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CooperaN

COOPERATIVE

News

Wisconsin

ENERGY Cooperative

contents November 2018

News

NEWS BRIEFS

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Tower toppled as coal plant is retired.

15 27 28 30

Hunting MEMORIES

Be safe this season.

Cranberries, cooperation, and service were key to program.

MY CO-OP

Find out whatâ€™s happening at your local electric cooperative.

On the

COVER

Veteran serves country, cooperatives.

RECIPES

Plan something cran-tastic for your holiday meal.

TOAD HOUSE

Unique spot serves food, friendship, and art.

CO-OP

SOLAR

Throughout the SUNDA project, co-op solar grew from trial-size to super-size.

KIDS & CRITTERS

Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.

CLASSIFIEDS

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

EVENTS

Holiday preparations begin this month! November 2018

WECN Nov18TOC.indd 1

10/12/18 4:51 PM

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR Cranberries, cooperation, and service Dana Kelroy, Editor

Just in time for Thanksgiving, we are excited to feature recipes for our state fruit on page 20. Of course, I’m

referring to cranberries. In August, member services and communications staff from electric cooperatives across the state were granted an inside look into how those tart, juicy little berries make it to our tables each fall. As part of an annual statewide conference for these cooperative staff, we spent an afternoon outside the typical hotel conference room. Our behind-the-scenes look was facilitated by Oakdale Electric Cooperative with their member, Wetherby Cranberry Company in Warrens. Nodji Van Wychen, the third-generation grower on her family farm, led our tour of Wetherby’s bogs, production facilities, and business area. She invited us to get our hands dirty, literally. We were able to step down into a spongy bog, examine the plants, and dig down into the soil to understand the needed growing conditions of the cranberry plant. Beyond this though, our time with Nodji allowed cooperative member services professionals the chance to really understand the business needs—including power needs—of larger industrial and agricultural members. The risks and rewards are signiﬁcant, and to try to understand where we ﬁt as the power provider was an eye-opening experience. Back in the hotel conference room, training and discussion included new technologies to better serve and communicate with members, safety messaging, and reaching more co-op members through social media. Participants freely shared ideas, tricks, and tools they have found to make their jobs easier—true cooperation among cooperatives. A highlight of our time was a speaker on servant leadership, a message that resonated over all other topics. After all, we are thankful to be here to serve you, the member. Member services professionals from electric cooperatives across the state experienced a real cranberry bog in late summer. Inset: Cooperators heard from Nodji Van Wychen, right, whose family has raised cranberries in the Warrens area since 1903.

November 2018 Vol. 79 No. 5 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 $10 per year or $28 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 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 Dylan Pingitore 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. We reserve the right to refuse advertisers. Please recycle

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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NEWS BRIEFS LANDMARK TOPPLED AS COAL PLANT RETIRED

Photo courtesy of Elevate Media Group of La Crosse

STUDIES IDENTIFY COMMUNITY SOLAR ADVANTAGE

A mandate issued by California energy regulators this spring has prompted economic analysis that shows community solar options available to members of many electric cooperatives offer consumers a better deal. The California Energy Commission decreed that all new homes built in California after 2020 must be equipped with solar panels. The commission claims the mandate will add about $9,500 to the cost of a new home but buyers will save $19,000 in energy and maintenance costs over 30 years, partly by cashing in on the state’s net metering program. But in a Wall Street Journal op-ed this summer, Duke University economist

PARTNERS VOTE TO CONTINUE NUKE PROJECT

The only new nuclear power plant under construction in the U.S. got a new lease on life this fall as Georgia Power, the generation and transmission cooperative Oglethorpe Power, and two Georgia municipal utility organizations voted to continue a two-unit expansion at an existing nuclear plant site near Augusta. The project was five years behind schedule and $13 billion over budget. The Department of Energy urged the partners to finish construction, saying it would otherwise move to recover more than $5 billion in federal loans previously paid out. 6

Steven Sexton said the California commissioners “cooked the books” to arrive at those numbers. He cited figures from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in arguing that the cost per watt of the mandated systems will be almost twice what the commission claims. Sexton wrote that under California’s “regressive” net metering policy, residential solar generators are paid as much as eight times wholesale market rates for their surplus output, shifting power costs from solar owners to comparatively less

The last recognizable component of a 70-year-old coal-fired power plant has been demolished as decommissioning of the original five units at Dairyland Power Cooperative’s Alma Station moves toward completion. The 700-foot smokestack on the Buffalo County bank of the Mississippi River was brought down by a controlled dynamite explosion October 1. Dairyland retired three of the five small coal-burning units in 2011 and the final two in 2014. The cooperative’s John P. Madgett generating station continues operations at the Alma site. wealthy non-solar households, a policy that’s to be revisited next year. He added that “economies of scale allow large-scale solar farms to generate twice the electricity of the solar mandate at the same cost.” “Inefficient but subsidized rooftop solar limits the market for utility-scale solar by depressing the wholesale prices big generators receive,” Sexton wrote, adding that “even community arrays atop schools and parking lots would be less costly than the commission’s mandate.”

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION 1. PUBLICATION TITLE: Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News 2. PUBLICATION NUMBER: 688-480 3. FILING DATE: 9/21/18 4. ISSUE FREQUENCY: Monthly 5. NUMBER OF ISSUES PUBLISHED ANNUALLY: 12 6. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: $10 7. COMPLETE MAILING ADDRESS OF KNOWN OFFICE OF PUBLICATION: 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, Dane County, WI 53703-2719; CONTACT PERSON: Dana Kelroy; TELEPHONE: 608-467-4645 8. COMPLETE MAILING ADDRESS OF HEADQUARTERS OR GENERAL BUSINESS OFFICE OF PUBLISHER: 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, Dane County, WI 53703-2719 9. PUBLISHER: Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703-2719 EDITOR: Dana Kelroy, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, Dane County, WI 53703-2719 10. OWNER: Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703-2719 11. KNOWN BONDHOLDERS, MORTGAGEES, AND OTHER SECURITY HOLDERS OWNING OR HOLDING 1 PERCENT OR MORE OF TOTAL AMOUNT OF BONDS, MORTGAGES, OR OTHER SECURITIES: None 12. FOR COMPLETION BY NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AUTHORIZED TO MAIL AT NONPROFIT RATES The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for Federal Income Tax purposes (✓) HAVE NOT CHANGED DURING PRECEDING 12 MONTHS 13. PUBLICATION NAME: Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News 14. ISSUE DATE FOR CIRCULATION DATA BELOW: 9/18 15. EXTENT AND NATURE OF CIRCULATION Actual No. Copies Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preced- of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date ing 12 Months 174,602 a. Total no. copies (net press run) 174,621 b. Paid circulation (by mail and outside the mail) 172,829 1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541 172,855 0 2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541 0 3. Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other paid distribution 1,133 outside USPS 1,123 0 4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS 0 173,962 c. Total paid distribution (sum of 15b 1, 2, 3, and 4) 173,978 d. Free or nominal rate distribution (by mail and outside the mail) 355 1. Free or nominal rate outside county copies included on PS Form 3541 350 0 2. Free or nominal rate in-county copies included on PS Form 3541 0 0 3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through USPS 0 0 4. Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail 0 355 e. Total free or nominal rate distribution (sum of 15d 1, 2, 3, and 4) 350 174,317 f. Total distribution (sum of 15c and 15e) 174,328 285 g. Copies not distributed 293 174,602 h. Total (sum of 15f and g) 174,621 99.8% i. Percent paid (15c ÷ 15f x 100) 99.8% 16. This statement of ownership will be printed in the 11/18 issue of this publication Dana Kelroy, editor 9/21/18

