4 person-30 person. TimberLake Homes; corner of Hwys. 13 and 21. Friendship, WI. 608-339-4663.

120 ACRES HUNTING LAND TREMPEALEAU CO. Near Arcadia this parcel has 35 ac. tillable, a small stream, and rolling small hills. It is packed full of deer and turkey. $3,650/ac. Call Land & Home Realty, 608-484-1900. dan@landandhomrealtyllc.com.

70 ACRES WITH COTTAGE. South Ashland County. Great hunting and recreation. Fully insulated, water, septic, and electric. 414731-4051 for specifics.

WEEKLY (SEASONAL) RENTAL ON THE CHIPPEWA FLOWAGE, ONE OF THE LAST WINDERNESS LAKES IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN. Come experience it, come live it. Rustic, terraced 2-story, 2-bedroom home with many conveniences; just steps to the dock. 715-699-2838.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER—CHECK IT OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST! Multi-day, assisted cruises. You rent the houseboat; as your guest, I pilot the vessel. Prefer Retirees. 414-731-8241. Ferryville, WI.

OWN YOUR OWN BUSINESS! Bar and diner with upstairs apartment. Includes equipment, furnishings, cook stove, fryer, dishes, silverware, glasses, coolers, etc. Owners plan to re-open has been thwarted by terminal illness. Must sell ASAP. Make an offer. Possible low interest loan available through the town. Call for further information and appointment to see. 715-264-2646.

TRAVEL & CAMPING

PLANTS & SHRUBS CHRISTMAS WREATH FUNDRAISER. Email: Birchwreath@gmail.com, Wisconsin Wreath, 34019 185th Ave, Stanley, WI 54768.

Advertise with us! ads@weca.coop

TARPS–HEAVY DUTY, 16’x50’, hemmed. Expired billboard faces. $50each or 12’x38’ – $35 each. Shipping not included. Tarps can also be picked up at Jones Sign, 1711 Scheuring Road, De Pere, WI 54115. 800-536-7446. WANTED TO BUY: Northern pacific railroad caboose. Complete or in pieces. 608-526-5878. RUBBER ROOFS for flat roofs, mobile homes, and campers. Long term solution and reasonable rates. 920-291-5458. NEVER CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS AGAIN! Install Shur Flo gutter covers, reasonably priced, heavy gauge and aluminum. 920-291-5458.

A Human error

SQUEAKY INTERIOR DOORS? Look into the new patented CQ Hinge and permanently quiet those doors. Details: www.ccubed-llc.com. Made in USA 630-383-9161.

B Squirrels and other animals chewing wires

WALNUT BOARDS. 32 pieces, 13’X15”, by 1” rough. Clear and air dried 3 years. Other sizes available. Call Dennis 414-405-1910.

C Severe weather

MANUFACTURED, MODULAR HOMES, SINGLEWIDES USED HOMES. TimberLake Homes; corner of Hwys. 13 & 21. Friendship, WI. 608-339-4663.

D Aging infrastructure Answer: C

REAL ESTATE

Which of the following is the number one cause of all power outages in the U.S.?

Classified ads reach more than 163,000 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. Tina Walden, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Ph: 608-467-4599. Email tina@weca.coop.

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9/14/16 3:26 PM

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October 2016

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9/6/16 10:53 AM

October 2016

WISCONSIN EVENTS 1 Fabulous Art, Fantastic Crafts, and Fudge–– Augusta. Fruits of Compassion, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 715-286-5123.

9 Turkey & Ham Dinner––Spring Green. St. John’s Catholic Church, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. 608-588-2368.

1 Pie Social––Amherst Junction. South New Hope Church, 11 a.m.

9, 16, 23, 30 Guided Walking Tour––Fountain City. Kinstone, 1 p.m. 608-687-3332.

1 Chili Fiesta––Rome. Woodland Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 715-325-3949.

14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 Haunted House and Forest––Unity. Springlake Campground at dusk. 715-302-0413.

1 Bazaar & Lunch––Dellwood. United In Christ Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. 608-339-7178. 1, 2 Fall Festival Polish Dinner––Loyal. St. Anthony’s, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. 715-937-1255.

15 Supper and Bake Table––Menomonie. Little Elk Creek Lutheran Church, 4–7 p.m. 715-235-3670.

2 Grilled Chicken Dinner––Jump River. Community Center, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. $9 adults, $3 5–12, under 5 free. 715-668-5476.

