Issuu

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 26% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT THROUGH 2022

If the only thing bigger than your propane bill is your propane tank...

Switch to a WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system. Are you tired of the large, expensive eyesore in your backyard? A WaterFurnace geothermal heat pump doesn’t have any outdoor equipment. It uses the clean, renewable energy in your backyard to save up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. A WaterFurnace unit is twice as efficient at cooling than the best air conditioner or heat pump and five times more efficient at heating than any ordinary furnace. If you’re ready to learn more about geothermal, contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today.

visit us at waterfurnace.com

WE’RE EVERYWHERE IN WISCONSIN

Arcadia/Mondovi Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Chaseburg/ Coon Valley Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 269-1500

Ashland/Bayfield Brown Plmb, Electric & HVAC (715) 292-0029

Clintonville/ Oshkosh Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051

Beaver Dam/ Green Lake Air Care, Inc. (920) 356-8860

Cornell/ New Auburn Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Black Earth/Madison Modern Htg & Clg (608) 767-2689 Cashton/Sparta Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 269-1500

Ellsworth/Lake City Comfort By Design (715) 273-3658 Green Bay/Onedia Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051 Hudson/Stillwater Comfort By Design (715) 273-3658 Janesville/ Fort Atkinson Don Martin Htg (608) 758-9882

Eau Claire/Osseo Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Madison/Black Earth Modern Htg & Clg (608) 767-2689

Marinette/Peshtigo/ Escanaba GPS Htg & Clg (715) 732-2111

Osceola/ St. Croix Falls Comfort By Design (715) 273-3658

Menomonie/ Bloomer Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Platteville/ Blue River Modern Htg & Clg (608) 767-2689

Neillsville/Medford Northern Indoor Comfort (715) 937-2676 Oconto/Rhinelander Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051

Prescott/Hastings Comfort By Design (715) 273-3658 Richland Center/ Viroqua Strang’s Htg Electric Plmb (608) 647-2855

Spring Valley/Amery Comfort By Design (715) 273-3658 Sturgeon Bay/ Denmark Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051 Stoughton/ Evansville Don Martin Htg (608) 758-9882 Tomah/Oakdale Dean’s Refrig. & Htg (608) 372-6928 Westby/La Crosse Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 654-5522

WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.

October 21_adsPasted2.indd 2

9/7/21 12:07 PM

CooperaN

COOPERATIVE

News

Wisconsin

ENERGY Cooperative

contents October 2021

News

BRIEFS

Governor Evers celebrates solar at Jackson Electric.

4 8

Pro and

CONS

Compare app-enabled lighting options.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

A reader shares a tale of survival.

RELIABLE. AFFORDABLE. ACCESSIBLE.

Cooperative RESPONSE CENTER

A Wisconsin-born idea kept co-ops running.

Recipes Pass the pork.

On the COVER

Cruise the Warrens Cranberry Trail.

Photo courtesy of Visit Warrens

Kids &

CRITTERS

Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.

Cooperatives work to provide all three.

15 28 30

MY CO-OP

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

CLASSIFIEDS

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

EVENTS

Find an autumn event year you.

October 2021

WECN Oct21TOC.indd 1

9/17/21 11:46 AM

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR Tale of survival

On occasion, the stories we feature truly strike a chord and sometimes even connect with the past. Dana Kelroy, Editor A reader from Vernon Electric recognized two of the survivors of the Peshtigo Fire from the 1951 photo on page 25 of our September magazine. You may recall that our Wisconsin Favorites feature last month—“150 Years: Peshtigo marks the sesquicentennial of America’s deadliest wildfire”—shared accounts of the disaster and featured a photo of the survivors standing near the historical marker at its 1951 dedication ceremony. The Vernon reader—Tom Race—grew up in Peshtigo. When he came across the 1951 photo with the survivors, he recognized his Great Grandmother Nellie standing next to the tall man he thought at first was his Great Grandfather Lorenzo. Upon further investigation into his family’s history Tom learned that the man standing at Nellie’s side is actually her brother, Charles Wright, as Lorenzo had died earlier in 1951. Tom shared his great-grandfather’s survival story with us, which is pretty harrowing. He told us when the fire struck, Lorenzo’s father, an itinerant preacher, told the family there was no use in running because this was the end of the world, as described in the Book of Revelations. He took two of his children (his wife, a midwife, had gone to a neighboring farm earlier that day to attend to a birth and never made it home) into the cellar, but Lorenzo and his brother Harley instead grabbed their bed linens, soaked them in water from the well, and ran through the firestorm to the nearest creek bed. They dug themselves down in the mud of the creekbed and pulled the wet linens over their bodies, and the fire passed right over them. They were the only members of their immediate family to survive. Tom said Lorenzo was badly burned by the fire on the right side of his face and arm, probably from covering up his younger brother in the creek bed, and all his grown life he kept a long beard to cover up the scars on his face. Lorenzo and Harley owed their lives, Tom said, to the “mercy of God and the insight of Lorenzo Race.” Lorenzo died in 1951, not long before the photo by the historical marker was taken. Nellie died in 1957. We thank Tom and his family for sharing the story with us as we continue to remember the lives lost 150 years ago this month.

October 2021 Vol. 82 No. 4

Wisconsin’s very first historical marker is the one erected at the Peshtigo Fire Cemetery.

Please recycle

The Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News (Formerly Wisconsin R.E.C. News) has been published monthly and distributed since July 1940 to members of Wisconsin’s non-profit, consumer-owned rural electric cooperatives. It is available to non-members for $13 per year or $35 for three years. Members pay $6.93 per year. Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Steve Freese, president & CEO. USPS number: 688-480. Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Periodicals postage paid at Sun Prairie, 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 Julie Lund Ann Bailey Geri Miller Jennifer Taylor

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

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

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN Oct Editor2021.indd 1

9/17/21 2:07 PM

Cascading Waters Illuminated Sculpture Inspired by the iconic wolf art of Hall of Fame Artist Al Agnew, it’s a rare view of nature you’ve dared to imagine, brought to life in a sculptural masterpiece that lights from within! Cascading Waters transports you to a hidden stream of tumbling waters, carved from timeworn rock. There, a pair of glorious, keen-eyed wolves rule the natural world that is their home. The rushing waters, captured in brilliant Crystalline, cascade from the lifelike rock of the wolves’ refuge, illuminated by hidden LEDs in a wondrous effect. Artisan hand-sculpted and hand-painted with infinite care, this one-of-a-kind work of art is available only from The Bradford Exchange.

OVER 1 FOOT HIGH!

Superb value. Your satisfaction is guaranteed! Make it yours now in three payments of only $29.99, for a total of $89.99*, backed by our unconditional, 365-day money-back guarantee. There’s no risk, ever. Send no money now. Return the Reservation Application today! Crystalline is a unique combination of resin materials chosen for its brilliance and clarity.

Pric

❏

Shown smaller than actual size of about 14" H x 8" W

Logo Addre

ORDER AT BRADFORDEXCHANGE.COM/FOUNTAIN SEND NO MONEY NOW

The Bradford Exchange

9345 Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714-1393

YES. Please reserve the Cascading Waters Illuminated Sculpture for me as described in this announcement. Please Respond Promptly *Plus a total of $13.99 shipping and service; see bradfordexchange.com. Limited-edition presentation restricted to 295 casting days. Please allow 4-8 weeks after initial payment for shipment. Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance.

Mrs. Mr. Ms.

Track Cod

Name (Please Print Clearly)

❏

Address City

Job Cod

❏

Where Passion Becomes Art RESERVATION APPLICATION

❏

State

Yello Snip

Zip

❏

Email (optional)

Shipp Servi

01-33079-001-E49801

❏

October 21_adsPasted2.indd 5

9/7/21 12:09 PM

NEWS BRIEFS DAIRYLAND POWER COOPERATIVE SEEKS TO ACQUIRE ROCKGEN ENERGY CENTER

Governor Tony Evers speaks with Jackson Electric Cooperative board members Dan Smrekar, Jerry Wagner, and Kristi Hanson.