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BE SAFE M

y son and daughter were both born in November and Andrew’s 10th birthday was a family milestone. I told my wife I’d take care of his birthday gift if she would take care of our daughter’s. I’ll never forget the look on Andrew’s face when he opened the present and saw that Remington shotgun, his first. I’ll also never forget the look on my wife’s face nor the scolding I got from her. I explained my rationale: Andrew would very soon be taking hunter safety classes so he would know how to safely handle and be around firearms. She felt he was too young, but at age 10 he listened respectfully to everything we told him and that would be an asset in hunter safety class. If we waited until Steve Freese he was 13 or 14, he might believe he President and CEO knew everything and treat his safety instruction accordingly. My goal was to teach him firearm safety whether he was going to hunt or not, and the earlier, the better for him. The drive to class took 40 minutes so we had time to bond and talk about what he would learn. When I was his age, no hunter safety certificate was required, and I thought it would be good to take the class with Andrew instead of just waiting for him. When he told me he’d outscore me on the test, the competition was on. That sort of challenge from your 10-year-old really turns on the pressure, and it was no relief when he got to take the test in the first wave, and I knew the result before taking my turn: He’d scored 100. I couldn’t afford even one

THIS

season

mistake. Fortunately, the contest ended in a draw. Teaching Andrew safety with firearms had a huge, positive effect on him. I’ve watched him teach his sister, mother, and college friends how to handle firearms safely and how to use them safely on our farm. And as we approach this year’s hunting season, I’m mindful of some ideas from SafeElectricity.org and the Energy Education Council, of which your statewide co-op organization is a Steve Freese and his son, Andrew, with Andrew’s first member. turkey in 2005. Wearing a bright orange vest, keeping your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot, and never pointing a gun except at your intended target are fundamental to hunter safety, and electrical safety belongs on the same list. Never shoot at or toward power lines or poles, transformers, or substations. A stray bullet could damage equipment, potentially interrupting electric service. It could also be deadly. Damage to overhead conductor could drop the line to the ground, risking electrocution of those nearby.

Safe Electricity urges hunters to follow these tips:

• Familiarize yourself with the location of power lines and equipment on land where you shoot. • Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines can be less visible. • Take notice of warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment. • Do not place deer stands on utility poles, and don’t climb poles. Energized lines and equipment on poles can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them. Before you begin a hunt, note the location of power lines and other • Do not place decoys on power lines or electrical equipment. Dense trees can make them hard to see. other utility equipment. Anything other Obey all signs that advise electrical hazards, especially when than utility equipment that’s attached to a placing a tree stand. pole is an obstruction and a serious hazard Never use power poles to support a tree stand. to utility workers. Never shoot at power lines or electrical equipment. Don’t make lineworkers hunt for probWhen setting up and taking down the stand, make sure you don’t make contact with any overhead electrical equipment. lems in your hunting area. Damage might If you’re using a portable generator on your trip, don’t run it in not be noticed for weeks or months unless a confined area. an outage occurs. Keep yourself and utility workers safe this hunting season. And For more information visit: for electrical safety tips that can save lives year ‘round, visit SafeElectricity.org.

HUNTING SAFETY NEVER

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Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CO-OP COMMUNICATOR FOUGHT FOR FREEDOM

Left: Armed to the teeth with a British Commando knife and M-1 Carbine, Lieutenant Lewis poses prior to deployment to France. Center: At home in Madison, this fall. Right: Robert Lewis delivers remarks during the dedication ceremonies at the Alma plant site, where his dad’s work was commemorated in 1957.

ad he realized back in 1942 that he’d still be around seven decades after suffering multiple wounds in battle, Robert Lewis might have been more enthusiastic about military medical units. But a safe assignment as an Army medical clerk wasn’t the way the brand-new University of Wisconsin graduate wanted to serve in wartime. Bob Lewis wanted to ﬁght the Nazis. He got his wish. And barely two years later, Bob Lewis became the only editor of this publication—then called the REA News— whose resumé includes two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the French Croix de Guerre. In the American military, the only award for valor in the face of the enemy higher than the Distinguished Service Cross is the Congressional Medal of Honor, and a large distinction between them is that the majority of Medal of Honor recipients have not survived the experience that earned them the award. Hale and hearty when we met this fall, Bob Lewis turned 99 in June. Like much priceless history, the story of Robert Lewis was waiting to be rediscovered.

Luck Finds A Way

This magazine’s November edition regularly includes some form of tribute to the sacriﬁces

made by U.S. military veterans, to coincide with November 11, Veterans Day. But this year’s preparations weren’t going well: The search for a Wisconsin ﬁgure to focus a story about the centennial of the First World War ending November 11, 1918, was running up against indifferent sources and an unforgiving calendar. Meanwhile, an unrelated invitation arrived, for a presentation of commemorative plaques— rescued from a decommissioned power plant—to the surviving family of an early leader of Wisconsin electric cooperatives. No obvious veteran connection; no evident link to this magazine; just a nice event to remember someone who long ago helped bring power to the farm. By happenstance, it was mentioned to retired Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News Editor Perry Baird, a dogged chronicler of co-op history, that the plaques would be presented to Robert Lewis whose father, George Lewis, worked for the Rural Electriﬁcation Administration organizing co-ops in Wisconsin and elsewhere. Baird, who would be traveling in Texas, replied, “You know Bob Lewis used to be editor of the magazine, right?” A moment’s search yielded references to Robert Lewis as associate editor in 1946, managing editor in 1947–48,

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A frame holds war-era photos and the medals earned by Robert Lewis. Nearby, a 1940s edition of the Wisconsin REA News.

in broader supervisory capacities with the statewide co-op communications program through 1951, and as “a decorated combat veteran.” This was starting to look like a story.

