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E
CooperaN
COOPERATIVE
ws
News
Wisconsin
ENERGY Cooperative
contents November 2020
News
10
Rural BROADBAND
Broadband expansion continues in rural Wisconsin.
4 6 8 15 28
12
Step BY STEP
Seal air leaks in older homes.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Honoring all who served.
NEWS BRIEFS
Keep up to date with industry happenings.
24
30
On the
COVER
Embrace the season’s darkness by looking to the points of light.
Kids &
CRITTERS
Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.
Photo courtesy of Patricia Ladwig
20
Recipes
Give ‘em pumpkin to talk about.
23
VANDALISM REWARD
Information leading to the conviction of anyone willfully damaging electric co-op property could be rewarded.
CEO MESSAGE
Come together this holiday season.
MY CO-OP
Find out what’s happening at your local electric cooperative.
CLASSIFIEDS
Buy, sell, and trade with readers from across Wisconsin.
FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE CONVICTION OF ANYONE WILLFULLY DAMAGING THE PROPERTY OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OPERATING WITHIN WISCONSIN OR WILLFULLY DAMAGING PROPERTY RESULTING IN THE INTERRUPTION OF SERVICE TO MEMBERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OPERATING WITHIN WISCONSIN.
Information should be conveyed to your local law enforcement officials, to your electric cooperative, or to the:
Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (608) 467-4650 www.weca.coop
November 2020
WECN Nov20TOC.indd 1
3
10/22/20 12:20 PM
LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR Honoring all who served
Every November, we honor veterans for their sacrifice and service to our country. We continue Dana Kelroy, Editor that tradition this year with some thoughts on honoring veterans in the midst of the current pandemic. “Our veterans stood up to protect us. Now we must stand up and protect them. Our statewide veteran population is aging, putting many veterans into a high-risk category for complications from COVID-19. We also know that many of our state’s veterans live up north and in rural areas, where the rate of COVID-19 is now quickly growing, and where the closest hospital can be hours away,” said Vern Larson, chairman of the Wisconsin Board on Veterans Affairs. “There have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the Wisconsin Veterans Homes at King, Union Grove and Chippewa Falls, nursing homes where our aging and most vulnerable veterans live. Sadly, some of these veterans have died.” Larson encourages folks to follow public health guidelines in an effort to protect our veterans and all Wisconsin residents.
Wisconsin Honor Flight
One way to honor Wisconsin veterans is to support your local chapter of Wisconsin Honor Flight. The Honor Flight Network uses donations to fly veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials created in their honor. All honored veterans travel at no cost to the veteran. The Honor Flight Network is currently serving veterans from the WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War eras. Though the prospect of travel seems far off, these local chapters continue to accept funds for future flights. Find your local hub online at wisconsinhonorflight.org.
November 2020 Vol. 81 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 $13 per year or $35 for three years. Members pay $6.93 per year. Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Steve Freese, president & CEO. USPS number: 688-480. Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Periodicals postage paid at Pontiac, Ill. Send correspondence to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Phone (608) 467-4650. Web site: www.wecnmagazine.com. Co-op Members: Please send address changes to your local electric co-op. Contact information can be found on page 18. 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 does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. We reserve the right to refuse advertisers. Please recycle
4
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
WECN October Editor2020.indd 1
10/22/20 12:22 PM
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NEWS BRIEFS INTERSTATE 94 DESIGNATED AS “EV READY” Drivers traveling on Interstate 94 in Wisconsin have a visual reminder that electric charging stations are readily available, thanks to new signage that went up last month. I-94 is one of several such routes in the state, but the first to be marked as “EV Ready.” “EV Ready means along the 110-mile corridor, there’s a DC fast-charging station every 50 miles. Transportation Secretary-designee Craig Thompson said the signs are meant for both electric vehicle drivers and to
help boost confidence and awareness for those who are considering buying one. “Easy access to fuel is critical to expanding electric vehicles from local use to cross-country travel for private and corporate use,” Thompson said. Electric vehicles make up a small but growing share of the nation’s automobiles. As of 2019, there were 4,468 electric vehicles registered in Wisconsin, up 50 percent from 2018. Bloomberg predicts that by 2040, half of all new car sales will be electric vehicles.
REPORT: WISCONSIN RANKS FIFTH FOR HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY In recognition of National Energy Awareness Month, the personal-finance website WalletHub this week released its report on 2020’s Most & Least Energy-Efficient States. Wisconsin ranks fifth for home energy efficiency. WalletHub says home energy efficiency is particularly important this year, as home consumption is increas-
ing due to the pandemic. According to the report, the average American household spends at least $2,000 per year on utilities and another $2,094 on motor fuel and oil. The Badger State ranked 12th in vehicle-fuel efficiency, and 33rd in transportation efficiency.