EVERS JOINS JACKSON ELECTRIC AT STROBUS SOLAR RIBBON-CUTTING Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers attended the ribbon cutting of Strobus Solar, a 1.5-megawatt solar electric project located near Black River Falls in Jackson County. The project will sell its output to Jackson Electric Cooperative under a long-term contract and is expected to produce 3,218 megawatthours per year, enough to power 322 Wisconsin homes. The Strobus Solar Project is located on about 12 acres of land leased from Northern Family Farms, Wisconsin’s largest Christmas tree grower. The land around the project will also become pollinator habitat.

OneEnergy Renewables developed the project, which was built with the latest technology, including bi-facial solar panels. Representatives from WECA, Jackson Electric Cooperative, Dairyland Power Cooperative, OneEnergy, Arch Electric, and Northern Family Farms were also in attendance for the recent ribboncutting in Black River Falls. This is the second commercial solar site ribbon cutting in Jackson’s territory. The first was the Blue Prairie commercial solar site dedicated earlier in August.

PSC SET TO AWARD $100 MILLION IN BROADBAND GRANTS

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) is currently considering applications for $100 million in grant funds, aimed at expanding broadband to unserved and underserved areas. The agency received 240 applications requesting $420 million. Spectrum Mid-America, LLC, an affiliate of Charter Communications, Inc., is urging the PSC to deny funds for areas in which the company intends to extend service by the end of 2024, but the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Assocation and other agencies rebutted that request, arguing that local entities such as cooperatives extend better, faster service, and awards should be based on merit. The PSC’s $100 million broadband expansion program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Awardees could be announced as early as this month.

PROPOSED LEGISLATION WOULD BAN IMPERSONATING A UTILITY WORKER IN WISCONSIN A bill circulating in the state legislature would revise state law, making it illegal for a person to portray themselves as a public officer, public employee, or employee of a utility. According to bill authors, there have been instances where people have acted

as though they were employed by a local utility in an effort to gain access to homes. Current law states it is illegal to act in an official capacity, or execute functions of a public official, but it does not specifically outlaw other impersonations.

Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC) has announced its intent to acquire the RockGen Energy Center located in Cambridge, just east of Madison. The generation and transmission cooperative has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the 503-megawatt natural gas power plant from Starwood Energy. The 20-year-old RockGen Energy Center is a simple-cycle, dual fuel power generating facility that operates mainly on natural gas. One key feature—the three 168-MW, low-NOx combustion turbines can ramp up and down quickly to support intermittent solar and wind resources. It can also operate on fuel oil, if necessary. Dairyland said the acquisition supports its efforts to transition to more renewable energy while maintaining reliability.

NEMADJI TRAIL PROJECT CLEARS ANOTHER LEGAL HURDLE

A Minnesota Appeals Court sided with Dairyland Power Cooperative and Minnesota Power in a recent ruling related to the $700 million Nemadji Trail Energy Center, a 625-megawatt natural gas plant to be located in Superior. The court found Minnesota Power is allowed to create a Wisconsin subsidiary in order to own half of the plant. Dairyland says the project is renewable-enabling and supports a plan to transition to more renewable energy by allowing the closure of coal-fired plants while ensuring reliability. The court of appeals decision says the evidence supports that claim and upholds approval by the state’s regulatory agency, which determined the gas plant is a cheaper and more reliable alternative to coal than wind and solar.

BADGER STATE SOLAR PROJECT: UP AND RUNNING BY 2024

The developers of Wisconsin’s Badger State Solar project now expect the project to be on-line by December of 2023. The project has been in development since early 2017. The Badger State Solar project is a 149-MW project that will be located on about 1,203 acres of mostly agricultural land in Jefferson County. Dairyland Power Cooperative has entered into an agreement with Ranger Power’s Badger State Solar to purchase all the power generated from the project for 30 years. The project is expected to generate about 0.4 percent of Wisconsin electricity sales, or enough to power about 20,000 homes.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN Oct21NewsBriefs.indd 1

9/17/21 12:00 PM

Make your home more comfortable than ever

Your upgrade from couch to first class has been approved. Whether you want to sleep, read or watch TV the perfect sleep chair is . . . Just perfect NOW

“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.”

also available in Genuine Italian Leather and New Chestnut Color (as pictured here)

— J. Fitzgerald, VA

Three Chairs in One Sleep/Recline/Lift

ACCREDITED BUSINESS A+ You can’t always lie down in bed and sleep. Heartburn, eartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches – and dozens of other ailments and worries. Those are the nights you’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in: one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises your feet and legs just where you want them, supports your head and shoulders properly, and operates at the touch of a button. Our Perfect Sleep Chair® does all that and more. More than a chair or recliner, it’s designed to provide total comfort. Choose your preferred heat and massage settings, for hours of soothing relaxation. Reading or watching TV? Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of settings. And best of all, it features a powerful lift mechanism that tilts the entire chair forward, making it easy to stand. You’ll love the other benefits, too. It helps with correct spinal alignment and promotes back pressure relief, to prevent back and muscle pain. The

overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. It even has a battery backup in case of a power outage. White glove delivery included in shipping charge. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! You get your choice of Genuine Italian Leather, stain and water repellent custommanufactured DuraLux™ with the classic leather look or plush MicroLux™ microfiber in a variety of colors to fit any decor. New Chestnut color only available in Genuine Italian Leather. Call now!

The Perfect Sleep Chair®

1-888-750-7337

Please mention code 115662 when ordering. REMOTE CONTROLLED EASILY SHIFTS FROM FLAT TO A STAND-ASSIST POSITION

Genuine Italian Leather

Chestnut

classic beauty & durability

Long Lasting DuraLux™

Mahogany (Burgundy)

Tan

Chocolate

Blue

Burgundy

Cashmere

Chocolate

Indigo

stain & water repellent

MicroLux™ Microfiber

breathable & amazingly soft

Because each Perfect Sleep Chair is a made-to-order bedding product it cannot be returned, but if it arrives damaged or defective, at our option we will repair it or replace it. © 2021 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

October 21_adsPasted2.indd 7

46571

Footrest may vary by model

9/7/21 12:10 PM

RELIABLE. A

s I wrap up my series of columns on one potential path our electric cooperatives might follow to reach President Biden’s proposal for carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035—utilizing the Princeton University’s Net-Zero America study—it’s clear that there will be significant investments in new infrastructure and greater challenges to reliability than ever before. I have appreciated all the readers who contacted me with their suggestions and concerns. My goal was to give you unbiased and accurate information. As a cooperative member, the path chosen will ultimately affect what you pay for electricity. While many Americans believe that climate change must be addressed, folks must also realize that the solution will require a significant investment in capital— more powerlines, more wind turbines Steve Freese and solar farms, more nuclear power, and President and CEO significant carbon capture for natural gas plants, all at a scale never experienced before. Some technologies are yet to be proven, and some elements will be very controversial. Still, it is the reality of what it will take to get to carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035. I have no doubt that Americans can rise to the occasion and accomplish this goal, but I am less sure of the timeline in which to accomplish it. For example, in Wisconsin, the Public Service Commission approves all major generation and transmission projects. It generally only looks at the needs of our citizens. The other 49 states have very similar commissions that govern their states. As a result, siting new power plants and transmission lines does not come without controversy. We are experiencing this now with the CardinalHickory Creek transmission line project that began in 2014 and will take several more years to complete, if approved, due to several lawsuits. To meet the 2035 timeline, the approval process would need to be accelerated, which may mean reducing state oversight of future projects. The reconciliation package being debated by Congress includes funding for a Grid Deployment Authority whose purpose would be to help finance and accelerate the development of high-voltage transmission lines by using existing public property to secure rights-of-way. With as much as 60% more transmission lines needed, potential government-led efforts to fast-track power line construction projects will likely collide with a community’s interests affected by these projects.

AFFORDABLE.