Cooperative Campaigners

When President Franklin Roosevelt created the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) in 1935, Pigeon Falls-area farmer George Lewis promptly stepped up to organize the Trempealeau County Electric Cooperative. The REA was set up to provide federal loans for farmers or existing utility companies to extend electric service in rural areas. Uninterested in building infrastructure across sparsely populated countryside, investor-owned utilities disdained the opportunity. That left rural residents to take up the task, and in November 1935 the REA hired Lewis—appointed earlier by Governor Phil La Follette to help qualify more Wisconsin co-ops for REA loans— to organize cooperatives in additional states. Traveling coast to coast by car, he continued that work until 1940 when he accepted a position with the REA in Washington, D.C., and remained active in rural electrification until his death in 1955. The cast-bronze plaques that led to this story honor George Lewis. They were presented to Robert Lewis in October. They’d been installed since1957

The next day he married Martha Wells, now his wife of 76 years. Six weeks later he was inducted into the Army. At the UW, Robert earned a degree in economics and exercised his passion for journalism, becoming editor of the campus newspaper, The Daily Cardinal, in his senior year. In the Army, “much to my embarrassment,” he told an interviewer for a 2010 Wisconsin Historical Society project, he was trained as a clerk for the medical department. He soon volunteered for Officer Candidate School (OCS), yearning to “get into action and do something to fight the Nazis,” he told the interviewer. He completed OCS, was commissioned a second lieutenant, and was assigned Father’s Footsteps, With a Detour to Company A, 13th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, “The Pathfinders.” In 1936 Robert Lewis, age 17, left Though it would take a while, he’d get the family farm for the University of to fight the Nazis. Wisconsin. There, knowingly or not, he The division embarked from New acquired skills that would help him carry York in December 1943. Ten days on his father’s distinguished service to before Christmas the 13th Regiment electric cooperatives. arrived at Mount Panther, Northern A lot would happen in between. RobMorton_WIEnergy_11.18.qxp_Layout 1 9/25/18 Ireland, 3:25 PM where Page 1it would train for the ert graduated on his birthday in 1942.

at Dairyland Power Cooperative’s Alma Station on the banks of the Mississippi River in Buffalo County. All of its five small, coal-fired generating units, built in the 1940s and ’50s, were retired between 2011 and 2014. Demolition of the Alma Station’s 700-foot smokestack, the last easily recognizable component of the 70-yearold plant site, took place October 1. One week later a Dairyland delegation brought the plaques to Robert and Martha Lewis at their Madison residence which, in another twist of fate, stands within three blocks of the offices that originate today’s Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News.

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1. Robert and Martha Lewis, and a plaque recognizing George Lewis’ work bringing electricity to the farm. 2. General William Weaver, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Division and himself a Distinguished Service Cross recipient, congratulates Lieutenant Lewis January 1945. 3. A patriarch of the co-op family: George Lewis. 4. Robert Lewis as Wisconsin REA News editor. 5. A Dairyland Power Cooperative delegation delivers the plaques retrieved from the Alma power plant.

invasion of Europe. Landing at Normandy’s Utah Beach on the Fourth of July, 1944, 28 days after D-Day, the 8th Infantry joined the campaign to root out the occupying Wehrmacht in northern France. On August 19, Allied forces completed their encirclement of the “Falaise Pocket,” trapping some 50,000 Germans while many others escaped eastward. Leading a pursuing unit a week later, Lieutenant Lewis got into the fight of his life. The Army citation conferring the Distinguished Service Cross credited his “extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 26 August 1944.” “With sixteen men remaining in his platoon* after two days of aggressive action, [Lewis] encountered heavy enemy machine gun and small arms fire sealing a gap in a high hedgerow, halting the advance,” the citation said. Severely wounded himself, Lewis dragged two other wounded men to safety, sent the rest of the group to continue attacking under his covering fire, suffered additional wounds when a mortar shell fell near him, refused evacuation, and “continued to lead his platoon forward until it seized its objective,” the citation said. Then, family members say, Lieutenant Lewis walked a mile to an aid station for medical attention. He was discharged from the Army in November 1945, went to work for the Farmers Union, and in November 1946 assumed the responsibilities of associate editor for the Wisconsin REA News.

Changing Times Nowadays Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives and investor-owned utilities get along, but things were different when Robert and especially George Lewis were building the co-op sector. Utility animosity toward the cooperatives faded after the co-ops “became a significant fact of life in the area and they 12

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had to work together on a few things,” Bob Lewis told Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News last month. But in the early days, “The electric utility companies used to interfere with the recruitment of farmers to the potential REA borrowers,” he said. “I was just a kid but I remember at that time the electric companies were the enemy.” He is “not at all” surprised that the co-ops survived and became a powerful presence in rural America, he said. “There is no natural termination for a co-op that is providing such a daily service as keeping the lights on.” Bob Lewis’ youngest brother Dave, now 84 and a California resident, recalls life before those lights came on in 1938. “The local electric company wasn’t interested in the farms with a mile between customers when there was plenty of [revenue] in the cities and towns,” he told us in an email message. He especially remembers Christmas without electricity. “The pine tree which originated from somewhere on the farm was lighted with six candles about the size of today’s ballpoint pens,” Dave Lewis wrote. “The candles were only burned for short periods and they were always watched-over.” His word for electric Christmas-tree lights: “Splendor.” Most splendid of all, though, was the reduction of backbreaking labor for rural residents. During and after the war, he wrote, “The electrically powered machinery helped to compensate for reduced rural labor availability.”

Piercing the Darkness Clearly Robert Lewis shares much with his father, George, and a common thread is readily seen. Whether the darkness that enveloped the rural countryside before electricity, or the darkness that engulfed the world in the 1930s and ’40s, piercing the darkness is undeniably the Lewis family specialty. —Dave Hoopman, photos from the Lewis family and Dylan Pingitore *A World War II U.S. Army platoon might number from 16 to as many as 44 men.