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: 9/30/20 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: 9/20 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 184,235 a. Total no. copies (net press run) 183,724 b. Paid circulation (by mail and outside the mail) 182,899 1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541 182,068 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 842 outside USPS 1,024 0 4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS 0 183,741 c. Total paid distribution (sum of 15b 1, 2, 3, and 4) 183,092 d. Free or nominal rate distribution (by mail and outside the mail) 344 1. Free or nominal rate outside county copies included on PS Form 3541 344 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 0 344 e. Total free or nominal rate distribution (sum of 15d 1, 2, 3, and 4) 344 184,085 f. Total distribution (sum of 15c and 15e) 183,436 150 g. Copies not distributed 288 184,235 h. Total (sum of 15f and g) 183,724 99.8% i. Percent paid (15c ÷ 15f x 100) 99.8% 16. This statement of ownership will be printed in the 11/20 issue of this publication Dana Kelroy, editor 9/30/20
6
PUSH CONTINUES FOR FLEXIBLE FINANCING, RURAL BROADBAND Governor Tony Evers, along with the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), announced six communities selected for the new Broadband Connectors Pilot program. The program will provide technical assistance to help rural communities apply for federal, state, and private-sector broadband expansion funds. The state received 96 applications from local governments seeking assistance through the program. “Such a tremendous response demonstrates that there is a strong desire to apply for state and federal broadband funding, but the challenge for many communities is a lack of resources to participate,” said Rebecca Cameron Valcq, chairperson of the PSC. “This pilot program shows promise to push through that barrier, allowing communities to take steps to connect their residents more quickly.” The selected communities include: • Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians • Ho-Chunk Nation • School District of Owen-Withee • Town of Cross • St. Croix County • Fond du Lac County Pilot program participants were selected based on the following criteria: the community has taken some initial steps toward broadband expansion; diverse community partners have committed to working together on broadband expansion; the community has a clear vision for the technical assistance it is seeking; and the community seeks to expand broadband in an underserved or unserved area.
CLARIFICATION
In the October issue, there was a typo in the News Briefs story about global warming forecasts which inadvertently deleted the attribution. The study was posted in Science Daily.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
Nov20NewsBriefs.indd 1
10/22/20 11:07 AM
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COMING I
TOGETHER
Steve Freese President and CEO
n March of this year, as the pandemic launched itself into our world, virtually shutting down life as we knew it, my 94-yearold mother was in a nursing home recovering from a broken hip. As with many long-term care facilities, COVID-19 reared its very ugly head. Many residents in her facility, including my mother, were infected. Tragically, some of them died. She survived. It’s one of many things that I am profoundly thankful for as we look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday. To say 2020 has been a difficult year is an understatement. The disappointment, frustration, and anxiety of life during a pandemic was compounded by racially charged unrest, and it all stewed in a steaming pot of toxic politics during a particularly tumultuous presidential election year. As I write this, it’s unclear if the election will be finalized by the time this magazine hits your mailbox. Even if election day has passed, there may be delays in tallying votes, and of course, potential legal challenges. Regardless of who wins, we do know that roughly half of the state and the nation will celebrate, and the other half will be disappointed. No matter which side of that aisle you are on, now is the time for our communities, our state, and our country to come together and start healing the wounds that have been festering all year long. How do we do that? A good place to start is with our own families as we kick off the holiday season. COVID-19 made it
T O G E T H E R
practically impossible to celebrate Easter together like we normally would, and we are not out of the woods yet, but we have learned a lot since then. For our family, we celebrate Thanksgiving at our family farm, where we feast on wild turkey, thanks to my son. Dinner is followed by card games, a walk in the pasture, and a lot of reminiscing of days gone by. This year, we are adjusting our traditions and planning to have dinner out in the pasture or the machine shed, so we can socially distance to keep everyone safe. The most important thing is knowing that for all we missed out on this year, we still have so much to be thankful for. As hard as it has been for me to not be able to see my mother in person and give her a hug, I am so very grateful that I can still talk to her and see her face every day via Skype. 2020 has taught us to focus not on what we missed, or what we lost, but on what we have. The pandemic, for all of its ill-effects, has showed us how to slow down, enjoy the moments, and appreciate what is most important. Hopefully, as a country, we can all do the same, and heal this divide. Let’s look forward to all that awaits us. Let’s work together and focus on what unites us, instead of what divides us. Together, our communities can build back stronger and more unified. If my 94-year-old mother can get through the fires of 2020, and come out strong, so can we.
MOVING FORWARD 8
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
WECN Nov20Steve.indd 1
10/20/20 1:47 PM
Finally… a better mobility solution than Scooters or Power Chairs. The Zoomer’s versatile design and 1-touch joystick operation brings mobility and independence to those who need it most. If you have mobility issues, or know someone who does, then you’ve experienced the difficulties faced by millions of Americans. Once simple tasks like getting from the bedroom to the kitchen can become a time-consuming and potentially dangerous ordeal. You may have tried to solve the problem with a power chair or a scooter but neither is ideal. Power chairs are bulky and look like a medical device. Scooters are either unstable or hard to maneuver. Now, there’s a better alternative… the Zoomer. After just one trip around your home in the Zoomer, you’ll marvel at how easy it is to navigate. It is designed to maneuver in tight spaces like doorways, between furniture, and around corners. It can go over thresholds and works great on any kind of floor or carpet. It’s not bulky or cumbersome, so it can roll right up to a table or desk- there’s no need to transfer to a chair. Its sturdy yet lightweight aluminum frame makes it durable and comfortable. Its dual motors power it at up to 3.7 miles per hour and its automatic electromagnetic brakes stop on a dime. The rechargeable battery powers it for up to 8 miles on a single
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BROADENING
RURAL BROADBAND T
LOOKING TO HISTORY, WISCONSIN HITS ITS STRIDE IN THE BROADBAND EXPANSION RACE
he pandemic that continues to grip the state and much of the nation is shining a bright light on a big problem—lack of high-speed internet service in many rural areas. At a time when virtual schooling, working from home, and telemedicine have become the norm almost overnight, those without broadband access are simply left behind. It’s similar to the fight many farmers took on more than 80 years ago—when those living in urban areas had access to electricity, but rural residents did not. “If you think of all the things we’ve been able to see the need for broadband, it’s there all the time whether it’s distance learning, whether it’s telemedicine, or even the opportunity to be able to create a business or do your banking. It’s important to have broadband access for folks to be able to do that, especially in the last six months as we’ve seen the need for that,” USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey said at a stop at Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative in Cornell last month, noting that of the 21 million Americans who do not have high-speed internet access, 80 percent of them live in rural areas.