ACCESSIBLE. VI

Now imagine tripling the number of nuclear power plants and shifting more decision making to Washington, D.C. At a minimum, this will create a perception of less local control and accelerate oppositional interventions that will ultimately delay any massive infrastructure buildouts. Future climate regulations may require coal and natural gas facilities to be shut down prematurely, resulting in unpaid debt for these plants. As a replacement, new debt will be acquired to build carbon-free generation assets. In addition, there will be considerable costs to build more transmission power lines. President Biden’s climate plan does include a provision that would require the government to absorb the unpaid debt from cooperative fossil fuel plants closed prematurely. While there will be some efficiency savings, the truth is that an accelerated path to carbon pollution-free electricity comes with a cost that will depend on whether Congress acts to pass this into law. An all-of-the-above, carbon-free approach will be needed to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity for you. Some readers felt I was unfair comparing the amount of farmland that would be used for solar and wind. One suggested using the rooftops of people’s homes and businesses. While a worthy conversation, and not to dismiss the contributions made by rooftop solar, the magnitude of carbon pollutionfree electricity needed requires cost-efficient, utilityscale projects that integrate reliability solutions. The Princeton study also discusses other renewable energy resources such as hydrogen, biomass, and batteries. In the case of batteries, the study recognizes their future significance and utilization, but unlike other studies, does not propose a “renewables and batteries alone” strategy that I believe would be a far more costly, and a less reliable path to carbon pollution-free electricity. Your electric cooperative has already made renewables a sizable part of their energy portfolio and will have to make significant decisions and investments should the nation embrace a plan for carbon pollutionfree electricity by 2035 and fossil-fuel-free by 2050. We can get there using an all-of-the-above approach with more renewables, nuclear, carbon capture, and other technologies if our government provides flexibility. Political and societal trends are pushing us in that direction. Each of us has a chance to shape our own energy future. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of some of the underlying issues facing your electric cooperative. Achieving carbon pollutionfree electricity is doable. Achieving it by 2035 is debatable. This is the conversation we need to start having today.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN Oct21Steve.indd 2

9/16/21 12:26 PM

Breakthrough Infections and Other Shots I’m fully vaccinated. Can I still be infected with COVID-19? COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing most infections. However, like other vaccines, they are not 100% effective. Some vaccine breakthrough infections are expected.

If I can still get infected, why should I get vaccinated in the first place? COVID-19 vaccines protect people from getting infected, and significantly reduce the likelihood of hospitalization and death for those who do get a breakthrough infection. Statistics from the state Department of Health Services show that in August, Wisconsin residents who were not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 were 3.9 times more likely to test positive for the disease than those fully vaccinated, 8.6 times more likely to be hospitalized for it, and 10.6 times more likely to die from it.

If I’m unlikely to get severely ill, why should I be concerned about breakthrough illnesses, as long as I’m fully vaccinated? People who get vaccine breakthrough infections may only experience mild—if any—symptoms. However, they can still be contagious and pass the disease to others who aren’t protected by a full vaccination, or who are immunocompromised.

Will I need a booster shot? Booster doses are common for many vaccines. Scientists and medical experts have been closely analyzing data that is beginning to show that protection against COVID-19 infection may decline over time after vaccination. Booster shots were recommended for immunocompromised people in August. As the science and virus evolve, more guidance will be coming on recommendations for booster shots, which will likely vary based on which shot you receive.

I’m fully vaccinated. Do I still need a flu shot? It is more important than ever to protect against influenza, which, like COVID-19, is a respiratory illness. Vaccination for the flu is critical to help reduce the overall impact of respiratory illnesses on the general population and lower the resulting burden on the healthcare system.

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

Turn the page for information about where to find a COVID vaccine in your community. 09_0010.indd 1

9/17/21 11:53 AM

Smart light bulbs are available in a variety of colors and dimming options that can help to set different themes or moods for the room, from an exciting bright white to a calming dim light. Photo courtesy of Cree Out of all the smart home technologies available on the market, smart lighting is one of the easiest and most affordable technologies to integrate into your home. Photo courtesy of Philips

THE PROS AND CONS OF

APPENABLED LIGHTING OPTIONS

ut of all the smart home technologies available on the market, smart lighting is one of the easiest technologies to integrate into your home. Smart lighting can be controlled by voice command, through your smartphone, or through a smart home hub (like Amazon Alexa), making it relatively easy to control. Smart light bulbs are also among the most affordable smart home devices, starting at about $10 per bulb. There’s a range of benefits from using smart light bulbs. One of the most useful aspects of smart lighting is the ability to control the lighting while you’re away from home. For example, if you leave for work and forget to turn off the lights at home, you can easily turn them off with a few taps on a smartphone app. Alternatively, if you’re traveling but want to appear as if you’re home, you can turn on your lights at a certain time to create that illusion. Similarly, many smart lights offer the option for a customizable schedule. Consumers can schedule lighting to turn on or off at certain times of the day depending on their preferences. For instance, consumers can turn off all the lights at home just before bedtime, or schedule the lights to turn on just before returning home from work. To increase safety at home, many smart light bulbs have motion-detection technology that can sense if a person is in the room or nearby. This feature can be programmed to send an alert to your phone when the smart lighting detects an unexpected motion, either inside or outside the home. Beyond the more practical applications, smart lighting can simply be fun to use. Bulbs are available in a variety of colors and dimming options that can help to set different themes or moods for the room, from an exciting bright white to a calming dim light. Various color temperatures can create different moods and also potentially help with winding down at night and improving sleep quality. Blue light, which mimics daylight, prevents the release of melatonin, an important hormone

to feel sleepy. Setting smart lights to warmer-colored lights at night can help release melatonin, and therefore lead to a better night’s sleep. With all the benefits of smart lighting, there is also a higher price tag compared to regular light bulbs. Most smart lighting options on the market use LED light bulbs, which are more expensive but use less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs and need to be replaced much less often. Incandescent light bulbs cost about $1; however, their life spans are relatively short at around 1,000 hours. LED bulbs typically start at about $2.50 per bulb, but their life spans are almost 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Switching from incandescent bulbs to LED smart bulbs can help save energy and money over the long run, despite the higher initial cost. As a new technology, there are plenty of benefits but also a few potential issues to be aware of before implementing the technology. Some smart light bulbs may have minor technical issues, such as not properly responding to a voice command. However, sticking with reputable brands should ensure a well-functioning light bulb. Another factor to consider is not all smart lighting options are compatible with dimmers since smart bulbs come with their own built-in dimming mechanisms. This could lead to inconsistent lighting between smart and regular bulbs and could cause smart lights to flicker if they clash with the existing dimmer switch. To prevent this, simply avoid placing smart light bulbs in fixtures that already have a dimmer switch. Before making any purchases, be sure to research which smart lighting options work best for your home. Read several reviews to ensure your purchase is reliable during the entirety of its lifespan. There are plenty of smart lighting options out there, and choosing the best personalized option will help you make the most of it. Maria Kanevsky writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. October 2021

WECN Oct21Feature 2.indd 1

9/15/21 9:13 AM

Calls for after-hours power outages often are routed to the Cooperative Response Center, with offices in Minnesota, Tennessee, and Texas. A Wisconsin co-op member may speak to a Tennessee or Texas employee when reporting a local outage. CRC serves nearly 400 electric cooperatives across the country and allows co-ops to save money on technology and staff needs by centralizing this service. Photos courtesy CRC

CRC: How a Wisconsin-born idea KEPT ELECTRIC CO-OPS RUNNING WHEN THE WORLD SHUT DOWN Ask anyone what is at the heart of electric cooperative’s success, and they will tell you—it’s the people. From the staff in the office to the linemen in the field, the workers are the backbone of the co-op’s success. But they have a secret weapon that many people don’t even know about—it’s called the Cooperative Response Center (CRC). Just a relatively short time ago, back in the ’80s and ’90s, a storm created an “all-hands-on-deck” situation. Whether it was the middle of the night, on the weekend, or on a holiday, staff ushered into the office to take calls from members to coordinate where the outages were located so they could dispatch crews. That’s not how it works anymore, thanks to a group of 19 forward-thinking co-ops from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, who formed the Cooperative Response Center (CRC) as a member-owned cooperative service in 1992. Back then, following the cooperative principles of working together and caring for community, some co-ops offered twoway medical monitoring for members, which allowed residents in rural areas to stay in their homes as they got older. CRC was created as a central monitoring station for the medical alarms, but the opportunity for expansion was soon recognized. Today, 12

CRC’s 24-hour operation takes after-hours and overflow calls for its member co-ops; manages full-service storm outage tracking and dispatching of crews; can handle billing and payment questions; and still does alarm monitoring, including two-way medical, security alarms, and substation video surveillance. “They really are an extension of staff, so as calls come in during busy times in the local office, calls can go to CRC, so the member doesn’t have to wait or get a busy signal,” said Tim Stewart, CEO of Clark Electric Cooperative and former board member of CRC. “You don’t even think about them; they’re just there, helping us do what we do,” said Dean Ortmann, CEO of Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative. The value of CRC, which now has offices in Minnesota, Tennessee, and Texas serving almost 400 electric cooperative members across the country, is critical during severe weather. When Hurricane Ida crashed into the Gulf Coast and even destroyed the headquarters of an electric coop in Louisiana, CRC handled the excessive overflow calls from its two large member co-ops. But it’s Wisconsin-type weather events that create the most need, according to Dan

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN Oct21Feature1.indd 2

9/17/21 11:06 AM

W E NE V E R S TOP.