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CO-OP SOLAR PLANS START AND SUCCEED WITH SUNDA PROJECT Electric cooperatives are committed to providing s a f e, r e l i a b l e, a f f o r d a b l e energy to their consumer-members, and in many parts of the country that includes increasing the availability of solar power.

“C

o-ops are big supporters of an ‘all sources’ national energy policy,” said Debra Roepke of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) business and technology strategies group. “Our challenge is ﬁnding ways to

get sustainable value out of investments that not only help meet the needs of coop members today, but also control their costs in the future.” Roepke spent more than four years as NRECA’s liaison and co-project manager of the Solar Utility Network Deploy-

ment Acceleration (SUNDA) project, an initiative launched by NRECA, with partial funding from a Department of Energy Sunshot Initiative grant. In that role, she worked with generation and transmission cooperatives (G&Ts), electric cooperatives, and other organizations involved in planning, developing, and assessing the value of various approaches to solar projects.

Demand Fuels Growth

Between 2013 and 2018, total solar capacity owned or contracted by electric co-ops grew from 94 megawatts to 868 MW. Electric co-ops host more than twothirds of all utility-sponsored community solar projects. Wabash Valley Power, an Indianapolis-based G&T, owns 1.7 MW of community solar located at ﬁve sites in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri and is adding 7.2 MW of additional capacity to that program. “SUNDA put many of the cooperative principles into practice and advanced solar development,” said Brian D. Anderson, director of economic development for Wabash Valley Power. “Lessons learned from aligning cooperNovember 2018

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ative resources could prove worthwhile to organizations like Wabash Valley Power in the future.”

Niche Products Go Mainstream

Solar projects regardless of size or structure are helping to build a knowledge base accessible to all electric co-ops. “Co-ops need to be the trusted energy advisor for our members when it comes to solar energy,” said Jeff Pratt, president and CEO of Green Power Electric Membership Corp. The renewable energy cooperative now provides solar energy and other renewables to 38 electric co-ops in Georgia. “Growing demand for solar has helped to make the technology more viable and ultimately led to more competitive pricing,” said Pratt. “You can’t meet overall demand with solar, but it can play a big role in helping co-ops control power costs as a hedge against fuel prices.” Green Power EMC participated in the SUNDA project to gain more experience with different types of solar initiatives. According to Pratt, that’s going to be increasingly important as consumers gain access to more choices in how they meet their energy needs. “Many co-op members want choices, and one of those choices is the option of meeting some of their needs with solar power,” said Pratt. Several SUNDA participants contend that declining prices have helped move solar from a demonstration or educational technology to a competitive asset within wholesale generation portfolios in many areas of the United States. “In areas blessed with good sunshine, this will have long-term impact on better products and lead to better financial transactions,” said Pratt. “As finance entities deal with more of these projects, they’re assessing the risks more favorably, and that’s having a positive impact on our abilities to pursue development of larger arrays.”

Declining Costs

Solar products and components are improving, and the manufacturing and vendor base continues to expand. That’s led to substantial declines in the cost for deployed solar. According to NRECA, the per-watt costs declined from $4.50 for the first research project in 2013 to less than $1.40 per watt in 2018. “The ultimate economics of solar lends itself to serious consideration as a daytime resource,” said Todd Bartling, vice president of renewables development for the National Renewables Cooperative Organization (NRCO).

Carmel, Indiana-based NRCO is one of several organizations that participated in SUNDA projects and are now using that experience to help electric co-ops pursue other renewable projects. “The industry is working to reduce the costs of the underlying equipment, installation, and financing,” said Bartling. “Those improvements will help ensure the technology’s commercial viability when or if tax incentives designed to hold down costs are phased out.”

Shared Insights

Many SUNDA project participants agree that shared experiences and open discussions of problems and solutions are among the greatest strengths of the electric co-op movement. The four years of research based upon projects of varied sizes and financial structures, now operating under different environmental conditions, ensure that the SUNDA project will serve as a practical reference work for electric co-ops, said NRECA’s Roepke. “Lessons from their real-world experiences form the core of a set of tools that have already been used by hundreds of other electric co-ops across the nation.” Derrill Holly writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape.

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LOOK UP BEFORE YOU LIFT

TAKE THE RIGHT STEPS TO SAFETY

Home projects often require a ladder. Before you make the climb, Safe Electricity urges you to take steps to stay safe: • Carry the ladder horizontally. • Before placing it upright, make sure the area above is well away from power lines, including the service lines connected to the home. • Keep ladders and yourself at least ten feet away from power lines. Always remember: It is never safe to touch or get near a power line! Any coating on the lines is for weather protection, not protection from electricity. Always take time to look up and stay safe. November 2018

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CRANBERRIES Fresh Cranberry Balsamic White Pizza

1 lb pizza dough 1-1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided 1 cup balsamic vinegar 3 Tbsp honey 1/2 cup fresh cranberries 3/4 cup whole-fat ricotta cheese 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken (garlic herb preferred) 1 cup arugula

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a rough circle, place on a baking sheet, and poke dough with fork evenly across surface. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp olive oil evenly over top, using a pastry brush or back of a spoon to make sure the crust edge is coated. Bake approx. 15–20 minutes or until dough is browned and cooked. While pizza crust is baking, reduce balsamic vinegar on the stove by bringing vinegar and honey to a boil in a small pan. Turn on exhaust fan for vinegar odor. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 8–10 minutes. Stir vinegar occasionally as it simmers. The balsamic reduction will be ready when it has reduced by half or more and the consistency is like syrup. While vinegar and pizza crust cook, rough chop fresh cranberries. Add to a small pan with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Sauté for five minutes, then remove from burner. Remove pizza crust from oven and spread ricotta cheese in an even layer, leaving the outer crust uncovered. Add chicken on top of ricotta. In a bowl, toss sautéed cranberries in balsamic reduction and sprinkle over pizza. Top with arugula. Slice into 10 pieces and serve.

Recipes and photos courtesy of US Cranberries.