History of Innovation Back when the prospect of electrifying homes and businesses was still fresh and new, the country’s first hydro-electric power plant came online—in Appleton, Wisconsin. The Vulcan Street Plant powered the 10
paper mill, and the home of the mill’s mission estimates it will cost $40 to $80 billion to expand service to millions of owner. The year was 1882. Americans living without access, mainly It was the first of many electrification in rural areas. firsts in the Badger State. In 1937, RichThe federal Rural Digital Opportunity land Electric Cooperative was among the Fund allocates $16 billion to the cause, first co-ops formed to bring electricity to and 42 states including Wisconsin have rural members. Wisconsin was the first made broadband expansion investments to form a statewide association to reprethis year, fueled by helping the need exposed by the nation’s sent rural electric cooperatives, and the cooperatives Electric are to close the pandemic. early version of this magazineiswas the needed to achieve the goal of broadband access for nation’s first statewide publication for members. PERCENTAGE OF PERCEN While there are AMERICANS WITHOUT FACILITI many parallels between ACCESS TO BROADBAND ACCESS rural electrification and broadband expansion, in Wisconsin, we are still getting up to speed on the latter. According SCHO URBAN RURAL to broadbandnow.com, which tracks high-speed internet access by state, Wisconsin is 30th in the nation.
BROADBAND BY THE
Rebuilding the Economy The federal
No access 30%
No access 2%
Access 70%
Access 98%
No mean access 4
Access 7
program that first offered Governor Tony Evers announced in Seploans to rural electric cooperatives back tember more than $5 million in federal in the 1930s was born out of effort to CARES funding for broadband expanrebuild the economy following the Great Electric cooperatives are committed to the communities they se This is inbroadband addition to $48 million Depression. Similarly, federal and state policymakerssion. to improve data collection and target f that was included in the 2019–21 state governments are now infusing underserved new communities. budget. pandemic recovery funds into efforts to help bridge the broadband gap and faster connect those in rural areas. Members to Benefit from Funds But it won’t be cheap. By one meaThe Trump Administration last month sure, the Federal Communications Comannounced the United States Department
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of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding a $3 million grant to Ntera, LLC for broadband expansion. Ntera formed in 2018 when two cooperatives—Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative and Citizens Connected—came together to bring broadband to members in the Chippewa Valley area. This grant will mean access for hundreds of additional members in the Chippewa Valley area, at a time when they need it the most. “…our mission really is economic development, innovation and technology, workforce development, and quality of life, but of course our overarching mission is e-connectivity with broadband,” said Frank Frassetto, USDA Wisconsin state director, at the gathering held at Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative to celebrate the USDA investment in Ntera. “It touches every single aspect of our life. And I think we all know, especially since March, that robust broadband is a necessity. It’s not an amenity.” In the spirit of Wisconsin’s history of innovation and action, and thanks to the determination of board members and leadership at Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative and Citizens Connected, Ntera extended service to its first member in Holcombe less than a year after it was formed in 2018, and since then has exceeded expectations, hitting
Justin Best, Ntera central office technician, explains Ntera’s central data room, which was recently installed in Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative’s headquarters building.
five-year goals in just three years. Today Ntera serves more than 760 homes and businesses, and is adding more accounts each day. The latest grant will enable the co-op to connect an additional 746 households, 33 farms, and 33 businesses to highspeed broadband internet in Chippewa, Rusk, and Taylor counties in Wisconsin. “With this grant, we will continue to expand our fiber-fast services,” said Russ Falkenberg, director of IT & member services at Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative. “We’ve worked closely
with our neighboring electric cooperatives and growth could not be possible without the support of good people like Lynn Thompson from Eau Claire Energy Cooperative and Jim Anderson from Jump River Electric Cooperative. There has also been a tremendous amount of support from the community, local townships, municipalities, individuals, some of whom are here today. Because of all their support, our plan is coming together.” Just like it did almost 80 years ago. —Julie Lund, photos by Mary Erickson
2. Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey visited Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC) last month as the USDA announced a $3 million grant awarded to Ntera for broadband expansion. 2. Also speaking at the event were (left to right) Tom Tiffany, U.S. representative for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District; Frank Frassetto, Wisconsin state director of the USDA’s Rural Development Program; and Russ Falkenberg, CVEC’s director of IT and member services and a member of Ntera’s board of directors. 3. Tiffany listed rural broadband as one of his top three issues, noting that 15 percent of children who are attending school virtually do not have sufficient broadband, and many of them are from rural areas. He also pointed out rural broadband’s potential as an economic development tool. “For many people it does work for them to work from home now, and if we get them those good broadband connections, like Ntera’s is going to do, it is a huge economic opportunity for us in northern Wisconsin,” he said. “Let’s capitalize on that. ” November 2020
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SEALING AIR LEAKS,
STEP BY STEP Dear Pat and Brad:
I love my older home, but it’s drafty and uncomfortable at times. What can I do to reduce drafts that won’t cost me an arm and a leg? – Cris Dear Cris: This is a common problem, particularly in older homes. In many homes, about half of the conditioned air leaks to the outside every hour. The good news, especially if you don’t want to spend a lot of money, or if you’re hesitant to invite contractors into your home right now, is that you can seal air leaks on your own with a little time and effort. Here are three steps to get you started. Keep in mind, there’s much more to learn about sealing your home than we can cover in this article, so consider researching trusted websites for additional tips and tutorials.
www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/air-sealing-yourhome/detecting-air-leaks.