Otteson, CRC senior regional business manager. “It is often the widespread thunderstorms impacting multiple states in a short period of time and ice storms that create CRC’s largest call-volume events,” Otteson said. “Simply stated, CRC allows us to concentrate on getting outages repaired,” Stewart said. “We are able to restore power faster because of the technology they utilize.” Back when Wisconsin co-ops were brainstorming about the value of a central monitoring system, no one could have known they were also building a safety net that could keep the co-ops operating seamlessly when a global pandemic forced ofﬁces to close and staff members to work from home. Some rural Wisconsin co-ops were not equipped for an immediate transition to working remotely, so CFC took over the calls. Without the backup service that CRC offers, Wisconsin co-ops would require more staff. Still, even then, they could not match the services they provide, according to Stewart. “Individually, we could not afford the technology and the type of interface they have they have. There’s no way we could duplicate that.” Stewart said. “It’s really impressive how much they can do, from video monitoring to text messaging, offering real-time updates about outages. Their service, from my perspective— it’s invaluable.” “It’s a spectacular success story,” Ortmann said. “CRC is very, very, valuable to us.” —Julie Lund

Not everyone starts their day at the same time, or in the same way. But no matter when or how, your local Touchstone Energy cooperative is there to help you power every moment of it. To learn more, visit TouchstoneEnergy.com

YOUR SOURCE FOR POWER. AND INFORMATION.

October 2021

WECN Oct21Feature1.indd 3

9/17/21 11:07 AM

GET READY!

These sunny fall days are the perfect time to prepare your home for the cold weather that’s coming. Here are a few simple steps you can take now that will help your energy bill later.

Check your attic. Add or replace attic insulation if your existing insulation is insufficient.

Reverse your ceiling fans to clockwise. This pushes the warm air back down and helps redistribute the warm air from your heating system. Make sure your HVAC vents aren’t blocked by furniture or drapes. Check for cracks, leaks, and drafts in windows, doors, and walls. Seal any gaps with caulk or weatherstripping.

Replace your HVAC filter. A filter that’s clogged with excess dust reduces air flow.

If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, install one.

When your fireplace is not in use, keep the damper closed to prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney.

If you have window air-conditioning units, put it them in storage for the winter. They allow cold air to stream in.

Seal all pipe penetrations like water pipes, sewer lines, or vent stacks with caulk.

Have your heating system tuned up by a professional. This may cost you a bit right now but it will be much less expensive than having to pay for a sudden, emergency repair that’s likely to happen at the least convenient time. Source: Energy.gov

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

14_0014.indd 1

9/17/21 11:22 AM

Standard Shipping CHECKS $3.95 + FREE FREE 4th Pack

OF SINGLE TOP TEAR CHECKS...*

OVER 800 EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS AVAILABLE! CALL 1-800-323-8104 OR VISIT WWW.BRADFORDEXCHANGECHECKS.COM

America’s National Parks - 00055 Leather Cover and Labels - 00055 

Lena Liu’s Morning Serenade - 00029 Leather Cover and Labels - 00029 

Words of Faith w/verse “With God all things are possible.” - 00551 Leather Cover and Labels - 00551 

New Day w/verse “Each day brings hope!” - 00447 Leather Cover and Labels - 00447 

CHECKS WITH A CAUSE

Terry Redlin’s Cabin Retreat - 00637 Leather Cover - 00552 Labels - 00637 

Rescued is Something to Purr About - 00525Leather Cover and Labels - 00525  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a national no-kill animal shelter.

CHECKS WITH A CAUSE

Farmall - 00328 Leather Cover and Labels - 00328 

Coping Together 01397 Leather Cover 00451-003 and Labels - 01397 

Milwaukee Brewers® 00489 Leather Cover and Labels - 00489 

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Nurses Foundation.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to fight breast cancer. CHECKS WITH A CAUSE

Rescued Is My Breed of Choice - 00379 Leather Cover and Labels - 00379 

Winter Calm - 00017 Leather Cover and Labels - 00017 

Green & Gold Team Spirit - 00645 Leather Cover and Labels - 00881 

CHECKS WITH A CAUSE

On the Wings of Hope 00384 One image. Leather Cover and Labels - 00384 

Hope for a Cure - 00585 Leather Cover and Labels - 00384 

Live, Laugh, Love, Learn w/verse “Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away” - 00332 Leather Cover and Labels - 00332 

Thomas Kinkade’s Country Escapes - 00162 Leather Cover and Labels - 00162 

God Bless America 00006 Leather Cover and Labels - 00006 

North American Wildlife 00876 Leather Cover and Labels - 00876 

Blaylock Express 00383 Leather Cover and Labels - 00383 

Tropical Paradise 00052 Leather Cover and Labels - 00052 

Cowboy Round Up 00380 Leather Cover and Labels - 00380 

Moments of Majesty - 00001 Leather Cover and Labels - 00001

A Walk on the Beach 01020 Leather Cover and Labels - 01020 

Sunday Hats - 00662 Fabric Cover and Labels - 00662 

Lightning Strikes 00178 Leather Cover and Labels - 00178 

Thomas Kinkade’s Faith for All Seasons w/verse “Believe all things are possible with God” - 00105 Leather Cover and Labels - 00105 

Mickey Loves Minnie Faith Family Farming01065 Leather Cover and Labels - 01065  00422 Leather Cover and Labels - 00422 



* LIMITED-TIME OFFER FOR

NEW CUSTOMERS

Grandkids Rule! w/verse “I’d rather be with my grandkids.” - 00437 Leather Cover and Labels - 00437 

Great Outdoors 00552 Leather Cover and Labels - 01134 

A Touch of Color II 01370 Leather Cover and Labels - 01370 

Shining Stars - 00201 Leather Cover and Labels - 00201

Please Respond Promptly!

9 3 0 5 N. M i l w a u k ee A v e. Ni l e s, IL 6 0 7 1 4 

NAME PHONE(

)

E-MAIL ADDRESS Footprints w/verse “One night I dreamed that I was walking along the beach with the Lord.” - 00667 Leather Cover and Labels - 00667 

Woodland Woodcuts 01406 Leather Cover - 00451-06 and Labels - 01406 

Rose Petal Blessings w/inspiration “Joy” - 00060 Leather Cover and Labels - 00060 

Just Bee w/verse “Bee Kind” - 00386 Leather Cover and Labels - 00386 

Check the items you wish to order and enter the price in the spaces provided. Only ONE check design per order.

CHECK DESIGN #

SINGLE TOP TEAR CHECKS Blue Safety - 00027 One image. Leather Cover and Labels - 00155 

Reflections - 00125 Leather Cover and Labels - 00125 

Parchment - 00612 Wall Street - 00167 5th Avenue - 00155 One image. Leather Cover Burgundy Leather Cover - One image. Leather 00030-004 Labels Cover and Labels - 00167  and Labels - 00155  00032-008 

*Limited time offer for new customers when you buy single top tear checks.

PERSONAL ACCESSORIES FREE PERSONALIZATION AVAILABLE! OVER 120 ITEMS TO CHOOSE FROM!