Cran-Tastic

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Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Soup:

1 large butternut squash (about 3-1/2 lbs) 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided Salt and pepper 1 yellow onion, chopped 4–6 cups vegetable broth 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup 2 pinches nutmeg Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Halve squash lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Rub cut side of squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and Salsa:

1-1/2 cups fresh cranberries 1 granny smith apple, chopped 1 jalapeño, seeded, stemmed, and chopped 1/4 cup maple syrup

pepper. Place cut side down on a large baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes, until tender. Remove from oven and let sit until cool enough to handle; peel away skin from flesh and discard skin. While squash is roasting, make the salsa. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent and tender (approx. 5–7 minutes). Place squash flesh in the pot. Add 4 cups of vegetable broth. Using an immersion blender, puree until creamy and blended. Add more broth to get desired consistency. Bring to a simmer and cook 10 minutes. Stir in maple syrup and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with salsa and a drizzle of olive oil. Place cranberries, apple, jalapeño, and maple syrup in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Recipes and photos courtesy of US Cranberries.

Cranberry Sherbet

3 cups cranberry juice cocktail, divided 1 pkg raspberry flavored gelatin (or flavor of choice) 1 cup evaporated skim milk

In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup cranberry juice to a boil. Add gelatin and stir to dissolve. Transfer cranberry mixture to a large bowl and add remaining 2 cups cranberry juice and skim milk. Blend thoroughly with a hand mixer. Pour mixture into a high-sided sheet pan and freeze for 90 minutes. Transfer back onto the bowl and blend again with a hand mixer. Transfer back into the sheet pan and freeze for an additional 90 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up any ice that may be forming. Serve cold.

Cranberry-Spinach Dumplings 3 cups young leaf spinach 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1-1/4 cups old white bread 2 onions (about 1/2 cup) 4 Tbsp butter, divided 2/3 cup milk Nutmeg, freshly grated 2 medium eggs 1–2 Tbsp breadcrumbs 1/2 cup gorgonzola 12 sage leaves Salt and pepper

Wash and clean spinach. Put 1-1/2 cups spinach in boiling salted water and bring back to a boil, cooking until spinach is soft; drain. Rinse remaining 1-1/2 cups raw spinach in ice-cold water, drip dry, squeeze strongly, chop, and reserve. Chop cranberries roughly. Cut bread into 3/4-inch cubes and finely dice onions. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a pot. Stew half the onions in melted butter until they are translucent, add milk and warm it; season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Finely puree cooked spinach in milk. Place bread cubes in a bowl and mix with the spinach-milk puree, 2-1/2 tablespoons cranberries, eggs, and breadcrumbs. If necessary, season again. Leave mixture covered with plastic wrap for 30 minutes. Boil salted water in a large pot. Cut gorgonzola into 8 equalsized pieces. Use moist hands to shape the dumpling mixture into 8 dumplings. Press a recess in each of the dumplings; put 1 piece of cheese in each dumpling, seal the recess, and shape them round again. Place dumplings in salted water and cook at a mild heat for 20 minutes with no lid on the pot. Stew the remaining onion in 1 tablespoon melted butter until it is translucent. Add reserved raw spinach and cook at a medium heat with the lid on until it starts to wilt. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in another pot. Add sage leaves and 1-1/3 cups cranberries and fry for 1 minute. Lift the spinach-cranberry dumplings out of the water with a skimmer and drip dry. Garnish with steamed spinach and sage-cranberry butter and serve immediately. November 2018

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

Swiss Steak

Allyson Jenkins, Dalton

1-1/4 cups flour, divided 1/8 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp seasoned salt 1/2 tsp paprika 3 Tbsp olive oil 1 (2–3 lbs) Swiss steak, cut into portion-sized pieces 2–3 carrots, cut up 2–3 stalks celery, cut up 1 medium onion, chopped 2–3 russet potatoes, sliced 3 Tbsp butter 2 cans beef broth (or 4 cups of water and 4 beef bouillon cubes) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix 1/2 cup flour, garlic powder, salt, and paprika together. Dredge steak pieces in flour mixture. In a frying pan, heat olive oil. Add steak pieces and brown each side without cooking through; remove from heat. In a roasting pan, place carrots and celery, then place browned meat over top. Add chopped onion to top of meat. Set potatoes around the meat in the roaster, forming a fence around the contents. Dip a paper towel into the frying pan to catch any leftover oil and dispose the paper towel. Scrape the frying pan to loosen leftovers from the meat. Add butter and remaining 3/4 cup flour to loosened pieces. Cook, stirring constantly until butter is melted into flour (approx. 2 minutes). Add broth to the flour/butter mixture, blend with a whisk. Bring to a boil and stir until it thickens slightly. Pour broth mixture over contents of roasting pan. Cover pan with roaster lid and bake for approx. 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours.

Bierocks

Lavonne Swiggum, Gays Mills

Filling: 1/4 cup chopped onion 1/2 lb ground turkey 2 cups finely shredded cabbage 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1/4 tsp salt Cook onion and turkey over medium heat until turkey is browned, stirring to crumble. Add cabbage and cook until it wilts, stirring constantly. Stir in pepper and salt. Cover and chill. Dough: 1/4 cup sugar 1 pkg dry yeast 1/2 cup warm water (100–110 degrees) 1/2 cup 1% milk 1/4 cup vegetable oil 3/4 tsp salt 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 4 cups bread flour, divided To prepare dough, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in milk, oil, salt, and eggs. Add 3-1/2 cups flour to yeast mixture and stir to form a soft dough. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Adding enough of the remaining flour to prevent dough from sticking to hands; dough will feel tacky. Let rise in a warm place, until dough doubles in size (approx. 1 hour). Punch dough down, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a 10-1/2 x 7-inch rectangle and cut into six 3-1/2-inch squares. Spoon approx. 1/4 cup filling into center of each portion. Bring corner points to center and pinch to seal. Place the bierocks seam sides down on a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 15 minutes or until browned on bottom and sounding hollow when tapped. Remove from pan and cool. 12 Servings.

An online reader is looking for recipes for potato pancakes. If you REQUESTS can help, have a request of your own, or would like to submit a recipe f r o m o u r for publication, please write to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative

READERS 22

News, What’s Cooking? 222 West Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703-2719 or contact us via our website, www.wecnmagazine.com.