STEP 2: GATHER THE MATERIALS YOU’LL NEED
Here’s a quick list of materials to get you started: • Caulk: You’ll need a caulk gun ($4+) and caulk ($4 to $10). We recommend indoor/outdoor waterproof silicone or latex caulk that is water-soluble until it cures and is paintable when dry. • Expanding spray foam: One can typically costs $4 to $6. This is an effective way to plug leaks, but keep in mind, it’s a messy job. • Weather stripping: Prices vary depending on type and length of the materials, but there’s a wide variety of weather stripping options made of vinyl, metal, and felt, or open-cell foam that works for most situations. • Pre-cut foam socket sealers: You can typically purchase a pack of 24 sealers for about $3. Continued page 14
STEP 1: FIND THE LEAKS
The first step is a thorough visual search of the interior and exterior of the home. Look for gaps and holes in exterior walls, flooring, and the ceiling. These will often occur where different building materials meet, such as the top of cement foundation walls or around windows and doors. Another common source of air leaks is where pipes or wiring penetrate a wall, floor, or ceiling. Ductwork located in unheated crawl spaces or attics can also contain air leaks. Exterior doors and windows that open deserve your attention. Open each door or window and place a dollar bill between the door or window sash and the frame. If you can pull the bill out easily when the door or window is closed again, the seal is not tight enough. Also, a window that rattles when it’s closed or when it’s windy probably isn’t sealed sufficiently. The best way to find all air leaks is to hire an energy auditor to do a blower door test. The blower door is a large fan that is mounted in a doorway to depressurize the house. The auditor can then find the leaks and may even be able to recommend ways to seal them. It’s also possible to conduct your own whole-home pressure test. The Department of Energy provides detailed instructions at 12
Some of the most common areas for air leaks may not be where you think they are. Photo courtesy of ENERGYSTAR®
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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• Chimney plug balloon: Prices range from $50 to $90. You may need a chimney plug balloon if your chimney flu doesn’t seal well. Buy a square or round one to match the shape of your chimney flu. • Adhesive plastic window insulation sheets: Prices range from $2 to $14 depending on size. You may need insulation sheets later in the year for windows that can’t be sealed and don’t have storm windows.
with a few simple steps (and low-cost materials), you’ll be well on your way to a sealed, more efficient home.
This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency. For more info, visit: www. collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips
3. DO IT!
If you are unfamiliar with how to apply any of these materials, we recommend watching online tutorial videos. Sealing air leaks is one of the best ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency. Whether you’re a DIY pro or novice,
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1. Electrical outlets on outside walls are a common source of air leaks and are easily patched. Photo courtesy of Marcela Gara, Resource Media 2. Use caulk to seal gaps around non-moving parts of doors and windows. Photo courtesy of Scott Van Osdol
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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PUMPKIN to Talk About Caramel Pumpkin Torte Recipe and photo reprinted with permission from the American Egg Board (www.aeb.org). 6 large egg yolks and whites, separated 15 oz can pumpkin 1-1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1-1/2 tsp vanilla 3/4 tsp cream of tartar 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup butter cracker crumbs, such as Ritz® 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates 1/2 cup chopped pecans 8 oz pkg cream cheese, room temperature 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1/2 cup caramel sauce, divided
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Heat oven to 350 degrees. Beat egg yolks, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla in small bowl. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar in mixer bowl with whisk attachment on high speed until foamy. Beat in sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, until whites are glossy and stand in soft peaks. Fold in egg yolk mixture, cracker crumbs, dates, and pecans. Spread in two greased 8-inch round cake pans. Bake in a 350 degree oven until knife inserted near center comes out clean (approx. 25–30 minutes). Cool on wire rack. Loosen cakes from sides of pans with a thin knife. Gently shake cakes out of pans onto racks. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons caramel sauce in small bowl until smooth. Place one layer on serving plate; spread with half the cream cheese filling. Top with second layer; spread with remaining cream cheese filling. Refrigerate until serving. Just before serving, drizzle remaining caramel sauce over top of cake.