Imperial - 00165 One Image. Leather Cover and Labels - 00165 

Chevron Chic - 00678 Fabric Cover and Labels - 00678 

©Tim Coffey ©Georgia Janisse ©Larry R. Martin ©2021 Bradford Exchange Checks ©Olika Licensing Inc. Lori Siebert ©Connie Haley ©Lena Liu ©Georgia Janisse ©Larry K. Martin ©2021 Annya Kai ©Bee Sturgis ©Cynthia Schmidt ©MARVEL marvel.com ©Malenda Trick ©Tim Cox ©1976, 2021 Sanrio Co., LTD. © 2021 Steve Sundram/Applejack Art Partners ©LoriLynn Simms ©Susan Winget ©Thomas Kinkade. The Thomas Kinkade Co., Morgan Hill, CA. ©Greg Alexander ©2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC www.peanuts.com ©Disney ©LL Prindle ©Tim Coffey ©Beth Yarbrough Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. Visit MLB.com ELVIS ™ and ELVIS PRESLEY ™ are trademarks of ABG EPE IP LLC Rights of Publicity and Persona Rights. Elvis Presley Enterprises, LLC ©2021 ABG EPE IP LLC. elvis.com Each check features 4 different images. *Offer valid on Top Tear checks only. Prices and offers subject to change. ©2021 Bradford Exchange Checks 18-00035-001-BI137WI

Side Tear, Top Stub & Desk Sets Now Available. †See BradfordExchangeChecks.com Order by phone or web today!

3 EASY WAYS TO ORDER

DUPLICATE TOP TEAR CHECKS

$6.99 $3.95 $13.98 $7.90 $27.96 $11.85 4th pack FREE

1 Pack 2 Packs 4 Packs

$8.49 $5.45 $16.98 $10.90 $33.96 $16.35 4th pack FREE $

Matching Cover Code No. __________add $19.99 name and address Matching Labels Code No. ____________(Ifother than checks,

Add $6.99 for DESIGNER  Labels Add $7.99 for CHOICE  & MASTER  Labels

please enclose separate paper)

Pric

❏

Logo Addre

❏

CHECK FRAUD PROTECTION $ PROGRAM® $2.50 x # of Packs =

1. PHONE 1-800-323-8104

Phone Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00 am to 10:00 pm (CT) Sat/Sun 7:00 am to 8:00 pm (CT) Mention offer code to receive this special offer. 2-pack minimum and processing fee apply. Se habla Español. Call for Signature Required Delivery option.

2. INTERNET—SAFE SECURE SITE MOEB’RILEE! www.BradfordExchangeChecks.com 3. MAIL—Send completed Order Form 1. Payment check or money order (no cash please) 2. Voided Check with changes noted OR Reorder Form 3. Deposit Slip from same account Mail to address at the top of coupon

PRO® (Must also purchase EZShield Check Fraud Protection above) Add $8.00 total Distinctive Lettering $2.50 each

• Trackable to you • Guaranteed delivery • All check packs ship together...SECURELY Includes FREE IN-PLANT RUSH • It’s FASTER EZShield Check Fraud Protection Program®: Advances up to $25,000 in the event of 3 major types of check fraud. EZShield Identity Restoration®: Helps restore your identity to pre-theft status. To learn more, visit bradford.ezshield.com.

(4-9 bus. days) Check packs shipped together.

Includes FREE IN-PLANT RUSH (045) Add $8.95 total IN-PLANT RUSH (checks only) Saves 1-3 Days (070) $2.99 total

❏

Checks Only

Track Cod

$ $

❏

FREE

Untrackable delivery: Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. All items shipped separately. Delivery to Alaska and Hawaii may take longer.

OFFER CODE # 22546XCH

Job Cod

FREE

Script CORDIAL GRAND REQUIRED SERVICE/HANDLING† $1.95 x # of Packs/Items=

Feel Secure with

Protection Programs

If no check start number is specified, 1001 will be used.

Enter Check price from chart above

Also Include

SEE OUR FULL SELECTION ONLINE!

1 Pack 2 Packs 4 Packs

START CHECKS AT #

SUBTOTAL $

Yello Snip

Add your sales tax‡ $

18NEM4R2

TOTAL: $

❏

Shipp Servi

❏

October 21_adsPasted2.indd 19

9/7/21 12:11 PM

PASS the

PORK

Brown Sugar Honey Mustard Pork Tenderloin 6 Tbsp honey 3 Tbsp mustard 2 Tbsp dark brown sugar 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes 2 cloves garlic, finely minced and smashed into a paste 1 Tbsp molasses, optional 2 pork tenderloins (approx. 1/2 lb each) 2 tsp seasoned salt 1 tsp black pepper Preheat gas grill to high, allowing grill temperature to reach 450–500 degrees. In a small mixing bowl combine honey, mustard, dark brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and garlic paste (plus molasses if using). Set aside. Dry surface of pork with paper towels. Season pork with seasoned salt and black pepper.

All recipes and photos courtesy of The Iowa Pork Producers Association.

Grill pork over medium high heat, flipping every 2 minutes to sear on all sides. Reduce heat to medium. Brush honey mustard mixture over pork. Continue cooking and basting every 4–5 minutes, with the grill lid closed between basting, until center of pork registers 145 degrees on a meat thermometer. Remove from heat and allow pork to rest 5 minutes before slicing. Makes 2 servings.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN Oct21Recipes.indd 2

9/13/21 10:59 AM

Maple Sausage Dippers

These Maple Sausage Dippers have delicious maple flavor and are easy to eat on-the-go! The perfect start to a great day! 2 Tbsp sugar 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tube refrigerated crescent rolls 1/4 cup brown sugar and cinnamon cream cheese (or plain) 8 pre-cooked maple breakfast sausage links (or original flavor) Maple syrup (for dipping)

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon; set aside. Open the tube of crescent rolls and tear each triangle apart at the perforations. Spread 1/2 tablespoon cream cheese on one side of each crescent roll. Place a sausage link on the long edge of the triangle. Roll up the crescent roll and place on a greased sheet pan; repeat until all 8 are made. Sprinkle each with about 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve with maple syrup for dipping. Makes 8 servings.

Pork Taco Casserole 1 lb ground pork, browned and drained 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning 1/3 cup water 12 oz shaped pasta, cooked to al dente, drained 4 green onions, chopped 1 (15 oz) can black beans 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn kernels

1 (10 oz) can tomatoes and green chilies, drained 1 cup fiesta flavored sour cream (or plain) 1/4 cup taco sauce 2 cups shredded cheese, divided Garnish: salsa, sour cream, crushed corn chips or crushed Doritos, fresh cilantro

Brown ground pork, drain, return to pan, and add half taco seasoning and water; continue cooking over medium heat until well mixed. To a large mixing bowl add cooked pork, cooked pasta, remaining taco seasoning, green onions, black beans, sweet corn kernels, tomatoes and green chilies, fiesta sour cream, taco sauce, and one cup of shredded cheese. Stir well. Add to a 9-x13-inch glass baking dish, top with remaining one cup of cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. Let stand 5 minutes then serve warm, garnished with salsa, sour cream, crushed corn chips, and fresh chopped cilantro. Serves 4.

Brown Sugar Garlic Bacon Wrapped Chops 3/4 cup brown sugar 2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp salt 12 slices bacon 6 boneless pork chops (approx. 3/4-inch thick)

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Wrap two slices of bacon around each chop. Rub both sides of each bacon-wrapped chop with the brown sugar mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Broil an additional 5 minutes or until the bacon is crisp on top. Makes 6 servings.