Slow Cooker Supper: Stuffed Pepper Soup

Grace Clark, Richland Center

1-1/4 lbs 95% ground round 1 large onion, diced 3 garlic cloves, chopped 2 tsp olive oil 2 large green bell peppers, cut into 1/2inch dice 1 (28 oz) can petite diced tomatoes 1 (16 oz) can tomato sauce 1 (32 oz) carton beef stock 1/2 tsp dried marjoram 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce 2 tsp soy sauce 2 tsp brown sugar 2 cups cooked quinoa, optional ingredient Sea salt and fresh pepper, to taste In a large pan, sauté beef, onions, and garlic in olive oil until the beef is browned and onions are clear. Spoon off as much excess fat as possible. Transfer beef pepper mixture to the slow cooker, add green peppers, tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef stock, marjoram, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and optional quinoa. Cook on low for 5–6 hours. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pickled Fish

Ruthann Martin, Withee

Brine: 1 heaped cup pickling salt 7 cups water 5 lbs fish White vinegar Mix salt and water to make brine. Soak fish in the brine for 48 hours; drain. Cover fish with white vinegar for 24 hours; drain. Jars: 4 cups white vinegar 3 cups sugar 1/4 cup pickling spice 1 cup dry white wine 1 medium onion, sliced Mix white 4 cups vinegar and sugar together, bring to a boil and then allow to cool. Add pickling spice and white wine to vinegar mixture. Layer fish and onion in jars and fill with vinegar mixture. Let set for 3 days in refridgerator.

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For information leading to the conviction of anyone for willfully damaging the property of electric co-ops operating within Wisconsin or willfully damaging property resulting in interruption of service to members of electric co-ops operating within Wisconsin.

Information should be conveyed to your local law enforcement officials, to your electric co-op, or to:

Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680 Madison, WI 53703 608-467-4650

November 2018

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TOAD-ALLY

UNIQUE

serves up

FOOD, FRIENDSHIP, AND ART 24

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WISCONSIN FAVORITES

Opposite: The rocks used in Toad House’s unique landscaping were salvaged during the building’s renovation, when a new foundation was put in to replace the loose rubble on which the 1905 house was first built. Upper left: The inspiration for Toad House’s name came from a children’s book written by Eileen Ziesler (right) and illustrated by Janelle Thompson (left). Toad House is an eclectic mix of bakery, cafe, community center, and art gallery.

ou can’t miss the Toad House. The bright yellow letters propped in front of this bakery/bistro/coffee shop/ art gallery announce its presence loud and clear to anyone entering Ladysmith from Highway 27. Lured in by the quirky signage, you might be tempted to linger on the front porch, maybe settle into one of the inviting chairs for some coffee and conversation, but the aroma of fresh-baked goods will eventually draw you inside.

Once there, you’ll ﬁnd made-on-site European pastries and locally sourced, seasonal lunch items that are reason enough to visit. The adjoining art gallery, ﬁlled with work by local artists, is another draw. However, Toad House is much more than just an artsy eatery. It’s a creative hub and home base for the artists who make up the Rusk Area Arts Alliance

(RAAA). The building hums with constant activity, and not just from the scheduled art classes, book signings, performances, and other such events that are regularly held here. On any given day that Toad House is open, a guest may stop by for a cup of coffee and a kipfel and end up being treated to an impromptu demonstration by an artist ﬁnishing up a piece of work along with lunch, or a spontaneous recital at the piano in the corner. Drop-in opportunities are abundant. Guests are welcome to draw or paint with an RAAA artist who’s on hand most Friday afternoons. On Saturday mornings, visitors can wander upstairs to the ﬁber arts studio or the weaving studio to watch artists at work on their looms. Pint-sized visitors can join in the fun at the “Toad-ally Artsy Kids’ Events” held each Saturday morning. There’s always something going on here: Like its namesake, this place is always hopping.

It Started with a Poem Open since 2013, Toad House is owned by Eileen Ziesler and her husband, Tony. Although the business has only been open for five years, Toad House’s story actually began 25 years ago with a chance encounter at a vending machine. Eileen recalled that she and Tony had been boating on a hot August day in Bayfield, and as they returned from the water in the evening to get something cold to drink from a soda machine at the edge of the dock, Eileen noticed a big toad on the ground, watching for bugs against the light of the machine. “I looked for it again the next day,” she said. “I was thinking, ‘Where can he be? Where can be he?’ And out of that this whimsical poem about toads came about.” A former teacher, Eileen would read her poem to her students and have them imagine where the toad could have gone. One of her very first students was the daughter of a talented watercolor November 2018

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A visit to Toad House is not complete without a walk through the wooded pathways of the adjacent “Enchanted Forest,” where all kinds of surprises await. Toads dominate the whimsical decor, both indoors and out.

artist—Janelle Thompson. After retiring from teaching about 10 years ago, Ziesler reconnected with Thompson and formed a publishing partnership, with Thompson creating watercolor images to illustrate Ziesler’s poem. They spent about a year and a half pitching the finished product to possible publishers, all of whom rejected it. However, many offered words of praise and encouragement, so the two women pressed on and eventually self-published a hard-cover picture book called “Toads.” Ziesler named the publishing company Toad House Publishing.

Taking a Leap

The leap from Toad House Publishing to Toad House came a few years after “Toads” was published. Eileen and Tony had returned to her hometown of Ladysmith and were ready for a new project. At the same time, the artists of RAAA were looking for a landing spot where they could hold classes, sell their artwork, and promote the arts. The Zieslers purchased the 1905 house on Lake Avenue West with an eye toward turning it into a coffee shop/bakery and art gallery that could showcase the work of local artists. Doing much of the work themselves, the Zieslers spent three years renovating the building. Initially, Toad House offered just coffee and European-style baked goods, made from recipes handed down by Tony’s mother from her native Austria. Toad House evolved gradually into the mix of purposes that it is today with the help of some loyal customers. “We’ve had some very interesting people come in and kind of layer their talents on top of this,” Ziesler said. First, a customer suggested that Ziesler serve soup, so she began offering soup on Fridays. The next suggestion was to serve soup each day Toad House was open, and then to expand the menu. Today, Toad House offers four home-cooked lunch options on the days it’s open: soup, salad, quiche, and a sandwich or pizza. Specific types depend on what’s in season. Ingredients are organic and purchased locally, with many fresh vegetables coming from Ziesler’s own garden, or those of the two employees who work in the kitchen with her. Adding the lunch offerings enables Ziesler to meet the bills and pay her two

employees; she and her husband donate their own time. “For Tony and I, this is our passion,” Ziesler said. “This has never been about making money. It’s been about the community and about art in the community. It’s been a really great adventure.”