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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Honey Cream Pumpkin Pie Recipe and photo reprinted with permission from the National Honey Board (www.nhb.org). 1 frozen, unbaked 9-inch deep dish pie shell FOR HONEY CREAM:
3 Tbsp cream cheese, room temperature 2 Tbsp honey FOR PUMPKIN LAYER:
15 oz can pumpkin puree 3 eggs 3/4 cup brown sugar 1 Tbsp cornstarch FOR WHIPPED CREAM:
1 pint fresh whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla Pinch of salt 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1/2 tsp salt 1/8 tsp ground black pepper 1 cup half & half 3 Tbsp honey
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Pre-bake the pie shell for 10 minutes, let cool. Whisk together all the honey cream ingredients, set aside. Whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and pepper until incorporated. Next, add the half & half until well combined. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the pie shell, spoon the honey cream in dollops around the pie, and carefully swirl in with the tip of a knife. Bake the pie for 15 minutes at 425 degrees then reduce the heat to 350 degrees; bake for another 40–50 minutes or until a knife comes out clean and the center is set. Let cool. Whip the whipping cream until it makes soft peaks and then slowly add in the honey until combined, serve with the pumpkin pie. TIP: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, substitute 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
Pumpkin Yeast Rolls Recipe and photo reprinted with permission from the Wheat Foods Council (www.wheatfoods.org). 1 large egg 3/4 cup very warm water (approx.120 degrees) 3/4 cup canned pumpkin, unsalted (or mashed, canned sweet potatoes) 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup sugar
3/4 tsp salt 3-1/2 cups bread flour or 3 cups plus 6 Tbsp white whole wheat flour 1 Tbsp gluten (optional) 1 pkg active dry yeast
Combine ingredients in the order listed and mix. If using a bread machine to mix, select the dough cycle and let the machine do its work. For either method, check early during mixing to make sure the dough is not too moist or too dry and add flour or water as necessary. Divide dough into 18 pieces and shape into rolls. Place in two 8-x-8-inch greased pans and let rise until double in size. Bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees. Let pans sit for 5 minutes on cooling racks before turning the rolls out onto the racks. Rolls freeze well for up to 3 weeks in a re-sealable plastic bag. Servings: 18 (1 roll/serving)
Blueberry Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe and photo reprinted with permission from the US Highbush Blueberry Council (www.blueberrycouncil.org). PUMPKIN COOKIE:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease baking sheet with butter or nonstick cooking spray. In a bowl with mixer on medium-high, beat cake mix, pumpkin purée, butter, and eggs until thick and blended. Stir in blueberries. Drop by 2 tablespoonfuls onto baking sheet 3-inches apart. Gently press into 2-inch diameter rounds and bake 15 minutes or until center springs back when gently touched. Cool 2 minutes on pan. Transfer to wire rack and cool completely.
PUMPKIN FILLING:
In bowl with mixer on medium-high, beat cream cheese and butter until blended and smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Spread filling over flat sides of half the pumpkin cookies, about 1 tablespoonful per cookie. Top with remaining pumpkin cookies, flat side down. NOTES: If spice cake mix is not available, substitute vanilla cake mix and 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice.
1 pkg spice cake mix 14 oz can pure pumpkin purée 1/2 cup butter, softened 2 large eggs 1 cup frozen blueberries
8 oz pkg cream cheese 1/2 cup butter 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
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RECIPE EXCHANGE Submit your favorite recipes to be featured on our reader recipe page. Email to jennifer@weca.coop. For bonus recipes, go to http://wecnmagazine.com/recipes/.
Cran-Apple Cobbler Laura Brubacher, Withee
2-1/2 cups sliced, peeled apples 2-1/2 cups sliced, peeled pears 1- to 1-1/4 cups sugar (to taste) 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed 1 cup water 3 Tbsp quick-cooking tapioca 3 Tbsp red-hot candies 1/2 tsp cinnamon 2 Tbsp butter In a large saucepan, combine the first eight ingredients; let stand for 5 minutes. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a full rolling boil, about 18 minutes. Transfer mixture to a greased, 2-quart baking dish; dot with butter. TOPPING:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 Tbsp sugar 1 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 cup cold water 3 Tbsp milk
Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk till a soft dough forms adding water as needed until desired consistency is reached. Drop topping by heaping tablespoons onto hot fruit. Bake at 375 degrees for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with fresh, cold milk or vanilla ice cream. Yield: 6–8 servings
REQUESTS
from our
READERS
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Cranberry Bread
Spiced Cranberry Orange Gelatin
2 cups flour 1 cup sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 cup margarine 1 egg, well-beaten 3/4 cup orange juice 1 cup fresh cranberries, cut in half 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1-1/2 cups boiling water 1 (4 oz) pkg cranberry gelatin 1 (4 oz) pkg raspberry or strawberry gelatin 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 (16 oz) can whole-berry cranberry sauce 1 cup cold water 1 orange, sectioned and diced
Carolyn Creighton, Hazel Green
Mix dry ingredients and margarine as listed. Mix orange juice and egg together and add to dry ingredients. Add cranberries and nuts; mix until well-moistened. Grease 1 loaf pan and pour in batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Cranberry Salad Pat Johnson
1 lb raw cranberries 1 medium orange 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup sugar 3 medium celery stalks, chopped fine 1 large or 2 small boxes of strawberry gelatin
In a food grinder with a medium blade, grind together cranberries and entire orange. Add chopped pecans and celery. Mix and add sugar (add more if you prefer it sweeter). Let stand while preparing gelatin. Prepare gelatin according to package instructions. Some of the cranberry juice can be substituted for liquid in the gelatin. When thick, add the cranberry mixture. Stir to distribute evenly and place in gelatin mold until firm. May be served with mayonnaise.
Dianne Wilke, Hayward
Stir together hot water, gelatin, and cinnamon for 2 minutes until dissolved. Stir in cranberries and mix until melted. Stir in cold water. Refrigerate about 1-1/2 hours or until thick (when spoon draws through and leaves a definite impression). Then, stir in orange pieces. Spoon into 5-cup mold. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Add a garnish as desired. (i.e. use the center empty spot to fill with Cool Whip.) Optional: May use sugar-free ingredients.