15 Color Dash 5k run/walk––Holmen. Halfway Creek Park, 11 a.m.

2 Open House––Fountain City. Kinstone, 12–6 p.m. 608-687-3332.

15 Chicken Q––Tomah. VFW Post 1382, 11 a.m. until gone. $10 per plate, eat in or carry out. 608-343-2464.

26 Lutefisk & Swedish Meatball Supper–– Greenwood. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 4–8 p.m. Adults $15; K–6th $7. 715-267-6142. 27 “A Band Called Honalee”—Park Falls. Chequamegon High School, 7 p.m. 27 Dinner Lecture: Lake Baikal––Cable. Rookery Pub, 5:30 p.m. $5 members/$10 non-member. 715-798-3890. 28 Potato Pancake Supper––Independence. S.S. Peter and Paul School, 4:30–8 p.m. $8 adults, $5 children 6–12. 29 Uff Da Meatball and Lefsa Dinner––Rock Falls. Lutheran Church, 3–7 p.m. $8 adults, $5 for children 5–12 and under 5 free. 29 Longaberger Basket Bingo––Blair. High School, 11:30 a.m. 608-525-2300.

5 Harvest Supper––Osseo. United Church of Christ Congregational, 4:30–6:30 p.m. 715-597-3292.

15 Cranberry Breakfast––Wisconsin Rapids. Biron Municipal Center, 7:30 a.m.–12 p.m. $8 for 12 and up, $4 for 5-11, under 5 free. 715-423-6580.

5 Fall Colors Hike to Juniper Rock Overlook–– Cable. Cable Natural History Museum, 9 a.m. 715-798-3890.

15, 16 Pumpkin Special––North Freedom. Mid-Continent Railway, train rides to the Pumpkin Patch. 608-522-4261.

6–8 Octoberfest Needlework Show––La Crosse. Main Library, Thurs. 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

16 Roast Pork/Turkey Dinner––Marion. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. 715-754-5482.

29 A Creepy-Crawly Halloween—Cable. Natural History Museum, 1:30–2:30 p.m. 715-798-3890.

6, 13 Sketch & Pour Workshop––Phillips. Wisconsin Concrete Park, 6–8 p.m.

16 Harvest Dinner––Holcombe. United Methodist Church, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 715-595-4224.

29, 30 Quilt Show––Appleton. Fox Valley Lutheran High School, Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 920-734-7136.

7 Fish Fry––Plain. St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 5–8 p.m. 608-588-2368.

18 German Oktober Fest––Marshﬁeld. Eagles Club, 4:30–7 p.m. 715-384-8348.

30 October New Moon––Fountain City. Kinstone, 6–8 p.m. 608-687-3332.

7–9 Autumn Color Weekend––North Freedom. Mid-Continent Railway, train rides in vintage coach cars. 608-522-4261.

20 Ruffed Grouse Society Banquet––Fiﬁeld. Northwoods Supper Club, 5:30 p.m.

8 Swapfest––Colby. Lions Shelter, 8 a.m. 715-654-5552. 8 Harvest of Talents––Ladysmith. First Church of Christ, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Live auction, shops, and car show. 8 Glass Fusing Workshop––Phillips. Wisconsin Concrete Park, 1–4 p.m. 8 Community Fall Festival––Stevenstown. Lewis Valley Lutheran Church, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. 608-857-3474. 8, 9 First Class Dining Service––North Freedom. Mid-Continent Railway, 11:40 a.m. and 1:10 p.m. 608-522-4261.

15 Dasheree—Ogdensburg. Historic Union Thresheree Grounds, 4 p.m.

22, 23 Jump River Run–– Kennan. Lauhala Kennels.

29 Toast to 10 “Musical Memories”––Colfax. Martin Anderson Gymnasium, 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. $5 for children, $12 adults. 29 Monster Madness––Park Falls. Downtown, all day events.

21, 22, 28, 29 Haunted House––Park Falls. Hwy. 182 to Case Avenue.

Send us your November events by October 7.

22 Harvest Dinner––Brantwood. Community Center, 4–7 p.m. 715-564-2208.

Wisconsin Events is a public service for our readers. Submissions should be received early in the month prior to the month in which the event will occur. 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. Send listings to: Events, WECN, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703 or to tina@weca.coop

22 Lutefisk Dinner––Blue River. Five Points Church, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. 608-647-2531. 22 Wolf Ecology Workshop––Phillips. Wisconsin Concrete Park, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 22 Harvest Festival Dinner––Brantwood. Community Center, 4–6:30 p.m. 22 Make A Difference Day––Coon Valley. Norskedalen, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

Events Oct 2016.indd 1

9/14/16 9:20 AM

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