Art Abounds

Toad House has two employees, but it’s nurtured by a network of people who contribute to the business’s rather creative way of meeting work needs while keeping costs low. The building’s gift gallery is filled with art made by members of RAAA. Toad House itself takes no commission; rather, 20 percent of the sales are directed into a fund that provides stipends for people to help with additional needs, from greeting customers to overseeing Saturday morning kids’ activities. Among the longtime area artists who are active in RAAA are Jump River Electric Co-op members Clarence and Sue Anderson. They’ve been creating unique keepsake boxes out of logs, many found on their own farm property, for 30 years. The Andersons say the local art scene was very different before RAAA was formed about 10 years ago, with Toad House centering the group a few years later. “Before the Toad House and even RAAA I had no idea there were so many artists around here,” Clarence said. “People have gotten to know each other where before they didn’t have any idea who everyone was.” The couple said Toad House has helped increase visibility of local artists and promotes Rusk County as an artistic place by providing a means of sharing art with a wider community. “[Before Toad House] most of the artists went out of the area to sell their work,” Sue said. “We used to go all over to crafts shows and this kind of thing to sell our boxes, and when we’d tell people where we lived they had no idea where Rusk County is. I think [Toad House] has helped a lot in just letting people know about the local artists that are here.” They’re not hard to find now. All you have to do is hop on over to the Toad House.—Mary Erickson

Toad House is located at 711 Lake Ave. W, Ladysmith. To learn more, visit https://sites.google.com/site/zieslertoadhouse/ or call 715-532-4661.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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YOUNG MEMBERS

Kids and Critters November 2018 1

1. Olivia and Ben are up to something. Photo sent in by Olivia’s great-grandparents, Patricia and Wayne Blanchard, members of Riverland Energy.

2. Tres and Ethan find a cozy place to perch. Photo sent in by Riverland Energy member, Nancy Platter. 3. Rick hears a secret from a calf. Grandparents Ken and Sandy Clement, members of Bayfield Electric, sent in the photo.

4. Sofia went on a trail ride with Rockstar, and loves ponies and horses. Sofia sent in the photo herself (along with a great note—thanks, Sofia!) with proper permission. Sofia is the granddaughter of Jim and Darlene Mortensen, members of Central Wisconsin 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.

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10/9/18 5:02 PM

CLASSIFIEDS MISCELLANEOUS

COLLECTOR BUYING WAR SOUVENIRS: German, Japanese, U.S. weapons, medals, helmets, daggers, swords, military items. 715-213-4565. 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.

REAL ESTATE

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

WANTED: PAYING CASH FOR WW-2 GERMAN, JAPANESE FLAGS, DAGGERS, SWORDS, GUNS. ETC. 715-340-1974.

FOR SALE: IDEAL HUNTING BASE: 3 bedroom lake cabin on Upper Clam Lake, Ashland County. Center of the Chequamegon National Forest. Includes furnishings, appliances, ﬁreplace, boat, dock, and more. 23501 Nyberg Rd. Clam Lake, WI. See Craigslist Northern Wis. Lake cabin for sale. Call Tim 715-572-2632 or timgapen@ wctc.net. $82,000.

USED BILLBOARD VINYLS/TARPS: Sizes available: 14x48=$50, 10x36=$28.80, 10x30=$24. Expired billboard faces, hemmed. Shipping and tax not included in listed price. Vinyls can also be picked up at Jones Sign, 1711 Scheuring Road, De Pere, WI 54115. PLEASE CALL FOR AVAILABLITY PRIOR TO PICK UP 800-536-7446.

NORTH WISCONSIN REMOTE FORESTED 80 acres in Bayﬁeld Co, 12 miles west of beautiful Bayﬁeld. Two sides adjacent to thousands of acres of county forest land, laced with ATV, walking, hunting trails. Priced below similar properties in area. Near Cornucopia, WI, northernmost village on Lake Superior, 5 miles from winter ice caves. $1,000/acre. Please call 715-373-5252.

GOT WOOD! NEW PORTABLE SAWMILLS. We sell Forestry Equipment for the hobbyist to the professional. Band Sawmills, Firewood Processors, Skidding Winches & more. A-F County Market an authorized Hudson Forest Equipment Dealer. Adams, WI 53910. Phone Joe or Rich 608-339-6703.

PLANTS & SHRUBS

PREMIUM SPRUCE TREES 7-8 FOOT TALL when planted. balled & burlapped and ready to plant. Perfect for a manicured yard or a natural fence or along a driveway. These are nicely shaped and full from all sides. $79.99 call 608-981-2169. COVER SPRUCE TREES 8-10 FOOT TALL random sizes. balled & burlapped and ready to plant. These trees are nice but they are not perfect. Great for wildlife or blocking a messy neighbor or even making a windbreak. $64.99 Call 608-981-2169. HARDWOOD AND CONIFER SEEDLINGS AND TRANSPLANTS. Thousands available, Oaks, Maples, Highbred Poplar, Hickory, Cherry, Dogwoods, Ninebark, Cranberry, Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Spruce, Pine, Cedar, Food plot and grafted apple trees too, Large bareroot shade trees including Autumn Blaze Check us out on the web at www.paintcreeknursery.com , Facebook and Youtube also. Paint Creek Nursery, Cadott, WI 715-723-2072.

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 855-7976072 or email mmtagm@yahoo.com. LAND STEWARDSHIP PLANS AND MONITORING: Ecologist working in the Driftless Area will conduct an assessment of your land and develop a management and monitoring plan. Find out if you have areas to restore, invasive species that need attention. trilliumlax.com; 608-615-8692. zip=54650. BLACK WALNUT LUMBER: 600+ bd ft, 1” and 2” slabbed. Dried 4 years under cover on spacers, ends painted. Asking $5/bd ft. Call Glenn. 262404-7668. 53097 zip.

Classified ads reach more than 171,000 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. Dylan Pingitore, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Ph: 608-467-4599. Email dylan@weca.coop. We reserve the right to refuse ads.

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YOUR ENERGY SUPERHEROES OUR 56th YEAR

LOOKING FOR A GIFT IDEA? Consider giving a gift subscription to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News! The price is just $10 per year for 12 issues or $28 for three years (36 issues). Include subscriber’s name, address, city, state, Zip Code, and check payable to WECN. Mail to: WECN, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison WI 53703.

Best in class service is our superpower. We’re a local, not-for-profit electric cooperative. We don’t have customers, we have members. People aren’t just our number one priority, they’re the reason we’re here.