Fresh Cranberry-Apple Salad Cherie Kay Shannon, Iola
1 cup water 1 (4 oz) pkg cherry or strawberry gelatin 1 cup orange juice 2 cups raw cranberries, rinsed Rind of 1 orange 2 Red Delicious apples 1/2 cup coarse-chopped walnuts 1/2 cup coarse-chopped pecans 1 cup sugar
Heat water to boiling and pour over gelatin; stir until dissolved and cool slightly. Stir in orange juice and chill until mixture is syrupy. While gelatin is cooling, run cranberries and orange rind through a food processor using a fine blade. Core unpeeled apples and cut into small pieces. Combine all remaining ingredients with gelatin that has been chilled. Refrigerate until gelatin is set.
An online reader is looking for chicken slow cooker recipes. Send to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, What’s Cooking? 222 West Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703-2719 or contact us via our website, www.wecnmagazine.com. Thanks!
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE CONVICTION OF ANYONE WILLFULLY DAMAGING THE PROPERTY OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OPERATING WITHIN WISCONSIN OR WILLFULLY DAMAGING PROPERTY RESULTING IN THE INTERRUPTION OF SERVICE TO MEMBERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OPERATING WITHIN WISCONSIN.
Information should be conveyed to your local law enforcement officials, to your electric cooperative, or to the:
Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (608) 467-4650 www.weca.coop
November 2020
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STAR
POWER EMBRACE THE SEASON’S DARKNESS BY LOOKING TO THE POINTS OF LIGHT
Photo courtesy of Patricia Ladwig
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WISCONSIN FAVORITES
I
f the thought of heading into the long nights of winter with some pandemic-caused restrictions still in place has you feeling a bit dark, we’ve got just the activity to make you feel starry-eyed—literally—once again. Stargazing is fun, family-friendly, and can be enjoyed right in your own backyard. All you need is a clear, open sky free of thick tree stands or interfering light sources. If you need to venture past your own property to find that, you won’t have to go far. Rural Wisconsin is full of parks and public nature areas that offer great celestial viewing and plenty of social distancing, especially in November when park crowds typically thin a bit. The lack of crowds is not the only advantage to stargazing in November, however. This time of year, right after Daylight Saving Time, is considered to be an ideal time for stargazing by many veteran stargazers. That includes Lauren Likkel, retired astronomy professor at UW-Eau Claire and a member of the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society (CVAS), and John Heasley, astronomy educator and founder of Driftless Stargazing LLC. “It’s getting cold in November, but the nights are longer so there’s a tradeoff,” said Likkel. Heasley added, “The sun sets before 5 p.m. and the sky is fully dark by 6:30 p.m. Mosquitoes are gone. Humidity is lower. The stars are brighter in the crisp skies. And it’s such a safe outdoor activity. Yes it’s colder, but we know how to dress for the weather.” Likkel and Heasley have professional backgrounds in astronomy, but both are well practiced in—and enthusiastic about—breaking down their extensive knowledge for stargazing novices. The CVAS operates Hobbs Observatory on Beaver Creek Reserve, on Eau Claire Energy Coop-
erative’s lines. In a typical year, Likkel and other CVAS volunteers staff the observatory on clear Saturdays from May through October during public viewing times, guiding visitors as they take their turn at the telescope. Heasley is a former English teacher who received training as a space educator through Space Education Initiatives and Arizona State University Mars Education Program. He leads stargazing workshops and programs at a variety of venues including Kickapoo Valley Reserve in La Farge, on Vernon Electric Cooperative’s lines. The pandemic has put a hold on most formal classes, including public viewing nights at Hobbs. However, the skies are still open, and stargazing itself never gets canceled.
Plan Ahead Likkel and Heasley pointed out that you can stargaze wherever you are. If you’re in search of a darker spot than your backyard offers, Likkel suggested scouting for an area before packing up the kids in the car, looking for an open field with a low horizon, in a safe spot away from traffic. “Have a plan,” she advised. “Check out the southern horizon and look to see if there are floodlights or streetlights that are going to ruin your observing.” And, be prepared for those colder temperatures. Heasley reminded that you won’t be moving around much when stargazing, so he advised dressing in layers for about 20 degrees cooler than the temperature. Both say there’s no need for fancy equipment. In fact, they say there’s no need for equipment at all; however, some fairly common items will enhance the sky-viewing experience. “Telescopes are wonderful, but you really don’t need one,” Heasley said. “There’s much to see with our unaided eyes. Many of us already have
binoculars, and we can see even more with them. They really bring out the color of stars.” Likkel noted that binoculars also allow you to see the details on the moon such as craters and the varying shades of light. Consulting a star chart—easily obtainable online or even from the local library—can help show you what to look for. Another option, Likkel said, is using a stargazing app for a smartphone or an iPad, provided you’re not in a location that’s too remote for reliable cell service. “It’s fun for a lot of people to get an app on their phone that identifies the stars and the planets,” she said. “That can be a total lifesaver. Now you can get a free app for the phone that can do a pretty good job of telling you what you’re seeing.” Likkel recommends the Skyview and Sky Safari apps, both of which have free versions. Star Walk is another app that works particularly well with an iPad, she said. Heasley mentioned several other guides that are readily available, such as the websites EarthSky Tonight, and the Driftless Stargazing Facebook page, all of which give daily updates, and Sky & Telescope’s This Week at a Glance feature. He also suggested printing a sky map available free each month from Skymaps.com. The sky shifts each month as the Earth orbits the sun, so be sure the map is current. “Bring it outside, turn it so the direction you are facing is at the bottom, and have fun identifying constellations and discovering galaxies and star clusters,” he said.