Pork Chop and Mushroom Wild Rice Casserole 1 (6 or 7 oz) long grain and wild rice box mix (dry mix plus seasoning packet) 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of celery soup 2 cups chicken broth 4 scallions, chopped 4 Tbsp minced fresh parsley 4 boneless center cut pork loin chops (approx. 8 oz each) 1/2 tsp seasoned salt 1/4 tsp ground black pepper 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium mixing bowl add dry rice plus seasoning packet, cream of mushroom soup, broth, and cream of celery soup. Whisk until combined. Pour rice mixture into a greased 9-x13-inch glass baking dish. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes. At 60 minutes, remove baking dish from oven, uncover. Stir half of the chopped scallions and of the minced parsley into rice mixture, reserving remaining scallions and parsley for garnish. Place pork chops over rice mixture in the pan. Sprinkle on seasoned salt and ground pepper. Top with cheese. Return to oven, uncovered, for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden and pork chops register 145 degrees on a meat thermometer. Remove casserole from theoven and sprinkle chopped scallions and minced parsley over top. Serve warm. Makes 4 servings. NOTE: Pork cooking times will vary based on temperature of chops going into the casserole, oven temperature, etc. October 2021

WECN Oct21Recipes.indd 3

9/13/21 11:00 AM

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

Cranberry Pudding

Karen Perington, Merrillan

2 cups fresh cranberries, cut in half 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 tsp salt 1-1/3 cups ﬂour 2 tsp baking soda 1/3 cup water 1/4 cup molasses or sorghum 1/4 cup corn syrup

Mix cranberries, sugar, salt, and ﬂour. Add baking soda to water, then add molasses and corn syrup. Stir and mix into cranberry-ﬂour mixture. Place in buttered glass casserole dish with cover. Bake covered for 1 hour at 325 degrees. SAUCE FOR TOPPING

1/2 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup thin cream (such as half and half)

‘Good n’ Easy’ Apple Cake Clarisse Beckler, Ellsworth

1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup brown sugar 1 stick butter, softened 2 eggs 2 tsp vanilla 2 cups ﬂour 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1 cup milk 1 Tbsp vinegar 4 cups apples, sliced thin

Mix together sugars, butter, eggs, and vanilla; beat well. In a separate bowl, combine ﬂour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, milk, and vinegar and let rest for 5 minutes, then beat well; mix in apples at the end. Grease and ﬂour a 13-x9-inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35–40 minutes. Excellent toppings include whipped cream or ice cream.

Melt butter and add sugar and cream on low heat. Serve very hot over cranberry pudding. NOTES: The pudding will double in size as it bakes so be sure to choose a larger-sized baking dish.

Deanne Sczepanski, from Whitehall, is looking for casserole recipes using ‘Chicken in a Biscuit’ crackers. Send to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, What’s Cooking? 222 West Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703-2719 or contact us via our website, www.wecnmagazine.com. Thanks!

1 box spice cake mix 1/2 cup water 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 cup canned pumpkin 4 eggs 2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Combine all the ingredients in large bowl. Mix on medium speed for two minutes. Fill cupcake liners with batter approximately 2/3 full. Bake for 17 to 22 minutes at 325 degrees. Remove and let cool. Frost with the frosting of your choice. (Ready-made cream-cheese frosting is excellent on these cupcakes.) Nancy Weber, Washington Island

Sue Murphy, Tomah

OUR READERS

Roberta Roberts, Janesville

Slow Cooker Venison Roast Italian Venison

REQUESTS FROM

Pumpkin Cupcakes

3–4 lbs venison 1 tsp garlic salt 1 tsp onion salt 1/2 tsp oregano 1/4 tsp red pepper 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1-1/2 tsp Italian seasoning 1-1/2 tsp poultry seasoning

Cover venison with water, add all seasonings to water, and cover. Cook for approximately 5 hours at 250 degrees or until falling apart. Add more water, if needed, later during cooking. Slice or shred when done. NOTES: Seasonings may be adjusted to taste. This meat is great for sandwiches.

3 lbs boneless venison roast 1 large onion, sliced 1 Tbsp soy sauce 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp garlic salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1/4 tsp salt 1 oz dry onion soup mix 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

Place roast in a slow cooker and cover with the sliced onion. Sprinkle in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, salt, and pepper. Mix dry onion mix with the cream of mushroom soup. Pour over roast and cook 6 hours on LOW setting, or for less time on HIGH, depending on your cooker. Do not lift cover while it is cooking. Serves 6.

Due to potential food safety issues, we cannot accept canning recipes.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN Oct21ReaderRecipes.indd 1

9/13/21 11:06 AM

Armed Forces

Gold- and Silver-Plated Tributes Hover and Rotate in MID-AIR!

Levitating Tribute Sculptures

★

ARMY®★

★USMC★

Officially Licensed Product of the United States Marine Corps

★

NAVY★

AIR FORCE™★

Illuminated views; shown much smaller than actual size of 7" high; tributes are 3" in diam.

★ Choose A Branch of Service ★ In HONOR of SERVICE

Our highly trained U.S. armed forces maintain a balanced presence in the air, on land, and at sea — at home and abroad. Now you can honor those who have served with a stunning sculpture inspired by the emblems and symbols of the four major military branches. The tributes are sculpted in raised-relief detail on both sides of the gold- or silver-plated tribute, and hidden electro magnets suspend the tribute within the custom base so it floats and spins in mid-air! The light-up base features patriotic flag art and the military branch specific motto.

Strictly Limited, Excellent Value… Order Now!

Strong demand is expected, so order your levitating tribute sculpture(s) now at the issue price of $99.99*, payable in three easy installments of just $33.33, the first due before shipment. Your purchase is backed by our 365-day money-back guarantee. Don’t miss out! You need send no money now. Simply return the Reservation Application today, and indicate the branch(es) of your choice. Official Licensed Product of the U.S. Army By federal law, licensing fees paid to the U.S. Army for use of its trademarks provide support to the Army Trademark Licensing Program, and net licensing revenue is devoted to U.S. Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs. U.S. Army name, trademarks and logos are protected under federal law and used under license by The Bradford Exchange. Officially Licensed by the Department of the Navy.

Department of the Air Force. Officially Licensed Product of the Air Force www.airforce.com

ORDER TODAY AT BRADFORDEXCHANGE.COM/32810

Pric

Where Passion Becomes Art

❏

The Bradford Exchange 9345 Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL 60714-1393

Logo Addre

YES. Please reserve the Levitating Tribute Sculpture for me as described in this announcement. ❏ ❏

USMC 01-29829-001 NAVY 01-30860-001

Mrs. Mr. Ms.

❏ ❏

❏

Job Cod

ARMY® 01-30861-001 AIR FORCE™ 01-30862-001

❏

Track Cod

Name (Please Print Clearly)

Address City Email (optional)

❏

State

Zip

Yello Snip

❏

E49891

*Plus a total of $15.99 shipping and service per sculpture; see bradfordexchange.com Limited-edition presentation restricted to 295 crafting days. Please allow 4-6 weeks after initial payment for shipment. Sales are subject to product availability and order acceptance. AC adapter included.

Shipp Servi

❏

October 21_adsPasted2.indd 23

9/8/21 6:56 AM

CRANBERRY CRUISE

ne thing Wisconsinites can count on is that life is going to look a little brighter in the fall. The colorful foliage that dresses up the landscape at this time of year just has a way of lifting the spirit. If you’re in need of such a lift, we suggest you head to cranberry country where it’s not just the leaves that will be in full color. Even better, it won’t be just your spirit that gets a boost—you’ll also learn about one of the state’s key agriculture industries. The Warrens Cranberry Trail, a 22.5-mile loop of rural

Take in the harvest on a self-guided auto tour of Warrens cranberry marshes roadway that passes two dozen cranberry marshes, is covered in crimson during the peak of harvest time, typically the ﬁrst three weeks of October. The vibrant scenery, plus the chance to watch the harvest in progress, makes this the best time of year to take a cranberry tour. “That’s when it’s most enjoyable,” said Nodji Van Wychen, a third-generation cranberry producer who owns and operates Wetherby Cranberry Company with her husband, Oakdale Electric Cooperative Director James Van

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WisFavOct21.indd 2

9/17/21 12:02 PM

WISCONSIN FAVORITES

Cranberry bogs are flooded during harvest season to bring the buoyant berries to the surface. Once loosened from the vines, the berries are corralled to one end of the bog and loaded into a waiting truck. Photo courtesy of Visit Warrens

Wychen; their son, Henry; and son-inlaw, Michael Gnewikow. Like many of the other cranberry marshes along the Warrens trail, most of which are served by Oakdale Electric Cooperative, Wetherby’s has been a family-owned business for many years— in Wetherby’s case, more than 100. Another common characteristic among these cranberry operations is that they’re proliﬁc producers. To fully appreciate the signiﬁcance of this bit of roadway, consider this: Wisconsin leads the nation in cranberry production, harvesting an average of 5.5 million barrels a year, according to the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association. In fact, more than half the world’s supply of cranberries is grown on Wisconsin family farms, generating $1 billion in state economic impact and providing thousands of local jobs. The largest concentration of the state’s cranberry growers is in the Tomah/Warrens/Wisconsin Rapids area, and this self-guided auto tour winds through the very heart of it. It’s entirely possible that the cranberry juice you might enjoy with breakfast, and the cranberry treats and dishes that will soon grace holiday tables everywhere, originated right here in a marsh in Warrens, the Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin. That said, October is a busy time of year for cranberry producers. As you drive along the Warrens Cranberry Trail,

keep in mind that all the marshes along the route are operational. Please enjoy watching the procedure from your vehicle and take care to not block the road.