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November 2018

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WISCONSIN EVENTS 2 Chili Cook-off & Tasting—Coleman. Faith Christian School, 5–7 p.m. Five categories: Traditional, spicy, white, vegetarian, and a “surprise” ingredient. Taste test every chili and cast your vote. 3 Christmas Walk—Mondovi. Our Savior’s United Methodist Church, all day. Three homes to walk through and view. Cookies & coffee, baked goods, pickles, lefse, rosettes, and crafts. 715-926-5354. 3 Holiday Art & Craft Show—Greenwood. High School, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 715-267-6718. 3 Holiday Fair—Medford. Community United Church of Christ, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Baked goods, crafts, vendors, bucket rafﬂe, and lunch. 715-748-3391. 3 Harvest Fest Craft Fair—Adams. A-F Middle School, 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Crafts, vendors, bake sale, lunch. Food pantry or scholarship donation to enter. 3 Quilt Tour—Menomonie. Cedarbrook, Christ Lutheran, First Congregational/UCC, Our Savior’s Lutheran, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Churches, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Quilt tour with hundreds of brilliant quilts displayed across 5 churches. Adults $10 ($12 day of); Students $8; under 16 are free. 3 Soup Supper—Gilman. Jump River Community Center, 4:30–9 p.m. 715-668-5280. 3 Holiday Bazaar, Craft, and Bake Sale—New Lisbon. Winding Rivers United Methodist Church, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Homestyle crafts, baked goods, jams & jellies. Beef stew and chicken dumpling soup lunch. 3 Sock Hop—Milton. St. Mary’s Parish, 7–10 p.m. Dress to impress in your ‘50s best. Entry Fee: One pair of socks. DJ and fun for the whole family! 3 Steak Fry—Melrose. American Legion Post 439, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Sirloin steak, Swiss steak, ham, bingo, and prize draw. 3 FFA Benefit Auction—Colby. Lion Shelter, 6:30 p.m. Live auction starts at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds go to scholarships for FFA members to attend Washington Leadership Conference. 3, 4 Craft Show—Medford. Intersection of Highways 13 & 64, Sat. 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Lots of unique, handcrafted items and baked goods.

November 2018

6 Harvest Dinner—Arkdale. Trinity Lutheran Church, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m. Pork loin dinner at either time slot, bazaar and bake sale. 608-564-7930.

17 Craft Fair—Montello. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Craft vendors, huge bake sale, Christmas rummage sale, rafﬂes, and food.

6 Charlie Albright Concert—Park Falls. Chequamegon High School Auditorium, 7–9 p.m. Tickets at the door.

17 Pie Sale—Montello. Historic Preservation Society, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

9 T&T Marketplace—Tomah. Peace Lutheran Church, Fri. 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Handmade creations for sale and quilt rafﬂe. 608-343-7322. 10 Fall Bazaar—Little Suamico. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Free admission. Proceeds to support local and global missions of the church. 10 Craft & Treasure Sale—Phillips. Municipal Building, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. More than 60 booths, lunch available. 715-332-5329. 10 Art & Crafts Sale—Ellsworth. St. Francis Parish Hall, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. More than 30 vendors with home & décor, bake items, & canning. Lunch and kids’ area. $1 admission. 715-273-4796. 10 Chili & Potato Soup Supper—Randolph. Lost Lake Randolph Historical Society, 4–8 p.m. Silent auction. Ages 10+ $8; 5–9 $4; kids under 5 are free. 920-326-3573. 10 Paws Fur the Holidays—Richland Center. Community Center, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Bake sale, live & silent auction, animal speakers, luncheon, vendor sales, and games. 11 Fair & Luncheon—Colby. St. Mary’s School, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Arts & crafts vendors, pies, and scones. Silent auction. Adults $8; grades 1–8 $5; free for kindergarten and under. 16, 17 Holiday Bazaar—Medford. Bailiwick, Fri. 3–8 p.m.; Sat. 9–4 p.m. Handmade market. 17 Vendor/Craft Show—Platteville. City Hall, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. $20 for 8x8 space. 715-203-1186. 17 Craft & Soup Sale—Bowler. Area Historical Society, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Holiday themed items and homemade soups. 17 Country Fair—Hayward. Spider Lake Church, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Pies, baked goods, jellies, eggs, take & bake frozen meals, crafts, and more. Lunch while you shop.

17 Hunter’s Beef Dinner—Westfield. Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 4–7 p.m. Delicious homemade roast beef dinner with all the trimmings. Carryouts available. Adults $10. 17 Craft & Vendor Fair—Richland Center. High School, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 17 Santa’s Workshop Craft Show—Tomahawk. SARA Park Activity Center, 9 a.m.– 3 p.m. 17 Craft Fair—Merrillan. Elementary School, 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Crafts, baked goods, kiddieland, door prizes, and Chinese raffle. Lunch available. 715-964-5441. 23 Lighted Christmas Parade—Osseo. Downtown, 7 p.m. Visit Santa ringing in the Christmas season. 715-597-3993. 23, 24 Holiday Boutique—Willard. There Once Was a Barn, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Boutique featuring fine art in a unique setting. 612-708-8086.

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

Upload your December events by November 9. 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.

Upload events to wecnmagazine.com

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

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A Full House of Energy Savings ATTIC

In many homes, attic insulation is one of easiest, least expensive and most effective ways to reduce your energy use. Contact us to find out how much insulation is right for your home. In colder regions, a properly insulated attic also reduces the chance of ice dams.

DEN/OFFICE

Plug all electronic gadgets such as phone and laptop chargers, printers, gaming consoles and BluRay players into a power strip with an on/off switch. When not in use, turn the power strip off to eliminate all those energy vampires.

BATHROOM BEDROOM

Ceiling fans can help save energy all year long! In the summer, fans should rotate counter clockwise to push air down creating a cooling flow. In the winter, fans should rotate clockwise to help draw cool air up toward the ceiling and push the warm air that naturally rises down to you and your family.

KITCHEN

LIVING ROOM

Smart thermostats learn how you and your family live, and automatically adjust the temperature settings based on your lifestyle to keep you comfortable while saving you money.

Take a short shower instead of a bath. Short showers use much less water, and you’ll also save energy by not heating all that extra water!

Make sure your burner isn’t bigger than the pan, and use flat-bottomed pans to maximize surface contact with the burner. Don’t preheat the oven until you’re ready to use it. Minimize the number of times you open and close the refrigerator or oven door.

Brought to you by: Want to learn about additional ways to save energy? Contact us for more energy efficiency tips!

Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association

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