Amateur Astronomy Activities
Likkel and Heasley suggested several simple activities that families can enjoy together to enhance their stargazing venture, including tracking the moon as it rises a little later each evening and goes through all of its
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Phone apps such as Skyview can help show you what’s currently visible in the night sky. Planets are easy to spot, once you know what to look for. If you find the bright spot that is Jupiter (right), you can find the smaller, but still bright Saturn to the left.
phases. The moon provides an easy way to see that the entire sky is moving all the time. Likkel suggested spotting a tree branch or some other marker to establish where the moon is, and then returning to the same spot an hour later to see how much the moon—and entire sky—has moved. Planets are also easy to spot, as they are generally brighter than the stars and don’t twinkle, but shine steadily. “Jupiter outshines everything in the evening this month, and then Saturn is near it,” Likkel said. “So if you see a very bright ‘star’, that’s Jupiter, and you know Saturn is to the left. If you do this over a period of days or weeks you can track how close together they are. They’re moving compared to each other; Jupiter is catching up to Saturn and it’s kind of cool to see them change in position to each other.” This is an especially good time to be watching Jupiter and Saturn because they’ll soon be reaching a rare alignment. Heasley said that Jupiter and Saturn’s position will line up in a “great conjunction,” which happens only once every 20 years, on December 21. Likkel noted the two planets will be closer together at that point then they have been in 400 years. Likkel also suggested families mark November 19 for stargazing for particularly eventful viewing. On this day, she explained, the crescent moon will be near the planets. Also, that’s close to when the Leonid meteor shower peaks (November 16/17), so if the sky is clear, families will have a good chance at seeing a meteor shower on the 19th as well. Another well-known meteor shower—the Geminids—will peak on December 13/14. Heasley said meteors, which are streaks caused by comet dust, peak after midnight, but there are typically quite a few to see in the evening an hour or so 26
after sunset. But you have to be alert to see one—meteors flash by quickly.
Earthly Objects
Not everything you see in the sky is a natural phenomenon. Some of the twinkling lights up above are actually satellites sent from the Earth, but they can be fun to spot as well. “You can tell if they’re satellites because they’re moving,” Likkel said. “Stars maintain their same pattern. If you see a star moving, that’s not a star.” Nor is it likely a meteor, which only appears for a second or so. “A satellite moves at a constant speed and then disappears because it goes into the earth’s shadow,” Likkel said. “Any blinking light, especially if it’s red, is an airplane. But if it’s moving at a pace where you can point it out and it’s not blinking, you can be 90 percent sure it’s a satellite.” Once you get familiar with how to spot them, counting the
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WISCONSIN FAVORITES There’s no shortage of stargazing spots at Kickapoo Valley Reserve in La Farge. Photo courtesy of Stephen Deutsch
Another Dark Sky Park Proposed for Wisconsin
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ith its abundant public parks and nature areas, Wisconsin has long been known as a great state for stargazing. One of those parks, Newport State Park in Door County, is currently one of only 18 in the United States— and one of only two in the Midwest—to be officially designated a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), according to IDA’s website. IDA recognizes and promotes excellent stewardship of the night skies. However, a second Wisconsin location may at some point be included in that exclusive list. Kickapoo Valley Reserve (KVR) and the adjoining Wildcat Mountain State Park, both served by Vernon Electric Cooperative, are proposed Dark Sky Parks. This designation is granted to land “possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment,” according to the IDA. That description certainly fits KVR, with its 8,589 acres along the Kickapoo River Valley, including 3,600 acres that have been designated as State Natural Areas. All that natural space in the wide open makes for ideal nighttime sky viewing. “We’re adjacent to Wildcat Mountain State Park, so it’s easy to get a high spot,” explained Marcy West, executive director of Kickapoo Valley Reserve. “Because there is no big city nearby, there’s no artificial light and you get an incredible view. It’s like the stars fall right into your pocket.” To achieve official Dark Sky Park status, an applicant must undergo a rigorous designation process and meet specific requirements in establishing outdoor lighting policies and community education regarding the importance of dark skies. West said Vernon Electric Cooperative has been an important partner in helping the reserve achieve its Dark Sky goals by installing energy-efficient LED lights that are night-sky compliant on yard lights around the reserve as part of the co-op’s yard light program. Dave Maxwell, director of marketing and communication at Vernon Electric, explained the program involves the co-op installing a yard light on a member’s meter or transformer pole for a monthly charge. He said the co-op used to install high-pressure sodium lights, for which participating members could also purchase hoods that would direct the light downward toward its targeted area instead of sending excess light into the sky. The co-op has since switched to the night-sky compliant LED lights and is replacing existing high-sodium lights within the program to the LED lights. West said the reserve has also been working with the co-op in exploring ways to encourage homeowners to use yard lights that are night-sky compliant or install hoods on those that aren’t. The reserve seeks to educate the public on the value of dark skies through its programming as well. In a non-pandemic year, the KVR calendar is filled with educational programs including popular stargazing events lead by astronomy educator John Heasley. To protect public safety, all programs are canceled through April 10. However, the hiking trails and outdoor property are open, and stargazers are always welcome.
satellites can be a fun nighttime activity for children, she said. And if you spot an especially bright satellite, chances are it’s the International Space Station (ISS). “It’s just a bright light moving across the sky and it’s totally predictable because it’s orbiting the earth,” she said. “It takes about two minutes to go across the sky, so it’s not like a meteor that shoots down really fast.” Likkel said a phone app such as ISS Finder can tell you when the ISS will be crossing the sky in a week’s time so you can schedule your stargazing activity around it.