Spectacular Scenery Rest assured though, keeping to your vehicle won’t deprive you of the view. With the sea of bright red berries and the fall colors of the surrounding forested uplands, a cranberry bog is a visual feast in October. This is when you’ll see the bogs as most people might expect them to appear—a stretch of clear blue water with clusters of cranberries floating on the top. However, cranberries do not grow in water, despite what many people think. They grow on low-lying vines in soft, sandy soil, often near wetlands. When harvest season comes round, the bogs are flooded in order to yield the berries. “The fruit immediately floats to the surface because each berry has four little air pockets inside,” Van Wychen explained. Berries are loosened from the vines and corralled to a corner of the bed where they’re loaded onto a waiting truck. The harvest scene can easily be taken in from the roadside. However, the Wetherby Cranberry Company offers a closer look, as well as a chance to take some fresh cranberries home, right from the marsh. This is the only operation along the route to offer on-site cranberry sales during the harvest season. Monday

Cranberries that are destined for juice are harvested with a harrow (left), while cranberries that will be sold as fresh fruit are harvested with a mechanical raking machine that’s more gentle on the fruit. At right, Jack Potter of Potter Cranberry Company uses one of his grandfather’s old hand rakes. His grandfather Oscar purchased the marsh in 1912. Photos courtesy of Visit Warrens

October 2021

WisFavOct21.indd 3

9/16/21 12:05 PM

Educational Opportunities at Wetherby Cranberry Company Do you want to learn a little more about how cranberries are produced? Who better to learn from than a third-generation cranberry grower, right on site of an operation that’s been producing cranberries for more than 100 years? Wetherby Cranberry Company offers personalized cranberry tours for individuals or groups of up to five people. Owner Nodji Van Wychen takes tour guests out to the bogs by vehicle for an upclose look at how cranberries grow. Tour guests also get to see the sorting and packing operations. Tours last an hour to an hour and a half, for a flat fee of $100. Reservations are required; call 608-378-4813 Monday through Friday. Tours are limited, so make your reservations soon. In addition to offering personalized tours, Wetherby’s hosts a couple of public events each year. Reservations are not needed for either of these events: • Cranberry Blossom Day – Last Saturday in June • Harvest Day – First weekend in October Wetherby Cranberry Company is located at 3365 Auger Road, Warrens, WI 54666. To learn more visit freshcranberries.com.

Map courtesy of Visit Warrens

through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (weekend on-site sales are only available during October), visitors can stop at Wetherby’s as they travel the trail to shop for fresh cranberries, dried cranberries, Wetherby’s signature cranberry wines that are produced on-site, and cranberry blossom honey. While there, visitors will get a closer look at cranberry production, as the store is located right outside the warehouse. Wetherby Cranberry Company also hosts a couple of public events, including Harvest Day on the first weekend of October, where guests can don a pair of waders to step into the bog for a colorful photo opportunity. This year’s Harvest Day weekend is October 2 and 3. Also, Wetherby’s offers personalized group tours, available by reservation (see sidebar).

Cranberry Course

Nodji Van Wychen, left, led a group of electric cooperative member services personnel on a tour of Wetherby Cranberry Company during the 2018 Member Services Association Annual Meeting. On personalized tours such as this one, Van Wychen takes her guests right into a bog where they have an opportunity to dig into the spongy ground and examine the plants up close. Guests also get to see the production facilities and business area.

You can hop on the Warrens Cranberry Trail at any point, but the Cranberry Discovery Center, located at 204 Main St., Warrens, is a great place to start. Housed in an historic cranberry warehouse building, the discovery center features an interactive exhibit hall where you can learn all about the cranberry industry and its impact in Wisconsin. From there, cross the train tracks on Main Street and turn right onto County Hwy. EW to begin your marsh tour. The following marshes—all located on Oakdale Electric Cooperative lines—are among the cranberry operations you’ll drive past. The first is the Gebhardt Cranberry Marsh/Whiskey Creek Cranberry. This operation is distinctive for being one of the newer marshes in the area, having begun in 1968. A couple miles down the road is Russell Rezin and Son Cranberry Marsh, started in 1918 and now operated by the fifth generation of Rezin’s descendants. Farther along on County Hwy. EW is the James Potter Cranberry Marsh, with the Potter Cranberry Company just ahead. This is one of the oldest marshes in the Warrens area, established in 1871 and owned by the Potter family since 1912. From there you’ll come to a sign for Wetherby Cranberry Company. Continue on Augusta Road until it intersects with Crampton Road, where you’ll see a sign for Beltz Cranberry Company. Fun fact: Some of the Ocean Spray commercials featuring the two comical cranberry growers were filmed here.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WisFavOct21.indd 4

9/16/21 10:39 AM

Cranberry marshes are ideal habitats for wetland wildlife, which can often be spotted in the flooded cranberry beds or the reservoirs along the road. Photo courtesy of Visit Warrens

Turn left on County Hwy. HH and you’ll see a sign for Premier Partners. Russel Case bought this land in 1876, and his grandson Bob built one of the first mechanized cranberry pickers; one of his early raking machines is on display in the Cranberry Discovery Center. Also on this road is Scott Cranberry’s East Marsh, started in 1870, purchased in 1918 by Judge John Stevens, and settled by his daughter and son-in-law Geneviee and Archibald Scott in 1921. It’s currently operated by the fifth generation of the Stevens/Scott family. Farther down the road is the JR Nemitz Cranberry Company, and past that is Walworth Cranberry LLC. Turn left on O and you’ll pass Sand Creek Cranberry Marsh before coming full circle to the Cranberry Discovery Center. This is a great opportunity to replenish yourself with some cranberryflavored ice cream in the center’s old-fashioned ice cream parlor before heading home, bringing your cranberry cruise to a sweet end.—Mary Erickson Learn more about Warrens cranberry marshes, including the self-guided auto tour, by visiting visitwarrens.net. Learn more about the Cranberry Discovery Center at discovercranberries.com or by calling 608-378-4878. October 2021

WisFavOct21.indd 5

9/16/21 10:39 AM

CLASSIFIEDS MISCELLANEOUS

WANTED: Paying cash for WWII German, Japanese flags, daggers, swords, guns, etc. Also, lever-action rifles. 715-340-1974. WANTED: DEER TAGS, back tags. Trapping, bear, hunting licenses. Otter, bobcat, fisher tags. Old traps. David Schober, W4234 Rock Creek Rd., Loyal, WI 54446. 715-255-9284. USED BILLBOARD VINYLS/TARPS: Possible sizes available: 14x48=$70, 10x36=$37, 10x30=$30. Expired billboard faces, hemmed. Shipping and tax not included in listed price. MUST CALL FOR AVAILABILITY PRIOR TO PICK UP 800-536-7446. Vinyls can also be picked up at Jones Sign, 1711 Scheuring Road, De Pere, WI 54115. CHAINSAWS WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE. Buying 1 or 100 McCulloch, Pioneer, Jonsereds, Echo, STIHL, Homelite, Remington, Mall. Buying all brands and sizes. Non-running, running, seized, parts. Let me know what you have—will travel. Call Chainsaw Mike at 715-828-9414. 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. EBIKES: Sales, service, test rides, repair. ReCycle Bike Shop / Mobile, Menomonie, WI 54751, nationwide shipping. Phone or message Bicycle Larry 715-702-1452.

FOR SALE: SMALL PET GUINEA PIGS. Various colors. Cage and 30-day feed available. Good for children’s entertainment. Wholesalers wanted. Write with your number, and I will call you. Jerry Miller, N-3408 Ivalis Ln, Black River Falls, WI 54615. FOR SALE: CERAMIC FLOOR TILE 12”x12” sq. Aspen Gris 1566 sq ft. 20”x20” DH Monterosa Beige 486 sq ft. HS 17.5” x 17.5” Westbrook stone. 453 sq ft. All new tile, still in pallets. 40% off new price. Write with your number. Jerry Miller, N-3408 Ivalis Ln, Black River Falls, WI 54615. BALSAM TIPS, CEDAR, AND BIRCH stick bundles for holiday decorating. Zip 54498. Call 715-650-3592.