Greater Lessons With all there is to see and learn from simply looking up into a night sky, it’s easy to think of stargazing as a wonderful hands-on science lesson. However, astronomy is not all there is to be learned from this activity; stargazing is also a great way to show that we’re all very connected, even when we seem to be a universe apart. After all, we’re all looking at the same stars, no matter where we’re standing. “It is reassuring to know that folks can still be looking up together even as we keep safely apart,” Heasley said. “Head out and enjoy the skies of fall and winter. There’s a whole cosmos to discover.”—Mary Erickson For more information about Hobbs Observatory/Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society, visit https:// www.cvastro.org/hobbs-observatory/. Also, visit Driftless Stargazing LLC on Facebook to learn more about stargazing. To learn more about Kickapoo Valley Reserve and its programs, visit http://kvr.state. wi.us/Home. November 2020
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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 licenses. Otter, bobcat, fisher tags. Old traps. David Schober, W4234 Rock Creek Rd., Loyal, WI 54446. 715-255-9284. WANTED: SALVAGE HAY BALER. Knotters-Big Square ok. For restoration. Irene at 715-5561400 Wheeler, WI. WISCONSIN MADE! $10 DVD “A Dealership Christmas” | Dean’s Tax Group, PO Box 695, Iron River, WI 54847. Free shipping. www.hollywoodrookies.com.
PLANTS & SHRUBS 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
REAL ESTATE VACATION RENTALS—Chippewa Flowage in Hayward, WI. A private 4-bedroom / 2-bath is available, and also a 3-bedroom / 1-1/2 bath is available. Docks at both locations. Year-round rentals. On snowmobile and ATV trails. Contact Jen at 715-558-2759. VACATION RENTAL. Cape Coral, FL. Beautiful 3 bedroom home on gulf access canal. 10,000lb boat lift. Weekly rental or more. Call Al. 608-295-7433. FOR SALE: HOME, 2,500 SQ FT LIVING SPACE, apple orchard, raspberry farm on 5-1/2 acres in the Town of Dewey, Portage County, 54482. 3,000 sq ft out building. Heated portion was used as a vehicle restoration and paint shop. 715-341-0725. FOR SALE: 7-1/2 acres land in Big Flats area on County Trk. C. Currently has an older mobile home, also has septic, 100 amp electricity and well. Call: 608-754-2008. IRON RIVER, WI. Lovely 2-bedroom home on Iron Lake with amazing ATV & snowmobile trail access. Weekly or weekend rental options. Contact Kris. 715-364-2349
Classified ads reach more than 181,000 mailboxes. RATES: For non-members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $25 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $1.25 each. For members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $14 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $.70 each. Count name, address, and phone number as part of ad. Please include zip code. FOR PROOF OF MEMBERSHIP, please include your address label from your copy of the magazine. FREQUENCY DISCOUNTS: 2% discount for 3 months; 5% for 6 months; 10% for 12 months. DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the ad is to appear. All classified ads must be paid in advance. There is no agency discount on classifieds. Make check or money order payable to: WECA. Mail to: WECN, Attn. Jennifer, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Ph: 608-467-4638. Email jennifer@ weca.coop. We reserve the right to refuse ads.
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DRIVE ELECTRIC
The average electric vehicle can save a driver who drives 15,000 miles in a year about $850 annually on fuel. All-electric vehicles start to pay for themselves a long time before they reach the end of their expected lifespans, leading to significant savings over time. -Fleet Carma
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CO-OP FOR MORE INFORMATION.
OUR 58th YEAR
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Kids and Critters November 2020 1. Weslee cruises past some cattle on his John Deere. Photo submitted by Connar Cwikla, a member of Adams-Columbia Electric.
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2. Zachary lifts his 10-week-old Karakachan (breed) puppy, Riggs. Photo submitted by Jamie and Cody Bronk, members of Central Wisconsin Electric. 3. PJ shares a treat with a parakeet. Photo submitted by Peter Skrzypczynski, a member of Oakdale Electric. 4. Lily the chicken whisperer has tamed one of her family’s 50 chickens to snuggle her. Photo submitted by Kristie Kohn, a member of Taylor Electric.
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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
Last month, we hid a symbol—a fall leaf—in the pages of Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, and we asked you to find it to qualify for a prize. The response was fantastic! One correct reader wrote that the leaf appeared on the “Lower right corner of the Table of Contents page. We moved to Wisconsin a year ago and I enjoy your magazine. There’s so much good information; especially for newcomers. The article on the blackouts was very informative. Keep up the good work.” Another reader wrote “Page 3. It is part of the page number. I always ‘leaf ‘ through it. I liked the Rustic Road article as we just drove #89.” In a random drawing of correct answers, David Klein, a member of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services, was selected to win the prize! David said, “I enjoy this magazine. For me it’s very informative and I also like the energy saving ideas.” In honor of the delicious pumpkin recipes featured on page 20, this month we’ve hidden this pumpkin (Hint: It is NOT on page 20). Remember that the symbol can be anywhere and any size. One randomly selected winner will receive a Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News kitchen kit. Submit entries by November 15.
Enter via the “Symbol Search” link on the homepage of wecnmagazine.com.
GOOD LUCK! 30
You can also enter by mail: Symbol Search Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680 Madison, WI 53703
Or by email: jennifer@weca.coop (Please use “Symbol Search” as the subject line.)
Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
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