PLANTS & SHRUBS MCKAY NURSERY COMPANY—WISCONSIN GROWN SINCE 1897 Provider of quality shade & ornamental trees, fruit & ﬂowering trees, evergreens, shrubs, perennials, ground cover, and vines. Design services & delivery available. Contact Eric at ezlandscapewi@gmail.com or call 608909-1962. “Your McKay Independent Sales & Service Provider.” ALL NATURAL SOIL ADDITIVE Improves water retention, Rich in mineral and nutrient release, increase soil aeration, odor free 100% worm castings. Visit www.CaptainJacksWorm Castings.com for locations near you. Retail/ Wholesale contact us at CaptainJacksWorm Castings@outlook.com or 608-632-1747.

REAL ESTATE

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

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

LA CROSSE’S HISTORIC CONCORDIA BALLROOM. Supported by community for the community. Dancing, receptions, reunions, concerts, fundraisers. Live music! Lets’s polka! www. concordiaballroom.com | 608-782-7049.

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

FOR SALE: ENGLISH CRÈME GOLDEN RETRIEVER purebred puppies. $2,300 ea. AKC both parents on site. Will be vaccinated and ready to go by 9-6-2021. Write a letter with your number, and I will call you. Jerry Miller, N-3408 Ivalis Ln, Black River Falls, WI 54615.

ADVERTISE WITH US Reach rural readers ads@weca.coop

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

21OctClassifieds.indd 1

9/13/21 12:12 PM

DON’T LET SAFETY FALL BETWEEN THE CRACKS

• Clear dry leaves from any outdoor outlets, light fixtures, and power cords. Dry leaves can catch fire if hit with a spark of some kind. • Use only GFCI outlets outdoors. There’s more moisture and rain in the fall than in the summer, so be extra mindful that water and electricity don’t mix. • Stay clear of power lines when cleaning your gutters. Make sure your ladder is positioned at least 10 feet away from any power lines and their connections. • Check appliance cords for wear before you use them. Make sure power tools like your leaf blower didn’t suffer any damage while sitting in storage for the past year.

Price Locked for the Entire Build

Our New “Classic-Series” 3-BR Starting At $105,000!

2x6 Sidewalls, R-55 Ceilings, 20-year Pella Windows, Lifetime Roofs, Kohler Plumbing, Tax, & Crane Work included

1,248 Sq. Ft.

OUR 60th YEAR

Great New Floor Plans! Highest Energy Values Available Free Quotes Anytime! Low Pressure & Helpful Salespeople!

Visit our website at:

Ask About Our Stock & Display Homes Available Immediately And Specially Discounted!

DesignHomes.com

Energy Efficient For A Lifetime Of Savings! See Our Large Model Home Displays Open Everyday!

1-800-627-9443

Call For A Free Brochure

Corporate Office, Weekday Factory Tours & Model Homes: Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 1-608-326-6041

BEFORE YOU DIG

CALL 811

Edgerton, WI 1-608-884-6263 ~ Plover, WI 1-715-344-1637 Fond du Lac, WI 1-902-923-4380 ~ Chippewa Falls, WI 1-715-726-9619 October 2021

October 21_adsPasted2.indd 29

9/15/21 10:14 AM

October 2021

WISCONSIN EVENTS 2 Fall Festival—Nekoosa. Woodland Lutheran Church Rome, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Granny’s attic treasures, quilt sale, craft sale, horse cart rides, rummage sale, and labyrinth lessons. 3 Octoberfest Dinner—Jim Falls. Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Serving pork steak, mashed potatoes, dumplings, gravy, sauerkraut, beans, rolls, coffee, milk, water, and dessert. There will also be a rafﬂe, cake walk, and bake sale. Adults $11; 12 and under $5; preschool ages are free. Eat in and carryout available. 9 Arts & Crafts Sale—Bloomer. Elementary School, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. 60+ vendors, free admission, and food available. 9 Church Bazaar—Eau Claire. Chapel Heights United Methodist Church, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Bake sale, crafts, gift baskets, homemade donuts, and coffee for sale. Lunch will be served. 9 Church Fall Supper—Menomonie. Little Elk Creek Church, 4:30–7 p.m. Menu: ham, cheesy potatoes, squash, glazed carrots, coleslaw, beverage, and apple crisp. Adults $10; age 6–12 $5; preschool ages free. Handicap accessible.

9, 10, 16, 17, 30, 31 Rustic Market—Ellsworth. Yonder Way (W4262 430th Ave.), 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Visit Yonder Way for scenic shopping in a cozy home atmosphere. Yonder Way features an apple orchard, disc golf, larger-than life metal sculptures, and more! Shop inside the shed for handcrafted, new, and previously loved decor, furniture, gifts, and baked and canned goods. Google Yonder Way for more details, directions, and future event dates. 15 Jolly Mixers Dance Club—Clintonville. Memories, 7–11 p.m. Dances are held on the third Friday of each month. We invite you to join us for good music, dancing, fun, food, and fellowship. If you enjoy polka and old-time music, please come. Singles are always welcome. Admission: $10 (subject to change). 920-882-7805. 16 Craft Masters Craft Sale—Appleton. Appleton Area Jaycees, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Visit us for your fall, Christmas holiday, and everyday crafts, jewelry, cards, wood items, and even a live lathe demo. All items are handmade with over 20 vendors in the show. $1 entry fee.

Upload your event

WECNMAGAZINE.COM

17 Toy Show—Cuba City. Banfields Swiss Haus, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. For more information, call 608-568-3867. 23 Harvest Dinner—Brantwood. Community Center. 3–5:30 p.m. Bison stew, homemade bread, pies, raffle, and a bake sale. All you can eat. Sponsored by Zion Lutheran Church. For more info, 715-564-3241 or 715-564-2538. 23 Fall Fundraiser—Hayward. Flat Creek Lodge. 4:30–8 p.m. All you can eat spaghetti dinner and a night filled with raffles, door prizes, and a silent and live auction. 28 Scandinavian Dinner—Beldenville. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1–6 p.m. Our famous annual Scandinavian dinner will be take-out style again this year. It includes lutefisk, meatballs with gravy, lefse, rømmegrøt, and more. Orders must be placed by October 4, 2021. For more info, call 715-273-4570. 29, 30 Treasures of Tomorrow Quilt Show— Marshfield. Marshfield Mall, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Approximately 150 quilts on display, including a quilt raffle, demos, classes, vendor booths, bed turning, door prizes, fabric challenge, desserts, and beverages. Quilt entry deadline Oct 15. Admission $5.

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

Upload your November events by October 12. 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

Upload events to wecnmagazine.com 30

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

30_0010 2021.indd 1

9/16/21 12:18 PM

YOUNG MEMBERS 1

Kids and Critters October 2021

1. Dax holds a two-week-old kitten. Photo submitted by Joyce and Marie Berger, members of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services. 2. Paityn is the horse whisperer. Photo submitted by Joyce and Marie Berger, members of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services. 3. Daelyn and Caliber love playing hide and seek in the leaves. Photo submitted by Heather Woodward, a member of Central Wisconsin Electric. 4. Warren and his kitty Lilly are fast friends. Photo submitted by Joy Dain, a member of Chippewa Valley Electric.

Upload photos directly

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

WELCOME BACK TO OUR HIDDEN OBJECT GAME,

“SYMBOL SEARCH”

Our kitchen kit winner this month is Rock Energy Cooperative member Connie Tronnes. She found the electric vehicle symbol. “The image is the dot on the ‘i’ of TAKiNG CHARGE article. I enjoy the updates on my electric co-op and seeing the shared recipes. In fact, I usually read the entire magazine from cover to cover. It is well done.” Thanks, Connie! This month, we challendge readers to find this cranberry, inspired by this month’s Wisconsin Favorites story. Remember, 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 October 15.

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

Good luck!

You can also enter by mail (don’t forget to include the name of your cooperative): Symbol Search Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703

October 2021

WECN Oct21KidsCrits.indd 1

9/16/21 1:45 PM

September 21_adsPasted2.indd 32

8/13/21 3:19 PM